Obituary
Former DU Vice-Chancellor Arefin Siddique passes away
Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique passed away on Thursday night, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. He was 72.
He breathed his last at 10:45 pm while undergoing treatment at the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, his brother Saifullah Siddique told UNB over phone.
Dr Siddique's namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhanmondi Idgah Mosque after the Jumma prayers on Friday. Later, he will be buried beside his parents at Azimpur Graveyard.
Dr Arefin Siddique’s condition “extremely critical”
Despite receiving intensive medical care, he could not recover after being placed on life support.
On 6 March, Prof Siddique withdrew cash from a bank booth before heading to Dhaka Club in Ramna.
While conversing with others, he suddenly collapsed. His family members reported that he was immediately taken to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where doctors placed him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
As his condition deteriorated, he was put on life support.
Medical sources confirmed that he suffered a sudden brain stroke, which led to critical neurological failure.
Born on October 26, 1953, in Dhaka, Professor Siddique hailed from Raipura Upazila in Narsingdi district.
He obtained his master's degree from the department of Mass Communication and Journalism at DU in 1975 and did PhD on televised teaching from the University of Mysore of India in 1985.
He joined DU Mass Communication and Journalism department in 1980.
Dr Siddique also served as acting dean of Social Science Faculty and as senate and syndicate member.
He served as the Chairman of DU’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism before being appointed the 27th Vice-Chancellor in 2009, a position he held until 2017.
After completing his tenure, he returned to teaching at his department until his retirement in June 2020.
Beyond academia, Prof Siddique played an active role in various professional and cultural organisations.
Former DU VC Dr Arefin Siddique on life support
He served as the President and General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association.
Besides, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and a trustee of the National Museum.
His passing has left a profound impact on students, colleagues and admirers across the country.
Former Minister Kamal Ibne Yusuf’s wife dies
13 days ago
Ambassador Mohiuddin Ahmed passes away at 88
Former ambassador and freedom fighter Mohiuddin Ahmed has passed away at the age of 88.
He breathed his last at a city hospital on Sunday due to multiple age-related complications, said his daughter Parveen Ahmed, a journalist and communication consultant.
His namaz-e-janaza was held on Sunday night at Masjid ut Taqwa in Dhanmondi, following which he was laid to rest in his mother's grave at Azimpur graveyard on Monday morning.
National Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan passes away
Mohiuddin Ahmed is survived by wife, Dr Hasina Ahmed; his daughters, Parveen and Nasmeen Ahmed; his son, Asif Ahmed; and two granddaughters.
Born in Raipura, Narsingdi, Mohiuddin pursued his higher education at Dhaka University, where he earned a degree in economics followed by a master's in international relations.
He joined the Foreign Service in 1963, embarking on an illustrious diplomatic career.
Over the years, he held key positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including acting foreign secretary, deputy chief of protocol, director of general administration, and additional foreign secretary.
He served as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Nepal and Senegal (with concurrent accreditation to Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, and Guinea Conakry). His postings also included deputy high commissioner in London and assignments at Bangladesh missions in New Delhi and Jakarta.
A patriot at heart, Mohiuddin Ahmed defected in favour of Bangladesh while serving as trade commissioner at Pakistan’s Hong Kong mission during the Liberation War. He was also a veteran of the 1952 Language Movement.
Beyond his diplomatic service, Mohiuddin contributed significantly to the financial sector. He served as a director at Janata Bank and Bank Asia, as well as Nabil Bank in Nepal. He also held an advisory role at Rangs Group.
Before joining the Foreign Service, Mohiuddin was a writer and photographer, contributing to the British Information Service and local publications such as the daily Ittefaq and the weekly Begum magazine.
BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman passes away
His legacy as a diplomat, patriot, and intellectual will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.
22 days ago
Renowned singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay passes away
Veteran Bengali singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay has passed away. He was 83.
After a prolonged illness, he breathed his last in the early hours of Saturday, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Bengali music. True to the spirit of his own song, it seemed as though he had set sail on an 'unknown sea'.
Mukhopadhyay had been battling health complications since the beginning of the year and was undergoing treatment at a government hospital under the supervision of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A long-time admirer of his music, the Chief Minister ensured that he received proper medical care during his final days.
