Staff Correspondent

Speakers on Wednesday recalled the contributions of 23 deceased members of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC), saying their writings and professional contributions enriched Bangladesh's media and journalism, while their deaths caused an irreparable loss to the profession.

They made the remarks at a discussion held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the JPC this afternoon, ahead of the club's 72nd founding anniversary.

The programme was organised to remember the members who died between October 18, 2025 and October 2, 2026.

JPC President and Daily Kaler Kantho Editor poet Hasan Hafiz chaired the discussion, while its General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan moderated it.

The participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of the deceased members.

Addressing the event, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Muhammed Kader Gani Chowdhury said many of the deceased members made significant contributions to journalism, including at the international level and regarded the Press Club as their "second home."

"They worked tirelessly to keep the club vibrant. Their departure is a source of profound grief not only for their families but also for all members of the club," he added.

Daily Jugantor Editor and JPC management committee member poet Abdul Hye Sikder said the deceased were "exceptionally brilliant personalities like shining stars."

"Besides journalism, many of them possessed unique talents and creativity, illuminating society through their work," he said.

Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) General Secretary Khurshid Alam said many of the deceased were veteran journalists who also made contributions to the country's history and culture.

JPC Treasurer Bakhtiar Rana said they overcame professional uncertainties and financial difficulties and set examples of objective journalism.

The 23 deceased members are Nikhil Mankhin, Akhtar Hossain Masud, Abdul Halim Chowdhury, Ibrahim Azad, Prashanta Ghoshal, Zakaria Kajal, Ali Mamud, Salim Samad, Dr R M Debnath, Khandaker Golam Azad, A S M Habibullah, Golam Kibria, Talukdar Harun, poet Al Mujahidi, Shahed Kamal, Mohammad Shahjahan, Mrinal Krishna Roy, Nurul Hasan Khan, Rafiqullah Shikdar, Khaled Haider, Kazim Reza, Amirul Momenin and Toufique Imrose Khalidi.

A doa was offered seeking forgiveness and eternal peace for the departed souls of the deceased JPC members.

The JPC's 72nd anniversary will be observed on October 20, with programmes beginning on October 17.