TDS Desk:

The Editors’ Council has urged the government to take decisive action against mob justice targeting institutions, including media outlets.

In a statement issued on November 26, the council condemned recent acts of vandalism and unrest outside prominent media offices, terming them deeply concerning and disruptive to journalistic practices.

The council emphasised that grievances regarding editorial policies should be addressed through written intellectual discourse, not by creating chaos or threatening press freedom. It welcomed the government’s assurance of legal action against perpetrators, as articulated by Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam, who stated that vandalism against newspapers would not be tolerated.

This follows incidents in which protesters gathered outside the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, accusing the newspapers of bias. Demonstrators, including teachers and students from Islamic institutions, held protests in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and other cities. Some protests escalated to vandalism, prompting police intervention and arrests.

The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) echoed these concerns, calling for strict measures to protect press freedom. They highlighted escalating tensions surrounding Prothom Alo, where demonstrators announced plans for symbolic protests, including mass feasts.

The Editors’ Council reaffirmed the need for dialogue and peaceful expression, warning that continued attacks pose serious risks to the media and its role in society.