Elias Hossain (journalist)

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Elias Hossain
ইলিয়াস হোসেন
Add a Photo
Elias in 2020
Born1 January 1984
Chuadanga
NationalityBangladeshi
OccupationJournalist
Years active2010–Present
Known forBangladeshi Journalist
Notable work
Chief Advisor of banglaedition a News Portal, & Crime Report Ekusher Chokh[1][2]
Websitebanglaedition.com

Elias Hossain (Bengali: ইলিয়াস হোসেন, born on 1st January 1984) is a Bangladeshi journalist known for his fearless investigative reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and abuses of power. His work made him a prominent advocate for accountability in Bangladesh, but his pursuit of truth ultimately led to his exile in the United States.

Early Life and Education

Elias Hossain was born in Khaspara, a village now under Darshana Thana in the Chuadanga District of western part of Bangladesh. From an early age, he displayed a strong inclination in justice and transparency, qualities that later defined his career in journalism. Despite his passion for investigative reporting, Elias pursued academic studies in English Literature.

Career

Elias began his career with Ekushey Television (ETV), a prominent private television channel in Bangladesh. He gained national recognition as a reporter on the investigative program Ekusher Chokh[1], where he highlighted social injustices and malpractices. His fearless reporting and commitment to exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and social injustices quickly established him as one of the country's leading crime reporters.[3][4]

Over time, Elias became well-known for addressing issues that many journalists avoided. His investigations brought attention to hidden problems and held influential figures accountable. His dedication earned him widespread respect within the media community and a significant public following.[5] However, his reporting also attracted criticism. Elias[6][7], along with ETV Chairman Abdus Salam[8][9] and senior journalist Dr. Kanak Sarwar, became the target of politically motivated lawsuits. While Salam and Sarwar were detained, Elias managed to escape capture, eventually leaving the country.

Exile in USA

During the tenure of the Awami League government, Elias's investigative work brought him into direct conflict with powerful figures. His reports highlighted allegations of government corruption, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and abuses of power.[2] In 2015, due to escalating threats to his safety, Elias fled Bangladesh and sought asylum in the United States.[10]

While in exile, Elias continued his work using digital platforms, including YouTube[11] and Facebook. His YouTube channel, with over 4.27 million subscribers,[12] and his verified Facebook page[13] became vital tools for exposing critical issues in Bangladesh. Despite living abroad, his commitment to investigative journalism remained steadfast, ensuring his influence persisted.[14][15][16][17][18][19][20]

Contribution in movement for Democracy in 2024

During the Awami League's tenure, press freedom in Bangladesh faced significant challenges, with journalists frequently subjected to intimidation, harassment, and legal actions.[21][22] The implementation of the Digital Security Act (DSA) further consolidated government control over the media, drawing widespread criticism domestically and internationally.

Elias, along with figures such as Dr. Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey, Pinaki Bhattacharya, and Kanak Sarwar[23], played a pivotal role in mobilizing public sentiment against Sheikh Hasina's government. Their efforts contributed to a nationwide movement advocating for democracy.

On August 5, 2024, massive student-led demonstrations and public protests culminated in Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent departure from the country. An interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus was established on August 8, 2024, marking the end of over a decade of autocratic rule.

Legacy

Elias Hossain is widely recognized for his fearless journalism and dedication to exposing the truth. His work has inspired many journalists and activists in Bangladesh and around the world to stand up for justice, transparency, and democracy.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Ekusher Chokh in ETV". ETV. 27 September 2024.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Fake Voter in polling Center during 2014 general election". ETV. 5 January 2014.
  3. "Cyber criminals out to destabilise country". Daily Sun. 8 March 2015.
  4. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসের বিচার শুরু". Kalbela. 18 January 2024.
  5. "পিবিআইপ্রধানের করা ডিজিটাল নিরাপত্তা আইনের মামলায় সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসের বিরুদ্ধে অভিযোগ গঠন". Prothom Alo. 18 January 2024.
  6. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসকে হাজির হতে পত্রিকায় বিজ্ঞপ্তি প্রকাশের নির্দেশ". BSS News. 2 October 2023.
  7. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসকে হাজির হতে পত্রিকায় বিজ্ঞপ্তির নির্দেশ". Shomoyer Alo. 2 October 2023.
  8. "ETV boss sent back to jail". The Daily Star. 8 March 2015.
  9. "Ekushey TV chairman lands in jail". The Daily Star. 8 March 2015.
  10. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসের সম্পত্তি ক্রোকের নির্দেশ". Asian Somoy. 31 August 2023.
  11. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াস ও মেজর ডালিমের টকশো'র বিশ্বরেকর্ড, যা জানা যাচ্ছে (World record for the number of audience participants in a YouTube) live". Bhorer Kagoj. 7 January 2025.
  12. "YouTube Channel of Elias Hossain". YouTube.
  13. "Verified Facebook Page of Elias Hossain". Facebook.
  14. "The court orders to seize the properties of journalist Elias Hossain". Shampratikdeshkal. 31 August 2023.
  15. "Confiscation of property of journalist Elias Hossain সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসের সম্পত্তি ক্রোকের নির্দেশ". BDNews24. 31 August 2023.
  16. "PBI's DSA case: Charges framed against Elias Hossain". Dhaka Tribune. 18 January 2024.
  17. "Journalist Elias Hossain indicted in PBI's DSA case". Daily Star. 18 January 2024.
  18. "Charges pressed against ex-SP Babul, YouTuber Elias Hossain". Dhaka Tribune. 26 April 2023.
  19. "Arrest warrnt against Elias Hossain (সাংবাদকি ইলিয়াস হোসেনের বিরুদ্ধে গ্রেফতারি পরোয়ানা". Jago News 24. 25 July 2023.
  20. "Arrest warrnt against Elias Hossain (ইলিয়াস হোসেনের বিরুদ্ধে গ্রেফতারি পরোয়ানা". Dhaka Post. 25 July 2023.
  21. "Now PBI chief sues ex-SP Babul, Elias, 2 others". Kaler Kantho. 27 September 2022.
  22. "সাংবাদিক ইলিয়াসের বিরুদ্ধে বিএনপির ঝাড়ু মিছিল!". Daily Janakantha. 18 December 2024.
  23. "Exiled Bangladeshi journalists yet to be recognised". Daily Sun. 31 October 2024.

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