The Daily Star Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue office. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The Daily Star has filed a case accusing 350-400 people of vandalism, arson, and looting at its Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue office in the capital early Friday.

According to the case filed by operations head Mizanur Rahman, attackers armed with sticks and flammable materials stormed the building around 12:35am after gathering outside and chanting provocative slogans. 

They assaulted staff, looted cash and equipment, set multiple floors on fire, and sabotaged critical infrastructure, including fire safety systems and CCTV. 

More than 200 electronic devices worth Tk 5 crore and Tk 35 lakh in cash were looted, with total losses estimated at Tk 40 crore. 

Thirty staff members were rescued, and operations were disrupted, forcing suspension of the print edition on December 19 and halting online services for 17 hours.

Another media outlet Prothom Alo which was attacked on early Friday also filed a case against 400 to 500 unidentified people in connection with the attack, vandalism, looting and arson at its office in the capital's Karwan Bazar. 

The case was lodged with Tejgaon Police Station at around 12:10am on Monday under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Special Powers Act and the Cyber Security Ordinance. 

According to the case statement, the Prothom Alo office at Karwan Bazar was attacked late Thursday night. 

The attackers allegedly forced their way into the office, vandalised property, looted valuables and later set fire to parts of the building. 

The allegations stated that the attack was carried out with the intent to intimidate, cause damage, disrupt office operations and prevent the publication of the newspaper. 

The case also mentions attempts to destroy evidence, acts of sabotage, and the use of online instructions to carry out criminal activities.

Prothom Alo alleged that the value of the looted property is estimated at Tk 2.50 crore, while the total damage from vandalism and arson amounts to approximately Tk 32 crore.

Meanwhile, a total of 26 people have been arrested so far out of 31 individuals initially identified as responsible for the attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and two cultural organizations till Tuesday morning.