Sharful Alam: Telling Bangladesh’s Stories to the World

File photo: Journalist Sharful Alam

The professional journey of journalist Sharful Alam is a story of steady growth, dedication, and deep human connection. His career began in 2001, when he appeared as a young reporter on Ekushey Television’s Muktokhobor, a children’s news programme that encouraged youth engagement with society. That early platform nurtured his passion for development reporting, social awareness, and storytelling rooted in real-life experiences rather than mere headlines.

Over the years, Sharful’s work expanded beyond Bangladesh. He reported directly from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Turkey, Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, and Saudi Arabia—fourteen countries in total. His international reports have highlighted the experiences of expatriate Bangladeshi communities and examined development issues through a global lens. His current role as Special Correspondent at ATN Bangla has placed him at the frontlines of both national and international journalism.

Sharful’s understanding of the profession deepened further when he participated in the World Press Institute (USA) programme. There, he learned modern investigative techniques, newsroom ethics, and strategies for reporting on social development. His empathetic and community-focused storytelling earned recognition and respect from peers and mentors alike.

His achievements in journalism have also been acknowledged through several national and international honours. Sharful received the UNICEF Meena Media Award for his compelling reporting on child rights, a testament to his consistent effort to bring children’s issues into public conversation. His commitment to child protection journalism was further recognised when he was awarded the Breaking the Silence Fellowship in 2023. The same year, he earned distinction in the World Vision Media Competition for highlighting stories of social transformation within Dhaka’s communities. Earlier, his reporting on social justice and community development led to fellowships from ActionAid and the ASD Media Fellowship programme. His work on public health and safe water access was acknowledged through the Young Media Fellowship on WASH, supported by WaterAid Bangladesh. Additionally, his early focus on youth services earned him the Youth Friendly Services Reporting & Video Competition Award in 2019.

Across all stages of his career, Sharful has centred the experiences of children, women, and marginalised groups. His reports often bring attention to lives that exist on the edges of mainstream awareness. Through his work, he encourages public dialogue and policy reflection.

Sharful  said, “Journalism is not only about reporting events. It is standing beside people and expressing their unheard voice.”

From a youthful beginning in Dhaka’s newsroom to recognition on international platforms, Sharful Alam’s journey shows how empathy, consistency, and integrity can turn reporting into a powerful instrument for social change.