In memoriam:Tributes to Enayetullah Khan
manik
in memoriam
Tribute
Passing away of an icon
Mahfuz Anam
He was by far the best among us; courageous, articulate, clear
thinking, highly political and refreshingly outspoken. His was a life
totally dedicated to journalism. Unabashedly opinionated and
unreservedly expressive about his views, he was an icon for us who took
up journalism as a profession.
The passing away of Enayetullah Khan, lovingly called "Minto Bhai"
by almost everybody who knew him, marks the demise of one of the most
respected journalists in the country, a respect he earned by his total
commitment to the profession and by his unrelenting fight for press
freedom. Whatever his liking for any particular regime, and whosoever
he wrote in favour of, on the issue of press freedom and against all
forms of censorship he would never hesitate to raise his voice even if
it meant hurting those he supported. During the height of his
professional career, which extended over four decades, he exuded an
unmatched charisma that made him such a unique personality in our
profession. Always the centre of conversation, one had to listen to him
intently even if one disagreed with him utterly. He never shied away
from taking up strong political positions in his weekly column that
endeared him to many and made many others his detractors. But he really
did not care. He had things to say, which he said without hesitation or
consideration as to who liked it or not.
He first distinguished himself as the young editor of weekly Holiday
in the mid-sixties when, in his late twenties, he stunned his readers
by his uncompromising and bold stand against the dictatorship of
Pakistan's "Iron Man", Gen. Ayub Khan. He joined our Liberation War and
played a leading part, during the initial days of our freedom, in
investigating the killings of intellectuals by Pakistani army and their
local collaborators. Unfortunately his work remained unfinished.
After that we saw him constantly raising his voice against all forms
of repressive measures during all the successive regimes in Bangladesh.
Even from his sickbed in Ottawa, which tragically turned out to be the
last few weeks of his life, he raised his voice against a new form of
oppression and wrote some of his most powerful pieces against religious
fundamentalism and terrorism.
His last significant contribution to English language journalism in
Bangladesh is to give the nation a high quality English daily, New Age,
which has already made its mark in the country.
On a personal level, I admired him greatly for his commitment to
journalism. I briefly worked under his editorship in The Bangladesh
Times in the mid-seventies. His editorial briefings were always
precise, clear and to the point. I admired his knowledge of subjects
and his ability to combine multiple ideas and weave them into a
cohesive editorial. His editing skills were superb. He was always
accessible, frank and direct. With his passing we lose a great leader
of our profession, one to whom we could turn to when in need of
guidance and moral support. Now that guiding light is gone.
May his soul rest in peace.
(The writer is the editor of Daily Star. Reproduced from Daily
Star.Nov 11, 2005 with permission.)
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Mintu Bhai: My Brother and a Friend
Ataur Rahman
Enayetullah Khan, that is too formal a name for me. I never knew him
that way, he was my Minto Bhai for the last 40 years inspite of his
being a celebrity through out his career. His performances,
achievements and renowns in his own field was momentous. As a
journalist he was fearless and outspoken. I still reminiscent the
turbulent time of Pakistani Military Dictator Ayub Khan and Minto
Bhai's opposition to the wrong doings of Pakistani Military Junta
expressed with defiant articulation in the weekly 'Holiday'. His pen
was sharp and also pungent when he wished it to be so. Under his able
stewardship 'Holiday' became a highly readable weekly to the conscious
people of the country.
The NEW AGE the new English-language daily newspaper that he
launched only little over two years ago was boldly striding towards the
same goal, but alas we have lost Minto Bhai for good before another
feather could be added to his already famed cap. He was not a
politician by profession but highly political in his panoramic views on
the subject and was a true politico. He had strong likes and dislikes
and at times I found him quite stubborn in his socio-political views. I
had disagreement with him on a number of his socio-political issues
views. I severely argued on those views with him and even stopped
talking to him for 2-3 days but I could never dislike the man and
reunited with a friendly handshake. He was to me a Shakespeare an hero,
a life full of colour and waves, and above all studded with untiring
doctrine of action, sometime with a tinge of impatience. I always
enveyed him for his tall, handsome, manly and charming presence. I know
only a few Bengali who could converse in Bangla, with such an
impeccable pronunciation, accent, diction and nuances as him. He had a
tenor but soothing voice and I always thought he could be a successful
stage and T.V actor instead of what he
became-Journalist-editor-minister-ambassador.
I was sometime opposed to his complex English write-ups and I used
to express that to him frankly and in reply he used to give a smile. Of
late, I found his English getting simpler suiting my knowledge and wit.
I spent long years with Minto Bhai in the card room of Press Club as
well as Dhaka Club. Playing card was a passion with him and mine too.
He used say, look Ataur, playing card after day's work takes you out of
all worldly strains and tension and I am still following his
prescription as a good disciple and continuing with the said apparent
vice. I never have had serious intellectual discourse with him
excepting on three occasions, twice in seminars where I was a speaker
and Minto Bhai acted as moderator. The third occasion came to me as a
surprise. Minto Bhai had chosen me as one of the discussants in the
publication ceremony of his book titled "A Testament of Time: volume 1"
along with the intellectual stalwarts of the country.
