Mahfuz Anam

Anam's father Abul Mansur Ahmed was a satirist and politician of Bengal. Anam completed his MA in economics from the University of Dhaka. Subsequently, he achieved expertise in media planning and media development, from a long career as journalist, editor and publisher in Bangladesh and as a media expert for UNESCO. Today Anam is also a TV interviewer, invited to interview the Prime Minister and other highest level dignitaries. He is regularly invited to speak in regional and international forum on governance, human rights, press freedom and related issues.[1]

Anam was elected chairman of Asia News Network (ANN) for 2007 at a meeting of the board members of the organisation held in Seoul.[2]

Anam is a member of the Board of Trustees of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) alongside Sultana Kamal.[3]

In 2005, Anam was found guilty with other journalists of contempt of court for reporting that a recently appointed judge had falsified his academic credentials; the court action had been filed by the judge's father.[4]

In 2016, speaking at a panel discussion on ATN News, Anam conceded that reports published in The Daily Star in 2007 alleging corruption by Sheikh Hasina who is now prime minister were based on uncorroborated leaks fed by the military Directorate General of Forces Intelligence. "It was a big mistake," he said during the interview. "It was a bad editorial judgement, I admit it without any doubt." Despite his admission, he has been facing concerted attacks from the government and ruling Awami League party loyals. As of 18 February 2016, 79 cases have been filed against him including 17 sedition and 62 defamation cases.[5] He has refused to resign and has defended himself in editorials.[6]

Anam's daughter Tahmima Anam is an award-winning novelist and columnist who writes primarily in English.