About Me
I’m Md. Forhad Sikder, a Bangladeshi data journalist, digital media strategist, and multimedia storyteller with 10+ years of experience at the intersection of journalism, broadcast production, technology, and community-driven storytelling.
Currently, I serve as the Head of Broadcast & Digital at Cplustv, Bangladesh’s first community-based online television channel. I lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for editorial planning, live broadcasting, social media strategy, digital transformation, and technical operations. Under my leadership, Cplustv has grown to over 5 million combined followers across Facebook and YouTube emerging as a strong voice for regional and underreported communities, especially in Chittagong.
I have been selected as an ICFJ International Fellow for the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism’s Data Journalism Training Program at the University of Maryland (UMD) – a prestigious honor fully funded by the Scripps Howard Fund and Scripps Howard Foundation. Through this fellowship, I am strengthening my skills in:
- – Data analysis
- – Investigative reporting
- – Database journalism
- – Data Visualisation
- – Data Scrapping
- – Accountability journalism
I create research-based documentary and field reporting projects that highlight cultural heritage, spirituality, climate justice, and marginalized communities. Notable works include:
– Rising Sufism in Chittagong (Documenting Sufi heritage)
– Voices Beneath the Waters (Climate reporting on the 2023 South Chittagong floods)
– Coverage of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as part of Host Country Media
A core part of my mission is empowering regional journalists across Bangladesh. I train and mentor correspondents in mobile journalism, verification, visual storytelling, and ethical reporting. My goal is to ensure that local voices often overlooked by national media receive the visibility, respect, and narrative space they deserve.
– Data Journalism & Investigative Storytelling
– Multimedia Reporting & Documentary Production
– Broadcast Operations & Live Streaming
– Social Media Strategy & Analytics
– Fact-Checking
– IT Support, Web Development & Technical Troubleshooting
– Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Strategic IT planning and consulting for businesses seeking to optimize their technology infrastructure.
- Expertise in recommending and implementing IT solutions that align with organizational goals.
- Proactive approach to cybersecurity and data management.
- In-depth knowledge of broadcast systems and technologies.
- Experience in setting up and maintaining broadcast equipment for seamless operations.
- Technical troubleshooting and problem-solving in a fast-paced broadcasting environment.