Tariq Litu, Dhaka : Ashraf Piko, Executive Editor of Liberty News, has been honored with the prestigious MIJAF Agriculture, Industry, and Aesthetics Award 2025 for his remarkable contributions to investigative journalism. The award was presented at a grand ceremony organized by the Media Journalist Forum of Bangladesh in the capital recently.
According to the organizers, Piko was recognized for his impactful investigative reports and his role in “July Uprising,” which significantly contributed to public awareness and discourse of the movement.
Piko began his journalism career with leading Middle Eastern outlets such as Arab Times and Bayda Al Khaleej in Kuwait. He later worked as a special correspondent for prominent international publications including CNN Asia Week, Bangkok Post (Thailand), and New Straits Times (Malaysia).
Alongside journalism, Piko is also an accomplished interior architect, having studied fine arts. He was notably honored by King Bhumibol of Thailand for his contribution to exterior design during the Commonwealth Games in Thailand.
Piko is also a children’s author. His illustrated art instruction book, “Esho Shikhi Chhobi Aka”, aimed at encouraging children’s creativity, is currently used in approximately 50,000 schools across Bangladesh.
Internationally, Piko has represented the International Freelance Journalists Association in China, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia, showcasing his active role on the global stage.
The award ceremony was graced by Farida Akhtar, Advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, as the chief guest. Special guests included Md. Saiful Alam, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, and Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Director General of the Department of Fisheries. The event was presided over by Saeed Mahmud, President of the Media Journalist Forum.
Notable attendees included poet Rezauddin Stalin, corporate icon Syed Alamgir, poet Asad Kajol, humanitarian Kamrul Islam, REHAB Vice President Haji Delwar Hossain, actress Dilara Zaman, magician Jewel Aich, singers Monir Khan, Sajjad Hossain Palash, Sabbir Zaman, Bailey Afroze, Bannya Talukdar, and lyricist Shahidullah Farazi.
The evening turned into a rare convergence of art, literature, and journalism — celebrating creativity and truth in equal measure.
LND/NE
