Trade between Bangladesh and India through the Benapole land port resumed on Monday morning after a five-day closure marking Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of Hindus. Shamsur Rahman, president of the Benapole Clearing & Forwarding agent, said the land port again became vibrant with activities. Read more: 479 MT hilsa exported to India through Benapole Hundreds of Indian trucks carrying goods started entering the land port in the morning as those were stranded at the Indian end for the last five days, he said. Imtiaz Bhuiyan, Officer-in-Charge of Benapole Checkpost Immigration police, said the movement of passengers between the two countries with valid documents remained uninterrupted.

The Durga Puja holiday will now last four days, starting from Thursday. This extension comes as Friday and Saturday are already government holidays this month. A notification regarding this will be issued soon, according to Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, who shared the information with reporters at the Dhakeshwari Temple on Tuesday morning. "This extra holiday has been granted to ensure smooth and joyous celebrations of the Durga Puja," he said. Apart from this, measures are being taken to ensure that the Buddhist community can celebrate the "Kathin Chibar Dan" smoothly, he added.  Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and leaders of the Hindu community, among others, were present at the press conference. Durga Puja around the corner; 257 mandaps set up in Dhaka The formal celebrations of Durga Puja begin on Wednesday, with the final day, Dashami, falling on Sunday, October 13. On Dashami, with the immersion of the idol, Durga Puja for the Hindu community will conclude. In light of this, Sunday has also been declared a government holiday. Altogether, the Durga Puja holiday this year will extend for four days.

Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

As the festive season draws near, the crisp, cool winds stir a sense of joy and celebration. Netflix, a leading OTT platform, becomes a treasure trove of holiday entertainment, especially during this cheerful time. This year, the streaming giant once again enthralls its audience with a captivating selection of English-language Christmas movies and series from its 2023 line-up. 2023's must-watch English Christmas movies and series on Netflix The Claus Family 3 The Claus Family 3, a continuation of the 2020 movie The Claus Family, tells the story of Jules, a young boy destined to inherit Santa's legacy. Released on Netflix on November 8, 2023, and directed by Ruben Vandenborgh, this film concludes the Claus family trilogy. It depicts Santa's looming retirement and the family's challenges that follow. The cast includes Mo Bakker, Dieter Hallervord, Jan Decleir, and Tanja Jess. The movie follows Jules as he gears up to take over his grandfather's role as Santa, amidst disruptions caused by a mischievous toymaker. Will the Claus family uphold the holiday spirit in this heartwarming finale? Read more: ‘Wonka’ review: Powered by the charisma of Timothée Chalamet Best. Christmas. Ever! This film, directed by Mary Lambert and released on November 16, 2023, revolves around the unexpected reunion of Jackie and Charlotte during the holiday season. Featuring Heather Graham, Jason Biggs, and Candice King, the story unfolds with Jackie sending a boastful annual newsletter to Charlotte. This year, however, Charlotte shows up at Jackie's door, leading to comedic revelations and a journey of embracing the unexpected joys of Christmas. Family Switch Released on November 30, 2023, and directed by Joseph McGinty Nichol, "Family Switch" is a comedy about two rival families, the Kellers and the Johnsons, who accidentally switch bodies during a unique planetary alignment. Starring Jennifer Garner, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maya Rudolph, and Ed Helms, the movie combines humor with heartfelt messages of empathy and understanding, making it an ideal family-friendly Christmas comedy. Read more: Chorki sets tongues wagging with reveal of first-ever Raihan Rafi-Shakib Khan collaboration The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday This half-hour CG animated special, a prequel to the 2022 film "The Bad Guys," was released on November 30, 2023. Directed by Bret Haaland, it features the voices of Michael Godere, Ezekiel Ajeigbe, Raul Ceballos, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Mallory Low. The special follows the criminal crew from the original movie as they navigate holiday hurdles, encounter mischievous reindeer, and rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.

