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Published : 19 Oct 2025, 05:10 AM
From a new recruit who joined only days ago to veteran journalists who stood at the starting line in October 2006-- everyone arrived for the same reason: to celebrate.
Some came with parents, others with spouses or children. The evening unfolded in a familial atmosphere filled with laughter, shared memories and spirited conversation.
On Saturday, bdnews24.com hosted its “Family Day’” at Royal Garden in Uttara, ahead of the organisation’s 19th founding anniversary on Oct 23.
Bangladesh’s first digital newsroom, which introduced a new genre of format-based, source-verified journalism, witnessed a renewal of its founding spirit as voices across generations pledged to uphold the values it brought to the media landscape.
Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi recalled the history and shared intentions to enhance investment in investigative and tech-focused journalism.
“We are working on multiple formats and faster news delivery using advanced technology. That is a major focus for us -- and it demands investment,” he said.
Referring to institutional pressures that triggered challenges for the newsroom in recent years, he said efforts were under way to overcome them.
“If we can rise above that, we’ll be able to invest more. But at any cost, our priority is to deliver fast and accurate news, following the international grammar of clean journalism.”
Under the rooftop lights of Royal Garden, the reunion drew both current and former colleagues.
Songs from a live band drifted through the venue while guests shared dinner and long-overdue conversations.
Later, Khalidi mingled with colleagues and their families between courses before everyone came together to cut the anniversary cake.
The event took on a special note with the presence of magician Jewel Aich and his wife Bipasha Aich, as well as former BIDA executive chairman Kazi Aminul Islam.
bdnews24.com pioneered internet journalism in Bangladesh and set the example of running a 24-hour newsroom.
The people of Bangladesh first experienced SMS news service in Bengali via bdnews24.com.
The first Bengali website for children and the first website for child journalists were also launched by bdnews24.com.
bdnews24.com is about to complete 19 years, marking a long journey of bringing many novelties to journalism in Bangladesh.
The journey began on Oct 23, 2006, although as an organisation it started a year earlier in 2005.
At that time, like other news agencies, it supplied news to various outlets. While other agencies distributed news via teleprinters, bdnews24.com started doing so through the internet.
After a change in ownership and management in 2006, the agency transformed drastically.
Under the leadership of journalist Khalidi, the new management turned the agency into the country’s first dot-com company. The new journey began with a fresh approach.
This day is not only bdnews24.com’s anniversary but also marks the launch of Bangladesh’s first 24-hour digital news service.
For 19 years, bdnews24.com has followed the mantra of “delivering accurate news first”. Editor-in-Chief Khalidi recalls how the agency pioneered a new trend of journalism based on verified sources, opposing story- and rumour-based reporting.
He credits the newsroom colleagues for maintaining this practice. “They have never released any news without verifying the facts. They have cross-checked and investigated, which is why we have not always been first, but never wrong.
“We might have been second, third, or fourth to break some stories, but never wrong even once -- that is our principle, and they have protected it. In the last 19 years, there are very few examples, if any, where we have given wrong news.”
Khalidi also recalled the difficult decision early on to move away from a subscription model and make the website freely accessible to all.
He said, “19 years ago, we decided to open everything. Anyone with internet access, inside or outside Bangladesh, who is interested in Bangladesh and wants to know the news, has been able to receive our news instantly for the last 19 years.”
Remembering the difficult times of false lawsuits and unethical pressures, Khalidi said: “We faced many challenges; you all know about the pressures we encountered. It was tough to face the powers and look them in the eye and question them.
“We have done this work and will continue doing it untill the end. As long as we are here, we will keep doing this work.”
‘A REAL REVOLUTION’
As bdnews24.com celebrates 19 years of breaking new ground, those who helped shape its early journey are also looking back -- remembering a time when the digital revolution was just a vision.
Abdur Rahim Harmachi, a former journalist with the newsroom, shared stories of those early days when mobile internet had barely reached the public.
