Bangla Academy has announced the names of 16 winners of its 2023 literature awards on Wednesday (Jan 24).     They include Shamim Azad for poetry, and Nuruddin Jahangir and Salma Bani for fiction. Zulfiker Matin has won the award for essay or research, and Saleha Chowdhury in translation. For screenplay, Mrittika Chakma and Masud Pathik have shared the award.     The award for children’s literature goes to Tapankar Chakraborty. Afroza Parvin and Asaduzzaman Asad have won the award for research on the Liberation War. The academy has named Saifullah Mahmud Dulal and Md Mojibur Rahman as the winners of the award for research on the Father of the Nation Bangaandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Enam Al Haque has been named for science writing, science fiction or works on environmental science.   For autobiography, memoirs or travelogue, Ishaque Khan has won the award. Tapan Bagchi and Sumankumar Dash are the winners of the award under the folklore category.     Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will distribute the awards at the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka in the beginning of February.

Bongo BD, one of the leading OTT platforms in the country, has once again raised the bar in entertainment offerings with the release of the highly-anticipated Bangla-dubbed version of the hit Chinese web series "Put Your Head on My Shoulder". (Reports UNB) The Bangla title of the hit show is "Ei Mon Tomake Dilam". Adored by viewers globally and recognised as one of the top 10 web series at the esteemed Golden Bud - The Fourth Network Film And Television Festival, the romantic drama is set to captivate Bangla-speaking audiences. Based on the popular Chinese novel of the same name, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" follows the heartwarming journey of two young university students, Gaurav and Sejuti Mou. Gaurav, an exceptionally brilliant physics student, exudes a serious and contemplative demeanour, while Senjuti Mou, an accounting student with aspirations in advertising, charms with her simplicity, intelligence, and sweetness. The series beautifully unfolds their encounter and the blossoming intimacy between the two opposite characters, said a media release. Chinese actors Xing Fei, Lin Yi, and Tang Xiaotian deliver stellar performances, adding depth to the compelling narrative. The acclaim received by the show at the Golden Bud Festival extends beyond being listed among the top 10 web series. The series was also honoured with awards for Best Producer, Best Newcomer, and Best Promising Actress, solidifying its position as a global sensation. Additionally, the series earned nominations in prestigious categories at China's 26th Huading Awards and China Entertainment Industry Summit (Golden Pufferfish Awards), including Best Screenplay, Best Actor & Actress (Modern Drama), and Best Marketing. Garnering an impressive rating of 8/10 stars on IMDB, the series has captivated audiences worldwide. Speaking of the momentous release, Naimul Newaz, head of growth at Bongo BD, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Bongo BD has always been committed to delivering the finest entertainment to the people of this country. Following our successful introduction of official dubbed versions of popular South Korean and Chinese series, we are thrilled to present the beloved Chinese series 'Put Your Head on My Shoulder'. We firmly believe that its enchanting storyline, exceptional performances, and breathtaking scenes will mesmerise the audience." While "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" has been previously dubbed in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and Chinese, this marks the first-ever full Bangla dubbing, promising an enthralling experience for viewers here. Source: UNB

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan and the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will expedite the journey of development. "I believe that 'Joy Bangla' slogan and the 7th March speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will expedite the journey of development," she said in a message issued on the occasion of the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu. Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh is the role model of development recognized by the world due to the government's initiatives.  "We have established digital Bangladesh. We will transform the country into a smart Bangladesh by 2041," she said. She said after the AL took charge of the country in 1996, it repealed the Immunity Ordinance proclaimed by the murderers - Mustaq-Zia and started trial for killing of the Father of the Nation. "Subsequently, we have formed governments three consecutive times since 2009 and devoted ourselves to the overall development of the country in the spirit of Bangabandhu. We have established the rule of law in the country by enforcing the verdict of Bangabandhu killing; as a result, the nation freed from stigma," Sheikh Hasina said. She said the historic March 7 speech was recognised by UNESCO as a "World Heritage Document" on October 30, 2017. Not only that, she said, UNESCO thinks that Bangabandhu had declared the independence of Bangladesh indirectly through this speech. The Primer said the worldwide recognition of the historic March 7 speech of the Father of the Nation is a rare honour and pride for the Bangalee nation. "Today is an unforgettable day in the life of the Bangalee nation. On this day in 1971, the undisputed leader of the Bangalee nation, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, delivered an 18-minute fiery speech standing on the historic Racecourse Maidan, now known as Shaheed Suhrawardy Udyan," Sheikh Hasina said. Terming Bangabandhu and Bangladesh synonymous, the premier said the Father of the Nation fought against the Pakistanis for long 24 years, while tolerated imprisonment and oppression and led all the movements for realising the just rights of the people of East Bengal and establishing an independent state on the world map. She said Bangabandhu was the only strongest voice among the exploited and deprived Bangalees in the last thousand years. Under his leadership, the Awami League achieved majority in the 70’ elections, she said, adding, "However, the Pakistanis started making excuses without handing over the responsibility of running the country to the AL". Involving the people from all walks of life in Bangladesh, Bangabandhu called for a non-cooperation movement against the Pakistani rulers, Sheikh Hasina said. She said: "In his speech on March 7 in 1971, he uttered an immortal message of freedom and showed us the path to freedom from struggle". Till March 25, every person in the country ignored the rule of Yahya Khan and followed the instructions of Sheikh Mujib properly, the prime minister said. "The Pakistani ruler arrested him (Bangabandhu) on that night. He officially declared independence before his arrest," she said. Unfortunately, Sheikh Hasina said, by assassinating Bangabandhu and most of his family members on August 15 in 1975, the local allies of the defeated enemies of '71 avenged their defeat.

