On the occasion of its 28th anniversary, Prothom Alo has published a collection of personal and professional experiences shared by its staff members. The selected writings, released for readers, capture life-changing chapters, deep emotional moments for loved ones, and unexpected realizations of happiness.
The Story Behind the 'Viral Apa' Title
One female journalist's writing revealed the emotional turmoil behind her 'Viral Apa' title. She described her conversation with a father who lost his two sons—aged 24 and 16—to dengue. When Rajib Ahmed told her that his two sons had died within 21 days of each other, the journalist struggled to maintain her composure. After a brief pause, Rajib said, "Apa, please call these boys' mother or father."Following this incident, the journalist's report went viral on social media, earning her the title 'Viral Apa.' However, her writing highlights the deeply emotional and painful moment behind this recognition.
The Silent Struggles of the Newsroom
Another piece depicted a typical morning in the Prothom Alo newsroom. A Friday morning in November began lazily, like a sleepy fog. Unlike other days when there was no time to catch one's breath, that day time seemed to move slowly. After completing the first round of morning work, breakfast arrived—two flatbreads, vegetables, and an egg on a plate. Light steam was still rising from the microwaved food, and tea was being prepared in an electric kettle. Just as they were settling down for tea after breakfast, one colleague remarked, "There's a big news drought today." Another responded, "That's just great!"This exchange captures the daily pressure on journalists and their relentless pursuit of news. Through this anniversary initiative, readers have been given a glimpse into the inner world of the newsroom, revealing the human stories behind the headlines.
