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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
