Dhaka: Diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Wednesday expressed solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, highlighting the importance of freedom of press and freedom of speech as an important pillar of democracy. The Ambassadors and High Commissioners and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Dhaka joined a programme held in front of the Prothom Alo office at Karwan Bazar, marking the inauguration of an art exhibition titled ‘An Artwork on the Attacked and Burnt Prothom Alo Building’ by artist Mahbubur Rahman.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc S©r©-Charlet, and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were, among others, present. EU Ambassador Miller stated that he and many of his colleagues came to express solidarity in December last year and have returned because they believe in freedom of media and expression, emphasizing that journalists are fearless defenders of democracy.
Expressing solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the Italian Ambassador noted that freedom of information is at the core of their values. The British High Commissioner remarked that they joined the programme to demonstrate support for media freedom as an essential foundation of democracy. She recalled the shocking events of December and mentioned that as a member of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh, they strongly condemned the attacks on journalists, editors, and media houses.
“Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and strike at the heart of press freedom and the public’s right to be informed,” said the MFC in a statement on December 19. The MFC called for the safety of all media professionals to be ensured and for swift, impartial investigations so that those responsible are held to account. “Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear,” it said, underscoring that protecting them is essential to upholding the rule of law, democratic values, and an open, informed society.
US Embassy Spokesperson Poornima Rai reiterated that the United States is fully committed to freedom of expression and freedom of speech, standing behind The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman emphasized the need for journalists to remain united and reject division, affirming their commitment to pursuing the truth and strengthening the spirit of unity within the journalistic community.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam urged the new government to conduct an unhindered investigation into the twin attacks to uncover those who orchestrated these attacks from behind the scenes, those who instigated and those who implemented the attacks. He appreciated his colleagues for their unbelievable spirit demonstrated in the post-attacks period, describing it as a symbol of devotion to journalism and courage.