Press Inside

Journalist Pir Habibur Rahman is no more

Publish: 04:13 PM, 05 Feb, 2022


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Pir Habibur Rahman, executive editor and senior journalist of Bangladesh Pratidin is no more (Innalillahi wa inna ilahi rajiun). He died at Labaid Hospital in the capital at 3pm on Saturday (February 5).

Naf Fahim Antar, son of Pir Habibur Rahman, confirmed the information.

Earlier, Pir Habibur Rahman suffered a stroke while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital and was taken to Labaid Hospital on Friday evening.

Pir Habibur Rahman was cured of cancer through bone marrow transplantation at Mumbai Jasluk Hospital in October last year. On January 22, he was infected by Covid-19. The 58-year-old senior journalist was admitted to Labaid Hospital on the advice of eminent physician Professor ABM Abdullah. He was admitted to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital due to kidney complications. Pir Habib had a stroke while undergoing treatment there.

Prominent journalist, political analyst and columnist Pir Habibur Rahman was born on 12 November 1963 in Sunamganj. While studying at Rajshahi University, he started his career in journalism in 1984. In his long career he has worked in daily Banglabazar, Jugantar, Manabkantha, Amader somoy. Pir Habibur Rahman, who is currently the Executive Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin, is the founder of the popular news portal ppbd.news. 


Pir Habibur Rahman   Journalist  


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Press Inside

Extortion of Prothom Alo

Publish: 01:28 PM, 12 Jan, 2023


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In recent times, several groups have been spreading rumors and misinformation about the country's top local Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited and the country's banking sector. Prothom Alo is the originator and the first instigator of this propaganda. This influential mainstream media is spreading rumors and lies about the country's banking sector. Following this tradition, they embarked on a mission to destroy Islami Bank. By starting a series of reports that goes against Islami Bank. After somehow putting pressure on Islami Bank, a full page advertisement of Islami Bank was printed in Prothom Alo on the advertisement page of the newspaper on January 12, 2023 (Thursday). This is their corporate policy of extortion.

This is not the first time. Even before this, Prothom Alo targeted several industries and individuals and blackmailed them by spreading rumors and hard lies against them. They put pressure on these individuals and suddenly stop writing against them after extorting them in the name of advertisement. This is the process of their corporate holism. Earlier, Prothom Alo published a few reports on corruption of the Earth Foundation.. Later, the inquiry about the Earth Foundation showed that the Earth Foundation gave unethical benefits to various media to cover up their issue. Prothom Alo was one of them and the son of the editor of Prothom Alo was involved in major transactions with the Earth Foundation. Prothom Alo published news against MLM companies like Destiny or Jubok when they did not pay.

In that trend, they have targeted Islami Bank now. Last year, there were rumors that there was no money in the bank since the middle of November. Suddenly the banking sector of the country became unstable due to such rumors. On November 24 - Prothom Alo published a report entitled 'Horrible November' on Islami Bank. Where rumors have been spread about the banking sector without any correct and acceptable data and its main purpose was to increase doubt in the minds of the customers about the banking sector. This is not the end. On December 27- '5 banks including Islami Bank in liquidity deficit', On December 29- 'Islami Bank wants to take deposits at 8% interest', and again on last January 4- 'Scam will stop in the bank sector', Prothom Alo published several reports like these. However, the investigation showed that these news were baseless fabrications. Taking loan from Bangladesh Bank on emergency basis is a normal process of. All banks take such loans to meet urgent needs. But this was made news. Thus, after continuously printing news against Islami Bank, it finally stopped it through advertisements. There may be many more advertisements from the same company in the future.

Several accusations of defamation against this newspaper by Transcom Group are against the ethics of journalism. Journalism follows a series of Ethics. One of them is that when a media is writing against or criticizing a person or organization, they cannot publish any advertisements of that particular organization This is it is called 'unethical practice' to print advertisements. Prothom Alo tied that unethical practice. In this way, Prothom Alo is on a mission to gain interest by resorting to rumors and lies.



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Press Inside

Prothom Alo-Daily Star on mission to destroy Islami Bank with Jamaat's connivance

Publish: 07:23 PM, 06 Jan, 2023


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Islami Bank introduced Islamic banking system in Bangladesh. This bank was established in 1983. Mir Kashem Ali, who was convicted for war crime corruption, played a key role in establishing this bank. This bank was considered as the main source of funds of Jamaat since 1983. This bank controlled by Jamaat used to provide money to run the activities of Jamaat all over the country. There was a lot of discussion in various circles about where the profit money of Islami Bank went. At that time, various analysts, including economists, demanded that Islami Bank should be freed from Jamaat. They said that the dividend money of this Jamaat-controlled bank is used to finance militancy and terrorism. Besides, various leaders of Jamaat rose into a great height through this bank. In such a reality, the Awami League government freed Islami Bank from Jamaat under a kind of public pressure.

