Bangladesh's media landscape was plunged into chaos and violence following the death of a prominent businessman, with leading news organizations coming under direct assault. The attacks, which included physical violence against journalists and the vandalism of critical equipment, have raised serious alarms about press freedom and safety in the country.
Violent Assaults on Major News Outlets
The situation escalated rapidly after the death of businessman Osman Hadi, who passed away on December 18, 2025. In the tense aftermath, staff at two of the nation's most respected English-language dailies, The Daily Star and the Dhaka Tribune, were targeted. According to reports, a group of individuals stormed the offices, launching a violent attack on the journalists and support staff present.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of intimidation and brutality. The assailants not only assaulted the media personnel but also systematically damaged and destroyed vital broadcasting and production equipment. This deliberate targeting of infrastructure was seen as an attempt to cripple the news organizations' ability to report on the unfolding events. During the assault, a chilling cry was heard from one of the victims: "You are killing me", highlighting the severity of the violence.
A Broader Climate of Intimidation
These attacks did not occur in isolation. They represent a peak in a sustained campaign of pressure and harassment against independent media voices in Bangladesh. In the days leading up to the incidents, journalists from these and other outlets reported receiving threatening messages and facing online harassment campaigns aimed at silencing their coverage.
The death of Osman Hadi, a figure with known connections to political and business circles, acted as a catalyst, inflaming existing tensions. The violent response directed at the media suggests a dangerous effort to control the narrative and prevent transparent reporting on matters of significant public interest. The phrase "You are killing me" has since become a symbolic representation of the peril faced by journalists striving to do their jobs.
Consequences and Calls for Accountability
The immediate consequences of the attacks are profound. The damaged equipment has disrupted the news production cycle, while the traumatized staff now work in an environment of fear. The incidents have drawn condemnation from press freedom advocates both within Bangladesh and internationally, who view them as a direct assault on democratic principles.
There is a growing demand for a transparent and impartial investigation to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. The central question remains whether the authorities will take decisive action to protect journalists and uphold the right to free speech, or if this violence will further embolden those seeking to muzzle the press. The safety of Bangladesh's fourth estate now hangs in the balance, with the world watching the government's next move.
The attacks on The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune following Osman Hadi's death mark a dark chapter for Bangladesh. They underscore the extreme risks journalists take to report the truth and serve as a stark reminder that without a free and safe press, democracy itself is under threat.
