Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday said that the recent violence directed at the country’s two leading media houses was tantamount to an attack on free media itself.
He warned that such actions pose a significant threat to independent journalism and the democratic foundation of Bangladesh, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing this afternoon.
“The attack on the country’s two leading media outlets is tantamount to an attack on free media. This incident has created a major obstacle to the country’s democratic progress and the path of independent journalism,” he said while speaking over the phone with Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam following the attack on the two media outlets on Thursday night.
Chief Adviser held separate telephone conversations with the editors of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star on Friday, following the devastating attacks on their offices Thursday night.
Expressing deep sympathy to Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prof Yunus said, “This unwanted and barbaric attack on your institutions and journalists has deeply shocked me. In this difficult time, the government stands beside you.”
During the phone conversation, he assured the editors of full security for them and their media organisations, along with all necessary support.
The Chief Adviser also said that he would meet the editors in person very soon.
