Prothom Alo celebrates 18th founding anniversary

Pledging not to give in to any pressure and to continue with impartial journalism, the Bangla daily Prothom Alo celebrated its 18th founding anniversary in the capital's Hotel Sonargaon last night.

Participation of dignitaries including noted foreign journalists, ministers, political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, diplomats, current and former government officials, businessmen, journalists, showbiz stars, business leaders, art luminaries, and eminent civil society members made the anniversary programme remarkable.

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The theme of the celebration was the “Strength, Inspiration, Dream and Love” that are found in the heart of an 18-year-old person.

Paying tribute to the sacrifice of his grandson Faraaz Ayaaz Hossain who did not yield to fear at gunpoint, Chairman of Transcom Group Latifur Rahman said Prothom Alo has been nurturing the same values that Faraaz had.

During the attack at Holey Artisan Bakery on July 1, militants had let Faraaz go, but not his friends and Faraaz refused to leave his friends behind. He was eventually killed along with his friends and nine Italian and seven Japanese citizens inside the restaurant.

Latifur said the paper and those associated with it have faced various obstacles and at certain points, even intimidation. But still Prothom Alo did not waver from its principle.

Addressing the ceremony, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said, “We know there will be pressure on us but we'll keep our head high.”

“The 55 lakh readers of the Prothom Alo are our strength,” he added.

A documentary on the inspiring stories of four youths, including the gold medal winner at the 2016 South Asian Games Mabia Akter Simanta, was screened in the programme to show how they had conquered every obstacle in their lives.