Several journalists trapped in Daily Star building

Around 30 journalists are trapped in the building of the Daily Star newspaper in Kawran Bazar after a group of people set it on fire. It is reported that they are unable to leave the building due to the fire and thick smoke. Many have taken shelter on the roof and are in serious danger as the fire is burning below and the smoke is making it difficult to breathe.

Protests began in the Shahbagh area on Thursday night after the death of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi. At that time, a section of the protesters attacked the office of the Daily Prothom Alo. In addition to extensive vandalism, papers and computers were thrown down and set on fire. On the same night, another group attacked, vandalized and set fire to the office of the Daily Star newspaper in Karwan Bazar.

Eyewitnesses said that around 12 am on Friday, a group ran from Shahbagh and entered the office of the Prothom Alo and vandalized it. Later, they set the Daily Star building on fire.

Daily Star journalists Molla Mohammad Masum and Zaima Islam said in a post on social media that they were trapped inside the building.

Journalist Ahmed Dipta said in an emotional voice on Facebook Live that they were trapped on the roof and that there was a fear for their lives as the building was set on fire.

Although the law enforcement agencies were not very active in the beginning of the incident, after some time, members of the army reached the spot. They are trying to remove the attackers and bring the situation under control.