M. Masum Billah of Reporters 24 was named President and Shamsuddin Illius, Special Correspondent of The Business Standard, was appointed General Secretary.
The South Asian Climate Change Journalists’ Forum (SACCJF) has officially launched its Bangladesh chapter, marking a significant step in strengthening regional cooperation among climate journalists to confront the escalating climate crisis across South Asia. The inauguration event was held on Saturday at a hotel in Dhaka.
SACCJF was founded during COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh in 2022 by journalists committed to addressing the climate emergency. The forum has already launched chapters in India and Nepal and is planning a regional climate conference in Nepal this October.
Joining virtually, SACCJF President and veteran Indian journalist Asish Gupta highlighted the urgency of cross-border collaboration to amplify climate journalism. The event was chaired by Executive President Asaduzzaman Shamrat, while Secretary General Karamot Ullah Biplob conducted the proceedings and announced the leadership of the newly formed Bangladesh chapter.
M. Masum Billah of Reporters 24 was named President of the chapter and award-winning climate and environmental journalist Shamsuddin Illius, Special Correspondent of The Business Standard, was appointed General Secretary.
Other office bearers include Vice President Imrul Kayes (Bangla Vision), Joint Secretary Salauddin Ahmed Reza (Jamuna TV), Treasurer Zummatull Bida (Channel 24) and Executive Members Md. Abu Ali (Daily Amader Somoy), Md. Shafiul Al Imran (Daily Sangbad), Sheikh Shahrukh Farhan (The Daily Observer), Minakshi Chowdhury (BTV), Sajibur Rahman (The Financial Express), Imran Hossain (ATN News) and Mithun Sarkar (Protidiner Bangladesh).
Certificates were awarded by Shamrat and Biplob, followed by brief presentations from the new chapter leaders outlining their goals. They emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action and robust climate reporting to influence policy and raise public awareness across the region.
