United News of Bangladesh

When the restless heart that once beat with curiosity, mystery and endless imagination suddenly fell silent, it left more than just grief. It carved an untreatable wound where nostalgia of teenage years used to dwell with sweet melancholia. This Wednesday, Rakib Hasan, the revered author of the Tin Goyenda series, breathed his last at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital during dialysis. He had returned often, each visit a fragile thread keeping his light alive. But now, before treatment could even begin, death claimed him, causing us a great loss. Destined to chase mystery Rakib Hasan was born on December 12, 1950 in Cumilla. His childhood moved with his father’s transferable job, across Feni and beyond, but it was fueled by a world he carried inside,  a world of shadows, enigma and bewilderment. Initially, he completed schooling, tried uneventful regular work for a while. But the 9 to 6 life could never meet the needs of a soul meant to roam the unknown, to explore suspense and to chase anecdotes waiting to be told. Some books do more than just telling stories. They hide in your backpack, peek from your desk, fold within a fat textbook, become your companions under a warm blanket and your secret friends when the afternoon outside becomes too loud. For those of us who grew up in the '90s and '00s, Tin Goyenda was all of that. Launched in 1985, it was never just detective fiction. Inspired at first by Robert Arthur Jr.’s ‘The Three Investigators’, Rakib Hasan penned the series  into a world for restless juvenile hearts. Kishore, Musa, and Robin, through their laughter echoing under moonlit skies, courage flickering through dark forests, doubts trembling in shadowed corridors, became our invisible companions. They were our whispered wishes, our daring dreams of justice. Through their adventurous tales, we started believing that mysteries could be solved, truths uncovered and that friendship could conquer any fear. And then there was Geogina "Jina"  Parker. Spirited, mischievous, and fearless, she teased Musa, challenged the boys and yet brought warmth and loyalty that tied the group together. For us juveniles, she wasn’t just a character, she was the laughter in the night, the spark in our imaginations, the daring spirit that made flipping the pages of Tin Goyenda under the dim glow of a bedside lamp feel like sneaking into another world that we didn’t understand properly then. Even now, when I pick up a yellowed book, spine-cracked and pages pale with time, a pang of nostalgia hits. An adolescence lost, yet alive within the adventures Rakib Hasan left behind. Over 400 books, including more than 150 Tin Goyenda volumes, were his gift. To many of us, those books are the worlds that will never fade. Beyond 'Tin Goyenda' It goes without saying that his imagination had no limits. Alongside works under his own name, he wrote as Zafar Chowdhury for the Romohorshok series and as Abu Sayeed for Goyenda Raju. He translated Tarzan, Arabian Nights, and other timeless adventures to bring the distant worlds into the hands of Bangladeshi juveniles. His writings were never just mere stories of solving mysteries. They were lessons in courage, resilience and quiet bravery which worked like magic to shape the thoughts of young readers. Every tale had the heartbeat of childhood nights, the thrill of discovery, the whisper of courage hidden in shadows, constantly reminding us that even in darkness, something precious waits. Now that voice has faded like the last soft echo of a bedtime story. What remains now for the fans? A few faded pages, spines worn thin by love, margins filled with the handwriting of teens who are no longer unreasonable like they used to be. Those books once held beneath old mosquito nets, read by the trembling light of a dying yellow bulb, smelled like rain, mud, dust and multiple true friends. And somewhere between those lines, an entire generation found its courage, its laughter, its desire to live long and dream big. Tin Goyenda, Goyenda Raju, Romohorshok, names that once echoed through morning schoolyards and late afternoon playgrounds, now rest like ghosts in our shelves, whispering the promises of a world that will never return. Those tiny pocket books upheld a whole new world to us and helped understand too. They taught us that mystery was never just in the forest or the fog, it was in the ache of growing up, the fear of losing magic and the adamant hope that our heroes never die. And yet, they did, just like Rakib Hasan, leaving us to wander like nomads through the dim corridors of memories, grappling his writings like torches that still flicker, even after the storyteller is gone. A final goodbye I remember sneaking a Tin Goyenda book under my blanket, heart pounding that my mom might find out, reading past midnight, desperate for just one more chapter. I remember the pride when someone asked, “Who solved it?” as if I had been a part of the adventure. Even as tears fall, I am grateful to him for the laughter, the fear, the puzzles, the nights spent with his words. For understanding the fact that children deserve great stories and that even ordinary life can hold extraordinary wonders. Goodbye, Rakib Hasan. You have gone, but your mysteries remain in our old dusty bookshelves, in aching hearts, in every juvenile’s pursuit of the unknown who grew up into adults reading your words. May your divine soul find peace! And, may your writings never lose their appeal!  

The copywriting profession offers a dynamic and rewarding career where strong writing skills can significantly influence marketing success. With businesses constantly seeking persuasive content, the demand for skilled copywriters continues to grow. Fortunately, numerous free courses on online platforms provide accessible learning opportunities to hone these valuable skills. Let’s explore the best online courses with no cost to kick-start your copywriting journey. Top 10 Free Online Courses for Aspiring Copywriters in 2025 . Copywriting Course: The Power of Storytelling + 33 Stories (Udemy) This Udemy course offers 1 section of 44 lectures packed into 1 hour 43 minutes of practical learning. Learners explore how stories shape emotional connections, amplify engagement, and significantly improve content retention. The lessons teach ways to define a brand’s voice, boost conversion rates, and craft shareable content for digital platforms. The lessons are led by Ing. Tomas Moravek, an Internet Efficiency Award-winning Digital Marketing Expert. Read more: 12 Most In-Demand Tech Skills for 2025: Stay Ahead in the Job Market Though the course does not offer a certificate, its knowledge is valuable for anyone starting in copywriting. Course Link: https://www.udemy.com/course/copywriting-storytelling/ Free Copywriting Tutorial – Effective Copywriting Basics for Entrepreneurs (Udemy) Packed into 9 lectures, this compact Udemy program delivers nearly 1 hour and 42 minutes of targeted learning. The focus lies on writing sales copy, understanding customer behavior, and building messages that drive action. The course is ideal for marketers and entrepreneurs seeking to improve sales writing. Matt Bernstein, the instructor, earned his Communication degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out Although no certificate is offered, the training delivers clear and practical copywriting techniques. Direct Access: https://www.udemy.com/course/copywriting-basics/ Copywriting - Extreme Results for Business Owners (Udemy) This Udemy tutorial is split into 9 sections with 40 lectures and lasts 1 hour and 9 minutes. It walks learners through the essentials of copywriting, strategy building, and powerful writing techniques. Topics also include the difference between copywriting and content marketing, plus 12 power words every marketer should know. The course is offered by Dopamind Academy, created by Bruna do Carmo, a businesswoman and teacher since 2011. Read more: Where to Learn the French Language in Dhaka While the course does not include a certificate, it provides actionable methods for refining sales copy and defining ideal clients. Course Link: https://www.udemy.com/course/copywriting-extreme-results-for-business-owners/ The Science Behind Website Copy That Converts (Udemy) Spread across 3 sections and 12 lectures, this 37-minute mini-series breaks down the procedure behind crafting high-impact web copy. Learners explore five essential themes: persuasive principles, brand voice, copy versus content, sales psychology, and SEO-focused writing. Each module reveals how to apply psychology and theory to shape reader behavior without sounding overly salesy. Elena Connolly, a seasoned Conversion Copywriter and Brand Strategist with over a decade of industry expertise, leads this compact program. Read more: How to Answer “Why Did You Choose this Job?” Effectively While the free version skips certification, the exercises encourage portfolio-building for beginners aiming to secure practical writing opportunities. Access Here: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-science-behind-website-copy-that-converts/ AI-Enhanced Copywriting: SurferSEO, Upword, and Anyword (Coursera) Over a focused 2-hour session, this single-module program, featuring 9 videos and 1 hands-on assignment, teaches how to pair human creativity with AI-driven platforms like SurferSEO, Upword, and Anyword. Students learn to automate content insights, fine-tune copy for search engines, and adjust tone for target audiences based on machine-generated feedback. The material is taught by Vinita Silaparasetty, a Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning, alongside the Starweaver Instructor Team. Read more: How to Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application Although certification requires a paid plan, the provided assignment helps learners practice writing AI-informed marketing content. Course Link:https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-enhanced-copywriting-surferseo-upword-and-anyword Copywriting Basics for Successful Sales (Skillshare) Spanning 13 lessons in 1 hour and 21 minutes, this beginner-friendly program introduces proven techniques for writing headlines, creating reader-focused messages, and using timeless frameworks to boost conversions. Real-world examples help bridge theory and practice, offering clear takeaways for writing copy that sells. Led by Jack Zerby, an entrepreneur and Head of Design at Gumroad, the lessons reflect his hands-on knowledge of design thinking and brand storytelling. Read more: Does Everyone Need to Learn Programming? The Truth About Coding in The Age of AI While Skillshare’s free trial grants access to the full content, earning a certificate requires a paid membership.   