BOMA Enters Its 15th Year

The Bangladesh Online Media Association (BOMA), an organisation representing online media entrepreneurs and professional journalists, has entered its 15th year after completing 14 years of operation.

A discussion, prayer and cake-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, September 21, at the association’s temporary office at Treasure Island on Siddheshwari Circular Road in Dhaka to mark the anniversary. Earlier published reports also identify September 21, 2012, as the organisation’s founding date.

The programme was chaired by BOMA President A.K.M. Shariful Islam Khan, with prominent media personality Latiful Bari Hamim attending as the keynote speaker. He praised BOMA’s contribution to the development of digital media in Bangladesh.

Hamim said digital media has gained increasing importance in the current global environment and described BOMA’s role in the development of Bangladesh’s online media sector over the past decade as commendable.

Call for Transparent Registration

In his address, BOMA President A.K.M. Shariful Islam Khan alleged that political influence affected the approval and registration process for online media outlets during the previous Awami League government.

He alleged that then Information Minister Hasan Mahmud had approved registrations based on political identity and party positions rather than following a transparent process.

Khan called on the government to ensure a more transparent and accountable system for registering online media outlets. He also demanded timely reform of the online media policy to ensure an environment conducive to independent journalism.

These remarks were presented as the BOMA president’s allegations and views; no separate documentary evidence or government statistics supporting the allegations were cited during the event.

BOMA Executive President Dr Rezaul Karim Chowdhury expressed gratitude to members and guests for attending the anniversary programme. He described the completion of 14 years as a significant milestone and said the participation of members would encourage the organisation to work more collectively in the future.

Senior Vice Presidents Abu Sufian Ratan and Rashedul Hasan Bulbul, along with Ariful Islam, Mia Shajahan, Mohammad Shamim, Sergeant Saidur Rahman, Md Niaz, Mahfuza Akter, Rafiqul Huda, Rashed Babu, Apel Mahmud and Asma Rahman, among others, attended the event. Editors and journalist representatives from several leading online media outlets were also present.

The programme concluded with a special prayer for media freedom in Bangladesh and the continued development of the organisation, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony with the guests.
//DBTech/SIK/SME/BPO//