By Asma Parvin :

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), is set to receive the ‘Greenman Award-26’ for his contribution to creating public awareness about environmental protection through the mass media.

The award will be presented to him at a programme to be held at the National Press Club in Dhaka on September 2.

The environmental organisation Sabuj Andolon (Green Movement) has decided to confer the ‘Greenman Award-26’ on three organisations and four distinguished individuals this year as part of its anniversary celebrations. At the individual level, Mahmud Sohel has been selected for his special contribution to raising public awareness through journalism.

Mahmud Sohel began his professional journalism career nearly 23 years ago as a campus reporter at the University of Dhaka. During his long career, he has worked successfully across almost every major media platform, including radio, television, newspapers, online media and digital journalism.

He has served as a senior reporter at Diganta Television, SATV, ATN News and Ajker Patrika. He also worked as Online In-Charge at Desh TV and headed the digital department of GTV. Before assuming his current position, he served as a special correspondent at GTV. He has recently taken charge as the channel’s News Editor.

According to his colleagues, Mahmud Sohel is not only an accomplished journalist but also an effective organiser and responsible leader. They say his sincerity, dedication to work and cooperative attitude toward colleagues have distinguished him throughout his career. His commitment to completing assignments and his willingness to help colleagues move forward under his leadership have also earned him appreciation.

However, his long professional journey has not been without challenges.

He had to appear before a court in Rangpur several times in connection with a case filed by former Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi following the publication of reports concerning alleged corruption. He also faced pressure and threats over his reporting on corruption-related issues at different times.

According to Mahmud Sohel, after the case was discussed in the media and on Facebook, he was summoned to the Secretariat and allegedly threatened with abduction. He has also spoken about facing pressure in connection with his investigative reporting.

Earlier in his career, he went through a difficult period of unemployment and financial hardship following the closure of Diganta Television. During that period, he was forced to send his ill and paralysed mother to his hometown. Although he later secured another job, he could not bring his mother back to live with him. She eventually passed away.

Despite these personal and professional setbacks, Mahmud Sohel continued to pursue truthful and objective journalism. Colleagues describe him as an example of courageous, honest and uncompromising journalism for maintaining professional integrity despite facing pressure and adversity.

His appointment as News Editor of GTV, along with the ‘Greenman Award-26’, marks another recognition in his long career in journalism.

The award will be handed over to Mahmud Sohel at a discussion and reception programme organised by Sabuj Andolon on September 2 at 10:00am at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium on the second floor of the National Press Club.

The programme will feature a discussion titled “What Needs to Be Done to Ensure the Use of Renewable Energy to Address Power Shortages.”

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Kamrul Ahsan will attend the event as the chief guest. Economist Dr Khandaker Golam Moazzem, environmentalist Dr Ahmed Kamruzzaman Majumder, economist Dr Mahfuz Kabir, urban planner Mehedi Ahsan, Dr Adil Muhammad Khan and Dr Farhadur Reza, among other distinguished guests, will participate as expert discussants.