Salehuddin urges next government to ‘recognise’ interim administration’s groundwork

Finance Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, on Sunday called on the incoming elected administration to duly recognise the foundational work and stabilising measures undertaken during the interim government’s tenure, emphasising that the coming months are crucial for consolidation before the transition.

Speaking as chief guest at the Nagad-DRU Best Reporting Award 2025 ceremony, held at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital’s Shegunbagicha, Dr Ahmed said the interim government had worked to create stable structures for the next administration.

“Now the responsibility is to consolidate it and give the structure properly to the next government,” he said, noting that while a new government may “make some additions” or “make some parity”, the core foundation should remain intact.

He urged journalists and the public to understand the scope of the administration’s efforts, including managing challenges such as “dead-weight loss”.

The Finance Adviser also stressed the need for balanced journalism, urging the media to highlight achievements alongside shortcomings.

“It would be better if positive contributions were mentioned along with criticism,” he said, conceding that the government had “made many mistakes” but insisting that “something has happened” in terms of improved foreign exchange, increased reserves, and rising exports.

At the ceremony, 27 journalists from print, electronic and online media were honoured with crests and prize money for outstanding reporting across 24 categories, with joint winners in two of them. Reports published or broadcast between 1 September 2024 and 30 October 2025 were eligible for nomination.

Chairman of Nagad’s Board of Directors Kaiser Ahmed Chowdhury attended the event as special guest, while Nagad Administrator Md Motasem Billah was present as guest of honour. Senior journalists, policymakers, and distinguished personalities from various sectors were also in attendance.

Welcoming the awardees, Dr Ahmed underscored the significant responsibility of journalism in reflecting the voice and sentiments of the people.

“Heartfelt congratulations to those who received awards today. However, those who submitted reports have also done extremely valuable work. Many quality reports deserve praise even if they did not receive an award,” he added.

The event was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, with a welcome address delivered by DRU General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel.

The 10-member jury board was headed by Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of The Financial Express, who thanked jury members for completing a “mammoth task” as a large number of reports were submitted.

The 27 award recipients are:

Mohammad Helemul Alam (The Daily Star), Muhammad Salah Uddin Jashim (Jagonews24.com), Sajjadur Rahman (The Business Standard), Rafikul Islam (The Daily Sun), M A Noman (Daily Amar Desh), Ziadul Islam (Daily Amader Shomoy), Md Shakhwat Prince (The Business Standard), Md Shariful Islam (The Daily Star), Dipan Nandy (The Daily Star), Harun-ur Rashid (Daily Kalbela), Md Abu Saleh Rony (Daily Samakal), Md Rahenur Islam (Sokalsandhya.com), Md Shawkat Ali (Daily Desh Rupantor), Md Jasim Uddin (Dhakapost.com), Ehsanul Haque Jasim (The Daily Sun), Shamsul Haque Mohammad Miraj (Daily Kaler Kantho), Shah Md Rashedur Rahman (DBC News), Abu Jahed Md Salim (Maasranga TV), Alamgir Hossain (Jamuna TV), Rajib Ghosh (DBC News), Md Emdadul Haque (Channel 24), Md Yousuf Ali (DBC News), Sushanta K Sinha (Ekattor TV), Shahnaz Sharmin (Ekattor TV), Mahde Azad Masum (Boishakhi TV), Mousumi Islam (The Daily Sun), and Hasan Arif (The Daily Rupali Bangladesh).

Nagad, which also supported the DRU Best Reporting Award in 2021, reaffirmed its commitment to fostering journalistic excellence and professional recognition in Bangladesh.