Published : 03 Oct 2026, 03:00 PM
Updated : 03 Oct 2026, 03:00 PM
The death of bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Toufique Imrose Khalidi has left a "profound void" in Bangladesh's media and journalism landscape, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has said.
In a condolence message on Saturday, the rights organisation paid tribute to Khalidi as a pioneer of online journalism who championed freedom of expression, the right to information and independent media throughout his career.
Under Khalidi's leadership, bdnews24.com played an important role in taking Bangladesh's news service beyond traditional media and into the digital sphere, it said.
It credited him with helping develop a new approach to delivering news and information quickly, professionally and objectively over more than two decades.
Khalidi's contribution went beyond establishing and running an online news service, according to the group.
He regarded freedom of expression, the right to information and the space for independent media as essential foundations of journalism, the organisation said.
ASK also highlighted his efforts to bring matters of public interest into news coverage and discussion while respecting differing opinions and perspectives.
It said his work contributed to protecting human rights as well as civil and political rights by promoting freedom of expression and providing space for citizens' voices in the media.
ASK said Khalidi's editorship also set an example for online news media through its emphasis on objectivity, source-based reporting and professional journalism.
"Independent media in a democratic society are not merely a means of delivering news; they are among the principal institutions for ensuring accountability of the state and society, making citizens' voices visible and creating space for the coexistence of differing views," it said.
The organisation described Khalidi's efforts to broaden and strengthen that space as one of the most important legacies of his long career in journalism.
ASK prayed for Khalidi's departed soul and extended its condolences to his family, colleagues and bdnews24.com.
