The 76th birth anniversary of legendary writer, playwright and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed is being observed on Wednesday. Often regarded as one of the best writers in Bengali literature after Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, Humayun Ahmed is credited with revitalising Bengali literature and is best known for his iconic fictional characterisations such as ‘Himu’, ‘Misir Ali’, ‘Baker Bhai’ and others, as well as for his ‘magic-realism’ based storytelling. Making the breakthrough in the Bengali litmosphere with his debut novel Nondito Noroke (1972), Humayun wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh and are still popular among his readers. Unanimously regarded as the bestseller author at the Ekushey Book Fairs during the 1990s and 2000s, the majestic litterateur received the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, Bachsas Award and more, for his outstanding contributions to the Bengali culture and entertainment sphere. As a successful content-maker in television, Ahmed debuted with his drama 'Prothom Prohor' (1983) for Bangladesh Television (BTV). His successful journey in television continued with popular drama serials 'Ei Shob Din Ratri', 'Bohubrihi', 'Ayomoy', 'Nokkhotrer Raat', 'Aaj Robibar' and most notably, 'Kothao Keu Nei' for the character of ‘Baker Bhai’ played by eminent actor Asaduzzaman Noor. Humayun Ahmed also explored success as a filmmaker in the early 1990s and made eight films in his filmmaking career, each based on his own novels. Two of his films, 'Shyamol Chhaya' (2004) and 'Ghetuputra Komola' (2012) were the official Bangladeshi submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in their respective release years. He received seven Bangladesh National Film Awards in different categories for the films Shonkhonil Karagar' (as screenwriter), 'Aguner Poroshmoni', 'Daruchini Dwip' and 'Ghetuputra Komola'. Commemorating his life and legacy, family members, different organisations, and his admirers are set to celebrate Humayun Ahmed’s birth anniversary today. Humayun Ahmed’s widow and cultural personality Meher Afroz Shaon, alongside their sons Nishad Humayun and Ninith Humayun, traditionally begin the day every year with admirers of the legendary litterateur at their house ‘Dakhin Hawa’ in the capital through a cake-cutting ceremony at 12 am. Himu Paribahan, a noted fan group of the eminent writer, has been observing his birth anniversary for many years. Today, it will be travelling to Nuhash Polli in Gazipur to commemorate the celebrated litterateurs’ birth anniversary. Meanwhile, a day-long ‘Himu Utsab’ will be organised by the youth-based organization Himu Pathak Adda in Netrakona, the author's home district. Among other events, the theatre troupe Bahubachan will stage its play ‘Ami Ebong Amra’, based on the famous book of Humayun’s ‘Misir Ali’ series, at the National Theatre Hall auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 7 pm. Marking the occasion of the coveted writer’s 76th birth anniversary, a special seminar will be organised today at 4 pm in the Academy's Poet Shamsur Rahman seminar room. Dr Sarker Amin, Bangla Academy Director of Culture, Newspaper and Auditorium Department will deliver the welcome speech, while fiction writer Salah Uddin Shuvro will present the keynote essay. Professor Ahmed Mawla and Professor Sumon Rahman will participate in the discussion, which will be chaired by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy. Apart from these events, tributes will be paid by various organisations and groups at Humayun Ahmed's tomb this morning at Nuhash Polli, and prayer sessions will be organized in the afternoon.

At least 20 people of the ruling Awami League (AL) were injured in a clash between two groups of ruling Awami League during celebration of the 103rd birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day here on Friday. The injured were admitted to local hospitals. But their identities could not be known immediately. Of them, Bauphal upazila unit AL General Secretary and Upazila Parishad Chairman Abdul Motaleb Hawlader was hospitalised at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital with serious injury, hospital doctors said. On the occasion of the Bangabandhu’s birthday, local,AL lawmaker ASM Feroz, Motaleb and district unit AL Joint General Secretary and Bauphal municipal Mayor Ziaul Hoque Jewel announced separate programmes.  Also Read: Bangladesh remembers Bangabandhu on his 103rd birth anniversary Of them, Feroz and Motaleb called the programme at the same place and time. A tense situation had been prevailing in the area over the matter for the last few days.   Auribindu, an upazila unit Juba League leader, told UNB that Motaleb and his followers brought out a celebratory procession around 11:00am. Police obstructed the procession in front of upazila parishad gate when it was marching towards the party office, he said. Also Read: AL destroys electoral system by “so-called” SCBA polls, says BNP demanding fresh vote Suddenly, several hundred supporters of Faisal Ahmed Monir, nephew of the lawmaker and upazila unit AL President Feroz, attacked Motaleb and his men with sharp weapons when an altercation broke out between police and him, Auribindu said. Law enforcers fired at least 7-8 rounds of rubber bullets to bring the situation under control, causing a panic among locals. As of filing this report around 3:00pm, a tense situation has been prevailing in the area. Al Mamun, officer-in-charge of Bauphal police station, said an additional number of police personnel have been deployed to ward off any unexpected incident further. He said they were forced to fire the rubber bullets to disperse the infighting groups. Md Al Amin, Bauphal upazila nirbahi officer, said both groups promised to hold their events in a peaceful manner but no one kept their words despite his request.      

