On Tuesday, as millions of Americans cast their votes in the U.S. presidential and congressional elections, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman of South Carolina State University provided live analysis and commentary to approximately 300 million Bengali-speaking viewers worldwide. Broadcasting through TBN24TV-New York, Rahman offered insights into the electoral process, making crucial information accessible to a global audience.
As a professor of journalism and communications at SC State‘s Department of English and Communications, Rahman’s expertise spans decades of political and social coverage for major outlets, including Voice of America, National Public Radio, and the British Broadcasting Corporation. He has been a vital source of information for Bengali speakers during U.S. elections.
Originally from Bangladesh, Rahman began his career as a television producer before migrating to North America. He earned his communications and media management doctorate from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada, in 1987. His academic journey took him from Louisiana State University to Alcorn State University, where he spent 17 years before joining SC State in 2005. He played a pivotal role in launching the university’s Communications Program there.
In addition to his teaching, Rahman was elected in 2023 as a board member of the South Carolina Fulbright Association for a new three-year term. His dedication to fostering international educational exchanges saw him work as a Fulbright Specialist Fellow, where he assisted in developing the Department of Radio, TV, and Film Studies at Dhaka University through two six-week visits in 2013 and 2014.
As Election Day unfolds, Dr. Rahman’s commentary promises to inform and engage Bengali-speaking communities worldwide, bridging the gap between U.S. electoral politics and international audiences who seek to understand its significance.
