The Story of Mojahidul Islam: A Pioneer in Technology Journalism
Interviewed by Jahangir Alam
His world hums in frequencies, pulses in pixels—wired by wonder, powered by purpose. Where others scroll, he savors the code. In the fast-moving cosmos of tech journalism, one name flickers like a bold headline on a glowing screen: Md. Mojahidul Islam.
Through ink or interface—whether printed on paper or parsed on screens—he opens portals to the wild and wondrous corners of the digital dimension. A pioneer with prose, a prophet of progress, Mojahidul holds technology not just in his toolkit, but in his soul. Among readers, fans, and future-forward dreamers, he’s lovingly known as “Dheow”—the wave that keeps coming.
Speakers from a diverse range of stakeholders participated in a roundtable held on January 22, 2010, titled “One Year of Digital Bangladesh,” organized by the Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum (BIJF). The roundtable was chaired by Hasanul Haq Inu, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for the Post and Telecommunication Ministry. Dr. Akram Hossain Chowdhury, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Centre for E-Parliament Research, was the special guest at the event. The roundtable was convened by Mohammad Kawsar Uddin, President, and Secretary General Mojahidul Islam of BIJF.
His story starts in 1999, with a part-time gig at The New Nation, one of the first English dailies to embrace tech journalism. When they dared to launch a dedicated tech page, Mojahidul was there—pen in hand, passion in heart.
Fast forward to 2002, and he was breaking boundaries again—this time at Ajker Kagoj, where under his editorial vision, the first-ever weekly Bangla tech page was born: Online. That wasn’t just a section—it was a spark.
Then came E-Biz in 2003. Starting as Assistant Editor, he climbed through the digital ranks—Executive Editor, Managing Editor, and eventually, Acting Editor—each title a testament to his hustle and heart.
In 2006, he joined the legendary Daily Ittefaq, Bangladesh’s oldest newspaper, to take charge of its tech desk. But wait—he didn’t stop there. He spearheaded everything from IT Corner to Jobs, Education, and Corporate news. By 2009, he was the Technology Editor—a role he made iconic.
And as if that wasn’t enough—he’s also a best-selling Bangla tech author, with over a dozen titles sparking minds both in Bangladesh and across the border in West Bengal. His books are the bridge where Bangla meets binary, where language and logic dance.
DW Global Media Forum 2009 in Bonn, Germany. Md Mojahidul Islam was interviewed by a DW Bangla Services journalist about the challenges of journalism in Bangladesh.
With nearly two decades of experience, Mojahidul has firmly cemented his place in the tech journalism landscape. His boundless love for technology has made him a trusted voice in the world of news.
From journalists to tech experts, all turn to him for the latest updates and deep dives into both local and global tech affairs. His voice rings loud and clear in national discussions on digital transformation, digital governance, and emerging technologies.
Dell Global Business Center Sdn Bhd arranged a visit to the Dell Factory in Penang, Malaysia, on December 29, 2013, for Bangladesh ICT journalists to report on research and development in personal computers.
His contributions to crucial topics like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, genetics, climate change, and telecom infrastructure are undeniable. Every one of his writings is a magical blend of heartfelt prose and fact-based analysis—not just informing the reader, but sparking inspiration.
Deutsche Welle Global Media Forum, June 20–22, 2011, Bonn, Germany, hosted a cruise on the Rhine River, with Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor of International Relations and Director of the Centre for Genocide Studies at the University of Dhaka.
Education and the Dawn of a Career
Md. Mojahidul Islam earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2001 from the Institute of Science and Technology under the National University of Bangladesh. It was during his university days, while studying computer science, that he began writing for the tech-focused monthly magazine Computer Barta. At that time, there were virtually no publications in Bangla dedicated to information technology.
In a country of 150 million Bangla speakers, his passion for making technology accessible in the native language sparked the beginning of his writing journey. Back then, English books and journals on computers were rare treasures—available only in a handful of stores at Dhaka’s New Market. Most people thought computers were tools for scientific research only. The idea that this machine would soon become a daily necessity worldwide was still unimaginable to many. Some university professors in Bangladesh were knowledgeable about computers, but their expertise was mostly confined to the classroom. They lacked the skill—or perhaps the interest—to communicate this knowledge in a simple, accessible way to the general public. But Mojahidul could see the horizon.