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking his 103rd birth anniversary and the National Children’s Day-2023. She placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi Road No. 32 here this morning. After placing the wreath, the premier stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of the founding father of the country. A smartly turned out contingent drawn from Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force gave a guard of honour on the occasion. A munajat was also offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of the martyrs of August 15 carnage. Later, Awami League (AL) President Sheikh Hasina, flanked by AL senior leaders, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of her party. Read more: PM pays homage to Bangabandhu Then the PM flew to Tungipara by helicopter to pay homage to Bangabandhu and offer prayers at the Mausoleum of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman there. She will also attend a programme on the National Children's Day. On this day in 1920, Bangabandhu, the architect of independent Bangladesh and the greatest Bangali of all times, was born at Tungipara in Gopalganj. He was assassinated along with most members of his family on August 15, 1975.  

BNP will celebrate the 87th birth anniversary of its founder Ziaur Rahman on Thursday. Born on January 19, 1936 at Bagbari in Bogura, Ziaur Rahman, founded BNP in 1978 and became the country’s seventh president. Zia was assassinated by a group of army officers at Chattogram Circuit House on May 30, 1981. BNP on Saturday announced a 10-day programme to mark the birth anniversary of its founder with due respect. Read more: Zia's 87th birth anniversary: BNP chalks out elaborate programmes The programmes include placing of wreaths at Zia's grave at Sher-e-Banglanagar at 11 am and discussions at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of Zia at 3 pm on Thursday. BNP’s associate bodies will also mark the day with various programmes, including discussions, a photo exhibition, and an essay competition as part of the birth anniversary programmes. An art competition, organised by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, was held on January 18. A milad mahfil, organised by Ulama Dal, will held on the same day. Dhaka Metropolitan BNP (North-South) will distribute winter clothes on Thursday. Besides, a cultural programme will be held on January 20 arranged by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas). The party’s city, district and upazila units will also observe the day with different programmes. Read more: BNP pays tribute to Zia on its founding anniversary Meanwhile, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir issued a message on the occasion paying deep homage to Zia. He recalled the BNP founder’s contributions to the country’s development and restoration of ‘multiparty democracy’. Fakhrul also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul of Zia.

The 112nd birth anniversary of former Chief Justice Syed Mahbub Murshed will be celebrated tomorrow (Wednesday). Syed Mahbub Murshed Memorial Committee will place a floral wreath to the graveyard of the former justice, jurist and thinker in the city’s Banani area around 10am. A doa mahfil will also be held marking the birth anniversary. Read more: Panel formed for smooth celebrations of Bangabandhu’s birth centenary Besides, several lawyer, social and cultural organisations have taken initiatives to hold a session on his life and works, a press release, signed by the committee’s Secretary Kazi Salahuddin, said on Tuesday.

The 87th birth anniversary of celebrated writer and poet Syed Shamsul Haq was observed in the district town on Tuesday through various programmes. Kurigram district administration and different cultural and educational institutions brought out a procession and placed floral wreaths on Haque’s grave on Kurigram Government College campus. Later, Syed Shamsul Haq Smriti Parishad arranged a fair named ‘Syed Shamsul Haque Mela’ at the Bat tala of Government College premises. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif, Superintendent of Police Al Asad Md Mahfuzul Islam, son of the poet Ditio Syed Haq, Principal of Kurigram Government College Mirza Md Nasir Uddin, Municipality Mayor Kaziul Islam, spoke at the opening ceremony among others. The speakers urged the government to build a memorial complex around Syed Haque's grave as soon as possible. The Ekushey Padak and Independence Award-winning writer, playwright and poet was born in Kurigram on December 27, 1935 to Syed Siddique Husain, a homoeopathic physician, and Halima Khatun. He passed away on September 27, 2016 at the United Hospital in the capital, at the age of 81 after suffering from critical lungs disease. He is survived by his wife Dr Anwara Syed Haq, son Ditio Syed Haq, daughter Bidita Sadi and a host of relatives, well-wishers, fans and admirers.    

