Published : 03 Oct 2026, 01:56 AM
Updated : 03 Oct 2026, 01:56 AM
Several politicians say that news of the death of Toufique Imrose Khalidi, who did not “yield” to any pressure, will leave a “massive void” in the country's media landscape.
They described Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, as a “wise” journalist, a “true patriot”, “courageous”, “gentlemanly” and “respected media personality”.
He was called a “rare” journalist whose devotion to objectivity would stand as an example for future generations.
Khalidi was taken to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London on Thursday night after suffering a brain haemorrhage. Doctors pronounced him dead at 2:23pm local time on Friday.
People from different walks of life, including his relatives, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances, have been in shock.
Condolences have come pouring in from top leaders of different political parties, as well as the president, ministers and state ministers.
The BNP Media Cell expressed its deep shock at his passing, along with condolences for the bereaved.
BNP Standing Committee Member and Power Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku said, “We have lost a wise journalist. I had a very good personal relationship with Toufique Imrose Khalidi. He carved out a unique position in Bangladesh through his journalism.”
“He was a journalist who was always busy learning. He was a true patriot. Among the notable works of this knowledgeable journalist are the book he edited on the Liberation War and the struggle for independence, which will stand as a milestone.”
In a condolence message on Friday, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and called Khalidi an “honest and courageous journalist who set an example in his work”.
“At a time when journalism is free, the departure of a brave journalist like him is certainly a sorrow,” Rizvi said.
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader expressed deep shock and sorrow over Khalidi’s death.
In his condolence message, he called Khalidi a pioneer in the development of online and digital journalism in the country.
With his death, the country lost an experienced, dignified and distinguished media personality, he said.
Khalidi’s contributions to journalism and the media will long be remembered, Quader said.
He added, “I am deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Toufique Imrose Khalidi. He has made important contributions to the development of journalism and the media in Bangladesh. He did journalism with courage, dedication and professionalism. His death is an irreparable loss for the country's media.”
The Central Executive Committee of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JaSaD) said in a condolence message: “The death of Toufique Imrose Khalidi is an irreplaceable loss and leaves a massive void in the country’s journalism and media landscape.
“He has set a unique example of objective journalism and honesty without succumbing to any kind of pressure. He will be a role model for future generations of journalists.’’
Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party) Senior Vice-Chairman Wahab Minar and General Secretary Asaduzzaman Fuad said in a condolence message, ‘‘Toufique Imrose Khalidi was a well-known and wise figure in the media world of Bangladesh.’’
‘‘His role and contribution in the development of online journalism and the establishment of alternative media in the country will be remembered. Throughout his long journalistic career, he enriched the media with his own thinking and professionalism.’’
They said, ‘‘Toufique Imrose Khalidi’s death is an irreparable loss to the country’s media arena. His passing leaves a deep void, not only for his family and colleagues but also for the country's journalistic landscape.''
Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque said, "Khalidi himself had become an institution in journalism. Khalidi was something of a rarity. Khalidi's untimely passing will create a huge void."
Former planning minister MA Mannan remembered Khalidi as an outstanding professional journalist and a generous, warm-hearted person.
In a condolence message, he said: “Mr Khalidi was a high-calibre professional journalist, a generous and friendly person. A modest acquaintance with him grew into an extraordinary relationship. I am deeply saddened by his untimely death and pray for the peace of his departed soul.”
