Syaed Rana Moostofee-The Profile of A Pioneer

Today, I will introduce one of my friends, Philosophers and guides-who, has pioneered & I believe, has been instrumental in elevating the financial journalism to a new level in Bangladesh both in the print and electronic media. I know Sayed Rana Moostofee as my Rana Bhai (Bhai means brother in Bangla language). He is the editor-publisher of the National Financial Fortnightly ‘Arthokotha’ (which means money talk in Bangla language). He anchors a popular talk show on economic and financial issues-'Moneytalk' on Satellite TV Channel and serves as the Chairman & Managing Director of Motherland group-a multi-dimensional business house in Bangladesh.

He pioneered many visions in Bangladesh press. As a young journalist he was the first to introduce the daily press coverage of the much talked about, month-long "Ekushey Book Fair" that holds in each February in Bangladesh.

It was his vision that prompted the then daily newspaper “Dainik Janata” from Bangladesh to begin this daily media coverage of this most significant book fair of the nation, his daily write-up used to be published as by-line item on the back page of “Dainik Janata”; which later quickly was followed by other newspapers. At the time, coverage on “Ekushey Book Fair” was hardly seen in a negligible manner in the inner page of of the print media. Now-a-days, daily coverage of the “Ekushey book fair” is a ‘must go’ item in all mainstream newspapers on the front page and television network & channels.

In the very beginning of 21st century, Rana Bhai started fulfilling the much realized need of taking financial journalism to the electronic media so that common people can be outreached with what the socio-economic stakeholders are currently thinking and acting upon that would matter for the entrepreneurship and economy of Bangladesh.

His management style, in his words, is ‘benevolent dictator type’. However, it can be said that he is a groomer as well, and a keeper. I recall, some of his employees/colleagues have been working with him for quite a long time now, which indicates that there is a human side of his management that prevents the turn over rate to be disruptive.

Rana Bhai also works as a consultant in both local and international spectrum. Phuket Air, Marium Tower 1 & 2, Habib Hotel International Ltd, Eunus Trade Centre, Bangladesh Hotel & Guest House Owners Association are some of the projects bearing testimony of his successful consulting services and loan negotiation skills. Interested entrepreneurs and business leaders are welcome to contact his consulting firm ‘Motherland Consultants Ltd.’ By Emailing at moostofee@gmail.com OR motherlandgroup@gmail.com.

Rana Bhai has a great journalistic, educationist and politician family heritage. His mother Khaza Selima Khatun (popularly known as Mina Apa) was a commissioner of Jessore municipality and was the Editor of weekly 'Banhi' (meaning, Flame). She was also the publisher of weekly 'Matribhumi' (meaning, motherland), which came out in 1970. She had a pioneering role in journalism as vice-president of Jessore Press Club. Khaza Selima Khatun was the member of National Social Welfare Council, one of the founder directors of national women cooperatives and the chairman of the Jessore branch of Jatiya Mohila Sangstha. She was one of the founders and head teacher of Jessore Sheba Sangha Girls High School and also served as the head teacher of Kuada Girls High School.

Rana Bhai’s Father late Sayed Abdus Salam was a brave freedom fighter in Jessore sector during the great war of independence of Bangladesh. He took active part in many operations in direct fight with the occupying Pakistan force. Prior to joining in the liberation war Mr. Salam was a central leader of National Awami Party (NAP) under the able leadership of great leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani. Sayed Abdus Salam was the founder and editor of weekly "Matribhumi". This weekly was published with the inspiration of Maulana Bhashani to create awareness of freedom among the people. Later researchers confirmed that “Matribhumi” was the first news paper in Bangladesh that published the news of victory of Bangladesh in her war of independence in a banner heading in its independence issue dated 23rd March, 1971. Mr. Salam, a profound patriot, after having a long career of a national politician & editor died on March 1st 1991. Rana bhai’s grand father Sayed Arshad Ali was one of the great organizers of the war of liberation in Bagharpara (southeastern part of Jessore District) later the collaborators of the occupying force had killed Mr. Arshad & his elder brother Sayed Aziz Ahmed brutally.

Now, with all these heritage, along with all these years of sincere hard works, no wonder Rana Bhai will be able to leave behind a great trail.

Let's talk about a softer side of Rana Bhai that I was a witness and an 'accomplice' of. I recall, over the last year of the last century (1999), we used to catch up with almost every full moon. A team of about six boys who would go out of the Dhaka city to enjoy the full moon! It was like our version of ‘Aronner Din Ratri’ (meaning 'Days and Nights in Forest'-the famous novel of Sunil Ganguly which was later turned into a movie by famous film director Satyajit Ray). During those golden days, no matter how hectic life used to get, we all would manage some time to drive away…far from the maddening crowd of Dhaka city. A car pool of friends (oh, down the memory lane…), sometimes a convoy of three or four cars, We would go to Ashulia-a quite rural palce in the outskirt of the Dhaka City, would sat on the bank of River Turag and would watch the full moon. Most of those moon-sighters are now scattered around the world. Rana Bhai travels a lot between Dhaka and Dubai. Another moon-sighter Palash is now in London. Yusuf is in Canada. I am in USA. Recently when I was watching the bangla movie ‘Abar Aronney ‘(Again In forest’-the follow-up movie of ‘Aronner Din Ratri’), I felt that time is approaching in our lives the same way …some day, some year…some decade down the road to get together with all those good, old buddies-those golden heart boys. Little modification, this time, we would rather talk more among ourselves, and, let the full moon be the witness. A mystic, a gifted orator and singer, Rana bhai has lot more to offer to Bangladesh and to the World. Guys, let's wish a happy, healthy, long, workaholic life for Rana Bhai !

[ Footnote: 'Ekushey' meaning 21st. Ekushey Book Fair of Bangladesh commemorates the language movement of 21st February of 1952 that led Bangladesh eventually to be independent from Pakistan in 1971 at the costs of pools of blood and sweat. 21st February has now been declared as ‘International Mother Language day’ by UNESCO (http://www.unesco.org/education/imld_2002/ ).]