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC has observed the 92nd birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, wife of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recalling Bangamata's great sacrifice and dedication to her family, society and the nation. The Embassy organised different programmes at the Bangabandhu Auditorium on the occasion on Monday. Messages from the President and the Prime Minister on the occasion were read out by Defence Attaché Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam and Minister (Political) Dewan Ali Ashraf. Later, a discussion session was held, which was presided over by M Shahidul Islam, Ambassdor of Bangladesh to the United States, and participated by Senior Secretary of the Defence Ministry of Bangladesh Golam Md Hashibul Alam as the guest of honor. Read:Cultural organisations observe Bangamata’s 92nd birth anniversary Defence Secretary Hashibul Alam paid tributes to Bangamata and remembered Bangamata’s role as the life partner of the Father of the Nation, as well as her contribution to the liberation struggle of Bangladesh. Ambassador Islam highlighted Bangamata's tremendous sacrifice and dedication to her family, society and nation as well as her influence in the life of Bangabandhu, and her behind-the-scene but pivotal role in determining the course of the history of Bangladesh. Eminent journalist and newscaster Roquia Haidar, Deputy Chief of Mission Ferdousi Shahriar and Counsellor Arifa Rahman Ruma also spoke on the occasion. Counsellor and Head of Chancery Md Mahmudul Islam conducted the programmes. After the discussion, a documentary on the life and works of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib was screened. A special prayer was offered, seeking eternal peace for departed souls of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, their family members, and others martyred on the fateful night of 15 August 1975. Earlier, the Defence Secretary and the Ambassador placed a floral wreath at the portrait of Bangamata Fazilatun Nesa Mujib to pay their homage. Senior officers of the Embassy were present on the occasion.

