Haider Ali, Executive Editor of the national daily Kaler Kantho, has been recognised with a special award for his distinguished contribution to journalism.
Apex Clubs of Bangladesh, a civic and voluntary organisation, gave the honour on Friday (August 29) as part of its 64th anniversary celebrations held at the Crystal Ballroom of Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka.
Professor Dr. ANM Meshquat Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal University of Dhaka, was present at the programme as the chief guest, and Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, attended the event as the special guest.
Haider Ali was one of three individuals to receive the special honour for excellence in their respective fields. The award was received on his behalf by his wife, Ruma Haider, due to his absence.
Haider Ali has been a central figure in investigative journalism in Bangladesh for over a decade. Rising through the ranks of Kaler Kantho as staff reporter, senior correspondent, special correspondent, and deputy editor, he currently serves as the daily’s Executive Editor and leads its investigative reporting team.
He garnered national attention for a series of groundbreaking exposés, notably his report titled “Benazir’s Aladdin’s Lamp”, which uncovered alleged corruption involving former Inspector General of Police and ex-RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed during the Awami League government’s tenure. The report triggered widespread public discourse and, according to analysts, contributed significantly to the early unravelling of political dominance.
Throughout his career, Haider Ali and his team have published numerous investigative reports exposing corruption, illicit wealth, political abuse, and systemic malpractice within the administrative machinery. Since 2010, his fearless reporting has repeatedly challenged the status quo, bringing hidden abuses of power to public attention.
His work has earned him accolades on both national and international platforms, including honours from UNESCO and the Malaysian Press Institute. His reporting on the exploitative conditions of Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia received particular recognition for its depth and human impact.
In addition to Haider Ali, Rashedul Hasan Rintu, President of the Narsingdi Chamber of Commerce, and Dr Ayesha Akhtar, Deputy Director of the National Tuberculosis Hospital, were also presented with special awards for their contributions to business and healthcare, respectively.
The organisation also presented lifetime achievement awards to three distinguished figures: veteran actress Dolly Zahur, former Bangladesh national cricket team captain Gazi Habibul Bashar Sumon, and renowned music composer Milton Khandakar.
The Apex Clubs of Bangladesh, affiliated with an international network of civic service organisations, has been active for over six decades. It works to develop youth leadership, promote community engagement, and foster voluntary service across the country.
SMS/
