Say speakers at memorial for the eminent journalist

Staff Correspondent

Eminent journalist Atiqullah Khan Masud was a “lighthouse” for marginalised and disadvantaged people, while his lifelong struggle was that against fundamentalist groups, speakers said at a commemorative programme yesterday.

With his demise, the country has lost a valiant fighter and a man who believed in the spirit of the Liberation War, they said.

Janakantha Unit and Dainik Janakantha Shangbadik Karmachari Oikya Parishad organised the commemorative programme at the capital’s Jatiya Press Club, said a press release.

Atiqullah, who was editor and publisher of daily Janakantha, passed away on March 22 at the age of 71. He was a valiant freedom fighter.

The commemorative programme commenced by observing a one minute silence in remembrance of the noted journalist.

Addressing the programme as chief guest, Awami League lawmaker and former president of Jatiya Press Club Shafiqur Rahman said Atiqullah created space at Janakantha for many, including those who believed in communal harmony, to practice free thinking and write on relevant issues.

Atiqullah was unshaken when taking a stand in the Liberation War, he said.

Even in adverse situations, Atiqullah did not compromise while dealing with issues against the spirit of the Liberation War, as well as issues related to communalism and fundamentalism, said Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta.