RAJSHAHI, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - Going beyond the university's regular scholarship system, the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Rajshahi (RU) has introduced its own departmental scholarship for the first time.

The formal inauguration of the "Journalist Ahmedur Rahman-Habibur Rahman Milon Scholarship", established in memory of two eminent journalists, took place this afternoon in Room 123 of the department.
 
The inauguration ceremony was chaired by the department's chairman, Professor Dr. Mozammel Hossain Bokul (Sazzad Bokul).

The chief guest was Professor Dr. Md. Fariduddin Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the university and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Joining the event virtually was writer Aditi Rahman, daughter of the late journalist Habibur Rahman Milon.

Others present included senior professor Dr. Pradip Kumar Pandey, Professor Mashihur Rahman, Associate Professor Kazi Mamun Haider, Associate Professor Amena Khatun, and Associate Professor Md. Atikur Rahman of the department.

According to departmental sources, about six years ago, family members of the late Dhaka-based journalists Ahmedur Rahman and Habibur Rahman Milon donated Taka 5 lakh through faculty member Dr. Pradip Kumar Pandey to establish this scholarship.

Delivering the welcome address, senior professor Mashihur Rahman said the department, despite its three-decade history, has introduced its first independent scholarship, calling it an emotional milestone. He said journalism is a responsibility, adding that the scholarship signifies both recognition and renewed commitment.
 
In his speech as chief guest, Professor Farid Uddin Khan said, "This scholarship will play an important role in recognizing the merit of talented students and encouraging them in their studies. In particular, a scholarship named after eminent journalists will inspire students to learn professional responsibility."
 
Joining virtually, writer Aditi Rahman said that despite administrative delays, launching the scholarship is a significant achievement, adding that although the amount is modest, it will motivate students and positively shape their professional lives.

The scholarship recipients are Sadia Akter (second year) and Madhabi Rani Roy (fourth year).
 
In his concluding remarks, department chairman Professor Mozammel Hossain Bokul said that administrative hurdles and approval processes delayed the scholarship for eight years, adding that the department is now extremely happy to have finally launched it successfully.
 
It is worth noting that journalists Ahmedur Rahman and Habibur Rahman Milon were two towering figures and brothers in the country's newspaper journalism. 

Ahmedur Rahman, a renowned journalist of the 1960s, was widely known for his sharp writing under the pseudonym 'Bhimrul' in The Daily Ittefaq; he died in a plane crash in 1965. 

His younger brother, Ekushey Padak-winning journalist Habibur Rahman Milon, an advisory editor of The Daily Ittefaq and a guardian of the National Press Club, passed away in 2015. The scholarship was introduced to preserve the memory and ideals of the two eminent journalists among students.