Visit Course Page: https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/copywriting-basics-for-successful-sales-time-tested-tactics-that-prompt-action/508541130 SEO Copywriting for Digital Marketing Success (Skillshare) Through 17 well-structured lessons spanning 1 hour and 43 minutes, this training covers the core of SEO copywriting. It extends from keyword research and headline crafting to writing microcopy for web pages. Students also learn how to write persuasive calls to action, build structured drafts, and maintain the freshness of their digital content over time. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests Guidance comes from Ruth Clowes, a seasoned copywriter and trainer with over 20 years of marketing and communication expertise. The class includes a hands-on project- crafting a blog post for a fictional sustainable brand called Green Cat. As Skillshare’s certification is available only via a paid subscription, it doesn’t provide any certificate like other free programs. Course Link: https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/seo-copywriting-for-digital-marketing-success/1479232761 Master Storytelling and Copywriting with ChatGPT - Transform Your Writing with AI (Skillshare) Spread across 15 practical lessons totaling 1 hour and 39 minutes, this program helps writers learn how to steer ChatGPT into producing stories. The aim is to generate content that resonates emotionally, rather than just filling space. Learners develop techniques for mastering tone, conversational writing, empathy-driven messaging, humor, and even personalized brand style. Read more: Why Backbenchers are Often More Successful in the Professional World Kasia Pilch, a seasoned Online Strategist and Marketing Specialist, designed the material for beginners and pros alike. The course also features four client-focused class projects, encouraging learners to apply creative storytelling techniques hands-on. While a certificate isn’t included, the hands-on assignments serve as valuable assets for building a strong copywriting portfolio. Start Learning: https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/master-storytelling-and-copywriting-with-chatgpt-transform-your-writing-with-ai/1164232122 Copywriting for Beginners and Pros With Exercises (Class Central) Through 14 YouTube-hosted videos lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, this beginner-friendly course balances advanced copy techniques with hands-on writing drills. Lessons include crafting short, punchy sentences, using a customer-first mindset, and building effortless yet persuasive copy. Read more: Workplace Burnouts: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, and Remedies Cecilia Elise Wallin, a veteran journalist, novelist, and marketer with three decades of writing experience, leads the sessions. Unlike many platforms, this course offers a free certificate upon completion. Moreover, videos are also available on YouTube. Course Access Link: https://www.classcentral.com/classroom/youtube-copywriting-for-beginners-and-pros-free-course-with-exercises-61648 Become A Copywriter Pro from Ground Up (Eduonix) Spanning 5 sections and 16 lectures across 3 hours and 12 minutes, this masterclass guides learners from basic copywriting principles to advanced storytelling and headline crafting. Along the way, it highlights the subtle techniques that shape messages capable of influencing readers and driving conversions. Read more: How to Make a Video Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide The course is developed by Eduonix, a collective of seasoned industry professionals who have specialized in technology and creative training for over a decade. Though the free program does not offer a certificate, the assignments included provide excellent material for any budding copywriter’s portfolio. Jump to Course: https://www.eduonix.com/courses/Marketing/Become-A-Copywriter-Pro-from-Ground-Up Summing Up These 10 best online copywriting courses present an inviting mix of short, sharp lessons and in-depth learning paths for aspiring wordsmiths. Among them, Eduonix’s “Become A Copywriter Pro from Ground Up” stands out with the longest duration. Apart from this, “Copywriting Basics for Successful Sales” and others hold a moderate runtime between one and a half and 2 hours. On the quicker side, “The Science Behind Website Copy That Converts” wraps things up in the shortest duration. Read more: How to Utilise the Power of Visualisation to Achieve Goals However, each offers valuable insights into persuasive writing, providing the foundation necessary to kick off a successful copywriting career.

