Bangladesh protests see dozens of journalists rescued from burning newsrooms

Security forces evacuated 25 journalists trapped inside the buildings housing the newsrooms of Daily Star and Prothom Alo, which were set on fire during protests in Bangladesh.

Photos published by the broadcaster show charred walls and completely burned-out interiors of the editorial offices, Caliber.Az reports, citing India Today.

Mass protests erupted overnight on December 19 in Dhaka following the death of young political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who died in a hospital in Singapore from injuries sustained in an assassination attempt in the Bangladeshi capital on December 12. The 32-year-old Hadi was one of the leaders of the 2024 anti-government protests and openly opposed India’s influence on Bangladesh’s domestic politics.

After news of Hadi’s death broke, thousands of people took to the streets in Dhaka and other cities, accusing the authorities of failing to protect the young politician.

In addition to the offices of Prothom Alo and Daily Star, protesters set fire to the headquarters of the former ruling Awami League party and pelted the residence of one of India’s diplomats with stones.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus addressed the nation, calling for calm. He declared December 20 a day of national mourning in connection with Hadi’s death and pledged that those responsible for his killing would be identified and brought to justice. Bangladesh’s security forces have been placed on high alert.

By Jeyhun Aghazada