With the slogan "In Harmony, We Move Forward into the 64th Year," Pabna Press Club celebrates its 64th founding anniversary today, May 1. On this day in 1961, the club was established at "Sunview Villa" in Pabna town under the leadership of journalist A.K.M. Azizul Haque B.Sc. Cal, who became its founding president. Renowned journalist Ranesh Maitra was elected as the first general secretary.
Currently, the club has 62 active members. Among them is the Honorable President of Bangladesh, Mohammad Shahabuddin, who was the 22nd member of the club. Other prominent life members include the late Samson H. Chowdhury, founder of Square Group, and Language Movement veteran Abdul Matin.
In the year of its founding, the club hosted the first-ever East Pakistan Rural Journalists' Association conference on May 8–9, which eventually evolved into today's Bangladesh Journalists' Association. This historic event marked the beginning of professional recognition for rural journalists, introducing retainers, line charges, postal allowances, and other benefits.
A unique aspect of Pabna Press Club's constitution is that no one can hold the position of president or general secretary for more than two consecutive terms. Leadership is elected directly through member voting, a system that promotes transparency and inclusiveness and sets an example for other press clubs across the country.
Seven members of the club actively participated in the Liberation War, and three have been honored with the Ekushey Padak, one of the country's highest civilian awards. Journalists from the club have bravely reported during key historical events, including the Language Movement, the Khapra Ward protest, and the political unrest of 2024.
To mark this milestone, the club has organized a colorful rally, cake-cutting ceremony, and a three-day celebration including building illumination and a cultural evening.
FP/Raj
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