NPB News marks first anniversary with pledge to uphold truth and public interest

MM Rahmatullah: NPB News, a new-generation digital news platform committed to the slogan “Truth, Direct and First,” has celebrated its first anniversary with a colourful programme in the capital, reaffirming its commitment to objective journalism, public interest and the people's right to know.The anniversary on Tuesday (November 10) was marked by an enthusiastic rally, floral greetings, discussions and a cultural programme at the Officers Club in Dhaka. The celebration also extended to different districts and upazilas across the country, where the news platform's local representatives organised various events.The day's festivities began in the morning at the media outlet's headquarters on Topkhana Road. At around 10:00am, journalists, officials and employees took part in a colourful rally that started in front of Bengal Centre, passing through Paltan intersection, the National Press Club, the main gate of the National Eidgah and the Foreign Ministry before returning to the office.Speaking after the rally, NPB News Editor and Publisher Md Al Hadi said the organisation had begun its journey with a clear commitment to truth, direct reporting and delivering news ahead of others."Completing one year, we have achieved several milestones. These achievements have been possible because of the dedication, hard work and collective efforts of every colleague. Our foremost goal is to earn the trust of readers and viewers through objective journalism," he said.Throughout the day, political, social, cultural and voluntary organisations, business groups, institutions, fellow journalists, well-wishers and readers visited the headquarters to extend their congratulations and floral greetings.The main anniversary celebration began at 7:00pm at the Officers Club, attended by members of the cabinet, lawmakers, political leaders, journalists, representatives of professional organisations and distinguished personalities from different walks of life.State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, addressing the gathering, praised NPB News for gaining public recognition and building credibility within just one year.He said the media outlet's efforts to uphold the truth could play an important role in strengthening society and democratic institutions.Recalling his nearly two-decade-long acquaintance with Al Hadi, the state minister appreciated his dedication and perseverance in turning a long-held dream of establishing a media organisation into reality.Among the distinguished guests were BNP Volunteer Affairs Secretary Mir Sarafat Ali Sapu, Information and Research Affairs Secretary Riaz Uddin Nasu, and several other BNP, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Jubo Dal leaders.The programme was also attended by Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General and Head of its Central Media and Publicity Department Advocate Ahsanul Mahbub Zubair, Chapainawabganj-3 MP Md Nurul Islam Bulbul, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga, Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) General Secretary SM Farhad and other political and social leaders.NPB News Editor and Publisher Md Al Hadi, Head of Digital Akram Hossain and News Editor Zakir Hossain, along with other officials, welcomed the guests.Outside the capital, anniversary programmes were organised in Chattogram, Netrokona, Chapainawabganj and Bhuapur of Tangail, among other places. Local administrators, elected representatives, academics, journalists and community leaders joined the celebrations.Over its first year, NPB News has expanded its coverage to national politics, international affairs, the economy, sports, education, health, technology and entertainment. Alongside regular news reporting, it has developed video reports, interviews, analyses and investigative journalism.Its popular programmes include the talk show Question Face to Face, NPB Podcast, Business Pulse, NPB Build Talk and the musical programme NPB Gane Gane.Traditional Chattogram mezban cuisine was served to guests, followed by a cultural programme featuring music and other performances.As it enters its second year, NPB News has pledged to expand its journalistic activities, strengthen investigative reporting and give greater attention to issues affecting ordinary people.The anniversary celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to truth, accountability and public trust — the very principles that inspired the platform's launch.