Contribution of newspaper columnist praised

(From left) Prof Anisuzzaman, Adviser to the caretaker government Mahabubul Alam and author of five books Muhammad Zamir hold copies of books at the publication ceremony in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

Not only the staff correspondents but also the columnists, who contribute to the formation of opinions, should exchange views through workshops in the region as well as globally, he said.

Muhammad Zamir, also former secretary and ambassador, was speaking at the launching ceremony of his five books at the Radius Centre of Bay's Galleria in the city.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The books are 'Reflections on Bangladesh, South Asia and certain socio-economic issues', 'Reflections on Governance and National Security in Bangladesh', 'Reflections on the dynamics of International Affairs' (volume 1 and volume 2) and a Bangla book 'Jatiya Antorjatik Rajnitir Gotimukh' (trends of national and international politics).

Information Adviser Mahbubul Alam, Professor Anisuzzaman and Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam also spoke at the programme attended by foreign diplomats and journalists.

"We are blessed in Bangladesh because we have a free press and numerous television channels," said Muhammad Zamir, who writes on national and international politics, economics, trade and other issues in at least 11 renowned magazines and newspapers published at home and abroad.

Lauding Muhammad Zamir's intellectual skills, Adviser Mahbubul Alam, who was the chief guest of the programme, said one has to be a genius to launch five books in one evening.

"Muhammad Zamir is a very charming person who is always willing to help others," he said, adding that Zamir is very quick and has an analytical mind and at the same time he is versatile in his knowledge on issues like governance, politics and international affairs.

"I have met a very few people who can talk with so much confidence and logic the way Zamir does," he said. Very few retired government officials write, but not regularly; Zamir, however, is an exception, he noted.

Mahbubul Alam expressed his hope that Muhammad Zamir will continue to write and contribute in the field of international relations.

Speaking about one of the books, Professor Anisuzzaman said Zamir explained the issue of national security from a different perspective.

Zamir explained that raising the living standard of people and ensuring their fundamental rights can help protect the national security interests, said Prof Anisuzzaman.

Praising the author for his personal charm and intellectual ability, Mahfuz Anam said Muhammad Zamir's grasp of international affairs and his analytical skills are very special.

Expressing gratitude to him for his regular contribution to The Daily Star, Anam said his columns helped the readers of The Daily Star to be better informed.

Publisher of the books Karunangshu Barua Debu of Nymphea Publication and Chief Executive Officer of Radius Centre Salahuddin Imam also spoke.