Prothom Alo to launch North America edition

Leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo is set to begin its journey in the North America through publishing its weekly edition from New York in March 2017.

Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman made the announcement through a video message for the expatriate Bangladeshis at the World’s Fair Merina of Queens in New York city on Thursday evening.

Urging all to stay with Prothom Alo, the editor said the newspaper is heading forward with support and love of the readers.

A cultural function was held at the launching ceremony preceded by speeches from the Prothom Alo family members.

Saiful Islam Siddique, chief of Northern Lights Media, the management-cum-marketing agent for Prothom Alo in the US, boasted about getting the responsibility of distributing the newspaper among the Bengali-speaking people in the US.

Prothom Alo adviser Hasan Ferdous said the newspaper is popular among the diaspora for its proactive role in establishing and highlighting virtues and positive initiatives.

Its American bureau chief Ibrahim Chowdhury said Prothom Alo speaks for the cross section of Bangla-speaking immigrants.

Marketing of Prothom Alo Digital has also been launched through the programme. The chief operating officer, Ehteram Uddin, discussed the magnitude of Prothom Alo Digital.

The cultural function was conducted by Nimmi Nahar. The audience was amazed at the theme music of Prothom Alo, titled ‘Prothom Alo is around’.

Music by band group Sargam and Tanima Hadi, dance by Sadia and Rhila troupe, poem recitation by Taimur and Nandini couple, and also flute by Tanzim Alam and Musnad Alam enthralled the expatriates.

Veteran singer Rathindranath Roy rendered six songs. Audience became emotional at the liberation war account by freedom fighter Kamal Sayeed.

The programme was followed by a dinner with Bangladeshi cuisine.