What was your first job as a journalist?
Jagannath University Correspondent at The Independent, Dhaka
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I’ve never used a typewriter. By the time I entered journalism, newsrooms had already transitioned to digital systems. However, I’ve always admired the generation of reporters who built stories line by line on typewriters — it represents a discipline and focus we still try to uphold today.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has transformed how news is gathered, distributed, and consumed. It allows journalists to reach audiences instantly and gives citizens a platform to share information in real time. But it has also blurred the line between verified facts and misinformation. For journalists, the challenge now is not just to be first — but to be accurate, responsible, and transparent in a space where rumours can spread faster than truth.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Parth Pratim Bhattacharjee of The Daily Star. His storytelling reflects integrity, depth, and an unwavering commitment to truth — qualities every journalist should aspire to. His ability to bring human emotion into complex issues makes his work stand out, both in print and in spirit.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist is to serve the truth and the public. It means asking difficult questions, holding those in power accountable, and giving a voice to people who are often ignored. A journalist stands between information and the audience — not to shape the narrative, but to ensure it’s accurate, fair, and responsible. It’s both a privilege and a duty to tell stories that can inspire change and uphold justice.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I do not want to answer.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer concise, well-researched pitches that clearly outline the core issue, its relevance, and the potential human impact. A brief background, credible sources, and why the story matters now help me decide quickly. Email is the best way to reach me, followed by a short follow-up if necessary.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
For daily reporting, I use Google Workspace, and Microsoft word to coordinate assignments and track stories. For research and verification, I often use fact-checking platforms. I also depend on Excel and data visualisation tools for analysing crime trends and patterns. When working on sensitive investigations, secure communication and data protection tools are a top priority.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn — it offers a more thoughtful space for professional exchange. I use it to follow discussions on journalism, media ethics, and security issues, and to connect with colleagues and experts whose insights often help shape my reporting.
Who do you wish followed you?
Journalists, rights activists, diplomats, NGO workers, security advisers, editors, and newsroom leaders — people who are committed to truth, justice, and social impact.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist to give voice to those who are often unheard and to hold power accountable. Growing up, I was drawn to stories that revealed injustice and demanded change. Journalism gave me a way to turn that curiosity and sense of responsibility into action — to uncover truths, tell real stories, and make a difference through facts.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn’t work for my high school newspaper. My interest in journalism developed later, during my university years, when I began writing as a campus correspondent. That experience sparked my passion for investigative reporting and eventually led me to pursue journalism as a full-time career.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am most proud of my investigative series on human trafficking and cross-border crime networks, which exposed how trafficking syndicates operate across South Asia and the Middle East under the guise of labour migration. The reports not only drew national attention but also prompted action from law enforcement and policymakers to strengthen anti-trafficking measures.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Stay curious, stay honest, and never compromise on facts. Journalism is not just about breaking news—it’s about telling stories that matter. Build trust with your sources, verify every detail, and always prioritise the truth over speed. Develop patience for fieldwork, empathy for people, and resilience in the face of pressure. Most importantly, remember that credibility is a journalist’s greatest asset—once lost, it’s hard to regain.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is after 10:00pm, when the newsroom slows down and I can properly review story ideas without interruption.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitch I ever received was about a group of young women from Bangladesh who were lured to Mumbai with promises of jobs and later forced into sex work. What began as a single missing person inquiry unfolded into a cross-border trafficking network spanning several countries. The story exposed how traffickers exploit poverty, false documents, and weak border controls — and it ultimately led to arrests and rescue operations. It reminded me why investigative journalism matters most when it gives a voice to the voiceless.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Do not remember exactly.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee— strong and without sugar. It keeps me focused during long reporting hours and late-night writing sessions.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m usually out in the field — talking to people, visiting police stations, or following leads on ongoing investigations. Journalism happens beyond the newsroom, and being on the ground helps me understand the real stories behind the headlines.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Aside from The Daily Star, I regularly read BBC News for their depth, storytelling, and investigative rigour. Their coverage of global issues and human rights often provides valuable perspective and inspiration for my own reporting.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that crime reporting is only about sensational incidents or arrests. In reality, it’s about uncovering the systems, failures, and human stories behind those events. Crime journalism demands patience, deep investigation, and sensitivity—it’s not just about what happened, but why and how it happened.
