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Published : 24 Oct 2025, 04:26 AM
Embodying the spirit of the "revolutionary decision" that ushered in digital journalism in Bangladesh, bdnews24.com marked its 19th anniversary amid the warm glow of lights and applause, with a renewed commitment to lead the next revolution in journalism.
Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi declared that the night was not merely to remember the past, but to look boldly toward the era of artificial intelligence and a new struggle for truth in the booming age of hyper-connectivity.
Amid the warm glow of lights and applause, the event on Thursday brought together representatives from every spectrum of society.
Every shade of opinion found a place — left, right, and centre alike. Business leaders and entrepreneurs joined lawyers and diplomats, while poets, writers, journalists, cultural figures, athletes, organisers, and both military and civil officials converged in a rare gathering of diverse voices in a hall lit with celebration and reflection.
Under the chandeliers of the Grand Ballroom of Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden, attendees reflected on their experiences as bdnews24.com readers and shared their expectations for Bangladesh’s media landscape.
In his keynote, Khalidi recounted the journey of steadfast, impartial journalism, emphasising the responsibility behind it. He reminded the audience of the media’s boundaries: “As a news organisation, our mission is not to rule but to report; not to govern but to hold governors to account.”
The portal’s ethos over nearly two decades was encapsulated in three words, forming the theme of the anniversary: “Just journalism. Always”.
Guests began arriving well before the 7pm start. The formal proceedings opened with the National Anthem. Following Khalidi’s speech, senior figures from multiple fields were invited on stage to join the cake-cutting ceremony, marking the milestone.
On stage with him were BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas and his wife Afroza Abbas, another Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, former CPB president Mujahidul Islam Selim, thinker and columnist Farhad Mazhar, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, actress Dolly Zahur, women’s rights leader Shireen Parveen Haque, and other prominent personalities.
After the cake-cutting, Khalidi invited all guests to a dinner, moving around the luminous ballroom to personally greet and host attendees.
In his address, Khalidi reflected on the portal’s journey: “This path demanded relentless innovation and an unwavering commitment to accuracy, fairness, and independence. In an age of accelerating noise, we have strived to be your signal of clarity and trust.
“But tonight is not just about looking back. It is also about looking forward to the next revolution.”
He outlined the future vision: “The next decade will be defined by artificial intelligence, by the battle for truth, and by the next great leap in our nation’s journey. The role of a credible, agile, and accessible news organisation has never been more critical.”
Khalidi detailed bdnews24.com’s plans, staying true to its founding principles: “Our pledge to you is this: The spirit of 2006 -- to be open, as free as possible, and first -- remains our guiding star.
“We will harness new technology not to replace journalism, but to empower it. We will invest in the investigative units that hold power to account and the platforms that ensure news remains a right, not a privilege.”
Addressing leading figures across sectors, he said: “We will remain your partner in progress, your critical friend, your most reliable source.”
During the speech, a slideshow displayed major events from the past 19 years, while a video celebrated the achievements of Bangladesh’s women footballers.
The event also showcased bdnews24.com’s journey from the inception of online journalism to its current trajectory, alongside exhibits of the portal’s various digital and print publications.
To mark the anniversary, bdnews24.com published a compilation of essays by writers, journalists, and intellectuals from diverse viewpoints, presenting it in a single volume that highlighted the spirit of inclusive journalism.
VOICES, FACES AT THE CELEBRATION
The anniversary event was further enlivened by BNP Standing Committee members Abdul Moin Khan, Selima Rahman, and Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Chairperson’s Advisory Council member Aman Ullah Aman, BNP Joint Secretaries Mahbub Uddin Khokon, Habib un Nabi Khan Sohel, Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anne, former DUCSU AGS and BNP leader Nazimuddin Alam, National Executive Committee member Md Nur Mohammad Khan and his daughter Nusrat Khan.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed his trust in bdnews24.com for reliable and up-to-date information. “I get the most updated news here.
“Here, I get fully updated information and news. The presentation and deliberation of the content are objective and excellent in every respect,” he said.
BNP leader Amanullah said, “bdnews24.com has faced many obstacles in reporting news accurately. I believe that having reached this far despite those challenges, it will go even further.”
Among other political figures, CPB leaders Kazi Sazzad Zahir Chandan and Abdullah Kafi Ratan; Gono Forum Acting President Subrata Chowdhury; Amar Bangladesh Party President Mojibur Rahman Monju; Ganosamhati Andolon Executive Coordinator Abul Hasan Rubel; and Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan.
Jatiya Party chief Quader said bdnews24.com continues to stand for truth despite facing numerous obstacles.
