Ekushey Padak winning veteran journalist and Editor of the Dainik Bangla Toab Khan passed away yesterday at a city hospital at the age of 87.
He breathed his last at 12:30 pm while undergoing treatment at United Hospital here, said Harun Al Rashid, special correspondent of the Dainik Bangla.
Earlier, Toab Khan was admitted to the hospital due to old age complications, he said.
Born on April 24, 1934 in Satkhira, the eminent journalist debuted his journalism career in 1955.
He was the former press secretary to the then Prime Minister and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman between 1973 and 1975.
Toab Khan also served as Principal Information Officer and director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB).
He was the advisory editor of Daily Janakantha till last October from its inception. Later, he joined as the editor of Dainik Bangla after it was published under a new shape and management.
PM mourns death of eminent journalist Toab Khan
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in Washington DC, the USA, yesterday expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Toab Khan, the Ekushey Padak winner veteran journalist and Editor of the Dainik Bangla.
In a message of condolence, she said, “The lifelong fighter and dignified journalist will be remembered through his works.”
Toab Khan, also former press secretary to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, played the role of ‘swabdo sainik’ in the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the War of Liberation, she said.
The Premier said during his long cherished carrier, the veteran journalist later shouldered the responsibilities of the Dainik Bangla as its editor, principal information officer, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and in other media outlets including the Dainik Janakantha with patriotism and dedication.
She also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, said a press release of the Prime Minister’s press wing.
Toab Khan breathed his last around 12.40pm yesterday at a city hospital at the age of 87.
