Mahmud Sohel Receives Greenman-2026

Mahmudur Rahman, popularly known as Mahmud Sohel, news editor of Gazi Television (GTV) and Information Technology and Training Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), has received the National Award Greenman-2026 for his contribution to raising public awareness of the environment and climate change.

Sohel is also a former president of the Marine Journalist Network (MJN), an environmental organisation.

He received the award on Wednesday (September 2) at the Zahir Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium of the National Press Club in Dhaka during a discussion and reception organised by environmental organisation Sabuj Andolon to mark its founding anniversary.

The annual recognition is presented to distinguished citizens for their contributions to environmental journalism.

The discussion and award ceremony was held under the theme “What Needs to Be Done to Ensure the Use of Renewable Energy to Address Electricity Shortages.” The event was chaired by Bappi Sardar, founder and chairman of Sabuj Andolon.

Professor Dr Md Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, attended the event as the chief guest.

Experts who spoke at the programme included Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem, chairman of Knowledge Hub Institute Trust; Professor Dr Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder of Stamford University Bangladesh; Professor Dr Adil Muhammad Khan of Jahangirnagar University; urban planner Mehedi Ahsan of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners; Professor Dr Md Farhadur Reza of Jahangirnagar University; Md Abul Kalam Azad, manager of Just Energy Transition (ActionAid Bangladesh); and Abu Zobayer, managing director of Sustainable Research and Consultancy Limited and an urban environmentalist.

Special guests included Mohammad Alamgir Kabir, general secretary of the Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA); Ahsan Rony, executive head of Mission Green Bangladesh; Mohsin Sikdar Pavel, secretary general of the Sabuj Andolon governing council; Mohammad Nuruzzaman Hossain Babu, managing director of The Ampayar Bay Group; Md Firoz Alam, finance director of Matribhoomi Group; and Mohammad Robiul Islam Robi, managing director of BM Group.

Seven organisations and distinguished citizens were presented with the Greenman-2026 award for their contributions to environmental awareness.

Among them, Mahmud Sohel received the award specifically in recognition of his contribution through the media to raising public awareness of environmental and climate issues.

Sohel began his journalism career with campus reporting at the University of Dhaka nearly 23 years ago. Over the course of his career, he has worked across almost every major form of media, including radio, television, newspapers, online and digital platforms.

He has served as a senior reporter at Diganta TV, SATV, ATN News and Ajker Patrika. He also worked as online in-charge at Desh TV and as head of digital at GTV.

Throughout his career, Sohel has faced lawsuits, harassment and various forms of pressure while pursuing investigative and public-interest journalism.

He was required to appear several times before a court in Rangpur in a case filed by former commerce minister Tipu Munshi over reports concerning corruption.

Despite professional challenges and adversity, Sohel has continued to work at the field level and maintain his commitment to truthful and objective journalism. He is regarded by colleagues as a courageous, honest and uncompromising journalist.

Alongside his current role as news editor at GTV, Sohel serves as Information Technology and Training Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He is also convener of the Dhaka-based Jashore Journalists Forum.

Colleagues regard the Greenman-2026 award as a significant achievement in Sohel’s career, recognising both his long professional journey and his contribution to environmental journalism.
//DBTech/SHM/MISI//