, Dec. 21 -- Stating that no media outlet in Bangladesh's 53-year history had ever faced arson attacks like the recent ones, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam on Sunday said the country is currently in a deeply devastated state, with its institutions being challenged and destroyed.

Speaking at a views-exchange meeting with editors and senior journalists at a city hotel ahead of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman's homecoming, he also urged political parties to accept 'critical journalism' as essential for good governance and press freedom.

"Bangladesh is currently in a deeply devastated state as its institutions are being challenged and destroyed. Please remember that in the country's 53-year history, no media office had ever been set o...