Rizvi hails Gias Kamal Chowdhury’s courage and journalistic integrity
BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said renowned journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury was a unique example of courage, dedication and steadfastness to ideals.
He said, during the anti-autocracy movement, he became particularly known to the people through his role and news reporting.
Rizvi, also a Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, made the remarks as the chief guest at a memorial marking the 16th death anniversary of renowned journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury.
Bangladesh National Journalists Association oragnized the event at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium of the National Press Club this noon.
The meeting was presided over by former Vice Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University and Chairman of the Bangladesh National Journalists Association Prof Dr. Abdul Latif Masum while former Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury and Chairman of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and Editor of Daily Jugantor Poet Abdul Hai Shikder spoke. Poet and lyricist Nahid Nazrul conducted the memorial meeting.
Rizvi said, “During our student life and movements, we used to wait to hear Gias Kamal Chowdhury's news and statements. Especially during the movements of 1987 and 1988, we had the opportunity to learn about the country's situation and the movement's programs through BBC and Voice of America.
At that time, Gias Kamal Chowdhury was particularly established among the people. His news reporting and statements became important to the protesting students and masses. The news of his arrest also created concern among the people,” he added.
The veteran BNP leader further said, Gias Kamal Chowdhury was a person steadfast to justice and ideals.
Rizvi also noted that even during the rule of the then-autocrat Ershad, attempts were made to influence or buy him in various ways, but he did not deviate from his ideals.
Poet Abdul Hai Shikder said, renowned journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury was a journalist of the people. He will be remembered by all for his compassion for people, love for the country, and human values.
Gias Kamal Chowdhury never built relationships with people for personal gain. Rather, standing by people in their dangers and crises and inquiring about their needs was his habit, he added.
Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury commented that with the death of renowned journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury, the country lost a distinguished and honest journalist.
"With his death, the country has lost a nationally distinguished and honest journalist. And I have lost my lifelong friend," he added.
Born in Chittagong in 1939, Gias Kamal Chowdhury started his journalism career with Dhaka Times in 1964. Later, he joined the English daily Morning News and served as Dhaka correspondent for Voice of America. He passed away at the age of 74 on October 26, 2013.
