We are deeply saddened and shocked at the death of legendary journalist Toab Khan. Toab Khan, the grand old lion of Bangladesh journalism—former editor of the Dainik Bangla passed away on Saturday at a city hospital at the age of 87. He was the former press secretary to the then Prime Minister and the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman between 1973 and 1975.
During his long cherished carrier, the veteran journalist also served as principal information officer, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh and in other media outlets including the Dainik Janakantha with patriotism and dedication. It may be mentioned that many artists and journalists at the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra worked as word soldiers, continuing broadcasting many programmes from the radio broadcasting centre in order to inspire freedom fighters on the battle fields during the Liberation War in 1971. Of them, Pindir Prolap was the most famous programme where Toab Khan used to describe the position of the war in an attractive voice.
His (Toab Khan) passing is a great loss to the nation. He continued working hard to establish the spirit of the Liberation War, the values of independence and democracy in the country. All know this loss can never be fulfilled as he through his writings always used to give valuable guidelines to drive the nation. Therefore, as Toab Khan’s colourful life came to an end on Saturday, we will be deprived of his write-ups, columns and guidelines now.
We pray for eternal peace of
the departed soul of Toab Khan and
convey deep sympathy
to the bereaved family
He was a journalist from head to toe as he never compromised with the basic characteristic of objective journalism. Toab Khan always gave true information without caring about reactions of anybody when the nation was in darkness during the Pakistan period as well as post-1975 period after the assassination of Bangabandhu.
His presence in the newsroom was electric. He always used to advise the journalists to read the national and international dailies regularly and get updated if they want to continue journalism as profession. His death is an irreparable loss to the country’s media industry and this emptiness in the media will never be filled.
We pray for eternal peace of the departed soul of Toab Khan and convey deep sympathy to the bereaved family. The nation will always remember Toab Khan with due respect and love. Therefore, we believe the lifelong fighter and dignified journalist will be remembered through his works and will remain in the heart of every Bangali.