Veteran journalist and Ekushey Padak recipient M A Malek, Editor of Dainik Azadi, said complaints against journalists should first be addressed through the Press Council rather than through the immediate filing of court cases.
He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a reception at Chattogram Press Club premises on Sunday.
Chattogram Editors Cluib organized the event to honour Osman Gani Mansur, Adviser and Chief Patron of the organisation, on his recent election as an Executive Member of the National Editors Council.
Chaired by President M Ali Hossain and moderated by General Secretary Ziaul Haque Zia, the programme was attended among others by former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC) Professor Dr Prabhat Chandra Barua, Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, and Press Club Adviser Moinuddin Kaderi Shawkat as special guests.
Finance Secretary Jasim Uddin delivered the welcome address, while Editor of Desh Bartaman S M Jamir offered inaugural remarks. Editor of Chattogram Post Mohammad Ayub presented a profile of OG Mansur.
M A Malek said, “Complaints against journalists should be brought before the Press Council. It is not appropriate to file cases abruptly. I have proposed this on numerous occasions and urge the relevant authorities to implement such a mechanism.”
Praising Osman Gani Mansur, he described him as a journalist of exceptional versatility, an accomplished organiser, a creative writer, a dedicated media professional and an avid reader who has earned distinction through years of committed service.
Recalling their association, Malek said, “We had the opportunity to work together at the Chattogram Press Club during 1984–85. I personally witnessed his professionalism, leadership qualities and organisational skills. Based on my long experience, I am confident that he will discharge his responsibilities as an Executive Member of the National Editors Council with integrity and competence.”
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Osman Gani Mansur said his journey into journalism began with a passion for photography.
“My interest in photography brought me into journalism. Throughout my career, I never lobbied for any position or title. The institutions I served evaluated my work on merit. I am deeply honoured and delighted at this reception from the Chattogram Editors Club,” he said.
Veteran journalist Moinuddin Kaderi Shawkat underscored the importance of editorial independence, saying, “The editor is the principal authority in a newspaper. If an editor believes a report should be published, it should be published; if not, no one can compel publication. Editors represent the dignity and integrity of journalism, he observed.
Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi said, “I have known Osman Gani Mansur for many years. This achievement is not only a personal success but also a matter of pride for the entire Chattogram community.”
Speakers at the event highlighted Mansur’s distinguished career, marked by significant contributions and rich professional experience, saying that his election to the National Editors Council had brought honour to Chattogram as a whole.
Joint Secretary of the Chattogram Editors Club and Editor of Sokaler Chattogram Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, Organising Secretary and Editor of Dainik Bayezid Md Habibur Rahman, Social Welfare Secretary and Editor of The Crime Ashish Chandra Nandy, Editor of Bangladhara Ferdous Shipon, Editor of Ejahar Md Shafiul Alam, Editor of The Peace Md Mohiuddin Chowdhury, Editor of Eastern Trade Sheikh Nazrul Islam Mahmud, Editor of Ajker Satya Sangbad Md Harunur Rashid, Editor of Andarkilla Nurul Afsar, and Editor of Chattogram News Haradhan Chowdhury were also present on the occasion.
