Veteran journalist Toab Khan, Editor of ‘Dainik Bangla’, died of old age complications at a hospital in the capital on Saturday. He was 87.

Khan, an Ekushey Padak recipient, breathed his last at the United Hospital at 12:30 pm, said Sharifuzzaman Pintu, Dainik Bangla’s Executive Editor.

Khan started his journalism career in 1953 and joined Dainik Songbad in 1955.

He was also the first Editor of ‘Dainik Bangla’ which changed its name from ‘Dainik Pakistan’ after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971.

He became the Editor of ‘Dainik Bangla’ on January 14, 1972. He also served as the Press Secretary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1973-75.

Toab Khan also served as Chief Information Officer and Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB).

The veteran journalist also played a role as a strong voice in Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra to inspire the freedom fighters during the War of Liberation.

He also served as the Advisory Editor of daily ‘Janakantha’ and later joined as the Editor of ‘Danik Bangla’.

His body has been kept in a mortuary and decision regarding his burial place will be taken once her daughter Tania Khan returns home from abroad,  said his family.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep shock at the death of the veteran journalist.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the death of  the journalist.

In a condolence message, the President said Toab Khan was a pioneer in journalism in Bangladesh. “The void created by his death in the country's media world will never be filled.”

PM Hasina, in another message, recalled that Toab Khan, the Editor of Bengali daily ‘Dainik Bangla’, had played the role of a word hero of Swadhin Betar Kendra during the Liberation War.

She noted that the distinguished journalist served with patriotism and devotion in various fields of mass media after the independence of Bangladesh.

The prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathies to his bereaved family.