Defence journalists of Bangladesh elect new leadership

The Defence Journalists Association of Bangladesh (DJAB), the professional body of journalists covering defence and security issues in Bangladesh, has elected a new executive committee for its next two-year term, with Alamgir Hossain re-elected as president and Tarikul Islam Masum chosen as general secretary.

The election was held at a resort in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar, on Thursday, following the association’s annual general meeting (AGM), where members also approved an 11-member executive body.

Founded in 2014, the organisation aims to promote excellence in defence reporting while encouraging transparency and accountability in national security matters.

It also serves as a platform for journalists to exchange knowledge, collaborate on stories, and advocate for press freedom in the sector.

Alamgir Hossain, special correspondent of Dainik Khoborer Kagoj, also served as president of the outgoing committee, while Tarikul Islam Masum, joint assignment editor of Channel i, held the post of vice-president in the previous committee.

Jamal Uddin, special correspondent of Bangla Tribune, was elected vice-president, while Ali Asif Shawon, chief reporter of Dhaka Tribune, was elected joint general secretary.

Other elected members include Kazi Sohag, senior reporter of Bangladesh Pratidin, as treasurer; Saif Bablu, senior reporter of Rupali Bangladesh, as organising secretary; Kamal Hossain Talukder, special correspondent of The News Twenty-four, as office secretary (publicity and training); and Habibullah Mizan, editor of Allcrimes.tv, as international and research secretary.

The three executive members are Ainal Hossain, a special correspondent at Citizen Journal; SM Mintu, a senior reporter at Dainik Naya Diganta; and Moni Acharyya, a senior reporter at Dhaka Post.

Ali Asif Shawon, chief reporter of Dhaka Tribune, served as a central executive committee member and Research and Training Secretary in the two consecutive outgoing DJAB committees.

A three-member election commission, led by former DJAB president Mamunur Rashid as chief election commissioner, conducted the polls.

The other members were the assignment editor of Deshkalnews, Masud Karim, and Neserul Haque Khokon, president of the Investigative Journalists Association of Bangladesh (IJAB) and senior reporter at Jugantor.

The commission later formally announced the result at the election venue.

Earlier, the AGM and a discussion session were presided over by the outgoing president, Alamgir Hossain, and moderated by the outgoing General Secretary, Ahamad Ullah.

Speakers emphasized the role of journalists in covering national security and defence issues, stressing the importance of constructive reporting to support modernization and capacity-building in the sector.