United News of Bangladesh

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair will definitely be held and on time, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said on Sunday. Speaking at a discussion titled 'What Kind of Book Fair We Want' at the National Press Club, he said that although some coordination might be needed due to the current situation, it would not be a major issue. The Bangla Academy, he added, would consult publishers and the Ministry of Culture to reach a decision acceptable to all. He said the book fair should be a place where books of all genres and by all authors are available. “Readers should have the freedom to choose the books they want. No one can be forced. Only when a reader can take the book of his choice will that book enrich his knowledge,” he added. Criticizing a “special class of broker publishers and writers” during the previous government, Shafiqul said many had earned crores of taka by publishing and selling books in the name of the Sheikh family. “People were forced to buy books about what someone did while sitting by a pond in Tungipara. These have not enriched knowledge,” he said, alleging that one journalist sold books worth Tk 11 crore in this manner. For the past 15 years, he added, such practices have distorted the purpose of the book fair. The press secretary said this year’s fair should reflect diversity, where people can find books on history, science, politics, literature, and poetry — a fair that celebrates life and knowledge. He stressed that there should be no discrimination in publishing, selling, or reading books. Shafiqul expressed hope that this year’s book fair would be “even more beautiful.” The discussion was presided over by Sayeed Bari, president of the Anti-Discrimination Creative Book Publishers Association. Among others, National Poetry Council President Mohan Raihan, veteran journalist Gaziul Hasan Khan, writer-researcher Faiz Alam, journalist-writer Sirajul Islam Qadir, senior publisher Gafur Hossain, Kazi Zahirul Islam Bulbul, and students Fatema Akhtar (Begum Badrunnesa Govt College) and Daheka Anjum Sadia (AIUB) spoke at the event. At the programme, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also unveiled the covers of 17 new books.

A delegation of Buddhist religious leaders exchanged greetings with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at State Guest House Jamuna on the occasion of Prabarana Purnima on Sunday. The Buddhist leaders highlighted the spiritual significance of Prabarana Purnima and extended greetings and felicitations to the Chief Adviser. They also invited him to visit Buddhist monasteries. The delegation expressed special gratitude to the Chief Adviser for allocating land in Uttara, Dhaka, for Buddhist cremation rites. The allocation of land for a cremation ground within 10 days of informing the interim government is unprecedented, said the Buddhist leaders.

The five-day Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the minority Hindu community, ends today with the immersion of the idol of Goddess Durga across Bangladesh, including the capital. Devotees thronged puja mandaps on the last day of the festival, Bijoya Dashami, offering flowers to the goddess Durga and seeking her blessings. Puja mandaps across the country were placed with beautiful idols, showcasing the goddess in all her glory. Bijoya Dashami is a special ceremony of reaffirming peace and good relations among people.

Hindus across the country celebrated Kumari Puja on the Maha Ashtami on Tuesday as part of the five-day Durga Puja. The main attraction of Maha Ashtami is Kumari Puja where a pre-pubescent girl is worshipped as “Mother Goddess”. In the capital city, hundreds of Hindu devotees offered Anjali (prayers) before the virgin Goddess at Ramkrishna temple seeking blessings for peace, prosperity, welfare, fraternity and changing of their lot. The worshipped girl symbolises the power that regulates creation, stability and destruction on earth.  

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday extended heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community across the country on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest and most significant religious festival of the community. "On this auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I warmly greet all Hindu citizens of Bangladesh," Prof. Yunus said in a message on the eve of the festival. He highlighted that the destruction of evil forces and the celebration of truth and beauty are the core themes of the Sharadiya Durgotsab. Emphasising Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, Prof Yunus said, "This country belongs to all of us and is a safe abode for everyone, regardless of caste or religion." He urged all to unite beyond religious and caste differences to continue the progress initiated by the July mass uprising, aiming to build a prosperous, discrimination and corruption-free Bangladesh. "Bangladesh stands as a unique example of harmony among people of diverse religions and communities. We all identify as Bangladeshis, regardless of race, religion, or caste," he added. Prof Yunus expressed his hope that this year’s Durga Puja will be celebrated smoothly across the country, fostering communal harmony through enthusiasm and various cultural programmes. Stressing the shared values of peace, friendship and equality inherent in all religions, he said, "The fundamental teaching of all faiths is human welfare. While practising our own religions faithfully, we must also nurture peace by maintaining mutual respect, honor and compassion." The Chief Adviser urged all to uphold the spirit of anti-discrimination, strengthen communal bonds and work together to build a happy and harmonious Bangladesh. He wished peace, welfare and prosperity to all citizens of the country. The five-day Durga Puja will begin on September 28 with Mahasashthi and conclude on October 2 with Vijaya Dashami.

