Originally posted in The Daily Star on 7 November 2023
Mahfuz Anam, the iconic figure of Bangladesh’s world of journalism, is completing three decades of his editorship. As we know, The Daily Star was launched in January 1991, when the country was transitioning into the era of “new democracy”. Indeed, the celebrated founding editor of The Daily Star, Syed Mohammad Ali was fortunate to get a colleague like Mahfuz Anam, who would take his venture to a new height.
No less credit goes to the enlightened group of businesspersons, particularly to the late lamented Mr Latifur Rahman of Transcom, who was prudent enough to find in Mahfuz Anam not only a good editor but also a responsible publisher.
We went to the same school, and for the Gregorians, Mahfuz Anam had always been one of the most illustrious alumni. He has, by that time, won the All-Pakistan Debate championship for three consecutive years. We looked up to him with awe as he returned to the country as a valiant freedom fighter. In 1973-75, when I was doing college-level studies, Mahfuz Bhai was the star of our shared student organisation.
I continue to remain a dedicated fan of Mahfuz Anam, not only because of his professional integrity but also for his positive dispensation towards life. His ability to balance life and work is enviable. This is a man who has his head, heart and words very much aligned.
Mahfuz Bhai has always been one of my first ports of call for counsel. But I must admit his principled advice sometimes led to uncomfortable situations for me in this non-linear world. Yet I shall go back to him for advice if need be.
I recall once asking Mahfuz Bhai, during his early days of editorship, whether The Daily Star would be the English version of the Prothom Alo. He solemnly replied that time will tell. History bears testimony that the newspaper has emerged, thanks to its own distinction, as a credible reference point in our national life for facts and their interpretations.
Today, as I reflect back on our relationship, I fondly recall the year 2006 when the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), along with The Daily Star, Prothom Alo and Channel i, was trying to develop a citizen’s agenda for an accountable development process through a participatory country-wide discussion. Some may recall that the outcome of that exercise was the “Vision 2021”, which was widely used (including the title) by the current ruling party while drafting its manifesto for the elections in 2008.
In this connection, Mahfuz Bhai took part in town hall meetings in Jashore, Comilla, Rangpur and Bogra. Indeed, our conversations while travelling together to places (often late at night to be on time for early morning sessions) are some of my cherished memories.
I cannot resist the temptation of recalling some words of Mahfuz Anam at these sessions (drawing on CPD’s documentation), which ironically sound so real and relevant even after 17 years.
In Jashore, on 13 May 2006, Mahfuz Anam said, “Our priority is how can we strengthen the democratic trend, how do we make it more substantive, how do we connect it to the aspirations of the citizens. This is the objective of our joint efforts. As we aspire for an accountable government, we should be ready to fight for democracy on a continuous basis.”
Mahfuz Anam, in Comilla on 20 May 2006, argued for repealing all black laws and regulations constraining the freedom of expression. He related these repressions of the state to a deficit in accountable governance and growing inequality in the country. He opined that the national election is a means to send hard messages to the political actors regarding the state of the head of the citizens.
On another occasion, in Rangpur on 15 July 2006, Mahfuz Anam pointed out, “It is often said that politicians are there to look after the interests of the people. Such perspectives do not do justice in enhancing the democratic progress of the country. Keeping an eye on politics and policy should be an everyday concern of citizens.” “If we relinquish this vigilance, the government and its bureaucrats may deprive us of our rightful place in development outcomes,” he added.
Interestingly, Mahfuz Anam, in Bogra on 26 August 2006, said that one of the biggest national achievements had been our ability to change government through elections. This achievement had not been a gift from anybody, we have achieved this right through enormous and protracted struggle. We think the time has come to protect this right and ensure that the political masters do not remain oblivious to the rights of the citizens.
Today, while writing about three decades of Mahfuz Anam, the activist-editor, I wish that at this critical moment of our economy, politics and society, he would continue to demonstrate the thoughts and stamina which he has exhibited throughout his life and career.
Debapriya Bhattacharya is Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).