Gopalganj district Awami League (AL) has taken various programmes on the occasion of the 74th birth anniversary of valiant Freedom Fighter, cultural personality Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, will be observed today in a befitting manner in the district. Sheikh Kamal was born on August 5, 1949 at Tungipara in Gopalganj, he was a former executive member of the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of Awami League (AL). Marking the day, District Awami League (AL) of Gopalganj will pay tributes by placing wreaths at his portrait at Sheikh Kamal Stadium in the district town around 9am. District Awami League President Mahbub Ali Khan, General Secretary GM Shahabuddin Azam, and other leaders of district Awami League and associate bodies will be present there.   Prayers will be offered seeking eternal peace of the departed souls of Sheikh Kamal, Bangabandhu and other martyrs who had to embrace martyrdom on the fateful August 15, 1975. Later, tree saplings will be distributed on the occasion of Sheikh Kamal's birth anniversary to make the tree planting campaign a grand success. District Awami League office secretary Elias Haque said in a press release and requested all leaders and workers of AL and its associate bodies to attend the programme in time.

Muslims across Bangladesh are observing the holy Ashura today (July 29) with due religious fervour and solemnity. On this day in the Hijri year of 61, Hazrat Imam, the grandson of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), along with his family members and 72 followers embraced the martyrdom in the hands of Yazid’s soldiers at the desert of Karbala to uphold the teachings of the Prophet (SM). The day is a public holiday.  On the eve of the holy Ashura, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Friday issued separate messages, paying deep respect to Hazrat Imam Hossain (RA) and other martyrs of Karbala. Different religious organisations have chalked out various programmes on the occasion. Islamic Foundation arranged a special milad mahfil at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque on Saturday on the occasion. Besides, law enforcement agencies have taken special security measures in the capital on the occasion. Adequate security measures have been taken around Imambara Husaini Dalan to ensure smooth observance of Holy Ashura. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television and private TV channels will air special programmes highlighting the significance of the day.

The 11th death anniversary of  Iconic writer, filmmaker Humayun Ahmed is ovserving today (January 19, 2023). On this day in 2012, the legendary writer passed away due to colorectal cancer at the age of 63 at Bellevue Hospital, New York, in the United States. Humayun Ahmed is Widely considered one of the cornerstones of modern Bangla literature. According to the report of UNB, His family and several organizations are observing the day with different programmes and events. Humayun Ahmed's wife, media personality Meher Afroz Shaon and their two sons Ninit and Nishad, placed wreaths at his grave in Nuhash Palli, Gazipur in the morning. Several other organisations are also commemorating the day with various events, while fans and admirers are sharing emotional tributes to the legend on their social media accounts. Humayun Ahmed was born in Kutubpur village at Mohanganj, Netrakona to Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez on November 13, 1948. He passed the School Certificate (1965) from Bogra Zilla School, Intermediate from Dhaka College and earned his BSc and MSc in Chemistry from University of Dhaka, with first class. 'Nondito Noroke' (1972) was Humayun Ahmed's debut novel, which gave him the breakthrough and propelled his career as a writer. The Ekushey Padak winner writer wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh to date. He won Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, Bachsas Award, and more for his outstanding contributions in his illustrious career to the Bengali culture and entertainment sphere. He received seven Bangladesh National Film Awards in different categories for the films 'Shonkhonil Karagar' (as screenwriter), 'Aguner Poroshmoni', 'Daruchini Dwip' and 'Ghetuputra Komola'.

Two unidentified militants were killed in a gunfight in Nagberan Tarsar area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday. Official sources said that two unidentified militants have been killed so far, adding that the search operation is going on in the area. Earlier, a police official said that a joint team of Police and Army launched a cordon and search operation in Nagberan. As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight. Source: Good Morning Kashmir

The holy Shab-e-Barat -- the night of blessings and forgiveness -- will be observed in Bangladesh tonight with befitting religious fervour. Shab-e-Barat is observed on the 15th night of the Arabic month of Sha'ban. Shab-e-Barat is regarded as a significant occasion during which Muslims pray to Allah and beg for forgiveness for their transgressions. It is thought to absolve them of their sins and bestow upon them good fortune for the entire year. Muslim devotees will offer special prayers, recite from the Holy Quran, and also hold religious gatherings seeking divine blessings for the wellbeing of mankind. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has imposed a ban on using firecrackers in areas under its jurisdiction in the capital ahead of the holy Shab-e-Barat. The 12-hour restriction will come into effect from 6pm this evening and remain in force till 6am the next day, DMP Commissioner Khandker Gulam Faruk said.  The ban was imposed to maintain the law and order in the capital and ensure the sanctity of Shab-e-Barat, he added. Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private TV channels and radio stations will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of the night.

