A. B. M. Musa was a luminous figure in Bangladesh’s journalism landscape. He was a fearless seeker of truth, an uncompromising voice, and a journalist who wielded his pen as a tool for safeguarding people’s rights.
He was born on 28 February 1931 into a distinguished family in the village of Dharmapur, in Chhagalnaiya Upazila of Feni. At the remarkably young age of 19, in 1950, he began his journalistic career with the newspaper Daily Insaf. In the same year, he joined the English-language daily Pakistan Observer, marking the beginning of his illustrious and eventful professional journey.
Over a working life spanning six decades, he served as a journalist, editor, and columnist. He set outstanding examples of professional excellence and leadership through his roles as News Editor of the Bangladesh Observer, Director General of the Bangladesh Press Institute, and General Manager and Chief Editor of the Bangladesh News Agency.
From the Language Movement of 1952 to the Great Liberation War of 1971, he remained firmly and actively present at every historic turning point. During the Liberation War, he sent frontline reports to international media outlets including the BBC and The Sunday Times, presenting the global audience with a vivid and authentic picture of Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
After independence, responding to the call of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he contested the 1973 elections and was elected as a Member of Parliament. However, politics was never his primary pursuit—his lifelong commitment remained speaking the truth and standing up for the people.
He was a founding member of the National Press Club and served four terms as its President and three terms as its General Secretary. Under his leadership, the journalist community found direction, confidence, and courage.
A. B. M. Musa’s writing was incisive, logical, and fearless. He spoke out strongly against governmental irregularities and injustice, undeterred by fear or intimidation. Even in the final phase of his life, he continued to win public admiration by speaking about democracy and people’s rights on television talk shows.
His authored book Mujib Bhai is not merely a publication but a valuable historical document, offering reflections on his long and close association with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On 9 April 2014, he passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital city. Yet his ideals, courageous voice, and unwavering commitment to truth continue to inspire generations.
Tribute
We pay deep respect and heartfelt homage to this uncompromising champion of truth. May the journalism of the future continue along the path he illuminated.