On the first workday after Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, attendance in offices is quite low. After visiting the Secretariat today (April 24), it was seen that most of the employees were on optional leave. Read More: Quader satisfied with ‘hassle-free’ Eid commute, urges discipline  The holiday for government officials and employees began on April 19 and ended on Sunday (April 23). Eid greetings were seen being exchanged at the Secretariat today, among officials and staff.

With the Eid holidays approaching, many holidaymakers are looking for affordable and exciting travel destinations abroad. Fortunately, there are numerous options available that offer unique experiences without breaking the bank. There is something for everyone, from stunning beaches to ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore some of the best and most affordable travel destinations for Bangladeshi Eid holidaymakers. 10 affordable international travel destinations for Eid holidaymakers from Bangladesh During the long holiday of Eid, a considerable number of individuals opt to travel overseas. Airlines and tour companies provide diverse offers to entice travelers during this festive season. Here are some of the most affordable yet nicest destinations to explore during the Eid holiday. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia is a treasure trove of attractions that tourists would not want to miss. Depending on the date, a one-way air ticket starts from Tk 33,000, and depending on the area, the hotel price starts from Tk 5000 per night for two people. However, if you go with a tour package through different agencies, the price will be quite low. Read More: How to Obtain an International Automobile Driving License from Bangladesh? The country consists of a rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage that is simply breathtaking. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur alone is home to numerous architectural landmarks and historical sites that are worth exploring.

The sale of advance train tickets will start online from Friday (April 07, 2023) for Eid holidaymakers in Bangladesh. The commuters have to purchase their tickets online and mobile apps. For this, the commuters have to complete their registration through rail ticketing web portal ‘Rail Sheba’ or through sending SMS from mobile by showing NID/passport/birth certificate. Advance train tickets for April, 17, 18,19,20,21 will be available on April 7, 8,9,10, and 11 respectively while the selling of return tickets will begin from April 15. Also read: Advance sale of train ticket for Eid journey to start April 7 Besides, the return tickets for April 25, 26, 27, 29, 29 and 30 will be available for April 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20. On the occasion of Eid, the movement of ‘Mitali Express’ and ‘Maitree Express’ trains will remained suspended from April 18-27 and April 20-27 respectively. However, the ‘Bandhan Express’ train will run as per its schedule. There will be no stopover of Dhaka-bound Ekata, Drutojan, Panchagarh, Nilsagar, Kurigram, Lalmoni and Rangpur Express trains at Dhaka Airport Station from April 17 to the day before Eid-ul-Fitr. Read More: Eid journey: Nat’l Committee demands bike ban on highways for 9 days

