Md Imdadul Haque Sohag
Dhaka
Covers:
Geopolitics, Indo-Pacific Strategy, Economic Governance, SME Finance, Climate & Trade Policy, South Asia
Doesn't Cover:
Entertainment, Sports, Celebrity, Lifestyle, Fashion
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My writing journey began in 2016 as a contributor for a weekly newspaper, where I published an extensive feature on the 'History and Heritage of Naldanga Rajbari'. This early focus on historical research and local heritage eventually evolved into my current professional role as a Geopolitical Analyst and Columnist, focusing on strategic national and regional issues
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Not for my professional columns, but I have a deep respect for the era it represents. During my early research on the 'History and Heritage of Naldanga Rajbari' in 2016, I encountered many archival documents originally composed on typewriters. To me, it symbolizes a time of deliberate, thoughtful writing—a quality I still strive to maintain in my current digital analytical pieces.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has undeniably accelerated the news cycle, but it often sacrifices depth for speed. As an analyst, I see it as a double-edged sword: while it democratizes information, it also places a greater responsibility on us to provide evidence-based, solution-oriented analysis to counter the noise of instant, shallow updates
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Tintin. As a geopolitical analyst, I've always admired his relentless pursuit of truth across borders. His investigative journeys into complex global mysteries resonate with my own work in analyzing regional security and strategic shifts.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
For me, it means going beyond the immediate news cycle to provide deep, evidence-based analysis that serves as a reliable resource for future researchers and policymakers
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#BreakingEverything – It’s amusing how the 'Breaking News' tag is now applied to almost every minor update, as if the entire world is permanently in a state of shattering."
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer professional email pitches that are concise and data-driven. A well-structured summary of the story, along with its potential impact on regional policy or economy, is the best way to get my attention
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
For research and analysis, I rely on Google Scholar, JSTOR, and various international economic databases. To stay updated on real-time global shifts, I use X (Twitter) and professional news aggregators. For writing and organizing my columns, Google Docs and Microsoft Word are my essential tools.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook and LinkedIn. Facebook allows me to connect directly with my readers and the local community, while LinkedIn serves as a platform to engage with global policy-makers and academic researchers."
Who do you wish followed you?
Economic strategists and infrastructure experts who are building the future of regional connectivity. I believe my field-level entrepreneurial insights can offer a unique perspective to those managing large-scale strategic projects
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a writer and analyst because I realized that ground-level entrepreneurial experiences are often missing from high-level policy discussions. I wanted to bridge this gap by providing reality-based insights that influence both national security and economic sovereignty
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn't have a formal high school newspaper, but my interest in research and local heritage was sparked during those years. This early curiosity eventually led to my first major publication in 2016 about the 'History and Heritage of Naldanga Rajbari', which served as the foundation for my transition into geopolitical analysis
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I prefer professional email pitches that are concise and data-driven. A well-structured summary of the story, along with its potential impact on regional policy or economy, is the best way to get my attention
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice is to focus on 'solutions, not slogans.' Move beyond dramatic headlines and strive to provide deep, evidence-based analysis that addresses real-world challenges. Aim to create work that is not just news, but a reliable resource for future policy-makers and researchers.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early mornings, preferably between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM (BST), when I am reviewing the latest regional economic trends and planning my analytical columns
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Pitches that provide a clear, solution-oriented angle on a complex policy issue. I truly appreciate stories that go beyond rhetoric and slogans, offering actionable insights that can actually influence strategic decision-making.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Pitches that lack data or analytical substance and are purely promotional, asking for a 'slogan-based' mention rather than a solution-oriented analysis.
What's your favorite drink?
Fresh seasonal fruit juice. As someone managing a park and resort, I appreciate natural and refreshing flavors that provide energy for a busy day of operations and strategic planning.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Overseeing operations at Naldanga Rajbari Park & Resort or on the field managing Sohag Traders and Sena Lubricants distribution.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Economist, Foreign Affairs, and The Daily Observer."
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Many people assume that business entrepreneurship and geopolitical analysis are separate worlds. In fact, real-world business experience provides a much more grounded perspective on how global power shifts impact local markets and economic sovereignty.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.