At the age of 86, journalist and cultural icon Kamal Lohani has passed away, after having tested positive for Covid-19.
It is hard to summarize so long and varied a career as Lohani’s, but there is no doubt that the man was a pioneer. His career spanned six decades, where he worked as a commentator, orator, anchor, as well as dancer.
He lived through a number of world-altering events, such as the Bengal Famine of 1943, the Partition, the Language Movement, and the Liberation War, being actively involved in the last two.
For his involvement in these movements towards the birth of Bangladesh, he was imprisoned and even tortured, but he gave no quarter. As chief news editor of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in 1971, he became a household name, and a voice for all that is true and just.
Kamal Lohani worked all his life to safeguard the rights of media workers. The journalism scene in Bangladesh today owes a tremendous debt to him, for laying down this foundation on which many of us stand today.
His subsequent achievements and job posts are many: He served as the director-general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, president of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, and general secretary of Chhayanaut. While holding down his many positions, he managed to author numerous books.
The Covid-19 pandemic is snatching away many of our best and brightest. We pray for the departed soul of Kamal Lohani, and honour his great contributions to culture and journalism.
May he rest in eternal peace.
