Bangladesh
Md. Mojahidul Islam: The Digital Dreamweaver Shaping Bangladesh’s Tech Future
Published
2 years agoon

His world is woven with wires and waves—he lives and breathes technology. In the bustling realm of tech journalism, one name gleams with a unique glow: Md. Mojahidul Islam.
Through his writing—whether in newspapers or books—he opens doors to both the known and the unknown wonders of the digital universe. This celebrated tech writer holds information and technology at the very core of his thoughts and imagination. Among readers, he’s affectionately known as “Dheow”, a name that ripples through the world of ICT like waves on the sea.
His journalistic journey began in 1999, when he joined The New Nation, an English daily, as a part-time associate editor, just as the paper launched its dedicated tech page. In 2002, under his editorial guidance, the Bengali daily Ajker Kagoj introduced Online, the country’s first-ever weekly Bangla tech page. The following year, he joined E-Biz as Assistant Editor, steadily rising through the ranks to Executive Editor, Managing Editor, and eventually Acting Editor.
In 2006, he moved to The Daily Ittefaq, the oldest and one of the most prestigious newspapers in Bangladesh, where he led the technology page and also oversaw the Daily IT Corner, Jobs, Education, and Corporate sections. By 2009, his dedication earned him promotion to Technology Editor.
Beyond journalism, Mojahidul Islam is a celebrated author of Bangla technology books. With more than a dozen titles to his name, his works have earned acclaim not just in Bangladesh but also in West Bengal, India. His books are cherished by Bangla-speaking tech enthusiasts on both sides of the border.
With nearly two decades of experience, Mojahidul has firmly cemented his place as a trusted voice in the tech journalism landscape. His boundless love for technology has made him a go-to source for journalists, tech experts, and readers alike—those who seek clarity and insight on both local and global tech affairs. His voice echoes in national dialogues on digital transformation, governance, and emerging technologies. His reporting on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, genetics, climate change, and telecom infrastructure masterfully blends fact and poetry, informing and inspiring in equal measure.
Education and the Dawn of a Career
Md. Mojahidul Islam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2001 from the Institute of Science and Technology under the National University of Bangladesh. During his university days, he began writing for Computer Barta, a monthly tech magazine. At a time when Bangla IT publications were nearly nonexistent, he felt compelled to make technology accessible in the native language of 150 million speakers.
Back then, English books on computers were rare gems, tucked away in a few stores at Dhaka’s New Market. Computers themselves were seen as tools reserved for scientific research. The idea that these machines would one day become central to everyday life was still beyond the imagination of most.
While some university professors were computer-savvy, they rarely attempted to present this knowledge in a way that ordinary people could understand. But Mojahidul saw the future—one where computers would transform farming, education, sports, healthcare, and communication. The government had just begun to grasp this vision, but the general public remained in the dark. So, he picked up his pen and started writing.
Even as a student, he contributed regularly to newspapers. His articles lit a spark among readers across the country, who eagerly reached out to him. Their enthusiasm became the fuel that kept him going. In his own words:“Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for human resource development and achieving national goals.”
Mojahidul recognized early that for the nation to move forward, mass engagement with ICT was essential. Technology wasn’t just about boosting productivity; it was about creating opportunities for a smarter, better life. Across the world—from developed to developing nations—ICT was driving a digital revolution, reshaping business, education, and global communication. At the heart of it all stood the Internet: a network of networks connecting billions of computers into one vast digital tapestry.
At the time, there was a desperate need for clear, accessible writing to explain these concepts. Mojahidul stepped up, demystifying the Internet, breaking down its complex ideas for Bangla-speaking audiences.
By early 2003, Bangladesh’s tech sector was still young, but the seeds of growth had been planted. Those eager to learn computers were forced to struggle with dense English textbooks. Internet access was scarce and expensive. While the government encouraged greater computer use, there weren’t enough trainers or Bangla-language resources. Teachers and students alike cried out for guidance—and Mojahidul answered that call with his articles and books, tearing down language barriers and lighting the path forward.
Professional Engagements and Skill Development
Over the years, Md. Mojahidul Islam has built an impressive web of professional networks. He is a lifetime member of the Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) and actively involved in several prestigious associations, including the Internet Society (ISOC), Dhaka Union of Journalists, and the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, among others.
