A delegation representing the Bangladesh Chapter of the SAARC Journalist Forum (SJF) held a bilateral meeting in the Bhutanese capital with Rinzin Wangchuk, a central executive committee member of the organization, according to a press release issued on Monday. The meeting took place following an invitation extended by Wangchuk. During the discussions in Thimphu, both sides exchanged ideas on strengthening regional cooperation among media professionals across SAARC member states.  Delegates focused on the ongoing challenges confronting journalists in the region, underscoring the necessity of greater government support to help journalists enhance their technical capacity, fulfill their duties effectively, and maintain professional dignity. Key topics highlighted during the meeting included the implementation of specialized training programs on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for media practitioners, alongside the vital importance of championing press freedom, democratic values, and peace across South Asia.  Read More Veteran Journalist and Freedom Fighter Mrinal Krishna Roy Passes Away Since its inception, the SAARC Journalist Forum has continuously utilized seminars and conferences to urge relevant authorities to keep regional members updated on upcoming programs aimed at consolidating cross-border media ties. Host representative Rinzin Wangchuk previously served as the president of the Journalists Association of Bhutan and was formerly the editor of *Kuensel*, the country's main national daily. The Bangladeshi team arrived in Thimphu on August 15 after attending the four-day International Indigenous Journalism Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, which ran from August 9 to 12.  Led by veteran journalist Md. Ziaur Rahman, the delegation featured SJF Secretary General and The Bangladesh Post Senior Correspondent Md Abdur Rahman, The Daily Bongobani Editor Mushtaq Ahmed Mubaraqui, The Daily Aajkal Special Correspondent Md. Ziaur Rahman, Daily Bank Beema Economics Editor Mohammad Muniruzzaman, Daily Amar Bangla Managing Editor Panna Zaman and Daily Aajker Provat Senior Correspondent Md Abu Bakar Siddique.

Veteran journalist, heroic freedom fighter and member of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) Mrinal Krishna Roy passed away at a city hospital early today (Sunday).   He was 84. He is survived by his wife, two sons, relatives, colleagues and a host of admirers, said a family source.  His body was taken to the Jatiya Press Club this afternoon, where colleagues and well-wishers paid their last respects to him. Later, his last rites were performed at the Postogola crematorium in the city.  Mrinal Krishna Roy began his journalism career with the Pakistan Observer in 1965.  Read More June 16 Marked as Black Day for Suppression of Press Freedom He later worked for the now-defunct Bangladesh Times, The Financial Express and the national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). The Jatiya Press Club mourned his death. In a condolence message, JPC President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Aiyub Bhuiyan expressed profound shock and sorrow at his death. They prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

June 16 is marked what the journalists describe as a black day in Bangladesh’s history, commemorating the closure of most newspapers by the then BAKSAL government led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, which they say curtailed press freedom and left thousands of media workers unemployed. According to a statement, on this day in 1975, the government retained only four newspapers under state management and shut down all others. As a result, thousands of journalists and media workers reportedly lost their jobs overnight and were forced into severe hardship.  The statement said people were deprived of access to accurate information and objective news, while freedom of expression in the media, politics, groups and among individuals was restricted. Since 1976, the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), various political parties, social organisations and professional bodies have been observing the day as ‘Newspaper Black Day’ in protest against what they describe as the repressive ordinance issued by the BAKSAL government. To mark the occasion, BFUJ and DUJ will jointly organise a discussion at 10:30am tomorrow at the Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall at the Jatiya Press Club. The statement said Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will attend the programme as the chief guest, while Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan will be present as the special guest.  Journalist leaders, representatives of civil society and prominent intellectuals are also expected to attend the event. Read More Experts: Flawed Cigarette Pricing in New Budget Fails 'Tobacco-Free' Goal In a joint statement issued today, BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam and Acting General Secretary Didarul Alam said the fourth amendment to the Constitution was introduced in parliament three years after the country's independence. They said the amendment, which they described as being contrary to democratic values, led to the establishment of the one-party BAKSAL system. As a continuation of that process, the government closed all newspapers on June 16, 1975, while four publications continued under state management as government mouthpieces. According to the statement, several thousand journalists and media employees became unemployed as a result, making the day a black chapter in the country's history regarding press freedom and freedom of expression. Journalists continue to observe the day annually as a ‘Black Day’ in condemnation of those actions, it added. The leaders said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman assumed state power following what they termed the Sepoy-People's Revolution of November 1975.  They said he restored multi-party democracy through constitutional changes, repealed what they described as undemocratic provisions introduced under the BAKSAL government, and re-established freedom of the press. Expressing concern, the journalist leaders alleged that whenever the Awami League comes to power, it targets the media first. They claimed that after returning to office in 2009, the party followed a similar path by shutting down numerous newspapers, private television channels and online news portals over the subsequent 16 years, leaving thousands of journalists unemployed. They also alleged that journalists and media organisations were compelled to surrender under government pressure, making objective and truthful journalism increasingly difficult and placing journalists' livelihoods under severe threat. The statement said that after assuming responsibility for running the state following the November 7, 1975 events, Ziaur Rahman ensured unrestricted freedom for journalists to write and express opinions. It added that he first relaxed legal restrictions on newspaper publication and encouraged the publication of newspapers across the country. According to the statement, he believed it was the government's responsibility to help sustain newspapers. The leaders said Ziaur Rahman facilitated the publication of a first-class newspaper, "The Dainik Barta", from Rajshahi, which they claimed brought about a revolution in information flow across the northern region and created employment opportunities for many journalists. They said that due to the relaxation of declaration requirements, daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly newspapers began to be published not only from Dhaka but also from divisional headquarters, districts and even upazila-level areas. According to the statement, Ziaur Rahman also liberalised the policy governing the distribution of government advertisements to help sustain newspapers. The allocation of advertisements from government, semi-government and autonomous institutions was decentralised, while 60 percent of government advertisements were distributed to newspapers published in Dhaka and the remaining 40 percent to those published outside the capital. The leaders said these measures created renewed momentum in newspaper publication throughout the country.

