A Celebration Like No Other

One of the most prestigious English newspapers, the Daily Sun, celebrated its 9th anniversary of publication on 24 October 2019. The grand event was held at its own premises located at East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) in Bashundhara R/A. Celebrated artists, famous media personnel, journalists, bureaucrats, diplomats and well-wishers paid a visit to the newspaper’s office to take part in the festivity and share their good wishes.

“True and impartial” --- the Daily Sun stands true to its motto. It is no wonder that in a short span of time the newspaper has reached such incredible heights. With breakthroughs and up-to-date reporting, thought-provoking columns and magazines that not only entertain but also enrich our thoughts, the Daily Sun is unparalleled in its journalistic, artistic, literary and pedagogical output. Bashundhara Group Managing Director Sayem Sobhan Anvir inaugurated the two-day long celebration by cutting a cake on the evening of October 23, Wednesday. “The Daily Sun has always excelled in its activities. I hope the newspaper will do even better in the future,” said Sayem Sobhan Anvir. 

While merriments had already commenced that evening, the following day was even more dazzling. With countless “stars” rushing to the “sun’s” event, it was surely a brilliant and spectacular celebration. Right from the entrance, banners of the Daily Sun welcomed all. It was a sweet surprise to see the bright and beautiful banners resembling a rising sun and announcing Daily Sun’s 9th anniversary at almost every road in Bashundahra R/A. It also multiplied the enthusiasm of the invited guests. A grand embellishment on the ground floor as well as one on the first floor of the EWMGL building announced that this was indeed the office of the renowned newspaper. Light cascaded to the walls and floors from two chandeliers near the entrance while vibrant and sweet smelling flowers decorated the centre stage in the office. The entire space was enlightened in a brilliant theme of orange, white and yellow resembling the rising sun as seen in the banners. Of course, the sun in the anniversary banners and placards is not just serving the purpose of beautification but is also very symbolic. It depicts the rising time of truth, of impartial journalism and of the Daily Sun itself. 

In the first half, many prominent guests graced the Daily Sun’s office with their presence. Among the dignitaries, Parliament Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury graced the festivities as the chief guest followed by Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Chairman of the Daily Sun’s owning company – the Bashundhara Group – as the guest of honour. Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud also joined the celebration as a special guest. Bashundhara Group Co-Chairman Sadat Sobhan Tanvir and Daily Sun editor Enamul Hoque Chowdhury were present on the occasion and joined the chief guest and the guest of honour in cutting the birthday cake amid huge claps and cheers.

Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury expressed her delight to be in the event. “It is one of the responsibilities of the media to publish objective news

being imbued with the spirit of independence. You should have the courage to present the truth on behalf of the country.” The Speaker inaugurated the Daily Sun’s day-long celebration as the daily started its tenth chapter in its journey to bring true and accurate news for the readers. The Speaker said the mass media of Bangladesh is enjoying its golden era under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the government believes that the media’s effective role boosts democracy. Greeting the Daily Sun family, Dr Shirin Sharmin said the newspaper won the hearts of the readers as one of the most popular English dailies. “The Daily Sun projects success stories of Bangladesh. The newspaper is expected to continue its journey with objective journalism for the betterment of country and its people,” she added.

Addressing the programme, Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan said the Daily Sun and other media outlets of East West Media Group Ltd had been surging ahead with impartial journalism. “We stand by the people and the country at large. Bangladesh has achieved unprecedented socio-economic development due to the strong leadership and healthy policies of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We want to be a part of the development journey,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, who came to greet the members of the Daily Sun, said, “Newspapers can play a pivotal role to take the country forward by presenting accurate information.” The information minister said the media has a great responsibility in empowering people and the Daily Sun works to this end. He wished success of the newspaper. Daily Sun editor Enamul Hoque Chowdhury said the newspaper maintained a standard in gathering information and presenting news. “We practice objective journalism and project positive stories on Bangladesh. A group of experienced and young journalists are putting their best efforts to take the newspaper to a new height.”

There were also many eminent guests from films, theatre, sports, music and arts arena, namely folk singer Kangalini Sufia, actor Mir Sabbir, singer Ferdous Ara, dance artiste Kajol Ibrahim, actor Amaan Reza, actress Misti Maria, dramatist Simanto Sajal, singer Nurjahan Alim, dance artiste Pooja Sengupta, music director and singer SK Sameer, film director Mahmud Hasan Sikder, singer H N Rana, etc. Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam attended the programme and also made a very special announcement right there. “On behalf of the corporation, we will give Tk 2 lakh to renowned folk singer Kangalini Sufia for her treatment,” he said while addressing the 9th anniversary celebration programme of the Daily Sun. Atiqul Islam further expressed his fondness of music and our supreme musical culture. “Kangalini Sufia is one of my most favourite singers. She has visited my office this morning, seeking financial assistance for her treatment. In the presence of her, I promise to give her Tk 2 lakh on behalf of the DNCC,” the mayor added. He also requested Kangalini Sufia to sing the popular song ‘Buri Hoilam Tor Karone’ in Daily Sun’s anniversary programme. As the singer sang and her beautiful voice echoed across the hall, guests present there cheered and clapped loudly. Many other guests as well as in-house journalists also displayed their exceptional musical talents. The soiree continued until 6pm and the event came to an end with the busy and dedicated team members of the Daily Sun getting back to duty after a full day of fun and fiesta.

The Daily Sun anniversary was indeed made special with the inclusion of so many dignified and eminent personalities from all the sectors. Last but not least, kudos also goes to the Daily Sun editor Enamul Hoque Chowdhury under whose leadership the entire team can work fearlessly. Enthusiasm and dedication of the journalists working in the newspaper, namely in the reporting section, news section, sports section, editorial section, culture section, magazine section, business section and metro section, is also very commendable. Journalism is not only the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information but it is also the product of these activities. The sole reason the entire team at the Daily Sun is so co-operative is because they had always worked with integrity and had helped each other. While there is competition, it is purely healthy. Most importantly, there is dedication and camaraderie. Such a ‘family-like’ atmosphere at a newspaper house is surely rare. While professionalism is never compromised, amicability is the cornerstone of Daily Sun’s employees. And the office provides an excellent opportunity for the journalists to practice their skills and present only the best ones (news and features) to the readers. All throughout the anniversary celebrations, it was this amiable ambience that was observed everywhere. 

SOURCE : Daily Sun