As the city prepares to welcome Eid, Dhaka's residents have immersed themselves in last-minute shopping.  From upscale shopping centres to bustling footpaths, the capital is teeming with eager shoppers making their final purchases. A visit to various markets and street stalls across the city reveals a significant increase in the number of shoppers, particularly after sunset.  Despite having completed most of their Eid shopping, many have realised they still need to buy a few last-minute items, prompting another shopping spree. Eid-ul-Fitr to be celebrated in Bangladesh on Monday Aira Mumtaha, a resident of Shantinagar, came to Mouchak Market to buy a pair of earrings.  She said, "I thought I had finished all my shopping, but then I realised I hadn't bought earrings to match my dress. So I came out after Iftar, thinking it wouldn’t be too crowded. But the market is absolutely packed." Parveen Akhter, who travelled from Motijheel to Anarkali Shopping Centre, is shopping for a lighter outfit for her daughter. Extra fare collection, fines, and Vigilance Team activity at Mohakhali Bus Terminal on last day of Eid journey "I bought a dress for my daughter at the start of Ramadan when the weather was cooler. But after these last two hot days, I decided to get her a thinner fabric dress. Since I’m already here, I’m also looking for a cotton scarf for myself," she shared. Shopkeepers across the city confirm the overwhelming turnout of shoppers on Eid eve.  Many had anticipated a quieter evening due to the early holiday start this year, but the surge of customers since sunset proved otherwise. Sabbir, a jewellery vendor at City Gold in Mouchak Market, noted, "Small accessories like earrings, rings, and nose pins are selling well. Many customers are matching their jewellery with their outfits." 5 congregational Eid prayers to be held at Baitul Mukarram Another vendor, Shibli, highlighted the demand for household essentials: "It’s not just clothing—towels, tissues, and naphthalene are selling fast.  Many are also buying new bedsheets. Business has picked up significantly this Eid eve." Across major shopping centres, women are also queuing up for traditional henna application, adding to the festive atmosphere. Sumaiya, waiting in line for henna, said, "There are different designs at different prices. The rush has been intense since the evening, and many will still be getting their henna done at midnight." According to shop owners, markets will remain open until 2:00–2:30 am to accommodate the last-minute rush of customers. Meanwhile, the city's footpaths see a larger crowd of male shoppers.  Shamim, purchasing jeans from a street vendor in Rampura, mentioned, "I have a night bus to my village, but my younger brother just called and asked me to bring jeans along with a shirt for him. So, here I am, making another last-minute purchase." Another shopper, Liton, prioritised family over personal shopping. "I always wait until everyone in the family has finished their shopping before I buy anything for myself. Whatever money I have left isn’t enough for branded shirts, so I’m getting a good-quality one from a street vendor." Chuadanga residents dread celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr amid scorching heat Arman, after struggling to find his size at major shopping malls, resorted to street shopping. "I’ve been to Bashundhara and Jamuna shopping centres for two days but couldn’t find a shirt in my size. Most stock has been out for a week. So, I’ve come to the footpath to get one." Mintu, a street vendor on Badda Link Road, shared insights into the importance of Eid eve for small traders.  "The real business for footpath vendors happens the day before Eid. Last Eid, I sold shirts and trousers worth Tk 50,000 on Chand Raat alone. This time, sales are going strong again." As Dhaka’s residents make their final purchases, ensuring they are dressed their best for Eid, vendors too are eager to maximise profits before heading home to celebrate with their families.

The government has announced a timetable for five congregational Eid prayers at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr this year. The first prayer is scheduled to be held at 7am, with the mosque’s Chief Imam Hafiz Mufti Maulana Muhibbullahil Baki in conduction, said a media release sent from Islamic Foundation on Sunday afternoon. The second, third and fourth prayers will be held at 8am, 9am and 10am respectively while the last prayer is scheduled at 10:45am, reads it.   In case any designated Imam is unavailable, Maulana Md. Zakir Hossain, deputy director of the Islamic Foundation, will serve as the alternative Imam.

