Shamim Ahmad, former UNB chief correspondent and city editor, dies

A veteran journalist died at a private hospital Monday morning after his health went downhill fast. Shamim Ahmad worked as the top correspondent and city editor for UNB news agency before his death. Doctors at the hospital could not save him after he arrived Sunday evening feeling very sick. His family rushed him to medical care when his condition became serious.

The dead reporter held important jobs during his long career covering the news beat. Ahmad served as the press minister at the Bangladesh Embassy located in Washington DC. He also ran the Dhaka Reporters Unity as their main leader for several years. The Diplomatic Correspondents Association chose him as president during his active reporting days.

Religious leaders will hold funeral prayers for Ahmad after afternoon prayers at Khilgaon Chowdhury Para Matir Mosque. His body will go to Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard for the final burial ceremony. Family members and fellow journalists plan to attend both services to honor his memory.

The Dhaka Reporters Unity leadership team released a statement about losing their former president. Abu Saleh Akon and Mainul Hasan Sohel spoke for the executive committee members who felt sad about Ahmad's death. The reporter union called his passing a major loss for the journalism community across Bangladesh.