Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) - The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested nine more people in connection with vandalism, arson and looting at the offices of Daily Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.

DB Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Muhammad Talebur Rahman confirmed the arrests.

With the latest arrests, the total number of arrestees has risen to 26 out of the 31 initially identified suspects.

Earlier, The Daily Star filed a case accusing 350 to 400 attackers of storming its office on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue early Friday, assaulting staff, looting cash and equipment, setting several floors on fire and sabotaging safety systems.

Losses were estimated at Tk 40 crore, forcing the newspaper to suspend its print edition on December 19 and halting its online services for 17 hours.

Prothom Alo also filed a case against 400 to 500 unidentified people over a similar attack at its Karwan Bazar office, alleging vandalism, looting, arson and attempts to disrupt publication.

The case was filed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Special Powers Act and the Cyber Security Ordinance. Total damages were estimated at around Tk 32 crore, while looted property was valued at Tk 2.5 crore.