OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Matiur Rahman, the founder and editor of Bangladesh's largest circulation Bangla-language newspaper, Prothom Alo, has been named the winner of the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature and Creative Communication Arts.

Described as a "navigator of positive social and cultural change" in Bangladesh, Rahman uses his newspaper to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, expose the role of Muslim extremists in fomenting violence, and condemn the cruelty of acid throwing - an increasingly common practice in the country where hundreds of mostly young women are disfigured each year for refusing marriage or sex. Rahman is often harassed and threatened for his work. Founded in 1998, Prothom Alo now has a circulation of 2 million.

Named after a former president of the Philippines, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards honour individuals in the Asia-Pacific region who are making outstanding contributions to society. It is one of the most prestigious awards in Asia and often dubbed the region's "Nobel" prize.

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SOURCE:International Freedom of Expression eXchange