Farrukh Khosru :
Nearly two decades ago, during our study of English literature, the primary goal for most students was simply to navigate the daunting exams. At that time, the philosophical insights of Matthew Arnold -“Life is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming” – were felt distant and elusive. We grappled with the weight of those ideas, unable to fully grasp their meaning. Now, having reached the middle chapters of life, we are beginning to understand what Arnold meant, as life’s journey slowly reveals its deeper truths.
Similarly, our evolving understanding of journalism compels us to revisit Arnold’s definition: “Journalism is literature in a hurry.” It is only now that I truly appreciate the essence of this insight, a realisation that first took root when Barrister Mainul Hosein assigned me a topic to write for editorial or commentary. Each time I hesitated or sought more time, he would remind me with an unwavering urgency, “Be quick, for writing in journalism is crafting literature in haste.” His words instilled in me a reverence for the immediacy and artistry of the written word in journalism – a discipline that merges speed with substance, embodying both the rush of the moment and the timeless weight of truth.
Barely two or three hours had passed when Barrister Mainul called, asking, “Have you finished?” I replied, “Sir, I just need another half hour. That should be enough to send it to you.” Yet, to my surprise, he called again within ten or fifteen minutes, his voice firm but reassuring: “Send it as it is. I’ll make it work.”
I sighed with relief, knowing that in his capable hands, my draft would undoubtedly transform into a piece good enough to be published. His confidence was both a comfort and a testament to the art of journalism – where urgency meets the steady hand of experience, crafting words into something worthy of the reader’s attention.
Barrister Mainul possessed a meticulous sensitivity to spelling, coupled with a preference for simplicity in sentence construction. He was highly selective in his choice of words, yet unwaveringly precise in his application of grammar. At times, he would reprimand us for misusing words, often admonishing in his characteristic tone, “You must maintain alertness with your ‘is’ and ‘am.'”
His insistence on linguistic accuracy instilled in us a profound respect for the fundamentals of writing – reminding us that even the smallest grammatical misstep could undermine the clarity and integrity of a well-crafted sentence.
Beyond his remarkable artistry in writing for newspapers, both as a lawyer and journalist – a talent he inherited instinctively from his father, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, the pioneer of modern journalism in Bangladesh – Barrister Mainul Hosein remained unwaveringly committed to the truth. His dedication to accuracy was absolute.
On one occasion, due to a single factual error, he made an extraordinary decision to withdraw 350 copies of one of his books from the market, incurring a loss of over Tk 2.5 lakh – a significant sum in those already financially strenuous times. This act of integrity underscored his steadfast belief that no cost was too great when it came to upholding the sanctity of truth in both journalism and literature.
Even for a single editorial or commentary, Barrister Mainul Hosein would immerse himself in the task all day long, keeping us equally engaged by his side. Tireless in his efforts, he never showed signs of fatigue, though we often struggled to keep pace with his relentless energy.
In his final days, as he battled cancer in the hospital, Mrs. Saju Hosein (wife of Barrister Mainul) – now Chairperson of The New Nation – shared how his indomitable spirit remained unshaken. Despite his illness, Mainul grew restless, longing to write more. He lamented, “There is still so much left to say, so much the nation needs to know.” His unwavering dedication to informing the public, even in the face of profound personal suffering, was a testament to his lifelong commitment to truth and service.
Barrister Mainul Hosein often extended opportunities to journalists at The New Nation, even when their roles were not strictly essential to the newspaper’s operations. His commitment to nurturing talent was matched by his exacting standards; he would reprimand us for even the smallest mistakes – lessons that, though difficult at the time, we now cherish as invaluable.
When it came to managing a media house, Barrister Mainul remained indifferent to the conventional corporate management style. His focus was never on adhering to corporate protocols but rather on fostering an environment dedicated to journalistic integrity and the pursuit of truth. This approach reflected his belief that the essence of a newspaper lay not in rigid structure, but in its commitment to serving the public good.
(Khosru is Executive Editor, The New Nation)
