The Watchdog of Wires: Bangladesh’s Only Investigative ICT Journalist

Investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding government IT and Telecom entities accountable, ensuring transparency and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in public procurement. It can uncover issues like overpricing, inadequate standards, and corruption, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and improving public services. Investigations can reveal instances where substandard IT or Telecom equipment or services are being purchased, compromising public safety or operational efficiency. Investigating the criteria used for vendor selection, including qualifications, experience, and past performance, to ensure the best value for taxpayers.

Today, we will introduce one such ICT journalist. From 2002 he was only a technology and telecom journalist with clear knowledge of cutting edge technology when Bangladesh was about to start its digital transformation of public infrastructure and citizen services. Being a computer science graduate Md.Mojahidul islam also known as “Dheow”. He has been in ICT journalism for over 20 years and is recognized for his work as an investigative technology journalist. His reports have influenced authorities to reconsider decisions, exposed corruption, and revealed the true faces of the powerful. He is a rare tech journalist who could speak fluent geek and bureaucrat at the same time. Interviewed by Ruhul amin.

His journalistic journey began in 1999. At The New Nation, an English daily, he joined as a part time associate editor when it started publishing a dedicated tech page. In 2002, under his editorial guidance, the Bengali daily Ajker Kagoj launched the first-ever weekly Bangla tech page titled Online. In 2003, he joined E-Biz as Assistant Editor. Rising through the ranks as Executive Editor and Managing Editor, he eventually became the Acting Editor of the publication.

In 2006, he joined The Daily Ittefaq, the oldest and one of the most prestigious newspapers in Bangladesh, to lead its tech page. There, he also took charge of the Technology, Daily IT Corner, Jobs, Education, and Corporate sections. By 2009, he was promoted to Technology Editor of Ittefaq. In late 2024, after nearly two decades, he left Ittefaq to become the Online Editor of the country’s third-largest English daily—an institution with 45 years of history.

Mojahidul Islam is also a celebrated author of Bangla books on technology. Over a dozen of his books have gained recognition both at home and abroad. His works enjoy equal popularity in the Indian state of West Bengal.

To sharpen his edge in journalism, Mojahidul has traversed the globe—receiving international-standard training in various corners of the world. He was awarded a fellowship in finance and business journalism from the Thomson Reuters Foundation in London, and also received specialized training in Internet Resource Management and Artificial Intelligence.

Back in 2007, Mojahidul stepped into a new role—as General Secretary of the Bangladesh ICT Journalists Forum (BIJF), the country’s only organization for tech journalists. From writing powerful pieces to hosting seminars and roundtables, he took several initiatives for the advancement of Bangladesh’s ICT sector. Later, in 2019, he was elected President of BIJF, becoming a vocal advocate for the rights of IT journalists.

Md. Mojahidul Islam is not just a journalist—he’s a firebrand for press freedom. From protests to statements, from rallies to human chains—he has always been at the frontline, speaking out against violence and injustice toward journalists. Whether it’s wrongful arrests, fake murder cases, freezing of bank accounts, or even the forced shutdown of media outlets and mass journalist layoffs—he doesn’t stay silent.

Why Technology journalism?

When asked why he chose Technology journalism, Mojahidul Islam responds,” In a country of 150 million Bangla speakers, his passion for making technology accessible in the native language sparked the beginning of his writing journey. Back then, English books and journals on computers were rare treasures—available only in a handful of stores at Dhaka’s New Market. Most people thought computers were tools for scientific research only. The idea that this machine would soon become a daily necessity worldwide was still unimaginable to many. Some university professors in Bangladesh were knowledgeable about computers, but their expertise was mostly confined to the classroom. They lacked the skill—or perhaps the interest—to communicate this knowledge in a simple, accessible way to the general public. But i could see the horizon. I believed computers would revolutionize everyday life—farming, education, sports, health, communication—and though the government had begun to realize this, the people were still in the dark. So he picked up his pen.”

He added Even while juggling my studies, I wrote regularly for newspapers. my pieces quickly found an eager audience—readers from far and wide reached out to connect with him. Their enthusiasm became the fire that fueled his passion.

In his own words, "Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a powerful tool for human resource development and achieving national goals.” He recognized early on that the nation needed a surge of public interest in ICT. Technology, he believed, had become central not only to innovation but also to economic progress. It wasn’t just about boosting productivity—it was about opening new doors for society to live better and work smarter.

Across developed, developing, and even third-world countries, ICT was ushering in a new era—a digital revolution spanning business, education, and global communication. And at the heart of this progress stood the Internet—a global system, not owned by any one country or region, but shared by all. A revolutionary medium for information exchange.

Why Technology Investigation journalism?

Md Mojahidul Islam said, in 2002 the first-ever national ICT policy of Bangladesh was born—bold and visionary. It aimed to build IT infrastructure, grow a tech-savvy workforce, and promote research and innovation. It wasn’t just a policy; it was the heartbeat of a digital renaissance. Right around that time, our digital whistleblower and tech journalist extraordinaire, i, dropped an investigative bombshell. My report illuminated the urgent need to computerize all government institutions to ensure seamless public service. It rippled across ministries and stirred real conversations. Also in 2002, the Support to ICT Programme (SICT) launched under the Planning Division. With a fat budget of BDT 83.16 crore and guidance from the ICT Task Force, it was the country’s first major push to digitize governance. I have published an in-depth exposé unpacking the whole thing.

But do authorities always take action or consider the reports?

Md Mojahidul Islam explains that, in his experience, authorities have taken action in some cases, but not all. For instance, after his report on corruption in the procurement of 80,000 laptops, projector-printer and Network devices by the Ministry of Education, action was taken. Around irregularity has been made by floating tender specification in favor of one Chinese vendor. Leading the Ministry of Education to form an investigative committee. Some people lost their jobs, while others were reinstated. However, the key individual behind the forgery, who had close connections with the previous government, faced no consequences. On the other hand, after his report on money laundering and tax evasion through under-invoicing for importing technology product imports from Hong-Kong, authorities are planning to implement policy changes. These are the moments that make his work fulfilling.

Is Tech investigative journalism becoming harder in Bangladesh?

Mojahidul Islam acknowledges that there is always pressure in this field and that pressure is unlikely to diminish. If journalists only report on daily events, they don’t face much resistance. However, when they dig deeper into issues, they encounter several obstacles. In countries like ours, this is part of the job. While the pressure on investigative journalism in mainstream media has increased. Technological advancements have also created new opportunities. Small platforms around the world are emerging, publishing powerful investigative reports, and Mojahidul believes similar efforts are beginning in Bangladesh as well.

In recognition of his outstanding work, Md. Mojahidul Islam has been honored with numerous prestigious accolades. He was named the Pioneer IT Journalist of Bangladesh, received the Excellence in Technology Reporting Award, and was recognized with the 15 Years in ICT Journalism Award by the ICT Division, the Post and Telecommunication Division, and several other national organizations. The year 2022 was a true hat trick of achievements: he received the Digital Bangladesh Award at the national level, the Best Author Award from Systech Publications Ltd., and the Prominent IT Journalist Award from the Ministry of ICT.

Mojahidul Islam’s journalism isn’t just about exposure—it’s about impact. He demands accountability, encourages ethical procurement, and ensures that tech budgets serve the people, not private pockets.