The Cold War had greatly shaped Majid's worldview and the success of proponents of free market economy over the supporters of authoritarian planned economy had provided him with an opportunity to examine with journalistic objectivity the factors which had brought about the collapse of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
The editorials and articles that he painstakingly edited and commissioned as the Leader Page Editor for a leading English-language newspaper, Dawn, demonstrated-clearly and unambiguously-his ability to raise profound questions about the challenges that the world had to face in a uni-polar world dominated by the successors of the Anglo-Saxon Empire, the "American Empire". But people from his tribe derived a sort of consolation from the Chinese "miracle"-the unprecedented economic success of a rising China. That the historic economic growth taking place in the world's largest populated country is presided over by the Communist Party of China through a hybrid economic system, "Authoritarian Capitalism", was nevertheless a great source of satisfaction for them.
Hailing from Sylhet and a close relative of one of the most outstanding editors in the history of the country, Altaf Hussain, Majid's responsibilities were not only confined to that newspaper's op-ed pages or other editorial matters: he was also a sharp counsel for trade union leaders, particularly those from the newspaper industry. He owed his deep un-abiding passion for trade unionism to his days when he brokered a successful deal in the 1960s between that newspaper's management and its trade union to resolve a dangerous stalemate which had posed a serious threat to that newspaper's publication. Hence, his efforts would always be aimed at ensuring a healthy relationship between trade unions and management in changing environments.
His significantly long stint as the Leader Page Editor helped him enjoy slight and strong friendship of many columnists. They included Eqbal Ahmad the anti-war activist, who had earlier taught at University of Illinois at Chicago and Cornell University. Both of them were often found debating points and presenting evidence to substantiate their arguments. No doubt, Eqbal would always show a lot of respect for Majid's common sense and good judgement on a variety of issues. Their companionship ultimately also made him, albeit indirectly, a part of great Middle Eastern scholar Edward Said's circle of friends.
Majid was a likeable, able, humble, compassionate, intelligent, shrewd and highly experienced professional. But he did not succeed one of the longest serving Editors, Ahmad Ali Khan. Those who had always rated Majid as future editor of that newspaper included Business Recorder's founder-Editor M A Zuberi. The latter had also worked-for nearly two decades- on key editorial positions for the newspaper where Majid spent over half a century of his life.
(The writer is Business Recorder's News Editor. He previously worked on different positions for several other publications, including Dawn and Daily Times. Can be reached through news.editor @br-mail.com)