Sobhan's father was a member of Bangladesh's first Planning Commission and later an Adviser to the Caretaker Government led by Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed in 1990-91.

[3] After graduating from Pomona College, he spent a year in Bangladesh teaching English literature in Scholastica before moving to Pepperdine University to study law.

[12] While criticized for pushing pro-Awami League talking points,[13] the Tribune emerged as a significant interlocutor among civil society by holding seminars and interviews of key stakeholders in Bangladesh's politics.

The Tribune's opinion columns have also attracted international columnists, including Nobel laureates and public intellectuals from around the world, as well as diplomats, politicians, and professionals from various fields.

Sobhan has cultivated a niche readership for his newspaper among the diplomatic community, civil society, youth, and the political class.

In an interview with Karan Thapar, Sobhan critiqued India's approach towards the situation in Bangladesh in light of strong Indian support for the ousted premier Sheikh Hasina.