Senior journalist and investigative reporter Salim Samad has passed away. He breathed his last on Sunday morning while undergoing treatment at . He was 74. (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un).
His death was confirmed by noted columnist and writer ? Wait—this is incorrect. The confirmation was given by writer . He said Samad had been hospitalized in critical condition and that he had visited him last Friday. News of his passing came Sunday morning.
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His funeral prayer (Janaza) is scheduled to be held at 2:30 PM at the premises of the .
Career and Contributions
Salim Samad was widely known for his bold investigative journalism. In recognition of his courageous reporting, he was selected as an Fellow in 1990.
He contributed to several international publications, including the globally renowned , as well as India-based magazines and .
Samad reported extensively on environment, development, and human rights issues. He was associated with various national and international media outlets, research institutions, and human rights organizations.
In recent years, he contributed columns to , , and , among others.
According to information on his Facebook page, Salim Samad was born on November 13, 1952.
Legal Challenges and Controversies
In 2002, the then-government filed a sedition case against him. He was arrested and detained for a prolonged period.
Over the years, some journalists—speaking on condition of anonymity—alleged irregularities related to his involvement with organizations working for journalists’ welfare. In 2024, allegations also surfaced on social media accusing him of encouraging mob violence in Bangladesh. However, no official response from him regarding these claims was publicly available.
Tribute from a Colleague
Writer Mohiyuddin Ahmed wrote in a Facebook post:
“No one likes to hear or share news of death. Yet death is the only absolute truth of life.
I visited him on Friday morning. It seemed he was passing through his final hours.
A few minutes ago, I received the news that he is no more.
My dear friend Salim Samad has left us. I have rarely seen a journalist as courageous as him. May his soul rest in peace.”
With a career marked by fearless investigative reporting and episodes of controversy, Salim Samad leaves behind a significant legacy in Bangladesh’s journalistic landscape.