I was grateful to him for giving me the opportunity to review his
book containing his editorials and columns published in weekly HOLIDAY
from 1965-1975. Let me quote from his column "Idolatry and Tagore"
published in HOLIDAY May 10, 1970. "We accept Tagore not as a hindu or
a Brahma but as a great humanist who rose above the narrow limits of
religion and nationality. The logic that makes Shakespeare a part of
the world's cultural heritage also holds good for Tagore. Idolatry is
unfit for civilised society". This was Minto Bhai. He used to evaluate
me as a man with some defects but with reasonable frankness and liberal
ideas. Thus I was quite acceptable to him as a friend and younger
brother. His younger brother Rashed Khan Menon is a dear friend of mine
and Minto Bhai knew it well. The refreshing and loveable image of Minto
Bhai has been ceaselessly cropping up in my mind the moment I heard
about his untimely and most shocking demise. Every Sunday (then weekly
holiday) Minto Bhai used to enter the press club card room at about 11
A.M. with a lowly sung Rabindra Sangeet in his leaps. While playing
card, he used to, at time sing a Rabindra Sangeet depending upon the
winning or losing cards. He was a good self-taught singer. He used to
give almost a running commentary on the card game with often
exclamations of the word-Ha Ishwar (oh god). I thought Minto Bhai will
come around. Alas, I cannot reconcile with the fact that I will not
hear anymore the familiar exclamation, Ha Ishwar from Minto Bhai. Minto
Bhai pursued his profession with what he ideologically believed in and
that can be source of inspiration to us all. Minto Bhai will remain
immortal in the annals of socio-political scenario of our country and
also as a wonderful human being.
(The writer is a top actor and director of the country.)
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Remembering Mintu Bhai
Hasnat Abdul Hye
Remembering Mintu Bhai is easy because he left behind so many memories
which are still fresh in mind. It will always be easy because he has
become a part of our past in so many respects. He not only was a
witness to history in the making but was also articulated in "Testament
of Time", the title aptly given to the anthology of his editorials in
the Weekly Holiday. For the remarkable part he played in contemporary
affairs be become a historic figure. Like all celebrities, he had his
moments of glory and due share of awkward ones. He was a complete man,
neither wholly an angel, nor a sinner beyond redemption.
We, who were younger to him in age, looked upon him as an elder
brother, a very affectionate one. That is why we addressed him by the
endearing epithet "Bhai." It did not matter how long we knew him or how
older was he compared to us. He won our hearts and commanded our
respect by his genial behaviour and warmth of expression. He always had
time for us, however busy he might be. Dropping in without appointment
at his editorial chamber no one felt unwelcome or missed a cup of tea.
It was unthinkable to meet him and not to share a few moment to-gether,
whether in office or anywhere else. He would not settle for a casual
and brief nod in any encounter with friends, acquaintants or admirers.
Pulling out a cigarette he would ask in his characteristic tone of
bonhomie, "What is up? Ki khaber? It was not just a manner of speaking,
but conveyed with genuine feelings. He enquired about the well being or
the state of mind of the person in all seriousness. He always had time
to hear from others, whatever they had to say. Every person was
important to him because he chose a profession where people mattered.
Even those who did not share his views, particularly political ones,
found it irresistible to enjoy his company and engage with a
tete-a-tete. Time spent with him was always pleasant and worth the
while. He was never dull and boring. On the contrary, he stimulated the
mind and challenged the intellect.
Mintu Bhai was always his natural self, never putting on airs when
such a formal posture would not have been out of place. He held
positions of power and high status, as Advisor to the Government in
late Seventies and then as Ambassador of the country in mid Eighties.
Those were exalted positions but the trappings of the corridor of power
did not go into his head. He did not change his attitude towards people
nor behaved with them differently. He was too affable to be formal. His
trade-mark smile was disarming, putting everyone, who came across him,
completely at ease. He could establish rapport with a panache that was
instinctive and not acquired. Establishing relations that survived the
vicissitudes of life was a gift that he was born with, it seemed.
Mintu Bhai was not a superman. He had his weaknesses and
shortcomings. But no one could ignore him or totally condemn him. His
good deeds and achievements exceeded his failures. What is more, he
could make a public confession of his fallibility. Only extraordinary
and brilliant minds can be so humble.
To us, his admirers, Mintu Bhai will be a source of inspiration in
many respects. His short comings would be forgotten and his
achievements would continue to shine? About how many people in public
life can this be said so confidently? The two papers, the weekly
Holiday and the daily New Age, whose founder-editor he was, will bear
the stamp of his genius. In his passing away, we have lost an
affectionate brother and the nation, an institution builder. But his
legacy will live on.
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In memory of late Enayetullah Khan (Mintu)
THE BOTTOM LINE
Taher Quddus
"Mintu, you are looking handsome"
"Hay Ishwar (Oh God)."