To sharpen his edge in journalism, Mojahidul has traversed the globe, gathering international-standard training in various corners of the world. He received a fellowship in finance and business journalism from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London, and specialized training in Internet Resource Management and Artificial Intelligence. His professional arsenal also includes certifications in data-driven journalism, digital marketing, and more. His writings often feature deep dives into topics like e-Government, the digital divide, and insightful analyses of Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving ICT infrastructure.
Awards and Achievements
Md. Mojahidul Islam’s journey through the world of technology journalism is adorned with a constellation of notable awards—each one a testament to his trailblazing spirit. In 2022, he clinched the Prominent ICT Journalist Award from the ICT Division of the Ministry of ICT, alongside the prestigious Digital Bangladesh Award, where he stood tall as the sole recipient in the private individual category at the national level. That same year, the Local Broadband Association of Bangladesh named him IT Journalist of the Year.
His fearless reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the AmCham Frontline Journalism Award 2021, and Fiverr Bangladesh honored him at the Freelancers’ Biggest Meetup with the Journalist Award 2021. As an author, he was recognized with the Best Author Award 2021 by Systech Publications Ltd.. In 2020, the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology crowned him ICT Journalist of the Year, while the e-Commerce Movers Award celebrated his contributions to the e-commerce sector during the pandemic.
His trophy shelf also boasts honors such as the Bangladesh Master Brands 2019 Award by CMO Asia, the iTel Mobile Award 2017 for outstanding ICT journalism, and the Data Center Reporting Excellence Award 2017 from the Data Centre Professionals Society of Bangladesh. Internationally, he was awarded the International Quality Crown Award 2017 for his global impact.
Earlier in his career, Mojahidul received the Excellence in Technology Reporting Award 2012 and the Computer Educator of the Year Award 2012 from BCS, the Best Tech Reporter Award 2011, and the Best Media Coordinator Award 2010 from the British Council. In 2009, Addghar.com crowned him the Pioneer of IT Journalism in Bangladesh, and in 2003, his early promise was recognized with the Best Emerging Journalist Award by eBiz American International University’s Talent Search program.

But Mojahidul’s legacy isn’t just built on accolades. He’s a thought leader, a mentor, and a trusted voice in the tech community. Beyond the glow of awards, Mojahidul has served as a judge for the CTIA Emerging Technology Awards (USA) in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and juror for the National ICT Awards 2020, BASIS Outsourcing Awards 2021, Smart City Hackathon 2016, and Financial IT Case Competition 2009. His voice has inspired audiences at Careers in E-Commerce, the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, NASA Space Apps Challenge, Career Con, and the ICT Olympiad. Mojahidul isn’t just chronicling the digital age—he’s helping shape it.
Mojahidul isn’t just chronicling the digital age—he’s actively shaping it.
The Legacy of Knowledge
Since 2003, Md. Mojahidul Islam has been more than a journalist—he’s been an author, a mentor, and a lighthouse for learners navigating the digital sea. Alongside his prolific contributions to newspapers and magazines, he has authored over a dozen books focused on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These works have become treasured resources for trainers and students, not only in Bangladesh but also in West Bengal, where Bangla serves as a bridge of shared knowledge.
In a world where 350 million people speak Bangla, full integration of the language into technology and the internet remains incomplete. Mojahidul firmly believes that bridging this gap requires the collective effort of governments, researchers, IT professionals, and linguists.
Among his standout works published by Systech Publications Ltd. are:Practical Networking Handbook,Swapner Career (Dream Careers),7 Days to Web Design: Dreamweaver MX,Web Database Applications: MySQL-PHP,Mastering E-Commerce: Joomla!, OS Commerce, VirtueMart, Magento,Windows XP Networking etc.
From GyanKosh Prokashoni, his other popular titles include:Freelance Outsourcing: A World of Possibilities,Computer Hardware etc.Through these books, his contributions have touched millions, lighting their paths in the digital era.
Leadership in Journalism
Back in 2007, Md. Mojahidul Islam took on a pivotal role as the General Secretary of the Bangladesh ICT Journalists Forum (BIJF)—the nation’s only organization dedicated to technology journalists. His mission? To not just write about change, but spark it. From penning bold investigative pieces to organizing seminars and roundtables, Mojahidul spearheaded initiatives aimed at advancing Bangladesh’s ICT sector. Fast forward to 2019: he was elected President of BIJF, becoming a fierce advocate for the rights of ICT journalists, amplifying their voices in both public and private arenas.
