Veteran Journalist Gazi Md. Matiar Rahman Passes Away Shadow of Grief Cast Over Amtali Press Club.

Amtali (Barguna) Correspondent. Gazi Md. Matiar Rahman (aged approximately 65)—Treasurer of the Amtali Press Club, a veteran journalist, and Executive Director of the non-governmental development organization 'Khalifa Foundation'—has passed away. He died suddenly yesterday, Sunday, around 7:30 PM while undergoing treatment at the Public Health Centre in Dhaka. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un. (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we shall return). The veteran journalist had been suffering from kidney-related ailments for a long time. News of his death cast a shadow of grief over the journalist community of Amtali, as well as various social and cultural organizations and people from all walks of life. On Monday morning, around 9:30 AM, his body was brought to the premises of the Amtali Press Club, his workplace for many years. There, fellow journalists, people from various professions, and long-time well-wishers came to see him for the last time and pay their respects. An emotionally charged atmosphere prevailed at the Press Club premises during this time. Later, at 10:00 AM, his first Janaza (funeral prayer) was held at the Amtali Central Eidgah ground. A large number of people from various walks of life, including journalists and political and social leaders, participated in the funeral prayer. Subsequently, his body was taken to his home the 'Khalifa Bari' in Gojkhali village (Ward No. 2 of Guliyakhali Union). A second funeral prayer was held there on the premises of the Khalifa Bari Jame Mosque. Following the prayer, he was laid to rest in the family graveyard. Expressing his condolences, Amtali Press Club President Md. Rezaul Karim said, "We have lost a trusted, long-time colleague and comrade of the Amtali Press Club. His passing is an irreparable loss for us. He was a deeply sincere and responsible person. Alongside journalism, his contributions to the welfare of society and the people will be remembered." According to family sources, Gazi Md. Matiar Rahman was born into a respectable Muslim family. He was the younger of the two sons of the late Gazi Nizam Uddin. Professionally, he served as a teacher at Anam Amjadia Alim Madrasa. Alongside his journalism career, he was long associated with various social and public welfare activities. While serving as the Executive Director of the non-governmental development organization 'Khalifa Foundation,' he was involved in numerous initiatives aimed at the welfare of the local community. Locals also note his contributions to the development of religious institutions and various social activities in his area. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son, along with numerous relatives, colleagues, and well-wishers. His passing has cast a pall of deep grief over the Amtali Press Club, the local journalist community, social and cultural circles, and his own locality. Colleagues and residents have prayed for the salvation of his soul and extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved family.