In 2017, the ownership of Islami Bank was changed and Islami Bank was brought back from Jamaat and a new board of directors of Islami Bank was formed. Since then, the bank is no longer under Jamaat's control and the regular financing of Jamaat has stopped and the bank also flourished. It was very obvious that Jamaat was not happy about it. So, they indulge in is a new conspiracy. And in this conspiracy, two leading media of the country are being used as one of the weapons. Prothom Alo and Daily Star are now under the command and control of Jamaat as their PR firms. These two dailies are being used as the main weapon to implement the blueprint of Jamaat. And it is believed that these two dailies are getting a huge amount of money from jamaat for it.

It should be noted that Jamaat's relationship with Prothom Alo is long-standing. Prothom Alo published controversial, obscene articles and stories about Ganajagaran Manch, when Ganajagaran Manch was created to demand the trial of Kader Mullah. Hefazet Islam marched against Ganajagran Manch in Dhaka in May 2013 on the basis of all those propagandas. And when they came to Dhaka, they ran riot. Later, with the strong initiative of the government, the Hefazet's riot at Shapla Chattar was ultimately unsuccessful. Even then, Prothom Alo, Daily Star did not sit still. When the global crisis hit the country's economy, they looked at the banking sector and started preparing one report after another against Islami banks under Jamaat's prescription and Jamaat's financing. But even though experts and analysts understand that all these reports are baseless, false and fabricated, common people are getting confused. Jamaat is now using Prothom Alo, Daily Star as the main weapon in its mission to reclaim Islami Bank. These two newspapers have been continuously reporting against Islami Bank since November last year. But as at the end of the year it appears that Islami Bank is still the most profitable and successful bank in Bangladesh.

As of last December 31 financials, it can be seen that the profit of this bank is more than any other bank. However, Prothom Alo, Daily Star, is working to destroy the image of this bank and destroy the trust of customers. And the main supporter of Prothom Alo and Daily Star's mission is Jamaat-e-Islam. This connection of Prothom Alo, Daily Star with Jamaat has created a new sensation in the civil society. The main purpose of patronizing Jamaat is to put pressure on the government. However, various sources say that although Prothom Alo or Daily Star talk about the spirit of the liberation war, they actually play a greater role in preserving the interests of the Jamaat.

The role of this media has been debated and questioned at various times. It was this newspaper that printed cartoons insulting the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during 1/11. And after the publication of this cartoon, devout Muslims erupted in fury against this daily. And they demanded to ban the magazine. At that time, Matiur Rahman, the editor of the newspaper, held on to the feet of the khatib of Baitul Mokarram and begged for forgiveness and survived the journey. But the newspaper cartoonist and a reporter had to serve a long time in jail. After that Jamaat had a good relationship with Matiur Rahman. According to Bangla Insider's investigation, Motiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, had a long-standing relationship with Jamaat's former Amir Motiur Rahman Nizami, who was sentenced to death. Matiur Rahman also took an interview of Nizami. Those concerned believe that Prothom Alo and Daily Star are playing a role in the mission of destroying Islami Bank based on the old connection with Jamaat.



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Press Inside

Don’t make any news creating sensation in country: Anvir

Publish: 09:17 PM, 22 Dec, 2022


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Don’t make any news creating sensation in country, Anvir tells crime reporters. Bashundhara Group MD makes the advice while inaugurating CRAB auditorium complex.

Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir on Thursday suggested the crime reporters to refrain from making any news which may create confusion and sensation in the country.

He also called for maintaining the stability of the country under any circumstances. “The country should not be unstable under any circumstances. Do not publish any report which may make the country unstable. All our mothers and sisters go to the market. Because of your report, we sometimes get confused. Do not publish any report that confuses us or our family members,” he said. 

