The publication ceremony of “The life and times of Santosh Gupta” a pictorial biography took place at Poet Shamsur Rahman Auditorium of Bangla Academy on August 9. Santosh Gupta Smriti Parishad and Bangla Academy jointly arranged the programme. Eminent citizens and family members of Santosh Gupta were present at the publication ceremony.

Professor Serajul Islam Chowdhury, Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman, journalist Kamal Lohani, Bangla Acwdemy DG Shamsuzzaman Khan, Professor Syed Mohammad Shahed and artist Kalidas Karmaker jointly launched the book. They also delivered short speeches describing the life and works of the veteran journalist.

Professor Serajul Islam Chowdhury walked down the memory lane while recalling his experience of working with Santosh Gupta. “Santosh Gupta was a man of impressive personality. Throughout his life, he was committed to Marxism and worked relentlessly to promote humanity. He was vocal against all sorts of inequality and injustice. His political insight and fearless character made him an iconic figure,” he said.

Santosh Gupta, also known as the poet of journalism is an illustrious figure in the field of journalism and literature. He was involved in left-leaning politics before starting a career in journalism in 1957. He later became senior assistant editor of the daily Sangbad.

Gupta made significant contribution to all progressive movements including the Liberation War in 1971. For his outstanding contribution to journalism and literature, he has received Ekushey Padak, Sher-e-Bangla Padak, Maulana Tarkabagish Padak and Jahur Hossain Memorial Padak. In his lifetime, he wrote 18 books and edited some 30 books.

The veteran journalist and columnist passed away on August 6, 2004 at the age of 80.