List of All Dhaka Newspapers and Online News Portals

Dhaka, the vibrant capital of Bangladesh, serves as the epicenter for the country’s media industry. With a rich history of journalism, the city has become home to some of the most influential newspapers in Bangladesh, covering a wide range of topics from politics and economy to entertainment, sports, and cultural issues. Dhaka newspapers play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, keeping citizens informed, and ensuring transparency in governance. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the Dhaka newspaper landscape, exploring its history, key players, and the diverse nature of its content.

The History of Newspapers in Dhaka

The roots of journalism in Dhaka go back to the colonial era. The first Bengali newspaper, Samachar Darpan, started in 1818, although the city’s newspaper culture truly blossomed during the early 20th century. Dhaka, being the political heart of East Bengal (and later East Pakistan before the formation of Bangladesh), naturally became a hub for newspapers. During the Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971, Dhaka-based newspapers like The Daily Ittefaq and The Daily Sangbad played crucial roles in supporting the nationalist movements and voicing the sentiments of the people.

Major Dhaka Newspapers

1. The Daily Star

Founded in 1991, The Daily Star is the most widely circulated English-language newspaper in Bangladesh. Headquartered in Dhaka, it is known for its balanced reporting, in-depth analysis, and editorial independence. It covers a broad range of topics including politics, business, international news, sports, and culture. The Daily Star has garnered significant respect for its investigative journalism and for promoting social causes like education, human rights, and climate change awareness.

2. Prothom Alo

Prothom Alo, established in 1998, is the largest Bangla-language daily newspaper in Bangladesh. Based in Dhaka, it has a vast readership both in print and online. Its robust news coverage, insightful opinion pieces, and focus on social issues have made it one of the most trusted names in Bangladeshi journalism. Prothom Alo has also pioneered digital journalism in Bangladesh with a strong presence on various social media platforms.

3. The Daily Ittefaq

As one of the oldest and most prestigious newspapers in Bangladesh, The Daily Ittefaq has a legacy of nearly seven decades. Founded in 1953, it played a crucial role during the Liberation War, providing a voice for the people of Bangladesh. Today, Ittefaq continues to be a key player in Bangladeshi media, offering extensive coverage on current affairs, politics, and business.

4. The Financial Express

The Financial Express, launched in 1993, is Dhaka’s premier English-language business daily. It focuses on economic news, financial markets, corporate affairs, and policy analysis, making it a go-to source for professionals, investors, and business leaders. The newspaper is known for its thorough reporting on both national and international economic events.

5. Kaler Kantho

Launched in 2010, Kaler Kantho has quickly risen to become one of the leading Bangla-language dailies in Bangladesh. With a strong focus on national and international news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, Kaler Kantho offers diverse content that appeals to a wide audience. It has also carved out a space for youth engagement through various initiatives and campaigns.

6. Dhaka Tribune

Dhaka Tribune, an English-language newspaper, was established in 2013 and has built a reputation for quality journalism and a youthful outlook. It covers a broad range of topics from breaking news and politics to entertainment and lifestyle. Its modern approach, including an easy-to-navigate website and active social media presence, has earned it a loyal readership among the urban youth.

7. Manab Zamin

Known as one of the largest circulated tabloid newspapers in Bangladesh, Manab Zamin focuses on entertainment, gossip, and human-interest stories, along with regular news coverage. It has a distinct readership that enjoys its lighter take on current affairs while still maintaining journalistic integrity.

The Role of Online Newspapers

With the rapid digitalization in Bangladesh, Dhaka-based newspapers have increasingly embraced the online space to reach a larger audience. Leading newspapers like Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and Kaler Kantho have developed strong online platforms, offering real-time news updates, multimedia content, and user-friendly mobile applications. These online editions have expanded the reach of Dhaka newspapers beyond the country’s borders, catering to a global audience, including the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Challenges Faced by Dhaka Newspapers

While Dhaka’s newspapers continue to thrive, they face several challenges in today’s media landscape:

1. Digital Disruption: Traditional print newspapers are experiencing declining circulation as more readers turn to online news sources. Newspapers have had to adapt by shifting to digital platforms and exploring new revenue streams, such as subscription models and digital advertising.

2. Press Freedom: While Bangladesh enjoys a free press, journalists and media outlets in Dhaka sometimes face political pressure and censorship. Journalists must navigate a complex environment to ensure they can continue to report freely and without bias.

3. Revenue Models: The rise of digital media has also impacted advertising revenues, which are a major source of income for newspapers. Newspapers have been exploring alternative ways to monetize their content, including premium subscription services and partnerships with international media outlets.

Conclusion

Dhaka newspapers continue to be a vital part of Bangladesh’s media landscape, providing the public with accurate news, critical insights, and a platform for debate. As the industry adapts to the digital age, the leading newspapers in Dhaka are increasingly leveraging technology to reach broader audiences and ensure the longevity of their brands. For anyone looking to stay updated on the latest news in Bangladesh, Dhaka newspapers offer diverse and reliable sources of information, ensuring that the country remains well-informed and engaged in both national and global affairs.