|| Special Correspondent: Professor Rafiq Ullah Sikder, Editor of Dainik Alor Barta, Editor and Publisher of The Daily State and a member of the National Press Club, has passed away. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. He was also serving as the Chief Adviser of Dhaka Press Club.According to family sources, Professor Sikder fell suddenly ill and was first admitted to Square Hospital in the capital. While undergoing treatment there, he suffered a stroke. On the advice of doctors, he was later transferred to Islami Bank Hospital for advanced care and was kept on life support. He breathed his last at the hospital on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at around 5 pm.His first namaz-e-janaza was held at 9 pm on Sunday in front of Banglamotor Boro Masjid. The second janaza was held later at the Shahid Buddhijibi Cemetery Masjid in Mirpur, where he was laid to rest.News of Professor Sikder’s sudden demise cast a pall of grief over the journalist community and Dhaka Press Club. In a condolence message, Dhaka Press Club General Secretary Md. Mosleh Uddin Bachchu expressed deep sorrow, saying, "Today I have lost a mentor and a respected guardian of my journalism career." He prayed for the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.Professor Sikder was widely respected for his contributions to journalism and for his guidance to young reporters.