"This is genuine"
"Why have you stopped writing? From next week start writing again?"
As an excuse I would say, "I am getting lazy. Moreover who is
interested in humorous writings. The doors of humour are getting shut
one after another and instead digital doors for easy and quick money by
means foul and fraud are wide open. People are interested to getting
through those doors. Under international pressure to check such evils,
archway metal detector (anti corruption commission) has been installed.
Unfortunately it has fallen on its face."
"Good. Write about it. It shall be an interesting piece."
"Mintu, there is no incentive. You never pay me."
Ok. Send me your Dhaka club bill. I shall settle it."
That used to be the beginning of our conversation whenever we meet.
Last I met him sometimes early this year at a reception in Sonargaon.
He was under treatment and was scheduled to go to Canada shortly for
further treatment.
A friend for more than half a century, we spent our teen, middle and
old age together. We had our good time bad time in life but never lost
each other.
During our student days in the college I evinced keen interest in
his leftist political views. Together we met some underground leftist
political workers at their hideouts (In those days of fifties left
political parties were banned) to discuss about Communist Party
Manifesto, Surplus Value, Marxism and Leninism. On return from those
meetings I would say, "Mintu I don't understand anything about Surplus
Value, Marx's material dialectics and Hegels idealist dialects. These
all go above my head."
Don't worry. You have to do lots of reading. Initially all these
seems too difficult. But gradually as you attend the discussion
sessions you shall find these very interesting."
Days passed. We had our transient college life romances here and
there. In those days Mintu was too shy. There was no response from him
in matters related to romance. He used to be busy studying a lot of
books. His deep interest in music also kept him busy. A fine guitar and
Banzoo player he participated in cultural functions organised by us. He
also had a very rich voice for rendering songs, which he never
practiced.
Mintu I am going to West Pakistan to join Air Force Academy." He was
rather surprised. Because I was very lean and thin.
"Don't give up reading books on politics, economics and history. Try
to keep in touch."
Days passed. One winter evening in 1965 1 noticed, some one was
coming to my house through backyard. That was in Karachi. lt was Mintu.
"Where from?"
"I came to Karachi yesterday. Got your address from Mihir and came
here by a taxi"
"I can't believe it!"
"I have come with a number of "Weekly Holiday'. Distribute these
among your friends and ask them to regularly read and subscribe."
I circulated those among my friends. They all subscribed because
that was the only weekly paper available from Dhaka. From then onward
until today I get a complementary copy of 'Holiday'. Of course there
were some unavoidable interruptions.
"Mintu, I am not getting my copy of 'Holiday'."
"We have stopped distributing the complementary copies because of
the problem with the hawkers."
Somehow, from next week my copy of 'Holiday' reached me.
Mintu never took interest in my light vein gossips in the parties.
One evening I was busy narrating some humourous incidents. He was not
very far from me. Actually he was listening though busy talking to some
one else.
"Why don't you write what you are saying now."
"Mintu, I can't write. Remember I never understood 'Surplus Value',
idealist and materialist dialectics."
('He laughed. Try, I am sure you shall make it."
I started writing since then.
"Mintu, I am jealous of you. You are so handsome and your talent in
music, oratory and writing is second to none. I wish I had all these
qualities."
"Hay Ishwar! Without all these you are always a ladies man and I am
not."
Days passed. We are now in our old days. Shadows are lengthening on
us. Our childhood and adulthood dreams are left behind. We are face to
face with a future so unknown, yet so unevitable. ("Abbu, Mintu uncle
called me. He wants me to take over as editor of 'Avia Tour' of
'Holiday'," Shammu, my son told me.
"Excellent, you are getting it made. Go for it."
'I told Mintu uncle that at the end of the day how am I going to be
benefited financially? Mintu uncle said money was not everything in
life. There are many other rewarding pursuits. This is one of those."
Days passed. Today is the 14th of November 2005. I saw a glimpse of
Minute in a coffin box.
"Mintu, you are looking handsome." My thirsty ears shall wait for
the reply.
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Remembering Enayetullah
Azizul Jalil from Washington
On Thursday, November 10 in the afternoon, I heard about the death of
Enayetullah Khan. He was like a younger brother to me, not only because
he was my friend, Obaidullah's brother, but also because of the very
affectionate and respectful manner in which he always treated me. On
hearing about his passing away, I was in great grief and felt I should
immediately call his devoted daughter, Suchi in Toronto to offer my
condolences. She had patiently taken loving care of her father for many
months and made tremendous sacrifices. Instead of consoling her, I
nearly broke down and could hardly speak for a minute or two. Suchi was
quite composed and narrated the last few days of her father's condition
and their plans to take the body to Dhaka on Saturday.
Enayetullah and I were in contact with each other on phone and via
the internet during his recent months in Toronto. As he told me, he was
reduced to bare bones and became very week due to serious abdominal
surgery and prolonged post-surgical complications. However, his voice
was strong, spirits were high, optimism about the future undiminished
and intellect as sharp as ever. He wanted to go back to Dhaka in
October but I suggested that he should first complete his Chemotherapy
and other treatments. Even in this condition, he would review some of
my articles and promptly give his comments. He would ask me to read his
editorials in the Holiday and New Age and call him back with my views.
