Bonik Barta photo The first edition of The Daily Bonik Barta hit the newsstands
of the country on June 7, 2011. On that day, a young journalist set his journey
as editor. The survival of a print daily for 13 years without any interruption
against the backdrop of the reality of Bangladesh’s media industry is not
unknown to anyone. Bonik Barta did not merely survive. It has done so earning
the confidence of its readers. Bonik Barta’s information-based journalism and
its commitment to accurate news are the principal catalysts of the
accomplishment. Due to our devotion to journalism and information, many hurdles
could not weaken us. Rather, due to our obligation to journalism, Bonik Barta
has created a separate position among its readers. As far as our journey ahead
is concerned, challenges we face have not at all diminished.
Digital media is the future – this is what everyone is saying.
Even, printed newspapers are now attaching readers to digital outlets through
QR code. Every print media has created its own digital platform. Utilizing the
reputation of print version, newspapers are creating a strong position in the
digital world. Therefore, be it print version or digital, there is no
alternative to quality journalism for survival. Print outlets are simultaneously
getting digital through video, podcast and online journalism. This era is
challenging for journalists. A journalist is requiring to be skillful both in
print and digital versions to adjust to the new reality. The mentality and
enthusiasm of journalists are important in this regard. Journalists will lose
their professional credibility if they fail to update themselves with the
journey of transformation.
Not only the seismic waves caused by digital world, changing political
situation in different countries, wars and conflicts have also made the job of journalists
difficult. But, we want to pose counter questions. Are external hurdles or
state policies are impediment to good journalism, or we journalists lag behind
in terms of professional responsibility and skills? How much are we pursuing
passionate journalism? To what extent, youths of the country are getting
interested in passionate journalism? The main tasks of journalists are to
question the powerful and disseminate information using reliable sources. This
practice is very limited in Bangladesh.
Journalists are being able to ask questions forcefully in many
countries with authoritarian structure. Freedom of journalism varies from
country to country. But, that does not alter the job and responsibility of
journalists. Even in the developed countries, states and governments exert
pressure on journalists. Our predecessors played important role amidst
unfavorable environment. The legal obstacles for the journalists were there in
the past. Owing to the lack of commitment and passion for the profession,
journalism in our country is failing to fulfil the aspiration of the readers.
Interference from the owners the most debated issue in today’s
journalism. But, in our 13 years of journey, we have never faced the issue.
Bonik Barta has just stepped into 14th year. From the onset,
we were not interested in joining so-called race to increase the circulation.
Rather, we have been attentive to journalism that is based on information and
evidence. We have strived to ensure accurate information and relevant analysis.
And, continued effort and quality journalism on our part have confirmed our footmark
in the country’s journalism. Readers and advertisers are placing their trust in
us. Overcoming different adversities and transformational snags, Bonik Barta
has created a separate stance. We do not claim that we have a whopping
circulation. But, we can state with certainty that in 13 years we have got a
loyal group of readers by our side. Their confidence has allowed us to dream of
a long journey and kept us connected with the process of being relevant under
the new situation. The lifeline of our journalism is to present our readers
with creative and reliable contents. We are experimenting with contents
continually and trying to learn every day.
In addition to print version, Bonik Barta is maintaining its
presence in the digital domain. Readers are reading, listening and watching
Bonik Barta contents on Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
We have been working to meet the demand of the readers of digital platform with
our creativity and quality journalism. We have to go a long way in this regard.
To this end, we are constantly endeavoring to sharpen our creativity and sills.
Bonik Barta, as a media outlet, has been prioritizing youth
from the very beginning. Many young people – males and females – with a dream
of doing professional journalism have started their career here. Bonik Barta is
always generous when it comes to providing them the opportunity to learn and flourish
their creativity.
On the auspicious occasion of stepping into fourteenth year,
we thank and extend our gratitude to all Bonik Barta readers, writers, agents,
hawkers and well-wishers. We could not have achieved what we have without our
confidence, love and cooperation. The support from the readers has provided us with
the opportunity to do quality journalism. A huge thank you to all of our
readers.
***The writer is editor and publisher of The Daily Bonik Barta