“I’ve followed bdnews24.com for many years,” he added. “Even under the previous government, it played a very courageous role over a long period. Despite all the hurdles, they continue to present the truth.
“Among the media outlets that remain, I believe this one strives to work with a fair degree of independence.”
Researcher and Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, magician Jewel Aich, his wife Bipasha Aich, artist Monirul Islam, writers Khaliquzzaman Elias and Sayeed Ahmed Khan, researcher and academic Kamal Uddin Kabir, and poet Tasnim Hossain joined the celebration.
Mazhar said the media’s role is to “cultivate public consciousness from the people themselves”.
“On one hand, media exists under the public. On the other, it channels the sovereign thoughts of the people to build a collective narrative,” he added.
Magician Aich heaped praises on bdnews24.com for consistently reporting what should be said and what must happen.
He said, unlike many other media outlets, bdnews24.com stands apart for its “bold reporting”.
“For courageous journalism, bdnews24.com is my top choice,” he added.
The gathering was also graced by Justices Mozibur Rahman Mia and Jafar Ahmed.
Among the diplomats were Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma and his wife Manu Verma, Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe, Algerian Ambassador Abdel Wahab Saidani, Argentinian Ambassador Marcelo Carlos Cesa, Singapore High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires Michelle Lee and Second Secretary Hew Kok Siang, Republic Kosovo Ambassador Lulzim Pllana, Russian Embassy officials Sofia Kutepova and Nadezhda Nacharova, and Philippine Embassy attachés Arthur Blas and Michael Ray Castillo.
Pranay said, “bdnews24.com covers Bangladesh very well and from all angles. It is a primary source of information on Bangladesh and its international relations.
“I wish bdnews24.com all the best for the future.”
Former ambassadors Shahed Akhtar, Munshi Faiz Ahmad, and Nasim Ferdous also joined the evening.
The celebration drew Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of the Campaign for Popular Education and former caretaker government advisor, along with rights activist and Women’s Reform Commission Chairperson Shireen Parveen Haque.
Rasheda Choudhury said bdnews24.com has become a trusted and credible name among Bangladesh’s mainstream media outlets.
Reflecting on the outlet’s 19 years of growth, Rasheda said: “In this time of widespread misuse of information technology, not everyone has retained that trust. That is why I open bdnews24.com every day.”
Among the civil servants and officials were former principal secretary Abdul Karim, former law secretary Golam Rabbani, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, RAB Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali, Additional Refugee, Relief and Repatriation Commissioner Mohammad Samsud Douza Nayan, and Ayesha Akhter Shilpi, deputy director of the 250-bed TB Hospital.
Former principal secretary Karim praised bdnews24.com for upholding proper journalistic standards throughout its 19-year journey.
“We hope that accurate journalism will continue to expose errors, contribute to societal and national development, and enhance the country’s image.”
Vice-Chancellors from academic institutions -- Prof Shams Rahman of East West University and Prof Md Jahangir Alam of Bangladesh University -- were also present.
Cultural luminaries included Ramendu Majumdar, actress Jannatul Ferdous Oishee, actor-academic duo Rahmat Ali and Wahida Mallik Jolly, Tariq Anam Khan and Nima Rahman, actors Mukit Zakaria, Jitu Ahsan, Shariful Raj, Suman Patwari, model Sabrina Zaman Riba, and dancer Pooja Sengupta.
Majumdar said, “For impartial and reliable news, bdnews24.com has established trust. I especially rely on it for accurate coverage of arts and culture and read it regularly.”
He added, “I hope bdnews24.com continues to provide accurate news and maintains the courage and strength in reporting that it has consistently shown over the years.”
From the world of music came Khurshid Alam and his daughter Shahnaz Alam Diya, Fatema Tuz Johra, Ferdous Ara, Naquib Khan, Naseem Ali Khan, Pathik Nabi, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Feedback band’s Foad Nasser and Labu Rahman, Shironamhin’s Ziaur Rahman Zia, and AK Rahul with his band.
Naquib said, “bdnews24.com has created a reliable space for objective news. Amidst so much negative coverage, readers must also help spread positive stories. They should take an interest in good news,” he said.
Film and television figures Salauddin Lavlu, Tanim Noor, Shankha Dasgupta, Mohammad Taufiq Islam, and Aporajita Sangita were also among the guests.
Joining the celebration were Luva Nahid Choudhury, director general of Bengal Foundation; Kaniz Almas Khan, founder and managing director of Persona; culinary expert Rita Khanam; designer Biplob Saha of Bishworang; Shawon Akand of Jothashilpo; and M Hoque Faishal, director of Tropical Homes Limited.