The Cabinet today decided to make "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan through an official notification.    The decision was taken at today's Cabinet meeting held at Bangladesh Secretariat. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the meeting joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban while her cabinet colleagues were present at the Cabinet Division.   "Following a discussion, it was decided today to announce 'Joy Bangla' officially as the national slogan by issuing a notification from the Cabinet Division," said Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam while briefing the reporters after the meeting.    He said there is also a judgement passed by the High Court in 2020 to take necessary measures for making "Joy Bangla" as the national slogan.    Anwarul said the details were discussed at the meeting and it was decided that "Joy Bangla" would be the national slogan. The cabinet will issue a notification in this regard.    Replying to a query, the Cabinet Secretary said, for example, constitutional office bearers and state officials and employees will say Joy Bangla at the end of a state or government function. In the case of assemblies in educational institutions and other meetings and seminars, Joy Bangla should be said at the end of the speech, he added. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Sunday) said her government is trying hard to flourish Bangla language, literature and culture further in the international arena.  “Our efforts will be to exalt Bangla Language, literature, culture more in the international arena and we believe, we will attain success in this endeavour,” she said.  The premier said this while addressing the Ekushey Padak-2022 distribution ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day. She joined the function virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in the capital.  She said the world acknowledged the contribution of the countrymen by recognizing “February 21” as the International Mother Language Day (IMLD).  Sheikh Hasina said they have been working to change the fate of the marginalized people in the grassroots level alongside attaining economic self-sufficiency of the country.  She said Bangladesh is marching forward and will continue this progress as the enlighten people of the country is showing the path.  “Our progress has been possible due to your (enlighten people) contribution to various sectors,” she opined.   The Prime Minister hoped that the country’s young generation would follow the contribution and path of this enlighten people and devote them to the welfare of the country.   On behalf of the Prime Minster, Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel Haque, MP handed over the Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian award in the country, among 24 eminent persons for their outstanding contribution to the society and country.  With State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, in the chair, Secretary of the ministry Md. Abul Monsur delivered the welcome address.   Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam conducted the award-giving ceremony organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and read out the citations of the recipients. Briefly describing the struggle of the country’s Independence from the Language Movement, the Prime Minister said the sacrifice of many people helped achieve the Independence of the country.  She said, “Independence does not come through a sudden declaration of any person. The Independence of the country came through the long journey of struggle started by the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”. The independent Bangladesh emerged by the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she added.  Recalling the evil efforts to erase the contribution of Bangabandhu after his assassination in 1975, Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation’s contribution to the Language Movement and Liberation War was almost wiped out. "But the reality is, none can erase the truth, history comes repeatedly,” She continued.  The premier said that her government is trying to find out the people who have contributed to various fields and giving them honour so that “people of the country can get rid of history distortion”.  Congratulating the award winners, she hoped that the new generation will come forward to devote themselves to the welfare of the country following their footsteps.  After the brutal assassination of her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and most of family members, Sheikh Hasina said, “She and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana made promise that whenever they get opportunity they will work for the people and help the Bangalee nation to stand with head high before the world”. “Today I can say that we stand before the world with head high,” she continued. The head of the government also reiterated her call to the people of the country to receive Covid-19 vaccine as they are providing the jab free of cost although many rich countries are not doing so.  She requested all responsible persons both in government and private sector to make sure that their near and dear ones as well as neighbours receive the Covid-19 jabs to protect them from the lethal virus. She also urged all to maintain health safety protocol properly to escape the virus infection. Earlier on February 3, the government announced the names of 24 eminent persons for the "Ekushey Padak-2022" for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.    This year, two persons got the padak in the Language Movement category, four in the Liberation War, seven in Shilpakala (art, music and dance), two in Social Service, two in Language and Literature, four in Research and one each in Journalism, Science and Technology, and education.  Mostafa M A Matin (posthumous) and Mirza Tofazzal Hossain Mukul (posthumous) received the padak in the field of Language Movement.  Valiant freedom fighter Alhaj Principal Md Matiur Rahman, Syed Moazzem Ali (posthumous), QABM Rahman and Amzad Ali Khandaker got the padak in the Liberation War category.  Jinat Barkatullah received the padak for dance while Nazrul Islam Babu (posthumous), Iqbal Ahmed and Mahmudur Rahman Benu for music, and Khaled Mahmud Khan (posthumous), Afzal Hossain and Masum Aziz for acting. MA Malek got the padak for journalism while Md Anawar Hossain in science and technology and Professor Dr Gautam Buddha Das in education.  Besides, SM Abraham Lincoln and Sangharaj Dr Gyanshree Mahathero got the padak in the social service category. Poet Kamal Chowdhury and Jharna Das Purkayastha received the padak in language and literature category.  On the other hand, Dr Md Abdus Sattar Mandal, Dr Md Enamul Haque (team leader), Dr Shahanaz Sultana (team) and Dr Jannatul Ferdous (team) got the padak in research category. Source: BSS AH

