Syed Abul Maksud (1946-2021) File Photo: Star

Today, February 23, is the first death anniversary of noted journalist, columnist and author Syed Abul Maksud (1946-2021). To mark the occasion, we hereby publish a document that illustrates his courage and commitment to freedom of expression—his letter of resignation from Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), dated March 3, 2004. Syed Maksud quit the state news agency following government pressure for writing an article ("Attack on Humayun Azad—the Naked Face of Fascism") in Prothom Alo. 

Sir,

With due respect, I'd like to state that incidentally, within two hours of joining the BSS, the first meeting you attended was with me in relation to an article that I wrote, published on March 1 in Prothom Alo, titled "Attack on Humayun Azad—the Naked Face of Fascism". You even read out parts of the article that were "offensive". Personally, I have no complaints against you for this meeting that was held in the presence of the Chief Reporter and the General Manager. You said yourself that you were only carrying out the responsibility of the chair and that you were doing so based on directives from "upstairs".

I have, to my knowledge, never done anything that goes against the interest of our organisation or state. In my 32 years of employment, I have carried out the responsibilities given to me like a faithful servant. But outside the office, as a free citizen, I express my opinions in meetings and assemblies and through my writing. My criticisms may sometimes be against a person, a group or a collective, even though I don't entertain hatred for any person or leader despite differences of opinion. I also desire prosperity for the government. But I do not view the country, the nation, and the government as a single entity. It is my democratic and constitutional right to criticise actions by the government that go against the interest of the country and its people.

Following my discussion with you, I am having to decide if I want to express my free opinion or if I should put an end to my writing as ordered, and silently do my job in order to make a living. I have given it a lot of thought and decided to take the first path. If I chose not to protest against injustice in exchange for a job, in exchange for the happiness and comfort of my family and loved ones, it would be a betrayal to the nation, to the many crores of oppressed, exploited, and sorry individuals of our country. In my 42 years as a writer, I have never knowingly betrayed my own conscience. 

During the Pakistani regime, my insignificant role as a minor activist in the democratic movement of East Bengal's exploited people was known to student leaders and politicians of the time. Post-independence, during the two Awami League regimes, two BNP regimes and even under the regime of General Ershad, I have expressed my opinion as I am now. For this, the government or the BSS authorities have never created obstacles or put pressure on me. Now that the bright possibility of multi-party democracy is visible in Bangladesh, it is saddening to see such restrictions on freedom of expression. For this reason, I have decided to resign from my post before more problems arise in the workplace.

Today, now that I'm leaving the organisation, I'm reminded of my co-workers who are like siblings to me. Some of them have passed on to the afterlife. Some have willingly left the organisation. Many of them have been ruthlessly dismissed from their posts due to factionalism. I want to pay my respect to those who have passed away and express deep sympathy for those who have been dismissed. Through you, I want to pay my respect and gratitude to journalist and non-journalist co-workers, and to the district correspondents of the BSS.

Even though I did not get the opportunity to work with you, I hope your career at the BSS is successful and gracious. I bid farewell hoping for continued improvement and prosperity of the BSS."

Yours faithfully

 [Signature]

 (Syed Abul Maksud)

 Deputy Chief News Editor

(Translated by Azmin Azran of

The Daily Star.)