Staff Reporter :
Journalists, family members, admirers, and members of the public observed the 56th death anniversary of the fearless and iconic journalist Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah on Sunday.
Widely regarded as one of the pioneering voices behind the Bengali nationalist movement, Manik Miah was the founding editor of The Daily Ittefaq, a publication that remains a proud emblem of journalistic courage in Bangladesh.
Manik Miah passed away on 1 June 1969 in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, at the age of 58. On this solemn occasion, a Doa and Milad Mahfil was held at his grave in Azimpur Graveyard at 11:00 am, attended by his family members, well-wishers, and members of the general public.
Among those present were his younger son, Anwar Hossain Monju; grandsons Javed Hossain and Arshad Hossain; Daily Ittefaq’s Executive Director Muhibul Ahasan; and Director Rezaul Ahasan.
Additional prayer gatherings were held throughout the day. A doa and milad mahfil took place at the Manik Mia Foundation office in Ittefaq Bhaban after the Asr prayers, attended by journalists and staff from The New Nation.
A similar event was organised at the Daily Ittefaq’s Karwan Bazar office on the same afternoon.
Earlier in the morning, a Quran recitation and prayer service was held at the Dhanmondi residence of Anwar Hossain Monju.
Another gathering took place at the Dhanmondi home of Manik Miah’s eldest daughter, Akhtarunnahar, after Maghrib prayers.
Floral tributes were offered at the late journalist’s grave by representatives of the Jatiya Party (JP) and the Manik Mia Research Academy, commemorating his immense contribution to the nation.
Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah remains a towering figure in the annals of Bangladeshi journalism. Through The Daily Ittefaq, he placed the media at the heart of the country’s democratic and nationalist struggles.
He relentlessly opposed the exploitation and repression carried out by the Pakistani regime, earning the title of “fearless journalist” among the people of East Pakistan.
Under his leadership, Ittefaq emerged as a powerful voice for justice and played a decisive role during pivotal political movements.
The newspaper supported the Awami League’s vision, reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the Bengali people. Manik Miah’s editorial stance aligned closely with that of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, forming a united front against authoritarianism.
Despite his political awareness, Manik Miah harboured no personal ambitions for power.
His moral clarity and integrity empowered him to speak truth to power. He endured imprisonment, state repression, and the closure of his publications, yet never wavered from his principles.
Born in 1911 in Bhandaria, Pirojpur, Manik Miah began his education at East Bhandaria Model Primary School and graduated with distinction from Barisal BM College in 1935. He initially worked at the Pirojpur District Civil Court and married Mazeda Begum in 1937.
His journalistic journey began in earnest in 1947 when he became Secretary of the Board of Directors at the Ittehad, a Kolkata-based daily under the leadership of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy. After moving to Dhaka in 1948, he joined the Ittefaq, then a weekly publication, and transformed it into a daily in 1953.
Throughout the 1960s, Manik Miah was a leading voice against military dictatorship. He was jailed in 1959 and again in 1966 for his unwavering editorial stance.
The government shut down The Daily Ittefaq and confiscated the New Nation Printing Press, affecting his other publications as well. Due to mounting public pressure, the newspaper was allowed to resume publication in February 1969.
In the wake of communal riots in 1964, Manik Miah led efforts to prevent violence as the first president of the Riot Prevention Committee.
His influential columns-Political Deception, Political Stage, and Theatrical Stage-inspired many to support the cause of Bangladesh’s independence.
Manik Miah died in Rawalpindi on the night of 1 June 1969 during an official visit. His legacy as a fearless journalist and a staunch advocate for the people’s rights continues to inspire generations.
