Mr. Abdul Awal Chowdhury  for being awarded “Outstanding Contribution in Bangladesh Journalism & Social Carete“

Awarded by Bizox Media Network as a Global Leaders awards 2025– Conclave & Summit recently held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Awal Chowdhury: A Journey Shaped by Journalism, Leadership, and Social Commitment

For more than a decade, Awal Chowdhury has been telling the stories that shape public understanding — from political power corridors to the struggles of ordinary people. A seasoned writer and senior journalist, he brings depth and human perspective to every report. Awal is an accomplished Bangladeshi journalist and social leader with over twenty years of experience across television, print and digital media. As Editor-in-Chief of nymorning.com, he leads a team committed to credible, community-focused reporting. He covers major global conferences, including sessions of the IMF, World Bank, and United Nations. In 2015, he founded a social organization supporting underprivileged communities. His acclaimed book, presented at the Ekushey Book Fair, reflects his deep social awareness and literary passion. Awal is a member of The National Press Club (U.S.), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA).

1. Kindly brief us about the outset of your career.

My love for reading began in class nine, when I borrowed a Western novel from my friend Mamun. That single book drew me into a wider world of literature, soon leading me to diary writing. In college, I stepped into journalism, contributing stories and features to local newspapers. University life brought me fully into the profession, starting at a small newsroom before moving on to television and later establishing myself in digital media.

Throughout the journey, I faced challenges and pressure, yet every setback pushed me to rise stronger. From a modest desk to reporting on politics, economics, and human rights, I learned to see society through people’s eyes. These experiences have shaped me into an investigative, compassionate, and responsible journalist.

2. As a successful leader, which three personal qualities contributed most to your success?

Three qualities have guided my leadership:

• Commitment to truth: Journalism taught me that truth cannot be compromised. My leadership stands firmly on integrity and transparency.

• Empathy: Listening to people’s stories—especially marginalized and vulnerable communities—helped me develop a deeply human-centered leadership style.

• Resilience: My career has seen obstacles, pressure, and many emotional challenges. Each hurdle strengthened my ability to stand steady and lead with clarity and purpose.

3. What are the aims and ideas that guide you as an individual and a professional?

My goal is to enlighten society through truth and justice. Journalism, for me, is not just a profession but a powerful tool to bring positive change in people’s lives. I aim for my reporting and media initiatives to raise awareness, guide informed decisions, and help build a more just and humane society. Personally, I strive to be compassionate, principled, and committed to the welfare of the community.

My pursuit of these goals has taken me beyond national borders and into international platforms. At a workshop at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, I highlighted the structural challenges facing journalism in Asia—pressure from powerful groups, the spread of misinformation, and barriers to independent reporting. Participating in Columbia University’s Political Analytics Seminar deepened my understanding of the relationship between political systems and media. Additionally, working with mainstream journalists at a workshop organized by the New York Press Club at Fordham University broadened my global perspective on journalism.

These experiences have taught me that the true power of journalism lies in fearlessness, humanity, and unwavering commitment to truth. No matter the obstacles, I am determined to pursue journalism in the service of truth, justice, and compassion. I believe that only through independent journalism and the public’s trust in truth-seekers can a just and humane society flourish.

4. What are the primary offerings of your company?

My media platform focuses on quality journalism, with a strong emphasis on politics, economics, human rights, and community-based stories.

Our primary work includes:

-Investigative reporting

-Documentary-style video storytelling

-Humanitarian and community-driven coverage

-Digital journalism tailored for modern audiences

Our mission is not only to inform but also to empower. We aim to be a voice for people who are often unheard and to create a more informed, compassionate society through fact-based reporting.

5. What have been the toughest obstacles you have faced in your career?

In my journalism career, the toughest challenges have always emerged from high-risk reporting, political and social pressure, and the threats that often follow when you expose uncomfortable truths. Covering major accidents, humanitarian crises, and volatile situations has required me to balance emotional strain, professional responsibility, and personal safety—often all at once. At times, protecting the public’s trust meant putting myself in uncertain or dangerous circumstances. Yet every one of these challenges strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to truth, accountability, and human dignity.

A clear example is my investigative series on the escalating drug crisis in Bangladesh, where countless young lives were being destroyed. My reporting drew direct threats from drug networks and pressure from powerful quarters who wanted the stories suppressed. Even in the face of intimidation, I refused to step back—because public interest mattered more than personal comfort.

Whether writing columns, producing in-depth reports, or doing on-the-ground spot coverage, I have consistently walked the frontline of journalism. Many of my investigative stories have brought relief to vulnerable communities while simultaneously making me a target of those who feared exposure. Despite pressure, pushback, and risk, I have continued the work with integrity and without compromise.

6. Mention some of the notable recognition and accreditation received by your organization and yourself.

My work has earned recognition both nationally and internationally. Notable among these honors are the Global Leaders Awards in Malaysia, the Global Youth Leadership Award in Dubai, and the Best Diplomats Award in the United States. In addition, I have received four distinguished awards in Bangladeshi journalism. Over the years, through a long, committed journey in the field, I have earned praise for my contributions to economic reporting, investigative journalism, and human-interest storytelling.

I remain dedicated to objective journalism, truth-seeking, and advancing public understanding of economic progress. I have consistently highlighted the struggles, injustices, and silent suffering of marginalized communities, allowing human stories to find space in mainstream media. This fearless, compassionate, and persistent pursuit of truth and public interest has earned me significant appreciation—along with both national and international recognition.

7. Do you have a mantra that you live by?

Yes. My life mantra is:

“See people, honor truth, and work for the betterment of society.”

I believe truth is society’s strongest foundation. Journalism rooted in compassion, fairness, and integrity can guide communities toward justice and understanding. This belief leads every step I take—both personally and professionally.

8. Who in your life inspires you the most?

The people who inspire me most are ordinary individuals whose stories carry extraordinary strength—street workers, struggling families, and those who fight silently against injustice. Their resilience fuels my drive. Alongside them, Nelson Mandela has been a lifelong inspiration; his journey of forgiveness, courage and leadership reminds me that true leadership is rooted not in power, but in humanity. My family has also shaped my moral compass, especially my father, Abdul Hai Chowdhury. His values taught me empathy, patience, and the courage to stand for what is right.

9. What would be your future endeavors, and where do you see yourself in the near future?

In the near future, I aim to build a stronger, community-driven newsroom model founded on trust, transparency, and ethical journalism. My vision is to develop a truly objective news platform that upholds global standards and speaks for ordinary people around the world.

My priorities include:

Expanding impactful investigative journalism

Establishing an international-quality digital news organization

Training and mentoring young journalists

Using storytelling to strengthen the Bangladeshi diaspora community

Alongside journalism, I plan to continue my social initiatives and writing. I see myself working toward a future where the media becomes a vehicle of truth, accountability, and meaningful social progress.

10. Your journey has been inspiring. What advice would you give to aspiring leaders?

My advice to aspiring leaders is simple yet essential:

Never compromise with the truth. Lead with responsibility, not authority. Listen before you speak—every story has something to teach you. Acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and rise stronger. Above all, stay human. Leadership is not about being in front; it is about lifting others up and serving with honesty and compassion.

Mr. Abdul Awal Chowdhury : https://www.linkedin.com/in/awal-chowdhury-7b97a9263/?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app