He was a mentor for journalists

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday said the "Journalist Bazlur Rahman Memorial Award" will inspire journalists to bring the true history of the country's independence to light.

She made the remark while addressing the award ceremony as the chief guest. The event was held at the auditorium of the Liberation War Museum.

Three journalists -- two from the print media and another from the electronic media -- were awarded for best reporting on issues relating to the Liberation War.

In the print media category, Amirul Rajiv and Rajib Nur were awarded for their articles published in The Daily Star and Samakal respectively. Habib Rahman of Jamuna TV was awarded in the electronic media category.

"Winning this award will inspire journalists. I appreciate their brilliant work. Their achievements will inspire our new generation to learn the real history of our Liberation War," said the Speaker.

Journalists should write more reports highlighting the significant events of the war. They should also write about the contribution of women to our independence, she added.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique presided over the programme. He said Bazlur Rahman was a mentor for journalists. He tried to uncover the reality of society through work, he added.

In 2008, the Liberation War Museum initiated the Journalist Bazlur Rahman Memorial Award, sponsored by the family and friends of the renowned journalist.

Bazlur Rahman, who hails from Mymensingh, was conferred with Swadhinata Padak, Bangladesh's highest civilian honour, posthumously for his contribution to journalism in 2012.

He was the editor of Daily Sangbad and the founder editor of the weekly Ekota, a mouthpiece of the Communist Party of Bangladesh.

The veteran journalist participated in the Liberation War and also edited a magazine titled "Muktijuddha" during the period.

He was also the chairman of the country's reputed children's organisation -- Khelaghar.

Among others, Liberation War Museum Trustee Dr Sarwar Ali and former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor spoke at the programme.

Matia Chowdhury, Bazlur Rahman's wife and chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on agriculture ministry, and Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, were also present.