Staff Reporter :
On the occasion of the 55th death anniversary of Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, different socio-political organisations remembered him for his unflinching courage in the field of journalism, as his pen had worked for realising the rights and justice for the people of this land.
Speakers in a discussion meeting held in the Dhaka Reporters Unity in the capital on Saturday said that under the current situation of the country, the nation needs a courageous journalist like Manik Mia right now to fight against corruption, bribery, drugs, and other misdeeds prevailing in society.
The meeting was organised by Manik Mia Parishad and the Bangladesh Jatiya Gonotantrik League and presided over by former ambassador Dr. Neem Chandra Bhowmik. On this occasion Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia’s younger son Anwar Hossain Manju along with media people laid flowers at his grave and
prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. The convener of the Gonotantrik Odhikar Party, Prof. Shaheda Obayed, was present as the chief guest.
Among others, former secretary Siraj Uddin Ahmed, president of Bangladesh Jatiya Gonotantrik League MA Jalil, organiser of 69 Gono Andolon, Swadhinata, and Muktijuddha Moazzem Hossain Khan Majlish, Kazi Aref Foundation President Kazi Masud Ahmed, NAP Bhashani President Mostaq Ahmed Bhashani, and Vice-President of Manik Mia Parishad Masud Khan, were present.
Lamenting the current situation of the country, Shaheda Obayed said in her speech that it is unfortunate for the nation that the country is currently running.
“If there were courageous patriots and brave journalists like Manik Mia at this moment, corruption, bribery, drug terrorism, and youth gangs wouldn’t thrive,” she stressed.
She highlighted the role of journalism in uniting the nation and achieving independence and suggested it could also be instrumental in solving problems.
Obayed further stressed the need for courageous journalists to awaken the masses for the country’s betterment through their writings.
Sirajuddin Ahmed remarked that Manik Mia, being a son of Barisal, was brave for this reason. He associated him with the spirits of Mahatma Ashinikumar Dutt and Sher-e-Bangla.
“Let us take an oath on the occasion of Manik Mia’s death anniversary that we will play a courageous role like him to weed out corruption, drug terrorism, and establish rule-based countries,” he said.