An irrecoverable loss for journalism
The recent unexpected deaths of Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar and Editor-Publisher of the Financial Express Moazzem Hossain were a great, irrecoverable loss in a time that is posing many challenges to the print media and journalism.
Both Golam Sarwar and Moazzem Hossain had made significant contributions to journalism through their charismatic leaderships, hard work and professionalism. Those who are in this profession now and will work in the days to come should follow in their footsteps in the greater interests of ethical journalism in this country, members of the Editors' Council said yesterday at a memorial event organised to honour the veteran journalists.
Moazzem Hossain, founding member of Editors' Council, died on August 1 at a city hospital. Golam Sarwar, founding president of the Council, passed away on August 13 at a hospital in Singapore.
Sarwar had been an untiring crusader for journalistic freedom, including in the recent times in the Council's move to bring changes in the proposed Digital Security Act for freedom of speech.
Sarwar had fought for the rights of fellow journalists all his life. When a colleague got himself entangled in legal procedure for his professional role or was injured or died, he always stood by him and his family, speakers said.
An active member of numerous journalistic bodies, Sarwar also authored five books and helped improve journalistic training as a chairman of the Press Institute of Bangladesh. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2014 for his contribution to journalism.
Moazzem Hossain was one of the pioneers of business journalism, speakers said, adding that he was the first who proved that a specialised newspaper like the Financial Express could be successful and profit-generating.
Expressing sympathy for the bereaved family members, editors of Bangla and English newspapers said they will tread the path lit up by the two veteran journalists going above greed, financial gains and bias to strengthen the Editors' Council as an institution so that journalism as a whole can reach a greater height in Bangladesh.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, INA Editor Reazuddin Ahmed, Acting Editor of Financial Express Shahiduzzaman Khan, Acting Editor of Samakal Mustafiz Shafi and General Secretary of Jatiya Press Club Farida Yasmin, among others, spoke at the programme.
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