Shahadat Chowdhury
Shahadat proved his quality in writing while he used to contribute to the children page of Daily Ittefaq: Kachi-Kanchar Asar in 1961. Subsequently he switched over to short story writing in the Sahitya Samiyaki of Daily Ittefaq. Accompanied by stalwarts of Kachi-Kanchar Mela like poet Sufia Kamal, Shilpacharya Jaynal Abedin, Professor Ajit Kumar Guha and Dr. Abdullah Al-Muti Sharfuddin we had traveled together in the caravan of Kachi Kanchar Mela in different parts of East Pakistan. Shahadat was a travelogue writer of Kachi-Kanchar mela. As a student of Art College Shahadat had contributed to Shilpa Bitan, school of arts of Kachi-Kanchar Mela along with artist Hashem Khan and artist Pranesh Mondal in mid 60's. Painting classes were held at the residential premises of Rokeya Anwar at Rankin Street Wari. We formed a committee with old members of Kachi-Kanchar Mela in 1986 to keep alive the spirit. Shahadat was there. We enjoyed a grand picnic on a steamer trip on the river Meghna one winter. That was a memorable event for the members of Kachi-Kanchar Mela.
Today I regret I did not comply with his request to write on international affairs in Shaptahik 2000 while I remained engaged in writing for tabloid Manab Zamin Shahadat demanded that I should write on international issues which his paper would carry before Newsweek or Time magazine could be available in the market. I appreciated his perception on publication.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Shahadat and Bichitra were synonymous. Bichitra was so popular that expatriate Bangladeshis also used to subscribe the journal that carried hard news, in-depth stories on social problems hard hit editorials. Shahadat was shocked when Awami League decided to dispose of this journal and practically the press and the goodwill of Bichitra were sold to a sister of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Shahadat joined the new journal of Media World group Shaptahik 2000. While gossiping over a cup of coffee at his office Shahadat proudly said that the journal was not running at a loss as was apprehended by many.
An artist and writer Shahadat Chowdhury took up arms during the war of liberation in 1971 to liberate the country. Shahadat built up guerilla force and initiated adventurous actions in Dacca on several occasions, including bomb blast in Hotel Sheraton to scare Pakistan administration and invite attention of the world to the success of Mukti Bahini. Shahadat also succeeded to assist two daunting daughters of Poet Sufia Kamal to cross the border. They also joined the liberation movement. I invited Shahadat to address children and their parents of Kachi-Kanchar Mela on 26 March, 2002 to speak about his valor in the war of liberation. Shahadat in his own typical way spoke about the war not about himself. That was my last meeting with great Shahadat. During the war Shahadat began journalistic career as he edited Lorai which carried the news of success stories of Mukti Bahini. After Bangladesh came into being Shahadat joined Bichitra in 1972.
As a valiant freedom fighter and editor Shahadat played a leading role in projecting the ideals and ideologies for which the war of liberation was fought by the people of this country. Shahadat should remain a source of inspiration to journalist community because of his bold and courageous voice against injustice, religious fanaticism, corruption and smuggling. He was a symbol of secular character of the society.
In his passing away the country has lost a valiant freedom fighter and undaunted journalist. May Allah grant peace to his departed soul.