By Mahbub Hasan Tutul,Dhaka Correspondent
As February’s air in Bangladesh carries the crimson memories of martyrs, and the dawn of Feb. 21 descends upon the Shaheed Minar with silent grief and undying pride, it was in that very Language Month that veteran journalist Tozamel Azam was born in Bangladesh’s Meherpur district. On Feb. 21, 1958, his birth seemed to seal an unspoken pledge with language, freedom and truth.
On Feb. 21, 2026, he stepped into his 68th year. On the calendar of time, it is merely a number; but in the history of journalism, literature and social movements in Meherpur, it marks a luminous chapter.
Raised on the historic soil of Mujibnagar Bangladesh’s first wartime capital and the cradle of independence Mr. Azam grew up immersed in the pulse of history, the memories of the Liberation War and stories of struggle. That consciousness later found expression through his pen a pen of protest, conviction and resolve.
A Bold Voice in Anti-Authoritarian Struggles:
During the turbulent anti-authoritarian movement of the 1990s, his writing became a steadfast voice for the people of Meherpur. When fear silenced many, his pen did not stop. He believed journalism was not merely about reporting news; it was a moral responsibility to hold truth accountable before its time.
From the 1980s until 2010, he served as publisher and editor of the daily Azam and the weekly Porichoy. Overcoming the limitations of a small town, he built a platform for free thought. In front of his newspaper office, he installed a sculpture dedicated to the Liberation War a public declaration of his ideals. Despite pressure and protests from fundamentalist groups, he did not yield. When tensions escalated, authorities removed the sculpture, but his stance remained unchanged.
For Rivers, People and Homeland:
Azam also played a leading role in the Bhairab River re-excavation movement in Meherpur district. For him, journalism was never confined to the printed page; it was deeply connected to the soil and its people. Saving a river meant saving a community a belief that guided his leadership.
Recognition and Honors:
In 2025, when Bashundhara Media Group honored 61 senior journalists from across Bangladesh, Mr.Azam was selected from Meherpur district. The recognition symbolized more than an award it was institutional acknowledgment of over four decades of principled journalism. He was also honored by Massline Media for his contribution to nurturing child journalists.
Equally Luminous in Literature:
Alongside journalism, Azam has remained active in literary pursuits. His notable works include Kishore Muktijuddher Itihash: Meherpur District (Teen History of the Liberation War: Meherpur District), History and Heritage of Meherpur District, Mujibnagar: Tales of War Victory, and Culture and Folk Traditions of Meherpur. Written in accessible yet research-based language, these works have brought local history and heritage closer to younger generations.
A Personal Reflection on His Birthday:
Marking his birthday on social media, he wrote:“On this day of mourning comes my birthday… A birthday is but a milestone of time, yet your greetings turn it into a festival of lights… It is the affection of people that inspires my journey.”
In that humble reflection lies another dimension of his character a resilient yet unassuming figure.
Born in the Language Month, this veteran journalist’s life stands as a long journey of light. Amid storms of time, ideological conflicts and adversity, he has proven that commitment to truth and the courage of the pen define the true identity of a media professional.
Like a star in Meherpur’s sky, he continues to guide from afar illuminating the path and reminding future generations: let the pen stand for truth, never bowing its head.