Toufique Khalidi died unexpectedly on October 2, 2026, at the age of 52. His death comes just months after his digital news platform, bdnews24.com, marked its 20th anniversary.
Khalidi founded bdnews24.com in 2006 after working as news editor for The Daily Star and with the BBC World Service in London. The site grew into one of Bangladesh’s most visited online news outlets under his leadership. His work helped shape the digital media landscape in Bangladesh, especially in a country where internet penetration had increased rapidly over the past decade.
Born in Dhaka, Khalidi earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English literature from the University of Dhaka. He served for several years as general secretary of the university’s English Literature Alumni Association. His academic background and experience in journalism positioned him as a prominent figure in Bangladesh’s media scene.
Khalidi’s decision to launch bdnews24.com was driven by a desire to provide independent news coverage in Bangladesh. His team built a platform that reported on politics, economics, and social issues with a focus on accuracy. The site became a trusted source for Bangladeshis and international observers alike. In a country where press freedom has faced challenges, Khalidi’s outlet maintained a reputation for factual reporting.
He was known for his straightforward approach in the newsroom. Khalidi rarely sought the spotlight, preferring to let his work speak for itself. Still, his influence extended beyond Bangladesh. His work with bdnews24.com helped elevate digital journalism in South Asia, encouraging other outlets to expand online.
Khalidi’s death was confirmed by bdnews24.com in an official statement. The message expressed sadness and paid tribute to his leadership. The statement read, in part, “Toufique Khalidi’s vision and dedication built a platform that changed the way Bangladesh consumes news. His absence leaves a void in the media community.”
No details about the cause of death have been disclosed. Friends and colleagues described Khalidi as someone committed to integrity and the pursuit of truth. The news of his passing sparked tributes from journalists and media organizations across Bangladesh and beyond.
Khalidi’s passing also draws attention to the challenges faced by digital news outlets in Bangladesh. While bdnews24.com thrived for two decades, the country’s media landscape has been marked by restrictions and political pressures. His work stood as a symbol of resilience and independence.
His legacy will likely be measured by the platform he built and the journalists he mentored. Khalidi’s influence extended into the digital realm at a time when online media became the primary source of information for millions. His role in shaping this shift remains evident.
Khalidi leaves behind no public statements or plans for succession. His team and the broader media community now face the task of continuing his work amid uncertain times for press freedom in Bangladesh.
Observers noted that Khalidi’s death comes amid ongoing political tensions and debates about media independence in Bangladesh. His departure leaves a void in a landscape where digital outlets are often caught between state interests and independent journalism.
His work helped transform Bangladesh’s media scene from traditional print and broadcast outlets into a more digital-focused space. As the industry evolves, the impact of Khalidi’s contributions will be felt for years.
Khalidi’s death underscores the fragility of independent media in South Asia. His platform, built over two decades, stood as a rare example of digital persistence and journalistic integrity. His absence will be felt deeply across the region’s media circles.
According to Dead-People.
Update — Oct 2, 2026: **Update:** Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the renowned Bangladeshi journalist and founder of bdnews24.com, passed away on October 2, 2026. Born in Dhaka, Khalidi earned both his B.A. (Hons) and M.A. in English literature from the University of Dhaka, where he also served multiple terms as the general secretary of the English Literature Alumni Association. His career included roles as news editor at The Daily Star and work with the BBC World Service in London before launching bdnews24.com in 2006, which became a leading digital news platform in Bangladesh. Khalidi’s contributions significantly shaped the country’s online journalism landscape. The news of his death has been confirmed by family and colleagues, who remember him as a dedicated journalist and a pioneer in digital media. Dead-People