Pioneering journalist passes away
Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24, Passes Away at 59 in London
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Key Points
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Khalidi began his journalism career in 1989 at The Sunday Express and earned a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Dhaka.
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His international recognition included fellowships from the Journalists in Europe Foundation in Paris and the Japan Foreign Press Centre; in 2014, he was named among 14 leading digital-media innovators across several regions.
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Beyond newsroom work, Khalidi served on national committees dealing with online-media policy and news-agency policy, and participated in international forums including the 2009 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen.
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The Asian Age reported that the former Hasina government was severely displeased with Khalidi, subjecting him to mental, physical and professional hardship, but that he refused to be silenced.
Toufique Imrose Khalidi, editor-in-chief and publisher of bdnews24.com, died on October 2 in a London hospital after suffering a brain hemorrhage. Daily Asian Age reported that the 59-year-old journalist collapsed at a hotel on October 1 and was rushed to nearby medical care. His death marks the loss of a pioneering figure who helped launch Bangladesh's first 24-hour internet-based news service.
Khalidi spent more than three decades in journalism, working at outlets including The Daily Star and the BBC World Service before co-founding bdnews24.com. Daily New Nation reported that President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed profound grief over his passing. Colleagues and officials remembered him as a courageous journalist who refused to be silenced despite pressure from powerful interests.
A Career Built on Breaking New Ground
Khalidi began his journalism career in 1989 at The Sunday Express and earned a master's degree in English Literature from the University of Dhaka. Daily Sun noted he worked across multiple major outlets, gaining experience in both traditional and emerging media. His path led him to help establish bdnews24.com, which became Bangladesh's first round-the-clock internet news platform.
His work earned international recognition. Daily Asian Age reported that Khalidi received fellowships from the Journalists in Europe Foundation in Paris and the Japan Foreign Press Centre. In 2014, he was named among 14 leading digital-media innovators across several regions, cementing his status as a media pioneer.
Beyond the Newsroom: Policy and Global Forums
Khalidi's influence extended far beyond daily journalism. Daily Sun reported that he served on national committees handling online-media policy and news-agency policy. He also participated in international forums, including the 2009 UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, bringing Bangladesh's voice to global discussions.
Persecution From Government Did Not Silence Him
Daily Asian Age reported that the former Hasina government was severely displeased with Khalidi's coverage and editorial stance. The outlet wrote that he faced mental, physical, and professional hardship as a result of his independent journalism. Yet he refused to be silenced, continuing to push for press freedom and accountability despite the pressure and threats he endured.
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