Dhaka – Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday condemned the attack on two of the country’s leading media houses, stating it was tantamount to an assault on free media itself.
“This incident has created a major obstacle to the nation’s democratic progress and the path of independent journalism,” he said.
Yunus made the remarks during phone calls with the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, following an assault on their offices by protesters on Thursday night, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The protesters, rallying after the death of Inqilab Mancha convenor Sharif Osman Hadi, vandalized and set fire to the newspapers’ headquarters in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar area on Thursday night.
Yunus expressed deep sympathy to Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
“This unwanted and barbaric attack on your institutions and journalists has deeply shocked me. In this difficult time, the government stands beside you,” he said.
During the conversation, he assured the editors of full security for them and their organizations, promising all necessary support. The Chief Adviser added that he would meet with the editors in person very soon.
