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Investigative journalism is the guardian angel of public interest—it digs deep, asks the uncomfortable questions, and pulls back the curtain on misdeeds. In Bangladesh’s tech and telecom sectors, where billions in public funds flow into infrastructure, procurement, and innovation, investigative ICT journalism becomes not just relevant—but vital. It’s the only line of defense against shady contracts, overpriced gadgets, and decisions that serve the powerful instead of the people.
At the center of this mission stands one relentless figure: Md. Mojahidul Islam, known to many as “Dheow.” A rare breed in the newsroom jungle, he’s not just another tech writer reviewing the latest gadgets—he’s the only investigative ICT journalist in Bangladesh with two decades of daring behind him. Fluent in both “geek” and “government,” he bridges the worlds of code and policy like no one else.
His story began in the late 1990s, when the concept of “digital Bangladesh” was still just a dream. In 1999, Mojahidul joined The New Nation as a part-time associate editor, just as the paper was launching a tech page. Then, in 2002, he led the launch of Online, the first weekly Bangla tech page in Ajker Kagoj. By 2003, he was Assistant Editor at E-Biz, rising quickly through the ranks to Acting Editor. In 2006, he joined The Daily Ittefaq, one of the country’s most respected newspapers, where he became the face of tech journalism, managing sections like Daily IT Corner, Education, Jobs, and Corporate. By 2009, he was officially crowned as Technology Editor.
But journalism isn’t his only arena—Mojahidul is also a prolific author of Bangla tech books. His writing demystifies the digital world for Bengali-speaking readers in Bangladesh and across West Bengal, India. His books are more than bestsellers—they’re tools of empowerment, translated into practical knowledge for students and tech lovers alike.
To sharpen his blade, Mojahidul has traveled the globe—receiving elite training in Artificial Intelligence, Internet Resource Management, and financial journalism. He earned a prestigious fellowship from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London and continues to apply international insights to local issues.
In 2007, he took on a leadership role as General Secretary of the Bangladesh ICT Journalists Forum (BIJF), the only organization of its kind. Through columns, roundtables, and relentless advocacy, he championed ICT awareness, government accountability, and journalists’ rights. In 2019, he was elected President of BIJF, becoming a vocal force for media freedom and journalistic protection.
Why did he choose tech journalism, especially when it was a road rarely traveled?
“In a country of 150 million Bangla speakers, I wanted to make technology accessible in our own language,” Mojahidul explains. Back in the early 2000s, English-language tech books were rare and elitist—available only in a few shops in Dhaka’s New Market. Most people thought computers were mysterious tools for scientists. But Mojahidul saw the future: he believed ICT would revolutionize education, agriculture, healthcare, and communication.
“So I picked up my pen,” he says. Even while juggling his studies in computer science, he began writing articles that resonated far and wide. Readers wrote back, hungry for more. Their curiosity fueled his passion.
In his own words: “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for human resource development and national progress.” He knew Bangladesh needed a digital awakening—and he intended to help spark it.
His most significant contributions, however, lie in tech investigative journalism.
In 2002, Bangladesh unveiled its first national ICT policy—a bold attempt to modernize government, empower youth, and digitize the future. Around that time, Mojahidul dropped a bombshell: an exposé that revealed the urgent need to computerize all government offices. The report sent ripples across ministries and helped spark actual reform.
That same year, the government launched the Support to ICT Programme (SICT) under the Planning Division, backed by over BDT 83 crore. Mojahidul published an in-depth report dissecting the project—highlighting risks, procurement flaws, and opportunities for improvement.
And did the government listen?
“Sometimes, yes,” he says. After his report exposing corruption in the procurement of 80,000 laptops, projectors, and network devices by the Ministry of Education, an investigative committee was formed. Some officials lost their jobs—others were quietly reinstated. But the mastermind behind the scam walked free, protected by political connections.
Another investigation into under-invoicing tech imports from Hong Kong—essentially tax evasion through smuggling—triggered policy-level discussions. Though action is slow, it’s coming.
Of course, none of this comes easy. Investigative tech journalism in Bangladesh is a high-stakes game. “If you just write about product launches, no one bothers you. But if you expose corruption, you face real pressure,” Mojahidul says. Still, he remains undeterred.
In recent years, new digital platforms have popped up, offering safe havens for hard-hitting stories. “It’s getting harder—but it’s also getting louder,” he believes.
For his courage, Md. Mojahidul Islam has earned a constellation of awards:
Pioneer IT Journalist of Bangladesh
Excellence in Technology Reporting
15 Years in ICT Journalism
Digital Bangladesh Award (2022)
Best Author Award
Prominent IT Journalist Award from the Ministry of ICT
His journalism doesn’t stop at exposure—it drives change. He demands accountability, ethics in tech procurement, and a future where public funds uplift citizens, not line private pockets.
Md. Mojahidul Islam isn’t just reporting the digital revolution—he’s making sure it stays honest.
