Salahuddin vows action over attacks on Prothom Alo, Star

BNP Standing Committee Member and Home Minister, Salahuddin Ahmed, has vowed exemplary punishment for those responsible for the recent attacks on leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, directing the Detective Branch (DB) of police to submit charge sheets within two months following a fair investigation, report agencies.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting the burned-out office of Prothom Alo at Kawran Bazar in the capital, which was set ablaze as a planned and coordinated attack, the minister said the incidents had tarnished Bangladesh's image globally.
"With the attacks, a message went to the world that fanatic forces were in a strong position in Bangladesh and could attack any media outlet. Our image was tarnished, and we were ashamed," he said.
"By ensuring exemplary punishment, we want to send an opposite message to the world that militant and fanatic forces cannot hold back the progress of Bangladesh," he also said.
Salahuddin said the Detective Branch is currently investigating the incidents and has been instructed to complete a fair probe before submitting the charge sheets within two months.
"Our duty is to ensure a fair investigation, while the judiciary will carry out the trial process in the cases linked to the attacks," he added.
The Home Minister, who is also a standing committee member of the ruling BNP, sought cooperation from the public to ensure justice and prevent the recurrence of such heinous acts.
He noted that with the attacks the militant and fanatic forces might attempt to obstruct the country's development, history shows that no such force can halt Bangladesh's progress.
Later, the minister visited the torched office of The Daily Star at Kawran Bazar in the capital.
Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Prime Minister's Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, among others, were present during the visits.

In an another programme, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the future of the National Citizen Party (NCP) is promising, suggesting that the youth-led organisation could one day ascend to state power.
Speaking at a discussion and Iftar party, marking the party's first founding anniversary at Dhanmondi's Abahani Club ground on Saturday, the minister lauded the NCP's rapid political progress over the last year.
"The NCP has come a long way in just one year. Through political consensus and electoral alliances, they have managed to secure six seats in parliament," Salahuddin said.
"These six seats will increase over time, and one day they may rise to state power. It takes time; nothing happens overnight," he added.
The minister noted that the NCP's emergence as a political force has encouraged greater youth participation in national politics, which he believes will drive the country forward by addressing the needs of the younger generation. "I hope everyone accepts the ups and downs of this thorny political field. Those who could not accept these fluctuations did not survive in politics," he remarked.
Salahuddin contrasted the NCP with parties that exist merely as "signboards", asserting that the NCP truly represents the people's aspirations.
He urged all political entities to prioritise national interests despite their differences.