bdnews24.com is the largest news publisher in Bangladesh by audience as well as volume of content - in two languages, Bangla and English. Bangladesh’s first Internet newspaper, launched on 23 October 2006; first 24/7 news provider in the country in any medium. Arguably, the first solely-for-Internet national newsgathering operation in the world. The news publisher, hailed as the one that has changed the face of journalism in Bangladesh, draws on the resources of more than 500 journalists and photographers around the country and in major world cities. Background The company had set out in early 2005, with the news agency's architects holding out the promise to break newer grounds, but living up to that turned out to be mighty tough. Soon, things were in free fall; BDNEWS, as it was called then, appeared all but a bubble burst. A friendly take-over made way for boardroom changes at Bangladesh News 24 Hours Ltd, the owning company of bdnews24.com. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, a journalist and former BBC broadcaster, took over as Managing Director of the company in mid-2006. He also organised as Chief Editor a new-look team of experienced, talented and tech-savvy professionals painstakingly gathered from across the journalistic spectrum. After the mid-2006 changeover, Asif Mahmood, a leading IT entrepreneur, served as the chair of the company board with Toufique Imrose Khalidi being the only other board member. Mr Mahmood left the company selling off his stake in May 2019.