Bangladesh’s former national cricket captain and internationally recognised sporting figure Shakib Al Hasan is preparing to expand his professional portfolio further with the launch of a digital news platform, marking his formal entry into the media and publishing industry.
Currently based in the United States amid a prolonged stay away from Bangladesh during a politically sensitive period, Shakib is developing an online journalism venture titled “Beyond Bangla”, which is expected to go live in the near future. The project represents his first structured and full-scale move into media ownership and editorial production.
A bilingual, digital-first newsroom
According to Shakib, the platform will operate as a bilingual news service, publishing content in both Bengali and English. While Bengali will remain the primary language of reporting, English-language output is intended to extend the platform’s reach to global audiences and to readers interested in South Asian political, economic, and cultural developments.
Unlike traditional print or broadcast organisations, Beyond Bangla will function entirely as a digital-first newsroom. It will combine text-based journalism with multimedia storytelling formats, including video reports, data-driven explainers, and visually enhanced digital features designed for mobile and online consumption.
Shakib has confirmed that the operational base of the platform will be in the United States, where he is currently residing. Despite this international structure, he has emphasised that the editorial focus will remain strongly centred on Bangladesh, particularly national developments, public affairs, and socially relevant issues.
Editorial direction and coverage areas
The planned newsroom is expected to adopt a broad-based editorial model rather than specialising in a single niche. Its coverage will span multiple sectors, including:
- Domestic politics and governance
- Economic trends and financial developments
- International relations and geopolitics
- Sports news and analytical reporting
- Entertainment, culture, and lifestyle content
Shakib has also indicated that a key editorial priority will be the production of exclusive and original journalism, positioning the platform within a competitive and fast-evolving digital media landscape.
“I will try to ensure that we produce exclusive news and original stories,” he said, outlining the ambition behind the initiative.
Overview of “Beyond Bangla”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform name | Beyond Bangla |
| Founder | Shakib Al Hasan |
| Type | Digital news and media platform |
| Languages | Bengali and English |
| Operational base | United States |
| Format | Text, video, and multimedia journalism |
| Coverage scope | Politics, economy, international affairs, sports, entertainment |
From cricketing icon to media entrepreneur
Shakib’s entry into digital media adds a new dimension to a career that has already encompassed international cricket, business ventures, and political engagement. As one of Bangladesh’s most recognisable public figures, his activities beyond the cricket field have consistently drawn significant public and media attention both domestically and internationally.
While he has previously explored entrepreneurial opportunities, the establishment of a structured newsroom represents a more formal and visible transition into the media sector, where credibility, editorial independence, and audience trust are critical benchmarks.
Entering a rapidly evolving media ecosystem
The launch of Beyond Bangla comes at a time when digital journalism across South Asia is undergoing rapid transformation. Online platforms are increasingly competing with traditional media outlets by offering faster reporting cycles, multimedia integration, and audience-driven engagement models tailored for digital consumption.
Industry observers note that ventures led by high-profile personalities often benefit from immediate visibility and strong initial audience interest. However, long-term sustainability typically depends on journalistic standards, institutional professionalism, and consistent content quality rather than celebrity association alone.
Outlook and next steps
Although an official launch date has not yet been announced, preparations are understood to be at an advanced stage, with editorial planning and operational structuring already underway. Recruitment and content development processes are also expected to begin ahead of the platform’s public rollout.
If successfully executed, Beyond Bangla could emerge as a notable addition to Bangladesh’s expanding digital media landscape, combining celebrity-driven reach with modern newsroom practices.
For now, the initiative underscores Shakib Al Hasan’s continued evolution beyond sport, as he positions himself within the increasingly competitive global arena of digital journalism and information services.