In Tribute to Barrister Mainul Hosein
Today, we celebrate a milestone — the 45th anniversary of The New Nation newspaper.
Founded by Barrister Mainul Hosein, a visionary thought leader who won the 1973 parliamentary elections from the now Pirojpur 2 constituency, this newspaper has been a beacon of democracy and a partner in the development of our country.
Throughout his life, he played a crucial role in upholding and promoting democracy in Bangladesh.
The roles he played as Law, Information, and Land Adviser to the caretaker government of 2008, Bar Council President, Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Parishad President, and Daily Ittefaq’s Editorial Board Chairman were noteworthy.
His untimely demise on December 9, 2023, is still deeply felt by the Robbar Publications family.
Despite his passing, The New Nation remains committed to the principles defined by Mainul Hosein.
Our newspaper has consistently provided unbiased and impartial news and analysis, giving voice to the people of Bangladesh.
As the chairman of Robbar Publications, the parent company of The New Nation, we congratulate the students who have played a pivotal role in creating a new Bangladesh.
We wish all the best for Dr. Muhammad Yunus and his team of advisers, who are working tirelessly to bring justice to the families of victims who lost their lives during the July-August movement.
We hope that the economy will return to a sustainable growth mode and real political reforms will be implemented to protect civil rights in our country.
On this 45th anniversary, we remember Mainul Hosein’s vision for a brighter future, where a new generation of honest, qualified, and dedicated leaders takes responsibility for shaping the country’s destiny.
We, the members of The New Nation family, dedicate this 45th-anniversary issue of our daily to the memory of Barrister Mainul Hosein, our late chairman and publisher, who was among us at the celebration of this newspaper’s 44th anniversary last year.
As we mark the anniversary of the country’s oldest English-language newspaper, we keenly feel Barrister Mainul’s absence and the void left by his passing on December 9 last year — a vacuum that is hard to fill.
However, we are grateful that Madam Saju Hosein, his wife, has taken on the responsibilities as chairperson and publisher, carrying forward his legacy.
Today’s issue features a colorful and well-illustrated 34-page special supplement, accompanying our regular publication.
The articles in this supplement cover a range of important issues, including the recent July-August student movement against discrimination, current political changes, human interest stories, public concerns, economics, literature, scientific advances, and political analyses. We hope these pieces resonate with our dedicated readers.
We’re pleased to acknowledge the commendable work of our contributors — economists, scholars, professionals, and academics — who have enriched this issue with their insightful writings.
Despite media restrictions and challenges faced over the past 15 years, The New Nation continued to report on corruption and government actions under Barrister Mainul Hosein’s guidance, whom we deeply respected as a mentor.
Now, with the recent political shift on August 5, 2024, we are witnessing a renewed sense of press freedom.
While journalists have been constrained by digital and cyber security laws, the potential for true media freedom remains restricted.
We are hopeful that the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus will prioritize reforming these laws to enable a freer media landscape.
Throughout its 44-year history, this newspaper has aspired to be a conscience-keeper for society. Its independent stance has made it a reliable platform for public expression and grievances. Today, we fondly remember Barrister Mainul Hosein, who shaped The New Nation into a voice for the people, defying many challenges.
In our long journey, we have navigated through periods of control and partial freedom in publishing. Yet our commitment to democracy, good governance, and journalistic objectivity remains steadfast. We assure our readers of our ongoing dedication to uphold the principles that define this publication’s legacy.
We express our deep gratitude to our readers, patrons, and contributors for their steadfast support and encouragement. With your trust and cooperation, The New Nation will continue to set new standards, strive for excellence, and foster a positive impact for the nation in the years to come.