Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Land, AF Hassan Ariff, passed away at a hospital in the capital on Friday. He was 85. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, his personal secretary, told UNB that Ariff collapsed while having lunch at home earlier today. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead at 3:10 pm. Ariff’s first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Baitul Aman Mosque on Dhanmondi Road 7 after the Isha prayers this evening. Another janaza will be held at the High Court premises at 11 am on Saturday, according to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry’s notification. Decisions regarding his burial will be made after the arrival of his daughter, who is currently abroad. Ariff was appointed as an adviser to the interim government on August 8. The following day, he was entrusted with overseeing the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD). On August 27, he took on additional responsibilities as the adviser to the Ministry of Land. On November 10, he was released from the LGRD Ministry and tasked with managing the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism while continuing to oversee the Land Ministry. AF Hassan Ariff had a distinguished legal career spanning over five decades. He began his practice at the Calcutta High Court in 1967. In 1970, he relocated to Dhaka, enrolling in the High Court, and later founded AF Hassan Ariff & Associates, a leading law firm with offices in Dhaka and Chattogram. He served as Bangladesh's Attorney General from October 2001 to April 2005 and as the Law Adviser (Cabinet Minister) of the Caretaker Government from January 2008 to January 2009. An authority in constitutional law, commercial arbitration and public procurement, Ariff was a panelist at the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), SAARC Arbitration Council and Shanghai Arbitration Commission. He also held the position of Court Member at the ICC International Court of Arbitration. He advised numerous government and corporate entities, including the Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Bank, and Chittagong Port Authority, along with telecom giants Robi Axiata and Grameenphone. Beyond his legal practice, he was a resource person for the Bangladesh Bar Council’s Continuing Legal Education and Human Rights Training Program and a prominent member of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh. In 2010, he led the Election Observer Mission for the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) in Manila, Philippines.

Mahmodul Hoque, senior sub-editor of The Financial Express, passed away at his residence in the capital's Shanir Akhra on Monday. He had been battling a prolonged illness, including complications related to diabetes, heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Mahmodul Hoque had served at The Financial Express for nearly 25 years until his demise. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and a host of relatives. The Financial Express Journalists Association (FEJU) and all the staff members of The Financial Express expressed deep sorrow at his passing.

Eminent poet Helal Hafiz was laid to rest with state honours  at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard at Mirpur in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. He was buried around 3 pm after the second Namaz-e-Janaza that took place at the Jatiya Press Club. The first Namaz-e-Janaza was held on Bangla Academy premises in the morning. Family members, admirers, and distinguished personalities paid their last respects to the poet at these venues. Among those present were Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Director General of Bangla Academy Prof. Mohammad Azam. Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, passed away at the age of 76. People pay tributes to poet Helal Hafiz at Bangla Academy Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor.

People from all walks of life paid their tributes to eminent poet Helal Hafiz on Bangla Academy premises on Saturday morning. His body was taken to Bangla Academy around 11 am so that people can pay their tributes to the poet of rebellion and love who died on Friday. His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha there. Admirers of the poet, people from cultural arena, writers, poets his elder brother Dulal Hafiz, younger brother Nehal Hafiz, and other family members were present. Family sources said he will be buried at Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the National Press Club after Johr prayers today. Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Director of the Bangla Academy were, among others, present Nehal Hafiz said, "We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality." Social media flooded with tributes to deceased poet Helal Hafiz Recitation artist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh’s history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant." He added, "Helal Hafiz used to tell me, 'If you want to write something, you must read a lot. Then, write very little. Publish even less.'" Family members of Helal Hafiz shared that they tried several times to take him to a hospital, but he insisted, "I have no time left, I quit." Chief Adviser mourns death of eminent poet Helal Hafiz Farooki said when you talk about the songs of youth, Helal Hafiz’s name always comes to mind. He said, "I don’t know if any other poet has influenced the history of a nation’s art and culture as much with just one poetry book. He didn’t write many books, but whenever we talk about songs and youth, Helal Hafiz’s name comes up. That is his achievement."

Helal Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, has passed away. He was 76. He was declared dead by doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. According to BSMMU authorities, the poet suffered a fatal injury following a fall in the bathroom of Super Home, a residence located in Shahbagh, Dhaka, at about 2:30 pm. The poet was taken to BSMMU where he was pronounced dead. His namaz-e-janaza will be held at the National Press Club after Zuhr prayer on Saturday, according to journalist Mahmud Hafiz. The gifted poet had been battling multiple health issues for years, including glaucoma, kidney complications, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor. Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more His poetry gained immense popularity during Bangladesh's anti-authoritarian movements, with his iconic lines from the poem Nishiddho Sampadokiyo (Forbidden Editorial), "Ekhon Joubon Jar, Michhile Jabar Tar Shreshtho Shomoy" ("Those who are young, now is the best time to join the procession"), becoming a rallying cry for protests. In recognition of his contribution to Bangla literature, Hafiz was awarded the prestigious Bangla Academy Award in 2013. He also received other accolades, including the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award. Helal Hafiz's work will remain immortal, inspiring future generations of poets and readers alike.  

