The journalist community of the country united this week in bidding goodbye to Shamim Ahmad, who spent a lifetime in the profession and played a part in moulding many of the journalists playing leading roles in newsrooms around the country today. passed away at a hospital in Dhaka on July 7. He was 68.
Shamim Ahmad spent the bulk of his career spanning almost five decades at our sister newsagency UNB, from its inception in 1988. He would go on to become its longest-serving Chief of Correspondents (as a dedicated reporting outfit, UNB was led by its COC till the 2010s), and also had a stint as City Editor once the position was introduced. During his time at UNB, Shamim Ahmad regularly wrote for Dhaka Courier as well, focusing on national politics. He later served as City Editor of English daily New Age, before taking up the post of Press Minister at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC in 2015. His tenure was extended by two years in 2017, recognising his capable service in representing the country abroad.
Shamim Ahmad had been admitted to a private hospital in Dhaka on July 6 after a sudden deterioration in his health condition, according to family sources. He breathed his last the following morning. He is survived by his mother, four brothers, three sisters, and a host of relatives and well-wishers. A lifelong bachelor, he was fond of saying that he was "married to journalism", and those who saw him devote the bulk of his time to the profession, either as an intrepid reporter on the diplomatic beat, in the halls of power interviewing foreign dignitaries, burning the midnight oil at the UNB office, or as one of the most prominent leaders in the journalist community, could see exactly what he meant.
Shamim Ahmad had led both the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) as President. He also served as the City Editor (diplomatic and political affairs) at New Age, furthering his impact on political and diplomatic reporting.
The UNB family expressed profound shock and sorrow at the passing of their former colleague, amid fond remembrances. UNB Editor-in-Chief Enayetullah Khan deeply mourned Shamim's death, recalling his professional dedication and lasting contributions to the country's journalism.
His passing marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to the pursuit of truth and service to the journalistic community. Following his Namaz-e-Janaza at Chowdhury Para Mati Masjid in Khilgaon, he was laid to rest with due respect at the Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in Mirpur.
The journalist community paid its own tributes at the news, of which we highlight some below.
Anis Alamgir: My claim may be a little high, because we gave birth to the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB)-this organization together. He was the president, I was the general secretary at the time. The next year, when I was elected for the DCAB presidency, he took over as the president of OCAB (Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh). Together, we gave a solid foundation to DCAB.
I will remember Shamim Bhai separately for another reason. Once, at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then-Foreign Minister Dipu Moni tried to publicly insult me. I simply said her information did not match the statement of Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, who had clearly said that most of the $2 billion aid would be spent on communication sectors related to the interests of the two countries. But Dipu Moni was saying Bangladesh can spend this money wherever it wants.
I only requested her to correct her statement. In response, she was scolding me along the lines of: "Why do Bangladeshi journalists ask questions without knowing?"
At that time, Shamim Bhai stood up in front of everyone and said-"Anis is right, you should read Pranab Mukherjee's statement." That was his beauty-the courage to stand by the truth. When a minister like Dipu Moni was blinded by arrogance, Shamim Bhai stood up fearlessly-this is the mark of a true professional.
Julhas Alam: Shamim Ahmad was a very kind hearted person, and he loved journalism and practised it upholding professional dignity and ethical standards. Dear Shamim Bhai, you will live on in the hearts of countless people.
Mashudul Haque: As a reporter, he was very dynamic. The questions were sharp. While asking questions, he would forget his previous relationship with the speaker. I have seen many times, when the press briefing started after a chat with Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, Shamim Bhai would ask the most difficult questions. Morshed Khan would also answer. Their relationship never suffered. Morshed Khan did not even mind the difficult questions. Many of us used to wait for Shamim Bhai's news reports. Back then, there were no onlines. Maybe we would get a password from someone to get in the UNB server, or see it on a teleprinter. That was Shamim Bhai. An eternal reporter. Miss you Shamim Bhai.
AKM Moinuddin: In a time when journalism is often tested by noise, bias, and speed, Shamim Bhai reminded us that honesty, empathy, and courage are timeless values. His legacy teaches us that telling the truth with compassion is a moral calling.
Dear Shamim Bhai, you taught me to work hard with honesty, discipline, and quiet determination. Working under you was one of the proudest chapters of my reporting career. If I ever disappointed you in any way, please forgive me.
I will carry your memory forward, Shamim Bhai, with love, respect, and the lessons you left behind. May Allah grant you eternal peace and a place in Jannah.
Shaikat Rushdee: Shamim Ahmad, a colleague and friend in the journalism profession, is no more. Our friendship spanned more than four decades in the profession. Shamim, who was dedicated to journalism, earned a reputation for his professionalism. A few years after me, probably in 1982, Shamim entered journalism. As a reporter. While working together on many assignments, the two of us, who were close in age, developed a friendship.
Fahad Ferdous: Goodbye Shamim Ahmad Bhai.
It was a great privilege and honour for me to be your junior colleague and brother at UNB. We have numerous sweet memories. You will always be remembered for your care and affection to me. I have learned so many things from you. Hope to catch you on the other side of life. Have a great journey in your eternal life...
Sheikh Adnan Fahad: Shamim Bhai is one of the people who most impacted my life. Shamim Bhai was my COC - Chief of Correspondents. In the last few years, I have called Shamim Bhai a lot. He did not answer. He completely withdrew himself from the hustle and bustle of Dhaka. But God knows, I remember Shamim Bhai every day. Shamim Bhai's contribution to my life cannot be expressed. I was suffering from jaundice for about a month during my student life. He gave me a month's leave with pay. Shamim Bhai has done a lot for me. My first passport was made on Shamim Bhai's instructions. After that, three more passports have been issued. Again - Abba, Arefin Sir and Shamim Bhai - the three great personalities who have contributed the most to my life.
As a person, Shamim bhai is not above criticism. But as a reporter, Shamim Bhai is the best journalist of my life. I have been rude with Shamim Bhai at times. That was due to circumstances. But Shamim Bhai will be immortal in my life. Shamim Bhai moulded journalist Sheikh Adnan Fahad with his own hands. Allah will definitely grant Shamim Bhai the best place in heaven. Everyone should pray for my brother, for my COC.
Shayan S. Khan: Loved Shamim bhai. So sad to hear he left us this morning (Jul. 7). Many memories of late nights at the UNB office with him - he was a hard worker, and a hard drinker, and as he himself liked to say, "married to journalism". Rest in peace Shamim bhai.
