It has been 20 years from the demise of my father Humayun Kabir Balu. He was brutally killed on 27 June 2004. Since then, it has been long excruciar- ing journey for our family.
Humayun Kabir Balu was born on 4 October 1947 in the village of Itna in Narail. His early life was marked by an unwavering commitment to education and civic duty. He pursued his studies with diligence despite economic hardships. This academic foundation set the stage for his later career, where he would become one of the most respected and influential journalists in Bangladesh.
His career in journalism began in the 1970s. As the country had recently gained independence after a bloody liberation war in 1971, the media landscape was evolving rapidly. He quickly distinguished himself through his fearless reporting and dedication to uncov- ering the truth.
He started his own the “Dainik Janmabhumi,” a local daily newspaper in Khulna, where his incisive articles on social and political issues gained widespread recog- nition. His leadership transformed the “Dainik Janmab- humi” into a prominent voice for justice and accounta bility in the region.
Humayun Kabir Balu’s life and career exemplify the power and importance of courageous journalism.
Despite the risks, he remained committed to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable.
His assassination was a profound loss for Bangladesh and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists worldwide
Beyond his editorial duties, he was deeply involved in press freedom advocacy. One can still visit a YouTube video where he is giving interview in Tara Bangla in Kolkata, proudly talking about the improvement in journalism in Bangladesh. He served as the president of the Khulna Press Club on three occasions (1984, 1998, and 2003). His activism extended beyond journalism; he was also a valiant freedom fighter during the 1971 Liberation War, contributing to Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.
His bold reporting and statements on these issues made him a target. He received numerous death threats, yet he remained undeterred, continuing to publish arti cles that held powerful figures accountable. His work was crucial in bringing attention to the rampant corrup tion and violence in the region, but it also placed him in constant danger.
On 27 June 2004. Humayun Kabir Balu’s life was
On 27 June 2004. Humayun Kabir Balu’s life was cut short in a brutal bomb attack. As he was about to enter his vehicle, a powerful explosion rocked the area, criti cally injuring him and my elder brother, Asif Kabir. He was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his in- juries during surgery. His assassination sent shock waves through the journalism community and the nation. The attack was widely condemned, and protests erupted across Khulna and other parts of Bangladesh. In the wake of my father’s assassination, there was a national outcry for justice. The main opposition party, the Awami League, led massive protests, demanding the immediate arrest and punishment of those respon sible. Journalists in Khulna organised a series of mourning and protest programmes.
It wasn’t until January 2021, nearly 17 years after the assassination, that a Khulna court sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment under the Explosives Act. The convicted individuals were members of the same extremist group that had long been suspected of carrying out the attack. This verdict provided some measure of justice, but many, including our family, still feel that the masterminds behind the attack had not been adequately pursued or punished.
Humayun Kabir Balu’s legacy is multifaceted and en during. His fearless journalism and unwavering com mitment to truth and justice continue to inspire journal ists in Bangladesh and beyond. He was posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2009 in recognition of his significant contributions to journalism and his cou- rageous stance against oppression. His assassination highlighted the severe risks faced by journalists in Bangladesh, particularly those who dared to report on corruption and extremism. His death underscored the urgent need for greater protections for journalists and more robust mechanisms to hold perpe- trators of violence accountable. Balu’s murder was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of violence and intimidation against journalists. The country has long struggled with press freedom issues, with journalists frequently facing threats, harassment, and violence. In 2004 alone, three journalists were murdered in retaliation for their work, making it one of the most dangerous years for the press in Bangladesh.
The fight for press freedom in the country is ongoing. While there have been some positive developments, such as the convictions in my father’s case, many chal- lenges remain. Journalists continue to face threats and violence, and the culture of impunity persists. To honour the legacy of Humayun Kabir Balu and other journalists who have paid the ultimate price for their work, it is essential to continue advocating for their rights and protections.
Humayun Kabir Balu’s life and career exemplify the power and importance of courageous journalism.
Despite the risks, he remained committed to uncover- ing the truth and holding those in power accountable. His assassination was a profound loss for Bangladesh and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists worldwide. Balu’s legacy lives on through his contribu tions to journalism and the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Bangladesh. His story underscores the criti cal need for greater protections for journalists and ac- countability for those who seek to silence them. As the world continues to grapple with issues of press freedom and the safety of journalists, Balu’s life serves as an en- during inspiration and a call to action.
The writer is the youngest son of Humayun Kabir Balu