After partial recovery, he started feeling guilty that he was away for
months from his responsibilities in Dhaka. He would tell me how he was
still able to manage through the internet his writing of the editorials
and review of the editorial pages of the two papers in his charge.
Sadly, I could not get in touch with Enayetullah in October and then
went on a trip abroad. I would regret it for a long time. Thursday was
the day I intended to call him next, but it was on that very day that I
received the shocking news of his passing away. I felt diminished by
it.
Enayetullah was a refined gentleman with charming manners. His
extraordinary articulation, great sense of humour and his very special
wit, often accompanied by generous laughter, were most impressive. He
could effortlessly light up any gathering of people, where his presence
would be felt because of his fine and stylish bearing, his highly
intellectual interventions and his great command over the language and
the facts. What I admired most was his utter fearlessness and courage
in speaking out at even the most difficult and dangerous of times. We
all remember his famous rhetorical question in 1972,"What-65 million
Razakars?" At that time, and during all regimes before and after the
birth of Bangladesh, his questions concerning national issues would be
unrelenting and uncompromising. Enayetullah was something of a
maverick. He would not refrain, whenever the situation called for, from
shaking people from their traditional beliefs and agitate on national
and international issues. Through his unique leadership of Holiday for
forty long years and more recently through the New Age, he had
developed an unorthodox style of views -oriented journalism and built
up a group of dedicated journalists and contributors. I believe that
they would ably carry the torch forward and in so doing, honour the
memory of the one and only, Enayetullah Khan.
I also wish to share the grief of his family members and his
innumerable friends and admirers, at home and abroad. Indeed, we will
miss our dear Enayetullah immensely.
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Nation condoles Enayetullah Khan's death
Staff Correspondent
A cross-section of society, including the president, Iajuddin Ahmed,
and the prime minister Khaleda Zia, Jatiya Sangsad speaker Jamir Uddin
Sircar, politicians, business leaders, educationists, journalists,
cultural personalities, and different organisations, on Thursday
expressed shock at the death of Enayetullah Khan.
They prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed
sympathy with Enayetullah's family members.
President Iajuddin, in a condolence message, expressed his shock at
the death and recalled Enayetullah's contribution to journalism.
Terming Enayetullah a noted journalist, columnist, diplomat, good
orator and intellectual, Iajuddin said, 'The nation has lost an eminent
journalist in his death and his contribution to nation-building will be
ever remembered.'
Prime Minister
Expressing her shock, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia said the
country had lost a journalist of international stature, intellectual
and patriotic politician in Enayetullah's death. The death is an
irreparable loss to the nation, she said.
Terming him a person of versatile genius, progressive and democratic
outlook, Khaleda said Enayetullah made significant contribution to
different democratic movements and nation-building activities to
brighten Bangladesh's image.
Khaleda said Enayetullah had set an example by creating a new trend
in journalism in the early 1960s, which subsequently inspired
contemporary journalists. He will remain a source of inspiration for
future journalists, she said.
She praised his contributions to the development of Bangladeshi
nationalism and upholding the spirit of patriotism.
The prime minister's press secretary, Tajul Islam, telephoned
Nasreen Zaman, daughter of the late Enayetullah, in Toronto to convey
the prime minister's condolence.
SAFMA
The South Asian Free Media Association at an inauguration of the
two-day, second SAARC journalists' summit in Dhaka expressed shock at
the death and observed a one-minute silence, seeking peace for the
departed soul.
The Media
The National Press Club president, Reazuddin Ahmed, and general
secretary Shoukat Mahmud expressed their shock at the death of
Enayetullah, who was a former president of the club.
The club postponed all amusement programmes scheduled for the
children of the club members to be held today.
The Bangladesh Council of Editors, Bangladesh Federal Union of
Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalist, Press Institute of Bangladesh,
Dhaka Reporters' Unity expressed shock and offered condolences.
The journalists' organisations said Enayetullah Khan was 'editor of
the editors' and the guardian of the journalist community.
The weekly Jai Jai Din editor, Shafique Rehman, Independent editor
Mahbubul Alam, Khabarpatra editor Gias Kamal Chowdhury, News Today
editor Reazuddin Ahmed, Sangbad editor Bazlur Rahman, columnist
Mahfuzullah and former principal information officer Abdur Rahim
visited the New Age office to offer condolences.
Politicians
Former president Abdur Rahman Biswas, former president and
Bikalpadhara Bangladesh chief AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury, offered their
condolence on the death.