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy said the dream of Sonar Bangla is to make development of the people and the country so that every citizen can lead a happy and prosperous life.   "Our Awami League government has been continuing its relentless efforts to materialize the dream of building 'Sonar Bangla'. Along with the government, youths are also coming forward to translate the dream into reality," he said.    Joy added: "Those who are spending their time, money and labour for the development of our country are examples of changemakers of Sonar Bangla. Their efforts are to resolve different problems of people. They are serving people with their own initiatives by establishing voluntary organizations."    He said this in a video speech played at the Joy Bangla Youth Award giving ceremony at Sheikh Hasina National Institute for Youth Development at Savar.    Recorded speech of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was also played during the event. Bangabandhu's grandson Radwan Mujib Siddiq, also a trustee of Awami League's research wing Centre for Research and Information (CRI), handed over the Joy Bangla Youth Awards to 15 youth organisations.    Joy said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had brought independence for the nation 50 years back.    "But then we had to cross very tough paths (after the assassination of Bangabandhu). But after 50 years of independence, now we can say with pride that Bangabandhu's Sonar Bangla is being materialized under the leadership of his daughter Sheikh Hasina," he said.    He urged all specially the youths to make their efforts from respective positions for betterment of the nation. Source: BSS AH

Joy Bangla Youth Award were conferred to 15 organisations today for spearheading social changes.     The award recipient entities are: Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF), Tech Academy, Asmani Jubo Nari Foundation, Amal Foundation, Third EYE, EcoVation Bangladesh, Bangladesher Dushprappo Chobi Somogro, Steps Ahead, Moner School, TransEnd, Reflective Teens, GenLab, Diner Alo Hijra Unnoyon Mohila Songstha, Bangladesh Tea Community Student Youth Council, and Medhabi Kallyan Sangstha (MKS).    The award giving ceremony was held at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Youth Development in the city's outskirts Savar.    Recorded speeches of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy were played during the event.    Bangabandhu's grandson Radwan Mujib Siddiq, also trustee of Awami League's research wing Centre for Research and Information (CRI), handed over the awards to the 15 organisations at a function at Sheikh Hasina National Youth Center at the city's outskirts Savar.    Calling for entries on September 25, Young Bangla that operates under Centre for Research and Information (CRI), continued to receive applications from young changemakers across the country till October 31.    Inspecting 750 entries from youth-led organizations whose services transformed their communities, the jury primarily selected 31 organizations. As they pass the application through the further sift, the number of final winners comes down to 15, said a press release.    The vibrancy of this year's JBYA resonated with the 50th year of the country's independence. The young changemakers who silently transformed their communities were given the award.    Joy Bangla Youth Award is conferred every two years on the youths who are changing the social paradigm by working in different parts of the country - even in remote areas.    This year the interval has been shortened down to one year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh.     According to the jury panel of this year, Joy Bangla Youth Award winners hold the potential to contribute to not just the country but the world as well.    Joy Bangla Youth Award set off in 2014 to recognize the youths working to stop child marriage, educate underprivileged children, and help distressed people.    Over the years, new fields were added as the criteria for applying. The aim of this event is not just awarding the young changemakers but also grooming them, helping them network among themselves, and connecting them with policymakers.    In the last couple of years, a handful of awardees, owing to the support provided by the platform, even got internationally acclaimed.    People who have contributed to respective fields in the space of the last 50 years will also be recognized, which is a new addition this year. Source: BSS AH

