Content | Current Issue | Previous Issue | MoneyTalk | Events| Photo gallery | Advertisement | Subscription| Contact us
Sayed Rana Moostofee-The Profile of A Pioneer
Abdullah Mahbub Writes from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Today,
I will
introduce one of my friends, Philosophers and guides-who, has pioneered & I
believe, has been instrumental in elevating the financial journalism to a new
level in Bangladesh both in the print and electronic media. I know Sayed Rana
Moostofee as my Rana Bhai (Bhai means brother in Bangla language). He is the
editor-publisher of the National Financial Fortnightly ‘Arthokotha’ (which means
money talk in Bangla language). He anchors a popular talk show on economic and
financial issues-'Moneytalk' on Satellite TV Channel and serves as the Chairman
& Managing Director of Motherland Group-a multi-dimensional business house in
Bangladesh.
He pioneered many visions in Bangladesh press. As a young journalist he was the
first to introduce the daily press coverage of the much talked about, month-long
"Ekushey Book Fair" that holds in each February in Bangladesh.
It was his vision that prompted the then daily newspaper “Dainik Janata” from
Bangladesh to begin this daily media coverage of this most significant book fair
of the nation, his daily write-up used to be published as by-line item on the
back page of “Dainik Janata”; which later quickly was followed by other
newspapers. At the time, coverage on “Ekushey Book Fair” was hardly seen in a
negligible manner in the inner page of of the print media. Now-a-days, daily
coverage of the “Ekushey book fair” is a ‘must go’ item in all mainstream
newspapers on the front page and television network & channels.
Rana Bhai is
always ahead of his time in many segment of life; using advanced technology is
one of his favorites, I can tell you one of the many achievements of Rana Bhai
in this regard, He was the first journalist to use mobile phone in Bangladesh.
At the time, I am talking about the inception of Cellular phone in Bangladesh,
people used to meet Rana Bhai to see a mobile phone.
In the very beginning of 21st century, Rana Bhai started fulfilling the much
realized need of taking financial journalism to the electronic media so that
common people can be outreached with what the socio-economic stakeholders are
currently thinking and acting upon that would matter for the entrepreneurship
and economy of Bangladesh.
His management style, in his words, is ‘benevolent dictator type’. However, it
can be said that he is a groomer as well, and a keeper. I recall, some of his
employees/colleagues have been working with him for quite a long time now, which
indicates that there is a human side of his management that prevents the turn
over rate to be disruptive.
Rana Bhai also works as a consultant in both local and international spectrum.
Phuket Air, Marium Tower 1 & 2, Habib Hotel International Ltd, Eunus Trade
Centre, Bangladesh Hotel & Guest House Owners Association are some of the
projects bearing testimony of his successful consulting services and loan
negotiation skills. Interested entrepreneurs and business leaders are welcome to
contact his consulting firm ‘Motherland Consultants Ltd.’ By Emailing at
motherlandgroup@gmail.com
or moostofee@gmail.com
Rana
Bhai has a great journalistic, educationist and politician family heritage. His
mother Khaza Selima Khatun (popularly known as Mina Apa) was a commissioner of
Jessore municipality and was the Editor of weekly 'Banhi' (meaning, Flame). She
was also the publisher of weekly 'Matribhumi' (meaning, motherland), which came
out in 1970. She had a pioneering role in journalism as vice-president of
Jessore Press Club. Khaza Selima Khatun was the member of National Social
Welfare Council, one of the founder directors of national women cooperatives and
the chairman of the Jessore branch of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha. She was one of the
founders and head teacher of Jessore Sheba Sangha Girls High School and also
served as the head teacher of Kuada Girls High School.
Rana Bhai’s Father late Sayed Abdus Salam was a brave freedom fighter in Jessore
sector during the great war of independence of Bangladesh. He took active part
in many operations in direct fight with the occupying Pakistan force. Prior to
joining in the liberation war Mr. Salam was a central leader of National Awami
Party (NAP) under the able leadership of great leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan
Bhashani. Sayed Abdus Salam was the founder and editor of weekly "Matribhumi".
This weekly was published with the inspiration of Maulana Bhashani to create
awareness of freedom among the people. Later researchers confirmed that
“Matribhumi” was the first news paper in Bangladesh that published the news of
victory of Bangladesh in her war of independence in a banner heading in its
independence issue dated 23rd March, 1971. Mr. Salam, a profound patriot, after
having a long career of a national politician & editor died on March 1st 1991.
