In Bangladesh, the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has expressed its serious concern over frequent attacks on the freedom of the media in the country. Strongly condemning incidents of sit-in, attack and vandalism in front of the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, NOAB called on the government led by Nobel Peace laureate Prof Muhammad Yunusto to strictly prevent mob justice at all types of organisations, including the media. The Prothom Alo and the Daily Star are leading dailies of Bangladesh.

“In the last couple of days, there have been incidents of sit-in, attack and vandalism in front of the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in the city,” reads a press release issued by NOAB president AK Azad on Monday.

Similar incidents were also reported in front of the head office of the Prothom Alo in Dhaka on Sunday. Later, the members of law-enforcement agencies and security forces dispersed the crowds, according to the NOAB release.  On Monday, a group of miscreants attacked the Prothom Alo office in Rajshahi, vandalised and set fire to signboards.

Earlier in three phases post the 5th of August, the interim Government of Bangladesh canceled the press accreditation of 167 journalists without giving any grounds. Many international organisations working for press freedom and security for journalists have raised their concern over the action of Yunus’ government.

NOAB said that if anyone has any objection against any news report or the editorial policy of any newspaper, that person could highlight his/her position and statements. But such attempts to unleash chaos has been hampering the practice of journalism and its environment.

At the same time, NOAB requested all the relevant sides to refrain from activities that are against press freedom.