Zaglul remembered fondly

The way Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury pursued journalism for over four decades is inspiring for journalists, speakers told a commemorative meeting yesterday.

They said the untimely death of an honest, ever-smiling and multi-faceted personality is an irreparable loss to the country.

Marking his third death anniversary, Journalist Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury Memorial Trust organised the event at Jatiya Press Club, attended by ministers, senior journalists, friends and family members.

Speaking as the chief guest, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Zaglul was an amicable and modest person. “He respected all. Journalist like Zaglul is rare nowadays,” he said.

“Zaglul is the brightest star in the journalism arena. He will be remembered for ages.”

The minister said Zaglul started journalism during his student life and pursued the profession with sincerity until his last breath.

Zaglul, former chief editor and managing director of the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), was killed in a road accident on way to ATN Bangla office in Karwan Bazar on a bus to join a talk show on November 29, 2014.

As he was getting off the bus, it recklessly pulled away before he could disembark safely.

Following a public outrage over the killing, the government then formed a five-member probe committee that made a 15-point recommendation, including ensuring adequate bus stops and strict monitoring of traffic by law enforcers. No recommendations were implemented yet.

Food Minister Qamrul Islam, who was a friend of the journalist since the second grade in 1956, said, “I feel bad when I think that Zaglul is no more… we grew up together, studied and played together.”

He said the trust fund will award two journalists every year as a tribute to Zaglul. 

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