The 73rd birth anniversary of Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is being observed in a befitting manner today. Born on August 5, 1949 at Tungipara in Gopalganj, Sheikh Kamal was a former executive member of the central committee of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of Awami League (AL). Different sports and socio-cultural organizations, including the ruling Awami League, have taken elaborate programmes to observe the day. Marking the day, AL and its associate bodies paid homage to Sheikh Kamal by placing floral wreaths at his portrait on the premises of Abahani Club at Dhanmondi this morning. Wreaths were also laid at his grave at Banani Graveyard. Quran Khwani, milad and doa mahfil were also held there. Besides, Abahani Limited has chalked out day-long programmes to observe the birth anniversary of its founder Shaheed Sheikh Kamal. The directors, officials and players of Abahani Club paid tribute to Sheikh Kamal by placing wreaths at his portrait on the club premises in the early hours of Friday and offered special prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of Kamal. The programmes also include day-long recitation from the Holy Quran, a virtual discussion on the life and works of Sheikh Kamal at 4 pm and doa mahfil at the club Bhaban after the Asar prayers maintaining social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. After passing secondary examination from Shahin School and higher secondary exam from Dhaka College, Sheikh Kamal obtained his Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Social Science Department of Dhaka University. He was also a student of Setar musical department of Chayanat, a reputed cultural entity in the country. Kamal was not only the founder of Abahani Krira Chakra, one of the best sports organizations in the subcontinent and pioneer of modern football in Bangladesh, he was also a founder-member of Dhaka Theatre. He was well-known as an actor in the Dhaka University's drama arena. Since his childhood, Kamal was very much enthusiastic about different sports including football, cricket, hockey and basket-ball. Sheikh Kamal was commissioned in the Muktibahini after receiving training from the first war course in independent Bangladesh and served as ADC of General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Liberation War in 1971. After the country's independence, Sheikh Kamal retired from the army and paid attention to the study. Kamal was a Master's (final year) examinee and a member of the Jatiya Chhatra League central committee, a wing of Bangladesh Krishak, Sramik Awami League (BAKSAL), when he embraced martyrdom on August 15 in 1975 at the age of 26. AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has urged all leaders and activists of the ruling party and its associate bodies to observe the day in a befitting manner. Source: BSS AH

The 14th anniversary of release of Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from prison is being observed today. On this day in 2008, Sheikh Hasina was released from the special sub-jail set up on the premises of the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) Building after remaining captive there for nearly 11 months. The Awami League president was arrested from her Sudha Sadan residence at Dhanmondi on July 16, 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government, which assumed power in the political changeover of 1/11 in 2007. As Sheikh Hasina fell sick during her captivity, demands were raised then from different quarters including the Awami League and its associate bodies to send her abroad for better medical treatment after releasing her from jail. Conceding to the people's spontaneous and repeated demands and pressure from different quarters, the caretaker government was compelled to release Sheikh Hasina from jail. In the national election of December 29 in 2008, the Awami League-led grand alliance registered a landslide victory with a two-thirds majority in the Jatiya Sangsad (Parliament) and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina became the Prime Minister for the second term. After that, Awami League also became triumphant in the general elections of 2014 and 2018 and formed the government. Awami League (AL) and its associate bodies have taken various programmes to observe the day. The programme includes offering special prayers in all mosques, temples, churches, pagodas and other religious places of worship seeking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's long life and good health. AL will also hold a discussion and doa-mahfil on Bangabandhu Avenue at 11 am tomorrow. Source: BSS AH

The historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, was observed today (Monday) across the country in a befitting manner.   Bangabandhu, the undisputed leader of the nation and supreme commander of the country's Liberation War, returned to the sacred soil of independent Bangladesh via London and New Delhi on January 10 in 1972, after 290 days of confinement in Pakistan jail.   Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee and the ruling Awami League (AL) chalked out elaborate programmes marking the day.    The day's programmes started with hoisting the National and party flags atop the AL central office, Bangabandhu Bhaban, and party offices across the country in the morning.   On the occasion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana paid rich tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by placing wreaths at the portrait of the Father of the Nation in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi in the capital this morning.   After laying the wreath, the Prime Minister stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of Bangabandhu, the architect of the independence.   Later, senior AL leaders paid glowing tribute to Bangabandhu by placing another wreath at his portrait in front of Bangabandhu Bhaban.   AL Presidium Members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahmam, joint general secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organizing secretaries Ahmed Hossain and BM Mozammel Haque, publicity and publication secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, cultural affairs secretary Asim Kumar Ukil, science and technology affairs secretary Abdus Sabur, deputy office secretary Sayem Khan and Central Working Committee members ABM Riazul Kabir Kawsar and Anwar Hossain were present on the occasion, among others.    After paying the homage, Nanak said the independence achieved through the nine-month-long bloody war was fulfilled through Bangabandhu's return to his homeland.    In absence of Bangabandhu, under the leadership of his able daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country is moving fast towards becoming the 'Sonar Bangladesh' dreamt by Bangabandhu, he said.   Bangabandhu's Bangladesh will yield its success being established as the 'Sonar Bangla' under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the AL leader added.   Speaking on the occasion, Dr Hasan said on the 50th anniversary of Bangabandhu's return to his homeland, the holy soul of Bangabandhu is surely feeling peace as now Bangladesh has come a long way in fulfilling Bangabandhu's dream under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.    "Bangladesh is now a middle income and food surplus country. Under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has been established as a dignified state in the world," he added.    Besides, Dhaka city north and south units of AL, Jubo League, Bangladesh Krishak League, Awami Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League, Jubo Mohila League, Jatiya Sramik League, Bangladesh Chhatra League and different other organizations also placed wreaths at the portrait of Bangabandhu.   Marking the day, a discussion was held in a limited scale maintaining health guidelines at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office in the afternoon.   Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina addressed the discussion through a videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka.   Besides, an AL delegation paid glowing tribute to the undisputed leader of the nation by placing wreaths at his grave in Tungipara at 11:20am today.   AL presidium member Lt Col Muhammad Faruk Khan led the delegation.   Central Working Committee member Abul Hasnat Abdullah, AL organising secretaries Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan and Advocate Afzal Hossain, Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury were among the delegation members.   Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Birth Centenary Celebration National Implementation Committee arranged a programme titled 'Father of the Nation in the Liberated Homeland (Mukto Swadeshe Jatir Pita)', which was broadcast live on all television channels, online and social media at 3pm today from Shaheed Manirul Alam Auditorium of the Bangladesh Television in Dhaka.   Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina chaired the programme virtually joining from her official residence Ganabhaban in the city.   Poems written by Sheikh Rehana, Bangabandhu's younger daughter, on her parents were recited in the function while a discussion on the significance of Bangabandhu's homecoming was also held.    Besides, all district, city, upazila, thana, union and ward level units of AL, its associate and likeminded bodies organized identical programmes coinciding with the central programme marking the day.   Marking the day, the Liberation War Affairs Ministry brought out a rally from the government transport pool premises in the city at 11am. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque led the rally.   On the night of March 25, 1971, Pakistan army arrested Bangabandhu from his Dhanmondi residence and sent him to a West Pakistani jail the following day.   Bangabandhu was subjected to inhuman torture in the Pakistan jail where he had been counting moments for the execution of his death sentence that was pronounced in a farcical trial.   "I was a prisoner in the condemned cell awaiting hanging. From the day I went into jail, I didn't know whether I was to live or not. I was mentally ready to die. But I knew Bangladesh would be liberated," Bangabandhu spoke emotionally about his ordeal in Pakistani prison at a news conference in London.   On the Pakistani army's slaughter of Bengalis, Mujib declared: "If Hitler could have been alive today, he would be ashamed."   Earlier on March 26 in 1971, Bangabandhu proclaimed independence of Bangladesh and urged people from all walks of life to participate wholeheartedly in the nation's War of Liberation.   Immediately after the proclamation of independence, Bangabandhu was arrested by Pakistani military junta and then flown to West Pakistan to keep him in prison there.   Though the final victory in the nine-month-long bloody War of Liberation was achieved defeating Pakistani occupation forces on December 16 in 1971, the nation's expectations were fulfilled and the people got the real taste of victory with the homecoming of Bangabandhu on January 10, 1972.   On reaching Dhaka (Tejgaon) airport in the afternoon on January 10, Bangabandhu was greeted by tens of thousands of jubilant people who had been eagerly waiting to see their beloved leader since the final victory on December 16 in 1971.   From airport Bangabandhu was moved to the Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan) where he addressed a spontaneous reception accorded to him by the cheerful countrymen believed to be one million.   He recalled with respect the contribution of all during the war and urged the people to rebuild the war-ravaged country.   Bangabandhu took oath of office as the country's Prime Minister on January 12, 1972. Source: BSS AH

