Today marks the fourth anniversary of the departure of my “Dost,” Peer Habibur Rahman—a quintessential “pen-warrior” who spent his life swimming against the tide to reach the shores of success. From the dawn of our friendship, we addressed each other with that single, profound word: Dost. It was a term that encapsulated trust, reliance, emotion, and a fearless shared journey.
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The Signature of a Maverick Journalist
Peer Habib was a man of uncompromising truths. His writing possessed a unique signature: a blend of data-driven logic, rhythmic pace, and a fluid command of the language. Whether it was hard news, analytical columns, or literary prose, he moved through the branches of creativity with effortless grace. In his hands, words were not mere symbols; they were like the rhythmic chime of ghungroos (dancing bells), resonating with a vibrance that shook the soul.
He wielded his pen until his final breath, driven by a dream of a liberal, non-communal, and democratic Bangladesh. He never hesitated to distinguish black from white. Without artifice or ambiguity, he wrote exactly what he believed. While he was prone to sudden flashes of temper or waves of intense emotion, his core convictions remained unshakeable. His work reflected the creative agony, the restlessness, and the rebellion of a true intellectual.
From the Waters of Sunamganj to the Halls of Rajshahi
Born on 12 November 1963 in the water-and-moonlight-drenched town of Sunamganj, Peer Habib was the seventh child of the late Rais Ali Peer and Syeda Rahima Khanam. His youth was defined by a restless, daring spirit that led him to join the processions of the Chhatra League during his adolescence.
His academic and journalistic foundations were laid at Rajshahi University, where he studied Political Science. It was here, in 1984, that he became a founding member of the Rajshahi University Press Club. His activism against autocracy even led to a period of imprisonment in 1985.
| Milestone | Year/Details |
| Birth | 12 November 1963, Sunamganj |
| Education | MSS in Political Science, Rajshahi University |
| Journalism Debut | 1984 (Founding Member, RU Press Club) |
| Political Activism | Imprisoned in 1985 (Anti-autocracy movement) |
| Marriage | 1993 to Diana Nazreen (daughter of Adv. Golam Arif Tipu) |
| Final Role | Executive Editor, Bangladesh Pratidin |
| Passing | 5 February 2022 |
A Friendship Beyond Rivalry
We lived in adjacent halls at university—he in SM Hall and I in Syed Amir Ali Hall. Despite belonging to different political organisations, our friendship remained seamless. We spent late nights roaming the campus and watching films on VCR.
A defining moment of our bond occurred during the RUCSU (Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union) elections. We both contested the post of Magazine Editor from opposing panels. I won, and he lost. However, our relationship did not suffer a single scratch. Instead, he embraced me warmly and said, “Your rise is my rise.” That was the essence of Peer Habib.
The Final Chapter
Peer Habib moved to Dhaka in 1991, fully immersing himself in the world of journalism. From Banglabazar to Jugantor, and later through his groundbreaking columns in Amader Shomoy, he created a sensation. He eventually became the Executive Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin, where he wrote with an open heart until the end.
Though he successfully fought cancer through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, his immunity was shattered. On 5 February 2022, at 4:08 pm, he was taken off life support. He was buried beside his parents in his beloved Sunamganj, following six funeral prayers attended by thousands.
He may have left the physical world, but his legacy—etched in ink and courage—remains vibrant. To my Dost: may you find peace on the other side, exactly as you lived—on your own terms. 