“In 2007, our office was in Dhanmondi. Mobile internet was in its infancy. Most of us used button phones, while Toufique Bhai had a slightly more expensive model -- not yet a smartphone,” he recalled.
He remembered how Khalidi, the editor-in-chief, often said: “I want people to read bdnews24.com on their phones.”
“To be honest, we were surprised back then. Some even joked ‘Do people really have nothing better to do than spend money on internet to read bdnews24.com on their phones?’”
Within five years, the site became accessible even on a rickshaw-puller’s phone. “That’s the power of vision,” Harmachi said. “Toufique Imrose Khalidi could see what was coming and he made it real.”
Speaking about the bond within the newsroom, he said: “It’s been four years since I left bdnews24.com, but it has never felt like I’m away. The emotional connection remains unbroken.”
Former staffer and communications professional Sulaiman Niloy said the organisation revolutionised journalism in Bangladesh by moving away from the old “sources say’”model.
“There has been a remarkable transformation towards objective journalism,” he said. “Those who’ve observed Bangladesh’s media for just a few years may not fully grasp it, but if we compare the newspapers of 19 years ago with today’s media landscape, bdnews24.com’s impact is undeniable.”
Niloy spoke of the strong camaraderie among colleagues. “When the organisation faced challenges, it was former colleagues who stood by it the most,” he said.
“That’s because bdnews24.com is like a home -- for those who work here and those who’ve moved on. Being here today feels like coming back home.”
His wife, Wahida Zaman Sinthi, shared her admiration for the newsroom she once dreamed of joining.
“When I was a journalism student, I used to think --if only I could be part of such a great multimedia team at bdnews24.com,” she said. “I hope it continues to inspire young journalists and students to see journalism as a profession of purpose.”
Rubaiyad Iftekhar Mahmud, who recently joined the multimedia department as a sub-editor, said becoming part of the team after years as a reader has been fulfilling.
“Even before I started working in journalism, bdnews24.com was a trusted source of information,” he said. “Whenever I needed to verify something, I checked bdnews24.com. I’ve been connected to it in various ways over the years, and now I’m part of the multimedia team. It’s a rewarding experience.
“An event like this motivates us as staff -- it gives newcomers like me a chance to meet everyone.”
Mushfika Mariam Haider, daughter of Senior Reporter Liton Haider, said she grew up trusting the outlet’s reporting.
“bdnews24.com has always published truthful, objective news,” she said. “It’s not because my father works there -- it’s because, as a reader, I see the difference.”
From the English section, long-time colleague Syed Mahmud Onindo said: “Every face here is familiar. I’ve been with bdnews24.com for a decade and a half, since 2010. It feels great.
“We try to maintain high standards, and in terms of news quality, we’ve set a benchmark in Bangladesh. I hope we can always uphold that.”
Labannya Qabili, who has been with the international desk since 2007, said: “It’s like a family here. At every event, I feel that same sense of belonging. Tonight is no different.”
Former bdnews24.com journalist Zikrul Ahsan, now president of the Bangladesh Astronomical Association, said he has tried to recreate that same environment at his own office.
“I worked at bdnews24.com from 2007 to 2010, and a bit after that,” he said. “I’ve worked at many places, but bdnews24.com felt like a family home -- free of politics. That’s something rare.
“I’ve carried that spirit into my current workplace -- where everyone can share ideas freely, regardless of seniority. Even junior colleagues are heard. I’ve borrowed that culture from bdnews24.com, and it’s something I’m proud of.”
Nahifa Nawar, a new member of the English team, said: “This is my first job, and I’ve learned so much here -- about teamwork, organisation, and skill-building. My team members are incredibly helpful and cooperative. I didn’t expect it to be this good.”
Maksuda Haq, wife of multimedia journalist Mujtaba Hakim Plato, said she enjoyed being part of the celebration.
“I haven’t attended many of bdnews24.com’s events before, so this is my first big one and I really liked it,” she said.
“What I especially appreciated was how Toufique Imrose Khalidi spoke to everyone personally. It made the event feel so warm and inclusive.”
