Amidst the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, students appealed for help, journalists appealed for media freedom and security.

Dhaka, 22 December. Students and journalists are pleading for their safety amid increasing violence in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Students League (BSL), the student wing of the Awami League Party, has appealed to the international community to play a constructive role in ensuring that the next general elections in Bangladesh to be held on February 12, 2026, are free, fair and inclusive.

Along with this, editors and journalists have appealed for freedom of the press. Criticizing the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the students’ organization alleged that under the mobocracy imposed by the illegal and unconstitutional fascist Yunus government, Bangladesh is rapidly moving towards disorder and anarchy. Along with this, extremism is increasing and law and order is deteriorating.

A statement issued by BSL said, “In recent times, mob violence, arson, coordinated attacks, enforced disappearances and brutal killings have escalated in Bangladesh. These are not isolated or sudden incidents. They are the direct result of a calculated campaign of rioting and destruction during July-August 2024, which has ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Bangladesh Awami League-led constitutionally elected government.” Toppled the democratically elected government.”

The student body said that after the fall of the Hasina-led Awami League government, constitutional rule was systematically replaced by mobocracy involving systematic violence, fear and impunity. “The coordinated attacks on media institutions, cultural organisations, minority communities, political parties and historic national landmarks show that the rule of law no longer exists in Bangladesh. The country is being deliberately pushed towards managed anarchy, government failure and a dictatorship driven by fear,” BSL said.

Condemning yesterday’s arson attacks on the offices of Bangladesh’s major newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, the BSL said, “This is a direct fascist attack on the freedom of the press. The attempt to burn down The Daily Star building in particular was very serious; with staff members trapped inside, it amounts to an attempt to murder. The harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir further confirms that journalists and independent voices are being systematically harassed.” They are being targeted in different ways.”

The students’ organization said the most horrific crime took place in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh district, where Hindu youth Dipu Chandra Das was tied to a tree and beaten to death on false blasphemy charges and his body was burnt. “Without any investigation or due process, this atrocity reflects complete government failure and is a serious violation of human rights.”

Additionally, BSL also expressed concern over the repeated attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in Chittagong, Rajshahi and Khulna, saying, “These actions are a serious violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention and reflect the government’s promotion of mob violence as a tool of foreign policy.” On the other hand, editors and journalists have appealed to BNP that if their party comes to power, then complete freedom of press and critical journalism should be guaranteed. He also asked the BNP to tolerate criticism in future and ensure accountability when the next government is formed.

Actually, a program was organized by BNP, which was regarding the return of the party’s acting chairman Tariq Rehman to the country after 18 years. Meanwhile, Mahfooz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said that in the 53-year history of Bangladesh, no media outlet has faced arson attacks like the recent attacks.

Anam asked, “Bangladesh is in a very bad situation at the moment because its institutions are being challenged and dismantled. Remember that in 53 years, no media office was set on fire. For the first time, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been attacked by arson. Why did this happen? What crime did we commit?”

Mahfooz Anam appealed to political parties to consider critical journalism as essential for good governance and freedom of the press. He said that there is freedom of speech in the country, but there is very little space for expressing critical opinions. Mahfooz Anam said, “We need freedom to criticize. A big lesson from our 53 years of politics is that no government has fully accepted critical journalism. I hope you will adopt it in the new Bangladesh.”

Additionally, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman described the Awami League’s 16-year rule as a difficult time for the media, citing false cases, arrests, changes in ownership, and pressure on newsrooms. He said that BNP’s previous time in power was more comfortable for the media in comparison.

The editor said, “BNP is now the biggest political force and it is their responsibility to protect the freedom of the press. I think there is a political vacuum in the country at the moment. It is a dangerous situation and it is somewhat difficult for the BNP also.” Along with this, he asked the leaders and workers to be polite if they come back to power.