As the Christmas and new year vacations are approaching, people are making plans to spend these days joyously. The silver screen mingled with the Christmas vibe always doubles this expectation. The web-series and movie lovers are looking for exciting shows to watch. Popular OTT platform Netflix has brought a bunch of new shows targeting these festivals. Let’s take a look at 10 Netflix movies and web series to watch on Christmas and New Year vacation times. 10 New Netflix Shows to Celebrate Christmas and New Year Scrooge: A Christmas Carol Release: November 18, 2022 The famous 1970 film Scrooge has been remade by director Stephen Donnelly. The screenplay for this 2022 version of A Christmas Carol was written by Donnelly and Leslie Bricks. Leslie has also written a new theme song for this fantasy musical film. The computer-animated film features voiceovers by Luke Evans, Jessie Buckley, Olivia Colman, Jonathan Pryce, Trevor Dion Nicholas, Johnny Flynn, and James Cosmo. Read More: Harry and Meghan slam British tabloids in new Netflix series Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio Release: November 24, 2022 Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has adapted this time Carlo Collodi's famous 1883 Italian novel The Adventures of Pinocchio. Matthew Robbins and Del Toro himself jointly rewrote the 1930 story of the renowned character. Toro then turned their story into a screenplay, collaborating with Patrick McHale. Mark Gustafson teamed up with del Toro to direct the film with stop-motion animation based on Grease Grimley's designs for the 2002 version of Pinocchio. The animated characters in the musical film are voiced by Ewan McGregor, Gregory Mann, David Bradley, Bern Gorman, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Tim Blake Nelson, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, and Christoph Waltz. Lady Chatterley's Lover Release: November 25, 2022 Lady Chatterley's Lover is originally a 1928 novel by English author D. H. Lawrence, which was the last work of his life. Based on the novel, David Magee wrote the screenplay of this romantic film. Directed by Laure de Clermont-Toner, the movie stars Jack O'Connell and Emma Corinne. Read More: Netflix K-Dramas: Top 10 Korean Series Dubbed in English It is the story of a depressed aristocratic woman who develops an unorthodox relationship with the gamekeeper of her husband's estate. The solid performances of the actors and the freshness of the mature story have made it stand out. The Noel Diary Release: November 24, 2022 Noel's Diary is the story of a man who returns to his village home for Christmas and encounters a forgotten past. The main focus here is a diary where an important chapter of his life is carefully hidden, all of which is covered by a beautiful woman. The screenplay of the Christmas-themed movie was done by a team of four writers- David Golden, Rebecca Connor, Richard Paul Evans, and Charles Shire. Directed by Charles Shire, the casting of the romantic comedy film includes Essence Atkins, Justin Hartley, James Reimer, Barrett Doss, and Bonnie Bedelia. Read More: 5 Must-Watch Movies of Rajinikanth The Swimmers Release: November 11, 2022 This biographical film is set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria. Yushra and Sara, two sisters, embarked on a terrifying adventure with the dream of becoming a swimming champion. Sally El Hosseini did the screenplay as well as the direction for the drama movie. In the screenplay, she was accompanied by Jack Thorne. In the role of Yushra and Sara, the film casts Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa, who are also sisters in real life. Moreover, the film stars Kinda Alosh, Ahmed Malek, Matthias Schweiger, James Krishna Floyd, Ali Suliman, and Elmi Rashid Elmi. Entergalactic Release: September 30, 2022 Entergalactic is a must-watch TV special for fans of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The animated film was created by Kid Cudi, who is a musician and actor at the same time. This movie has basically served as the visual representation of the album which was released prior to this film. Read More: Jaya Ahsan’s Bollywood debut confirmed as photos emerge with Pankaj Tripathi, other co-actors Fletcher Moles directed the musical film in which Cuddy himself lent his voice in the title role. Other voiceover artists include Jessica Williams, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Harrier, Jaden Smith, Ty Dolla Sign, Vanessa Hudgens, 070 Shake, Christopher Abbott, Teyana Taylor, Macaulay Culkin, Keith David, and Arturo Castro. Wednesday Release: November 23, 2022 It is a standalone series based on the character Wednesday Addams from the popular TV series The Addams Family. Alfred Gough and Miles Miller created this comedy horror series. The title role is played by Jenna Ortega, who is seen trying to solve the mystery of her school's monster. The coming-of-age series also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Christina Ricci, Isaac Ordonez, Riki Lindholm, Gwendoline Christie, Jamie McShane, and Fred Armisen. Acclaimed horror and thriller filmmaker Tim Burton directed four out of the eight episodes of the supernatural mystery show. Read More: 10 Best South Indian Movies Releasing in December 2022 Enola Holmes 2 Release: October 27, 2022 Harry Bradbeer has already introduced the sister of Sherlock Holmes, the world-famous fictional character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The main story was taken from American author Nancy Springer's book The Enola Holmes Mysteries. By this time, this is the second feature-length screen appearance of Enola Holmes under the screenplay by Jack Thorne. The popular drama series Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown played the title role. And Superman-fame Henry Cavill has played the role of Sherlock Holmes. The mystery movie also stars Louis Partridge, Helena Bonham Carter, Susie Okuma, and Adil Akhtar in other roles. The Good Nurse Release: September 11, 2022 Christy Wilson-Kearns Charles screenplays the drama film based on the story of Graeber's 2013 book The Good Nurse. Here, director Tobias Lindholm shows from a nurse’s point of view how a notorious caregiver becomes a serial killer in a hospital. Read More: ‘Agantuk’ wins Film Bazaar Award in Goa The movie stars Oscar-winning actresses Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne in lead roles. Other performers include Kim Dickens, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Noah Emmerich. The film received the most views in Netflix history on October 27, 2022, the day after its release on Netflix. Along for the Ride Release: May 6, 2022 One summer before college, Auden met fellow insomniac, Eli. While the entire seaside town sleeps, they embark on a strange adventure to experience a free and independent life. This is the story of Sarah Dessen's novel Along for the Ride. And Sofia Alvarez used this novel to come up with the screenplay for her own directed romantic-comedy film. She kept the title of the novel unchanged for the movie. The film stars Belmont Cameli, Emma Passaro, Kate Bosworth, Andy McDowell, Laura Kariuki, and Dermot Mulroney. Read More: Israeli filmmaker at IFFI calls ‘The Kashmir Files’ a ‘propaganda’; ambassador apologises Summing Up These 10 new Netflix shows for Christmas and New Year can make the holiday season exhilarating for any cinephile. Not just a mere time pass, watching these movies and series with loved ones can be an everlasting memory. These shows can surely serve as great companions for introverts to laugh, cry, fear and wonder.

