The Press Club of India (PCI) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the violent attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in Bangladesh, as well as the harassment of veteran journalist Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council and editor of New Age.

In a statement, the PCI said that since the interim government took office in Bangladesh, more than 100 journalists have reportedly been arrested on murder charges and remain in jail without trial.

The press body demanded the immediate release of the detained journalists.

The PCI emphasised that independent and responsible journalism is a cornerstone of any democratic state.

It said violence, intimidation, attacks, or harassment intended to silence the media are unacceptable under any circumstances.

Such actions, the statement added, are contrary to media freedom, the constitutional right to freedom of expression, and the principles of the rule of law.

The Press Club of India also called for a fair, impartial, and speedy investigation into the incidents and demanded that those responsible for the attacks on media outlets and journalists be identified and brought to justice.