Enam Ahmed Chowdhury passes away
Pratul Mukhopadhyay was best known for his soul-stirring compositions, including Ami Banglar Gaan Gai and Ochena Sagore Dinga Bhasiyechi, songs that remain deeply etched in the hearts of his listeners. His music resonated with themes of identity, belonging, and the spirit of Bengal.
Following his demise, the Bengali music fraternity has been left grief-stricken.
Pratul Mukhopadhyay’s contributions to Bengali music remain invaluable, and his passing marks the end of an era. Fans and well-wishers are mourning the loss of an artist whose melodies will continue to inspire generations to come.
Source: Anandabazar Online
1 month ago
Enam Ahmed Chowdhury passes away
Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, former Chairman of the Privatisation Commission has passed away at the age of 87.Chowdhury breathed his last after suffering from a heart attack at his residence in Dhaka’s Banani on Monday. Despite immediate medical attention and being rushed to the hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival, said his son Nadim Ahmed Chowdhury.
Senior journalist Nizam Uddin laid to restHis namaz-e-janaza and burial will take place on Wednesday after the arrival of his daughter and other family members, who are currently abroad.Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, a distinguished bureaucrat, began his career with the Pakistan Civil Service before serving in various prestigious international roles, including as Secretary of the United Nations ESCAP Commission in Bangkok and Vice President of IDB. He also held key positions with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and as Economic Minister in London.Chowdhury retired from government service in the late 1990s but remained active in politics. He formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in 1999 and later served as the Chairman of the Privatisation Commission during the BNP-Jamaat coalition government in 2001. He was also appointed Vice Chairman of the BNP and later joined the Awami League in December 2018.
Ex-army chief KM Shafiullah passes awayBorn on June 29, 1937 in Barokot village, Golapganj, Sylhet, Chowdhury made remarkable contributions to both the political and economic spheres of Bangladesh.
1 month ago
Daily Sun Editor’s father-in-law passes away
Mohammad Hafizur Rahman, father-in-law of Daily Sun Editor Md Rezaul Karim Lotus, passed away on Thursday. He was 92.
He breathed his last at 1:05 pm at his residence in Dhaka's Bashundhara Residential Area.
Journalist Mahmodul Hoque no more
Hafizur Rahman, a former senior official of the Bangladesh Bank, left behind two daughters, one son, five grandchildren, and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.
Hafizur Rahman hailed from Sohagdal village in Nesarabad upazila under Pirojpur district.
ERF mourns death of journalist Moinuddin's mother
The namaz-e-janaza for the deceased was held at the C Block Mosque in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area after Maghrib prayers.
He will be laid to rest in his family graveyard in Pirojpur after another namaz-e-janaza on Friday.
2 months ago
Veteran journalist Khaled Belal passes away
Senior journalist, storyteller, and senior member of Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists (CMUJ) Khaled Belal has passed away. He was 80.
He breathed his last around 10: 00 am on Monday. He was buried in the graveyard on the Garibullah Shah Shrine premises in Chattogram city after his namaz-e-janaza.
Journalist Rafiq Bhuiyan, injured during yesterday’s violence, dies
Khaled Belal left behind a son, two daughters, and a host of colleagues and admirers.
According to family sources, Khaled was ill for a long time. After his physical condition deteriorated recently, his family members admitted him to the National Hospital in the port city, where he died while undergoing treatment in the ICU.
Born in the house of Oli Gandhi near Bauria Moulvibazar in the Sandwip upazila of Chattogram, Khaled was the assistant editor of the Daily Ishan.
JS secretariat PR director Labannya Ahmed dies
At the beginning of his career, he worked at The Daily Paigham in Dhaka. He then joined the Press Information Department (PID). After retiring from government duties, he went back to journalism. After The Daily Ishan, he joined the English daily The People's View as an advisory editor.
Among his numerous books, several stories and essays are notable, including "Mara Gange Dub Satar" and "Khoma Koro Sharifar Ma'.
Former caretaker govt advisor Imam Uddin Ahmad Chowdhury no more
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President M Abdullah and Secretary General Nurul Amin Rokon, CMUJ President Md Shahnawaz, and General Secretary Saleh Noman expressed deep shock at the death of Khaled Belal. In a condolence message, the leaders conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
1 year ago
AL MP Shahjahan Mia passes away
Shahjahan Mia, MP of Patuakhali-1 constituency and also president of Patuakhali district unit Awami League, passed away at hospital in the capital on Saturday. He was 85.
