Mahfuzullah spoke truth even when it was risky

Journalist and writer Mahfuzullah will be remembered forever not only for his writing, but also for his courage to speak the truth and protest irregularities, eminent personalities said yesterday.

They made the remarks at a memorial programme for Mahfuzullah, who passed away at a hospital in Thailand on April 27. The meeting was organised by his friends and former colleagues at Jatiya Press Club.

Speakers also prayed for the salvation and eternal peace of the departed soul, and expressed condolences to the bereaved family members.

Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain said Mahfuzullah through his writings and speeches inspired people to work for social change and uphold the spirit of Liberation War.

The prominent journalist did not limit himself to writing; he contributed to many political and social movements, said Dr Kamal.

“He spoke truth even when it was risky… To honour him, let us unite and realise his thoughts and ideas,” he added.

About the current political situation, the Jatiya Oikyafront convenor said, “The tyrants who think they will remain in power for good, using money and influence, live in a fool’s paradise.”

“There is no place for autocracy in Bangladesh,” he said.

Eminent economist Akbar Ali Khan said Mahfuzullah was a pioneer in environmental journalism in Bangladesh and his works will keep him alive.

“If he were with us now, he would encourage us and strengthen our mission towards democratic advancement,” said the former caretaker government adviser.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said Mahfuzullah, through journalism, was committed to truth, social change and upholding the country’s democracy.

“His sudden demise is an immense loss for the nation. I believe, the void he left behind is irreparable,” he said.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) President ASM Abdur Rob said threats and intimidation could not shake Mahfuz. He continued to speak out against wrongs till his death.

Former Dhaka University (DU) Vice Chancellor Professor Emajuddin Ahamed; Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Zafrullah Chowdhury; adviser to a former caretaker government Barrister Mainul Hosein; New Age Editor Nurul Kabir; Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon; DU professors Robaet Ferdous and Asif Nazrul; BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury; and Nagorik Oikya Convener Mahmudur Rahman Manna, among others, spoke at the programme.

Mahfuzullah had been suffering from various heart and kidney complications for a long time. As his health condition deteriorated, he was flown to Thailand in April for better treatment, where he died at the age of 69.

The author of more than 50 books is known for editing the biographies of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman and its Chairperson Khaleda Zia, and books on the 1969 mass uprising, insurgency in India’s Assam, and post-independence Bangladesh.