Pabna Press Club has held a commemorative meeting to honor senior and deceased journalists. It marks the sixth death anniversary of the renowned journalist and cultural figure, Anwarul Haque who was a correspondent for the daily Ittefaq. He was a journalist known throughout the Pabna district.
The meeting commenced, with esteemed members of the community seated on the stage, including the courageous freedom fighter Baby Islam, distinguished educator and former Press Club President Professor Shibjit Nag, former president ABM Fazlur Rahman, former editor Akhinur Islam Remon, and the only son of the legendary journalist Anwarul Haque, Sushoban Haque Tutul.
Anwarul Haque actively participated in various movements, including the historic Language Movement and the Corn Movement. He made significant contributions to the cultural landscape and even endured imprisonment for his journalistic endeavors.
The speakers took turns praising him, recounting his personality and cultural contributions. The discussions focused on journalist Anwarul Haque, who had a remarkable ability to choose clear and precise words in writing. Throughout his life, he contributed news to a widely circulated daily newspaper, characterized by clean, simple, and straightforward writing devoid of ostentation. His attire, though modest, was always neat and symbolized elegance. He had a designated sitting area in the press club, where he would relax on one of the sofas in the members' room, a small table in front of him, often with a cup of tea and the daily newspapers.
While he spoke sparingly, his humour was abundant. When friends gathered, we junior members often refrained from joining. During meetings with Professor Shivjit Nag and Mirza Shamsul Islam, he would share a flurry of jokes. His smile was warm and gentle. Beyond being a journalist, he was politically and culturally well versed.
Anwarul Haque actively participated in various movements, including the historic Language Movement and the Corn Movement. He made significant contributions to the cultural landscape and even endured imprisonment for his journalistic endeavors. Yet, he never bowed his head. The people of Pabna genuinely love and respect this man who stood firm.
M. Anwarul Haque, former president and founding co-editor of the Pabna Press Club, was an honest and fearless journalist-a beacon of light for fellow journalists. He was also one of the founding members of the East Pakistan Mafassaval Journalists' Association.
Now, Sushoban Haque Tutul urged attendees to refrain from negative remarks about the deceased at such gatherings. He continued to voice his grievances as his father had illuminated the world but he had not given proper recognition. He said that his father's thoughts were solely on the Pabna Press Club and making news for the welfare of the people.
As the successor and caretaker of his father's legacy, he vowed to uphold his ideals and illuminate others with his father's light. He could not express himself freely; he felt constrained.
The writer is a journalist