Under his leadership, BIJF became a bridge connecting government and private policymakers, international NGOs, educators, tech experts, and media professionals. One memorable milestone came a year after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the vision of Digital Bangladesh on December 12, 2008. Mojahidul led BIJF in organizing a landmark discussion at the National Press Club—“What Have We Achieved in One Year of Digital Bangladesh?”—that challenged stakeholders to reflect and act.
Mojahidul has long championed training and skill development. Through collaborations with the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), BIJF supported workshops on government IT procurement policies, fact-checking, and ICT-specific journalism skills. Among the standout efforts was the BASIS Hour of Code in 2012, Bangladesh’s first celebration of Computer Science Education Week, designed to demystify coding for students.
Beyond coding and reporting, Mojahidul’s leadership addressed the ethics of tech spending. In 2019, at a Digital Bangladesh Day event, speakers highlighted the massive leap in ICT budget—from less than BDT 500 crore in 2010 to over BDT 15,000 crore by 2019-20—and the pressing need for transparency.
His advocacy didn’t stop at finance or education. From hosting roundtables on e-waste in 2023 to cloud computing workshops with tech luminaries like Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad, Mojahidul’s BIJF tenure has been one of bold ideas and real-world impact.
Investigative ICT Journalist
Investigative journalism in ICT is like wielding a flashlight in a dark maze of bureaucracy—and Mojahidul has carried that light with courage. Since 2002, he’s been unearthing truths hidden behind government IT deals, overpricing, shady vendor practices, and digital policies that didn’t serve the people.

When Bangladesh unveiled its first national ICT policy in 2002, Mojahidul’s reporting held a mirror to the gaps that needed urgent fixing. His exposé on the SICT program under the Planning Division—armed with an 83.16 crore budget—stirred ministries into action, making e-governance not just a dream but a duty.
In Service of Humanity
For over two decades, Mojahidul’s work has gone far beyond the newsroom. His hands have built lifelines—delivering oxygen to COVID-19 patients, providing financial support to struggling journalists, distributing blankets on freezing winter nights, and offering aid during floods and crises.
In 2017, as Rohingyas fled genocide, BIJF under his leadership stepped up with emergency relief. Whether disaster strikes or communities need a hand, Mojahidul and BIJF have shown up, time and again.
Voices Raised Against Injustice
Md. Mojahidul Islam isn’t just a chronicler of events—he’s a fighter for press freedom. From the streets to statements, he has been relentless in speaking out against violence and legal harassment of journalists. He’s protested the wrongful arrests, bank account freezes, forced TV station shutdowns, and mass layoffs. Under the shadow of the Digital Security Act, as hundreds of journalists faced cases and arrests, Mojahidul stood tall—demanding accountability. His activism echoed during moments like the 2013 crackdown on Odhikar, the 2021 detention of Rozina Islam, and the repeated persecution of Amar Desh’s Mahmudur Rahman.
Since 2003, Mojahidul has been more than a journalist—he’s been a teacher, mentor, and author. His books on ICT have lit the way for thousands of learners across Bangladesh and West Bengal. With titles like Practical Networking Handbook, Freelance Outsourcing: A World of Possibilities, and Mastering E-Commerce, his works have helped countless youth gain skills and seize opportunities in the digital economy.
For Mojahidul, writing in Bangla has always been a mission—to make tech accessible to the millions who speak the language. His dream? To take the story of Bangladesh’s ICT rise beyond its borders, into global hearts and headlines.
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Bangladesh
WB to provide $250m loan to modernise five public sector functions
Published
4 weeks agoon
June 15, 2025
The World Bank (WB) would provide US$250 million funds to facilitate improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency of some key government agencies in Bangladesh.
FE
The WB board on Saturday approved the loan to support the ongoing reform initiatives of the interim government, aimed at modernising crucial public sector functions.
These are essential for improving data transparency, domestic revenue mobilisation, public investment management, public procurement, and financial oversight, according to a statement issued on Saturday.
Under the Strengthening Institutions for Transparency and Accountability (SITA) project, five key government agencies – the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the National Board of Revenue (NBR), the Planning Division, the Bangladesh Public Procurement Authority (BPPA), and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) – would reform their operational activities.