He believed computers would revolutionize everyday life—farming, education, sports, health, communication—and though the government had begun to realize this, the people were still in the dark. So he picked up his pen. Even while juggling his studies, Mojahidul wrote regularly for newspapers. His pieces quickly found an eager audience—readers from far and wide reached out to connect with him. Their enthusiasm became the fire that fueled his passion. In his own words, “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for human resource development and achieving national goals.”
In June 2009, as Secretary General of Bijf, I organized a roundtable discussion on the national budget for the ICT sector in Bangladesh. The event was held at the Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) office and was attended by leaders of the IT business associations, academicians, civil society representatives, and government regulators.
He recognized early on that the nation needed a surge of public interest in ICT. Technology, he believed, had become central not only to innovation but also to economic progress. It wasn’t just about boosting productivity—it was about opening new doors for society to live better and work smarter. Across developed, developing, and even third-world countries, ICT was ushering in a new era—a digital revolution spanning business, education, and global communication. And at the heart of this progress stood the Internet—a global system, not owned by any one country or region, but shared by all. A revolutionary medium for information exchange.
Under Mojahidul Islam’s leadership, a roundtable discussion was organized on the national budget for 2011-2012.
At that time, there was a real need for articles, journals, and publications that could explain these concepts clearly to the public. The Internet, Mojahidul explained, is a network of networks—a web connecting computers across the world into one vast, digital tapestry. On June 6, 1996, Bangladesh got its very first taste of the Internet. The first connection was provided by an ISP named Information Services Network (ISN), under the domain bangla.net. It was the era of dial-up—a time when getting online meant plugging in your modem and dialing a special number via your telephone line. Bangladesh was using satellite-based VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology to connect, which was operated and controlled by the government-run Bangladesh Telegraph and Telephone Board (BTTB), now known as BTCL. With just 64 Kbps of bandwidth to start, the early internet was slow and expensive. End users got a measly 6 Kbps speed. To lease a 64 Kbps VSAT line, providers had to shell out a jaw-dropping $10,000 per month! By early 2003, even though the tech sector was still in its infancy, signs of rapid growth were beginning to bloom. At that time, anyone who wanted to learn computers had to rely on complex English textbooks—not exactly beginner-friendly for Bangla-speaking learners. Internet access was scarce and painfully costly. Even though the government pushed for wider computer usage, there weren’t enough trainers to go around. And both teachers and students alike were desperately in need of books in Bangla.
Professional Engagements and Skill Development
Received a 5-day Journalism Training Certificate Fellowship on “Writing Financial and Business News – London” from Thomson Reuters Foundation, instructed by Roger Jeal, on March 5, 2010.
Over the years, Mojahidul Islam has built an impressive web of professional networks. He is a lifetime member of the Bangladesh Computer Society (BCS) and is actively affiliated with several prestigious professional associations, including the Internet Society (ISOC), Dhaka Union of Journalists, and the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, among many others. To sharpen his edge in journalism, Mojahidul has traversed the globe—receiving international-standard training in various corners of the world. He was awarded a fellowship in finance and business journalism from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London, and also received specialized training in Internet Resource Management and Artificial Intelligence.
In the 7th APNG Camp Fellowship Program, other fellows and next-generation participants from various countries had a valuable opportunity to learn, share information and experiences, and discuss the Internet’s present and future. The event was held in Taipei, Taiwan, from August 23 to August 25, 2005.
His professional arsenal includes certifications in data-driven journalism, digital marketing, and more. His writing reflects deep dives into topics such as e-Government, the digital divide, and insightful analysis of Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving ICT infrastructure.
