How to Submit a Press Release to Bangladeshi Newspapers

Introduction

Here’s something surprising:
Many businesses in Bangladesh draft press releases—but never see them in print.

Maybe you sent one to Prothom Alo or The Daily Star and… nothing.

You wait. You refresh. No mention. No pickup. It feels like your message vanished.

That used to happen to me too.

When I launched an NGO in Dhaka, I spent hours writing a press release. I sent it to five major dailies.
Days later—zero coverage.

I felt frustrated. Was my message wrong? My timing bad?

Then I learned what newsroom editors actually want.
I learned how to structure a release, who to email, when to follow up.

And then suddenly… things happened.

Your announcement lands in print. People call. Traffic spikes. You see your message in ink.

This article shows exactly how to submit a press release to Bangladeshi newspapers.
You’ll see:

• Step-by-step process
• Common mistakes you can avoid
• Insider tips for specific papers
• Templates you can adapt
• Funny anecdotes mixed with solid advice

Let’s make your next press release stick—and print—fast.

Step 1: Understand What Editors Expect

Before you submit, know what a press release should look like.

A standard press release has these parts:

1. Headline – grabs attention in a few words
2. Sub‑headline – adds a bit more detail
3. Dateline – city and release date
4. Lead paragraph – who, what, when, where, why
5. Body – more info, quotes, stats
6. Boilerplate – brief “about us” section
7. Media contact – name, phone, email

Keep it short – about one page (300‑500 words).
Editors get a flood of pitches. They don’t have time for essays.
Keep it neat, clear, and easy to skim.

Step 2: Choose the Right Newspapers

Bangladesh has dozens of papers—but a few leaders:

• Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Pratidin, Kaler Kantho, Jugantor, Ittefaq, Samakal
• And The Daily Star in English

Target the papers that fit your news type and audience.

• Big brand launch? Go wide in Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Pratidin.
• English‐speaking audiences or business news? Pitch The Daily Star or Dhaka Tribune.
• Local community story? Try regional papers like Manab Zamin or Naya Diganta.

Pick 2‑4 papers, not 20 at once.

Step 3: Follow Submission Guidelines

Many big dailies publish specific rules for submissions. Follow them or risk being ignored.

For example, The Daily Star accepts op‑eds and letters—and clearly states they do not accept press releases through its opinion or letters channels. If you submit a press release there—it will be deleted without opening.

That might surprise you—but it’s real.
Always check the paper’s submission page or contact email. If they say “no press releases,” don’t pitch there via that channel.

Other papers accept press releases via email or through PR agencies.

Review each paper’s site—not every outlet lists rules, so ask first if unsure.

Step 4: Build a Contact List

You need specific emails—not just info@paper.com.

You can:

• Find media contacts via each paper’s editorial or business section pages
• Use media lists from press agencies (Media BD connects to major dailies)
• Ask for contact emails if you’re emailing a PR agency—they usually know the right desk

Call their office or email their general address: ask who handles press release submissions.

Save the contact names, roles, emails in a spreadsheet.
Note any preferences—like “send on Wednesday mornings,” or “only English releases.”

Step 5: Draft Your Press Release

Here’s how to build each part:

Headline

Make it short and punchy.
Example:
“Dhaka Startup Introduces Solar‑Powered E‑Rickshaw”

Sub‑headline

One clear sentence adding detail.
Example:
“Model X reduces charging cost by 50%, aims to serve 1000 drivers by year‑end.”

Dateline

“Dhaka, August 1, 2025” at the top.

Lead Paragraph

Answer the five Ws fast.
“Dhaka-based EcoRide introduced its Model X solar‑powered rickshaw today, offering drivers greener and cheaper transport options.”

Body

Add key details, quotes, background, numbers.

Include a quote from the company head or user.
Example: “This model cuts fuel cost in half,” said EcoRide founder Siddique. Include one statistic or user story.

Boilerplate

One small paragraph about your organization.
Example: “EcoRide launched in 2024 to support sustainable transport across Bangladesh.”

Media Contact

List name, position, phone number, and email.

