Sharif Khiam Ahmed

I went through one of the toughest times in my journalism career from July 15 to August 5, 2024. Being able to report on the mass uprising against the dictatorship, which began with a nonviolent student demonstration, was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. We closely observed how the violent actions taken by the overthrown Awami League government to suppress the student movement led to the complete collapse of the party. Throughout this period, I was mostly accompanied by my senior colleague, Kamran Reza Chowdhury, whom I considered a brother-in-arms. We traveled mostly on his yellow Vespa. After Sheikh Hasina's escape, when people rushed to her residence, Ganobhaban, we both left this Vespa at the gate and entered. After roughly two hours, we attempted to depart, but the Vespa was nowhere. But Kamran Bhai has no regrets about losing the Vespa, as he was so excited to be a part of this historic event. He was only stating what we had seen! We should also document these stories...

Memories of Home , our visual story series on Myanmar memories of the Rohingya living in Bangladesh, won the Telly Award in three categories in the US in May last year. The two trophies for the award came from New York to Washington DC, and finally to Bangladesh. Coincidentally, I received the Edward R. Murrow Award trophy from FedEx on the same date in 2022.  Finding this on Facebook Memory surprised me. But as I took the trophy this time from Emma Say, Head of Video at BenarNews, accepting the honor was much more meaningful for me. A delight also comes from being awarded along with Abdur Rahman . As a local journalist from any place outside of the capital succeeds, I feel thrilled. That's where I began my journalism career as well. As I mentioned earlier, " Memories of Home " was a life-changing event for me as a journalist. I've never had to spend as much time in the field and at the table while producing a series.  Many thanks to Kate Beddall, my managing editor...

I'm in my 20th year in journalism. As a professional journalist, I still need to learn something new to survive, even after 19 years. Analyzing myself, this is the fundamental reason I am still attracted to journalism. Learning anything new is always a challenge that I relish. Thus, my journalism has had the most impact on who I am. Consequently, I want to carry out two initiatives to mark this 20th year. 1. I'll draft a manuscript titled "The Sequences of Various Thoughts." I want to portray the tale of a local newspaper reporter's journey to become an international media journalist and the evolution of his diverse viewpoints. 2. I want to do "visual interviews" with some of the people who have taught me a lot or from whom I need to learn a lot as a journalist. They are mostly journalists. I'll also chat about mass communication with other pros. I posted these ideas on my blog and personal Facebook timeline to inspire myself. But, my friends, if you...

I captured both of these photos this year. The one on the left was taken in July from a Rohingya camp in Teknaf Upazila, Cox's Bazar . The other photograph was taken in September in Dhaka 's Segunbagicha area. The latest generation of smartphones is taking over childhood everywhere. How safe or scary are these images? Please share your thoughts.

With my child, March 2022 "Today, the people of Bengal want freedom. The people of Bengal want to live. The people of Bengal want to have their rights," the father of our nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman , said in his historic speech on March 7, 1971. Despite a half-century of liberty, farmers continue to commit suicide due to a shortage of irrigation water. Until now, the helpless father has refused to seek justice for his child's death at the hands of political thugs. So, even on our country's 51st birthday, I'm terrified. In this state, how safe would my child be? Another Rajshahi farmer dies after suicide bid ‘for irrigation water’ Irrigation water: Back against wall, Santal farmer dies by suicide ‘There’s no justice here’ -Father of slain college girl says he won’t file case " Hindus , Muslims , Bengalis and non-Bengalis, all those who live in this Bangla are our brothers. The responsibility of protecting them is on you. Ensure that our reput...

Edward R. Murrow Award That trophy, which is the only one I've got in my career, has finally arrived. It's most probably the first Edward R. Murrow Award, a prestigious national prize in the United States, to reach Bangladesh.  Since 1971, the Radio Television Digital News Association ( RTDNA ) has recognized outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Murrow Awards. It flew hundreds of kilometres from Washington and landed at Dhaka Airport on 26 December 2021. Unfortunately, it took a long time to pay the customs fee and solve other issues, including FedEx 's lack of cooperation. Even so, I am delighted to receive the award. I am grateful to Kate Beddall , my managing editor, for taking the initiative to collect a copy of the award from RTDNA and send it to Bangladesh. At the same time, I'd want to thank all of my colleagues at BenarNews and Radio Free Asia (RFA). Above all, I'd want to dedicate this recognition to the COVID volunteers, for whose g...

Saleh Biplob  and Sharif Khiam, 2021 |    Ni Mithu Saleh Biplob is a Bangladeshi journalist who worked in the first decade of the country's commercial TV broadcasting. I first saw him as a 'Channel I' journalist, although he joined TV almost eight years after beginning his career in the newspaper. He was still a faraway figure for me five years later when I started working as a crime reporter in Dhaka. I was able to get close to him just a few days after the start of political reporting. Then, as my interest in TV dramas and films grew, I convinced him to act in a fictional production. However, he failed to show up at the shooting location at the last minute. Yet my relation with him never deteriorated. Our intimacy has grown with each passing day. That's why, after meeting him after so many years, it seemed like we had a chat just yesterday. Today, I'll reveal another secret, this man's appearance influenced me to grow a moustache. Saleh Biplob  and Sharif Khi...

Sharif Khiam and Abdur Rahman | 2018 Every dedicated reporter working outside of the capital deserves my respect. Because they each perform like a one-man army. As a correspondent of one or more Dhaka -based media outlets, they always cover a wide range of topics, including politics, crime, courts, sports, and entertainment. However, they never get enough acknowledgement from their offices. As I began my reporting career in a divisional town in South Bengal, I was typically aware of this exploitation of Dhaka. Even now, the situation hasn't improved significantly. This is fortunate for Bangladeshi journalism since remote reporters are constantly motivated by their own interests. Abdur Rahman is one of my top three beloved journalists covering the countryside. He is my favourite tour guide in Rohingya -populated regions. Having him as a brother-in-arms boosts my productivity. Sharif Khiam  and  Abdur Rahman  | 2021