Tribute paid to Enayetullah Khan
Staff Correspondent
Speakers at a condolence meeting yesterday paid glowing tribute to Enayetullah Khan, editor of the New age and editor-in-chief of the Holiday, saying that he would be remembered forever for his contribution to the development of journalism in the country.A pioneer in upholding the freedom of speech and the freedom of press, he showed the way of speaking the truth without fear and favour, they said. They said that when the country was under autocratic rule, Enayetullah Khan took the risk of his life and brought out newspapers to convey public opinion. Barisal Bibhagh Unnayan Forum organised the condolence meeting at the Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium at National Museum in the city. Speaking as the chief guest, eminent jurist and President of Gono Forum Dr Kamal Hossain said, "Enayetullah Khan always respected the differences of opinion and tried to establish the people's right to speak." "He even suffered jail term for speaking the truth." Dr Kamal said the nation is now realising the importance of freedom of press at this critical moment. He also recalled his long association with the renowned journalist who gave valuable opinion during every critical moment of the nation. Khan could not gain cheap popularity due to his difference of opinion on important issues, he observed. Dr Kamal urged the young journalists to uphold the tradition of speaking the truth. Barisal Bibhagh Unnayan Forum President Abul Hossain presided over the meeting where family members of late journalist were also present. Enayetullah Khan was born in Barisal, but he always thought of the entire nation and the humanity, said Rashed Khan Menon, Workers' Party president and Khan's younger brother. Describing him as a great man, Menon said Enayetullah was also involved in various development activities in greater Barisal division. Golam Sarwar, editor of the daily Shomokal, observed that the death of Enayetullah has created a vacuum not only in journalism but also in the political arena. He showed the path of uncompromising journalism, Sarwar said, adding that the young journalists can easily follow his path while practicing objective journalism. Khan was a politically conscious journalist and always followed the path of progressive democracy, said Nurul Kabir, acting editor of the New Age. He also gave full freedom to his colleagues and courageously faced all the troubles for publishing objective news, he added. Poet Abdul Hai Shikder, Abu Saleh and Nowazes Ali Khan of ATN Bangla also spoke.
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