History and journalism of newspaper development in Lakshmipur district

Md. Mahbubul Islam Bhuiyan, (District Correspondent, Soma Sangbad, Lakshmipur):

I stumbled at first while writing about the history of newspaper development and journalism in Lakshmipur district. Despite spending a lot of time due to lack of necessary information and data, I could not get any clear idea. I had to face difficulties as the relevant department of the District Commissioner's office and the District Information Office did not have the necessary and sufficient information and data in this regard. Nevertheless, I am trying to present this issue based on the information and data obtained from various websites on the internet and from the experts concerned. At the same time, I express my gratitude to those who helped me by providing the necessary information and data.
While researching the history of newspapers in Lakshmipur district, it was found that the first newspaper was published from this district in 1928. With the joint efforts of the late Abdul Hamik Ukil and Ahmed Sarwaddi, a weekly newspaper called "Muktir Bani" was published from Lakshmi Narayan Press. Later, it was closed after 2/3 years as the mouthpiece of Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Haque's Krishak Praja Party. After that, there was no information about the publication of any such newspaper from this district for a long time. However, during the Pakistan period, football games were held at the then Model High School ground in Lakshmipur. In which players from different parts of the country including Kolkata used to come here to play. During these football seasons, a newspaper called "Khelar Pata" was published from the then Gaurang Press under the editorship of the eminent playwright Ramendu Majumdar. A magazine called "Chetna" was published around 1969, but it was not published again.
The newspaper industry in this district developed somewhat after independence. A weekly newspaper called "Natun Desh" was published by Rahmania Press on 23 January 1972 under the editorship of the late Professor Abdul Hai. As another newspaper with the same name was published from Jessore, this newspaper later took the name "Natun Samaj". The printer and news editor of this regularly published newspaper at that time was the late Golam Rahman, a well-known and respected journalist of Lakshmipur district. Later, as Professor Abdul Hai was physically ill, his eldest son Professor Selim Reza took over the management of this newspaper. After publishing this newspaper regularly for 34 years, this weekly has not been published for the last few years. It is worth mentioning here that at that time, the role of this newspaper was worth mentioning in getting Lakshmipur Thana recognized as a subdivision and district later.
In 1973, "Weekly Bangladesh Barta" was published from Rahmania Press under the editorship of MA Moeed. Later, in 1974, the then government cancelled the decree (government approval) of all the remaining newspapers under the Special Powers Act, leaving only 4 newspapers in the country. At that time, the editor of this newspaper, MA Moeed, with the help of the then Agriculture Secretary Mahbubul Alam Chashi, obtained government approval for a newspaper called "Weekly Cooperative Barta" as the mouthpiece of the cooperatives. "Weekly Cooperative Barta" was published as the 5th newspaper in the country. Journalist Golam Rahman also served as the printer and news editor of this newspaper. After the death of MA Moeed in 2006, this newspaper was no longer published.
In 1973, another newspaper named "Ganamukh" was launched, but after a few days, it too was closed.
In 1982, another weekly magazine called "Saptahik Elan" was published under the editorship of Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan from Al-Amin Press. Later, after Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan himself established a press called Fatima Printing Press, "Saptahik Elan" was published regularly from the press he owned. In the meantime, after going through various ups and downs, when the "Saptahik Elan" magazine entered its 33rd year, the editor and publisher of the magazine, Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, retired due to old age and entrusted the responsibility of editing the magazine to Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan Azad, a cultural personality of Lakshmipur and President of the District Weavers' League. Since June 15, 2015, "Saptahik Elan" magazine is still being published irregularly under the editorship of Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan Azad.
The quarterly magazine 'Prachad' was published in 1984. It is currently closed.
In 1987, the weekly "Natun Path" magazine was launched under the editorship of Hossain Ahmed Helal from Monoram Press. After several years of ups and downs, the editorial board of this magazine changed several times. Although this magazine is currently not listed in the list of magazines maintained by the District Magistrate's Office, it is occasionally published under the editorship of BM Sagar.
Although 'Masik Lakshmipur Barta' has been published since 1989 under the editorship of M. Helal, it is currently being published from Dhaka.
