Surma Newspaper

1986

During 1986-88, Fazal took an initiative with the help of Nazrul Islam Bashon to encourage young Bengali writers to write stories, poems, and articles in their mother tongue and establish themselves through Surma newspaper. A group was set up with about 150 members throughout Britain called Surma Young Writers Group.

"When my husband died, I was scared to think what would happen to Surma. The newspaper was in Fazal's hands. I would say it was he who established and lifted it. He always worked hard and treated the newspaper as his own. I say to people that he was always honest, that is why he is successful now."

Mrs Ayesha Ahmed, Surma newspaper

This is a significant period because with Fazal's contributions the fourth best selling newspaper became the number one selling newspaper in a matter of a few years.

"I was never an advertising manager, I was never a graphic designer, I was never a journalist before but because I was given the opportunity to use all my ideas and skills and put them into the newspaper."

Fazal Mahmood

Fazal then went to Cardiff to complete a post graduation course on Tuberculosis and Chest disease (DTCD), for six months. He was still liasing with Surma newspaper, advising them in different situations. His plan was to return to Bangladesh after he had completed this course. His father was becoming increasingly ill and he desperately wished to visit his father, but permission was not issued. His goals of completing the course was fulfilled, however, sadness struck due to the loss of his father. Late Sadrul Alam died from jaundice. Fazal was granted permission just two months after his father's death and quickly flew to Bangladesh.

"My father was a very knowledgeable man. He had a vision, a dream that he wanted me to complete. I feel I am fulfilling his wish and making it more special and stronger."

Fazal Mahmood