The project is expected to streamline operations and improve service delivery within the five agencies and enhance access to reliable public statistics, crucial for transparent and accountable decision-making and policy formulation.
It will help modernise tax administration and increase tax compliance, thereby improving much-needed revenue mobilisation and fiscal sustainability.
The WB loan will also help improve the efficiency and accountability of public spending, ensuring that resources are utilised effectively for the benefit of all citizens.
It will develop a second generation of electronic government procurement (e-GP) and broaden its scope. The project will also help strengthen and digitise public audit.
Gayle Martin, the World Bank’s Interim Country Director for Bangladesh, on Saturday said: “The investment will leverage digitisation of business processes to help improve transparency and reduce corruption, by supporting Bangladesh in modernising public institutions capable of serving an emerging economy.”
This project will help improve the quality and accessibility of public services and thus enhance public trust in government institutions, she added.
According to the statement, the Bangladesh government and the WB are also preparing a development policy credit scheduled for the bank’s board discussion later this month.
Such credit is expected to support transparency and accountability in domestic revenue mobilisation, the banking sector, data production and dissemination.
Souleymane Coulibaly, World Bank Lead Country Economist and Task Team Leader for the project, said: “This project and the proposed development policy credit would be complementary and provide the government both the necessary hardware and software for improving public financial management and public service delivery.”

জুলাই গণহত্যার সঙ্গে জড়িত থাকায় সরকার শেখ হাসিনাসহ ৭৫ জনের পাসপোর্ট বাতিল করেছে বলে জানিয়েছেন প্রধান উপদেষ্টার উপ-প্রেস সচিব আবুল কালাম আজাদ মজুমদার।
আজু মঙ্গলবার (৭ জানুয়ারি) ২০২৫ বিকেলে ফরেন সার্ভিস একাডেমিতে সমসাময়িক বিষয়ে প্রেস ব্রিফিংয়ে তিনি এই কথা জানান। এছাড়া গুম-হত্যার সঙ্গে জড়িত থাকায় আরও ২২ জনের পাসপোর্ট বাতিল করা হয়েছে বলেও জানান তিনি।
সাংবাদিকদের প্রশ্নের জবাবে আজাদ মজুমদার জানান, ভারত সরকার এই বিষয়ে জানে এবং সে জন্য ট্রাভেল ডকুমেন্ট ইস্যু করা হয়েছে। পাসপোর্ট অধিদপ্তর থেকে আমাদের কাছে ৭৫ জনের পাসপোর্ট বাতিলের কথা জানানো হয়েছে। তবে এর বিস্তারিত বা কাদের কাদের পাসপোর্ট বাতিল করা হয়েছে সেই তথ্য আমাদের কাছে নেই।
তিনি আরও বলেন, আইনগতভাবে একাধিক পাসপোর্ট থাকার বিধান নেই। পাসপোর্ট বাতিল হলে কূটনৈতিক পাসপোর্টই বাতিল হয়েছে।
Bangladesh
এই সরকারের স্থানীয় সরকার নির্বাচন করার ম্যান্ডেট নেই: বিএনপি
Published
6 months agoon
January 9, 2025
অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের অধীনে স্থানীয় নির্বাচন মানবে না বাংলাদেশ জাতীয়তাবাদী দল (বিএনপি)। দলটির নীতিনির্ধারকরা মনে করেন, এই সরকারের স্থানীয় সরকার নির্বাচন করার ম্যান্ডেট নেই। গত সোমবার গুলশানে বিএনপি চেয়ারপারসনের কার্যালয়ে অনুষ্ঠিত বিএনপির স্থায়ী কমিটির বৈঠকে এই সিদ্ধান্ত হয়। বৈঠকে লন্ডন থেকে ভার্চুয়ালি যুক্ত ছিলেন দলের ভারপ্রাপ্ত চেয়ারম্যান তারেক রহমান।
