BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stated that truthful and principled journalists played a vital role in the movement against autocracy.
Journalists such as Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Ataus Samad, and Fayez Ahmed never compromised when it came to truth and justice.
Their courage, adherence to principles, and firm stance strengthened the movement that led to the fall of the autocracy.
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Bangladesh National Journalists’ Association, held on Monday morning (October 26) at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Auditorium of the National Press Club.
Ruhul Kabir Rizvi noted that during the autocratic regime of Ershad, people relied on the BBC and Voice of America to learn the true state of affairs in the country.
At that time, the reporting by Gias Kamal Chowdhury for Voice of America and Ataus Samad for the BBC was of immense importance to the public. It was through their voices that ordinary citizens could stay informed about the country’s political situation and the ongoing struggles.
He mentioned that during the anti-Ershad movement, journalists were subjected to various forms of pressure. Despite facing arrests and harassment, Gias Kamal Chowdhury continued to report with great courage.
For security reasons, he sometimes even had to keep the locations from which he filed his reports a secret. Such dedication to his professional duties and his immense courage earned him a position of high regard among the people.
The BNP leader further remarked that many journalists of that era were principled, resolute, and uncompromising. Even when faced with various temptations and pressures, they never strayed from their ideals. The legacy of truthful journalism they left behind serves as an exemplary model for the current generation of journalists.
Recalling his personal relationship with Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Rizvi shared that he had become acquainted and close with him ever since he began his involvement in student politics.
He was always impressed by Chowdhury’s exceptional ability to deliver speeches at various events, as well as his sincere and affectionate demeanor toward young people.
He was not merely a courageous journalist; he also possessed a nurturing, guardian-like personality. At the discussion meeting, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi paid tribute to the memory of Gias Kamal Chowdhury and prayed for the peace of his soul.