Highlighting truth as the core strength of journalism, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman declared on Wednesday that readers’ trust remains the newspaper’s principal capital. Speaking at a staff conference marking the daily’s 28th anniversary at the Krishibid Institution auditorium in the capital, he reaffirmed the publication’s resolve to move forward despite obstacles.
“Our commitment to the truth is our main strength, and readers’ trust is our capital,” Matiur Rahman emphasised. “We must march into the future with this strength. Obstacles will come, as they have in the past, but we will not be deterred.”
Outlining a forward-looking roadmap, the editor stressed that Prothom Alo is orienting its operations toward becoming an artificial intelligence-driven institution.
He noted that future planning and strategic initiatives will focus on integrating AI with professional skill and creative journalism.
Matiur also emphasised financial self-reliance alongside editorial excellence. “To practice independent journalism and ensure long-term survival, there is no alternative to self-sustainability through our own revenue,” he said, calling on staff across all departments to adapt continuously to evolving industry demands.
The anniversary event commenced with the national anthem, followed by a documentary showcasing the violent attack, arson, and looting at the Prothom Alo office on the night of 18 December last year. Despite the devastation, the online portal resumed operations within 17 hours, while the print edition missed only a single day before resuming publication.
Attending the event, Independent University, Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor M Tamim remarked that facing hostility from both ruling and opposition parties over the years proves Prothom Alo has maintained an objective course.
Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif urged the workforce to embrace changing reader habits and prepare for the future.
To mark the occasion, Prothom Alo launched an updated mobile application alongside interactive features for readers.
First published on 4 November 1998 under the motto “With everything good,” Prothom Alo has grown into Bangladesh’s leading daily and digital news platform.
