(Web Desk) - Bangladeshi celebrities have spoken out against violence and urged protesters to exercise restraint to vent their anger and avoid ransacking media houses and cultural institutions.
The coordinated attacks included arson, vandalism, and intimidation, causing widespread damage across the capital.
Among the affected sites was Bandhushabha, the readers’ organisation associated with Prothom Alo, which was deliberately set on fire.
Actor Khairul Basar publicly condemned the violence, stating that destruction, vandalism, and physical assault can never be justified.
He reflected emotionally on Bandhushabha’s legacy, describing it as a volunteer space built on empathy, friendship, and social responsibility.
Basar recalled how thousands of young volunteers worked there, hoping to contribute positively toward a humane, developed Bangladesh.
Actress Sadia Ayman also criticised the attacks, questioning whose interests were truly served by burning newspapers and Chhayanaut.
She wrote that protesters failed to realise they were destroying their own national resources during a moment of collective mourning.
According to Ayman, the language of protest can never be violence, and such actions only weaken the country further.
She added that Osman Hadi, whose death preceded the unrest, would never have supported such destructive behaviour.
Filmmaker Tanha Zafreen described the situation as terrifying, saying intolerance and revenge-driven politics have reached alarming extremes.
She warned that the attacks represented a deeply troubling day for free expression in journalism and democratic values.
During the same night, The Daily Star office was vandalised and set on fire, trapping journalists inside the building.
Journalist and actress Naziba Basher was among those trapped until army personnel rescued her at dawn.
Shayan Chowdhury Arnob urged citizens to vote, warning that artists, musicians, and cultural workers face growing danger without civic resistance.
Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed posted a brief message urging people to recognise who truly stands beside them.
Dancer Arthy Ahmed wrote defiantly that songs would continue even amid attempts to silence culture through fear.
Actor Peya Jannatul said the fires could destroy buildings but never extinguish courage, memory, or collective spirit.
Imtiaz Barshon appealed for humane treatment of media workers, questioning why lives were endangered through deliberate arson.
He asked what protective measures authorities were taking while journalists remained trapped during violent attacks.
Barshon added prayers for everyone caught inside, expressing hope that all would return safely.