Awards and Achievements
Md. Mojahidul Islam’s journey through the world of technology journalism has been adorned with a constellation of notable awards and honors, each one a testament to his trailblazing spirit. In 2022, he clinched the Prominent ICT Journalist Award from the ICT Division of the Ministry of ICT, alongside the prestigious Digital Bangladesh Award, where he stood tall as the sole recipient in the private individual category at the national level.
Mojahidul Islam with Walter Yeh, President/CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), at the COMPUTEX 2017 closing day press conference
That same year, the Local Broadband Association of Bangladesh named him IT Journalist of the Year. His fearless reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him the AmCham Frontline Journalism Award 2021, while Fiverr Bangladesh honored him at the ‘Freelancers’ Biggest Meetup’ with the Journalist Award (2021). As an author, he claimed the Best Author Award 2021 from Systech Publications Ltd. The Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology recognized him as ICT Journalist of the Year 2020, and the e-Commerce Movers Award 2020 celebrated his contributions to the e-commerce sector during the pandemic. Earlier, Bangladesh Master Brands 2019 by CMO Asia, the iTel Mobile Award 2017 for outstanding ICT journalism, and the Data Center Reporting Excellence Award 2017 from the Data Centre Professionals Society of Bangladesh added to his list of laurels. On the international stage, he received the International Quality Crown Award 2017 for his global impact. The Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum saluted his 15-year milestone with a special award in 2017. His excellence in reporting was also recognized by the Bangladesh Computer Samity (BCS) with the Excellence in Technology Reporting Award 2012 and the Computer Educator of the Year Award 2012. Before that, he bagged the Best Tech Reporter Award 2011 (BCS) and the Best Media Coordinator Award 2010 from the British Council for a children’s art competition. Way back in 2009, Addghar.com crowned him the Pioneer of IT Journalism in Bangladesh, and his early promise was spotted in 2003 with the Best Emerging Journalist Award by eBiz American International University’s ‘Talent Search’ program. His career is truly a tapestry of dedication, courage, and visionary reporting.
Received a 3-day journalism training certificate on “Orientation Training on Public Procurement Issues for Journalists” from the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), Director General Shah Alamgir, on April 2, 2016.
Beyond the glow of awards, Mojahidul has served as a judge for the CTIA Emerging Technology Awards (USA) in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and juror for the National ICT Awards 2020, BASIS Outsourcing Awards 2021, Smart City Hackathon 2016, and Financial IT Case Competition 2009. His voice has inspired audiences at Careers in E-Commerce, the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum, NASA Space Apps Challenge, Career Con, and the ICT Olympiad.
Mojahidul isn’t just chronicling the digital age—he’s helping shape it.
Mojahidul isn’t just reporting the digital age—he’s helping shape it.
The Legacy of Knowledge
Since 2003, Md. Mojahidul Islam has been more than just a journalist—he’s been an author, a mentor, a lighthouse for learners. Alongside his prolific contributions to newspapers and magazines, he has authored numerous books.
Thousands of trainers and students, both at home and abroad, have shaped their careers reading his works. He has already penned over a dozen books, all centered around Information and Communication Technology (ICT). These books have become treasured resources for tech learners not only in Bangladesh but also in West Bengal, where Bangla is a bridge of shared knowledge.
n October 2019, Armenia hosted the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2019. This global event, organized by the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) with the support and under the auspices of the Armenian government, brought together IT experts, officials, and senior representatives of leading IT companies. Mojahidul Islam, along with two journalists from Bangladesh, attended this event as part of the Bangladeshi delegation, which was headed by the ICT Minister and included several Members of Parliament and ICT industry leaders
In a world where 350 million people speak Bangla, its full integration into the domains of technology and the internet remains incomplete. Mojahidul believes that bridging this gap requires the joint effort of governments, researchers, IT professionals, and linguists.
Mojahidul Islam received the Best Author Award 2021 on December 8, 2021, organized by Systech Publications Limited, for his book Web Database Application: MySQL-PHP. This was the first book written in Bengali focusing on database development for websites and database-driven web applications.