The 123rd birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be celebrated in the country on Wednesday in a befitting manner. Known and regarded as the ‘rebel poet’ for his iconoclastic and majestic literary creations, Kazi Nazrul Islam was born at Churulia village of Burdwan in the Indian state of West Bengal in 1899. Nazrul through his fiery poems had inspired people to fight against injustice and repression of the colonial rule. Aiming to observe the glorious day amid festivities without the fear of COVID-19 for the first time in two years, the maximum number of government and non-government organizations and different cultural platforms chalked out separate programmes with cultural performances and discussions on the life and works of the rebel poet.  This year, the government has announced the theme of the birth anniversary celebration of the national poet as the “Rebel’s Centenary.” According to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the events observing the 123rd birth anniversary of the national poet will begin with placing floral wreaths at the grave of the poet at Dhaka University at 6:30 am.  State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid and Secretary Abul Mansur will be present on the occasion alongside other officials of the Ministry and its associated wings and departments. The main event marking the national poet's 123rd birth anniversary will take place at Cumilla Birchandra Public Library and City Auditorium premises (Town Hall) at 11 am.  Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud will be present at the opening ceremony as the chief guest, which will also be joined by Nazrul’s granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi as a special guest. Country’s leading cultural institution Chhayanaut is set to organize a two-day "Nazrul Uthsab '' from May 25 at the Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban, Dhanmondi in the capital.  This year, the event is welcoming in-person attendance for the first time in the last two years, and the festival will be featuring performances inspired by Nazrul's literature and songs at Chhayanaut's auditorium at 7 pm. The festival will also be aired on Chhayanaut's official Facebook page and YouTube channel. On Tuesday, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University (JKKNIU) in Trishal, Mymensingh, inaugurated a three-day celebration programme, featuring discussion, awards ceremony, photography exhibition and cultural programmes.  Also read:Nazrul’s ‘Bidrohi’ recited by hundred people in a chorus in Chuadanga Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar was present as the chief guest at JKKNIU’s Gahi Sammyer Gaan Mancha on the first day’s event at 11 am. Vice-Chancellor Prof.Soumitra Shekhar chaired the event, which was also joined by Poet Muhammad Nurul Huda, Director General of Bangla Academy as the special guest. On the occasion, eminent Nazrul sangeet exponent Sujit Mostafa was awarded with the Nazrul Padak. The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) organized a solo music show of renowned Nazrul exponent Khairul Anam Shakil on Tuesday. The event, titled “Nazrul Sangeet Sandhya” was held at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at 6:30 pm. Many other organizations and institutions including Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Kazi Nazrul Institute and more will be organizing special events, marking the 123rd birth anniversary of the poet. Several television channels, radio stations and online platforms are organizing special programmes, marking the occasion. Newspapers will publish special supplements on the occasion. According to the Nazrul Institute, Kazi Nazrul wrote 2,600 songs, 600 poetry, three novels, and 43 articles in a career spanning 21 years before losing his speech. After the death of his father, Kazi Nazrul obtained a job as a caregiver and also worked as a muezzin at a mosque to support his family. At the age of nine, he had to drop out of school to join a Churulia-based professional ‘leto' company. He was introduced to Bangali and Sanskrit literature while working for the group. He returned to school a year later and enrolled at Matharun English School, but dropped out again in Class VI due to poverty. After a while, police officer Kazi Rafizullah took him in at his home in Trishal, Mymensingh, and enrolled him in Class VII at Darirampur School. Serving the British Army in 1917 as a soldier, Kazi Nazrul started his literary career within a few years. His cult-classic poem ‘Bidrohi’ (The Rebel) was published in 1921. A year later, he started a fortnightly magazine named ‘Dhumketu’ (The Comet). His nationalist participation in the Indian Independence Movement landed him in the hands of colonial British authorities on several occasions.  While in prison, Kazi Nazrul authored the 'Rajbandir Jabanbandi' (Deposition of a Political Prisoner), and his creations later encouraged Bangladesh Liberation War. Freedom, humanity, love and revolution are the constant themes in Kazi Nazrul's majestic literary creations. He was against all sorts of religious, caste-based, and gender-based discrimination and extremism. He wrote short stories, novels and essays, but his songs and poems are his most critically acclaimed literary creations. He popularised Bengali ghazal melodies, and is noted for his liberal usage of Arabic and Persian terms in his writings. Kazi Nazrul created a new genre in music called ‘Nazrul Geeti’, a collection of 4,000 songs that he wrote and created the music for, many of which were recorded on HMV. In 1942, Kazi Nazrul began to lose his voice and memory due to an unexplained ailment. Later, a medical team in Vienna identified his illness as Pick's disease, a rare and incurable neurodegenerative disease. His family travelled to Bangladesh at the invitation of then Bangladeshi government and settled down in Dhaka in 1972. For his iconic contribution to Bangla literature and culture, Dhaka University awarded him an honorary post-doctoral degree in 1974. He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 1976.  Kazi Nazrul breathed his last in Dhaka on August 29, 1976. Also read: Remembering Nazrul, a poet par excellence! President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages highlighting the colourful life of the poet and his contributions to Bangla language and literature. In his message, the President said, “Nazrul’s write-ups inspired us in all democratic movements including the anti-British movement, the Language Movement, the Mass Uprising in 1969, and the Liberation War.” “I firmly believe that the new generation will be able to enrich themselves through the practice of Nazrul and will play a role in building a happy and prosperous ‘Sonar Bangla’ with patriotism and honesty.” In her message, the Prime Minister said, “I believe Nazrul's write-ups will play a role in building a non-communal, peaceful, happy, prosperous and modern Bangladesh.” She also wished success of all programmes marking the day.

The 102nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day were celebrated in Australian capital Canberra with the active participation of children. The evening event began with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner, officials and community members placing wreaths in front of the portrait of the Father of the Nation. Children participated in the event, reciting poems and singing songs to highlight Bangabandhu’s love for children. In the morning, Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Australia, Mohammad Sufiur Rahman, hoisted the national flag, according to a release on Friday. A discussion session was also held where young speakers from the community highly admired the sacrifice of the great leader. They also discussed the leadership quality of Bangabandhu during the early stage of his life. READ: Follow Bangabandhu to become self- confident, overcome all obstacles:Energy advisor

Prime Minister's energy advisor Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury has urged all to follow Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to become self- confident to overcome all obstacles. He was speaking as the chief guest at a virtual discussion meeting, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation and the National Children's Day 2022 on Thursday. He said Bangabandhu fought all his life for the freedom of common man. Also read: Bangabandhu’s 102nd birth anniversary observed “If we can follow him properly, we will be able to do something for the country and the common people," he added. State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid in a message at the meeting said that Bangabandhu loved the children most. His dream was that the children and teenagers would develop their skills in sports as well as pursuing the modern education. Also read: Bangabandhu's birthday evokes his dream: Joy Bangabandhu's self-sacrific, patriotism and struggle must be presented to the children and adolescents for the development of their humane qualities, said the state minister. Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation Chairman ABM Azad, Petobangla Chairman Nazmul Ahsan, and Additional Secretary SM Zakir Hossain also spoke on the occasion. Earlier, , the officials of the Power Division placed a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu at Bidyut Bhaban on the occassion of Bangabandhu's birth anniversary and the National Children's Day.