Prothom Alo celebrates 20th anniversary
Prothom Alo will continue along its journey with good journalism and will strive to change society for the better. Employees of the daily reiterated this commitment on its 20th founding anniversary on Sunday.
The daily celebrated its anniversary at the CA Bhaban auditorium in Karwan Bazar. The programme was attended by Prothom Alo employees of the Dhaka office.
The event started with Somnur Monir Konal signing a patriotic song, followed by the screening of a documentary made by Redoan Rony on the teachers and students of ‘Alor Pathshala’, a school built by Prothom Alo Trust in a ‘char’ of the river Padma in Rajshahi.
In his speech, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman highlighted various social endeavours carried out by the daily since 1998.
“Prothom Alo has been working relentlessly to bring about positive change in society and individuals. We dream of seeing a new Bangladesh led by youth. We want Bangladesh’s victory in every sector, and good journalism can do it,” he said.
The daily has contributed to bring about many positive changes in society by publishing success stories of the people, he added.
Managing editor Sajjad Sharif stressed the need to adhere to values of good journalism, people-oriented activities, change making and the creativity on which Prothom Alo was established.
Associate editors Anisul Haque and Abdul Quayum, general manager (advertisement) Rashidur Rahman, and sports editor Utpal Shuvro reminisced about their journey with Prothom Alo.
General manager of circulation department ABM Zakaria, deputy editor Lazzat Enab Mohsi, senior reporter Sheikh Sabiha Alam, senior sub-editor Tapati Barman and staff reporter Ahmed Deepto shared their experience with Prothom Alo.
Ahmed Deepto, who was brutally attacked by some youth while covering recent road safety movement, thanked Prothom Alo for standing by him and said “a journalist shouldn’t be intimidated to speak the truth no matter how much difficulties he faces.”
Conducted by feature editor Sumana Sharmin, members of Media Star’s board of directors Rokia Afzal Rahman, Arshad Waliur Rahman and Atikur Rahman were also present at the programme.
Rokia Afzal Rahman, also a former caretaker government advisor, said the journalists of Prothom Alo should continue to work with utmost integrity and honesty no matter how much pressure they face.
Prothom Alo also awarded its employees recognizing their works throughout the year.
Staff reporter Ahmed Zayeef got best emerging reporter award, Nusrat Nowrin of Prothom Alo English and Md Saifullah of feature department received best newcomer award, senior reporter Anowar Hossain received best reporter award.
Consultant Qurratul Ain Tahmina and team (Md Asaduzzaman, Pranab Bhoumik, Golam Mortuza and Nasrin Akhter) received award for special report on women and children harassment, senior reporter Morshed Noman was awarded for best report.
Chattogram office’s staff photographer Sourav Das got best photographer award, joint editor of editorial department Md Mizanur Rahman Khan received award for taking most discussed photograph, and Md Rana Abbas received ‘Somoyer Sangbadik’ award.
‘Bodoler Shohojogi’ award went to arts and graphics department’s chief art director Ashok Karmakar and senior sub-editor Md Abul Hasnat.
Md Raziul Hasan and Md Fazlul Kabir received best sub-editor awards. Jhenidah correspondent Azad Rahman received best correspondent award and Shamimul Hasan Chowdhury of advertisement and circulation department got business award.
Senior reporter Mostak Ahmed, event and activation department’s Shah Poran Tushar, senior editorial assistant Gouranga Chandra Das received ‘Ononya Sohojogi’ awards.
Sports department and development and maintenance department got best team awards.
Kishor Alo received a special award. Best Bondhusova award was received by Khulna and Bhairab Bondusava. Overseas edition’s editor and also head of Prothom Alo online, Selim Khan, received ‘Bebosthaponay Ononnya’ award.
Different organisations such as Banglavision, IPDC, Group M Webmaker, FCB Bitopi, Grow and Excel, Rang Bangladesh, Bikroy.com, Concito PR, ABC radio, Deepto TV, Pran RFL, Oppo, Nogod, Forethought PR, Sonargaon University, Mercantile Bank Limited, Symphony Mobile, The Westin Dhaka, Premier Bank Limited, Bondhusava, Walton, Extra PR, NCC Bank, Bangladesh Janasangjog Samity, National Bank Limited, Prochito, Bkash, Huawei, Banglalink, Hotel Zakaria International, Farmers Bank Limited, Nagorik TV, NRBC Bank, Bonik Barta, Annex Communications, and Islami Andolon Bangladesh congratulated the newspaper on its anniversary.