Veteran journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury died of old age complications at a city hospital early on Saturday. He was 74.
Gias Kamal, who had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged illness, including cardiac problems and diabetes, breathed his last at Anwar Khan Modern Hospital, Dhanmondi, says a UNB report.
He had also been suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory problems for fluid coagulation in the lungs.
He had suffered a stroke in 1993 and been almost bedridden since 2011.
Hailing from Sharishadi village under Feni sadar upazila, Gias Kamal left behind his wife, two daughters, a son and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.
His namaj-e-janaza will be held in front of National Press Club on Sunday at 12 noon.
He started his career in journalism with the Dhaka Times in 1964. Later he joined the English daily Morning News.
Gias Kamal was a former president of National Press Club, Dhaka Union of Journalists and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists.
He was Dhaka correspondent of Voice of America (VOA) and editor of the Bangla daily Khabarpatra. He once acted as chief reporter of the national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).
He was awarded “Ekushey Padak” in 1992 for his outstanding contribution to the country’s journalism.
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their profound shock at the death of the veteran journalist.
In a message, the president recalled the contribution of Gias Kamal Chowdhury in the field of journalism in the country.
He prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved family members.
In a message of condolence, the prime minister recalled Gias Kamal’s role in the country’s journalism profession. She prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her sympathy to the bereaved family members.