A "Black Day" observance programmed was organized in Srinagar today by the Centre for Inclusive and Sustainable Development (CISD). This programmed was organized on the anniversary of the Pakistani Tribal invasion of Jammu and Kashmir which happened on October 22, 1947. The event was attended by Lieutenant Governor of J-K Manoj Sinha as the chief guest and Mir Junaid President of Jammu Kashmir Workers Party in the capacity of being the chairperson of CISD. The participants at the seminar observed a one minute silence in the memory of the minority and non-local civilian killings in Kashmir. Mir Junaid welcomed the guests and spoke regarding the events of October 22, 1947, that how Pakistan breached the Standstill Agreement and invaded the land of Jammu and Kashmir and then looted and plundered it.   Mir also vehemently spoke against the recent killings of non-local and minority civilians in Kashmir and blamed Pakistan for it. He called these murders yet another attack on the harmonious Kashmiri society done out of frustration with the liberalisation of Kashmir that happened due to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Mir said that the gathering symbolised the unity of Kashmiri communities against terrorism and the dividing forces of Pakistan. LG Manoj Sinha also took a jibe at Pakistan for being the reason for the lack of peace in Kashmir and promised that every murder of a civilian shall be avenged. Saluting the spirit of the audiences, Sinha said that today the people of Kashmir have proven yet again that they stand against the terrorism perpetrated by Pakistan. Sinha also stressed upon the correct dispensation of historic knowledge in the society for the reality of Kashmir's invasion by Pakistan and subsequent rescue by the Indian Army. After the seminar, a march was held around the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The march marked the solidarity of Kashmiri Muslims with the minorities and non-locals residing in Kashmir. During the march, slogans were raised against Pakistani terrorism in Kashmir and in solidarity with the minorities of Kashmir. The programme was also attended by representatives from minority’s communities in the Union Territory. Source: ANI  

The first ever 'Sheikh Russel Day' is being observed in the country today (Monday), marking the 58th birthday of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's youngest son Shaheed Sheikh Russel.   Sheikh Russel, also the youngest brother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was born on October 18 in 1964 at the historic Bangabandhu Bhaban at Dhanmondi 32 no road in the city.   But he was brutally killed along with most of his family members, including his father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, on August 15, 1975 when he was a student of class four at University Laboratory School.   The Cabinet Division this year declared October 18, the birthday of Sheikh Russel, as Sheikh Russel Day under the category "Ka".   To mark the day, government bodies, ruling Awami League and its associate bodies, and different socio-cultural organizations have taken various programmes to observe the day at national and international levels.   The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division has taken elaborate programmes, including placing wreaths at Sheikh Russel's grave and portraits, launching 'Sheikh Russel Gold Medal', quiz competition, laptop distribution and discussions, to observe the day.   On the day, 10 people, including children with special needs, will be awarded the 'Sheikh Russel Gold Medal' for their outstanding contribution to the fields of education, fine arts, literacy and culture, sports, science and technology, State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak told a press briefing at Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) auditorium at ICT Tower in the city's Agargaon area yesterday.   Besides, a total of 20 laptops will be distributed among the gold medal awardees and winners of the quiz contest while a total of 4,000 laptops will be distributed across the country on the day, he said.   The Sheikh Russel Shishu Kishore Parishad will also distribute 60 awards marking the day, Palak added.   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to join the inaugural and award giving ceremony of the Sheikh Russel Day virtually as the chief guest at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), the state minister said.   The ICT Division and the Sheikh Russel Shishu Kishore Parishad will jointly place wreaths at Sheikh Russel's grave at the Banani Graveyard and at his portrait in front of respective ministry, division, office, agency and institution in the morning.   The division will also organize a national seminar titled "Sheikh Russel Deepta Joyullas (Sheikh Russel radiant joy, indomitable confidence)" at 3 pm and a concert titled "Concert for Peace and Justice" at 6pm at the BICC on the day. Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq will join the concert as the chief guest.   The Bangladesh Shishu Academy will organize a book exhibition on Bangabandhu and Liberation War. Wreaths will be placed at portrait of Bangabandhu in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the morning while children's film will be screened at Shishu Academy Auditorium at noon.   A milad and doa mahfil will be organized at Shishu Academy Mosque at 1.45pm while a photo exhibition will be arranged at Sheikh Russel Gallery of the academy at 2pm.   To mark the day, ruling Awami League will place wreath at the graves of all martyrs, including Sheikh Russel, of the 15 August carnage in 1975 in the city's Banani graveyard in the morning. Subsequently fateha, milad and doa mahfil will also be held by the party members there.   A discussion will be held at 3:30pm on October 19 (Tuesday) at AL central office in the city's Bangabandhu Avenue area. Prime Minister and AL President Sheikh Hasina will preside over the discussion through videoconferencing.   AL General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, in a statement, urged party leaders, workers, supporters and people from all walks of life to observe the birthday of Sheikh Russel following the health rules.   He also called upon the party units and its associate bodies across the country to observe the day through various suitable programmes.   The day also will be observed at Bangladesh missions abroad while different dailies will publish special supplements highlighting the significance of the day. Source: BSS AH