The Cabinet of Bangladesh on Monday (October 31, 2022) approved the proposed list of 22 holidays for the 2023 calendar year, but eight holidays would coincided with weekends (Fridays and Saturdays). Read more: Cabinet sends back National Adaptation Plan on climate change for modification The approval came from the regular cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office. There will be 14 general holidays and the remaining eight days by the executive order of the government, said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam while briefing reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat. Read more: Govt office hours rescheduled to 9am-4pm

Dhaka University authority has scrapped a recently formed trust fund in the name of AZM Enayetullah Khan, the late editor of the weekly 'Holiday' magazine after facing extreme criticism. The university authorities has declared that there will be no effectiveness and acceptance of the trust fund anymore as Enayetullah Khan was alleged of leaking confidential information of war during liberation war and humiliated Bangabandhu in his writings. DU vice chancellor Md Akhtaruzzaman said, "Establishing a fund in the name of such a person is contradictory to the ideology and values of the university." Rashed Khan Menon, brother of Enayetullah Khan and also the president of Bangladesh Workers Party, launched this fund to be established at Dhaka University's Mass Communication and Journalism Department. Also read: An unauthorized open-air ‘library’ on Dhaka University campus raises eyebrows “But after being informed about some of Enayetullah's previous activities, we decided to scrap the trust fund," the VC added. On 10 May, Nasreen Zaman, daughter AZM Enayetullah Khan, formally handed over a cheque of Tk 2.5 million to DU treasurer Prof. Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed to set up the 'Enayetullah Khan Memorial Trust Fund' in the presence of Rashed Khan Menon, DU Registrar Prabir Kumar Sarker, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Zia Rahman, and Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism Dr. Abul Mansur Ahmed at vice chancellor's lounge After the establishment of the fund, some news media reported about the unethical activities of Enayetullah Khan, and then VC ordered to scrap the fund. DU pro VC (administration) Mohammad Samad said, “After the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu and his family members, an article written by Niaz Zaman, titled 'The Majors killed the serpent and most of its eggs except the daughters who were abroad' was published at Enayetullah Khan's edited newsweekly 'Holiday'” Also read: Legal notice served on Dhaka University for barring married students from halls "I was shocked that a trust fund was set up at Dhaka University, the birthplace of independence in the name of that journalist whose newsweekly addressed Bangabandhu as a serpent," he added.