Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, said that Bangladesh is what it is because of the contribution of people like Noorjaham Begum and Nasiruddin.
They were pioneers of journalism in this part of the world. They faced a lot of adversities including the all pervading influence of the British Raj, communal and patriarchal elements of our society, nevertheless, they fought and overcame those odds and continued their noble pursuits. First from Kolkata and later from Dhaka.
The minister said this on Tuesday while speaking as chief guest at a meeting organized by the National Museum at its auditorium to honour Noorjahan Begum and Nasiruddin.”We, too, are up against adverse forces like communalism, militancy, social disparity, poverty and obscurantism,” he said.
“Like our illustrious predecessors we, too, shall overcome the adversities, “he said.
Appreciating the role of these pioneers of Bengali journalism, he said “A society that does not appreciate its esteemed products never gets them,” he added. The minister said that the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), a department under the ministry of information had undertaken research on these memorable persons. Responding to a request from other speakers, he agreed that a student dormitory should be named after Noorjahan Begum and the street where Nasiruddin lived in Narinda should be named after them.He said his ministry would pass on the request to the relevant authorities. About possible awards named after them, he said that it had to be an initiative of the private sector. The minister also said that he was considering awards for journalists. “There are no awards for journalists. We should do something about it,” he said.
The meeting was chaired by eminent Language movement veteran and Tagore researcher Ahmed Rafiq.
