In Memory of Journalist, Columnist and Thinker Bibhuranjan Sarkar

Bibhuranjan Sarkar was a well-known figure in Bangladesh’s journalism, column writing, and political analysis. He was a journalist, columnist, editor, and writer all at once—who enriched the country’s media landscape for more than four decades through his writings, insight, and analytical thinking.

He was born on 6 June 1954 in the Boda upazila of Panchagarh district. While still a school student in the late 1960s, he began his journalism journey as a local correspondent for Dainik Azad. From that early stage, he was also involved in student politics and later served as the vice-president of the Dinajpur district committee of the Bangladesh Students’ Union as well as assistant general secretary of its central committee.

After completing his higher secondary education at Dinajpur Government College, he enrolled in the Department of Bengali at the University of Dhaka in 1973. During his university years, he chose journalism as his profession and later worked in several prominent media outlets including Saptahik Joydhwani, Ekota, Jaijaidin, Dainik Sangbad, and Dainik Rupali, holding important editorial and journalistic responsibilities.

He also served as editor of Saptahik Choltipatra, Dainik Matribhoomi, and Saptahik Mridubhashon. The author of this text had the opportunity to work as a regional correspondent in Naogaon’s Raninagar upazila for Dainik Matribhoomi, where firsthand experience of his discipline, integrity, and professionalism was gained.

In the mid-1980s, his political articles published in Saptahik Jaijaidin under the pseudonym “Tarikh Ibrahim” gained significant attention among readers. He was widely appreciated for his sharp analysis, clear arguments, and timely political observations.

For more than three decades, he wrote numerous analytical columns on Bangladesh’s political and social realities. He continued writing until the last days of his life for the country’s first online news portal BDNews24.com as well as major national newspapers including Bangladesh Pratidin, The Daily Ittefaq, Jugantor, Sangbad, and Bortoman.

As an author, his contribution was also notable. He published more than ten books. At the 2023 Ekushey Book Fair, two of his important works were published by Agamee Prakashani: “Bangabandhu: Architect of History” and “Sheikh Hasina: Successful Architect of Dream Fulfilment.”

He studied at Boda Pilot High School, Dinajpur Government College, and later at the Bengali Department of the University of Dhaka, achieving his highest academic qualifications. However, his true identity lay in being a conscious citizen, progressive thinker, and dedicated observer of society and politics.

On 21 August 2025, he went missing after leaving his residence in Siddheshwari, Dhaka. The following day, his body was recovered from the Meghna River in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj district. His sudden and tragic passing cast a deep shadow of grief over the country’s journalism community. Many believe that he ultimately succumbed to the weight of long-standing mental pressure and hardship.

On his birthday, we remember with deep respect this wise journalist, fearless columnist, and enlightened thinker.

Tribute to Bibhuranjan Sarkar.

Your writings, your thoughts, and your courageous voice will remain memorable in the history of Bangladeshi journalism.