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Published : 21 Dec 2025, 08:48 PM
Senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed has warned of the emergence of “dark forces” in the aftermath of recent unrest, saying its nature has become evident over the past few days.
Speaking at a discussion with editors and media heads on Sunday, he called for the “full cooperation” of the press to preserve national unity.
“Everyone here has mentioned the rise of this dark force, and Mati Bhai (Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman) has publicly acknowledged it,” Salahuddin said.
“Since Aug 5 last year, we have observed its form, actions and public manifestations over the past few days. It has become visible. Therefore, national unity must be maintained, and the media must remain alert and play a responsible role.”
He added, “Your cooperation is essential to uphold national unity… without it, we cannot succeed.”
Offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Karwan Bazar were vandalised and set on fire early on Friday during protests sparked by news of Inqilab Mancha convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi’s death.
The violence later spread to Chhayanaut’s cultural centre in Dhanmondi, where assailants carried out vandalism and arson, while stones were thrown during a protest outside the Indian Visa Centre in Chattogram.
The incidents took centre stage at a meeting between BNP leaders and editors and chief executives of media houses, organised ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s anticipated return to the country.
Jaijaidin editor Shafik Rehman emphasised that journalism involves both criticism and praise, and warned journalists against treating this as a “free pass to criticise the government”.
He also acknowledged that journalists, like governments, can make mistakes, but said the willingness to admit errors is essential.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said Bangladesh is facing a “political vacuum”, which he described as dangerous for both the country and the BNP, adding that the absence of senior leadership had allowed confusion to grow.
He urged increased humility, civility and restraint in political conduct, particularly for parties aspiring to govern the country.
Editors of both Prothom Alo and The Daily Star expressed gratitude to political parties and members of the public who stood by them after the attacks.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said it was unprecedented in Bangladesh’s 53-year history for media offices to be set on fire, and urged all media outlets to question why this had happened.
He called on future governments to uphold freedom of expression and accept critical journalism as a foundation of good governance.
Others echoed the call for an independent media environment, arguing that satire, cartoons and critical commentary must be protected, and warning against political pressure on media programmes and talk shows.