In 1991, journalist Golam Rahman edited "Weekly Damama" from his own Rahmania Press. Later, in 2009, another daily newspaper "Daily Madhumalti" was published from Bani Printing Press under his editorship. After the death of journalist Golam Rahman on January 27, 2011, his eldest son, journalist Anwarer Rahman Babul, took over the responsibility of publishing both newspapers. After publishing the two newspapers under his editorship for a few days, due to complications related to the Lakshmipur Press Club election and the central conflict, the district administration ordered the closure of the publication of the newspaper in the wake of an application to the District Commissioner stating that the Daily Madhumalti newspaper was not being published from Bani Printing Press. Similarly, Weekly Damama newspaper was also closed.
In 1991, 'Ramganj Barta' was published from Ramganj Upazila of the district, but is currently closed.
The magazine 'Masik Bangla Awaaz' edited by Gazi Md. Gias Uddin was published in 1993. This magazine is still being published, winning the hearts of readers.
In 1995, several dailies and weekly periodicals were launched from Lakshmipur district. At that time, with the cooperation of Md. Kamal Hossain, the owner of Bani Printing Press, the weekly "Ananda Akash" was published from his press under the editorship of prominent cultural figure, educationist and journalist Professor Main Uddin Pathan. Although the magazine was popular with readers at that time, it was closed down after 3 and a half years due to various reasons.
That same year, "Dainik Al Chisht" was published by Mitali Press in Chowmuhani under the editorship of Ahmed Sipar Uddin. The publisher of this newspaper, published as the mouthpiece of Saifia Darbar Sharif, is Maulana Saiful Islam Siddiqui. Since January 1, 2003, this newspaper has been published irregularly with the assistance of Abu Zaker Rabet.
That same year, "Daily Lakshmipur Kantha" was published under the editorship of Kazi Md. Rafiq Ullah, a prominent journalist from Eklashpur area of Begumganj, Noakhali. Journalist Rafiqul Islam took over as the acting editor of this newspaper from December 24, 2008. Although the editor and publisher of the newspaper, Kazi Md. Rafiqul Ullah, passed away a few days ago, the newspaper is still being published under the editorship of Rafiqul Islam.
In 1999, 'Masik Agraj' was published from Ramganj Upazila under the editorship and publication of Farid Ahmed Bangali. This newspaper gained considerable readership throughout the district. It is currently being published from Dhaka.
In 2005, "Dainik Notun Chand" was published by Unique Press and Packages in Chaumuhani, Noakhali, under the editorship of journalist Hossain Ahmed Helal and the management of Executive Editor Shawkat Mahmud. Initially, the newspaper gained wide readership due to its reports on various topics of Lakshmipur district and news on various grassroots issues. After being published regularly for several years, this newspaper is not being published regularly at present due to various reasons.
"Daily Bhorer Malancha" was published on July 31, 2005, from Fatema Offset Printing Press under the editorship of AFM Matiur Rahman. Although this newspaper was published regularly for several years, it is currently being published irregularly.
The current organizing secretary of the district national party, Zahirul Islam, owned three newspapers, including a monthly and two dailies, from 2008 to 2011. From that time on, the competition for political leaders to own newspapers began. Zahirul Islam became the editor and publisher of the 'Monthly Coastal News' newspaper in 2008. Later, he gave the responsibility of editing that newspaper to journalist Sayed Hossain Nixon. Currently, it is being published under the editorship of SM Babul Babar, Lakshmipur correspondent of the Daily Inquilab newspaper. Zahir took the approval of another newspaper called 'Dainik Coastal Voice' in 2009. Although the editorial responsibility of this newspaper also fell on Sayed Hossain Nixon, at present (since 1/5/2015) this newspaper is being published irregularly under the editorship of Advocate Mahbubul Karim Tipu, Lakshmipur District General Secretary of the Bangladesh Workers Party. In 2009, another daily newspaper named 'Dainik Rob' was launched under the editorship of Md. Shahidul Islam.

Meanwhile, in 2011, Zahirul Islam approved another newspaper called Dainik Aukul Pratidin, which is currently being published under his editorship.
In 2010, the then District Awami League President Alhaj M Alauddin started publishing a newspaper called 'Dainik Lakshmipur News' under his editorship with the approval of the newspaper. Currently, this newspaper is being published irregularly.
