From the charred walls of its office, Prothom Alo on Wednesday unveiled an art exhibition titled “Alo” (Light) -- transforming a site of violence into a space of reflection and resilience.
The exhibition was inaugurated at 11am in front of the newspaper’s Karwan Bazar office in the presence of newspaper owners, editors, journalist leaders, and media workers.
On the occasion, leaders of journalist organizations underscored the need for greater unity within the media community to safeguard independent journalism and democratic values.
The event carried particular significance in light of the attack on December 18 last year, when a group of assailants stormed the Prothom Alo office.
Shutters and glass doors were smashed, property was looted, and parts of the building were set on fire.
The attackers subsequently targeted the office of The Daily Star, causing similar damage.
The assault disrupted Prothom Alo’s operations, forcing a temporary halt to its online news services that night. For the first time in its 26-year history, the newspaper’s print edition did not appear on December 19.
Against that backdrop, the exhibition’s theme -- “Alo,” meaning light -- serves as a deliberate counterpoint to the darkness of the attack.
The display features works by noted artist Mahbubur Rahman, whose pieces explore themes of resilience, hope, and collective strength.
Speakers at the inauguration described the exhibition not merely as a cultural event, but as a reaffirmation of the media’s commitment to free expression.
They called on journalists and media institutions to stand together in the face of intimidation and to uphold professional integrity despite challenges.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors until February 28. It can be viewed daily from 11am to 1pm and from 3pm to 5pm.
