Shahed Kamal

Shahed Kamal (24 July 1940 – 4 July 2026), known within cultural circles as Shamim Mama, was a Bangladeshi journalist, editor and educator. During his career, he served as a senior news editor for the national news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), and was an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka.

Early life and education

Born in Dhaka on 24 July 1940, Kamal grew up in a household involved in the cultural and political life of the region. He was the son of the poet, feminist leader, and civil activist Sufia Kamal and Kamaluddin Ahmed. During the 1950s, the family resided at their home, Sanjher Maya, located along Abhoy Das Lane in the Tikatuli neighborhood. The residence was a hub for secular cultural movements and intellectual gatherings during the East Pakistan era. Kamal grew up in a family of nine siblings, including the lawyer and human rights activist Sultana Kamal.

Kamal completed his higher secondary education at Notre Dame College, Dhaka. He then pursued his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Dhaka, where he earned a Master of Social Sciences (MSS) degree from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism.

Career

Kamal began his journalism career in 1957, joining the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) as a reporter and sub-editor. Following the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, he continued his work with the national news agency, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), where he served as a senior news editor until his retirement.

Parallel to his news career, Kamal served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Dhaka, teaching news reporting and editing courses for several decades. He mentored students who later became editors and reporters in the Bangladeshi media industry. Outside of his professional life, Kamal was an active organizer within the Bangladesh Scouting movement. He also studied Hindustani classical music, fine arts, literature, and socio-political history.

Death and legacy

Kamal remained a lifelong bachelor. He died at the Sikder Medical College Hospital in Dhaka, on 4 July 2026, at the age of 85 due to age-related complications. Following his death, his body was kept at the Sanjher Maya family residence for public tributes. On 5 July, three separate funeral prayers (namaz-e-janaza) were held for Kamal: at the Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi, the Dhaka University Central Mosque premises, and the National Press Club. The memorial service at the National Press Club was attended by media professionals and public officials, including the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapon. He was buried at the Azimpur Graveyard in the same grave as his mother, Sufia Kamal.