‘Uphold democratic values, freedom of press’

Participants at a condolence meeting in memory of AZM Enayetullah Khan, editor of the New Age and editor-in-chief of the weekly Holiday. The National Press Club organised the meeting on its premises yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

They also underscored the need for promoting secular democracy, freedom of speech and courageous journalism to uphold the ideals of Enayetullah, popularly known as Mintu Bhai.

At a citizens' condolence meeting organised by the National Press Club on its premises, Press Club General Secretary Shawkat Mahmud read out a message expressing deep condolence at the death of Enayetullah and sympathy for the bereaved family members.

"Enayetullah Khan was not only a leading journalist but also a politically conscious person who never compromised on non-communal principle, democratic practices and the freedom of speech. We feel his absence greatly," said BNP Secretary General and LGRD Minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan.

He did whatever he believed in and never tried to harm anybody, which is a rare quality in today's society, Bhuiyan said.

Lauding Khan's diversified qualities as reporter, editor, social leader and diplomat, Information Minister M Shamsul Islam said, "We hope that we can continue to promote freedom of the press following the way Enayetullah showed us."

Describing the late journalist as a 'dignified person', Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain said Enayetullah had a rare quality of respecting the differences of opinion.

Recalling Khan's courageous write-ups during the critical moments of the nations, the eminent jurist said, "We must promote his ideals by protecting freedom of the press that we have established after great sacrifice."

Dr Kamal also suggested introducing a half-an-hour weekly talk show on any topic on the BTV and Bangladesh Betar in honour of Enayetullah Khan.

"At the death of Enayetullah, I have lost one of my hands and the nation has lost a courageous and uncompromising journalist," said senior journalist Nirmal Sen in his written speech.

"Who will now write strong pieces when the lawmakers are speaking against the journalists in the parliament?" he questioned.

Senior journalist ABM Musa said Enayetullah made a revolution by publishing the extraordinary English weekly Holiday.

Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said there are two ways to respect Enayetullah -- one is to establish the freedom of speech and the other is to maintain the dignity of the profession as a journalist.

He urged all journalists not to use his or her pen either out of hatred or favour for anybody. That would be the proper way to show respect to the memory of late Enayetullah Khan, he added.

Syed Kamal Uddin, editor of the Holiday, requested all to help continue to publish the weekly with the ideals of Enayetullah Khan.

"The tendency to restrict freedom of speech is a major hindrance in this country," he said.

Enayetullah Khan was always against communal politics, said Nurul Kabir, acting editor of The New Age.

Prof Moniruzzaman Mia, member of Anti-Corruption Commission, said Enayetullah always encouraged people to play a courageous role in the critical moment of the nation.

State Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Begum Selima Rahman, Workers Party President Rashed Khan Menon and leader Haider Akbar Khan Rono, Prof Zillur Rahman Khan, journalists Ataus Samad, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Ruhul Amin Gazi, Gaziul Hasan Khan, Kazi Serajuddin Ahmed and DP Barua, and poet Fazal Shahabuddin also spoke at the meeting, presided over by Jatiya Press Club President Reazuddin Ahmed.