Serajuddin Hossain (Bengali: সিরাজুদ্দীন হোসেন; born March 1, 1929 – disappeared December 10, 1971) was a prominent Bangladeshi journalist and intellectual. He is recognized as one of the martyred intellectuals of the Bangladesh Liberation War, having been abducted and presumably killed by the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators, primarily the Al-Badr militia, just days before Bangladesh achieved independence in December 1971.
Early Life and Education Serajuddin Hossain was born in March 1929, in the then Madaripur sub-division of British India (now Shariatpur District, Bangladesh). He completed his secondary education and went on to study at Calcutta Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College) in Kolkata, India. Later, he pursued higher education at Dhaka University, where he began his career in journalism.
Career in Journalism Hossain started his journalistic career in the 1950s, working for various newspapers. He gained significant prominence for his work at The Daily Ittefaq, one of the most influential Bengali-language newspapers of its time. He rose to the position of Executive Editor of The Daily Ittefaq, a role in which he was highly respected for his insightful editorials, objective reporting, and commitment to press freedom. His writings often reflected the political and social aspirations of the Bengali people, advocating for their rights and self-determination under Pakistani rule.
Role in the Bangladesh Liberation War During the turbulent period leading up to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, Serajuddin Hossain was a staunch supporter of Bengali nationalism and the movement for independence. Through his editorials and articles in The Daily Ittefaq, he implicitly and explicitly championed the cause of a free Bangladesh, despite facing severe censorship and threats from the Pakistani regime. His journalistic integrity and courageous stance made him a target for the Pakistani military and their collaborators.
Abduction and Martyrdom As the Bangladesh Liberation War neared its end in December 1971, the retreating Pakistani forces and their auxiliary groups, particularly the Al-Badr, systematically targeted Bengali intellectuals. On December 10, 1971, Serajuddin Hossain was abducted from his residence in Dhaka by members of the Al-Badr. He, along with many other intellectuals, was taken to an unknown location. His body was never found. It is widely believed that he was killed shortly after his abduction, as part of a deliberate effort to cripple the nascent nation by eliminating its leading thinkers and professionals.
Legacy Serajuddin Hossain is revered as a national hero and a martyred intellectual in Bangladesh. His sacrifice is commemorated annually on December 14, known as Martyred Intellectuals Day (Shaheed Buddhijibi Dibosh). He is remembered for his unwavering commitment to journalism, truth, and the liberation of his people. His contributions to Bengali journalism and his ultimate sacrifice serve as an enduring symbol of the price paid for Bangladesh's independence. His name is etched in the annals of Bangladeshi history as a beacon of courage and intellectual integrity.