Sayem Sobhan Anvir made the remarks as chief guest while inaugurating an Auditorium Complex of Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh (CRAB) at Rupayan FPAB Tower at Nayapaltan in the capital. Sayem Sobhan Anvir pledged to stand by the members of the CRAB at the time of their need. “Pray for us. We will always be by your side,” he said. Sharing a comment of his father, the Bashundhara Group MD said just before coming at the venue, his father asked him to know the needs of 325 members at good and bad time.  “Let us know ….we will arrange it,” he said.  Over a demand of CRAB’s introduction of an award for the crime reporters, Sayem Sobhan Anvir endorsed it saying, “Arrange it I will be with you.” It can be mentionable that the 36-year old organsiation CRAB got its first permanent space with the sponsor by Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir.

Expressing gratitude to the Bashundhara Group Managing Director, CRAB leaders said that they consider Sayem Sobhan Anvir as a member of CRAB family. 

CRAB president Mirza Mehdi Tamal termed the day as a historical one as the organisation got its permanent space after a long period.  “It is a historical day for us. Sayem Sobhan Anvir has made it for us. After 36 years, we have got a permanent place. We are really happy," he said.

Naem Nizam, Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin, said “It is a very happy moment for the CRAB to get a permanent address after 36 years.”

Imdadul Haque Milan, Editor-in-Chief of Kaler Kantho, said, “I think this is a memorable evening for the members of CRAB that Sayem Sobhan Anvir came to the place along with his son Ahmed Walid Sobhan. He mentioned that CRAB members will find Sayem Sobhan Anvir by their side in any situation.

Asaduzzaman Biku, General Secretary of CRAB, said “After being elected, we met Sayem Sobhan Anvir and put our four demands. After hearing our demands Sayem Sobhan Anvir assured us to fulfill our two demands. Thanks to Sayem Sobhan Anvir for the permanent place. We are very happy today.”

Parvez Khan, former president of CRAB, said, “I think Sayem Sobhan Anvir is our member. I am thanking Sayem Sobhan Anvir for the gift.” 

Enamul Hoque Chowdhury, Editor of The Daily Sun, Rahul Raha, Executive Editor of NEWS24 television and Mohammad Abu Tayeb, Advisor (Press and Media) of Bashundhara Group, were present at the programme, moderated by Ataur Rahman.


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Press Inside

Global broadcasting icon BBC turns 100

Publish: 10:07 AM, 18 Oct, 2022


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Global media giant the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) celebrates turning 100 on Tuesday with one eye on its illustrious past and another on its uncertain future.

Over a century, the BBC has established itself as one of Britain's most visible and respected global brands, delivering its original mission statement to "inform, educate and entertain".

The broadcaster reaches an audience of 492 million around the world every week, according to the corporation's 2021-2022 annual report.

BBC World Service broadcasts in 41 languages to about 364 million people a week globally.

"For a century, the BBC has been a beacon of trusted news and programming across the world, as well as being part of the fabric of the UK and one of its key institutions," BBC director-general Tim Davie said of the landmark.

"It has been a story of a devotion to public service and constant reinvention -- which those in the BBC today remain utterly committed to," he added.

For nearly seven million people, each day starts with BBC Radio 4's flagship "Today" programme, which often sets the political agenda.

At weekends, "Strictly Come Dancing", which pairs celebrities with professional ballroom dancers, has had viewers glued to their sets for 20 years and is the most talked-about television programme on air.

BBC series such as "Peaky Blinders", "Fleabag" and "Killing Eve" have been exported around the world.

But the centenary comes at a time of uncertainty, with drastic budget cuts and changing viewing habits driven by the digital revolution raising questions about its future.

The government in January announced it would freeze the BBC's licence-fee funding model for two years, raising fears it could be scrapped in future.

The annual charge for households with a television set is currently set at £159 ($176).

The financial situation has been accompanied by an exodus of younger audiences towards streaming and on-demand platforms, prompting questions about why they should still pay for the BBC.

But BBC chairman Richard Sharp vowed that the broadcaster would "educate and entertain for another century."

"The BBC is one hundred today -- it's a time to celebrate, but also to embrace the future," said Sharp.

"I believe its best days are ahead. We have always innovated, changed and adapted," he added.

"By continuing to put the public first, we will continue to inform, educate and entertain for another century."

– BSS/AFP



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Press Inside

Veteran Journalist Toab Khan is no more

Publish: 01:15 PM, 01 Oct, 2022


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Editor of online news portal Newsbangla and Dainik Bangla and Ekushey Padak awardee veteran journalist Toab Khan is no more. He was 87 years old.

A spokesperson of Newsbangla said that Toab Khan was admitted to the United Hospital in the capital when he fell ill due to old age complications. Doctors declared him dead around 12:30 pm on Saturday.



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