Staff Reporter :The 46th death anniversary of the legendary journalist Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia was observed in many parts of the country in a befitting manner on Monday.On this day in 1969, Manik Mia, the epitome of democracy, a relentless fighter for the causes of Bengali nationalism and founder editor of the Daily Ittefaq, breathed his last at the age of 58. Manik Mia was the founder of the New Nation.Programmes of the day included Quran khwani, milad mahfils and feeding the poor at his grave site, offices, orphanages and residence of his family members. Separate milad and doa mahfils were held in the office premises of the Daily Ittefaq and The New Nation in the city. At the milad held at the New Nation premises Manik Mia’s eldest son and Chairman of the Editorial Board of The New Nation Barrister Mainul Hosein attended along with journalists and office staff working at various sections. Leaders and workers of different socio-political organizations, cultural groups, individuals and family members visited the mazar of Manik Mia at Azimpur graveyard in the city yesterday morning and paid homage to the late iconic journalist.They placed floral wreaths and offered fateha at the grave side seeking salvation of his departed soul. Kuran Khwani and discussions were also held at the Azimpur graveyard. The Daily Ittefaq and the Daily New Nation brought out special supplements on Manik Mia on the occasion highlighting the life and works of the great journalist to pay rich tributes to him. Barisal Division arranged a memorial discussion at its office presided over by freedom fighter Iqbal Hossain Forkan. The meeting demanded to rename the Rahamatpur Veterinary College as Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Veterinary University.’Ganogriha’, a socio-cultural organization arranged a street gathering in remembrance of Manik Mia in front of National Press Club. In Chittagong, Tanjimul Muslimeen orphanage held a dua mahfil on this occasion. In Sylhet, Central Writers’ Forum organized a discussion at a local hotel where Manik Mia’s life and contributions were discussed.Former Principal of Fenchugonj Degree College Poet Salam Azad presided over the discussion. Discussions on Manik Mia were also held at Patukhali on this occasion. Doa mahfil was also held at Kajla office of The Daily Ittefaq and Karwan Bazar office where journalists, employees and workers of the newspaper took part. Besides, the leaders and workers of different socio-cultural organisations, groups, individuals and family members visited the mazar of Manik Mia at Azimpur graveyard to pay homage by placing wreaths and offering fateha there. Jatiya Party [Manju] paid tributes to the legendary journalist. Besides, Manik Mia Parishad, Jatiya Ganotantric League jointly arranged a discussion at national Press Club.