That same year, district BNP president Abul Khair Bhuiyan also obtained approval for a newspaper called 'Dainik Lakshmipur Pratidin', but the newspaper has not seen the light of day to this day.
The then Deputy Commissioner of 2011, 2012 and 2013 was media friendly. During his tenure, he approved about 09 daily newspapers. Among them are 'Daily Vision Lakshmipur' by the current Sadar Upazila Chairman and District Jubo League President AKM Salah Uddin Tipu, current District Awami League General Secretary Advocate Nur Uddin Chowdhury Nayan's 'Daily Lakshmipur Alo', District Jatiyapati (Manju) President Md. Abdullah's 'Daily Manabkalyan', Jatiyapati (A) current Organizing Secretary Zahirul Islam's 'Daily Coastal Daily', then BRTA part-time office assistant Saiful Islam Jewel's wife Selina Akhter Lubna's 'Daily Kaler Protyasha', journalist Muhammad Abul Kalam Azad's 'Daily Meghna Par', Mahmudul Haque's 'Daily Kaler Prohabo', AKM Mizanur Rahman Mukul's 'Daily Banglar Mukul', Md. Shafiul Azam Chowdhury Jewel's 'Daily Mother-Soil-Man' is one of them.
Since April 16, 2015, 'Dainik Mukta Bangali' has been published under the editorship and distribution of Khadija Begum, wife of Health Department officer Md. Kamalur Rahim Samar.
On April 26 of that year, another district newspaper, 'Dainik Sabuj Zamin', was published under the editorship and distribution of Afzal Hossain Sabuj.
On September 6 of that year, 'Daily Ruposhi Lakshmipur' was published under the editorship and publication of Md. Kamal Uddin Howlader.
In 2017, 'Daily Alokit Lakshmipur' was published under the editorship and publication of District BNP Vice President Advocate Md. Hafizur Rahman.
In the same year, 'Daily Lakshmipur Samachar' was published under the editorship and publication of District Weavers League President and cultural figure Md. Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan Azad.
Apart from this, some other regular and irregular weekly and monthly magazines are published from Lakshmipur. These are - 'Ramgati Darpan' edited by Chowdhury Mohiuddin Manjur, 'Mukta Bikash' weekly edited by Amir Hossain, 'Weekly Lakshmipur Diganta' edited by AHM Mostaqur Rahman, 'Weekly Ramganj Darpan' edited by AKM Mizanur Rahman Mukul, 'Weekly Grameen Kantha' edited by Abdullah Al Mamun Mohd Yusuf and 'Monthly Sanjhini Swadesh' edited by Md. Russell Patwari are some of them.
Moreover, the literary publications of Gazi Md. Gias Uddin's 'Vichitrita', Selim Uddin Nizami's 'Lakshmipur Samachar', and Alauddin Bhuiyan Faruk's 'Kavita Barta' played a unique role in the literary and cultural development and practice of the district. Which are currently closed.
Currently, more than 30 daily, weekly and monthly newspapers are being published irregularly from Lakshmipur district.
Apart from this, among the few online newspapers published from Lakshmipur, lakshmipur24.com edited by Sanaullah Sanu was published on March 26, 2012, sheershasangbad.com edited by Nazrul Islam Joy was published on December 15, 2012, rnb24 edited by Md. Shahidul Islam was published on October 5, 2015, and akashbartabd.com edited by Md. Ali Hossain was published on December 20, 2016.
Mutual cooperation and sympathy are essential for the development and nurturing of journalism. And the importance of a district press club in building a bridge for this cooperation is immense. Realizing that importance, Lakshmipur Press Club was established in 1981 with the sincere efforts of some prominent journalists of that time. And the partners in this effort were, late Golam Rahman, MA Malek, late MA Moeed, Dr. Mofizul Haque, Abdur Rezzak Chowdhury, Monir Bidyut, Gazi Gias Uddin, Syed Belayet Hossain Belal and others. This press club was established with their inner efforts, sacrifices and financial efforts. The first founding president of the press club was the veteran journalist late Alhaj Golam Rahman and the general secretary was another veteran journalist MA Malek.
Later, journalists like Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, late Golam Rahman, late Zakir Hossain, late MA Moeed, Professor Main Uddin Pathan, Md. Kamal Hossain, Hossain Ahmed Helal, Nasir Uddin Mahmud, AHM Mostaqur Rahman, Md. Kausar, etc. served as the president and general secretary at different times.
