BFF, sports bodies condemn attacks on The Daily Star, Prothom Alo

Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), along with three leading sports journalists' organisations, has strongly condemned the attack, vandalism and arson carried out at the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.

Hours after news broke of the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson of Inqilab Moncho, mobs carried out the attack, vandalism and arson on the head offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in Dhaka on Thursday night. 

The condemnation came from BFF as well as Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) and Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC), all of whom demanded swift legal action against those responsible.

In a statement issued by BFF's media department on Friday, the federation acknowledged the role played by The Daily Star and Prothom Alo in the development of sports in the country. "Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been playing an important role in the development of sports in the country and have worked tirelessly to promote our footballers at both national and international levels. We strongly condemn such violence and attacks," the statement read.

The federation further reaffirmed its stance in favour of free and independent journalism, while opposing all forms of violence and unlawful activities. The statement added, "Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are part of our sports family. In this critical time, it is the responsibility of all members of our family to stand by them."

BFF also called for those involved in the attack to be brought under the purview of justice without delay.

Meanwhile, the three sports journalists' organisations -- BSPA, BSJA and BSJC -- also demanded that the perpetrators be identified and punished according to the law. 

As a result of the attacks, publication of both newspapers was halted on Friday, while their online portals also remained temporarily inaccessible.