Among his standout works published by Systech Publications Ltd., you’ll find: • Practical Networking Handbook • Swapner Career (Dream Careers) • 7 Days to Web Design: Dreamweaver MX • Web Database Applications: MySQL-PHP • Mastering E-Commerce: Joomla!, OS Commerce, VirtueMart, Magento • Windows XP Networking From GyanKosh Prokashoni, his other popular titles include: • Freelance Outsourcing: A World of Possibilities • Computer Hardware Through these books, his contributions have touched millions of readers, lighting up their paths in the digital era.
Mojahidul Islam is a dedicated journalist who doesn’t see his work as just a job, but a sacred act of service. May his pen continue to move with the times, guiding the next generation of journalists and tech enthusiasts alike.
Leadership in Journalism
Back in 2007, Mojahidul stepped into a new role—as General Secretary of the Bangladesh ICT Journalists Forum (BIJF), the country’s only organization for tech journalists. From writing powerful pieces to hosting seminars and roundtables, he took several initiatives for the advancement of Bangladesh’s ICT sector. Later, in 2019, he was elected President of BIJF, becoming a vocal advocate for the rights of IT journalists. His work bridged voices from various sectors—government and private policymakers, international NGOs, educators, tech experts, and media professionals. On December 12, 2008, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared the vision for a Digital Bangladesh.
On May 6, 2019, Md Mojahidul Islam, president of BIJF, in partnership with Plexus Cloud, organized a workshop titled “The Future of Cloud Computing” and handed certificates to the participants.
A year later, under Mojahidul’s leadership, BIJF organized a landmark discussion at the National Press Club titled “What Have We Achieved in One Year of Digital Bangladesh?” To elevate journalistic quality, the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) has long offered workshops and training for media professionals across print, television, and online. These include foundational training for newcomers and issue-based training in collaboration with both local and foreign development partners. PIB also publishes guides, handbooks, and educational materials to support the growth of journalists—initiatives Mojahidul has long championed.
BIJF organized a roundtable titled ‘Digital Bangladesh: Progress and Challenges’ at the Software Technology Park in the Karwan Bazar area of the capital on Thursday, 18 December 2019. Addressing the roundtable, Md Mojahidul Islam also appreciated the progressive trends and infrastructure development in the technology sector toward achieving the Digital Bangladesh vision.
To combat the fear of coding among students, BIJF organized the “BASIS Hour of Code”, a week-long event. From December 9 to 15, 2012, as part of the global Computer Science Education Week observed in 160 countries, this program marked Bangladesh’s first celebration of the Hour of Code. In collaboration with PIB, BIJF has also hosted: • A workshop on government IT procurement policies (April 10, 2016) • A fact-checking training program (2022) • Various skills development programs tailored to ICT journalists At a Digital Bangladesh Day discussion held on December 11, 2019, speakers emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in ICT expenditures. In 2010, the allocation for the ICT sector was under 500 crore BDT. By 2019–20, proposed allocations had skyrocketed to 15,773 crore BDT. The call was clear: such investments must be used responsibly to truly build a digital nation. On June 3, 2023, at a roundtable hosted by BIJF titled “Bangladesh at Risk of Carbon from E-Waste: Causes and Solutions”, experts sounded the alarm. Every year, 3 million metric tons of electronic waste pile up in the country. A staggering 105,000 tons comes from smart devices alone, and over 170,000 tons from nearly 296,000 dead televisions. The shipbreaking industry contributes over 2.5 million tons. What’s more worrisome? This mountain of waste is growing by 30% annually. On May 6, 2019, BIJF, in partnership with Plexus Cloud, organized a workshop titled “The Future of Cloud Computing”, graced by Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad, a professor at BUET, among other tech luminaries.
In Service of Humanity
For the past twenty years, Md. Mojahidul Islam has tirelessly poured his energy into numerous humanitarian initiatives, both personally and through various organizations. Whether it was delivering life-saving oxygen to COVID-19 patients or standing beside flood-stricken and sick communities during devastating natural disasters—he and his team have always been there. And it’s not just noble, it’s extraordinary. During the height of the pandemic, at least six journalists received financial support through his efforts, while many others were helped in various ways.
