Maintaining high ethical standards, producing quality content, and delivering objective journalism are essential steps for the democratic transformation of Bangladesh.
Speaking on Monday evening at an event at Dhaka Club to celebrate the anniversary of TIMES of Bangladesh, guests commended the daily newspaper’s layout, news selection, and rapid development.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam remarked that more high-quality newspapers in Bangladesh directly benefit readers and the public. Reading the paper daily, Anam described it as a “wonderful effort.”
“Many things – the news selection, and then the layout – I like them all very much,” he said.
Urging journalists to maintain high ethical standards, he said, “Those of us who enter journalism must believe from our hearts that we remain on the honest path, working with honesty and dedication, and never deviate from ethical journalism.”
Describing journalism as “the most beautiful and exciting profession that can serve society,” Anam extended congratulations to the daily’s entrepreneurs, editor, and senior journalists.
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir hoped TIMES of Bangladesh would assist the democratic transformation of society and the state through objective journalism and sharp analysis.
Kabir praised the paper’s Acting Editor, M Abul Kalam Azad, calling his former colleague a “fantastic reporter” with enviable qualities.
“I believe that under his leadership, a new newspaper will do very well,” Kabir remarked, concluding with congratulations and best wishes on the publication’s first anniversary.
Present at the event, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and opposition leader in Parliament Shafiqur Rahman called on journalists and publishers to uphold media freedom and neutrality. He pointed out that a newspaper’s fundamental responsibility is to present the truth with honesty and courage, without succumbing to pressure.
Praising the daily’s development, Shafiqur noted that TIMES of Bangladesh has “transitioned from childhood into youth.”
He highlighted that the newspaper’s success lies in its courage to present information and news to meet contemporary demands, which many other publications fail to display.
Emphasising objectivity, he insisted that the pen of a newspaper must never bend under political or vested interests, but must always follow a straight path. He added that even if a report goes against an individual, the truth must be presented if it serves the public interest.
Shafiqur urged journalists to depict “black and white directly as the truth, without employing any metaphors,” expecting the paper to become the number one choice of readers.
Ruhin Hossain Prince, former CPB general secretary, praised the makeup, layout, and objective news presentation of the daily as exemplary. Prince commented that because of its good page-making, “even if one does not wish to, one feels the need to read the newspaper thoroughly.”
He noted that contemporary events and analysis help to “sharpen the progress of our society and strengthen the vocal voice against injustice.”
On neutrality, Prince argued priority must always go to eliminating inconsistencies in the country, democracy, and society, believing the paper supports democracy’s journey by highlighting real events.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar commended TIMES of Bangladesh for objective reporting and speaking truth to power against authority. Recalling past media suppression in Bangladesh, Tushar said, “The media fought against that; they fought a lot. We hope that they will not bow down to any pressure.”
While traditional print interest has somewhat waned, TIMES of Bangladesh has successfully attracted readers through eye-catching visual presentation. “We see many mechanisms in their news presentation designed to entice or allure the reader to read.
There is an innovation and a contemporary touch in their style,” he added, praising this positive initiative to engage the younger generation.
Prime Bank Additional Managing Director (AMD) M Nazeem A Chowdhury pointed out that TIMES of Bangladesh has successfully generated significant reader interest within its first year.
Chowdhury congratulated the publication, stating, “At just one year of age, TIMES of Bangladesh is quite mature.” Giving its visual presentation on paper a “ten out of ten,” he remarked that holding it makes him want to open it and read further.
Chowdhury noted that business leaders can see a distinct demand for the publication and expressed confidence that as the newly assembled team continues to work together, their maturity and efficiency will grow to present news even more beautifully.
The Dhaka Club programme was also attended by TIMES of Bangladesh Editor-in-Chief Josim Ahmed, publisher Md Mashud Razzaq (for Media Dreams Ltd), Advisory Editor Elias Khan.
