Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Wednesday said the life and works of economist Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad should be an example for the youth and the new generation. He said at the age of 82, Kholiquzzaman is still working for long hours on research, social welfare, and for Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) while taking care of his family and personal responsibilities. Hasan was speaking as the chief guest at a book publication ceremony on Kholiquzzaman, chair of PKSF, organised by the Entrepreneurial Economists Club of Dhaka School of Economics (DScE), at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. The book was published by Pollok Publishers. The speakers of the programme discussed the achievements of Kholiquzzamn – including helping cut poverty, creating job opportunities for youth and rural people, and facilitating education and skills-based teaching. At the programme, Kholiquzzamn, also chair (GC) of DScE, said no one in the country should be left out of the stream of development for which inclusive growth is important. Read: Bangladesh emerged from language movement- Qazi Kholiquzzaman Professor Muhammad Mahboob Ali, former vice-chancellor of Presidency University, Shafi Ahmad, former professor of Jahangirnagar University's English department, Nilufar Banu, executive director of Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad, Professor Shaikh Ekramul Kabir, head of administration and academic affairs at DScE, Md Jamal Hossain, director of Bastob, Prothom Alo Joint Editor Sohrab Hasan, Forkan Ahmad, owner of Pallok publisher and one of the editors of the book, were present. Helal Ahmed Chowdhury, an independent director of Bank Asia, Moazzem Hossain; DScE faculties Rehana Parvin, Sara Tasneem and Shamim Ahmad, and Entrepreneurial Economists Club Club General Secretary Md Mahbubur Rahman, also attended the event.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said the government will do what it takes to preserve the literary works of iconic lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar, who died last week, at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). "With over 20,000 songs and many other literary works, Gazi Mazharul Anwar cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific Bangla songwriters in history. His family and co-workers must find and collect all of his works, and we will preserve those at the new complex of the BFDC," the minister said. "I have been a lifelong fan of music, and works of the late songsmith have been a great part of my life – our lives. His majestic songs, from 'Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel' to the thrilling patriotic track 'Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy' – are our treasures."

Information and Broadcasting Minister  Hasan Mahmud on Sunday expressed the hope that the world will soon return to its usual shape beating the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing global economic crisis. Also, instead of a politics of acrimony and lies, a politics of cohesion will be established in the country, said the minister, also the joint general secretary of the ruling Awami League. The minister was talking to journalists after offering Eid prayer at Sukhbilash village under Chattogram’s Rangunia upazila, his constituency. “The Covid-19 pandemic is making a comeback, while the Russia-Ukraine war has created an economic crisis worldwide. On this Eid day, I pray that we may get rid of these pandemics and economic crises and a mentality to face the crises may grow within us,” said Hasan. Read: Dengue: 4 patients hospitalised in Dhaka in 24hrs Hasan added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ensured welfare of the people despite critical situation at home and abroad. “I pray that she may lead the nation with an iron hand during this turbulent time,” Hasan added. The minister exchanged greetings with people from all walks of life, including party activists and relatives, at his village home.