Mahfuz Anam

Mahfuz Anam
Native name মাহফুজ আনাম
Born (1950-06-18) June 18, 1950
Mymensingh, East Bengal, Dominion of Pakistan
Education MA (Economics)
Alma mater University of Dhaka
Occupation Journalist, editor and publisher
Known for Editor of The Daily Star
Children Tahmima Anam (daughter)
Parent(s) Abul Mansur Ahmed (father)
Relatives Mahbub Anam (brother)

Mahfuz Anam (born 18 June 1950) is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star, one of Bangladesh's English language newspapers. He is also the publisher of Weekly 2000, a weekly newsletter and Anandadhara, an entertainment fortnightly. He was the publisher of Prothom Alo, a Bengali daily.

Early life and career

Anam's father Abul Mansur Ahmed was a satirist and politician of Bengal. Anam completed his MA in economics from the University of Dhaka. Subsequently, he achieved expertise in media planning and media development, from a long career as journalist, editor and publisher in Bangladesh and as a media expert for UNESCO. Today Anam is also a TV interviewer, invited to interview the Prime Minister and other highest level dignitaries. He is regularly invited to speak in regional and international forum on governance, human rights, press freedom and related issues.[1]

Anam was elected chairman of Asia News Network (ANN) for 2007 at a meeting of the board members of the organisation held in Seoul.[2]

Anam is a member of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) alongside Sultana Kamal.[3]

In 2005, Anam was found guilty with other journalists of contempt of court for reporting that a recently appointed judge had falsified his academic credentials; the court action had been filed by the judge's father.[4]

Controversy

In 2016, speaking at a panel discussion on ATN News, Anam conceded that reports published in The Daily Star in 2007 alleging corruption by Sheikh Hasina who is now prime minister were based on uncorroborated leaks fed by the military Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. "It was a big mistake," he said during the interview. "It was a bad editorial judgement, I admit it without any doubt." Despite his admission, he has been facing concerted attacks from the government and ruling Awami League party loyals. As of 18 February 2016, 79 cases have been filed against him including 17 sedition and 62 defamation cases.[5] He has refused to resign and has defended himself in editorials.[6]

Personal life

Anam's daughter Tahmima Anam is an award-winning novelist and columnist who writes primarily in English.

References

  1. ↑ "Outspoken editor from Bangladesh", Article by Karin Bergquist, CultureBase.Net.
  2. ↑ BANGLADESH: Mahfuz Anam elected ANN chairman: Daily Star editor chosen as chairman of Asia News Network, 17 April 2007
  3. ↑ "Board of Trustees". Transparency International Bangladesh. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  4. ↑ Journalists found guilty of contempt, Committee to Protect Journalists, 21 March 2005
  5. ↑ 'Attempt to crush independent media' in Bangladesh, www.bbc.com, 18 February 2016, retrieved 23 February 2016
  6. ↑ "'Anamosity': Must-see talk shows that rival fiction", The Daily Star, 15 February 2016, retrieved 23 February 2016
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