Renowned cultural personality and President of Chhayanaut, Dr Sanjida Khatun, passed away at Square Hospital in the capital on Tuesday. She was 92. Chhayanaut confirmed the news through a press release, stating that she had been admitted to the hospital for a week. She had been suffering from kidney complications and other age-related ailments and required regular dialysis. Her body will be taken to Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in the capital's Dhanmondi at 12:30 pm on Wednesday (March 26) for people to pay their last respects. Born on April 4, 1933, Sanjida Khatun came from a distinguished family. Her father, National Professor Kazi Motahar Hossain, was a renowned scholar, while her mother, Sajeda Khatun, was a homemaker. She was also the sister of eminent writer Kazi Anwar Hossain and the wife of noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Wahidul Haque. Sanjida was a trailblazing figure in Bangladesh’s cultural arena — a Rabindra Sangeet singer, researcher, author, musicologist, and educator. She was one of the founding members of Chhayanaut in the early 1960s and later served as its President until her demise. She also co-founded the Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad and served as the President of Nalanda, an innovative child education institution. Sanjida completed her BA Honours from Dhaka University in 1955 and obtained her Master’s degree from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, in 1957. In 1978, she earned her PhD on the philosophical essence of Rabindra Sangeet. She began her teaching career at Eden College, later teaching at Carmichael College and the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University until her retirement. During the 1971 Liberation War, Sanjida was one of the founders of the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha, which played a crucial role in boosting the morale of freedom fighters through cultural performances. Throughout her illustrious career, she was honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Nazrul Gold Medal, Rabindra Smriti Award, and Rabindra Tattwacharya title. In 2021, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Shri award. She was also honoured with the Desikottama Honorary D.Litt and many other national and international accolades. Chhayanaut expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating that her contributions to the cultural landscape of Bangladesh will be remembered forever.

Olifa Akhter Kanta Islam, wife of BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, passed away at a city hospital on Tuesday. She was 70. Kanta, who had been suffering from prolonged illness, breathed her last at the United Hospital shortly before Iftar, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir khan. She left behind husband, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn her demise. Sayrul said Kanta’s mamaz-e-janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at Banani DOHS Mosque on Wednesday. She would be laid to rest beside the graves of her parents-in-law in Mirpur, Sayrul said. Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed their deep sorrow over her death. Upon receiving the sad news, the Secretary General promptly visited the hospital to pay his respect to the deceased. They also prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed their profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Former IGP and freedom fighter Syed Sirajul Islam passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in the capital. He was 75. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital around 9:30 am. His namaj-e-janaza was held at 10 am at SI Shiru Mia auditorium at Rajarbagh police lines. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, senior police officers, and his relatives attended the janaza. Former DU Vice-Chancellor Arefin Siddique passes away He will be buried at their family graveyard at Baliadanga village in Magura sadar upazila today. Syed Sirajul Islam joined the Bangladesh police force as an assistant superintendent of police in 1973. He served as the DIG of Rajshahi and Khulna ranges and as the Police Commissioner of Rajshahi. He is survived by wife and three sons.

Md Abdul Jalil, father of journalist Touhidur Rahman, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 79. He breathed his last at a hospital in Khalishpur, Khulna, after battling complications related to old age. The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) expressed its profound sorrow at the death of its member (banglanews24.com diplomatic correspondent) and former General Secretary's father. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time,” said DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun in a condolence message. They offered their heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Touhidur Rahman’s father will be laid to rest at the family graveyard following his namaz-e-janaza, which will be held after Zuhr prayers on Sunday.

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

Chowdhury Shaila Kamal, wife of the late BNP leader and former minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, passed away on Wednesday morning. She was 78. Shaila Kamal breathed her last at 5:30 am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, her daughter and Dhaka North city unit Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal convener Chowdhury Nayeba Yusuf told UNB. Her first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Gulshan Azad Mosque in Dhaka. Apex Group chairman Manzur Elahi dies Later, her body was taken to Faridpur, where her second Janaza was held at the local Kamalapur Moez Uddin High School High School ground.  After the Janaza, she was laid to rest at her family graveyard. He husband Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf passed away on December 10, 2020 at the age of 80 due to complications from coronavirus. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep sorrow at her demise. In a condolence message, he prayed for the salvation of departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman passes away In another message of condolence, Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas and General Secretary Sultana Ahmed also expressed profound sorrow at the death of Shaila Kamal.

