The epoch making contribution of The New Nation

Newspapers have always played a vital role in shaping the life and livelihoods of a country’s citizens. A well-circulated newspaper speaks for a nation both at home and abroad. The New Nation, a widely circulated English daily, does not represent any individual, group, or political ideology; it reflects the aspirations of the entire nation and remains accountable to its people. As one of Bangladesh’s pioneer English dailies, The New Nation has served as a pillar of national progress and transparency for nearly five decades since its founding in 1979. The year 2024 marks the 45th anniversary of The New Nation, which transitioned to daily publication in October 1981 after three years as a weekly.
The New Nation was the only English daily in independent Bangladesh initially published by the private sector. Alongside The Bangladesh Observer and The Bangladesh Times-both managed by the Press Trust – The New Nation stood out for its independence, serving as a platform for public opinion. Legendary journalists such as ABM Musa, Hasan Sayed, Razle Rashid, Mahbubul Alam, and Moazzam Hossain contributed their expertise, helping to establish the publication’s reputation.
The iconic lawyer and renowned journalist, Barrister Mainul Hosein, was the founding Editor and Publisher of The New Nation. Under his leadership, the paper gained popularity quickly. Barrister Hosein, also Assistant Editor of The Daily Ittefaq, made a powerful stand against the injustices of the Pakistani regime through his writings before Bangladesh’s liberation. He consistently championed the rights of the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh, maintaining an uncompromising commitment to patriotism and justice throughout his journalism career, despite facing obstacles.
As publisher and chairman of The New Nation editorial board, Barrister Hosein was imprisoned multiple times for challenging autocratic rule. His dedication extended to supporting the 6-point movement and later contributing to the establishment of Bangladesh. He was elected to Parliament in 1972 but resigned in protest against the formation of BAKSAL by the then-government of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Barrister Hosein joined the Democratic League under President Khondaker Mushtaq Ahmed. In 2007, he became an adviser to the caretaker government led by Iajuddin Ahmed.
The dream of establishing The New Nation began with Barrister Hosein’s father, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, a visionary of independent Bangladesh and founding editor of The Daily Ittefaq. Manik Mia, who contributed greatly to the Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation Movement, passed away in 1969, but his dream of an English daily was realized by his son in 1979 with The New Nation. Today, this popular English daily continues under the stewardship of his worthy successor, Madam Saju Hosein, the wife of the late Barrister Mainul Hosein. She currently serves as Chairperson of Robar Publications Ltd. and Publisher & Printer of The New Nation, honoring both her husband’s and Manik Mia’s legacies.
In the decades since its inception, The New Nation has earned the trust of millions at home and abroad through its transparent, non-partisan, and impactful news coverage. The paper has maintained its commitment to objective journalism, free from external interference. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many readers paused their subscriptions and offices closed, The New Nation continued to publish daily, covering the struggles and resilience of the people amidst the pandemic. This unwavering professionalism and dedication to public service reflect the paper’s core values.
For journalists, it is essential to reflect a country’s culture and values and to inspire future generations through integrity, devotion, and patriotism. A newspaper’s primary duty is to seek ways to protect the people from undue influence and foster loyalty to the nation. Over the past five decades, The New Nation has exemplified these ideals, and in the years to come, it will continue to serve the aspirations of the people and the nation with unwavering professionalism.
Congratulations to The New Nation, Bangladesh’s oldest English daily, on reaching this remarkable milestone of 45 years on October 31, 2024. Best wishes for its continued success in the future.