12th death anniv of Obaidul Huq observed

The 12th death anniversary of veteran journalist Obaidul Huq was observed on Sunday.

Obaidul Huq, a doyen of journalism, breathed his last on October 13, 2007 at his Banani residence. He was about 97.

The widely respected elderly journalist was the Editor of The Bangladesh Observer for 12 years since 1972, said a press release.

Born on October 31, 1911 at Feni, he had his Masters in Philosophy from Dhaka University and completed his LLB from Calcutta University. He then joined the Government service. In 1944 he left the Government service and joined the film world. He was the first Bengali Muslim to make a feature film “Dukkhhe Jader Jibon Gora” in 1946. He was the writer, producer and director of the film.

After the partition of India, he returned to the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from Calcutta. He joined the Editorial Board of the Pakistan Observer (later The Bangladesh Observer) in 1951 as Joint Editor.

He was a columnist and regular contributor to different dailies including major Bangali news papers. His columns became very popular like his editorials he wrote as Editor of Bangaldesh Observer. The ink of his pen never dried up before his death.

Late Obaidul Huq maintained not only high professional integrity but also led an honest life. As an elderly journalist he was amiable and man of personality.

After leaving The Bangladesh Observer, he edited the now defunct English daily the “Daily News”.

He was the Chairman of Press Institute of Bangladesh and Chairman of Dainik Bangla and Bangladesh Times Trustee Board. He was also Chairman of Nazrul Institute.

Obaidul Huq was honoured with a number of national and international awards. He got the highest national award, the “Ekushey Padak” in 1983. He was also recognized with Bangla Academy Award in 1964 as a playwright. He also won UNICEF Gold Medal for journalism.

-rmc//