DHAKA, Sep 1, 2026 (V7Ñ)- Daily Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman and Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman have been elected president and general secretary respectively of the National Editors Council (NEC).

The committee was formed for an interim period at the council's first general meeting held at a hotel in the capital yesterday.

Daily Waadaa Editor Shafiqul Alam was elected treasurer of the council.

The editors present at the meeting also approved the constitution of the National Editors Council with several amendments.

Besides, following a proposal by Daily Jugantor Editor Poet Abdul Hai Sikder, the meeting took a policy decision to introduce the 'Nazrul Award' for journalism every year.

Shafik Rehman chaired the meeting while the editors shared their views on press freedom and improving professional standards in journalism.

In his speech, Shafik Rehman said, "Journalists have an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the country. To move the country forward democratically, journalists must remain united and work together."

He sought cooperation from all concerned to bring editors from across the country under a single platform.

Speaking at the meeting, Mahmudur Rahman said, "We want to expand the council further. Communication among journalists should be increased."

This initiative has been taken so that editors can remain united for independent journalism, he said, adding that the organization has started its journey democratically in accordance with its constitution from its very first meeting.

Other editors who took part in the meeting are- Naya Diganta Editor Salah Uddin Muhammad Babar, Pratidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, The New Nation Editor Mokarram Hossain, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Loton Ekram, Bhorer Dak Editor K M Belayet Hossain, Manabkantha Editor Shahidul Islam, Khabar Sangjog Editor Sheikh Nazrul Islam, Bangladesher Khabor Editor Syed Mezbah Uddin, Janata Editor Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, The Bangladesh Post Editor Sadrul Hasan, Banijjo Protidin Editor Gias Uddin, Khola Kagoj Editor Monir Hossain, Rupali Bangladesh Editor Sayem Faruqi, Bhorer Bangla Editor Sheikh Muhammad Arif and The Global Post Editor Dr Mahbubur Rahman, among others.

END/AJ/RH