President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of journalist Simon Dring, a famous British foreign correspondent, television producer and presenter.
In a condolence message, the president recalled with respect the very positive role he [Simon Dring] played during the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971.
Seventy-six-year old Dring, revered as a true friend of Bangladesh, also rose to fame for covering wars and revolutions around the world.
He was among about 50 foreign journalists confined to their hotel, the Intercontinental, in Dhaka on Mar 25, 1971.
“Simon Dring played a positive role in informing the world about the genocide in Bangladesh, various news and events of the Liberation War in the world media,” the president mentioned in his message.
Also Read - Friend of Bangladesh Simon Dring no more
Abdul Hamid said Dring helped spread the news globally subsequently hastened country’s victory in the Great War of Independence
“At his death, Bangladesh lost a well-wisher and tested friend indeed,” the head of state added.
Dring was undergoing routine surgery for a hernia in Romania on Friday when he had a heart attack, said Chris Barlas, a cousin.
This world famous media personality left behind his partner Fiona McPherson, three daughters, relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.
The president prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed the deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
In a message of condolence, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recalled the brave contribution of Simon Dring to the Liberation War, saying: "He put forth before the world people the information and report regarding the heinous genocide on the black night of March 25 in 1971."
The prime minister also said the British journalist played a significant role in shaping opinion in the international arena in favour of the Liberation War.
Sheikh Hasina said that Simon Dring played a role in flourishing the media in the independent Bangladesh, adding that he contributed to the operation of the country's first private television channel ETV.
The prime minister prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the British journalist.
