Bangladesh’s former national cricket captain and internationally recognised sporting figure Shakib Al Hasan is preparing to expand his professional portfolio once again, this time with the launch of a digital news platform that signals his formal entry into the media and publishing industry.
Currently based in the United States during a period in which he has remained largely away from Bangladesh amid political sensitivities, Shakib is developing an online journalism venture titled “Beyond Bangla”, which is expected to be launched in the near future. The initiative marks his first structured move into media ownership and editorial publishing.
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A bilingual, digital-first newsroom
According to information provided by Shakib himself, the platform will function as a bilingual news service, publishing content in both Bengali and English. While Bengali will remain the primary language of coverage, the inclusion of English reporting is designed to extend the platform’s international reach and engage audiences interested in South Asian affairs across global markets.
Unlike traditional print or broadcast outlets, Beyond Bangla will operate entirely as a digital-first newsroom. It will combine written journalism with multimedia content, including video reports, explainer features, and visually driven storytelling formats tailored for online audiences.
Shakib has confirmed that the platform will be managed operationally from the United States, where he is currently residing. Despite its overseas base, the editorial focus will remain strongly anchored to Bangladesh, with an emphasis on national developments, public affairs, and culturally relevant reporting.
Editorial scope and ambition
The planned newsroom is expected to adopt a broad editorial structure rather than focusing on a single niche. Its coverage areas will span a wide spectrum of subjects, including:
- Domestic politics and governance
- Economic and financial developments
- International affairs and geopolitics
- Sports journalism and analysis
- Entertainment, culture, and lifestyle reporting
Shakib has also indicated that the platform will prioritise original reporting and exclusive content, positioning itself within a highly competitive and rapidly evolving digital media environment.
“I will try to ensure that we produce exclusive news and original stories,” he said, outlining the editorial direction of 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 sport and politics to media entrepreneurship
Shakib’s latest venture adds another dimension to a career that has already spanned elite international cricket, business initiatives, and political engagement. As one of Bangladesh’s most recognisable public figures, his moves beyond sport have consistently attracted significant public and media attention both at home and abroad.
While he has previously been associated with entrepreneurial ventures, the establishment of a structured digital newsroom represents a more formal and visible entry into the media sector.
Entering a fast-changing media landscape
The launch of Beyond Bangla comes at a time when digital journalism is undergoing rapid transformation across South Asia. Online platforms are increasingly challenging traditional broadcasters by offering faster news cycles, interactive content, and multimedia storytelling designed for mobile-first audiences.
Industry observers note that celebrity-led media projects often benefit from strong initial visibility and audience curiosity. However, they also emphasise that long-term success depends on editorial credibility, professional newsroom structure, and sustained content quality rather than name recognition alone.
Outlook and expectations
Although no official launch date has been confirmed, preparations are believed to be at an advanced stage, with editorial planning and operational groundwork already underway. Recruitment and content development processes are also expected to begin ahead of the platform’s public rollout.
If successfully implemented, Beyond Bangla could emerge as a notable entrant in Bangladesh’s digital media ecosystem, blending high-profile branding with modern journalism formats.
For now, the project reflects Shakib Al Hasan’s continued evolution beyond the cricket field, as he positions himself within the increasingly competitive world of global digital media and information services.