SYDNEY: Journalist, educator and community leader Mohammad Abdul Matin has been re-elected president of the Australia Bangladesh Journalists Association (ABJA), continuing his leadership of the organisation representing Bangladeshi journalists and media professionals in Australia.
Matin was re-elected at the association’s annual general meeting and election held on Sunday, October 25, at the Red Rose Function Centre in Rockdale, Sydney. The meeting brought together ABJA members, journalists, writers, educators, politicians, representatives of social and cultural organisations, and senior community leaders. A new 17-member executive committee was formed through the election.
The election commission comprised Professor Dr Wali Ul Islam, Dr Sabrin Faruqi OAM and Professor Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman.
Matin brings more than three decades of experience in journalism, education and community service. He currently serves as Australia Country Editor for Bangladesh’s national daily Kalbela, editor of the online news platform Bidesh Bangla, and chief executive officer of Reliable College of Nursing (RCN), an Australian registered education provider.
He began his journalism career at Daily Azad in 1989 before joining The Daily Star in 1991. During his career in Bangladesh, he covered major political and national affairs, reporting from key institutions including the Bangladesh Secretariat, the National Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and Bangabhaban, the presidential residence. He has also worked with various national and international media organisations.
After moving to Australia, Matin continued his involvement in journalism and media development, with a focus on issues affecting the Bangladeshi diaspora and the wider community. Alongside his editorial responsibilities, he is a member of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Local and Independent News Association (LINA). He previously served as general secretary of the Sydney Press and Media Council, an organisation associated with the development of ABJA.
Matin has been involved with ABJA for more than a decade, working to strengthen professional networks among expatriate Bangladeshi journalists, writers, poets, academics and media practitioners. His work with the association has focused on professional solidarity, protecting the interests and dignity of journalists, and expanding welfare and community initiatives.
Beyond journalism, Matin has extensive experience in education and training. As CEO of RCN, he is involved in the Australian vocational education and training sector, including education and training opportunities for international students. He is also a Qualified Education Agent Counsellor (QEAC) and a Justice of the Peace in New South Wales.
His professional experience extends to the private sector and technology operations. He has worked in non-inventory procurement operations at Amazon Australia and completed skills development training related to robotics operations and maintenance. He received a Universal Procedures Upskill Certificate from Amazon Robotics University.
Matin has also received recognition for his community service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he received the COVID Hero Award, presented by federal minister Tony Burke, and the Pandemic Hero Award from the City of Canterbury-Bankstown in recognition of his public service contributions.
He has additionally received recognition from Wendy Lindsay, the New South Wales state MP for East Hills, and the mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown. More recently, the Bangladesh Association of Australia presented him with a special award acknowledging his contributions to journalism, education and community service in Australia over more than two decades.
His re-election comes as ABJA seeks to strengthen cooperation among Bangladeshi media professionals and expand its role in supporting the diaspora community. The association aims to promote professional standards, safeguard journalists’ interests, foster collaboration and advance community welfare initiatives.
Following the election, members of the Bangladeshi community, professional groups and individuals in Australia congratulated Matin on his return to the presidency.
The new executive committee is expected to build on the association’s work in promoting unity, professional recognition and the welfare of Bangladeshi journalists and writers living in Australia.