Brahmanbaria-2 MP Ukil Abdus Sattar dies at 84
Shahjahan Mia, Shahjahan Mia, former state minister for religious affairs, had been undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and breathed his last at 6 am, said his son Advocate Tariquzzaman Mony.
He left behind his wife, three sons, one daughter and a host of relatives to mourn his death.
DL general secretary Saifuddin Ahmed Moni dies
The first namaz-e-janaza of the three-time MP will be held at Sangshad Bhaban at 3 pm.
He will be buried at Patuakhali municipality graveyard following second-namaz-e-janaza at Russel Square Balur Math in Patuakhali on Sunday.
Poet Asad Chowdhury no more
1 year ago
Natore-4 MP Abdul Kuddus passes away
Abdul Kuddus, Awami League lawmaker of Natore-4 constituency, died at a hospital in Dhaka today. He was 77.Kuddus, president of Natore district unit of Awami League, had been undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of United Hospital where he breathed his last at 7:22 am, said Shariful Islam Ramjan, general secretary of Natore district Awami League.He left behind his wife, a son and a daughter, and a host of relatives to mourn his death.
President condoles Bir Uttam Sultan Mahmud’s demiseEarlier on Saturday, the Awami League leader fell ill and was brought to Dhaka. He had been suffering from old age complications including respiratory problem.
PM Hasina expresses deep shock over writer Samaresh Majumdar’s demiseKuddus, a freedom fighter, was elected MP of Natore-4 constituency five times.ICC,B condoles demise of its Vice President Rokia Afzal Rahman
1 year ago
'Kilo Flight' fighter Group Captain Shamsul Alam Bir Uttam, 74, dies
Group Captain Shamsul Alam (retired) Bir Uttam died Thursday at the age of 74.He was a brave fighter of "Kilo Flight," the code name for Mukti Bahini combat aviation formation during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
Group Captain Shamsul breathed his last at 4:47pm at the capital's Evercare Hospital, according to the Inter Service Public Relations Directorate.
He was born in 1947 in Patuakhali district. In 1964, after completing his education in Dhaka, he joined the then Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur in 1964 and was commissioned in the GD (P) branch.
On June 3, 1971, he deserted his post in West Pakistan and came to Dhaka to join the Liberation War. But he was arrested immediately after his arrival at Dhaka airport as the Pakistan law enforcers realised he would join the Liberation War.
Unable to make him confess, they tortured the then Flight Lieutenant Shamsul in jail and tried to bring him under the jurisdiction of a court-martial but failed.
He was later released from jail on a general amnesty and was allowed to return home.
On September 13, 1971, after contacting the freedom fighters through a news correspondent, he left the country for India.
Read: Former minister Ghulam Mostafa dies aged 88
He reached Dimapur on 24 September and met the members of Kilo Flight. Initially, he started flying with DC-3 and subsequently flew Otter aircraft.
On December 3, 1971, Flight Lieutenant Shamsul along with his co-pilot got the first opportunity to prove their skill against Pakistani occupation forces. He flew from Kailashahar at 11pm and entered Bangladesh to strike oil depots near Chattogram airport. He returned to the base after a terrible flight with extreme craftsmanship avoiding enemy gunfire.
He was awarded the gallantry award Bir Uttam by the government. Group Captain Shamsul was also awarded the Independence Award 2017 for his outstanding contribution to the Liberation War.
2 years ago
DCAB shocked at death of journalist Rased Mehedi's father
Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) has expressed deep shock at the death of Mohammad Ali, father of its member journalist Rased Mehedi.
In a condolence message on Monday, DCAB President Rezaul Karim Lotus and its General Secretary AKM Moinuddin conveyed deep sympathy to Prothidiner Bangladesh Special Correspondent Rased Mehedi and his family members.
Read more: DCAB shocked over death of journalist Jhumur's mother
They prayed for salvation of the departed soul.
Mohammad Ali, 77, breathed his last early Monday at a hospital in Dhaka.
He had long been suffering from old age complications.
Read more: Journalist Raihan M Chowdhury dies
Mohammad Ali was headmaster of Sonatala High School in Bagura and Principal of Panchagarh Police Line School and College.
He left behind wife, two sons, a daughter and host of relatives to mourn his death.
He will be buried at his family graveyard in Shibganj Upazila of Bogura later today (Monday).
2 years ago