TBT DESK: The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), one of the country’s leading platforms for working journalists, witnessed a lively yet orderly election on Monday, as members turned out from early morning to select their new executive committee. When the ballots were tallied in the evening, familiar faces returned to the top posts, while a new name claimed a key leadership position.
In one of the most closely watched contests, Niaz Mahmud Sohel, Special Correspondent of The Bangladesh Today, secured a decisive victory to become the organisation’s new Finance Secretary, earning 792 votes. His nearest rival, Sakhawat Hossain Sumon, finished with 526 votes.
Voting began at 9am at the DRU premises and continued uninterrupted until 5pm. As dusk settled, members gathered in anticipation while officials counted the ballots. The results were finally announced around 7pm, drawing applause from supporters of the newly elected committee.
At the top of the leadership slate, Abu Saleh Akon was returned as President, securing 509 votes. His closest challenger, Mursalin Nomani, received 432 votes, while Touhidul Islam Mintu and Md Rokon-uz-Zaman finished with 323 and 162 votes respectively.
The race for Vice President saw a commanding win for Mehedi Azad Masum, who collected 770 votes, comfortably ahead of his opponent Halim Mohammad, who secured 526.
Meanwhile, Mainul Hasan Sohel reclaimed his position as General Secretary, earning the confidence of 752 members. His principal challenger Mainul Ahsan received 489 votes, while Mahmudul Hasan finished with 184.
Throughout the day, the DRU building remained abuzz with reporters, photographers and senior journalists—many taking a break from their newsroom duties to participate in one of the most anticipated annual events on the media calendar. The atmosphere, though energetic, remained marked by fraternity and professionalism, reflecting the unity’s long tradition of democratic practice.
With the election now concluded, the newly elected committee is expected to take charge soon, as members express hope that the leadership will continue working towards safeguarding journalistic rights, enhancing professional development and strengthening the collective voice of the country’s reporters.
