Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), in collaboration with mobile financial service provider Nagad, awarded 27 journalists across 24 categories at the DRU-Nagad Best Reporting Awards 2025. The awards, which included a crest, certificate, and a cash prize of BDT 50,000, were presented by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the Government of Bangladesh, who was the chief guest of the event.
The ceremony was held on Sunday (November 16) at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in Dhaka. Special guests included Nagad Board Chairman Kaiser Ahmed Chowdhury, Nagad Limited Administrator Md. Motasim Billah, members of Nagad’s board, prominent journalists, policymakers, and notable figures from various fields.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted that the next three months are critical for the country’s economy. He noted that if the interim government had not taken action, the economic situation could have worsened. Currently, inflation has dropped from 14 percent to 8 percent and is expected to decrease further.
Addressing concerns about public pessimism regarding the economy, the Economic Adviser said, “The economy has not collapsed; in fact, conditions have improved. While August saw difficult economic conditions, foreign exchange reserves have increased and exports are rising. The interim government’s responsibility is to strengthen the economic framework, allowing the next government to further improve it.”
Dr. Ahmed also emphasized the role of journalists as “the voice of the people.” He said accurate reporting during critical times is essential for citizens and the nation’s socio-economic development. Journalists’ timely reports help identify problems and find solutions quickly. He urged reporters to highlight both government achievements and constructive suggestions to support accountable governance and accelerate national progress.
The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon. DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel delivered the welcome speech, while Shamsul Haque Zahid, Chairman of the Best Reporting Award Jury Board and Editor of The Financial Express, also spoke.
Abu Saleh Akon thanked Nagad for sponsoring the awards and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future. He congratulated the winners and encouraged those who did not receive awards this year to strive for recognition in the coming years.
General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel described the awards ceremony as a key milestone in DRU’s annual activities, recognizing dedication, skill, and professionalism in journalism. He added that journalists play a vital role in investigating truth, safeguarding public interest, and bringing positive social change, often working tirelessly under challenging circumstances.
The jury board members present included Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Monowar Hossain, Masumur Rahman Khalili, Motaher Hossain Masum, Mohammad Abdullah, Zahed Chowdhury, Fakhrul Alam Kanchan, Ilias Khan, and Ilias Hossain.
DRU Executive Committee members and former president Mursalin Nomani also attended the ceremony.
A total of 27 journalists received awards in 2025, with four winners sharing awards in two categories. Among the recipients were Salah Uddin Jasim (Jago News 24), Sajjadur Rahman (The Business Standard), Rafiqul Islam (The Daily Sun), M.A. Noman (Amar Desh), Ziadul Islam (Amader Shomoy), Md. Shakhawat Prince (The Business Standard), Md. Shariful Islam (The Daily Star), Dipan Nandi (The Daily Star), Harun Ar Rashid (Kalbela), Md. Abu Saleh Roni (Samakal), and others across print and broadcast media.