The nation is observing the 11th death anniversary of the iconic writer, filmmaker Humayun Ahmed today (January 19, 2023). Widely considered one of the cornerstones of modern Bangla literature, the legendary writer passed away on July 19, 2012, due to colorectal cancer at the age of 63 at Bellevue Hospital, New York, in the United States. His family and several organizations are observing the day with different programmes and events. Humayun Ahmed's widow and actress-media personality Meher Afroz Shaon, alongside their two sons Ninit and Nishad, placed wreaths at his grave in Nuhash Palli, Gazipur in the morning. Remembering Humayun Ahmed on his 74th birth anniversary Special prayers and Quran Khatam have been organized since morning, and a prayer ceremony was also held to seek eternal peace of his soul. Orphans will be fed at noon marking the occasion, according to both Shaon and the authority of Nuhash Palli. Himu Paribahan, a renowned fan unit of the prolific writer, has been observing the special day since 2013. Members of the platform placed wreaths at the writer's grave in the morning. Several other organisations are also commemorating the day with various events, while fans and admirers are sharing emotional tributes to the legend on their social media accounts. Television channels and radio stations are also airing various programmes, highlighting the life and glorious career of the wordsmith. Remembering Humayun Ahmed on his 10th death anniversary Humayun Ahmed was born in Kutubpur village at Mohanganj, Netrakona to Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez on November 13, 1948. He passed the School Certificate (1965) from Bogra Zilla School, Intermediate from Dhaka College and earned his BSc and MSc in Chemistry from Dhaka University with first class. He joined Dhaka University as a lecturer of Chemistry and later went to North Dakota State University in the United States to pursue his PhD in Polymer Chemistry. 'Nondito Noroke' (1972) was Humayun Ahmed's debut novel, which gave him the breakthrough and propelled his career as a writer. The Ekushey Padak winner writer wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh to date. Remembering Humayun Ahmed, a polymath par excellence He won Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, Bachsas Award, and more for his outstanding contributions in his illustrious career to the Bengali culture and entertainment sphere. Humayun 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' which created a never-before-seen hype in the nation surrounding the lead character 'Baker Bhai', portrayed by veteran actor Asaduzzaman Noor. Humayun Ahmed also explored success as a filmmaker in the early 1990s and went on to make a total of eight films in his filmmaking career, each based on his 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 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'. Read more: Humayun Ahmed: The Creator of Versatile Fictional Characters

Samaresh Majumdar, the renowned Bengali novelist from West Bengal, India passed away on May 8, 2023. He was not only a prolific writer but also a source of inspiration for many filmmakers and TV drama producers. Majumdar's works were known for their realistic portrayal of social issues and human emotions. Some of his novels have been adapted into critically acclaimed films and TV dramas. From the Naxal movement in "Kalbela" to the character of detective Arjun in "Buno Haansh," Majumdar's works have taken the Bengali literary and cinematic world to a new height. Let’s explore some of the most memorable films and dramas based on Samaresh Majumdar's novels. 7 Films and TV Dramas based on Samaresh Majumdar’s Works to Watch Kaalbela Directed by Goutam Ghose the film "Kaalbela" was released on May 19, 2016. This film features a stellar cast including Soumitra Chatterjee, Santu Mukherjee, Parambrata Chatterjee, Rudranil Ghosh, Bratya Basu, Anandi Ghose, and others.  The story, based on a novel by Majumdar, revolves around the disillusionment of young Bengali students who take up the cause of revolution, only to be left with unanswered questions regarding the conduct of those who change their tracks midway.  The story is set against the backdrop of the political unrest in Kolkata during the 1960s, where we see Madhabilata fighting against societal norms as an unwed mother, while Animesh questions the ideology he once fought for. The film highlights the struggles faced by these young revolutionaries and the impact it has on their lives. The film manages to capture the essence of the novel and brings it to life on screen. Overall, "Kaalbela" is a compelling drama that is worth watching for its stellar performances and thought-provoking storyline. Read More: Netflix Originals in English Coming in June 2023 Buno Haansh “Buno Haansh” is a Bengali action thriller film directed by Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury, based on a novel by Samaresh Majumdar. The film was one of the high-budget films of Tollywood and was released on 15 August 2014. The main theme centres around Amal, who gets deeply involved in smuggling and eventually realises that he is a part of a dangerous game.  