‘Flames can destroy buildings, not courage’: Artistes vocal against targeted violence

Attackers vandalised the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star office before setting it on fire. The prolonged blaze destroyed the buildings along with valuable assets and important documents stored inside.

Actor Khairul Basar wrote that violence, vandalism, and assault are neither justified nor acceptable in any way. On that day, the office of Prothom Alo's readers' organisation Bandhushabha was also burned down.

Khairul Basar, former president of Dhaka University Bandhushabha, wrote on Facebook: "Our Bandhushabha has been burned down. The Bandhushabha where friends practice becoming refined human beings, practice how to stand by people, how to stand by friends as a friend—and we tried to do that. We wanted one good deed every day that could move me, you, and us toward a beautiful future. Thousands of volunteer friends worked on social and cultural activities for this Bandhushabha, hoping only for a fertile, beautiful, developed Bangladesh."

Actress Sadia Ayman wrote: "Last night, in the name of protest, who vandalised, looted, and set fire to Prothom Alo, Daily Star, and Chhayanaut, and whose interests did they serve? These impulsive Bengalis never understood that they were destroying their own resources. On such a day of mourning for the country, the country's two largest news media could not publish news, and future operations became uncertain. This was nothing but extreme damage to our country and to us."

She further said that the language of protest is never violence. Osman Hadi, if alive, would never have supported such a protest. Those who committed this violent behavior can never be supporters of someone like Hadi or of the country's well-being.

Filmmaker Tanha Zafreen wrote: "Intolerance is now at its peak. Thinking about where the politics of revenge has taken us sends shivers down my spine. This is a horrifying day for the country's media and journalism."

On the same night, The Daily Star office also became victim to terrorist attacks, vandalism, and arson. Journalist and actress Naziba Basher was trapped inside the Daily Star office. Naziba's father and actor Fakhrul Basher wrote on Facebook: "The army came at six in the morning and brought Naziba home."

Musician Arnob, actor Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed,  dancer Arthy Ahmed, and many others shared photos of vandalism on Chhayanaut on Facebook.

"We need to vote. Otherwise, we musicians will be in danger. Look at what they did to Chhayanaut. Through voting, we can build resistance. We can encourage others to do the same," wrote Arnob.

Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed wrote: "Friend, recognise your companion beside you."

Dancer Arthy Ahmed wrote: "This war is not new to us. The songs will continue. We know how to burn, but we don't know how to die."

Peya Jannatul said: "This breaks my heart. Flames can destroy buildings, not courage. Prothom Alo and The Daily Star live on in the people's hearts."

Imtiaz Barshon wrote: "Protect them. Please treat the staff working at newspaper offices humanely. They are our brothers, sisters, and friends. What is the point of putting their lives at risk with fire like this? What measures is the government taking? We pray for everyone who was trapped. Surely, Allah will protect them all."

He shared this when Zyma and others were stuck inside the office.

However, the attacks have raised serious concerns about press freedom, cultural expression, and growing intolerance in the country. While buildings can burn, ideas, voices, and the spirit of creativity endure. The nation's journalists and artistes vow to continue their work, standing resilient in the face of intimidation. 

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