What Happened When a Mob Set a Newspaper Ablaze?

The harrowing account of Zyma Islam, an investigative reporter at The Daily Star in Bangladesh, sheds light on the perilous conditions faced by journalists in politically charged environments. On 18 December, Islam and 27 colleagues found themselves trapped on the roof of their newsroom as a mob set the building ablaze, accusing the press of complicity in the death of a political figure. The incident illustrates the risks that media professionals endure in their pursuit of truth amidst escalating political tensions.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The attack on The Daily Star on 18 December 2022 represents a critical moment for journalists in Bangladesh, illustrating the volatile intersection of media and politics in the country. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from local and international organisations, asserting the need for greater protections for journalists. As Bangladesh grapples with rising political tensions, the safety of media personnel remains a pressing concern, prompting calls for reforms to safeguard journalistic freedoms.

Key takeaways

• Zyma Islam and her colleagues were trapped on the roof of The Daily Star as a mob attacked their newsroom.
• The mob accused the press of complicity in the murder of a political figure, reflecting the heightened political climate in Bangladesh.
• Despite being engulfed in smoke and chaos, the journalists showed remarkable resilience and continued to work.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events surrounding the attack on The Daily Star provides context to the rising threats against journalists in Bangladesh:

• 11 December 2022: Sharif Osman Hadi is shot outside a Dhaka mosque, later dies in Singapore.
• 18 December 2022: A mob attacks The Daily Star's newsroom, leading to the journalists being trapped on the roof.
• 19 December 2022: The Daily Star publishes an edition titled "Unbowed" despite the attack.
• 20 December 2022: Investigations into the attack begin, with limited arrests made.
• March 2023: Continued calls for accountability and protections for journalists in Bangladesh.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions have emerged regarding the need for enhanced legal protections for journalists in Bangladesh. Following the attack, several advocacy groups have pressed the government for reforms to ensure a safer environment for media personnel.

What was already established

The threats against journalists in Bangladesh have been ongoing, with a history of violence and intimidation against the media. The political climate has often led to accusations against journalists, particularly during times of unrest.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the events in Bangladesh may seem distant, they have implications for global media consumers. The safety of journalists affects the quality and reliability of news coverage, which can influence perceptions and understanding of international events.

Businesses and jobs

The attack on The Daily Star highlights the risks faced by media organisations in volatile political climates. This incident can deter investment in the media sector and impact job security for journalists in Bangladesh.

Policy and regulation

As calls for reform grow, there could be pressure on the UK government and international bodies to advocate for the safety of journalists globally. This may lead to increased scrutiny of media freedoms and protections in countries with similar political climates.

Numbers that matter

• £2 million: Estimated losses for The Daily Star due to the attack, highlighting the financial impact of violence against media.
• 28: Number of journalists and staff trapped during the attack, showcasing the scale of the threat faced by media professionals.
• 15 hours: Duration of the interruption in publishing for The Daily Star, marking a significant moment in the paper's history.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Journalistic freedoms: Rights that protect journalists in their pursuit of truth and reporting, including safety from violence and intimidation.
• Political climate: The prevailing political environment that can influence public sentiment and actions against specific groups, including the media.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath, organisations and advocacy groups are likely to ramp up efforts to secure protections for journalists in Bangladesh. Public awareness campaigns may emerge to highlight the risks faced by media professionals.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As investigations progress, there may be developments regarding accountability for the attack. This could result in legal reforms aimed at improving the safety of journalists and restoring public trust in media.

Signals to watch

• Monitoring of new legislation aimed at protecting journalists in Bangladesh.
• Investigative outcomes regarding the individuals behind the mob attack.
• Responses from international human rights organisations regarding the situation in Bangladesh.

Practical guidance

Do

• Support organisations advocating for press freedoms and the safety of journalists.
• Stay informed about the political climate in countries where press freedoms are under threat.

Don’t

• Ignore the significance of press freedoms in maintaining a healthy democracy.
• Assume that violence against journalists is isolated or uncommon.

Checklist

• Be aware of local and international news regarding attacks on journalists.
• Follow organisations that advocate for press freedoms for updates and calls to action.
• Educate yourself about the challenges faced by journalists in volatile political climates.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the attack on The Daily Star has been documented, many details surrounding the event remain uncertain. The identity of those orchestrating the violence is not fully clear, and ongoing investigations may yield new information. The risks faced by journalists in Bangladesh continue to evolve, influenced by the broader political landscape.

Bottom line

The attack on The Daily Star on 18 December 2022 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists in politically charged environments. As the situation unfolds, it remains crucial for the international community to advocate for the safety and rights of media professionals in Bangladesh and beyond.

FAQs

What happened during the attack on The Daily Star?

The Daily Star was attacked on 18 December 2022 by a mob that accused the newspaper of complicity in the murder of a political figure. Journalists were trapped on the roof as the building was set ablaze.

How did the journalists respond during the attack?

Despite being trapped and engulfed in smoke, the journalists showed remarkable resilience, continuing to communicate and document their experiences while awaiting rescue.

What are the implications of the attack for press freedoms in Bangladesh?

The attack highlights the ongoing threats faced by journalists in Bangladesh, raising concerns over press freedoms and the need for reforms to ensure their safety in politically volatile situations.