Riaj Uddin, also known in the media as Riaj Sohel, is a Bangladeshi journalist. Since his secondary school days, he has been involved in writing for various newspapers and magazines. Since 2013, Riaj Sohel has been actively working as a journalist in mainstream national media.
Throughout his career, he has covered topics such as fundamentalism, education, women’s rights, child rights, human rights, and environmental issues for some of Bangladesh’s most renowned media outlets. He began his journalism career as a reporter for sahos24.com. Additionally, he worked as a reporter for the women-focused news portal Jagoroniya.
Over the years, he has been associated with several newspapers and news portals, including dainik sahos, ajker darpon, anweshan news, jagotik news, and the voice. At jagotik news, he served as a senior reporter.
In August 2023, a devastating sudden flood wreaked havoc in the hilly regions of Bangladesh. This natural disaster caused numerous casualties, and the entire region was cut off from the rest of the country. During this time, severe shortages of food, clean drinking water, and healthcare emerged in areas like Bandarban, Lama, Thanchi, and Alikadam. Rescue and relief operations in the remote hills became highly challenging. With road communications completely severed, no media outlet could reach the affected areas. Additionally, electricity and mobile networks were entirely down.
Amidst this crisis, a team of journalists ventured into the remote hilly regions to capture the catastrophe’s severity. Since road connections were disrupted, they traveled long distances by traditional engine boat to report from the affected areas. Alongside their reporting, they also distributed emergency medicine, clean water, and dry food. The professionalism and dedication of these journalists in covering the disaster in such inaccessible areas were widely praised. Journalist Riaj Uddin was a member of this team.
In 2018, a biodiversity research project was conducted on Sonadia Island under the supervision of the Isabela Foundation. Renowned researchers from Bangladesh participated in this study. Alongside the researchers, journalists also took part in this study. Journalist Riaj Uddin was a member of this research team.
An interview with Kabir Bin Anwar. Kabir Bin Anwar was the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office of the Government of Bangladesh at that time. In the interview, he provided guidance on the proper utilization and conservation of the blue economy in Bangladesh’s maritime territory.
In 2022, a protest program was held at TSC Square in Dhaka against the captivity and exhibition of wildlife in zoos. During the program, journalist and wildlife enthusiast Hossain Sohel confined himself in a cage to protest the captivity of wild animals. The report on this protest event was prepared by journalist Riaj Uddin.
Visit to Kolkata Press Club, India, and discussion with journalists.
In 2017, journalist Riaz Uddin visited the Kolkata Press Club in India. There, he engaged in discussions with journalists from various media outlets in Kolkata. During the discussions, he addressed issues related to press freedom and the safety of journalists.
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মৌলবাদের উত্থান ঘটাতে পারে মাদ্রাসার ব্যাপক প্রসার
দেশের প্রচলিত শিক্ষা ব্যবস্থাকে পেছনে ফেলে বাংলাদেশের অলিতে-গলিতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হচ্ছে ধর্মভিত্তিক শিক্ষাপ্রতিষ্ঠান মাদ্রাসা। বিজ্ঞান, ইংরেজি ও বাংলা মিডিয়াম শিক্ষা প্রতিষ্ঠানগুলোর তুলনায় হুড়হুড় করে বাড়ছে ধর্মভিত্তিক শিক্ষা প্রতিষ্ঠানের সংখ্যা। ফলে, একদিকে যেমন নিম্নআয়ের ব্যাপক জনগোষ্ঠী শিক্ষাগ্রহণের সুযোগ পাচ্ছে, অন্যদিকে বিজ্ঞান, বাংলা, ইংরেজি ও কারিগরি জ্ঞানহীন একটি প্রজন্মের সৃষ্টি হচ্ছে। পাশাপাশি জাতীয় শিক্ষার মূলস্রোতের বাহিরে ধর্মভিত্তিক শিক্ষার প্রসারে দেশে মৌলবাদের উত্থান ঘটার আশু সম্ভাবনা দেখা দিচ্ছে। একাধিক স্বনামধন্য বুদ্ধিজীবী ও শিক্ষাবিদ মাদ্রাসার বাঁধভাঙা প্রসার নিয়ে সতর্কবার্তা দিলেও সরকার কার্যকরি পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণে ব্যর্থ হচ্ছে।
Founder of Bangla Science Blog Hottiti
Hottiti is a Bengali-language science blog that publishes articles on biodiversity, the environment, nature, wildlife, science and technology, and the history of human civilization. The blog was launched on the first day of 2019 and quickly gained widespread popularity. Today, Hottiti has over one million followers. Its primary goal is to enlighten readers with knowledge and scientific insights.
Founder of Production House Dariya
Dariya is a media company specializing in advertising and documentary production. The company has earned a strong reputation by creating advertisements for many renowned brands. It has also gained widespread popularity for producing documentaries. Dariya is known for its reliability in website design, graphic design, and video editing. Some of its notable advertising projects include telecom, resorts, schools, and tourism.
Activism
Protest
In 1971, Bangladesh achieved independence through a nine-month-long bloody Liberation War. During the war, local fundamentalist groups carried out genocide, rape, forced religious conversions, and looting against citizens. In 2013, a mass movement emerged at Shahbag in Dhaka, demanding the trial of those involved in crimes against humanity during 1971. This movement became known as the Shahbag Movement or Ganajagaran Mancha. Riaj Uddin was an active participant in this movement. He contributed through organizational activities and news publications to support the cause.
Riaj Sohel is a player of the Bangladesh Tennis Federation. He regularly participated in various tournaments organized by the Tennis Federation at the Sheikh Jamal National Tennis Complex in Dhaka. In addition to playing, he also volunteered in different events organized by the Tennis Federation.
Furthermore, as a journalist and content creator, he contributed to the promotion and development of tennis in Bangladesh. Under his initiative, the Bangladesh Tennis Federation launched its first official Facebook page, YouTube channel, and Facebook group. However, he is currently no longer involved in these responsibilities.
Sports
Filming
In addition to journalism, Riaj Sohel has worked in the media industry as a cinematographer and creator. He has been involved in the production of various popular fiction, dramas, and advertisements in Bangladesh.
Moreover, he has served as a cinematographer for several environmental documentaries. Through his own company, Dariya Media, he has worked as both a cinematographer and director for multiple advertisements.
A children’s club named Tukhor was established to ensure the education and sports rights of street children. Journalist Riaj Uddin Sohel was the founder and director of this club. On behalf of the club, educational materials and sports equipment were distributed to various street children’s schools in Dhaka. Additionally, the club organized various sports tournaments among these schools. All participating street children were awarded educational materials as prizes.
Edu. Club
Voluntary
Due to its geographical location, Bangladesh frequently faces floods and earthquakes. The frequency and severity of floods are so high that it becomes difficult for the government alone to manage the situation. Journalist Riaj Uddin Sohel has voluntarily participated in rescue and relief efforts during multiple natural disasters in Bangladesh. At times, he has provided support with his own funds, while at other times, he has worked on behalf of various organizations to stand by the affected people.
Journalist Riaj Uddin Sohel is a stage actor of Upokul Theatre. He performs in stage plays on behalf of this theater group. He has been associated with the organization since its inception.