Journalist Saleem Samad passes away

Eminent Bangladeshi journalist and media rights activist Saleem Samad has passed away while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Sunday, February 22, morning. He was 74.

His funeral prayer (janaza) is scheduled to be held at 2:30pm at the premises of the National Press Club.

Saleem Samad was widely recognised for his courageous investigative journalism and reporting on sensitive national and international issues. In 1990, he was selected as an Ashoka Fellow for his contributions to journalism. Over his long career, he wrote for globally renowned publications including Time, Outlook, and India Today.

In 2002, the then government filed a sedition case against him, leading to his arrest and a prolonged period in prison.

In recent years, Samad contributed columns to publications such as Dhaka Tribune, Shuddhashar, and International Affairs Review.

He had been suffering from cancer for a long time. During his more than 35-year career in South Asian journalism, he covered conflict, security, forced migration, governance, electoral democracy, Islamic militancy, and media freedom.

Samad also worked as a media advisor to several international organizations, including USAID, UNICEF, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and Dubai Cares.

He is remembered as a rare, courageous voice in journalism whose contributions will continue to inspire future generations.