Aiming for the sky and beyond!

Over the years, Nadeem Qadir has been more than a journalist or a columnist. He has been a writer, a television personality and a guide to many a young media personnel, paving ways for them towards glory and success. Today, a Press Minister, Qadir is the first Bangladeshi diplomat to become a member of the Diplomatic Press Attaches’ Association in London.

"I chose journalism from passion despite objections from my mother who wanted me to do a white collar job," says Qadir, who is also the only Bangladeshi who has won the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Memorial Fellowship of the UN in journalism in 1984. "I was born to martyred freedom fighter and intellectual Lt. Co. M. Abdul Qadir (Qadirabad Cantonment in Natore district named after him) and late Hasna Hena Qadir, one of the five main founders of Ekkatur Ghatok Dalala Nirmul Committee)."

As a student at the St. Joseph High School, Notre Dame College and later on studying International Relations (MSS) from Dhaka University, Nadeem Qadir was always active and was busy with extra-curricular activities, winning many prizes. His writing started with school magazines and the Junior Times of The Bangladesh Times.

His TV stints gave way to clinching a regular chunk on NTV, where Qadir started the first ever talk show in English, Frankly Speaking, where diplomats, corporate leaders and government stalwarts would often be featured.

"I am always for the truth and love writing columns," adds Qadir. "which started with The Daily Star. My column, In Fool's Paradise, is quite popular and I see a lot of people agreeing with my opinions! I have also been a reporter with the AFP for more than 18 years, PTI, Reader's Digest magazine and am always eager to report on anything that catches my eye. However, my passion is to always highlight the positive elements of Bangladesh through my columns and reports." In fact, having written a total of 6 books, one remembers fondly his coffee table book -- My Beautiful Bangladesh.

He believes that hard work and following your heart -- are the secrets to a happy life and a successful career. "I love challenges and that is what drives me to move further," he adds. "My advice to the young people out there is to trust their instincts. At the end of the day, whatever they do, they will be representing Bangladesh and making a mark all over the world -- and that is what's important!"