Mahfuz Anam has been elected Asia News Network’s new chairman.

Anam, 72, is the editor and publisher of The Daily Star, Bangladesh's largest selling English daily.

The Bangladeshi journalist takes over from outgoing chairman Warren Fernandez, on January 1, 2022, for a two-year term, the Asia News Network (ANN) announced on Monday.

This will be Anam’s second stint as chairman of the alliance as he was appointed ANN chairman in 2007 too.

Anam was nominated by Fernandez, the editor-in-chief of The Straits Times and the English/Malay/Tamil Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Media, and unanimously elected by the ANN Board.

“ANN aims to tell the world how Asia is forging ahead in this complex and ever-changing world and share knowledge and experience to build a better future," said Fernandez. “It has taken us some time, but now that we have established the ANN on a proper legal and financial footing, it is time to pass on the chairmanship, in the interest of good governance.”

The regional alliance is a grouping of 23 leading Asian news titles, which was founded in 1999. The Kathmandu Post is a member of the ANN.

Anam started his journalism career in 1972 and brings with him several decades of experience as a media and communication specialist to lead the regional alliance.

After working in the United Nations for 14 years, Anam co-founded The Daily Star newspaper in 1991, as Bangladesh was transitioning to a democracy.

“ANN aims to establish a global footprint as Asia's most authoritative media voice and work to bring Asia closer through editorial collaboration,” said Anam. “It was set up to promote Asian journalism and share the story of an Asian century from an Asian perspective.”