Rana bhai’s grand father Sayed Arshad Ali was one of the great organizers of the
war of liberation in Bagharpara (southeastern part of Jessore District) later
the collaborators of the occupying force had killed Mr. Arshad & his elder
brother Sayed Aziz Ahmed brutally.
Now, with all these heritage, along with all these years of sincere hard works,
no wonder Rana Bhai will be able to leave behind a great trail.
Let's talk about a softer side of Rana Bhai that I was a witness and an
'accomplice' of. I recall, over the last year of the last century (1999), we
used to catch up with almost every full moon. A team of about six boys who would
go out of the Dhaka city to enjoy the full moon! It was like our version of
‘Aronner Din Ratri’ (meaning 'Days and Nights in Forest'-the famous novel of
Sunil Ganguly which was later turned into a movie by famous film director
Satyajit Ray). During those golden days, no matter how hectic life used to get,
we all would manage some time to drive away…far from the maddening crowd of
Dhaka city. A car pool of friends (oh, down the memory lane…), sometimes a
convoy of three or four cars, We would go to Ashulia-a quite rural palce in the
outskirt of the Dhaka City, would sat on the bank of River Turag and would watch
the full moon. Most of those moon-sighters are now scattered around the world.
Rana Bhai travels a lot between Dhaka and Dubai. Another moon-sighter Palash is
now in London. Yusuf is in Canada. I am in USA. Recently when I was watching the
bangla movie ‘Abar Aronney ‘(Again In forest’-the follow-up movie of ‘Aronner
Din Ratri’), I felt that time is approaching in our lives the same way …some
day, some year…some decade down the road to get together with all those good,
old buddies-those golden heart boys. Little modification, this time, we would
rather talk more among ourselves, and, let the full moon be the witness. A
mystic, a gifted orator and singer, Rana bhai has lot more to offer to
Bangladesh and to the World. Guys, let's wish a happy, healthy, long, workaholic
life for Rana Bhai !
Career
1975: Started career as a reporter in the weekly “Matribhumi”, edited by Sayed Abdus Salam and published by Khaza Selima Khatun.
1980: Made executive editor & CEO of the weekly “Banhi” edited and published by Khaza Selima Khatun.
1982: Joined as executive editor of the daily “Thikana” edited by Mr. Abul Hossain Mir.
1982: Discharged duties as special correspondent of the “Daily Barta”, Founded by shaheed President Ziaur Rhaman.
1983: Published a talked about literary little magazine named “Shomoy” (Time).
1984: Joined The Daily “Janata” As A Senior Reporter. The daily “Janata” was owned and published by the then president HE H.M. Ershad.
1988: Pioneered The First Financial Magazine of Bangladesh Named the “Banker” as its founding Executive Editor.
1991: As Chairman, Editor & Publisher, Initiated Own Venture Named “Arthokotha”-The National Financial Fortnightly of Bangladesh. Till Date Arthokotha Is Being Published Regularly. With Its Context, Hi Quality Printing & Paper & Thought Provoking Role, Arthokotha made It’s Mark and Earned Wide Range of Popularity and Respect in the Society.
Training
Trained in a senior journalist training course jointly organized by United Nations Fund for Population activities, Press Foundation of Asia, Depth News Asia and Press Institute of Bangladesh in 1982. Took part in various training program in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Italy, Germany, France and other countries as trainee & trainer.
Professional Accomplishment
Delivers lectures & teach business related subjects in different faculties of the University of Dhaka & few other Universities as guest teacher.
Excellences
Enjoys high profile treatment as a spiritual & mystique personality. Well respected as authoritative Islamic thinker & interpreter of religious subjects. Adored as a god gifted singer of hearty & touchy songs. Established as a very good orator. Lives a god (Allah) faring and a practicing Muslim’s life.
Social Services & Cultural Activities
Founded Jessore Shaitya Parishad and introduced ‘Madhusudan Shaitya Puroshkar’ (A literary award in the name of poet Michel Madhusudan Dutt for outstanding litterateurs) from this institution for literary personalities for their outstanding contribution in the related field. Jessore Shaitya Parishad earned a wide spread honor and respect both in home and abroad.
Joined Lions movement in Bangladesh as District Chairman in the Lions club district cabinet in 1991 in the Lions Club district 315 A
Served as vice chairman of the Mohammedan Sporting Club in the national committee.
Countries
Visited
As a member of the state delegation, visited USA, UK,
Germany, France, Italy, U.A.E., Pakistan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand,
Singapore, Japan, Bhutan and many more as a resource person.
Content |
Current Issue | Previous Issue | MoneyTalk | Events |
Photo gallery | Advertisement | Subscription| Contact
us
Last Updated
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
copyright: 2006-Motherland Group