Staff Reporter :The 46th death anniversary of legendary journalist Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia will be observed today [Monday]. Manik Mia was born in a small town of Pirojpur district in 1911. He was the founder editor of the daily Ittefaq.To mark the day, different organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes. Manik Mia, who was popularly known for his powerful political column in the Daily Ittefaq under the pen-name ‘Musafir’ had dedicated his entire life for the cause of emancipation of the people in the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and establishment of democracy in its truest sense.In fact, journalist, editor, columnist and pioneer of democratic politics Manik Mia always used his mighty pen as a weapon of struggle being inspired by patriotism, love for humanity and social responsibility.The role of his write-ups in echoing the needs of the unprivileged population and gathering the courage in the hearts still continues to be a golden period in the history of journalism in this country.During his up-bringing, student life and early years of career and family life, various significant incidents like the world war -1, world war -11, famine of 1943 and communal riot emanating from the movement for partition of the Sub-Continent creating India and Pakistan took place. It was also reflected in his personal life. He was imprisoned many times for awakening the consciousness of the poor, neglected and repressed population in the then East Pakistan, but nothing could stop Manik Mia in helping his people.He played a significant role in inspiring the people to join the struggle for freedom under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was also a close companion of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.He has fought for the neglected and the poor till his death and inspired the way of freedom to his people. His life projected the full course of the ethics and ideology of the Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy. The nation witnessed him to defy all bloody eyes of the rulers and continued his editorial “Rajnoitik Moncho” or “The political stage” to enlighten the people of their rights. His theories and analysis were seen as a directive for the country’s political leaders and activists. His role in the struggle in establishing the demands of the then East Pakistan as a fearless journalist is indeed exemplary. For this, Manik Mia had to face repression and torture upon himself and his institution over and over by the dictators.In person, Manik Mia had a very simple life and never stood back from his stance to sacrifice for the welfare of his people. This is why he had never been able to accept any issue that conflicts with the interests of the people.On this day in 1969, Manik Mia, the epitome of democracy and a relentless fighter of Bengali cause breathed his last at the age of only 58.
