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VoD Bangla, a digital news platform of Voice of Democracy (VoD), celebrated its second anniversary with a colourful event attended by politicians, government representatives, journalists, media professionals and civil society figures in the capital on Tuesday.
The anniversary programme was held at the VoD Bangla headquarters at Planners Tower in Banglamotor, Dhaka.
Addressing the event, BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed said Voice of Democracy had continued its work during the previous period of authoritarian rule despite fears of repression and intimidation.
He said VoD Bangla had faced various challenges over the past two years and expressed confidence that it would soon emerge as a leading media organisation.
“Many of the people working here are known to me. They are working fearlessly. They do not only praise the government, but also criticise it. This is part of democracy and press freedom,” Rizvi said.
He described VoD Bangla Managing Director Faisal Salam as a promising young media professional and expressed confidence that he would lead the organisation towards becoming a first-tier media outlet.
Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam congratulated VoD Bangla and said the platform had become a channel reflecting the aspirations of ordinary people.
“Those associated with VoD Bangla are among those who represent the aspirations of the people. VoD is fulfilling people’s expectations from the media,” he said.
Referring to the establishment of an elected government, the minister expressed hope that VoD Bangla would continue to act as the voice of the people and help guide the government through independent journalism.
State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib said the name “Voice of Democracy” itself reflected the organisation’s commitment to democratic values.
He said the organisation had played a role in bringing people’s voices to the forefront during the movements against authoritarian rule.
He congratulated VoD Bangla on its anniversary and expressed hope that it would contribute to strengthening democracy through objective news reporting and by highlighting the concerns, grievances and aspirations of the people.
Gano Forum Acting President Subrata Chowdhury congratulated VoD Bangla founder Abdus Salam, also the administrator of Dhaka South City Corporation, and the organisation’s young team.
He said VoD Bangla had been bringing the voices of the people to a wider audience while making significant technological advances.
He noted that the organisation was preparing to launch itself as the country’s first hybrid television platform.
VoD Bangla Managing Director Faisal Salam Sagar said the organisation had earned a place in the hearts of readers and viewers over the past two years through digital content and objective news reporting.
“On this auspicious occasion, I extend my greetings to everyone on behalf of VoD Bangla. I hope everyone enjoys the anniversary celebration,” he said.
The main programme began in the evening with recitation from the Holy Quran by Hafiz Mohammad Abu Sayeed, followed by the national anthem performed in the presence of invited guests, artistes and VoD Bangla staff.
Among those attending the event were Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh (Saleh Shibli), State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Nurul Haque Nur, BNP Standing Committee member Farhad Halim Donar, BNP Chairman’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, JAGPA spokesperson Rashed Pradhan, AB Party Chairman Majibur Rahman Manju, Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque, Jamaat-e-Islami Dhaka South City unit Ameer Nurul Islam Bulbul, National Citizen Party Joint Convener Sarwar Tushar and representatives of various political, professional and civil society organisations.
VoD Bangla began its journey on September 1, 2024, with a pledge to deliver truthful and reliable news to the public.
Over the past two years, the platform has sought to establish a distinct identity by focusing on news, information and people’s stories.
Under the slogan “Poth Dekhe, Poth Dekhay” (Observes the Path, Shows the Way), VoD Bangla has sought to go beyond traditional news coverage.
Alongside breaking news and special reports, it has covered issues ranging from national and international affairs to contemporary developments and human-interest stories from different parts of the country.
Since its launch, the platform has also focused on innovative digital content, including online talk shows, in an effort to present news and current affairs to audiences in new formats.