Connect Bangladesh International UK has expressed concern over the recent murder of a Bangladeshi expatriate physician AKM Abdur Rashid (82) in Dhaka. Dr Rashid who lived in London was on a visit to Dhaka when he was killed by a group of men who broke into his Dhanmandi house on Sunday night, police said. "We express our deepest condolences for this unfortunate incident and urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate, bring the perpetrators to justice, and take preventive measures to avoid such heinous crimes in the future," said the group in a statement. ERF mourns death of journalist Moinuddin's mother "Additionally, we advise Bangladeshi expatriates to remain vigilant regarding their safety both at home and outside during their visits to the country," said the statement received by UNB on Tuesday. In light of this incident, "we strongly encourage all non-resident Bangladeshis to prioritize their security during their stays in Bangladesh," according to the statement signed by its president Abu Ahmed Khizir and secretary general Nasim Chowdhury.

The Student Development Foundation (SDF) has provided financial assistance ranging from Tk 50,000 to Tk 200,000 to the families of those martyred and injured during the July-August 2024 student uprising. The families of approximately 1.8 million beneficiaries were supported through various projects implemented by SDF. Among the martyrs, Abu Sayed was the first to lose his life during the movement. His mother, Monwara Begum, is a beneficiary of an SDF project (PIP No. 92). At an event held on Tuesday, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance, handed over the financial support on behalf of SDF. Families of seven martyrs received Tk 200,000 each, while 16 severely injured individuals were granted Tk 100,000 each. Thirty-three injured were provided Tk 50,000 each to assist with medical expenses. The tragic loss of 18-year-old Suman during the protests was highlighted by his grieving mother, Khadija. "Suman was my only child. On August 4, he was near Mohammadpur police station during the protests. Police fired bullets, and my son didn’t even have time to call out ‘mother.’ He was martyred instantly. If he had been taken to the hospital immediately, he might have survived. He had completed three of HSC exams but couldn’t take the fourth. Now, there’s no one left to call me ‘mother.’" Another testimony came from Jaber Hossain, was severely injured in the movement. "On July 18, during a clash with police on the Mogra River bridge, I was shot in the hand and thigh, struck with a hatchet on my left foot, and hit by bricks in my chest. At that time, no hospital was willing to admit us. Those of us who participated in the protests faced threats from Chhatra League members."

Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) expressed deep shock at the death of Mahmooda Khanam, mother of ERF member and Business Desk In-Charge of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Golam Moin Uddin. Mahmooda breathed her last at a city hospital early Thursday while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. She had been suffering from old-age complications and pneumonia. She is survived by two sons, two daughters, relatives and well-wishers. Moin Uddin’s mother was buried in the family graveyard next to the grave of her husband late Qamar Uddin Ahmed at Baghrua village of Netrakona Sadar Upazila after Zohar prayers. On behalf of the ERF, president and general secretary Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha and Abul Kashem respectively expressed deep. In a condolence message, the ERF leaders prayed for the soul of the deceased and expressed their sincere condolences to the bereaved family members.

Tohura Begum Tripti, mother of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha’s chief reporter Mursalin Nomani, passed away early Thursday. She was 75. Tohura, who had been suffering from several diseases including kidney related complications, diabetes, breathed her last around 2am, according to her family. She is survived by husband, three sons, grandsons, daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers. Tohura, who was a member of Singhajhuli union parishad in Chougachha upazila of Jashore, will be laid to rest at the family graveyard in Goribpur village of Chougachha. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock at the demise of the mother of Nomani, former President of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity, and prayed for her eternal peace. Moreover, the BNP media cell condoled the death.

Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra-famed legendary singer, composer, and music director Shujeyo Shyam passed away last night at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the capital, at the age of 78. The eminent artist breathed his last around 2:50 am, his daughter Rupa Manjuri Shyam confirmed to the media. His body has been taken to Dhakeshwari temple in the capital for public homage. After that, his last rites will be performed at SabujBagh Baradeshwari Crematorium in the capital. Shujeyo Shyam was battling cancer and other health issues including high diabetes and kidney problems. According to his daughter, he got an infection after a pacemaker was implanted in his heart last September. He was admitted to BSMMU last September 24. At that time, he was being treated in the CCU as there were no beds available in the ICU. A four-times Bangladesh National Film Award winner for Best Music Director, Shujeyo Shyam is revered for composing the final song for Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the 1971 liberation war and the maiden song following the surrender of the Pakistani occupation forces. Read: Veteran politician Matia Chowdhury passes away at 82 The song was "Bijoy Nishan Urche Oi" which was written by lyricist Shahidul Amin and voiced by Ajit Roy; and in total, nine of his songs for Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra were sung from June to December 1971. Some of his notable compositions include "Rokto Diye Naam Likhechi," "Rokto Chai Rokto Chai," "Aha Dhonno Amar Jonmobhumi," and "Ayre Chashi Mojur Kuli," among many others. Born on March 14, 1946, in Sylhet, Shujeyo Shyam received Ekushey Padak in 2018 from the Government of Bangladesh and Shilpakala Padak in 2015 from Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). He received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Music Director four times for the films Hason Raja (2002), Joyjatra (2004), Obujh Bou (2010) and Joiboti Konyar Mon (2021).