During the 2019 floods in Jamalpur’s Sarishabari, Mojahidul Islam, under the Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum, handed over food to flood-affected people.
Whenever disaster—natural or man-made—struck, the members of the Bangladesh ICT Journalists Forum (BIJF) have stood with the people, committed and unwavering. In a deeply moving gesture back in 2009, the Forum distributed winter blankets (yes, at midnight!) in the Mohammadpur area to freezing, homeless individuals. To date, over 5,800 blankets have been given out to those in dire need.
Myanmar’s military began its crackdown on August 25, 2017, leading nearly 700,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh. On October 4, 2017, BIJF stepped up to provide emergency relief for them.
When Myanmar’s military began its genocide on August 25, 2017, nearly seven hundred thousand Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh. That same year, on October 4, BIJF stepped up to provide emergency relief for them. Later, during the 2019 floods in Jamalpur’s Sarishabari, they were there again—offering aid and a helping hand.
Voices Raised Against Injustice
Md. Mojahidul Islam is not just a journalist—he’s a firebrand for press freedom. From protests to statements, from rallies to human chains—he has always been at the frontline, speaking out against violence and injustice toward journalists. Whether it’s wrongful arrests, fake murder cases, freezing of bank accounts, or even the forced shutdown of Deepto TV and mass journalist layoffs—he doesn’t stay silent.
During COVID-19, Mojahidul Islam, along with BIJf and some technology company volunteers, cleaned public spaces in Kawran Bazar, a busy market place, and distributed hand sanitizers and other essentials.
Under the Digital Security Act (DSA) alone, at least 451 journalists have been sued in the past five years. Of those, 255 were sued simply for writing their reports, and 97 were arrested—50 of them from local news outlets. A study by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) exposed these chilling stats, revealing that 209 of the accused journalists were from national media, and 197 from local outlets. Back in 2013, on May 5–6, amid the political heat of Hefazat-e-Islam’s rally in Motijheel, human rights organization Odhikar’s editor Adilur Rahman Khan was arrested on August 11 for allegedly spreading false information.
journalists have been targeted for their reporting on the pandemic or being critical of the authorities. Some have been criminalised and attacked, including Rozina Islam, Abu Tayeb Munshi and Ruhul Amin Gazi and there is still no accountability for the death of writer and commentator Mushtaq Ahmed. Reports of police brutality and attacks by pro-government groups against anti-Modi protesters in March 2021 have yet to be investigated.
Again, in 2021, when senior reporter Rozina Islam from Prothom Alo was detained for five hours at the Secretariat and later imprisoned under the Official Secrets Act—Mojahidul and many others roared back with fierce protest. And let’s not forget the relentless legal harassment of Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, charged over 50 times for defamation and sedition between 2009 and 2013. As the President of BIJF, Mojahidul Islam has been a bold and consistent presence in protest statements and public demonstrations.
The roots of ICT in Bangladesh stretch back to the 1960s, starting with nuclear research. Over the decades, the tech scene grew—slowly but surely. In the ’90s, it really began to sparkle. Mainframes became workhorses. Visionaries began to emerge. About this journey, Mojahidul reflects: “Awards inspire me to do better. At the end of the day, these achievements are the love letters from my readers. They liked my books—that’s why they bought them.” Speaking about his path into ICT journalism, he shares: “As I dove into tech reporting, I realized awareness about ICT was still lacking. That’s when I started writing more deeply. I’m now shifting from pure journalism to more fundamental, original writing.” He adds: “I started writing in Bengali back in 2003. I saw so many educated, unemployed youths around me. I thought, if we could empower them with tech skills, they could rise to meet the challenges of the 21st century.” And rise they did—many with his books as their guide.
COMPUTEX 2021 was a large technology exhibition focusing on AI, robotics, and other innovative technologies. Mojahidul Islam was seen alongside other journalists from around the world covering the event in Taipei.
Looking Ahead As for the future? Mojahidul Islam dreams aloud: “Through my writing, I want to tell the world about Bangladesh’s ICT industry. I want to take its story beyond borders—into hearts and headlines everywhere.”