Bangladesh’s Friend and Legendary Journalist Sir Mark Tully Passes Away
Sir Mark Tully, the trusted global voice of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, renowned British journalist and former BBC South Asia correspondent, has passed away. He died on Sunday afternoon while undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi, India. He was approximately 90 years old at the time of his death.
BBC Hindi Service reported that the news of Mark Tully’s death was confirmed by his former colleague and eminent journalist Satish Jacob. He had been suffering from various age-related complications for a long time.
During Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, Mark Tully served as the BBC’s South Asia correspondent. At that turbulent time, his regular reports on BBC Radio became one of the most significant international records documenting the repression, mass killings, and humanitarian catastrophe inflicted by the Pakistani military forces.
Inside the country, ordinary people waited anxiously to hear his voice on the radio. Through his reports, audiences across the world learned about the human rights violations taking place in East Pakistan and the true reality of the Liberation War.
Through impartial, courageous, and humane journalism during the Liberation War, Mark Tully played a crucial role in shaping international public opinion in favor of Bangladesh. His reporting highlighted the suffering of refugees, the horrors of genocide, and the Bengali people’s aspiration for independence.
In recognition of his contribution to Bangladesh’s independence through journalism and moral support, the Government of Bangladesh awarded him the Muktijuddho Moitri Sammanona in 2012. While receiving the honor, he spoke of his deep emotional connection with Bangladesh.
Throughout his journalistic career, Mark Tully was not merely a reporter but a living chronicle of South Asian history. With his passing, Bangladesh has lost a sincere friend of the Liberation War, and the world has lost a fearless and humane journalist.