The minister for finance and planning, M. Saifur Rahman, LGRD and
cooperatives minister Abdul Mannan Bhuiyan, environment and forest
minister Tariqul Islam, information minister M Shamsul Islam, shipping
minister Akbar Hossain, textiles and jute minister Shajahan Siraj, law
minister Moudud Ahmed, Jatiya Sangsad deputy speaker Akhtar Hamid
Siddiqui, education minister M Osman Farruk, Dhaka mayor Sadeque
Hossain Khoka, housing and public works minister Mirza Abbas, state
minister for education ANM Ehsanul Hoque, state minister for youth and
sports Fazlur Rahman, state minister for housing and public works
Alamgir Kabir, Rajshahi mayor Mizanur Rahman and Sylhet mayor Badar
Uddin Ahmed Kamran offered their condolence on the death.
Others
National Professor and USTC vice-chancellor Nurul Islam,
Ganashasthaya Kendra project coordinator Zafrullah Chowdhury, Shahjalal
University of Science and Technology vice-chancellor Mosleh Uddin
Ahmed, One Bank managing director Syed Nurul Amin, former FBCCI
president Abdul Awal Mintoo, Women Entrepreneurs' Association of
Bangladesh president Nasrin Awal Mintoo, Banglalink chief commercial
officer Mehboob Chowdhury, Rajshahi chamber president Lutfor Rahman,
Sylhet chamber president Faruque Mahmud Misbah, the chairman of the
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Sylhet Abdul Baquee
Chowdhury and Bangladesh Parliament Journalists' Association, Dhaka
University Journalists' Association, Dhaka Sangbadpatra Hawkers'
Bahumukhi Samabay Samiti Limited, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesher
Samyabadi Dal, Bangladesh Jatiya Party, Workers Party of Bangladesh,
Union of New Age Journalists, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Jatiyatabadi Juba Dal, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Bangladesh Chhatra
Union, Bangladesh Chhatra Moitri, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir,
Dhaka College Ex-Students' Association, Aga Khan Council, Centre for
Sustainable Development, Bangladesh chapter World Energy Council,
Karmajibi Nari, Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh,
Sylhet District Lawyers' Association, Rajshahi Union of Journalists,
Rajshahi district and city Awami League, Rajshahi Protection Movement
Council, Bangladesh Women Journalists' Society, Barisal Reporters'
Unity, Barisal Journalists' Union, and press clubs and reporters'
organisations in Sylhet, Rajshahi, Barisal, Jhalakati, Patuakhali,
Bakerganj, Bhola, Pirojpur, Barguna, Gournadi, Agailjhara, Wazirpur,
Banaripara, Bauphal, Kalapara, Betagi, Amtali, Mathbaria, Swarupkati,
Borhanuddin, Lalmohan and Charfesson, in separate messages, offered
condolences.
The personalities and organisations recalled the chequered career of
Enayetullah. He was a widely and highly regarded journalist and
political analyst, who earned love and respect of all, irrespective of
their political opinions, they said.
Referring to the Weekly Holiday, they said this newspaper edited by
Enayetullah Khan had once played the role of people's voice and true
journalism in this part of the world.
In their condolence messages, they paid their tributes to
Enayetullah and described him as a symbol of 'courage' in journalism as
his sharp pen brought forth many facts to public eyes.
Our Chittagong office adds: Various other organisations,
professionals eminent personalities and journalists, politicians,
intellectuals and society leaders attended a condolence meeting in the
Nur Ahmed Road office of the metropolitan union of journalists and
offered their condolences.
The speakers urged the government to preserve the mementoes of
Enayetullah Khan.
They said Enayetullah was an icon of journalism, who can only be
compared to the late Abdus Salam, Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia, Zohur
Hossain Chowdhury and Maulana Akram Khan.
The participants observed a one-minute silence in respect for
Enayetullah. They prayed for the salvation of the departed soul.
The union president, Shamsul Haque Haidary, chaired the meeting.
General secretary Mohammed Shahnawaz, Jahidul Karim Kachi, Osman Gani
Monsur, Eskandar Ali Chowdhury, Abul Kashem and Zia Habib Ahsan also
spoke.
At Magura
At a condolence meeting held at the Magura Press Club last Tuesday,
participants recalled Enayetullah's contribution to journalism and the
country and expressed their shock at the death.
With the club president, Dipok Roy Chowdhury, in the chair, the
meeting was addressed by general secretary Amirul Hasan, Tarikul Anwar,
Shamim Khan, Shafiqul Islam and Mihir Lal.
The teachers, officials and employees of Gana Bishwabidyalay last
Tuesday offered their condolences on the death.
In a statement, they said the country had lost an intellectual,
diplomat and real journalist in his death. Terence Pinero, Salma
Hossain, Abeda Afroza, Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Mohammad Zakaria and
Mohammad Rezaul Islam were among the signatories.
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Mintu: A tribute
Fazle Rashid writes from New York
Abu Zaheer Mohammad Enayetullah Khan, literally speaking, was as tall
as his name. His height was symbolic of his stature in the English
language journalism where he had carved out a niche for himself. He was
known to his friends, associates and kins in different names. He was
Enayetullah to some, just Enayet to some others and Mintu and Mintu
Bhai to his friends and colleagues in the profession.
