Senior journalist M Shahjahan Miah passes away

A veteran journalist and trade union leader and former Chief News Editor of National News Agency- Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) M Shahjahan Miah died of old-age complications at his city's Rampura residence on Wednesday night, family sources said.

He was 82.

Miah, a valiant freedom fighter and former President of undivided Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) and former Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), also served as Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, according to BSS and UNB.

He left behind his wife, one daughter, two sons and a large number of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

His first namaz-e-janaza will be held at the National Press Club premises after Juhr prayer on Thursday (July 27). Later, he will be laid to eternal rest in a local graveyard after second namaz-e-janaza at his village home in Louhajanj upazila of Munshiganj district.

Miah, who hailed from Munshiganj district, was recently treated for various ailments at a hospital in the city.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of M Shahjahan Mia.

In a condolence message, she said that M Shahjahan was a professional journalist and played a role in positive social change by presenting reports and information in the media.

 “As a leader of journalists' organizations, he has left a significant contribution to the welfare and professional excellence of journalists. With his death, the country's media has lost an accomplished journalist.”

The prime minister prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

BSS board of directors Chairman Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique and Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad and BSS journalists, officers and employees mourn his death and expressed deep condolence to the bereaved family.

They also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.