14th death anniversary of eminent journalist Ataus Samad

The meeting was held on Saturday (September 26) at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), organized by the Bangladesh Association of Journalists. It was chaired by former president of the Federal Journalists Union M Abdullah. The chief guest was Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator and valiant freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam.

At the meeting, speakers highlighted various aspects of Ataus Samad's eventful life and said he was not only a journalist but also a witness to history. In 1971, as a BBC correspondent, he played an important role in shaping world public opinion in favor of the Liberation War.

DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam said that at the critical moments of the nation, honest and courageous journalists like Ataus Samad worked as torchbearers of light. Journalists of the new generation should follow his ideals.

Former president of the National Press Club Shawkat Mahmud, former general secretary Elias Khan, former press secretary to the chief adviser Shafiqul Alam, and other journalists' leaders spoke at the event. They recalled Ataus Samad's contributions to the rights and dignity of journalists and objective journalism.

Born in 1940, Ataus Samad worked at various media outlets including the BBC and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). He served as president and general secretary of the National Press Club and received various honors, including the Ekushey Padak, for his contributions to journalism. He passed away on September 26, 2012.

After the commemorative meeting, special prayers and supplications were offered for the forgiveness of his soul.