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The National Press Club celebrated its 72nd founding anniversary with a festive programme attended by journalists, political leaders, government officials and invited guests.
The club premises turned into a gathering place for journalists on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, as members and their families joined celebrations featuring a cake-cutting ceremony, cultural performances, dinner and a raffle draw.
The main programme began at 6pm with the national anthem, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. Performances by renowned musicians added to the festivities, while colourful lighting decorated the club premises.
National Press Club President and poet Hasan Hafiz presided over the event, which was conducted by General Secretary Aiyub Bhuiyan.
Among those attending were BNP Standing Committee member and MP Aman Ullah Aman, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam, parliamentary standing committee chairman and MP Advocate Md Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Chairman and poet Abdul Hai Shikder, and BSS Managing Director Kader Gani Chowdhury.
Former executive committee members and other invited guests were also present.
Speakers highlighted the National Press Club’s historical role and the responsibility of journalists in upholding democracy.
Aman Ullah Aman said the club had played a significant role during various democratic movements in Bangladesh, including the 1971 Liberation War, the mass uprising of 1990 and the July-August movement of 2024.
He also highlighted the contribution of journalists in shaping public opinion through their writings during the Liberation War.
Abdus Salam described journalism and the media as integral to the country, saying the media could contribute to national progress but could also hinder it. He expressed hope that the National Press Club would restore its past heritage and prestige.
Hasan Hafiz said the club had been striving for democracy for 72 years. Noting that democracy remained under threat, he called for collective efforts to keep the country moving along a clear democratic path.
Various programmes marking the anniversary began at the club on October 7, culminating in Tuesday’s main celebration attended by journalists and their families.
