EDAS remembers Toufique Khalidi’s contributions to journalism and alumni society

The English Department Alumni Society (EDAS) of the University of Dhaka has paid tribute to bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi, hailing his pioneering role in Bangladesh’s digital journalism and his contributions to the alumni organisation.

Khalidi, a graduate of the university's English Department, had served as general secretary of EDAS.

In a condolence message on Saturday, the alumni organisation said: "He was a pioneer in Bangladesh's online and digital journalism."

As editor-in-chief and managing director of bdnews24.com, Khalidi played a key role in transforming the organisation into a 24-hour web-based news service and contributed significantly to the development of Bangladesh's digital media landscape, it added

EDAS also recalled Khalidi's involvement in the organisation during his time as general secretary, noting that he had actively contributed to its activities, including EDAS Bash, and helped strengthen its programmes and initiatives.

Khalidi began his journalism career in 1989. Over the years, he worked at several news organisations, including The Daily Star, The Financial Express and the BBC World Service, where he was a producer and presenter of news and current affairs programmes.

He later emerged as a driving force in the development of online journalism in Bangladesh, becoming editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com as the organisation developed into the country's first internet-only national news publisher.

"EDAS acknowledges his significant contributions to journalism, digital media, and the English Department Alumni Society," the organisation said.

It extended condolences to Khalidi's family, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.

Khalidi died in London after suffering a brain haemorrhage. He was 59.