বৈঠক সূত্রে জানা যায়, বিএনপি নেতারা মনে করেন; অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার কখনো স্থানীয় সরকার নির্বাচন করতে পারে না। এ ধরনের কোনও নজির নেই। তাই আগে জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনের আয়োজন করতে হবে। নির্বাচিত সরকারই স্থানীয় নির্বাচনের আয়োজন করবে।
গত ৬ জানুয়ারি ঢাকায় গণমাধ্যমকর্মীদের সঙ্গে মতবিনিময় করে স্থানীয় সরকার সংস্কার কমিশন। সেখানে কমিশনের প্রধান অধ্যাপক তোফায়েল আহমেদ বলেন, জাতীয় পর্যায়ে সংসদ নির্বাচন নিয়ে আলোচনা হয়। তবে ঢাকার বাইরে মানুষের মতামতে স্থানীয় সরকার নির্বাচন প্রাধান্য পাচ্ছে। রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর স্থানীয় পর্যায়ের নেতাদের মধ্যেও এ মতামত আছে।
এ বিষয়ে স্থায়ী কমিটির সদস্যরা বৈঠকে আরো বলেন, যারা নির্বাচন বিলম্বিত করতে চায়, তাদের এ ধরনের অভিপ্রায় থাকতে পারে। তাদের অভিমত, জুলাই গণ-অভ্যুত্থানের ঘোষণাপত্রে বিএনপিসহ রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর বিগত ১৬ বছরের লড়াই-সংগ্রাম ও ত্যাগের বিষয়গুলো উল্লেখ থাকতে হবে। ১৬ বছরের আন্দোলন-সংগ্রামের বিষয়টি জনগণকে স্মরণ করিয়ে দিতে নতুন কর্মসূচি হাতে নেবে দলটি।
ঢাকার বাইরে মানুষের মতামতে স্থানীয় সরকান নির্বাচন প্রাধান্য পাচ্ছে। ফলে অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার গঠিত এ সংক্রান্ত সংস্কার কমিশনের যে বক্তব্য গণমাধ্যমে এসেছে, তা নিয়ে বিস্তারিত আলোচনা হয়। এ বিষয়ে নেতারা মনে করেন, অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার কখনো স্থানীয় সরকার নির্বাচন করতে পারে না। এ ধরনের কোনো নজির নেই। তাই আগে জাতীয় সংসদ নির্বাচনের আয়োজন করতে হবে। নির্বাচিত সরকারই স্থানীয় নির্বাচনের আয়োজন করবে।
বিএনপির স্থায়ী কমিটির সদস্য সেলিমা রহমান বলেন, আমরা জাতীয় নির্বাচনের দাবি জানাচ্ছি। অন্য কোনো নির্বাচনের ভাবনা এখন আমাদের মধ্যে নেই।
বৈঠকে নেতাদের কেউ কেউ বলেন, বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র নেতাদের সরকারি সহযোগিতায় নতুন রাজনৈতিক দল গঠন করতে যাচ্ছে। সেই দলকে সংগঠিত করা এবং সারাদেশে এর কার্যক্রম বিস্তৃত করতে যথেষ্ট সময়ের প্রয়োজন। সেজন্য তারা দ্রুত নির্বাচন চায় না।
নাম প্রকাশে অনিচ্ছুক স্থায়ী কমিটির এক সদস্য বলেন, বৈষম্যবিরোধী ছাত্র আন্দোলন ও জাতীয় নাগরিক কমিটির ‘জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানের ঘোষণাপত্র’ নিয়েও আলোচনা হয়েছে। তারা মনে করেন, এই ঘোষণাপত্রে তাদের বিগত ১৬ বছরের আন্দোলন-সংগ্রাম ও ত্যাগের স্বীকৃতি থাকতে হবে। কারণ হঠাৎ করে শেখ হাসিনা সরকারের পতন হয়নি। গত ১৬ বছর সরকার পতনের ক্ষেত্র তৈরি হয়েছিল। এসময় বিএনপির অনেক নেতাকর্মী গুম-খুন, বিচার-বহির্ভূত হত্যা, হামলা-মামলা, নির্যাতন-নিপীড়নের শিকার হয়েছেন। সুতরাং এই গণঅভ্যুত্থান শুধু ৩৬ দিনের আন্দোলনের ফল নয়।
দলীয় সূত্র জানায়, অন্তর্বর্তী সরকার রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর সঙ্গে আনুষ্ঠানিক আলোচনায় বসলে বিএনপি এ বিষয়ে তাদের অবস্থান জানাবে। এছাড়া বিএনপি তাদের ১৬ বছরের আন্দোলন ও ত্যাগের বিষয়ে জনগণকে স্মরণ করিয়ে দিতে কর্মশালা ও সমাবেশ করবে।

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