Journalism Legend Golam Kibria Passes Away
Published: 05:42 PM, 29 March 2026
Journalism Legend Golam Kibria Passes Away
Renowned journalist, former Acting Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh-PIB, and distinguished intellectual Mohammad Golam Kibria has passed away at the age of 77. In a career spanning five decades, he left an indelible mark on journalism training, the legal profession, and academic research in Bangladesh.
A pioneer in media training and intellectual discourse, Mr. Kibria breathed his last at 12:00 PM on Saturday, March 21, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital.
Born on January 1, 1949, Golam Kibria dedicated over half a century to the service of the nation through his multifaceted talents.
He began his journey in 1972 as an Assistant Editor for the newspaper Ganobangla. He later served with great distinction at the Dainik Sangbad for a significant period. In 1979, after earning a Higher Diploma in Journalism from the Thomson Foundation in the UK, he played a leading role in introducing modern, international standards to journalism training in Bangladesh.
Mr. Kibria was associated with the Press Institute of Bangladesh-PIB since its inception on August 18, 1976—an initiative of the late President Ziaur Rahman. Working alongside the celebrated editor Abdus Salam, he helped solidify the foundation of the institute. After serving as the Director of Training for many years, he took on the role of Acting Director General in 1991.
Beyond national borders, he represented Bangladesh at various international seminars, including those hosted by UNESCO, where his research papers on the state and development of the Bangladeshi press earned high acclaim.
In addition to journalism, Golam Kibria was a successful lawyer and educator. He was enrolled as an advocate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court in 2003.
As a guest faculty member at Stamford University and National University, he mentored a new generation of journalists on media law and ethics. His published books include The History of Newspapers in Bangladesh, Market Economy and Bangladesh, and Newspaper and Media Issues in Bangladesh.
A staunch believer in the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism, Mr. Kibria played a crucial role in drafting the BNP’s election manifesto following the 1990 mass uprising.
He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter, who currently reside in the United States. He was also a close relative of the current government’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shama Obayed.
The death of this life member of the National Press Club and the Asiatic Society has cast a shadow of grief across the country’s journalistic and intellectual communities.
