A man of profound thought, he lived a simple life and dedicated his life to the welfare of the people, they said.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) organised the meeting in memory of Waheedul Haque, also an organiser of the Liberation War, who passed away on January 27.

The late journalist always expressed with confidence what he believed and he even donated his body for medical research, said Abed Khan, editor of the daily Shamakal.

Waheedul Haque also tried to raise social conscience among the people, said Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, editor of The Bangladesh Observer.

Waheedul Haque's daughter Apala Farhat Naved, associate professor of Dhaka University, sought cooperation from all in setting up a library at her home village at Bhawal Monoharia, Keraniganj, which will be named after her father who dreamt of establishing a library there.

BFUJ President Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said the BFUJ would collect various publications of journalists every year and provide them for that library.

Singer Mita Haque and Apala rendered Tagore songs at the programme.

BFUJ Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address. DUJ President Altaf Mahmud, Editor of the daily Jugantar Golam Sarwar, Editor of the daily Sangbad Bazlur Rahman and Editor of The News Today Reazuddin Ahmed also spoke.

Also, local journalists' unions held meetings in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi and Narayanganj in memory of Waheedul Haque yesterday.

Khulna Union of Journalists held the meeting at Khulna Press Club with KUJ President Mamun Reza in the chair. Press club President Makbul Hossain Mintu, General Secretary Md Saheb Ali and KUJ General Secretary Anwarul Islam Kajal spoke at the programme.

Our staff correspondent in Rajshahi adds: Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ) held a discussion in memory of Waheedul Haque at the GDRC auditorium, with litterateur Hasan Azizul Haq as the chief guest.

Describing Waheedul Haque as a 'roving encyclopaedia', Hasan Azizul Haq said he was renowned for his knowledge and understanding of almost all subjects and was an outstanding personality.

Waheedul Haque considered the entire Bangladesh as his family, he added.

He also made significant contribution to the Bengali culture, the speakers said.

RUJ president Hasan Millat presided over the discussion.

Rajshahi University teacher Subrata Majumder, Gono Khabar Editor Mahtab Uddin, Mustafizur Rahman Khan Alam, Bulbul Chowdhury, Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Secretary Dr Sayed Shafikul Alam and RUJ Secretary Zahangir Alam Aakash also spoke.