Step 6: Attach Relevant Media

Newspaper editors love ready‑to‑use media:

• One high‑res photo (JPG or PNG)
• Logo file
• Optional: infographic or chart
  Label each file clearly.
  Example: “EcoRide‑ModelX‑photo.jpg”

Step 7: Write a Short Email Pitch

Your email ahead of the release matters:

• Subject line: “Press release: Solar rickshaw launch in Dhaka”
• Greeting: “Dear [Editor name],”
• One sentence: “I’m writing to share a news release about EcoRide’s new solar-powered rickshaw, launching today.”
• Attach the press release and media files
• Close with “Thank you for your consideration. I am happy to answer questions or arrange interviews.”
• Sign with contact info

Step 8: Send at the Right Time

Timing matters:

• Most newspapers run major local stories during weekday mornings.
• Avoid weekends or late Friday—they may miss your email.

Aim to send one to two days before your intended publication date.
If it’s time-sensitive (e.g. event or launch), mention that clearly.

Step 9: Follow Up Politely

If you don’t get a response within 3‑5 business days, send a gentle follow‑up:

Dear [Editor name],
I wanted to check if you received the press release I sent on August 1 about EcoRide’s solar rickshaw launch.
Happy to answer questions or send additional information.
Thanks!
[Name]

Don’t follow up more than once. Editors are busy.

Step 10: Track and Confirm Publication

Once your story appears:

• Keep a clipping or a screenshot of the printed article
• If you used a PR agency, request a report or link
• Share it on your own website or social media, tagging the paper if possible

It gives you proof—and value—for your efforts.

Funny Anecdote Break

When I first pitched a startup’s launch to a Bangla newspaper, I addressed the editor as “Mr. Editor Sir” in my email.

He replied: “Call me Mahfuz.”
Lesson: editors are real people. Friendly, but professional wins.

Why This Matters in Bangladesh

A print mention still matters here:

• Many readers trust newspapers more than random web posts
• Older audiences and government stakeholders often check print
• Local coverage builds credibility

At the same time, online presence matters too—so if your release goes online or gets shared via e‑paper, double win.

What People Also Ask (FAQs)

1. Can I send press releases to the e‑paper editors?

Often yes—but big papers have separate rules for op‑eds vs. news submissions. Don’t submit your release to op‑ed channels.

2. Which papers accept press releases?

Many: Prothom Alo, Kaler Kantho, Bangladesh Pratidin, Jugantor, Manab Zamin, The Daily Star’s news desk (not opinion). Start by emailing editorial or newsroom addresses.

3. Is it better to use a PR agency?

Depends. Agencies like upgraph have direct channels and speed. But if budget is tight, you can DIY by researching contacts.

4. How much does it cost?

News coverage is usually free if your story is newsworthy. If the paper charges for placement (paid news or advertorial), fees vary, often tens of thousands of Taka.

5. What topics get picked up?

Local events, government approvals, health campaigns, educational launches, CSR activities. Avoid overly promotional or salesy content.

6. Can I submit in English to Bangla dailies?

Yes—but those papers might translate. Match your language with the outlet (send Bangla to Bangla newspapers, English to English papers).

7. Can I send one release to multiple papers?

Yes—just tailor the greeting and file names. Don’t blind‑cc editors; personalize each message.

Pro Tips for Better Results

• Use a clear, simple writing style—editors skim fast
• Include one catchy stat or human story
• Offer exclusives (“first coverage in Bangladesh”)
• Always offer to provide interviews, spokespeople
• Keep your boilerplate tight—one sentence max

Wrap‑Up: Quick Checklist

1. Write a clean, structured one‑page press release
2. Pick 2–4 relevant newspapers
3. Check their submission guidelines or contact info
4. Prepare media files (photo, logo)
5. Send a concise, personal email with attachments
6. Send it 1–2 days ahead, weekday morning
7. Follow up gently after 3–5 days
8. Save clippings or screenshots after publication
9. Share the coverage publicly for visibility

Conclusion and Next Steps

You now know exactly how to write and send your press release to Bangladeshi newspapers.
No more guessing. No confused emails.
Just clear steps that work.

If you want help drafting your release or finding media contacts, I’m happy to help.

Question for you:
What news are you planning to announce—and which newspapers are you targeting.