A leading figure in promoting ethical journalism
Acting editor of the Daily Sangbad Khandaker Muniruzzaman will remain an inspiration for the next generation for his devotion to living a life upholding progressive ideology, values, secular politics, democracy and freedom of speech.
This ever smiling, always warm and unrelentingly optimistic man was a firm believer of an exploitation-free society and democracy.
His lifelong involvement with progressive ideals, upholding of the values of the Liberation War and his unrelenting commitment to secular politics and cultural values made him a leading figure in promoting ethical journalism in the profession and democratic values in the society.
This was how his friends, colleagues, and fellow editors of newspapers remembered him while attending a virtual memorial meeting yesterday.
A dedicated and honest journalist, Muniruzzaman always called a spade a spade, they said.
Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) organised the event, recalling the contribution of one of its founding members.
Muniruzzaman died on November 24 last year at the age of 71, while undergoing treatment at his Shantinagar home in the capital after he tested positive for Covid-19.
"Muniruzzaman was an honest and devoted journalist, and a person of great wisdom. Had he been alive, the newspaper industry, as well as the media, might have gotten even stronger," said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.
He remembered contributions of Muniruzzaman, a freedom fighter, in the process of formation of the nation and state.
The minister also urged the parishad to take steps to keep Muniruzzaman's memory alive.
Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman, who initiated Muniruzzaman into the left-leaning politics during his student life, said Muniruzzaman was a "brave activist" of student and trade union movements as well as in national politics.
He said Muniruzzaman was always involved in movements for establishing an exploitation-free society and democracy. "Losing such a person is a great loss for all of us," he said.
The Daily Sangbad Editor Altamash Kabir said Muniruzzaman made a significant contribution to the society. He was a brave and non-communal editor and an out-and-out gentleman.
"His passing away is an irreparable loss," he said.
Veteran journalist and founding member of the parishad Reazuddin Ahmed termed Muniruzzaman a devoted and honest person.
"He tried to take journalism ahead with his integrity and honesty. During and after the formation of Sampadak Parishad, we took his help in preparing drafts of various critical and tough subjects," he said.
His childhood friend Mujahidul Islam Selim, now president of Communist Party of Bangladesh, said recalled his contributions to the country's Liberation War and how he performed vital duties during the war.
"Muniruzzaman was a poet and he always inspired his friends… He always remained at the frontline of movements," Selim said.
Liberation War Museum Trustee and Publisher Mofidul Hoque, another childhood friend of Muniruzzaman, said he was a responsible journalist and editor.
He expressed his gratitude towards Sampadak Parishad for arranging such a memorial meeting.
Muniruzzaman's wife Rukia Khatoon said her husband was a versatile man. "The Daily Sangbad was his life. He always upheld the values of our Liberation War," she said.
"He was an advocate of freedom of speech and always thought about the betterment of journalism. He was also upset about passing of the Digital Security Act," she said.
She sought write ups on Muniruzzaman as the family is planning to publish a memorial book on the veteran journalist in March.
Sampadak Parishad Secretary General and Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam said, "Muniruzzaman was a positive thinker. He was always there to extend help and encouragement."
The parishad President and The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said they will consider taking steps to keep the memory of the predecessor editors alive.
"Muniruzzaman never thought about himself rather he always thought about an exploitation-free, democratic and non-communal society," he added.
"He never derailed from his ideology and values. He loved his country. His life will remain an inspiration to all of us," said Mahfuz Anam.
At the onset of the meeting, organisers held a minute's silence and aired a brief photo documentary on the life of the celebrated journalist.
The Daily Samakal Acting Editor Mustafiz Shafi; Editor and Publisher of Bonik Barta Dewan Hanif Mahmud and Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, also spoke at the event.
They said Muniruzzaman was a genial, approachable and compassionate person. He was a skilled editor.
The Daily Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, among others, also participated in the meeting.
Born on March 12, 1948 in Dhaka, Muniruzzaman started leftist activism in his student life and took part in the movement opposing Ayub Khan and other Pakistani rulers.
He started his journalist carrier in 1970 as a reporter of Weekly Ekota, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.
He was one of the founding members of Trade Union Centre and later became CPB Dhaka committee general secretary.
He was in charge of the editorial department of the Daily Sangbad for many years and was the acting editor of the newspaper since January 2010.
Muniruzzaman was also famous for his well-written columns and political analyses.
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