Awami League President and five-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed profound grief over the passing of renowned British journalist Sir Mark Tully, hailing him as an unwavering friend during the nation’s 1971 Liberation War.
Tully, who died at the age of 90 in a New Delhi hospital on January 25, 2026, leaves behind a legacy of courageous reporting that exposed Pakistani atrocities and galvanised global support for Bangladesh’s independence.
In a heartfelt condolence message, Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, described Tully as a “voice of humanity” whose work during the war era remains etched in the country’s history. His death marks the end of an era for journalism, particularly in South Asia, where he served as the BBC‘s bureau chief in India for over two decades.
A Voice for the Oppressed
Sir Mark Tully’s contributions to Bangladesh’s Liberation War were pivotal, as he risked his life to report on the ground realities amid the Pakistani military’s brutal crackdown. As the BBC’s South Asia correspondent, Tully travelled to refugee camps along the border and various districts in East Pakistan, delivering firsthand accounts that highlighted the plight of Bengalis.
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In her statement, Sheikh Hasina emphasised how Tully’s broadcasts exposed the “genocide, mass killings, and crimes against humanity” committed by Pakistani forces. His reporting, often aired on the BBC, became a crucial source of information when local media were suppressed. Tully’s narratives not only informed the world but also inspired freedom fighters on the frontlines and bolstered the morale of Bengalis abroad.
Recalling his experiences in a 2018 interview with the BBC’s Connected Histories project, Tully addressed accusations of bias in favour of Bangladesh. He asserted that the reports were based on verifiable evidence, stating: “The Pakistan government should have stopped the incidents [from] happening.” Upon entering East Pakistan after the initial crackdown, Tully witnessed widespread destruction: burned villages, damaged universities, and displaced residents. In Rajshahi, he noted that “almost every village along the roadside had been burned down” in an effort to crush resistance.
These accounts, later translated and published by outlets like Prothom Alo on March 26, 2024, underscored the Pakistani army’s ruthless tactics to establish control. Tully’s methodical verification of events elevated his journalism to the level of historical testimony, countering distortions that persist even 54 years after the war.
Bangladesh’s Gratitude
In acknowledgement of his extraordinary efforts, the Bangladesh government honoured Tully with the “Friends of Liberation War Honour” in 2012. The citation praised his reports for clarifying the war’s true picture and securing worldwide support for the freedom struggle.
Sheikh Hasina reiterated this in her condolence, noting that Tully’s “uncompromising commitment to truth” made him a symbol of journalistic integrity.
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Beyond Bangladesh, Tully received prestigious awards from India, including the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, as well as a knighthood from the United Kingdom. His career spanned from radio to the digital age, earning him respect as the “Voice of India” for the BBC.
Tully’s Early Life And Career
Born on October 24, 1935, in Tollygunge, Kolkata, to a British businessman, Tully spent his early childhood in India before returning to England at age nine. He briefly served in the army but left to study history and religion at the University of Cambridge, though he did not complete his degree.
Tully joined the BBC in 1964 and was posted to Delhi the following year, where he eventually served as bureau chief for 20 years until his retirement in 1994. Even after retiring, he continued as a freelance journalist based in India, while his wife Margaret and their four children resided in London.
A Lasting Legacy Amid Ongoing Challenges
Tully’s death comes at a time when falsehoods about the Liberation War continue to circulate, both domestically and internationally. Sheikh Hasina’s message prays for his soul’s peace and affirms that his contributions will “remain eternally radiant in Bangladesh’s history.” As a humanist and objective journalist, Tully’s work serves as a reminder of the power of truthful reporting in the face of oppression.
Bangladesh, still navigating Cold War-era divisions and modern distortions, owes much to voices like Tully’s. His passing is not just a loss for journalism but a poignant moment for a nation forever grateful for his solidarity during its darkest hours.
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