The film features Srabanti Chatterjee and Tanusree Chakraborty as the female leads and Moon Moon Sen as the central character.  “Buno Haansh” was produced by Bhushan Kumar and Arindam Sil served as the executive producer. The film was shot in various locations, including Mumbai, Bangladesh, and Thailand. Read More: ‘Deora’: Coke Studio Bangla’s latest featuring Pritom and Islamuddin Palakar is an instant hit   Arjun – Kalimpong E Sitaharan Bengali thriller film titled "Arjun - Kalimpong E Sitaharan," directed by Prem Prakash Modi and produced by Mukul Sarkar, was released in 2013. The movie starred Om Prakash Sahani and Sabyasachi Chakraborty as the lead actors.  Arjun is a famous Bengali fictional character created by the renowned novelist Samaresh Majumdar, primarily for a young audience. The film's storyline is based on two novels of Samaresh Majumdar, "Sitaharan Rahasya" and "Khunkharapi."  The storyline revolves around Sita, a teenage girl on the brink of adulthood, born and raised in the United States, who is brought to Kalimpong by her father to keep her away from her boyfriend, whom he considers a bad influence. The situation gets complicated when everyone appears to be part of a conspiracy and deception. The climax reveals that Sita's father is the culprit, as disclosed by Amol Shome (played by Sabyasachi Chakraborty). Arjun (starring Om) helps his mentor Amol solve the case in Kalimpong.  The film was shot in different locations in West Bengal and Sikkim, including the scenic spots of Kalimpong with misty mountains and dense jungles. Critics and reviewers gave the film mixed reviews, with some criticising the weak dialogues and loud background score. Nonetheless, Om's depiction of Arjun, a sleuth of the Gen X, received praise. Read More: May 2023 New Releases: Top 10 Upcoming South Indian Films Garbhodharini “Garbhodharini” is a TV adaptation of Samaresh Majumdar's novel that narrates the story of four friends who want to change the outlooks and values of their society.

OTT (Over-the-Top) platforms have revolutionized the service of watching TV with web content on the Internet. OTT offers users an alternative way to watch their favorite TV shows, movies, and other content. Nowadays, different local OTT platforms have become increasingly popular in Bangladesh. The emergence of new forms of Bengali serials following the trend of international web series is giving a power boost to the entertainment industry. In his legacy, the Bangla OTT platform Binge offers a wide range of available content.  The popular playwright and director Vicky Zahed's first web series 'Silence' is going to be a more blazing example of this evolution. The web series stars a bunch of popular and talented actors from old to new generations. Let’s get updated about this thriller series which is waiting to be released on Binge screen in the upcoming February month. Vicky Zahed: A Storyteller Who Plays with the Psychology of his Audience The birth date of Vicky Zahed is August 29, 1990. He spent his entire childhood and adolescence in Dhaka. Although he studied textile engineering, he went straight to visual media after his studies from the Bangladesh University of Textiles. Taking this new career turn was not very pleasant. On the other hand, he had to fight a lot with himself and his family in addition to pursuing his career against the tide. Read More: Angela Bassett’s Oscar nomination for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” first acting nod for a Marvel movie After several works, 26-year-old Vicky Zahed finally got the limelight in 2016 for the short film 'Moments'. In line with its popularity, 'Maya', 'Doyal', 'Durbin', and 'Aaj Amar Pala' were released one by one. Through these works, he basically tried to understand his audience as well as taught himself. With 'Dwitiyo Shuchona', 'Priyo Adnan', and 'Kaikobaad', he continued to redefine the thriller genre in Bangladesh. Each of his creations comes with fresh themes, concepts, and storylines which have entertained the fans of the Bangla thriller genre. The drama 'Chirokal Aaj' and the web film series ‘Punorjonmo’ finally marked a long milestone in his career. Vicky became the focus of patronage for many prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Punorjonmo-3 became one of the most viewed videos on YouTube within just 12 hours of its release. Even those who did not know Vicky till then watched the film and went back to watch its first parts. Read More: Top 10 Upcoming English TV Shows on Netflix in February 2023 Now, Vicky Zahed’s creations come first, when it comes to crime, thriller, supernatural, and suspense dramas or movies in Bangladesh. This is very obvious for him to be a devoted fan of Alfred Hitchcock, the father of the modern thriller genre in Hollywood. He candidly admits his interest in playing with the psychology of the audience. Even to critics, he is unabashed, straightforward, and spontaneous in his storytelling.