Popular private broadcasting network Rtv has shattered records in Bangladesh’s competitive social media landscape, rapidly scaling new digital heights by crossing the 26 million (2.6 crore) follower milestone on its primary Facebook page on Friday (June 5, 2026). This historic achievement comes mere days after the network celebrated reaching 25 million followers on May 26, 2026, showcasing an unprecedented surge in digital growth and firmly cementing its title as the country’s most-followed Facebook page. Rtv's trajectory over the past year highlights its immense popularity and steadily accelerating audience loyalty. The network has consistently outpaced competitors through a well-executed online strategy: March 20, 2025: Secured its leading crown by crossing the 22 million follower mark. May 26, 2026: Reached 25 million followers, marking a steady accumulation of 3 million new followers in just over a year. June 5, 2026: Hit the monumental 26 million milestone, gaining an astounding 1 million followers in less than two weeks. According to the network, this massive digital footprint is the result of a robust online strategy initiated over a decade ago when digital media was still in its infancy in Bangladesh. Read More RTV Retains Crown as the Most-Followed Facebook Page in Bangladesh By step-by-step improving content quality, understanding audience demands, and adopting modern technologies, Rtv has successfully forged a profound relationship with its viewers. The platform has stayed ahead in the highly competitive digital space by consistently delivering time-sensitive news, entertainment, trending topics, and exclusive content. For the broadcasting giant, these 26 million followers represent far more than a statistical victory; it is a narrative of deeply rooted trust, love, and an unbreakable bond with the audience. Celebrating this combined milestone, Rtv credited its massive online community, stating: "This success belongs to our viewers; your unwavering trust and confidence in RTV made this possible. Every single follower inspires us, and we extend our deepest love and gratitude to each of you." The network also extended its sincere appreciation to its dedicated team of journalists, content creators, crew members, advertisers, and well-wishers whose combined efforts have driven this historic media achievement.  Moving forward, Rtv management reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing advanced, modern technology to deliver high-quality news and entertainment to an even larger global audience.

RTV has further consolidated its digital dominance by retaining its position as the top and most-followed Facebook page in Bangladesh, with its audience base reaching a new milestone of 25 million (2 crore 50 lakh) followers. This latest achievement builds upon a remarkable track record in the country's competitive social media landscape.  Previously, the media outlet had secured its leading title by crossing the 22 million follower mark on March 20, 2025.  Over the past year, it has steadily accumulated an additional 3 million followers, proving that audience love, loyalty and deep connection remain its biggest strengths. Reaching these milestones showcases how RTV has consistently stayed ahead in the digital space by delivering timely news, entertainment, trending topics, and exclusive content.  The network's robust online strategy began over a decade ago when digital media was still emerging.  Read More Reuters Secures Dual Pulitzers; NYT and WP Among Top Winners By continuously improving content quality, understanding viewer preferences, and adopting modern technologies, RTV has built a lasting bond with its audience and set new benchmarks for online media popularity in Bangladesh. Celebrating this digital milestone, RTV credited its massive online community for the achievement, stating, "This success belongs to our viewers; your unwavering trust and confidence in RTV made this possible. Every single follower inspires us, and we extend our deepest love and gratitude to each of you." The network also extended its sincere gratitude to the dedicated journalists, content creators, advertisers, and well-wishers whose combined efforts have contributed to this historic media achievement.  Moving forward, the management reaffirmed its commitment to utilizing advanced technology to bring high-quality news and entertainment to an even larger global audience.