A unique art exhibition titled “Alo” (Light), showcasing the recent arson incidents targeting newspaper offices, commenced at the burnt Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar in the capital city. The exhibition symbolizes a powerful reflection on endurance and strength in the face of adversity.
During the opening ceremony, leaders in journalism vowed to enhance unity to support independent journalism and democracy. Additionally, diplomats based in Dhaka expressed solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and freedom of expression as essential elements of democracy.
Curated by renowned artist Mahbubur Rahman, the exhibition repurposes remains from the December 18, 2025, arson attack to present a visual narrative of resilience. Various mediums such as video, photography, light and sound installations, sculptures, paintings, poetic performances, and recorded testimonies from staff members who witnessed the attack are featured in the exhibition.
The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 11:00am to 1:00pm and 3:00pm to 5:00pm until February 28. The inauguration attracted members of the Editors’ Council, the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab), diplomats stationed in Dhaka, journalists, media professionals, artists, writers, and business leaders. The program was moderated by Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif.
Simeen Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of Transcom Group, also attended the exhibition and shared insights. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman called for an end to internal divisions within the journalistic community, urging solidarity against future threats.
Stressing the significance of factual reporting as a protective shield, he emphasized the newspaper’s motto, “Truth is Courage.” Matiur Rahman expressed a commitment to supporting any journalist or media organization facing challenges, irrespective of their ideologies.
Mahfuz Anam, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star, highlighted that the arson attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were not just isolated incidents but deliberate assaults on independent journalism and freedom of thought. He urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the perpetrators behind the attacks.
At the event, Noab President AK Azad emphasized the need for unwavering unity among publishers and editors to combat future attempts to suppress the press. Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz criticized the former administration for failing to protect media institutions during the transitional period.
Reflecting on the significance of media freedom in a democratic society, various speakers emphasized the vital role of journalism in upholding democratic values. The attacks on the newspaper offices were condemned as a grave threat to independent journalism and freedom of expression.
In a separate event, diplomats reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of speech and press in Bangladesh. Ambassadors and representatives from various diplomatic missions reaffirmed their commitment to upholding media freedom and freedom of expression, describing journalists as essential defenders of democracy.