The 74th birth anniversary of legendary writer, lyricist, academician, playwright and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed is being observed on Sunday. Often regarded as one of the best writers in Bengali literature Humayun Ahmed is credited with revitalizing 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. Read more: Remembering Humayun Ahmed on his 10th death anniversary Unanimously regarded as the bestseller author at the Ekushey Book Fairs during the 1990s and 2000s, the majestic litterateur received 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 went on to make a total of eight films in his filmmaking career, each based on his own novels. Two of his films, 'Sjyamol Chhaya' (2004) and 'Ghetuputra Komola' (2012) were the official Bangladeshi submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in their respective releasing years. He received seven Bangladesh National Film Awards in different categories for the films Shonkhonil Karagar' (as scriptwriter), 'Aguner Poroshmoni', 'Daruchini Dwip' and 'Ghetuputra Komola'. Read more: Remembering Humayun Ahmed, a polymath par excellence Commemorating his life and legacy, family members and different organisations along with his admirers are set to observe Humayun Ahmed’s birth anniversary today. Humayun Ahmed’s widow and cultural personality Meher Afroz Shaon, alongside their sons Nishad Humayun and Ninith Humayun, began the day 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. It organised a special procession where the members walked barefoot on the Dhaka University campus and placed floral wreaths on Humayun’s grave in Nuhash Polli, Gazipur, in the morning. Among other events, Channel-i will organise a daylong Humayun Mela at its Tejgaon office and theatre troupe Bahubachan will premiere its play ‘Ami Ebong Amra’, based on the famous book of Humayun’s ‘Misir Ali’ series, at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 6:30 pm. Meanwhile, the EXIM Bank-Anyadin Humayun Ahmed Literary Award 2022 was presented among the recipients, marking the eve of the 74th birth anniversary of Humayun Ahmed at Bangla Academy’s Abdul Karim Shattya Bisharad Auditorium on Saturday. Ekushey Padak-winning renowned writer Anwara Syed Haq received the award this year for her literary contribution to the country’s literature arena, while Mouri Morium won the award in the Young Litterateur Category which is awarded to under 40-year-old writers, for her novel ‘Fanus'. Read more: Humayun Ahmed: The Creator of Versatile Fictional Characters Agriculture Minister Mohammad Abdur Razzaque was present as chief guest at the ceremony, while State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid also joined the event as the special guest. Anyadin Editor Mazharul Islam, EXIM Bank Additional Managing Director Shah Md Abdul Bari and Meher Afroz Shaon spoke at the event, which was presided over by the EXIM Bank-Anyadin Humayun Ahmed Literary Award jury board President and eminent academician Syed Manzoorul Islam. Since 2015, the ceremony is being held annually on November 12, the day before the eminent litterateur's birth anniversary. So far, 14 young and senior writers have received the award till date.

The 13th death anniversary of fiction writer and former additional secretary Md Khurshid Alam will be observed Thursday. Khurshid belonged to the Bangladesh Civil Service (Administration) Cadre 1982 batch. Also, he wrote 19 books. Read: Remembering Humayun Ahmed on his 10th death anniversary Khurshid's first book "Shet-kopoter Dana" was published in 1987. His other works include "Digomborir Prem Nei," "Vangoner Podaboli," "Poribesh, Shomaj O Shamajik Bikash," and "Unoshotturer Koishor." The former bureaucrat's last book "Shikkhoker Shomudro Jatra" was published in 2008.

