Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- M Shamsur Rahman has been appointed as the editor of English language daily The Independent, a Beximco Group announcement said on Thursday.

He will replace Mahbubul Alam, who has been serving the daily as the editor and the publisher since August 1995, on October 20, 2013, the announcement added.

The announcement came following Alam’s decision to go on retirement. Mahbubul Alam had started his journalism career with Associated Press of Pakistan in 1957 and successfully steered the Independent for more than 18 years. He had served as an Ambassador and also had served as an Advisor to the caretaker government.

Alam will continue as an advisor to the Beximco Group, it noted.

Mr. Rahman, who started his journalism career with the Daily Star in 1995, will also continue his current role as the head of the Independent Television news station.

BBN/SSR/AD-10Oct13-9:25 pm (BST)