Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 24, 2026, (BSS) - Former Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) president late Abdus Shahid never compromised on the issues of democracy and freedom of the media, said journalist leaders at a memorial meeting today.

The meeting was organised at the DUJ office at the National Press Club marking the sixth death anniversary of Abdus Shahid. 

Speakers said Abdus Shahid never compromised on democracy and media freedom and was always vocal about journalists' livelihood issues.

At the beginning of the memorial meeting, prayers and a munajat were offered seeking divine forgiveness for the souls of late Abdus Shahid and veteran photojournalist Khaled Haider.

The meeting was chaired by BFUJ Vice-President AKM Mohsin and moderated by its General Secretary Khurshid Alam. 

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, former DUJ General Secretary Muhammad Baker Hossain, BFUJ Treasurer Shahidul Islam, DUJ Joint Secretary Didarul Alam Didar, and journalist leaders Sadrul Hasan, Belayet Hossain, Nizam Uddin Darbesh, Abdullah Majumdar and Fakhrul Islam, among others, addressed the meeting.

As the chief guest, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said Abdus Shahid was a good person, a good journalist and a good leader. He could find appropriate solutions to any problem. "Though he is no longer alive, his ideals will live on," he said.

The BFUJ secretary general said journalist Abdus Shahid was a pioneer of honest and courageous journalism against injustice and irregularities. He practised journalism courageously throughout his life and never compromised on the issues of the country and its independence and sovereignty. 

Young journalists should uphold Abdus Shahid's ideals and practise principled journalism, he added.

Baker Hossain said the journalist community is now divided under the influence of partisan politics. As a result, the continuity of the role played by journalists like Abdus Shahid cannot be maintained. This is causing deterioration in the quality of the media as well as professional losses for journalists. Because of the divisions, journalists are unable to play a genuinely positive role, he said.

Khurshid Alam said Abdus Shahid never feared telling the truth. He was jailed and lost his job for publishing the truth, but he never compromised. His uncompromising role in defending freedom of expression will inspire the younger generation, he added.

The DUJ general secretary said journalist Abdus Shahid did not limit his work to securing a better life for his own family. He worked for the welfare of ordinary people and did not hesitate to sacrifice his personal interests for that cause. He set an example of honesty, courage and an uncompromising commitment, he said.

Didarul Alam said Abdus Shahid was a true nationalist. He was a responsible, hardworking, honest and courageous journalist. He was also an astute forum leader and had the ability to speak the truth frankly.