Veteran journalist Saleem Samad passes away
Renowned investigative journalist Saleem Samad passed away this morning (22 February) while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was 74.
His death was confirmed by his close associate, eminent columnist and writer Mohiuddin Ahmad.
"He had been admitted to the hospital in a very critical condition. I went to see him last Friday and it felt like he was spending his final moments. I received the news of his passing just minutes ago," wrote Mohiuddin Ahmad in a Facebook post.
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Mohiuddin paid tribute to the journalist, writing, "I have not seen a journalist as brave as him. May his soul find peace."
His first namaz-e-janaza will be held at the Jatiya Press Club around 2:30 pm, while his second namaz-e-janaza will be held at 3pm on the Dhaka Reporters Unity premises, reports.
Saleem Samad was widely respected for his investigative reporting. In recognition of his contributions to courageous journalism, he was elected as an Ashoka Fellow in 1990.
Throughout his illustrious career, he wrote for world-renowned publications including Time Magazine and prominent Indian outlets such as Outlook and India Today.
Beyond mainstream reporting, he was deeply involved in research and investigative work concerning the environment and development issues.
He collaborated with numerous domestic and international media houses, research organisations, and rights institutions.
A survivor of state repression, Saleem Samad was arrested in 2002 on sedition charges filed by the then-government and was imprisoned for a significant period.
He was a facilitator for capacity-building courses for small-town journalists in Bangladesh on key social development issues.
He conducted workshops on environment and development journalism for South Asian journalists in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
He was a former Media Specialist for US-based non-profit organisation Academy for Educational Development (AED), Environment & Social Development Organisation (ESDO), Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC), Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Forum (BMSF), and Forum of Environmental Journalist, Bangladesh (FEJB).
Born on 13 November 1952, the veteran journalist leaves behind a legacy of uncompromising pursuit of the truth.