Syed Manzur Elahi, chairman of Apex Group and former adviser to a caretaker government, passed away on Wednesday morning. He was 83. He breathed his last at 9:31am (Bangladesh time) in Singapore  while undergoing treatment at a hospital, said family members. The businessman had been suffering from various age-related ailments. Elahi was one of the pioneers of Bangladesh’s leather export industry and played a key role in introducing locally produced leather footwear to the global market. His company, Apex, holds a significant position in both local and international footwear markets. Elahi completed his B.A. from St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, and later earned a master's degree in Economics from the University of Dhaka. National Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan passes away In 1962, he moved from Kolkata to Dhaka and  in 1972, he resigned from his job and began working as an agent for a French leather importer. After leaving his career in multinational corporations, he ventured into the leather business and became a successful entrepreneur. In 1972, he established Manzur Industries and began selling leather on a commission basis. Four years later, in 1976, he acquired state-owned Orient Tannery and founded Apex Tannery. Former CEC Abdur Rouf passes away Fourteen years later, he launched Apex Footwear, which has grown to become one of the country's leading shoe exporters.

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.

National Film Award-winning director Zahidur Rahim Anjan passed away on Monday night while undergoing treatment in Bengaluru, India. He was 60. Anjan breathed his last at 8:30 pm, his younger brother Sazzadur Rahim told the media. He had been in Bengaluru since January for a liver transplant, which was conducted on February 19. He succumbed to post-operative complications, his brother said. His family has been in contact with Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki regarding necessary formalities, which may take two to three days to complete, he informed. Anjan had been suffering from liver complications for several years and was receiving treatment at Sparsh Hospital in Bengaluru. Last week, doctors decided on a liver transplant, but his condition deteriorated after the surgery, and he was placed on life support before passing away. He was the son of Language Movement veteran Mizanur Rahim and the husband of noted writer Shaheen Akhtar. Anjan made his directorial debut with the film ‘Meghmallar’ (2014), based on eminent writer Akhtaruzzaman Elias’ short story ‘Raincoat’. The film earned him the National Film Award for Best Director and Best Dialogue Writer. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman passes away His latest project, ‘Chander Amaboshya’, was completed with government funding. Although initially planned for release last year, it was postponed due to his health and the overall situation in the country; but he had recently released the film’s poster and was eager to bring it to audiences soon. A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Anjan was also a faculty member at Stamford University Bangladesh. An active figure in Bangladesh's film movement, he served as the former president of the Short Film Forum and contributed significantly to the country's independent cinema scene. His colleagues and admirers in the film industry took to social media to express their grief and share memories, following the news of his demise.  Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, directors Amitabh Reza, Gias Uddin Selim, and Akram Khan are among those who paid tribute to the late filmmaker.

BNP Vice-Chairman and former minister Abdullah Al Noman passed away while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Tuesday morning. He was 82. He breathed his last around 6 am at Square Hospitals Ltd in Dhaka, his personal assistant Nurul Azim Hiru told UNB. Hiru said that freedom fighter Noman was taken to the hospital early in the morning as was feeling unwell. But physicians declared him dead upon arrival. He is survived by a son, a daughter, grandsons-daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. In separate condolence messages, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock and sorrow at his passing. They prayed for the salvation of his departed soul and conveyed their sympathies to the bereaved family. The news of his death has left BNP leaders and activists in Chattogram in shock. His first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament and the Namaz-e-Janaza was held in front of the Nayapaltan party office in the capital after Asr prayers. National Award-winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan passes away BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, BNP standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan and Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, among others, attended the second Namaz-e-Janaza. Earlier in the first Namaz-e-Janaza, BNP standing committee member Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, vice chairman Abdus Salam Pintu, joint secretary general Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie and Bikalpa Dhara Secretary General Major (Retd) Abdul Mannan were, among others, were present. His body will be taken to Chattogram. Noman was first elected as an MP from the Kotwali constituency of the port city in 1991. He served as the Fisheries Minister after winning the 1991 national election and later as the Food Minister following his victory in 2001. A native of Gohira village in Raozan upazila, Noman was scheduled to address a party programme in the city today (Tuesday).