This scribe came to know him from the late fifties when both of us
were students at the Dhaka University, he was doing his preliminary MA
in philosophy and I was doing my honours course in political science.
That was a politically turbulent period. Here one witnessed the
glimpses of Mintu's non-conformism and his bold, aggressive and defiant
nature.
Here is one instant, in those days, a cricket match between the
Chancellor's XI and the Vice-Chancellor's XI was an annual event looked
forward to by the students. Two of us were included in the opposing
teams. All the players were in full cricket gear, Mintu was the odd man
out, wearing a coloured trouser and was without a sports shoe. K.C. Roy
( Khitish Da to his countless students ) who was the second-in-command
to Col Matiur Rahman in the sports directorate of the university would
not allow Mintu to play. After a long and often heated discussion Mintu
had his way and took part in the match.
The period had produced a crop of journalists like Mintu, this
scribe, Nirmal Sen (Nirmal da to his colleagues ) Ataus Samad, late
Hasan Saeed, N.M. Harun and Kamruzzaman. There may be others whose name
I cannot recall. Mintu had worked with the then State Bank of Pakistan
and Stanvac ( later Exxon ) oil company before settling down in
journalism. He began his distinguished career in journalism with then
Pakistan Observer.He teamed with late A.T.M. Mehdi and Ataus Samad as '
Mr. Observer " and wrote a series of articles on the very poor state of
the Dhaka (then spelled Dacca) city which provoked an outrage among the
people and concern in the higher reaches of the administration. That is
how Mintu was shot into fame'. His bold temperament made him stand out
from others.. He dazzled his readers with his interpretation of various
sensitive issues on which others dared not tread. Remember his article
'65 million collaborators' in which he took a bold stand to defend
those who stayed back during the war of liberation and who were often
sneered by those who had crossed over to India to find a safe
sanctuary.
Mintu was occasionally idiosyncratic but always meticulous about his
articles. His language, both English and Bangla, was recondite and
abstruse. I had often pointed out this but he would just smile it away.
He was stringent and fearless. His was a voice which was heard with
respect in public forums.
He developed Holiday into a platform to alert people about their,
political, economic and social rights. Although not a commercial
success Holiday soon became an outspoken newspaper to reckon with. In
his bid to make Holiday a weighty and prestigious paper Mintu was
helped by late Mohammad Aslam who was the first Executive Editor of
Holiday, late Shahidul Huq former editor of now defunct Bangladesh
Times. Ataus Samad,, Sayed Kamaluddin, Fazal Kamal, late Alamgir Kabir,
NM Harun and KG Mustafa frequently contributed political commentaries.
Mintu always made exhaustive and critical analysis of issues
confronting the country. He was a leading interpreter of domestic
politics. His distaste for obscurantism and extraneous influence in
affairs of the state was profound.His success stems from his great
skill as a commentator. Mintu's interest was varied. So, he became
President of both Dhaka Club and the Press Club. He was a minister in
Ziaur Rahman's cabinet and was ambassador to China and Myarmar during
Ershad's presidency. Not all took this in good grace.
This scribe will always remember with fondness his association with
Holiday. Holiday used to come out on Sundays till former President
Ershad changed weekly holiday to Friday. Mintu would come to press club
on Saturday to play housie, I would go there from Morning News where I
began my career for my dinner.We, two, then will go to polwel press and
stayed there till Holiday went into printing machine.Mintu. Aslam,
Fazal Kamal and this scribe would invariably gather at the polwel
press.Ataus Samad and Syed Kamal would often visit us. We were always
haunted by the fear that Monem Khan, then Governor of East Pakistan
would forbid polwel to print Holiday. After Holiday would go into press
,Mintu would take three of us, Aslam, Fazal Kamal, Myself to Hotel
Intercontinental for a cup of coffee before dropping us to our
respective houses.
I often called Mintu in Toronto, Canada from here in New York to
cheer him up. I always found a combative tone even in his feeble voice.
He was fighting the dreadful disease. He was perhaps hoping against
hope that he would rally round. He would always ask me to go to Dhaka
and join New Age and Holiday Don't waste time, he would tell me.Try to
make best use of the limited time we have in our posession. I could
feel his helplessness, his anxiety over the future of his two papers, a
subject very dear to him. I would reassure him , get well rush to Dhaka
I would join you there.
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Holiday and Mintu Bhai
Nasreen Huq
Enyetullah Khan, the founder editor of Holiday, was not only a bold and
courageous journalist, he has also created opportunity for and
encouraged others to express their dissenting views. I grew up with
Holiday - as a child I read the logo and the headlines and later on the
articles. Holiday was the brand name for progressive thought - for
persons like me, it provided the confidence to write in English and
also opportunity to express our opinion publicly. Mintu Bhai welcomed
the young and also encouraged then to remain young and continue to
challenge with anger and passion.
For me, Holiday embodied freedom of speech. Even when Mintu Bhai was
ambassador to China and Myanmar during the Ershad regime, it was his
newspaper that thoroughly covered our protest against the state
religion, declared by Ershad and upheld by Khaleda and Hasina. Holiday
was willing to give space for discussions on reproductive rights and
speak out against the government's family planning programme which was
often implemented at the cost of women's health. Holiday was willing to
provide space for opinions, which were unpopular with the majority.
