Journalism is not merely a profession; it is a vow and a solemn duty to awaken the conscience of a nation. To fulfill this duty, authoritarian and fascist forces have repeatedly tried to crush journalists through the ages. Yet, there are individuals whose spines never bend before power or fear. One such fearless, uncompromising, and idealistic symbol of journalism was Ruhul Amin Gazi, President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and a veteran Freedom Fighter.
Having fallen victim to the ruthless political vendetta and oppression of fascist Sheikh Hasina’s regime, his life came to an end following prolonged imprisonment and physical suffering. This combative journalist leader breathed his last on the night of September 24, 2024, at the BRB Hospital in Panthapath, Dhaka. His life, struggles, imprisonment, and departure are not just the loss of an individual; they document a mournful and dark chapter in the history of independent journalism.
Born in 1953 in Gobindia village of Kachua upazila in Chandpur, Ruhul Amin Gazi was associated with progressive thoughts and righteousness from his student days. After obtaining his graduation degree, he began his colorful career in 1974 as a reporter for the then highly prestigious national daily, The Daily Ittefaq.
Throughout his long journalistic career, he set a unique example of professionalism, honesty, and courage. He served with utmost dedication in various important roles, including as Special Correspondent and Chief Reporter at Daily Sangram, one of the country's leading media outlets.
Ruhul Amin Gazi was not just a reporter; he was a visionary guardian and the lifeblood of the journalistic community. Throughout his career, he played a pioneering role in various movements to secure journalists' rights. He successfully served in crucial positions such as President, Secretary General, and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ). Additionally, he served as the President of "Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad," a professional organization vocal against fascism and deprivation of rights.
Under his prolonged leadership, journalists repeatedly found a safe haven to protect their rights. Neither threats, greed, nor torture could sway him from publishing the truth. The mantra of practicing journalism beyond fear transformed him into an undisputed leader in the media community.
During the fascist regime of Sheikh Hasina, when a festival of silencing independent journalism and dissenting voices began, Ruhul Amin Gazi became its tragic victim. He was imprisoned under false and conspiratorial cases filed through the infamous "Digital Security Act," which was used as a tool to suppress freedom of speech.
Faced with the wrath of the autocratic government, he had to spend more than 18 consecutive months behind bars. During his imprisonment, he was even deprived of minimum humanitarian medical treatment. His days passed agonizingly in inhuman conditions reminiscent of a 1971 concentration camp.
In the dark confines of prison, Ruhul Amin Gazi's physical condition deteriorated rapidly. Alongside prior health complications, several severe ailments took root in his body during incarceration. Though his kidney function began to decline, necessary advanced medical treatment was denied. Uncontrolled diabetes weakened him from within, and he was frequently bedridden due to severe back pain and critical salt deficiency.
Although family and colleagues repeatedly fought legal battles for his release and medical care, the fascist judicial system and government orders repeatedly rejected them. The ruling regime engaged in a far-reaching game of pushing him toward death. When his condition became entirely critical and his life was on the verge of fading, a nominal bail was finally granted. But by then, it was too late; the brutal sufferings and illness of imprisonment dealt an irreparable blow to his life.
On the night of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, while undergoing treatment at BRB Hospital in Panthapath, Dhaka, he answered the call of the Almighty. He left behind his wife, a son, two daughters, numerous well-wishers, colleagues, and admirers.
With his departure, the country has lost a patriotic and truth-seeking journalist, and the media community has lost its most trusted symbol and guardian. He leaves behind an indelible signature of an eventful life that will keep him alive for ages.
Ruhul Amin Gazi was an extraordinary human being who was never blinded by the allure of power, but instead fought until his last breath for truth and justice. Every chapter of his life teaches us how to stand tall and protest against injustice.
The imprisonment, oppression, and physical torture of the fascist regime could not subdue his uncompromising spirit. His sacrifice and courage will remain a bright beacon of professional integrity and ethics for future generations of journalists. The nation will remember his contribution with deep reverence. May Almighty Allah accept this great journalist as a guest of Jannatul Firdaus and grant his grieving family and the journalistic community the fortitude to bear this loss.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Sabbir Ahmad, Khulna • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
