Ekushey Padak winning veteran journalist Toab Khan is no more.
He breathed his last at 12:30 pm on Saturday while undergoing treatment at United Hospital in the capital, his colleagues said.
Toab Khan, the Editor of Dainik Bangla, was 87.
He was admitted to the hospital due to old age complications.
Born on April 24, 1934 in Satkhira, the eminent journalist embarked on his journalism career in 1955.
He was the former press secretary to the then Prime Minister and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman between 1973 and 1975.
Toab Khan also served as chief 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. Later, he joined as the editor of Dainik Bangla after it was published under a new shape and management.
President, PM mourn Toab Khan
President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of Toab Khan.
In a message of condolence, the President recalled the outstanding contribution of Toab Khan in the field of journalism arena.
"His death is an irreparable loss to the country's media industry . . . This emptiness in the media will never be filled," the head of the state added.
President Hamid prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in Washington DC, in a message of condolence, said, "The lifelong fighter and dignified journalist will be remembered through his works."
The Premier said during his long cherished carrier, the veteran journalist later shouldered the responsibilities of the Dainik Bangla as its editor, principal information officer, director general of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and in other media outlets including the Dainik Janakantha with patriotism and dedication.
She also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family, said a press release of the Prime Minister's press wing.
