Freedom of speech, a fundamental right protected by various international agreements and human rights declarations, is a crucial element of democratic societies. Journalists rely on this freedom to report accurately, hold those in power accountable, and chronicle unfolding events. Despite being legally safeguarded, these rights are sometimes undervalued, and the field of journalism inherently involves risks.
Following a recent violent incident, Prothom Alo responded by organizing an art exhibition named “Alo” within its damaged premises. The exhibition, curated by artist Mahbubur Rahman, explores themes of destruction, memory, and resilience, transforming the affected space into a platform for contemplation and conversation.
On December 18, 2025, the Prothom Alo office in Dhaka was targeted in a violent attack. A group of individuals vandalized the building, causing significant damage by throwing furniture, books, and equipment from upper floors, and setting items ablaze outside. Law enforcement faced threats, and individuals trying to document the event encountered intimidation. Shortly after, the Daily Star office was also subjected to an attack.
Upon entering the scorched building for the first time, Mahbubur Rahman expressed feeling overwhelmed by the devastation, observing charred walls, ruined rooms, and remnants of the once-functional workspace. Burnt books were later showcased in a transparent case within a partially intact room, surrounded by blackened remains that symbolized both loss and continuity. Various installations within the exhibition highlighted the impact of forced entry and emphasized the endurance of knowledge amidst violence.
The exhibition refrains from portraying the damaged objects merely as ruins, prompting viewers to contemplate how the space can be restored and light reintroduced. Pigeons freely navigating the fire-damaged area symbolize continuity amid chaos, serving as living symbols of resilience amidst destruction.
Rahman’s artworks juxtapose fragility with persistence, stillness with motion, and absence with presence. The burnt artifacts serve as reminders of violence but also signify survival and resilience. Despite the destruction, traces of life persist within the damaged space.
In the artist’s perspective, the exhibition aims to provoke introspection and encourage reflection on personal and global realities. During times of violence and attempts to stifle free expression, the power of journalism may seem momentarily weakened, but it ultimately endures. Prothom Alo resumed operations within 17 hours of the attack, reinstating its online platforms as a testament to the resilience of institutions committed to reporting and documentation.