When I first read his article, "65 million collaborators," I was a
school child and did not understand the full political significance of
what he had written. Later, when I myself had the privilege of being
printed in Holiday, I found people not only commending me, but also
wanting to talk to me about Enyetullah Khan. They talked about his
writing, his English - many of them older than me, would refer with
admiration to that particular article. That article had pointed out
clearly to efforts to divide the nation and giving special privilege to
those who had the credentials of crossing over the border and the rest
of us that stayed back and faced the enemy. The division remains till
this day in our society. In a country obsessed with the past, Mintu
Bhai was like a breath of fresh air, living constantly in the present
with a strong foundation on history. His analysis may not always have
been right or liked by all, but he was one of the few who was not
afraid of being wrong. He shunned neutrality and took the sides on what
he believed to be correct. If proven otherwise, he was bold and big
enough to accept that he had been wrong. He was always on the
fence-setting liberal who preferred to wait and debate while the world
passed on.
It is hard to imagine Holiday without Mintu Bhai. Although, he was
equally involved with New Age, one got the impression that Holiday bore
his distinctive mark. While death is inevitable, I have to admit that I
will miss Mintu Bhai's writing. I will miss reading what is on his mind
on the issues - he always put forth an interesting analysis. I will
miss interpreting the world and Bangladesh through his lenses.
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Farewell to our Mintu Bhai
Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury
Cancer was killing you inch by inch. That we came to know very late.
But we were never ready to bid farewell to our loving and dearest Mintu
Bhai, who will always remain as an icon of courageous and objective
journalism in the history of Bangladesh.
I was rather lucky to become close to him during 1995-1998 when he
was showing interests in publishing my articles on various issues. Now,
Holiday family has grown quite large, but in those days, it was run
with only a few people including my late and lamented friend Akbar
Imam. I was quite frequently visiting Holiday building in those days to
meet Akbar and Mintu Bhai never forgot to call me to his tiny room to
offer a cup of tea. After 1998 I became too busy with my television
channel, and had to give up writing for newspapers. But Mintu Bhai and
Nazma Bhabi were kind enough to call me at their Gulshan residence,
giving me a lot of valuable suggestions.
During 2002 a group of journalists were invited by the Chinese
government and I was also included with them. Mintu Bhai was our team
leader. On the night of starting for Beijing, when we arrived at the
airport we were told by the immigration staffs that Mintu bhai was
waiting for us in the business class lounge. We were received with a
broad smile as he was happy to see us all on time (he was very punctual
about time). This was the beginning of a seven day tour with this
towering personality. During the whole trip none of the delegation
members felt lonely as it was Mintu Bhai who was inquiring about every
small things and when we were back to hotel, being totally exhausted
and tired, the next agenda for us was to gather at his room to share
drinks and have a chat.
Sometime he was seen very unhappy over the socio-political situation
in Bangladesh though he was optimistic about the emergence of a real
leadership, that would turn 'bottomless Bangladesh' into a country of
infinite possibilities, just like Malaysia's Mahathir. Now, he is gone,
and still we have to wait to see such leadership emerge in this
country. While we were coming back home, Mintu Bhai had told us to
write our experiences of the trip. I was given the responsibility of
authoring this. Mintu Bhai in his fake but very sweet anger told me;
don't delay in finishing your task. But the task was delayed, as I was
arrested and had to spend seventeen odd months in prison. Now the book
is ready. Ni Hao China will reach reader's hand in next Ekushey Book
Fair, where we have hundreds of memorable pictures of the tour. But,
alas, Mintu Bhai will never know, I did follow his instructions.
Mintu Bhai is no more with us. This is the hardest reality. My heart
is bleeding. Still his memories will be carried forward by two of his
extra-ordinary creations, New Age and Holiday.
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His dedication scaled the height
Muhammad Ali Bukhari from Toronto
I am deeply mourned due to the sad demise of our beloved 'Mintu Bhai',
late Enayetullah Khan, a journalist of regional and international
repute, who excelled the dynamism in our English journalism in
Bangladesh. He advocated for the press freedom, human rights and
democratic movements over forty years in his career both as an Editor
of the weekly Holiday and the daily New Age.
My personal attachment with him was not too long - what other famed
journalists of Bangladesh have described in their memoirs. However, I
had the opportunity to meet this renowned editor, tall-handsome
diplomat in a black suit while the then president of the National Press
Club, Gias Kamal Chowdhury introduced me in Dhaka in late 1984. I was
working as a reporter at that time for the Daily News and Dainik Desh.
I shook his hand and felt inspired.
Then many years later, this April, 2005 I learned he was admitted at
the Toronto General Hospital for his pancreas cancer treatment. I
rushed to see this ailing journalist along with Holiday columnist, M.
