A happy blend of a professional and suave human being

Had he followed up his outstanding result in the written examination of the Civil Services of Pakistan (CSP) duly with appearance for viva voce, the country would not get the doyen of business journalism that Moazzem Hossain was. He stood 4th in the all Pakistan CSP examination in 1971 but instead of appearing at the viva voce, opted for returning to the newly independent Bangladesh. He could end up as a banker as well. His first job after completion of post-graduation in Economics from the University of Dhaka was with the Habib Bank Ltd in Karachi, Pakistan. He served there as an officer in the Training and Research Department. Late Mr. Hossain also worked as a research officer at the Ministry of Finance of the erstwhile government of Pakistan in Islamabad.
Thank God, he made his choice clear during those heady days. Instead of pursuing the career of a bureaucrat or a banker, he chose journalism. After his stint with the leading newspapers of the country, Moazzem Hossain finally set his eyes on something special -- in fact his destiny. Financial journalism it is. Thus emerges The Financial Express, the country's first business newspaper. Ever since its launch in 1993, the newspaper has gone from strength to strength under his meticulous editorship. Not only was he the pioneer of an English business newspaper, the man of vision also inspired others to undertake the mission of dispassionately paint an objective picture of the state of the country's economy. He was always on the lookout for journalists capable of sharing the same vision. His enthusiasm for picking up colleagues, both junior and senior, was boundless.
Generous in appreciating good works, he never ran out of plaudits reserved for junior colleagues. So affable was his appreciation that any colleague could not be faulted for thinking that the honorific lavishly bestowed upon is particularly his or hers. Thus he gave one to feel important. A gentleman per excellence, Hossain had an eye for quality that defines journalistic profession and also quality of heart of a human being. A positive vibe almost contagious and hallow of simplicity always surrounded him. He was one of the rare breeds who brought about a synthesis of flair and facts into a happy mix. This legacy lingers on in The Financial Express till today.
It is indeed difficult to say if his professional stature as a journalist could rival the extraordinary human being that he was. But one weakness that he had like the Achilles' heel brought about his early demise. This was the habit of smoking. A chain smoker, late Hossain did not believe -- contrary to reason and medical prescription -- smoking could lead to lung cancer, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only a month before his death, he was heard to soliloquise, "that smoking causes cancer is sheer nonsense". His Achilles heel claimed his life at the age of only 73. In today's context, it was neither an early nor a ripe age. But if he lived a few more years, he could consolidate his mark as a most revered professional, influencing lives of many others in the profession of journalism.
Today, we remember the founder editor of this newspaper on the eighth anniversary of his death. But for some who had the opportunity of observing his passion for work from close quarters, his presence is undiminished after all these years. He is remembered more often than not because he continues to breathe through the pages of his creation -- The Financial Express. Now the challenge before the members of the FE family is to uphold the spirit and resourcefulness of the man who inspired all who came in touch with him. By doing so, we can pay the best tribute to this extraordinary but humble man.
However, one intriguing question comes to the fore. Why do we pay glowing tribute to such a man only on the anniversary of death, not on the birth anniversary as well? Apart from the identity he created for him in the later years, he had a journey from his childhood. A brilliant student, he studied at the Feni Pilot High School and passed Matriculation exam in 1962 at the age of 14. He stood 13th in the all Pakistan Higher Secondary examinations. Together with the 4th position he secured at the CSP examination, his resume is quite outstanding.
So, his life's journey from Feni to Karachi and from Karachi to Dhaka is amazing by all means. Even more amazing is his settling in journalism which was hardly financially rewarding at that time. This gives an insight into the makeup of his character. He listened to the diktat of his soul and thus a financial newspaper was born. So, the day he breathed his last should not be an occasion of mourning but one for paying homage to his memory and imbuing us all with the undying spirit that he demonstrated throughout his life.

nilratanhalder2000@yahoo.com