President, PM mourn death of noted journalist Rahat Khan

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday expressed their profound shock and sorrow at the death of country’s eminent journalist, novelist and former editor of The Daily Ittefaq Rahat Khan.

In a condolence message, the President said being a journalist Rahat Khan contributed a lot to the practice of freethinking and advancement of the society.

“His (Rahat Khan) death is really irreparable loss to the arena of journalism and literature as well,” Abdul Hamid added.

In another condolence message, the prime minister with profound respect recalled Rahat Khan’s outstanding contributions to the fields of journalism and literature.

“His (Rahat Khan) death is an irreparable loss to these fields,” she said.

Former chairman of the board of directors of the state-run national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the Ekushy award winning journalist breathed his last at his city residence on Friday night due to old age complications.

Earlier, he underwent treatment with multiple health complications, including heart disease, kidney, diabetes and other problems in July last. He was 79.