Published: 12:45 AM, 02 June 2026
The Legend of The Twilight Hour
This photograph shows Shoeb Chowdhury in an intimate moment with Shafik Rehman and Taleya Rehman. -AA
For days, a quiet longing whispered to my soul, urging my return, yet the relentless tides of life held me back. Today, drawn by a sudden, magnetic gravity of the heart, I yielded to the pull and rushed over. That sanctuary remains forever steeped in the echoes of my youth; so many tender, beautiful words still reverberate softly within my chest. It was there that I first learned the sacred language of love. To our vibrant, fiery youth, he was our very own Socrates, guiding us through the dark. A sublime, unforgettable afternoon unfolded in the presence of a living legend, my deeply revered maternal uncle, Shafik Rehman.
He wove a seamless tapestry of countless stories—a flowing river of memories and milestones. Even as they cross the threshold of their nineties, Shafik Rehman and Taleya Rehman walk hand-in-hand, working with the radiant, timeless spirit of an eternal youth. From the nostalgic chords of The Beatles to the shared passion of World Cup football, our dialogue danced across every horizon. What a breathtakingly beautiful, soul-stirring presence! Yet, a shadow of sorrow brushed against my soul when I remembered how, in years past, the brilliant voice of his pen was cruelly silenced. Those who hold the temporary reins of power should never allow their hearts to grow so ruthless; every decision must be weighed on the sacred scales of conscience. This venerable soul, now journeying past ninety years, shines as a true beacon of light. In Bangladesh, the sheer resonance of his wisdom and the fierce power of his pen shook the very foundations of tyranny. Journalist, writer, guitarist, or accountant—in what realm does his spirit not dwell? It is rare indeed to find a mind so beautifully balanced, objective and rich with multifaceted brilliance.
While writing about Shafik Rehman, I find it important to add that journalism is one of the most important professions in modern society. It informs people about current events, social issues, politics, science, sports, and entertainment. Journalists serve as a bridge between events and the public, helping people understand what is happening around them. While journalism is often associated with facts, accuracy, and objectivity, creativity also plays a vital role in making news meaningful and engaging.
Shafik Rehman is also an embodiment of the fact that creativity in journalism refers to the ability to present information in a clear, attractive, and interesting manner. Journalists do not simply collect facts; they must also organize and communicate those facts effectively. A creative journalist knows how to tell a story that captures the attention of readers, viewers, or listeners while maintaining truth and accuracy. Through creative writing techniques, journalists can transform ordinary information into compelling stories that people want to read.
One area where creativity is especially important is feature writing. Unlike hard news reports, feature articles allow journalists to explore human experiences, emotions, and backgrounds in greater detail. Creative descriptions, vivid language, and strong storytelling techniques help readers connect with the subject. By using interviews, observations, and personal narratives, journalists can create articles that are both informative and enjoyable.
Creativity is also essential in digital journalism—Shafik Rehman’s profile is a brilliant example of this point. Today, news organizations use various multimedia tools such as videos, podcasts, infographics and interactive content to present information. Journalists must think creatively to design content that attracts audiences in a highly competitive media environment. Innovative storytelling methods can make complex issues easier to understand and more accessible to different groups of people.
However, creativity in journalism has limits. Journalists must never sacrifice accuracy for entertainment. The primary responsibility of journalism is to provide truthful and reliable information. Creative techniques should enhance understanding, not distort facts. Ethical journalism requires honesty, fairness, and accountability. Therefore, successful journalists balance creativity with professional standards and ethical principles.
When we reflect on Shafik Rehman’s long and colourful career in journalism, it dawns in our minds that the relationship between journalism and creativity is mutually beneficial. Creativity helps journalists communicate effectively, while journalism provides a platform for creative expression that serves the public interest. Creative thinking also helps journalists find unique angles, ask insightful questions, and discover stories that others might overlook. As a result, journalism becomes more dynamic and impactful.
In the modern world, where information is available everywhere, creativity has become even more valuable. Audiences are constantly exposed to news from multiple sources. To capture attention and maintain public trust, journalists need both strong reporting skills and creative abilities. They must present facts in ways that are engaging, understandable, and relevant to people's lives.
Another lesson to learn from Shafik Rehman is that journalism and creativity are closely connected. Journalism depends on factual reporting, while creativity helps deliver those facts in an effective and memorable way. Together, they contribute to an informed society by making information accessible, meaningful, and engaging. A journalist who combines accuracy with creativity can inspire, educate and influence people positively, making journalism a powerful force for social development and mass awareness which we find in Shafik Rehman’s life and work. I extend my wholehearted best wishes to this famed journalist and author.
Yet, it feels deeply discordant to see Shafik Rehman honored with only the Ekushey Padak, while on the other hand, mere followers and sycophants drape the grand Independence Award (Swadhinata Padak) around their own necks. It is a profound mismatch—an aesthetic and moral injustice. One can only hope the state will no longer diminish its highest honors by decorating the undeserving. I would softly argue that a truly deserving recipient of the Ekushey Padak is Taleya Rehman, who walked the fiery path of the 1952 Language Movement and even bore the silence of imprisonment for our mother tongue. On the airwaves and screens of the BBC, she was the bearer of a beloved and enchanting grace. I hold her incredibly dear to my heart; in her grace, her dignity, and her essence, I see the very reflection of my mother. In the end, though a tapestry of disagreements may exist between myself and Shafik Rehman on various notes, his wisdom and vast experience remain a priceless treasure in my eyes. I gently call upon him to break the twelve-year silence of his pen and let his words flow once more. In rebuilding Bangladesh and shielding our heritage from cultural decay, the touch of his pen is desperately needed. I shall write of him in much greater detail when time allows; until then, I pray.
Shoeb Chowdhury is an author,
entrepreneur, sports organizer and
Chairman, Editorial Board of The Asian Age.
