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BSS-24
OBIT-JOURNALIST-AJAY
Veteran sports journalist Ajay Barua passes away
DHAKA, July 12, 2019 (BSS)- Ajay Barua, a veteran sports journalist and sports editor of Dainik Sangbad, died at a hospital in London on Friday morning.
He was 72, family sources said.
Barua is survived by his wife, two daughters, a son and a host of relatives and admirers.
Barua, one of the pioneers of sports journalism in Bangladesh, went to England along with his wife on May 31 to covering the ICC Cricket World Cup.
He was admitted to Saint Berts Hospital in London a few days ago after falling sick there. He was then shifted to ICU two days ago after his health condition deteriorated.
A freedom fighter, Barua joined Dainik Sangbad as a sports journalist in 1974 and served the newspaper as its sports editor till his death.
Barua was an accomplished sportsman before starting journalism career. He received blue medal from Dhaka University for his outstanding contribution in sports.
Born on September 1 in 1947 at Hathazari upazila in Chattogram, Barua achieved post graduate degree in mathematics from Dhaka University after completing secondary school certificate from Chattogram Collegiate School and higher secondary certificate from Chattogram college.
He was also sports secretary of Jagannath Hall and played football for traditional Abahani limited. Barua, who had a strong attraction in sports from his childhood, toured West Pakistan representing Dhaka University.
The Bangladesh Sports Press Association, Bangladesh Sports Journalist Association and Bangladesh Sports Writer Community and different sports bodies including Bangladesh Cricket Board, Bangladesh Hockey Federation and Bangladesh Archery Federation expressed deep shock at the death of Ajay Barua.
They also prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
BSS/SG/MMA/1825hrs