On the night of 18 December 2025, just before midnight, senior journalist Jaima Islam was engrossed in preparing a major report for The Daily Star, focusing on the late Shaheed Osman Hadi. The newsroom buzzed with urgency as she raced to complete the story for the second edition. Suddenly, a shocking report arrived: extremists had attacked the offices of Prothom Alo.
Rushing to the scene, Jaima witnessed flames and destruction engulfing the ground floor. Smoke choked the air, yet her composure remained unwavering. Through a brief but chilling Facebook post, she conveyed the chaos: “I cannot breathe. Trapped inside. Smoke everywhere. You are trying to kill me.”
Table of Contents
Two Decades of Investigative Journalism
Jaima’s career spans over twenty years, marked by rigorous investigative reporting. During the previous Awami League government, she exposed money laundering by influential businessman S. Alam, human rights violations by security forces, and cases of enforced disappearances. Yet, the 18 December attack presented a profoundly personal test of courage. She reflects philosophically, “Even those who oppose us are still our readers. They have the right to dislike our work.”
Journey and Inspiration
Jaima began writing at fifteen, contributing to magazines rather than spending time idly with friends. She later wrote lifestyle articles for New Age before joining The Daily Star. Academically, she completed her O-levels at Sunbeams and pursued higher education at the Asian University for Women in 2009, interning with institutions such as The Daily Star and the World Bank. In 2013, she officially joined The Daily Star as a full-time reporter.
Risks and Gender Challenges
Investigative journalism carries inherent risks, amplified for women. Jaima recounts early challenges: harassment from authorities, opportunistic individuals, and unsolicited night calls. She observes, “Sometimes the risk is not mine but that of my sources. Experience teaches you to navigate it.” Women in newsrooms often face limited responsibilities due to safety concerns; Jaima herself covered sensitive cases such as the Gopibagh night-time Pir murder in 2013. For reports on enforced disappearances, her name was kept confidential to protect her safety.
Jaima Islam at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jaima Islam |
| Profession | Investigative journalist, The Daily Star |
| Experience | 20 years |
| Education | Asian University for Women (2009–2012) |
| Key Coverage | Human rights violations, money laundering, enforced disappearances, extremist attacks |
| Notable Events | Prothom Alo attack coverage, Gopibagh Pir murder report |
| Challenges | Security risks for women, harassment, protecting sources |
| Core Principle | Work with courage, uphold responsibility to readers |
Jaima emphasises that fear, if uncontrolled, can consume a journalist. Her experience demonstrates that while investigative journalism is demanding, dedication, bravery, and integrity make it possible to confront the harshest realities.