Among well-wishers were Julian Francis, a long-time friend of Bangladesh; journalists Anis Alamgir and Ehsanul Haque Babu; Deputy Attorney General Prokash Biswas; Ahmad Tabshir Choudhury, deputy chief of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Bangladesh, and Hasibur Rahman Mukur, executive director of MRDI.
The celebration also brought together business and industry leaders including former FBCCI President Mir Nasir Hossain, BTMA President Showkat Aziz Russell, and Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) President Anwar-Ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez.
“In journalism, it’s important to write what actually happened, not what’s assumed,” said BCI chief.
“Readers want information grounded in facts. They want to know about positive developments more than negative ones. But often, stories are written based on what might attract more views.”
Retired major Ruhul Amin and Sena Kalyan Sangstha Director General (Business Division-1) Brig Gen Md Zubayer Hasnat were also in attendance.
From the banking sector came Dhaka Bank Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker, Premier Bank Chairman Arifur Rahman, Shahjalal Bank Managing Director Mosleh Uddin Ahmed, Midland Bank MD Ahsan-uz Zaman, Standard Chartered Bangladesh’s Country Chief Risk Officer Enamul Huque, Trust Bank’s Head of Business Mahboob Hossain, Islami Bank Senior Vice President Nazrul Islam, and Bangladesh Development Company Manager Md Anwar Hossain.
Among others, Dhaka Stock Exchange Director Minhaj Mannan Emon, Institute of Architects Bangladesh President Abu Sayeed Ahmed, BRAC Bank Senior EVP Ekram Kabir, Standard Chartered Bank’s Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Tool Master Fire Solution Bangladesh Director and retired lieutenant commander Azhar, Asia Publishing House Chairman Shahed Akhtar, bKash GM of PR Rukhsana Akter Mily, HR Specialist Samina Amin, and corporate motivational speaker Ghulam Samdany Don joined the evening.
Also present were DUCSU General Secretary SM Forhad and members Sarba Mitra Chakma and Umma Uswatun Rafia, adding youthful energy to the celebration.
19 YEARS OF JOURNEY
It all began in the first half of 2005. Like other news agencies at the time, bdnews24.com initially supplied reports to different media outlets.
But while others relied on teleprinters, bdnews.com began delivering news via the internet -- a pioneering step in Bangladesh.
In 2006, a major transformation took place with a change in ownership and management. Under the leadership of journalist Khalidi, the platform evolved into the country’s first dot-com news company.
On Oct 23, bdnews24.com officially began its 24-hour news service in a new format.
Reflecting on that moment, Khalidi said, “We are here to commemorate a single, revolutionary decision. It was not merely the launch of a website. It was the throwing open of the digital gates.”
At the time, bdnews24.com was a subscription-based service with a limited readership. However, the decision was made to break down the walls that separated information from the public.
“On this day, 19 years ago -- on October the 23rd, 2006 -- our team of news gatherers and editors stood at a crossroads. bdnews24.com existed, but as a subscription-only news service for local newspapers and television channels. The information was there, but it was behind a wall,” Khalidi said.
The shift from a subscription-based news agency to a free, 24/7 news service was monumental.
“We made a choice. We decided to tear that wall down,” he said.
“We transformed from a service into a public square. We became the first online newspaper in Bangladesh, and we believe, one of the first of its kind in the world,” Khalidi said.
“Overnight, the wait for news ended. The delay between the event and the bulletin vanished. The traditional gatekeeping of information was rendered obsolete. The future of news arrived on our screens, and it was free,” he said.
“Free for every person in Bangladesh with an internet connection. In that moment, we did not just change our business model; we changed our destiny.
“This was more than a strategy; it was a manifesto. A declaration that the people’s right to know was absolute. We placed a bet on the intellectual curiosity of the people of Bangladesh.
“And you -- all of you in this room, and tens of millions outside it -- proved us right.”
He also highlighted bdnews24.com’s editorial integrity amid political turmoil.
“One of the finest compliments we received over the past year, amid the post-5th of August chaos, was that nothing had changed at bdnews24.com. There was no shift in editorial stance, even as the rest of the media landscape underwent a massive -- and not particularly decent -- makeover.
Khalidi reminded the audience of the seriousness of governing the state.
“It requires a serious mandate. It requires people equipped to make immediate and long-term decisions; people who can negotiate complex foreign policy and security issues; people who will not forget the millions who fought and sacrificed their lives to secure our freedom fifty-four years ago.
“We are far from that ideal. Let us all work together to that end. We can only play a supporting role. We will never be the protagonists.”
Khalidi’s reflections were not just about the media’s role; they were a call to action for the country’s leaders to work together for a prosperous and stable future.
