‘He was always vocal against injustice’

Syed Abul Maksud used to speak on social crisis and was always vocal against any injustice in the society, said speakers at a memorial programme yesterday.

"People nowadays do not criticise the powerful. But Syed Abul Maksud always talked about various crises of the society and protested against any wrongdoing," said University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh Professor Salimullah Khan.

Syed Abul Maksud memorial society organised the programme at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in Dhaka University, marking the 76th birth anniversary of the noted columnist.

"I had the opportunity to observe Syed Maksud closely. He spent half of his life in writing and rest of the time he engaged himself protesting against injustice. He is an inspiration for young activists," said journalist Kajal Rashid Shahin.

At the programme, his son Syed Nasif Maksud gave the introductory speech.

"Abul Maksud's works are an inspiration for all. His writings will flare courage," he said.

Binayak Sen, director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), presided over the programme, where columnist Altaf Parvez also spoke.