Dhaka, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC), a coalition of over 50 nations from six continents dedicated to promoting media freedom and safeguarding journalists globally, has issued a strong condemnation of the violent acts against journalists, editors, and media organizations in Bangladesh.

This condemnation follows a series of arson attacks against media outlets and journalists in Bangladesh, ignited by the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a spokesperson for the radical group Inqilab Mancha, on Thursday.

In a joint statement circulated by various diplomatic missions in Dhaka, including the German Embassy, member countries of the coalition, such as Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, asserted that "such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and undermine the essence of press freedom and the public’s right to be informed."

The coalition operates globally to protect journalists, promote freedom of expression, and hold accountable those who attempt to stifle the press.

“We urge for the safety of all media professionals and demand prompt, unbiased investigations to ensure accountability for those responsible. Journalists must be able to perform their duties free from fear. Protecting them is crucial for maintaining the rule of law, democratic principles, and a transparent, informed society,” read the coalition's joint statement.

In the wake of Hadi’s death, a prominent Bangladeshi newspaper's office in Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, was set ablaze by an enraged mob early Friday morning. Six firefighting units were dispatched to control the fire.

During the chaos, several staff members, including journalists, found themselves trapped in the building. The Bangladesh Army was later called in to secure the vicinity while the mob remained gathered across the street.

Simultaneously, another group marched from Shahbagh towards Kawran Bazar, surrounding the office of another major Bengali daily and protesting. Police on-site struggled to manage the situation.

The violence reportedly began late Thursday night, with protesters equipped with sticks and rods vandalizing the office and damaging numerous windows. Around midnight, some protesters entered the premises and set fire to furniture and critical documents in the street, as reported by the Bangladeshi daily, Dhaka Tribune.

A journalist noted that numerous reporters and staff remained trapped in the office as tensions escalated.

Bangladesh has been grappling with a concerning surge in violence and a deteriorating law and order situation under the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus.