Ex-press secretary Shafiqul Alam to head new English daily

“Our only goal is to do good journalism and nothing else,” he says

Shafiqul Alam, who served as press secretary to the chief advisor of the interim government for 18 months, has returned to journalism as editor of a new English-language newspaper, "The Daily Waadaa".

He announced the move in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

“I’ve joined a new English newspaper, The Daily Waadaa, as its editor. Seek your doa and blessings,” he wrote.

Shafiqul said he had already begun work and was joined by outgoing deputy press secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, who has taken up the role of executive editor.

“We’ve started working today,” Alam said. “Our only goal is to do good journalism and nothing else.”

Asked about the meaning of the name Waadaa, which translates as “promise” or “commitment”, Shafiqul said it reflects a pledge to deliver accurate information.

“A commitment to good journalism. Delivering accurate information,” he said.

In a separate Facebook post, Majumder said his role as deputy press secretary had ended after Muhammad Yunus handed over responsibilities as chief advisor to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“It was an unforgettable journey, full of excitement, challenges, achievements and difficult moments,” he wrote. “The responsibility was immense, but it gave me invaluable experience and lessons.”

Announcing his return to journalism, Majumder said he had considered several opportunities before deciding to join The Daily Waadaa.

“Throughout my career, I remained committed to the truth. I believe I can uphold the same professional integrity and principles in this new initiative,” he wrote, seeking support and blessings for the new chapter.

On Aug 13, 2024, Shafiqul, then the Dhaka bureau chief of AFP, was appointed press secretary to Yunus on a contractual basis. In February 2025, he was granted the rank of senior secretary.

Majumder previously served as joint news editor at the English daily New Age and has worked with several local and international media outlets. A journalism graduate of Dhaka University, he began his career as a sports reporter.