Golam Sarwar passes away

Veteran journalist Golam Sarwar, editor of Bangla daily Samakal, passed away last night at a hospital in Singapore.

He was 75.

Sarwar, also president of the Editors' Council, breathed his last at Singapore General Hospital around 9:25pm (BST). He had been suffering from heart diseases and respiratory complications.

He left behind his wife Saleha Sarwar, two sons, a daughter, and a host of relatives, admirers, well-wishers and fellow journalists to mourn his death.

Sarwar suffered a heart attack on July 29 and was admitted to LabAid Hospital in Dhaka. He was taken to Singapore on August 3. Apart from cardiac complications, he was also suffering from pneumonia.

His wife Saleha Sarwar, sons Golam Shahriar Ranjan and Golam Sabbir Anjan, son-in-law Mia Naim Habib and Samakal special correspondent Shariful Islam went to Singapore with him.  

Sarwar's condition deteriorated at the hospital's coronary care unit around midday yesterday and doctors told his relatives that he was in critical condition.  

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed condolence.

In a condolence message, Hasina recalled with profound respect the outstanding contributions of Golam Sarwar to journalism. "His death is an irreparable loss to this field," she said.

Hasina said Golam Sarwar joined all progressive movements in the country and was always vocal when it came to upholding the Liberation War spirit.

"He was also involved in all movements of journalists for realising their legitimate rights and demands," she added.

The prime minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to his bereaved family.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith; Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu; Law Minister Anisul Huq; Roads, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader; Attorney General Mahbubey Alam; BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir; Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Iqbal Mahmud, and the Jatiya Press Club president and general secretary, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and Dhaka Union of Journalists among others expressed condolence.

They prayed to the almighty for the departed soul.

Born on April 1, 1943, in Banaripara of Barisal, Sarwar graduated and obtained master's degree in Bangla from Dhaka University. He began his journalism career in 1962 as the university correspondent of daily Azadi, published from Chittagong.

He served journalism for more than five decades with accomplishments and professionalism.

Sarwar served as news editor of daily Ittefaq for 27 years.

He was the founding editor of Jugantor which began its journey in 1999 and Samakal which launched in 2005.

A book of rhymes written by him, titled Rongin Belun, and published from Shishu Academy is an example of his creative work.

Sampadoker Jabanbondi, Aumio Gorol, Amar Joto Kotha, and Swapna Beche Thak are among the notable books he authored.

He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2014 for his contribution to journalism.