On the last day of the Eid journey, there was not much pressure of homeward-bound passengers at the Mohakhali bus terminal. Passengers were able to board buses to their respective destinations without significant hassle. A field visit to Mohakhali Bus Terminal on March 30 revealed that some passengers were being charged additional fares. Pakistani attires reign supreme in Dhaka’s Eid shopping frenzy Mou, who is traveling to Bogura aboard the Shah Fateh Ali bus to Naogaon, said, “The fare to Bogura is 550, but I have to pay 680 to go to Naogaon. This is apparently the new rule. My bus is at 1:30 PM. I don’t know how long I will have to wait. Since I didn’t buy the ticket earlier, I’m not sure what to expect.” Obaidul, who has been waiting since the morning, said, “The fare to Naogaon is 680 now. I’m not sure how much it used to be. I’m just waiting for the bus.” On the Dhaka-Mymensingh route, passengers were seen lining up to purchase running tickets. One passenger stated, “The fare is being charged correctly now. AC buses cost 400, non-AC buses 310. I’ve heard that fines are being imposed for extra fare collection. No issues so far.” Eid Films: Dhallywood superstars counting on festive spirit to breathe life into moribund industry To address passenger harassment and prevent extra fare collection, the Vigilance Team of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has been active. Mohammad Pakon, who is on duty there, said, “A passenger lodged a complaint of extra fare with the United Bus on the Dhaka-Mymensingh road in the morning. We immediately fined them 5,000 Taka. Our team is ready to take prompt action whenever any complaint is made.” The manager of SI Paribahan, which operates on the Dhaka-Sirajganj route, said, “The fixed fare to Sirajganj is 370 Taka. There is no room for extra fare. We are charging the exact fare as per the rules.” Several villages to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Sunday in line with Saudi Arabia  

Marking the 134th death anniversary of the legendary poet, philosopher, and mystic Fakir Lalon Shah, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) recently organized the three-day Lalon Festival, and now the academy has published the festival's expenditure details on its website. The festival took place at BSA’s National Theatre Hall from October 17–19. According to BSA’s official gazette, the total expenditure for this year’s Lalon Festival is Tk 6,80,611. Adviser Farida calls for preservation of Lalon’s songs for future generations The gazette revealed that the expenditure for the pre-event press conference was Tk 9,400, while the cost for the inaugural day of the three-day festival was counted as Tk 1,22,700. Hosted by the BSA Fine Arts department, the festival kicked off with the program titled 'Ashasindhu Teerey' on October 17 by Sharmin Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Women and Child Affairs. The total expenditure for day two of the festival was Tk 2,57,250, while the concluding day's expenses was Tk 3,00,161. The academy, which also broadcasted the festival live on its official Facebook page simultaneously, has also revealed the total number of festival-goers and virtual audiences, stating that the event was watched by more than 80,000 in total.

Devotees from the Hindu community thronged various puja mandaps in the port city on Thursday, marking the first day (Mahasaptami) of Durga Puja celebrations and creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city. People from all age-groups—children, teenagers, and senior citizens—were crowding at the puja venues wearing new and colourful clothes. An evening tour to some of the major puja venues, including the Jatra Mohan Sen Hall, which still stands in Chattogram bearing witness to a century of the port city's history, revealed a vibrant presence of Hindu devotees. Crowds were also seen in Ramakrishna Mission, Kaibalyadham, Hazarigali, Gosail Danga, Kusumkumari High School and Cheragi Pahar. “Durga Puja is the worship of nature, aimed at upholding truth and beauty. While it may outwardly appear to cater to a specific community, its deeper significance is a universal celebration for the well-being of all,” Kanu Kumar Das, Assistant Professor at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), told UNB. "May this great puja bring prosperity, harmony, and friendship to all and the motherland... this is the prayer of puja I offer from my heart," said the architect and city planner who is celebrating this festival together with his friends and family members. General Secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan Puja Celebration Parishad Hillol Sen told reporters that Anjali was offered at the puja mandaps at noon and there was quite a crowd of devotees then. "Volunteers are deployed at each venue for security. Besides, each mandap is covered by CC cameras. The crowd of visitors has increased since the evening," he said. Earlier in the afternoon, Disaster Management and Relief Adviser Farooq-e-Azam visited the Puja mandap at Kusumkumari High School in the city. Senior government officials were present. Meanwhile, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Commissioner Haseeb Aziz visited some puja mandaps in the city on Thursday morning to see the overall security of Durga Puja.