Meanwhile, due to various reasons including leadership conflicts, lawsuits and attacks, the reputation and good name of this traditional Lakshmipur Press Club have been damaged to a considerable extent due to disunity among the journalists. Nevertheless, the journalists formed an ad hoc committee consisting of 11 members on 17 August 2017 to restore their pride and run this Press Club in a beautiful and efficient manner. The formed committee will help create a new leadership through an election after vetting the old and new members within a short period of time. They are working towards that goal. The current members of the ad hoc committee are: MA Malek - Bureau Chief - Daily Bhorer Pata, Hossain Ahmed Helal - Editor - Daily Notun Chand/Daily Inkilab, Md. Kamal Hossain - Desh TV/Daily Bhorer Kagoj, Gazi Md. Gias Uddin - Editor - Monthly Bangla Awaz, Md. Kausar - ATN Bangla O News, Md. Abul Kalam Azad - Editor - Daily Meghnarpar/Daily Jugantor/NTV, MJ Alam - Daily Prothom Alo, Md. Mahbubul Islam Bhuiyan - Somoy Television, Mohiuddin Bhuiyan Murad - Janakantha/Channel I, Touhidur Rahman Reza - DBC News and Md. Zahir Uddin - Daily Amader Somoy/BTV.
Notable journalists of print and electronic media currently working in the district are: M.A. Malek - Bureau Chief - Daily Bhorer Pata, Hossain Ahmed Helal - Editor, Daily Notun Chand/Inkilab, Md. Kamal Hossain - Daily Bhorer Kagoj/Desh TV, Gazi Md. Gias Uddin - Editor - Monthly Bangla Awaz, A.H.M. Mostaqur Rahman- Daily Nayadiganta, Selim Uddin Nizami- Daily Sangram, Md. Abul Kalam Azad- Editor- Daily Meghnarpar/Daily Jugantor/NTV, Md. Kausar- ATN Bangla and News, MJ Alam- Daily Prothom Alo, Md. Mahbubul Islam Bhuiyan- Somoy TV, Mohiuddin Murad- Daily Janakantha/Channel I, Hossain Ahmed Shahjahan- Banglavision, Md. Zahir Uddin- Daily Amader Somoy/BTV, Ferdous Begum Nayan- Ekushey TV, Saiful Islam Swapan- Jay Jay Din/Channel 24/ BD News24.com/ Bangla Tribune, Ismail Hossain Jabu- Daily Khabor/Daily Manabkalyan, Md. Abdul Malek- Daily Ittefaq, Md. Shahidul Islam- Editor- Daily Rob and rnb24.com/ Daily Alokot Bangladesh/SA TV, Md. Touhidur Rahman Reza- DBC News, Mazharul Anwar Tipu- Baisakhi TV, Saidul Islam Pabel- Bangladesh Pratidin/News 24, Masudur Rahman Khan Bhutto- Daily Sangbad, Md. Ali Hossain- Daily Vision Lakshmipur/ Bangladesh Time/ MyTV, Kajal Kayes- Daily Kaler Konth/Channel Nine, Atoar Rahman Monir- Samakal, Shaker Md. Russell- Maasranga TV/Top News, SM Babul Babar- Daily Inquilab, ABM Nizam Uddin- Gazi TV, Md. Abbas Hossain- Daily Manabzamin/ Independent, Nazrul Islam Joy- Daily Nabaraj/Editor-Top News, Sohel Mahmud Milon- Bijoy TV/ Daily Vision Lakshmipur, Palash Saha- RTV/ Daily Vision Lakshmipur, Md. Mamunur Rashid- Mohona TV, Md. Sajjadur Rahman- Bangla News 24.com are among them.
Those who played a unique role in the journalism profession locally and nationally and who are no longer with us today are - distinguished journalist and editor Sanaullah Noori (died - 2001 AD), journalist Golam Rahman (died - 2011 AD), journalist MA Moeed (died - 2006 AD), journalist Zakir Hossain (died - 2007 AD), journalist Alhaj Monowarer Rahman Khokon (died - 2012 AD), journalist Saiful Islam Khan (died - 2014 AD), journalist Ahsan Ullah Majumder (died - 2014 AD), etc.