A wave of coordinated violence and arson swept through the capital and other parts of the country late Thursday night, leaving a trail of destruction at the nation’s leading media houses, cultural landmarks, and private residences. The unrest, which began following reports regarding Sharif Osman Hadi, the spokesperson for Inqilab Manch, saw frenzied mobs bypassing law enforcement to target symbols of press freedom and public order.
Media Under Siege in Karwan Bazar
The heart of Bangladesh’s media industry, Karwan Bazar, became a scene of chaos as the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were systematically targeted.
At approximately 11:45 PM, a large group marched from Shahbagh toward the Prothom Alo head office. Despite a police presence, the mob breached the perimeter, shattering windows and forcing their way inside. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as furniture and vital documents were dragged onto the street and set ablaze.
Shortly after, around midnight, the assault extended to the nearby The Daily Star office. Attackers reportedly set fire to the premises, forcing journalists and staff to flee to the roof. Many remained trapped for hours as smoke billowed through the building, marking a chilling escalation in the intimidation of the independent press.
Escalation in Chattogram and Uttara
The violence was not contained to the capital. In Chattogram, the residence of former Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury at Chashma Hill was stormed by a mob under the banner of “Student-People.” After torching a motorcycle in front of the building, the group forced entry, engaging in extensive vandalism and arson within the private home.
Similarly, in Dhaka’s Uttara, the residence of former Member of Parliament Habib Hasan was set on fire, contributing to an atmosphere of widespread lawlessness that persisted throughout the night.
Cultural and Diplomatic Targets
In a move that has raised deep concerns among civil society, the office of Chhayanaut, a premier cultural institution of the country, was also subjected to vandalism.
Simultaneously, tensions flared near the Indian High Commission in Chattogram as protesters gathered in a provocative demonstration. These incidents, coupled with reported blockades and spontaneous outbursts of violence across various districts, suggest a shift toward more radicalized and targeted tactics by organized groups.
A Nation on Edge
As the sun rose on Friday, the scale of the damage became clearer. With key media outlets crippled and private citizens targeted in their homes, the events of December 18 represent a disturbing departure from peaceful protest. Law enforcement agencies have struggled to contain the volatility, leaving the public to grapple with the implications of a night defined by flames and the systematic silencing of dissent.
