Birth: January 1940, Pirojpur, Barishal.
Schooling: Studied in Calcutta, Pirojpur, and Dhaka; completed matriculation from Nawabpur Government High School, Dhaka.
Scout Movement: Actively participated and led his school’s scout troop.
Higher Education: Completed Intermediate in Science from Dhaka College. In 1961, graduated with Honours in Political Science from Dhaka University.
Legal Career
Legal Studies: Left for London in 1961, admitted to Middle Temple Inn, and qualified as a Barrister-at-Law in 1965.
Dhaka Bar Council: Joined the council upon returning to Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) in 1965.
Role in Journalism
Editor of The Daily Ittefaq: Took over the editorship in 1969 following his father’s death. Remained Editor until 1973, then returned to legal practice but stayed on as Chairman of the Board of Editors at Ittefaq.
Influence: Came into contact with Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, whose democratic ideals shaped Hosein’s lifelong commitment to democracy and governance.
Political Involvement
Elected MP (1973): Represented Bhandaria-Kathalia in Barishal; youngest Member of Parliament, critical of human rights violations.
Resignation (1975): Resigned in protest against the BAKSAL system, emphasizing his commitment to democracy alongside Bangabir General M.A.G. Osmani.
Law and Press Freedom
President of Supreme Court Bar Association: Served from 2000 to 2001.
Press Freedom: Played a significant role as President of the Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Parishad and a member of the Press Council, helping shape the legal framework for press freedom.
Press Commission: Worked with Ataur Rahman Khan and Gazi Shamsur Rahman to develop the Press Commission Report, crucial for safeguarding freedom of the press.
Role in Caretaker Government
Law Adviser: Joined the caretaker government during a political crisis to prevent martial law and support democratic processes.
Judiciary Reforms: Worked to separate the judiciary from the executive and oversaw the codification of laws into the 38-volume Bangladesh Code.
Institutional Strengthening: Played a key role in granting independence to the Anti-Corruption Commission and empowering the Election Commission.
Intellectual Contributions
Books: Authored several works, including:
1. Humanity of Justice
2. Bangladesh: Tragedy of Deceit and Duplicity
3. Subservient is Not Freedom
4. My Life, Our Freedom (Bangla)
5. We Got Freedom, But Not Free (Bangla)
6. Wanted Success of Democracy (Bangla)
7. Shesh Lekha (Bangla)
Arrest & Criticism of Autocracy
Arrest (2018): Politically motivated defamation charges led to his arrest. He spent three months in jail before being granted bail.
Criticism of Government: Barrister Mainul was a vocal critic of the one-party state, particularly the controversial elections in 2014 and 2018. He coined the term “voterless voting” to describe these elections.
Final Years and Legacy
Battled cancer before passing away on 9 December 2023 at the age of 83.
Legacy: Remembered as a hero of democracy, press freedom, and judicial independence. His life’s work continues to inspire those committed to democratic governance in Bangladesh.