Tuesday marks the 10th death anniversary of eminent Bangladeshi writer, playwright, lyricist, academician and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed. The legendary litterateur passed away on July 19, 2012 due to colorectal cancer at the age of 63 at Bellevue Hospital, New York, in the United States. Commemorating the death anniversary, his family and several organizations are observing the day with different programmes and events. Humayun Ahmed's widow and actress and singer Meher Afroz Shaon, alongside their two sons Ninit and Nishad, placed floral wreaths at his grave at Nuhash Palli, Gazipur in the morning. Special prayers and Quran Khatam were organized in the morning, and a prayer ceremony was also held to seek the forgiveness of his soul. Orphans will be fed at noon marking this occasion, according to both Shaon and the authority of Nuhash Palli. Himu Paribahan, a renowned fan unit of the prolific litterateur, has been observing this special day since 2013. Members of the platform placed floral wreaths at the writer's grave in the morning. The Kishoreganj district unit of the group is organizing a special book reading season titled "Himu-der Boi Uthsab" from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Gurudayal College Field Muktamancha, while the Narsingdi unit of the platform will commemorate the legend with a special publication titled 'Kachari'. Besides, different units of the platform will plant trees in more than 45 districts and organise awareness programmes against cancer in more than 20 districts. Read: Remembering Humayun Ahmed, a polymath par excellence Several other organisations are also commemorating the day with various events, while fans and admirers are sharing emotional tributes to the legend on their social media accounts. Television channels and radio stations are also airing various programmes, highlighting the life and glorious career of the wordsmith. Channel-i is commemorating the acclaimed filmmaker with a special three-day programme schedule, showcasing three films of the prolific filmmaker including "Amar Achhe Jol" on Sunday, "Shrabon Megher Din" on Monday and "Ghetuputra Komola" on today. Humayun Ahmed was born in Kutubpur village at Mohanganj, Netrakona to Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez on November 13, 1948. In his academic life, he passed the School Certificate (1965) from Bogra Zilla School, Intermediate from Dhaka College and earned his BSc and MSc in Chemistry from Dhaka University with first class. He joined Dhaka University as a lecturer of Chemistry and later went to North Dakota State University in the United States to pursue his PhD in Polymer Chemistry. 'Nondito Noroke' (1972) was Humayun Ahmed's debut novel, which gave Humayun the breakthrough and propelled his career as a writer. The Ekushey Padak winner writer wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh to date. Humayun Ahmed won Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, Bachsas Award, and more for his outstanding contributions in his illustrious career to the Bengali culture and entertainment sphere. As a 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' which created a historic hype in the nation - surrounding the lead character 'Baker Bhai', portrayed by veteran actor Asaduzzaman Noor. Humayun Ahmed also explored success as a filmmaker in the early 1990s and went on to make a total of eight films in his filmmaking career, each based on his own novels. Two of his films, 'Syamol Chhaya' (2004) and 'Ghetuputra Komola' (2012) were the official Bangladeshi submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in their respective 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'. The literateur is survived by two sons Ninit and Nishad with his second wife and actor-director Meher Afroze Shaon; and the only son Nuhash Humayun who is currently working in the media industry as a content creator and director, and three daughters Nova, Shila, Bipasha with his first wife Gultekin Ahmed.

Former finance minister AMA Muhith was not only a gifted economist but also a prolific writer. Bangladesh, Emerge of a Nation (1978), American Response to Bangladesh (1996), An Agenda for Good Governance (2007), History of Bangladesh: A Subcontinental Civilisation (2016), Bangladesh in the Twenty-First Century: Towards an Industrial Society (1999) and Smritir Monikothay (2014) are some of his popular books. Five of his books were published by University Press Limited (UPL), one of the leading publishing houses in Bangladesh. READ: First namaz-e-janaza of Muhith held Mahrukh Mohiuddin, the owner of UPL, said Muhith was always interested in research work. "In spite of his busy schedule, he was actively engaged in research work. If the editor had any suggestions on any of his  manuscripts, Muhith would welcome them." "My father, Mohiuddin Ahmed, who published his books, told me that he had at times rejected Muhith's manuscript but he was never offended. That was his spirit," said Mahrukh.

Begum Rokeya Day is being observed marking the 139th birth and 87th death anniversary of Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain, the pioneer for women's rights in the subcontinent. The Women and Children Affairs Ministry, Begum Rokeya Foundation and various socio-cultural and political organisations have chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day. Read: Five noted women receive Rokeya Padak-2021 President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages paying rich tributes to Begum Rokeya. Begum Rokeya Shakhawat Hossain was born on December 9 in 1880 at Pairaband village in Rangpur. She also passed away on December 9 in 1932. Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was a Bengali feminist thinker, writer, educationist, social activist, advocate of women's rights, and widely regarded as the pioneer of women's education in the Indian subcontinent during the time of the British rule. Five eminent women were honoured with the prestigious Begum Rokeya Padak-2021 on Thursday for their outstanding contributions to women empowerment and social development. The recipients areProf Hasina Zakaria Bela, Archana Biswas, Shamsunnahar Rahman Paran (posthumous), Dr Zinat Huda and Dr Saria Sultana. Read:Move forward breaking barriers: Hasina tells women Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the award-giving ceremony and celebration of Begum Rokeya Day-2021, virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban. On behalf of the Prime Minister, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira handed over the medals and certificates to the recipients and their relatives. The Women and Children Affairs Ministry arranged the programme at the city’s Osmani Smriti Auditorium.