Mahfuz Anam is the Editor–Publisher of The Daily Star, the highest selling English newspaper in Bangladesh commanding 75 percent of the English newspaper market. He pursued a vigorous editorial policy of strengthening democracy, freedom of expression, freedom of media and fundamental rights. In 1998, Mr. Anam was made the Publisher and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Mediaworld Limited, the owning company of the paper.
Before co-founding The Daily Star in July 1991, he worked for 14 years with UNESCO from 1977 to December 1990 in various public affairs and media capacities in Paris, New York and Bangkok.
Mr. Anam holds B. A. Honours and a Masters Degree in Economics from Dhaka University. During his student life, he was the winner of All Pakistan Debating Championship for 3 consecutive years, winning championship in Karachi, Dhaka and Lahore in 1967, 1968 and 1969 respectively.
Mr. Mahfuz Anam actively participated in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in the year 1971 and was in the second batch of army officers recruited during the war. He started his journalism career in March 1972 and worked as Staff Correspondent of Bangladesh Observer and Assistant Editor of Bangladesh Times before starting his overseas career in 1977.
He was awarded Jefferson Fellowship in Journalism in 1976 by the Honolulu based East – West Center. He is the founding President of Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB).
Presently, Mr Anam is the President of the Editors’ Council of Bangladesh, Chairman of the Asia News Network and Vice Chairman of the International Press Institute.