Shahidul Islam. When we entered his room, he was not in his bed. His
daughter, Nasreen Zaman greeted us instead. But, a moment later he came
out from the wash-room. He looked at us and smiled. In a frustrated
voice he started, "where has our country's reputation gone now? Look at
how it fell into political unrest?" He continued, "I may not last to
write this, you should." In response we consoled him and said: please
do not say that, Allah will keep you alive. The nation needs you. Then
about an hour we talked on various national issues of Bangladesh and of
course about journalism and the media he cherishes. When we were about
to leave, he said, "it was nice of you for coming to see me" with his
same affectionate smile.
I visited him several times in hospital in his last days in Toronto.
One day, I went alone. I had much opportunity to talk to him
exclusively; no one was there, other than routinely visiting nurses. We
talked all about journalism - but the message I received that day was
all about our Bangla journalism abroad. He pointed a question to me -
"what significant contribution it can make to strengthen our national
unity and prosperity or guide us toward that direction?
I realized one thing on November 11, prior to his first
Namaj-e-janaza at the Juma prayer at Islamic Foundation Mosque in
Toronto where nearly 1000 men and women from various ethnicities
attended and the 'Khutba' of the Imam, the sermon - that was almighty
Allah's blessings to his departed soul. The 'khutba' addressed by the
Imam of that multi-ethnic mosque was on truth, justice, equality and
democratic rights; similar to the aspiration of journalism. The
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada, Rafiq Ahmed Khan attended the
same to pay tribute on behalf of the country's Prime Minister, Begum
Khaleda Zia and a large number of mourners from the local Bengali
community paid their homage.
I wonder how almighty Allah's desire matched to the subjective mood
of the khutba embraced the principal phenomenon of journalism, the
'truth', which equally ensures the social justice, equality and
democratic rights and has been connected to the life and deed of the
iconic hero 'Mintu Bhai'. He relentlessly pursued and scaled the height
of journalism of our time. Now, that attendance of the diverse
ethnicity in his first janaza in Toronto and finally resting in State
honour at Banani graveyard after several janazas in Dhaka both
signifies to it.
(The writer is a journalist based in Toronto)
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Janaza in Toronto
Mohammad A Bokhari from Toronto
About 1000 men and women of various ethnic background attended the
first namaj-e-janaja of the late Enayetullah Khan, Editor-in Chief of
Holiday and the editor daily New Age was held at the Islamic Foundation
Mosque of Toronto city last Friday after Juma prayer. Bangladesh High
Commissioner to Canada, Rafiq Ahmed Khan among others attended the
janaja with his wife and other stuffers to pay tribute to the titan of
Bangladeshi journalism.
It was a working day in Canada yet a large number of community
people drove down to the janaja and paid their homage to the iconic
hero and champion of nationalism, democratic movement, human rights,
freedom of press.
Those who attended included former Finance Minister, Professor
Wahidul Haque, presidents of Bangladesh Association of Toronto Rezaur
Rahman, Bangladesh Society Anwarul Kabir, BNP Ontario Faroque Khan,
Jubo Dal M A Tarek, other community leaders, professionals, local
journalists from the Bengali weeklies, family friends, his wife Najma
Khan, daughter Nasreen Zaman, son Masud Khan, and daughter-in-law and
two grandchildren. Later a prayer was also held in the evening at his
daughter's home.
The late Enayetullah Khan breathed his last at the Toronto General
Hospital at 10:23pm Canadian eastern time on Wednesday (9:23am Dhaka
time on Thursday). He was about 66. He was diagnosed with cancer of the
pancreas early this year and was undergoing treatment in Toronto since
March. He was convalescing at his daughter's home in Markham, but was
rushed to the hospital earlier in the week after developing
post-surgical infection.
^
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BD journalist Enayetullah Khan dies
Jonaid Iqbal
ISLAMABAD: South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA), which is now
meeting in Dhaka, has suffered an irreparable loss in the death of
Enayetullah Khan, chief editor of Holiday, Dhaka's most influential
news weekly.
Enayetullah Khan (Mintu to his friends and enemies) was one of
SAFMA's most ardent supporters and ally and also a regular contributor
in its prestigious quarterly journal.
He worked for a Pakistani English daily as well as Bengali newspaper
Sangbad before establishing Holiday weekly newspaper which has held on
for 38 years now.
Enayetullah would not tolerate military dictators, Ayub or Yahya
Khan, of Pakistan, or even local Bengali ones, such as Mujibur Rahman,
who sent him to jail for opposing the Baksal Party for introducing one
party, one leader dictatorship in new BD.
He caught pancreatic cancer and went in March this year for cure to
Toronto, Canada. He recovered for a while but his condition took a turn
for the worse and was rushed to hospital last Wednesday.
He passed away on Thursday morning, at the age of 66.
Enayetullah was the son of National Assembly speaker late Justice
(retd) Jabbar Khan who should have received the resignation letter from
President Ayub Khan on March 25, 1969.
Dawn, Sunday, Nov. 13
(HOLIDAY, Nov. 18, 2005)