Some of the songs sung by Saif Shuvo have been well received by the audience and the singer wants to set up a music academy where he can offer learning music for free. In a conversation with Rtv news, he expressed his desires, future plans, current activities and others. Rtv news: What are you currently busy with? Saif Shuvo: COVID-19 has severely disrupted our normal life. Usually I spend time recording songs, studio works, stage shows and concerts. Now I am at home and taking part in various live music programs through social media and the studio work for my upcoming songs. Recently I joined the live program from a popular musical facebook page in Kolkata. I am from Bangladesh and Mou Chatterjee from India are spending time like this way. Rtv news: Which of your songs have gained huge popularity? Saif Shuvo: Recently released song "Nashta Manush" which came from the banner of Studio Joya, “Din Raat” from my 1st solo album, “Hridayer Bahasa” which came from the most popular banner of Bangladesh "Laser Vision" in 2016, get a lot of good listeners. Besides, the song titled “Ami Valo Nei” from the banner of Studio Jaya, released on the valentine day, 14th February 2020 has gained huge popularity. Rtv news: Will any new song be released in future? Saif Shuvo: Yes, new songs are being created. Two new songs are being created on the occasion of the new year 2021. As soon as the recordings are over, the music videos of the songs will be released. I hope the songs will be released on the 1st day of new year 2021. Rtv news: What else you do apart from the music? Saif Shuvo: I am a man of song, I live by the song. Music and only music is my life. Rtv news: Are you involved in music since childhood? Saif Shuvo: Actually, I became fond of music from the early stage of my childhood. In the year 1998, when I was a student of class two, I was living at my village home in Jamalpur district. Load shedding was normal then. Whenever there was load shedding, I used to sit in the backyard and sang the song “Amar Sara Deho Kheyogo Mati” which was sung by the legendary singer of Bangladesh. That was the ground of my learning to music. Rtv news: What are your future plans for music? Saif Shuvo: I think it's not just me, those involved in Bangla music, have plans and desires to establish pure Bangla music all over the world. I also want pure Bangla music to be established all over the world. I am working towards that goal, I will continue to work in that way as long as I live, InshaAllah. AH

Ten personalities have been chosen for the Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar (Bangla Academy Literary Award) 2019. Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Siraji announced the names at a press conference at the academy’s Poet Shamsur Rahman Auditorium on Thursday. The award recipients are former Home Minister Rafiqul Islam (Literature on Liberation War), Makid Haider (Poetry), Wasi Ahmed (Literature), Swarochish Sarkar (Essay/Research), Khairul Alam Sabuj (Translation), Rahim Shah (Children’s Literature), Ratan Siddiqui (Drama), Nadira Majumder (Science Fiction), Faruk Moinuddin (Autobiography/Travelogue) and Simon Zakaria (Folklore). Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will distribute the award among the recipients at the inaugural ceremony of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair on February 2. The winners will receive a cheque for Tk 2 lakh and crests each. Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar is given by the Bangla Academy of Bangladesh in recognition of creative genius in advancement and overall contribution to the field of Bengali language and literature. This year marks the diamond jubilee (60 years) of this prestigious award, which was launched in 1960. A total of 307 litterateurs have so far received the award. Source: UNB AH

Telecasting of all the channels of Zee network are suspended. According to that telecasting of Zee tv network’s channels like Zee Bangla, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Cinema and Zee tv are suspended throughout the country. Distributors’ organization of Bangladesh has kept the telecast of these channels suspended. But Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, the government did not suspend telecasting of any channel. Only laws are applied. He said, due to not abiding by the law the advertisement market of Bangladesh in television sector has gone outside. The Information Minister said, the decision was taken after conversation that the downlinked foreign channels will be telecasted in the country without advertisement. The concerned channels can telecast clean feed (without advertisement) programs. According to the subsection 19(13) of the Cable Television Network Act 2006, showing advertisement in any foreign channel for the audience of Bangladesh is a punishable crime. But after that a vested quarter is telecasting advertisement in foreign channels by taking money illegally. In this circumstance the government has taken strict measures about applying law. On Monday the information ministry issued show cause notices to two distributor organizations named Nationwide Media Limited and Jadu Vision Limited. After getting the notice Jadu Vision suspended telecasting of all channels of Indian Zee Network. The Information Minister said, they were not directed to suspend the channel telecasting. They were served notices. On Tuesday at the secretariat when questions were asked in this regard Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, why Zee Bangla, Zee Cinema channels are not being showed in Bangladesh, that can say the distributors. We have told for showing the channels without advertisement but advertisements are being showed, laws are being violated. This type of law is available in India, UK, USA and Europe and other countries- informing that the minister said this type of law is followed in those countries. AH