EDITOR
Today, I wish to share a narrative regarding a darkness that the media in Bangladesh is hesitant to confront. It is a realm afflicted by exploitation, disdain, and humiliation, yet none of the nation’s prominent editors, tenacious investigative journalists, esteemed columnists, or well-known talk-show commentators appear capable of addressing its suffering.
A new international conflict has emerged over the dominance of the artificial intelligence technology sector. Similar to past global rivalries, one faction is spearheaded by the United States, while the opposing faction is led by China and Russia. As anticipated, it was the United States that instigated this latest competition. On December 12, 2025, during the concluding day of the International Tech Summit in Washington, D.C., the Pax Silica Alliance was formed through an agreement signed by 25 nations.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission commenced its operations on January 31, 2002. Its inaugural office was located in the 'Style Nahar' building on Road No. 135, Gulshan-1. The first chairman was Syed Margub Morshed, who previously served as the Establishment Secretary of the Bangladesh Government. At that time, I was employed as a staff reporter for the daily Sangbad. Approximately a month after the BTRC began its functions, I was assigned to visit the new BTRC office. I was tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into this new commission. The then Chief Reporter of the newspaper, Kashem Humayun Bhai, noted down various questions regarding the responsibilities of the commission and its potential impact on telecommunication companies, which were sent along with my assignment.
A new discussion has emerged regarding whether journalism qualifies as a creative profession. Two significant questions have surfaced in this context. The first is, what criteria will be established for state acknowledgment as a professional journalist? The second is, will journalists be regarded as professionals akin to lawyers, teachers, doctors, and engineers, or will they be viewed as specialized 'creative individuals' similar to writers, poets, and artists? In addition to these two inquiries, another pressing question arises: is journalism a cursed profession?
Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq has passed away. Views Bangladesh has lost a revered guardian. He served as an endless source of inspiration since the inception of Views Bangladesh. He regularly contributed columns to Views Bangladesh and we also published an exclusive interview with him, in which he candidly discussed the state, society, and culture. He was the chief guest at the first anniversary celebration of Views Bangladesh. The family of Views Bangladesh is profoundly saddened by his demise.
The investment landscape in Bangladesh differs significantly from that of its neighboring countries, including India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In those nations, many first-generation entrepreneurs possess the capability to initiate new investments using their personal savings, without the need for bank loans. Conversely, among the prominent business figures in Bangladesh who have risen to prominence since independence, none have pursued new investments solely through their own savings. Even if some possess the financial means, they tend to embark on new ventures by securing substantial bank loans, largely due to the intricate tax framework.