The way Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury pursued journalism for over four decades is inspiring for journalists, speakers told a commemorative meeting yesterday.

They said the untimely death of an honest, ever-smiling and multi-faceted personality is an irreparable loss to the country.

Marking his third death anniversary, Journalist Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury Memorial Trust organised the event at Jatiya Press Club, attended by ministers, senior journalists, friends and family members.

Speaking as the chief guest, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Zaglul was an amicable and modest person. “He respected all. Journalist like Zaglul is rare nowadays,” he said.

“Zaglul is the brightest star in the journalism arena. He will be remembered for ages.”

The minister said Zaglul started journalism during his student life and pursued the profession with sincerity until his last breath.

Zaglul, former chief editor and managing director of the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), was killed in a road accident when he was going to the ATN Bangla office in Karwan Bazar on a bus to join a talk show on November 29, 2014.

As he was getting off the bus, it recklessly pulled away before he could disembark safely.

Following a public outrage over the killing, the government then formed a five-member probe committee that made a 15-point recommendation, including ensuring adequate bus stops and strict monitoring of traffic by law enforcers. No recommendations were implemented yet.

Food Minister Quamrul Islam, who was a friend of the journalist since the second grade in 1956, said, “I feel bad when I think that Zaglul is no more… we have grown up together, studied and played together.”

He said the trust fund will award two journalists every year as a tribute to Zaglul.

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said, “His [Zaglul] untimely death saddens us all.”

“Zaglul is a glaring example of how a journalist can lead a life with honesty and keeping ideologies intact.… I regard him as a journalist with high standard because of his contributions in the arena,” he said.

Shyamal Dutta, editor of Bangla daily Bhorer Kagoj, while moderating the programme, said the trust is collecting Zaglul's write-ups and would bring out a publication of his work soon.

Bangla daily Sangbad Editor (acting) Khandaker Munizzaman said Zaglul used to lead a simple life. Many of his friends did not know for long that he was son of a minister.

Zaglul's elder brother Rukan Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said Zaglul had a positive influence over his family members. Whenever he saw anyone in distress, he used to come forward to help.

Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan, a friend of the journalist and Banani Club president, said a journalist should follow Zaglul's ideology if she or he wants to be a good newsperson.

Zaglul's brother Shahid Udin Chowdhury, sister Dilruba Helen, cousin Ashfaq Chowdhury and press club President Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman also spoke.