Digital platforms serves as primary source of info in online journalism era: Bridge Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said Bangladesh has entered the era of online and digital journalism, describing digital platforms as the primary source of news and information for the public, particularly the younger generation.

Speaking as the chief guest at a Fruit Festival organised by the Online Editors Alliance at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation's Abakash Hotel in Mohakhali on Friday night (June 26), the minister said the rapid expansion of digital media has transformed the country's news consumption habits.

"People now rely more on online journalism to read, watch and engage with news. This is the era of digital media, and online platforms have successfully adapted to the demands of changing times," he said.

The minister noted that the growing acceptance of online journalism reflects both the competence of digital news organisations and the changing preferences of audiences.

A former student of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department at the University of Dhaka, Sheikh Rabiul Alam said he had once aspired to become a journalist but eventually entered politics.

"I often say that I am a student of mass communication. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to practise journalism. Instead, I entered politics. Still, I deeply admire journalists for their conscience, investigative mindset and foresight," he said.

The programme, chaired by Online Editors Alliance President Hasan Sharif and moderated by General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Sohel, brought together editors and senior officials from leading online and digital news platforms across the country.

Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan attended as the guest of honour, while cybersecurity expert and Threelife Technologies Ltd. Managing Director Tajul Islam Rumel, and Tiger Media Managing Director Ibnul Irfan were present as special guests.

Organisers said the event aimed to strengthen professional ties among editors of online news outlets while fostering closer engagement among their families. Children of alliance members received gifts, while spouses were honoured during the programme.