There are a few rare individuals in this world who rise above the complications of life and shape their journey in their own pure, unencumbered way. They break free from the chains of pain and adversity, turning life itself into their companion. These are people who smile even through sorrow and remain composed amid uncertainty. Eminent journalist and journalist leader Mojammel Haque was one such remarkable human being.

Today, 5 December, marks his 16th death anniversary. On this day in 2009, the Phillips Award–winning journalist left us forever. Shortly before his passing, an ailing Mojammel Haque came to the National Press Club in a wheelchair to see his colleagues. That visit became the final goodbye. The day remains etched in memory—he broke down in tears before his fellow companions, perhaps sensing that this would be his last visit to the beloved institution he had cherished throughout his life. His colleagues, too, were devastated witnessing the helpless grief of a man whose lively conversations once captivated everyone around him.

Mojammel Haque was soft-spoken. His words were brief but filled with wit; irritation never surfaced in his voice. Even when he expressed displeasure, it often made people laugh. Like his speech, his writing was concise yet carried depth and clarity. As the English saying goes, “Brevity is the mother of wisdom,” and he truly embodied that sentiment. Throughout his life, he held many important responsibilities, yet he never became stern or authoritarian.

After the fall of Ershad’s autocratic regime in 1990 and the BNP’s assumption of power, he was appointed Press Secretary to Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Despite holding such a prestigious government role, he frequently visited the National Press Club, where he would instantly enliven the atmosphere with his presence. It was often difficult to distinguish whether he was the Press Club leader or the Government Press Secretary—his behavior remained unchanged. When once asked about this, he simply said that he left his “Press Secretary identity outside” before entering the Press Club. Such simplicity is a hallmark of greatness.

He served as both General Secretary and President of the National Press Club. He also held the positions of Secretary General and President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), and served as President of the Dhaka Journalists’ Cooperative Society. In addition, he was Director (News) of Islamic Television. Yet he never showed harshness toward anyone. Even during election campaigns or heated moments of competition, he retained his signature humor and warmth. Despite advice from colleagues, he simply could not be made stern.

Mojammel Haque was deeply generous, though he never publicized his acts of kindness. He possessed extraordinary insight into human nature, yet his interactions were so pleasant that even the most reserved person could not help but smile around him. A committed nationalist in philosophy, he expressed it not through heavy rhetoric but through meaningful work. During my own tenure under his supervision at Islamic Television, his instructions revealed a profound sense of political conviction that deeply impressed me.

His sense of dignity and self-respect was exceptionally strong. As a journalist, he could not tolerate anything that undermined his professional integrity. Though he always held Begum Khaleda Zia in high esteem due to his political convictions, he temporarily stopped accepting his salary when he was not accorded the proper status befitting a secretary while serving as Press Secretary. He resumed only after the issue was rectified.

Mojammel Bhai is no longer with us, yet the warmth of his vibrant spirit remains alive in our hearts. When we think of his lively conversations, today’s National Press Club feels pale and devoid of its former charm. We express our deepest respect to his memory and extend heartfelt sympathy to his beloved wife Dilruba Haque, their children, and his brother, journalist and expatriate Naimul Haque.

We beseech the Almighty—the Most Forgiving and Most Merciful—to pardon Mojammel Bhai, erase his shortcomings, and grant him a place in Jannatul Firdaus.
Ameen.

Muhammad Baker Hossain
Former General Secretary, DUJ
Senior Journalist & Unionist
05.12.2025
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