Sayed Rana Moostofee
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 fovorites, 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
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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 carrier 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.
Abdullah Mahbub Writes from Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.