Senior reporter of Somokal, Abu Saleh Roni, has won the Nagad–DRU (Dhaka Reporters Unity) Best Reporting Award 2025 in the category of politics, administration, judiciary, and election commission reporting. He received the award for his five-part investigative series titled “Crisis in the Judiciary,” published from October 17 to 21 last year. The award ceremony was held today (Sunday) at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

With this achievement, Roni has set a remarkable record—winning the DRU Best Reporting Award 12 times, an unprecedented milestone in Bangladeshi journalism.

The event was attended by Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the Interim Government, as the chief guest. Kaiser Ahmed Chowdhury, Chairman of Nagad, was present as special guest, along with jury board chief and The Financial Express editor Shamsul Huq Zahid. The program was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, and DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel delivered the welcome speech.

This year, 27 journalists received awards across 24 categories, including joint winners in three categories. Awardees were presented with a crest, certificate, and a cheque of 50,000 taka.

Roni’s five-part series highlighted long-standing issues such as government interference in the judiciary, irregularities and corruption, case backlogs, budget preparation challenges, and limitations in project implementation. The reports also incorporated expert opinions and in-depth background analysis.

With over 15 years of journalism experience, Abu Saleh Roni has previously won the Bajlur Rahman Memorial Award twice for reporting on the Liberation War, as well as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Award for corruption-related reporting. He has also earned numerous recognitions in areas such as law and justice, women and children, and culture.