Daily Sun marks 16th anniversary with celebration and fresh ambitions

The Daily Sun celebrated its 16th anniversary on Monday, with a call to strengthen digital journalism, uphold editorial independence and ensure accurate and impartial reporting amid rapid technological changes in the media industry.

The anniversary of the English-language newspaper fell on Saturday, but the celebration was held two days later at its office in Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital, with senior Bashundhara Group officials, diplomats, media professionals and other invited guests attending the programme.

Founder and Chairman of Safwan Bashundhara Global (SBG) Safwan Sobhan Tasvir, announced the launch of the Daily Sun app, saying it would make news more accessible to readers and allow them to receive updates and notifications according to their preferences.

Recalling the newspaper’s early days, he said the Daily Sun had started from a small office in the basement of Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, with its masthead and other preparations completed in a hurry.

He expressed pride in the newspaper’s growth and credited its progress to the collective efforts of its journalists, editors and other employees.

“With this ever-challenging landscape of our media in our country, people are hungry for news every moment, every second,” he said, adding that the new app would make it easier for readers to find the news they want.

Rezaul Karim Lotus, editor of the Daily Sun, said the newspaper would continue to adapt to technological changes while protecting the editorial principles that had guided its journalism since its launch.

He stressed that journalism should not merely report events but also help readers understand their significance.

The newspaper would strengthen its digital and multimedia operations, and adopt new technologies and storytelling methods without compromising accuracy, ethics or editorial independence, he said.

Lotus also thanked readers for their continued trust and acknowledged the contributions of journalists, editors, photographers, designers, marketing staff and other employees.

The newspaper’s Publisher Maynal Hossain Chowdhury said the Daily Sun had overcome numerous challenges to complete 16 years of publication, crediting the achievement to its employees, commitment to quality writing and efforts to maintain balance in news coverage.

He also acknowledged the support of the Bashundhara Group chairman’s family and the group’s management, saying their continued backing had helped the newspaper move forward.

As technological advances reshape the media industry, the Daily Sun must upgrade its technology, maintain strong journalistic standards and bring the truth to readers to remain competitive, he said.

Maynal Hossain Chowdhury expressed gratitude to those who had supported the newspaper through advertisements, writing and editorial cooperation.

Daily Sun and Tsports Executive Director Tasvir Ul Islam, said the newspaper had made progress over the past year by strengthening its digital team and winning several awards.

Referring to commitments made during the 15th anniversary, he said the organisation had worked to improve the quality of its journalism and intended to build on that progress.

He also pledged to make the newspaper more financially self-sufficient by improving its quality and marketing performance.

Tasvir said the Daily Sun would remain committed to truthful and impartial reporting while working to ensure sustainable growth.

AKM Manjurul Haque, Editor of Banglanews24.com, congratulated the Daily Sun on reaching what he described as 16 years of youth. He praised the Bashundhara Group’s support for the newspaper, noting that media organisations often require substantial financial backing to operate.

He expressed hope that the support would continue and help the Daily Sun achieve further growth.

Diplomats attending the programme also praised the newspaper’s journalism and congratulated its staff.

Ambassador of Algeria Abdelouahab Saidani  said he regularly began his day by reading the Daily Sun. Describing it as a prestigious media outlet, he praised the newspaper’s content and wished its team continued success.

High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Dharmapala Weerakkody, described the Daily Sun as a responsible newspaper that provided accurate, reliable and timely reports.

He said its coverage of the country’s political, business, economic, sports and cultural developments was valuable to readers. On behalf of the Sri Lankan High Commission, he wished the newspaper and the Bashundhara media group continued success.

The Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari congratulated the entire team, saying an anniversary was not only an occasion to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to assess progress and plan for the future.

He praised the Daily Sun’s efforts to explain why news matters, rather than simply delivering information, and described the newspaper as a close partner of the Nepal Embassy in Dhaka. He also thanked its journalists for their support.

Sofia Kutepova, Attaché, Press Secretary of the Russian ambassador, praised the professionalism, motivation and friendly approach of the Daily Sun team. She said her interactions with Lotus and other colleagues had been positive.

Shri Gokul Vimal Kala, First Secretary (Political, Press & Information) at the High Commission of India, congratulated the newspaper’s journalists, particularly field reporters, the multimedia team, designers and employees working behind the scenes.

He acknowledged their tireless efforts to meet the changing demands of the media industry.

The Indonesian ambassador Listyowati congratulated the Daily Sun on completing 16 years, describing it as a significant milestone in the newspaper’s development. He praised its commitment to impartiality and to providing accurate, credible and relevant news, echoing the remarks made by Editor Rezaul Karim Lotus. He wished the newspaper continued success.

Minister Counselor at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia Ahmed Saifuddin said the Daily Sun provided an important source of information through which readers could better understand developments around the world.

He expressed hope for greater cooperation between the newspaper, its editors, journalists and the Bashundhara Group.

The Ambassador of Palestine Yousef Ramadan, was also present at the event.

The Daily Sun began publishing on 24 October, 2010, as an English-language broadsheet committed to impartial reporting. Over the past 16 years, it has expanded its reach through print, online and multimedia platforms.

The anniversary marks the newspaper’s entry into its 17th year, with its leadership emphasising digital development, editorial integrity and financial sustainability as key priorities for the future.