People pay last tribute to Toab Khan at Shaheed Minar

People from all walks of life paid their last tributes to Ekushey Padak winning veteran journalist and Editor of the Dainik Bangla Toab Khan at the central Shaheed Minar by placing wreaths amidst the inclement weather.

The body was kept there from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Monday under the management of the Sammilita Sangskritik Jote.

On behalf of President Abdul Hamid, his Assistant Defence Secretary Lt Col Syed Md Jahangir Alam, and on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her Assistant Defence Secretary Lt Col GM Rajib Ahmed placed floral wreaths on the coffin. 

Deputy Commissioner of Dhaka Shahidul Islam gave guard of honour to the journalist.

Earlier, the body of Toab Khan was taken to the offices of Dainik Bangla and News Bangla in the city's Tejgaon area at 10 am, where his first namaz-e-janaza was held.

Later, his body was taken to National Press Club (JPC) where second namaz-e-janaza will be held.

From the National Press Club, the body will be taken to the deceased's residence in Gulshan.

Following his third namaz-e-janaza at Gulshan Azad Masjid after Asr prayers, he will be buried in Banani graveyard.

Toab Khan breathed his last on Saturday at a city hospital at the age of 87.

Born on April 24, 1934, in Satkhira, Toab Khan made his debut as a journalist in 1955.

He was the former press secretary to the then Prime Minister and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from 1973 to 1975.

Toab Khan also served as Principal Information Officer and director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB).

He was the advisory editor of Daily Janakantha till last October from its inception.

This year, he joined as the editor of Dainik Bangla, being published under a new shape and management, and News Bangla.

The renowned journalist of the country was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2016 and selected honorary fellow of Bangla Academy in the same year.