NOAB honours Prothom Alo for raising the bar in journalism

The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has felicitated Prothom Alo editor and publisher Matiur Rahman for receiving the INMA Global Media Award 2025, recognising his courageous journalism during the July Mass Uprising, his engagement with young readers, and the various social and cultural initiatives undertaken in its aftermath.

The reception was held at Times Media Bhaban in Tejgaon, Dhaka on Tuesday.

Among those present at the event were NOAB president AK Azad, vice-president Shahidullah Khan Badal, Jugantor and Jamuna Television director Shamim Islam, Financial Express editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Bonik Barta editor and publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Samakal editor Shahed Mohammad Ali, and Weekly Counterpoint editor Zafar Sobhan.

In a written statement, NOAB president AK Azad described Matiur Rahman as a prominent figure in Bangladeshi journalism, who has been engaged in the pursuit of social change since his student years.

He was a central leader of the Bangladesh Chhatra Union and served as the general secretary of the Dhaka University Cultural Society.

Alongside his journalistic career that began in the 1970s, he was also in the central leadership of the Communist Party of Bangladesh from 1973 to 1990.

Azad also noted that Matiur Rahman served as an international election observer in Pakistan’s national elections in 1997 and 2002. By participating in global seminars and conferences, he has represented not only Bangladesh but also South Asian journalism as a compelling and principled voice.

Building a newspaper like Prothom Alo and elevating it to the country’s leading daily is a monumental achievement. The example of courage, integrity, and professionalism he has set is a source of pride for the Bangladeshi newspaper industry. His recognition on the global stage has significantly enhanced the stature of Bangladeshi journalism.

Speaking at the event, Matiur Rahman said, “During the July–August movement, all newspapers in Bangladesh played their roles to the best of their abilities. We went through a very difficult time, and the role of the media during that period was truly commendable. Today, the most significant change in the media is the digital transformation. Readers’ habits have evolved, and we too must adapt accordingly.”

Noting that the journey of Prothom Alo had been challenging from the outset, Matiur Rahman said, “If you can do something good for readers—if you can provide quality journalism—then print newspapers can also open up new possibilities. Many say the days of print are numbered, but I believe quality content is the key to survival across all forms of media.”

Speaking at the event, NOAB Vice President Shahidullah Khan Badal said, “Matiur Rahman is like a banyan tree above our heads. He creates direction for us through his own path. We are fortunate to have someone like him as a guardian.”

Shamim Islam remarked that what Matiur Rahman has achieved is, in a word, extraordinary and exemplary. With courage, foresight, and a strong sense of responsibility, he has elevated not only Prothom Alo but the entire field of journalism in Bangladesh.

Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and Samakal Editor Shahed Mohammad Ali also spoke at the event. On behalf of NOAB, Matiur Rahman was formally congratulated for winning the INMA Global Media Award 2025.

It is worth noting that the INMA Global Media Award, presented by the International News Media Association, is given to influential media organisations around the world in recognition of innovation, reader engagement, and socially responsible journalism.