Matia Chowdhury, a senior member of the Awami League's Presidium and a veteran politician, was laid to eternal rest at Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard on Thursday. She was buried at the same grave as her late husband, renowned journalist Bazlur Rahman, after Zuhr prayer following a second namaz-e-janaza at Gulshan Azad Mosque, said general secretary of Nakla Upazila unit Awami League Shafiqul Islam Jinnah. People from all walks of life including Awami League leaders and activists from Sherpur-2 constituency participated in the namaz-e-janaza and paid their last respect to the veteran Awami League leader. Her first namaz-e-janaza was held at her Ramna Apartment Complex residence in the capital in the morning. Earlier in the day, an ambulance carrying Matia Chowdhury’s body arrived at her residence, where friends, family and many followers gathered to bid her a final farewell. Matia Chowdhury’s brother Masudul Islam Chowdhury said that they have requested a new burial plot from the City Corporation at the Mirpur Intellectuals’ Graveyard. “If granted, she will be buried there; otherwise, she will be laid to rest in her husband Bazlur Rahman’s grave,” he said. Veteran politician and former minister Matia Chowdhury passed away at a hospital in the capital on Wednesday at the age of 82. The passing of Matia Chowdhury marks the end of an era, leaving a void in Bangladesh’s politics. Her legacy, both as a stalwart leader and a passionate advocate for the people, will be remembered for generations to come. Born on June 30, 1942, Matia married to the renowned journalist Bazlur Rahman on June 18, 1968. Later, she was elected as the parliamentary member of Sherpur-2 constituency in 1991. The fourth time MP also served as the Agriculture Minister during the Awami League reign in 1996, 2009 and 2013. She also served as the Food and Disaster Management and Relief Ministry. Matia became involved in politics during her study in Eden College and was elected as the president of Bangladesh Chhatra union in 1965. Matia, who was named as 'Agni Kanya' (Firebrand Woman), joined the East Pakistan National Awami Party in 1967. She was also a freedom fighter. The Awami League leader joined the party in 1979 and played an important role in different movements.

Veteran journalist NM Harun passed away on Thursday. He was 81. Harun is survived by his wife, one daughter and a host of relatives. He started his career as a staff reporter in the Pakistan Observer. He also  worked in Eastern News Agency (Ena), Weekly Holiday, Dhaka Courier, Daily Ittefaq, Daily Sangbad, and Daily Independent. The journalist obtained his Honours and Master’s Degrees from the University of Dhaka in 1964.

Shamsun Nahar, mother of journalist Monir Haider, New York correspondent of Banglavision, passed away on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 77. She breathed her last around 4:30 pm at Meherpur 250-bed General Hospital while undergoing treatment due to old age complications. Veteran politician Matia Chowdhury passes away at 82 Saiful Islam, brother of Monir, said that their mother will be laid to rest at 9:30pm on Thursday following her namaz-e-janaza at Islamnagar Central Eidgah Maidan. Journalist Monir Haider has left New York today upon hearing the news of his mother's passing. Ekushey Padak-winning actor Jamal Uddin Hossain passes away

Veteran politician and former minister Matia Chowdhury, a towering figure in Bangladesh's politics, passed away at the age of 82. She breathed her last at Dhaka’s Evercare Hospital on Wednesday afternoon after suffering a cardiac arrest earlier in the day. Arif Mahmud, general manager of the hospital, confirmed the news saying that she passed away at 12:57 pm. Matia Chowdhury’s death has sent a wave of shock across her constituency, with people from all walks of life grieving for the leader who was fondly known as ‘Agnikanya’ for her fiery speeches and unwavering dedication to her cause. Matia Chowdhury next Deputy Leader of the House Her long-time commitment to public service earned her a special place in the hearts of many, particularly in her constituency of Sherpur-2, where she was elected Member of Parliament for several terms, from 1996 to 2001 and from 2009 until her passing in 2024. Matia’s legacy is one defined by her resolute honesty, integrity, and deep-rooted concern for the people she served. Her contributions to the political arena, from her student days to her time as the Deputy Leader of Parliament, will remain etched in history. Born on 30 June 1942 in Nazirpur, Pirojpur district, Matia Chowdhury's political journey began in her youth while she was studying at Eden College, and she quickly rose to prominence as a student leader. She became the president of Bangladesh Chhatra Union in 1965, showing her leadership potential at an early age. Matia Chowdhury’s political career was marked by her fierce opposition to oppressive regimes, having actively participated in the movements against the Ayub regime and the Education Commission of 1962. During the Liberation War of 1971, she played a significant role, providing care for the wounded and campaigning for Bangladesh’s freedom. In her political career, Matia was repeatedly imprisoned under the presidencies of Ziaur Rahman and Hussain Muhammad Ershad.  She became a pillar of the Awami League and served in various critical roles, including Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Food, and Minister of Disaster Management. Known for her integrity and principles, she remained steadfast in her duties throughout her illustrious career. Even after her husband, renowned journalist Bazlur Rahman, passed away, Matia continued her life’s work with dedication, always remaining a public servant to her core. Matia Chowdhury’s body will be laid to rest on Thursday at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard, where she will be buried beside her husband’s grave. Sherpur, her political home, is already engulfed in sorrow at the news of her passing, with thousands remembering her dedication and service. Her departure leaves a void not only in the Awami League but also in the hearts of the people of her constituency.    

Ekushey Padak-winning television and theater actor Jamal Uddin Hossain has passed away. He was 81. The veteran actor breathed his last at a hospital in Calgary, Canada on Friday, according to family sources. He will be buried there on Saturday after Zuhr prayers. Jamal Uddin, a member of the Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, started acting in theater in the mid-1970s. He later worked in television dramas and films. For the past 15 years, he had been irregular in acting and had been living in the United States for the past 7 years.