Lyricist, composer, and renowned Islamic thinker Abu Zafar, the creator of numerous timeless songs such as ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’, ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam’ is no more. He passed away at 3:30 am on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 82, said his daughter Jihan Faria. Abu Zafar will be laid to rest at Kushtia Municipal Graveyard following his Namaz-e-Jana at the Kushtia Government College field after Asr prayers. The father of two sons and one daughter, Abu Zafar had been suffering from various age-related physical complications for some time. He was a lyricist, composer, poet, and musician all at once. Abu Zafar was born on May 15, 1943 in Kanchanpur village of Gorher Bari under Chandpur Union in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia district. He was a regular musician and lyricist for Rajshahi and Dhaka Betar (radio) as well as Bangladesh Television. His professional career spanned academia, where he served as a professor of Bengali at Chuadanga Government College and Kushtia Government College. He retired from teaching in 2000. Abu Zafar’s patriotic and modern songs stirred the hearts of millions. His creations like ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna,’ ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam,’ and ‘Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bidhilo Gaaye’ remain timeless. He also authored several books, including ‘Notun Raatri Purono Din’ (poetry), ‘Bazare Durnam Tobu Tumi Sarbosso’ (poetry), ‘Biplobotter Soviet Kobita’ (translated poetry), and ‘Tumi Raat Ami Raatjaga Pakhi.’ Among his famous works, ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ was recognised as one of the top 20 greatest songs of all time in a BBC survey. Abu Zafar not only wrote and composed these masterpieces but also sang most of them himself. He occasionally performed duets with his ex-wife, the renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen.

Prof M Harunur Rashid, former Director General of Bangla Academy and ex-teacher of Jahangirnagar University, passed away at a hospital in the capital on Tuesday. He was 85. Prof Harunur Rashid, who had been suffering from cancer, breathed his last at Ibn Sina Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, his son Humayun Rashid told UNB. He was buried around 8:45pm after Isha prayers at Baba Hujur Mosque premises near Kazipara in the capital's Mirpur. Prof Rashid was born on 28 December 1939 into a Bengali Muslim family in the Tinsukia district of Assam Province. He completed his BA Honours (1960) and MA (1961) in English from Dhaka University. Later, he pursued further education at the University of Cambridge (Fitzwilliam College), UK, where he earned a BA Honours (1966) and an MA (1970). On February 7, 1991, he was appointed Director General of Bangla Academy, marking a significant milestone in his career as an educational administrator. Ex-Chief Justice Ruhul Amin dies at 83 During his tenure, he published the Bangla Academy English–Bengali Dictionary. After serving as Director General for four years, he returned to Jahangirnagar University, where he later opted for voluntary retirement in 1998. Following his retirement in 1999, Prof Rashid briefly transitioned into journalism, serving as the chief editor of Dhaka Courier, a national English-language newsweekly. However, this phase of his career was short-lived, and he subsequently joined North South University as an adjunct professor of English, where he taught for eight years until December 2008. In January 2009, he joined Darul Ihsan University as an adviser and professor of English. He also taught at the Dhaka branch of International Islamic University Chittagong, continuing his academic contributions until 28 February 2015. Prof Rashid held several prestigious positions in national organizations. He was elected president of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh in 1998 for a two-year term. In February 2007, he became the president of Bangla Academy for another two-year term. On 5 August 2015, he was unanimously elected Chairman of Wild Team (Wild Life Trust of Bangladesh). Prof Rashid’s extensive career as an academic, administrator, and advocate for wildlife conservation showcases his diverse contributions to education and society.

Former Chief Justice Md. Ruhul Amin died at a city hospital while undergoing treatment early Sunday. He was 83. He breathed his last at 4:30am at Combined Military Hospital in Dhaka. The former chief justice had been suffering from old age complications for a long time. As per the tradition, judicial activities at both High Court and Appellate Divisions of the Supreme Court (SC) remain suspended on Sunday, but administrative activities are going on, said a condolence message sent from the SC.     His Janaza prayer will be held after Dhuhr namaz in the inner courtyard of the main building of the SC. Bangladeshi expatriate group in UK voices concern over killing of Dr Rashid Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed has expressed deep grief over the death of Ruhul Amin and expressed his sincere condolences to the bereaved family. The former chief justice was born on June 1, 1941 in a noble family of Lakshmipur. He completed his MA degree in Political Science from Dhaka University in 1962 and earned an LLB degree in 1965. In 1966 he was enrolled as a lawyer in the then East Pakistan High Court and later in 1981 as a lawyer in the Appellate Division of the SC. On February 18, 1992, he was appointed as a judge of the High Court and as judge of Appellate Division on 11 January 2000. Ruhul Amin was the 15th Chief Justice of the country and performed duty from March 1, 2007 to May 31, 2008.  

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."