The face of Bangladesh, to the amazement of those who don't know better, has changed. Digitalisation is widespread now and with the times changing rapidly, Ittefaq has adapted and improved its digital media and took it to a whole new level.
With the flare and finesse brought on by Tareen Hossain Manju, executive director of the daily Ittefaq and executive editor of Ittefaq.com.bd and clickIttefaq.com, Ittefaq introduces its digital media in both English and Bengali.
Adding her own bits of spices and flavours, Tareen Hossain has created her own blend of news for the digital portal. Recently, we had the opportunity to talk to the enchanting Tareen during which she elaborately spoke about how she emphasises on digital media and reaches out to the younger generation through their point of interest and more.
How do you intend to change the face of Ittefaq through the website?
Daily Ittefaq was the first Bangladeshi newspaper to go digital in 1998-1999. Our online version carries identical news as the paper, plus hundreds of other news items that are not published in the newspaper but that will appeal to our online readers. While the newspaper stays traditional, we get to play around more with the online, keeping in mind the ethics and guidelines of the publication house.
What does the digital media of Ittefaq hold different than the print media?
Online carries lighter, quirkier items- those that appeal to younger readers, more photos, less text. No one wants to read anything too lengthy on the go.
And if they do, the actual newspaper is online as well so they can access that too.
Clickittefaq.com is the English version of the print. What role does it play for the newspaper? Do you have any future plans to bring out an English version in print?
Clickittefaq.com is the English version of the print and it is also a news portal. I wanted to create a one stop news shop on all the news on Bangladesh published in newspapers around the world.
I also wanted to tap into the young NRB community living abroad, whose parents may read the Bangla Ittefaq, but they might not be able to read Bangla; I wanted to introduce the Ittefaq brand to them.
I don't believe in anything in print. Let's just say I am 100% Digital Bangladesh!!
If it was up to me, the Bangla Daily ITTEFAQ would also be digital only. Luckily, I don't have the authority to make that decision!
Favourites:
Favourite song: anything from the 80s or the Beatles. Oops, did I just give my age away?
Favourite movie: I grew up watching and singing the songs of Sound of Music.
Favourite food: I enjoy all foods but nothing satisfies like Bengali food of course!
