Shafik Rehman

Shafik Rehman (born 11 November 1934) is a Bangladeshi journalist, political analyst, and writer. He is credited for introducing Valentine's Day in Bangladesh. He is also the presenter of the television show Lal Golap, aired on Banglavision.

He has worked to gather support in favour of Bangladesh in England with Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. Rehman founded the weekly Jaijaidin in 1984 which was critical to General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, a military leader who assumed power through a military coup in 1982. He was forced to leave the country in 1986 after the Ershad government suspended the declaration of Jaijaidin and was not allowed to return Bangladesh till 1991. Rehman was a director of Spectrum Radio in England.

Rehman has been serving as the editor of magazine Mouchake Dhil from 2009. Rehman was arrested on April 16, 2016, on the charge of "plotting to abduct and kill" Bangladesh Prime Minister's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy. In 2026, he was awarded with the Ekushe Padak, for his special contribution to journalism.

Early life and education

Rehman was born as Shafik-ur-Rahman on November 11, 1934, in Bogra. His father Sayeed-ur-Rahman was a professor of Philosophy in the University of Dhaka who taught Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as well.

Career

Accountant

Rehman, after attaining chartered accountant status, worked in several multinational companies in England, Japan and Arab countries as an accountant. The couple has a son Sumit Rehman who resides in United Kingdom.

Besides being a Bangladeshi citizen, Rehman accepted UK citizenship when he was banished from Bangladesh in the 1980s.

Role in the liberation war

Rehman played a significant role during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. During the war, he went to England to assist Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury in gathering support for Bangladesh abroad. The metropolitan magistrate granted a 5-days remand for the journalist.