Nahid Islam Accuses Government of Orchestrating Attacks on Media
In a recent statement, Nahid Islam, the convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has raised alarm over coordinated mob attacks targeting prominent media outlets like The Daily Star and Prothom Alo. Speaking at a protest organized by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh in Dhaka on December 22, 2025, he suggested that these violent incidents are part of a deliberate plan by a faction within the government.
A Planned Crime Unveiled
Islam emphasized that the violence witnessed was not an outburst of public anger but rather a meticulously orchestrated act. “What we are witnessing is a failure of our collective civic resistance,” he noted, adding that the situation reflects poorly on the anticipated outcomes of the July Uprising, which aimed for significant political reform in Bangladesh.
The NCP convener drew attention to the disturbing trend of "weaponizing" slogans from the uprising and exploiting the tragic death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi to cloak these actions in a facade of legitimacy. According to him, the attacks were systematically planned and hint at a deeper conspiracy involving government complicity and societal consent.
The Fabric of Conspiracy
Nahid remarked that for such coordinated violence to occur, numerous factors must be at play. These include:
- Government Involvement: A section of the interim government is believed to be complicit in these orchestrated attacks.
- Social Consensus: Long-term societal sentiments may have contributed to the justification of these actions.
- Political Backing: Such boldness suggests that there is political support behind these mob actions.
“This confluence of factors allowed for such audacious attacks on that fateful night,” he stated.
The Crisis of Civic Engagement
Nahid Islam expressed his dismay at the citizen response during the recent violence, indicating a profound sense of helplessness. In a city with a population running into millions, he lamented that fewer than 500 individuals were willing to stand in defense of the media institutions. He stated, “When law enforcement fails to act, it becomes our responsibility as citizens to step in, yet we were powerless.”
Call for Accountability
Islam called for the interim government to conduct thorough investigations into both the attacks on the media and the circumstances surrounding Hadi’s death. He underscored the urgency of curbing the rising tide of "mobocracy," which he claimed has undermined the rule of law.
Upholding the Rule of Law
In concluding remarks, Nahid Islam asserted, “We cannot permit violence in the name of the July Uprising. Attacks on media houses and other institutions must be vehemently opposed.” He reiterated the need for unity to protect the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law in Bangladesh.
For more context on the importance of media freedom and civic engagement in Bangladesh, explore the resources featured on Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders. These organizations continue to monitor the deteriorating state of media rights and civil liberties globally.
By addressing these critical concerns, Nahid Islam aims to galvanize public sentiment against orchestrated attempts to silence dissent and undermine democratic institutions.
