Published: 01:14 AM, 01 March 2026
ABM Musa: The Beacon of Ethical and Uncompromising Journalism
Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right allowing individuals to articulate opinions, ideas, and beliefs without fear of government retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction.
It covers verbal, written, and symbolic expression, such as art, protest, and clothing, and is essential for democratic accountability.
Freedom of speech protects the ability to voice our beliefs, views and ideas without the government preventing us from speaking or punishing us for what we say.
It is not an unlimited right protecting the ability to say anything, anywhere, any time. It does not apply to private companies or workplaces. But it does limit when the government can regulate speech and expression. Freedom of speech is designed to protect participation in democracy. Expressing views openly in society is one important way communities make decisions and hold governments accountable.
Freedom of speech also protects our personal choices. We not only get to say what we want to say, we also get to read, wear, watch, draw, and listen to what we want without the government making those decisions for us. The above points make it obligatory to commemorate veteran journalist ABM Musa who embodies freedom of expression and media professionals’ liberty in Bangladesh.
ABM Musa remains a beacon of enduring inspiration for present and future generations of journalists. Through objective reporting and principled journalism, he elevated the country’s media to a distinctive height. He was, simultaneously, a journalist, editor, and columnist—an institution in himself.
February 28 marks the birth anniversary of this remarkable figure. ABM Musa was born on 28 February 1931 at his grandfather’s house in Dharmapur village of Chhagalnaiya upazila in Feni district. His ancestral home is in Kutubpur village of Fulgazi upazila in the same district. My own home stands near his ancestral residence. A few days ago, I visited his home to conduct research on his life and legacy.
This year marks the 95th birth anniversary of ABM Musa. I remember his birthday with deep respect. He pursued his education at Chittagong Government Muslim High School, Noakhali Zilla School, Feni Government College, and Comilla Victoria College. He sat for his BA private examination from Chaumuhani College.
ABM Musa began his journalistic career at a remarkably young age. While still in college, he entered the world of journalism in 1950, at the age of 19, through the daily Insaf. In the same year, he joined the English daily The Pakistan Observer. Until 1971, he served there as a reporter, sports reporter, and news editor.
When the then government of Pakistan shut down The Pakistan Observer during the Language Movement in 1952, he joined Dainik Sangbad. In 1954, he returned to the Daily Observer. During the Liberation War in 1971, ABM Musa worked as a correspondent for the BBC, the The Sunday Times, and other newspapers. After independence, he served as General Manager of Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Editor of The Morning News. In the first national election of independent Bangladesh, he was elected Member of Parliament (MP) from his home district, Feni.
In 1978, he joined the United Nations’ Environment Programme (ESCAP) in Bangkok as Regional Director for the Asia-Pacific region. Returning to the country, he served as Director General of the Bangladesh Press Institute from 1981 to 1985, and as General Manager and Chief Editor of the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) from 1985 to 1987. In 2004, he joined the daily Jugantor as its editor.
ABM Musa was one of the founding and lifetime members of the National Press Club. He was elected its president four times and general secretary three times. He was also among the founders of the Pakistan Journalists Union and served as General Secretary of the East Pakistan Journalists Union.
Journalist Abu Hasan Shahriar once reflected on Musa’s early journalistic impulse: “Even before entering institutional journalism, his first assignment was to see Mahatma Gandhi. When Gandhi came to Noakhali to prevent communal riots, Musa walked ten miles to catch a glimpse of him. After returning home on foot, he recounted the experience to eager neighbors—an early sign of the storyteller within him.”
In post-independence journalism, ABM Musa stood as a preceptor. His news sense was regarded as unparalleled among news editors. An episode from his autobiography Amar Bela Je Jay illustrates this vividly. In 1959, under the Pakistani military regime, Martyrs’ Day on February 21 was banned. Defying the ban, Dhaka University students brought out a procession. Police baton-charged the rally, injuring ten to twelve students. The military authorities ordered newspapers not to mention Martyrs’ Day or the baton charge.
The following day, in The Pakistan Observer, Musa ran a bold headline: “Twenty-first February Observed. Students Try to Bring Out Procession.” When questioned by officials, he replied calmly that he had followed their order—and had merely denied the rumor of a baton charge. This incident reveals his intelligence, courage, and extraordinary news sense. During page makeup, he would determine which story would be the lead, second lead, or third lead, and where photographs should be placed.
Beyond journalism, ABM Musa was a skilled organizer. In the 1950s, he was closely associated with establishing the country’s first progressive youth organization, the Democratic Youth League, which had active support from leftist groups. He also added a new dimension to sports journalism. The sports organization Brothers Union developed into an efficient sports body under his stewardship.
Initially, he had no desire to enter politics. When asked to contest the 1970 election during the Pakistan period, he said, “If the country ever becomes independent, I will stand for elections—not now.” True to his word, after independence he contested from Feni in the 1973 general election and was elected to the first National Parliament of Bangladesh. After the political changes of 1975, he withdrew from active politics.
Among his notable contributions were the introduction of number plates on vehicles and the modernization of newspapers. The practice of placing number plates on vehicles in this country began under his initiative. He also played a pioneering role in establishing the prevalence of Bangla at all levels. The aesthetic transformation—the craftsmanship, layout, and modern makeup—of contemporary newspapers bears his imprint.
Fearless and vocal, ABM Musa remained uncompromising in his criticism of governments. His writing was sharp and bold. Throughout his life, he spoke for the rights of ordinary people. Even in his later years, he participated in television talk shows, advocating democratic and public rights—an increasingly rare stance in present times, when many so-called journalists drift toward obsequiousness.
Objective reporting and uncompromising journalism elevated him to a unique stature. Very few reach such a national position in journalism. While many hesitate to speak the truth, he never did. His courage was matched by a profound human sensitivity reflected in his words and deeds. He never deviated from professional ethics and remained steadfast in matters of morality.
Over a journalistic career spanning 63 years, ABM Musa made significant contributions across multiple fields. He received numerous awards, including the Ekushey Padak (1999), the Jefferson Fellowship (1970), and the Commonwealth Press Union Fellowship (1961). He passed away on April 9, 2014, at the age of 83, after a long life of struggle. After his demise, news reports described him as ‘ABM Musa was the oldest member and guardian of our journalistic community’.
ABM Musa remains a luminous name in our journalism—a bright star who guided the nation in times of crisis. Through objective reporting and uncompromising integrity, he carried the country’s journalism to a distinctive height.
The media—the fourth pillar of the state—is the conscience of the nation. Its contribution to state progress and development is immense. Ensuring media freedom is therefore essential. Journalists must be honest, courageous, and principled. The signboard of journalism cannot be used for extortion, lobbying, trade, or partisan bias. Journalism demands objectivity and moral courage—qualities ABM Musa embodied. For that reason, present and future generations of journalists must know about ABM Musa and study his life’s work.
Emran Emon is an eminent
journalist, columnist and a
global affairs analyst. He can be
reached at [email protected]
