Prothom Alo
Prothom Alo (Bengali: প্রথম আলো, meaning "First Light") is a Bengali-language daily newspaper headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh, recognized as the country's largest-circulating print publication.[1][2] Founded on 4 November 1998 by journalist Matiur Rahman and published by Transmedia Management Limited under the Transcom Group, it began with an initial print run of 42,000 copies and expanded rapidly to over 500,000 daily copies, achieving a total readership surpassing 9 million across print and online platforms.[2][3][4] The newspaper emphasizes investigative journalism and public awareness campaigns targeting issues like acid violence, drug abuse, and militancy, contributing to its influence in Bangladeshi society.[2][5] Despite its prominence, Prothom Alo has faced criticisms from political opponents and religious groups accusing it of bias against Islamist perspectives and promoting secular agendas, including allegations of propaganda that undermine traditional values.[6][7][8]
History
Founding and Early Development (1998–2005)
Prothom Alo, a Bengali-language daily newspaper, was first published on 4 November 1998 in Dhaka, Bangladesh.[2] It was founded under the ownership of Transcom Group, with Transcraft Ltd. as the publisher, and Matiur Rahman serving as its inaugural editor.[9] [10] Rahman, who had previously edited the daily Bhorer Kagoj from 1992 to 1998, aimed to deliver credible and courageous journalism in a competitive market dominated by established publications.[11] The launch included an online edition from the outset and regular supplements, which contributed to its immediate differentiation.[12] Initial average circulation in November 1998 stood at 53,283 copies, reflecting early reader interest amid Bangladesh's growing print media sector declared an industry in the 1980s.[10] [9] Circulation expanded rapidly in the subsequent years, driven by marketing efforts such as print and electronic advertising, outdoor promotions, and community engagement initiatives. In 2000, the publishing entity became a public limited company, supporting further operational scaling.[10] The following table summarizes average monthly circulation growth from November 1998 to November 2005:| Year | Average Circulation | Year-over-Year Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 53,283 | - |
| 1999 | 126,722 | 37.78 |
| 2000 | 162,212 | 28.08 |
| 2001 | 213,023 | 31.32 |
| 2002 | 216,337 | 1.56 |
| 2003 | 221,385 | 2.33 |
| 2004 | 232,407 | 4.98 |
| 2005 | 244,916 | 5.38 |