9 more arrested over attack on Daily Star, Prothom Alo offices
The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has arrested nine more suspects in connection with the attack and arson at the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, raising the total number of arrests to 26.
Muhammad Talebur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, December 23, saying the identities of the suspects were being withheld pending further investigation.
The latest arrests follow the detention of 17 individuals on Monday over what police described as a coordinated attack involving vandalism, looting, and arson at the two leading news organisations. Authorities said they have so far identified at least 31 individuals involved, based on analysis of CCTV footage and other video evidence.
Speaking at a press briefing at the DMP Media Center, Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Md Nazrul Islam said a joint task force comprising the DB, the Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit, and other intelligence agencies is working to identify and arrest all those responsible.
“We are carefully analysing surveillance footage and mobile video recordings to ensure that everyone involved in the violence is brought to justice,” Nazrul Islam said.
Responding to questions about possible political motives, he stressed that the investigation remains strictly impartial. “Our objective is to ensure accountability through the legal process. No individual will be exempt from prosecution, regardless of political affiliation or ideology,” he said.
The Additional Commissioner also warned that individuals involved in inciting violence or spreading misinformation on social media would face legal action. “Social media cannot be allowed to become a platform for provocation or unrest,” he said.
Police said security around media institutions would be strengthened if advance intelligence suggests potential threats. Nazrul also urged the public and media organisations to act responsibly by refraining from spreading rumours, disinformation, or inflammatory content.
TT/MHK