Freedom of speech is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, protected by various international agreements and declarations. It allows journalists to report truth, hold power accountable, and capture unfolding history. Despite legal protections, the risks inherent in journalism are ever-present and should not be overlooked.
Following a recent violent incident, Prothom Alo organized an art project centered around its damaged premises. Named “Alo,” the exhibit showcases artist Mahbubur Rahman’s reflections on destruction, memory, and resilience, transforming the affected space into a place for reflection and dialogue.
On December 18, 2025, the Prothom Alo office in Dhaka was assaulted, with a group causing significant damage to the building. The attack involved throwing furniture, books, and equipment from upper floors, setting them on fire outside. Law enforcement officials were threatened, and those documenting the event faced intimidation. Subsequently, the Daily Star office was also targeted.
When Rahman first entered the burnt structure, he was struck by the devastation: charred walls, ruined rooms, and remnants of the once-functional workspace. Burnt books were later displayed in a clear case within a partially intact room, surrounded by charred remains, symbolizing both loss and continuity. Various installations within the exhibit, such as a steel lock with footprints and bound books with a message of endurance, highlight the enduring power of knowledge despite violence.
The exhibition portrays objects altered by fire, stripped of their original purpose, yet refrains from portraying them solely as ruins. Instead, it prompts reflection on how such a space can find balance and light amidst darkness. Pigeons moving through the damaged space symbolize continuity amid disruption, highlighting life’s persistence even in times of destruction.
Rahman’s artwork juxtaposes fragility with persistence, stillness with motion, and absence with presence. The burnt fragments serve as a reminder of violence but also of survival, showing that traces of life endure even in damaged spaces. Rahman hopes that his art can inspire introspection, encouraging viewers to reflect on themselves and the world.
During times of violence and suppression of expression, the power of journalism may seem to waver, but it eventually prevails. Prothom Alo resumed operations within 17 hours of the attack, with its online platforms restored, demonstrating that institutions grounded in reporting and documentation stand strong even in challenging times.