The Daily Star: A History of Bangladesh's Leading English Newspaper
As the largest circulating English-language daily in Bangladesh, The Daily Star has established itself as a newspaper of record. Known for its liberal and progressive views, the publication has often been compared to the New York Times due to its reputation for journalistic integrity and its outspoken coverage of national politics, corruption, and foreign policy.
Key Facts
- Founded: 14 January 1991
- Founder: Syed Mohammad Ali
- Language: English
- Format: Broadsheet daily newspaper
- Ownership: Owned by Mediaworld, with a major share held by the Transcom Group
- Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Foundations and Early Growth
The vision for a major English-language newspaper in Bangladesh was developed in Bangkok during the late 1980s by Syed Mohammad Ali and Mahfuz Anam. Ali brought extensive experience from his roles as Editor of The Bangkok Post and the Hong Kong Standard, while Anam joined the venture following his work with UNESCO. To bring the project to life, they secured funding from prominent Bangladeshi financiers, including Azimur Rahman, A. S. Mahmud, Latifur Rahman, A. Rouf Chowdhury, and Shamsur Rahman.
The newspaper launched in 1991, a pivotal year marking Bangladesh's transition back to parliamentary democracy after 15 years of military and presidential rule. The publication quickly rose to prominence, overtaking competitors like The Bangladesh Observer and Weekly Holiday. It found a dedicated readership among the urban elite, the business community, and the diplomatic corps in major hubs like Dhaka and Chittagong.
Editorial Stance and Political Impact
Throughout its history, The Daily Star has maintained a critical eye on the country's political landscape, including the intense rivalry between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The paper has frequently challenged authority, such as in 2007 when Editor Mahfuz Anam criticized the military-backed caretaker government and the army chief's involvement in political discourse.
The newspaper's investigative capabilities have also led to significant political developments. In 2009, a report by the paper implicated Tarique Rahman, son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in the 2004 Dhaka grenade attack, a case that eventually led to Rahman's life imprisonment.
Navigating Press Freedom and Challenges
The publication has faced numerous hurdles regarding press freedom. In 2015, the government suspended government advertisements in the paper as a pressure tactic, though this was later lifted. The paper has also dealt with digital restrictions, including a brief website block in 2018 following reports on extrajudicial killings.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Daily newspaper |
| Format | Broadsheet |
| Owner | Transcom Group (via Mediaworld) |
| Editor | Mahfuz Anam |
| Circulation | 29,450 |
| Website | thedailystar.net |
Recent History and Major Incidents
The newspaper has experienced significant turbulence in recent years. In December 2025, during a period of national violence, the Daily Star office was vandalized and set on fire by a mob. The incident resulted in the first-ever cancellation of a print edition in the paper's history. The attack was described by the publication as "a dark day for independent journalism."
The paper has also faced internal and legal controversies. In 2024, Executive Editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque and his wife faced legal charges following the death of a domestic worker at their home, an incident for which the newspaper issued a formal apology. Additionally, the publication has been subject to numerous defamation lawsuits from members of various political parties.
Organizational Structure and Digital Evolution
The leadership of The Daily Star includes Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Joint Editor Aasha Mehreen Amin, and Executive Editor Syed Ashfaqul Haque. The business-focused Star Business edition remains a highly popular segment of the publication.
As the media landscape shifts, the newspaper has adapted its delivery methods. While the website remains free to access, the publication announced in early 2026 that it would move toward a paid subscription model for its e-paper services after a decade of free access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Daily Star?
The Daily Star was founded by Syed Mohammad Ali on 14 January 1991.
What is the ownership structure of the newspaper?
The newspaper is owned by Mediaworld, which holds a major share from the Transcom Group.
What is the significance of the 2025 office attack?
The attack by a mob in December 2025 led to the office being set on fire and caused the first cancellation of a print edition in the newspaper's history.
Does The Daily Star offer digital content?
Yes, the newspaper serves its readership through its website and offers an e-paper service, which moved to a paid subscription model in 2026.
What is Star Weekend?
Star Weekend was a weekly magazine supplement published by The Daily Star from 1996 until it ceased publication in November 2019.