Mahbubul Alam, former editor of The Independent and also an adviser to the Caretaker Government of 2006, died at Birdem Hospital in the city on Friday morning. He was 79. He breathed his last at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital around 9:25 am.Mahbubul Alam, who had been suffering from multiple health complications, was on life support at the hospital for the last three days.Born in Munshiganj district on February 5, 1935, the veteran journalist started his journalism career in 1953.He is survived by wife, three daughters, now living in the United States, and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.The Namaz-e-Janaza of Mahbubul Alam was held at Gulshan Azad Mosque after Asr prayers on Friday. His another Janaza will be held after Zohr prayer today (Saturday) at the Jatiya Press Club. After the Janaza at the JPC his mortal remains will be laid to rest at Azimpur new graveyard, according to family source. His three daughters and wife are expected to arrive from the USA today (Saturday). He was also Editor of BSS and The New Nation. He was Bangladesh ambassador to Bhutan. He was also president of Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB).The Qulhwani of Mahbubul Alam will be held at House # 10/B, Road#48, Gulshan- 2 on Monday in the residence of his younger brother. Relatives and well-wishers of Alam have been requested to attend it. The body of the veteran journalist has been kept in the mortuary of United Hospital.President Abdul Hamid , Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in separate messages expressed their deep shock at the demise of the veteran journalist.In a condolence message, Hasina conveyed her deep sympathy to the bereaved family members of Alam and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Begum Zia in her message recalled the contribution of Alam to uphold freedom of press. President of the Jatiya Press Club Kamaluddin Sabuj and general secretary Syed Abdal Ahmed expressed profound shock at the death of Alam, who was a permanent member of JPC.
