Iqbal Shailo is considered one of the pioneers of development journalism in Bangladesh in particular, and the South Asian region in general. He edited ADAB News and Grassroots (as executive editor) in Bangladesh, and was regarded as the youngest English development journal editor in the South Asian region.

Through ADAB’s development communication cell, he started development journalism in Bangladesh decades ago to support the disadvantaged and give voice to the voiceless in the process of rural development and grassroots economy.

His initiative across the country has the potential of influencing the decision-making process and imposing necessary checks and balances in the rural development.

Unlike conventional journalism, he covers news and views about socio-economic issues, community development, and grassroots’ representation in development process that are often neglected by the mainstream media across the country.