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...

Photo: Abdur Rahman Humanity is going through an enigmatic time right now, as it does at every turn. In December 2023, from Bangladesh, I saw that many poets, painters, singers, authors, and filmmakers have already become digital content creators, either because of various trappings of capitalism or due to technological blessings. This medialization has made every attempt to commercialize any artistic efforts. And contemporary journalists have gradually turned into viralists. In a nutshell, "journalism" in the present era is greatly influenced by "viralism." Has our media literacy or common sense evolved as tools like social media and smartphones have developed?

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...

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...

Collage of images collected from Facebook Late journalist Habibur Rahman 's longtime friend Ali Asif Shawon , hundreds of colleagues and countless followers had never experienced such a tragic day. Without a doubt, that was the most painful day of his beloved wife and kid's life. I first saw Habib Bhai in the Media Lounge of the National Parliament House almost a decade ago. His charming smile charmed me from the beginning. We last met at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) on January 15. Amitosh Da, Foyez Bhai, Dipan and he were playing cards together. Uttam Da was seated at a nearby table. I said my goodbyes to everyone and returned home. Who knew, at the time, that I was bidding my final farewell to Habib Bhai? He still had that natural smile on his face. We'll never have to say goodbye to him again. From now on, he will always be with us. We may get old, but he will always be a cheerful young man. "Life is so short, so uncertain! Habibur Rahman, a promising B...