Journalists and media owners in Bangladesh have called on authorities to protect them after mobs attacked two major newspapers in Dhaka in December. The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices were stormed, set on fire, and staff were trapped on rooftops during the chaos. Newspaper leaders blamed the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus for not acting quickly to stop the violence. During the attacks, a leader of the Editors Council was manhandled, and both offices were looted. These attacks followed months of protests by Islamist groups accusing the papers of links to India, and came soon after an Islamist activist's death. On Saturday, the Editors Council and Newspapers Owners Association held a meeting with journalists and union leaders to ask for better protection before the national elections in February. Nurul Kabir, Editors Council President and New Age editor, said, “Those who want to suppress institutions that act as vehicles of democratic aspirations are doing so through laws, force and intimidation.” He stressed that journalists must unite to resist these pressures. United Nations expert Irene Khan called the attacks “deeply alarming” and demanded thorough investigations. She warned that targeting journalists could harm media freedom and silence minority and dissenting voices during elections. Journalists have faced threats, online surveillance, and harassment in recent months. After the attacks, many reduced their social media use. Emergency help was delayed during the December fire, putting staff at great risk. The interim government, which took charge after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled in August 2024 amid unrest, faces criticism for failing to protect civil rights and for rising radicalism. Several journalists linked to Hasina have been arrested or charged over the 2024 turmoil, according to reports. The situation spotlights growing dangers for free press and democracy in Bangladesh ahead of crucial polls.