Diplomats stationed in Dhaka on Wednesday expressed solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, highlighting the importance of freedom of press and freedom of speech as an important pillar of democracy.
The Ambassadors and High Commissioners and representatives of the diplomatic missions in Dhaka joined a programme held in front of the Prothom Alo office at Karwan Bazar, marking the inauguration of an art exhibition titled ‘An Artwork on the Attacked and Burnt Prothom Alo Building’ by artist Mahbubur Rahman.
Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro were, among others, present.
EU Ambassador Miller said he and many of his colleagues came to express solidarity in December last and they have come back as they believe in freedom of media and freedom of expression and they believe that journalists are fearless defenders of democracy.
Expressing solidarity with The daily Star and Prothom Alo, the Italian Ambassador said freedom of information is at the core of their values.
The British High Commissioner said they joined the programme to demonstrate their support for media freedom as an important foundation pillar of democracy.
She recalled the shocking events that happened in December and mentioned that as a member of the Media Freedom Coalition in Bangladesh, they strongly condemned the attacks carried out against journalists, editors, and media houses.
"Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and strike at the heart of press freedom and the public's right to be informed," said the MFC in a statement on December 19.
The MFC called for the safety of all media professionals to be ensured and for swift, impartial investigations so that those responsible are held to account. "Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear," it said.
The MFC said protecting them is essential to upholding the rule of law, democratic values, and an open, informed society.
US Embassy Spokesperson Poornima Rai said the United States is fully committed to freedom of expression and freedom of speech and they stand behind The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said journalists need to remain committed to standing beside one another, rejecting division.
He affirmed that they will continue to pursue the truth, and that the growing spirit of unity within the journalistic community will endure.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam urged the new government to conduct an unhindered investigation into the twin attacks to uncover those who orchestrated these attacks from behind the scenes, those who instigated and those who implemented the attacks.
He appreciated his colleagues for the spirit they demonstrated in the post-attacks period, describing it as unbelievable.
He finds this as a symbol of devotion to journalism and courage.