DHAKA: Bangladesh today mourns the loss of veteran journalist, author and noted progressive thinker Saleem Samad, who passed away on Sunday while undergoing cancer treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. He was 74.
Family sources confirmed that Samad breathed his last at 11:30 am, leaving behind a legacy of fearless journalism, human rights advocacy and decades of contribution to international and national media. Known for his warm personality and ever-smiling presence, the Dhaka-born journalist remained active until recent months despite his prolonged illness.
Samad, a recipient of the Ashoka Fellowship (1990) for his work on environmental and developmental issues, wrote extensively for both global and South Asian media. His bylines appeared in TIME Magazine, India Today, Outlook, Al Jazeera, International Affairs Review, News Times, Shuddhashar, Bangladesh Observer, Dhaka Tribune, The Daily Star, and Dhaka Courier, among many others.
A Life Dedicated to Journalism
Born on 13 November 1952 in Dhaka, Samad completed his graduation from Jagannath College in 1976 before pursuing a master’s degree at Colorado State University, USA. Throughout his long career, he remained committed to nurturing young journalists, particularly those from small towns and rural Bangladesh.
He designed and conducted numerous training programmes and workshops on environment and development reporting for journalists across Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan, helping shape a new generation of media professionals.
Samad first drew national attention as a young reporter with a groundbreaking report on Shanti Bahini in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a piece that demonstrated his courage and clarity at a time when such reporting involved significant risk.
Persecution, Exile and Return
In 2002, Samad was arrested on charges of sedition for freelancing for an international news outlet—an episode that drew global condemnation. He spent over 50 days in jail, during which he was subjected to physical torture.
Following continued pressure, Samad was forced into exile in Canada in 2004. He returned home in 2010, resuming his professional work with renewed passion.
Contributions to Global and Local Institutions
A permanent member of the Jatiya Press Club and Dhaka Reporters Unity, Samad was also associated with numerous international organisations including USAID, UNICEF, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Academy for Educational Development, Forum of Environmental Journalists Bangladesh, Environment & Social Development Organisation, Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Forum, and the Bangladesh Centre for Development Journalism & Communication.
Farewell to a Fearless Voice
Saleem Samad leaves behind a remarkable legacy of courage, integrity and devotion to press freedom. His passing is an irreplaceable loss for Bangladeshi journalism and the global media fraternity.
Goodbye Saleem-bhai, a friend, mentor and steadfast well-wisher beyond religious and national boundaries. May the Almighty grant strength to the bereaved family to endure this profound loss.