United News of Bangladesh

The conservation of the Sundarbans and its rich natural heritage took centre stage at the soft launch of the second edition of Enayetullah Khan’s ‘The Bangladesh Sundarban’ at the Cosmos Centre Auditorium in the capital on Monday. The event brought together conservationists, wildlife experts and photographers with Dr Yanan Wu, Chairman and CEO of Surfin Meta Digital Technology Pte. Ltd, a Singapore-headquartered financial technology solutions provider for the underserved,  attending as the chief guest. Published by WildTeam and supported by Surfin, the second edition of the book features two new chapters, adding to its documentation of the Sundarban’s wildlife, biodiversity, natural history and the lives and livelihoods of communities closely connected with the mangrove forest. All proceeds from its sale will go towards tiger conservation. The programme began with a short video showcasing the activities of WildTeam. Enayetullah Khan, Founder of WildTeam, Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, CEO and General Secretary of WildTeam, renowned ornithologist, wildlife photographer and also Chairman of WildTeam Enam Ul Haque addressed the gathering before prominent global investment and fintech executive Dr Wu spoke as the chief guest. Dr Wu  said he was honoured to be associated with the project and described the conservation of the Sundarbans as a meaningful contribution to Bangladesh and humanity. "It is my honour and privilege to be part of such a great project, such a meaningful contribution to our great nation, especially to a UNESCO World Heritage Site," he said.   

Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway is set to come alive Monday with steel drums, colorful floats draped in flags and the aroma of jerk chicken as hundreds of thousands of people gather for the West Indian Day Parade, one of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture in the United States. For Haitians, however, this year’s parade carries a more serious tone. Federal immigration enforcement has increased pressure on Caribbean and other Black immigrant communities over the past year, while Haitians have lost a major immigration protection known as temporary protected status, or TPS. The program had allowed hundreds of thousands of Haitians to remain legally in the US. Organizers say the parade is therefore both a celebration of Haitian pride and a welcome moment of joy during a difficult year. “There’s a somber cloud over it with everything that has happened from last year to this year with TPS,” said Natalie Lafontant, a Brooklyn native who organizes Lespri Ayiti, or “Spirit of Haiti,” the largest Haitian marching community, known as a “mas,” in Monday’s parade. She pointed to conditions at detention centers and the deportation of Haitians who may have no reliable means of supporting themselves after returning home. Still, Lafontant said hardship has never stopped Caribbean people, particularly Haitians, from expressing themselves through culture. She said Haitians rely on music, dance and art to keep moving forward despite difficult circumstances. Keeping the parade alive amid immigration pressuresIn June, the US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Mullin v. Doe that federal courts could not review the Trump administration’s decision to end TPS for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. The ruling cleared the way for about 350,000 Haitians to lose the protection. A federal judge finalized the order in early August, while work permits linked to Haitian TPS expired on July 27. Lafontant’s Lespri Ayiti group, which includes about 180 artists, designers, musicians and community members, is taking part in the parade for the second consecutive year. The group faced difficulties securing sponsors for its float this year. Organizing the parade is expensive, she said, with costs including insurance, costumes, designers and arrangements for participants. Despite the financial burden, the group continues because of its love for Haiti. Haitians have deep roots in New YorkLafontant is part of a Haitian community of about 163,000 people in the New York metropolitan area, according to the Migration Policy Institute. It is the second-largest Haitian population in the US after the Miami metropolitan area. Many Haitian immigrants settled in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as Flatbush, East Flatbush and Crown Heights. Haitian migration to New York grew in waves beginning during the dictatorship of Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. Political repression and economic collapse pushed many Haitians to leave the country during the 1970s and 1980s. The migration continued after Duvalier was ousted in 1986. Haiti’s tradition of resistance goes back even further to the Haitian Revolution, when enslaved and free Black people defeated French colonial rule in what is widely considered the only successful slave revolt in modern history. The struggle culminated in the 1803 Battle of Vertières and paved the way for Haiti’s independence in 1804. That history remains an important source of pride for Haitians around the world, including generations who have established new lives outside the country. Edwina Paul, founder of SPM, or “Fanm Se Poto Mitan,” meaning “Women Are the Pillar of Society,” left Haiti in 1993 and moved with her husband to Brooklyn’s Canarsie neighborhood. Paul’s coalition of Haitian women leaders and organizers will also participate in Monday’s parade. She said insecurity and instability in Haiti have been major reasons people leave the country. “It's not safe there. Coming here is like an umbrella for us to be safe from that,” she said, referring to Haitians fleeing gang violence and instability. She stressed that Haitian migrants come to the US seeking work, education and a safer life, not to commit crimes. Haitian music and fashion take center stageSPM is highlighting Haitian resilience through its parade costumes this year. Fashion designer Clara Poteau, a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna, created royal blue emperor robes inspired by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, a leader of the Haitian Revolution and the first leader of independent Haiti. Six designers and one painter spent a month creating and hand-painting costumes celebrating Haitian achievements. Their work continued through the weekend before the parade. The costumes include dresses decorated with miniature Haitian flags and skirts featuring national football players Duckens Nazon and Emmanuel Sanon, who hold Haiti’s international scoring records with 44 and 47 goals, respectively. An orange T-shirt called the “Freedom” tee features the flags of countries whose independence Haitian revolutionary leaders supported with shelter, money, weapons and troops. The countries include Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Panama, Mexico and Greece. Music will also play a major role in the Haitian “mas.” Jesus Luc, a Harlem native and Lespri Ayiti’s band manager, organized a lineup featuring Raboday, a popular contemporary Haitian and Caribbean music style, along with Kompa, Haiti’s signature dance music. DJ Comix of Team Madada will headline the musical lineup. Luc described the group as one of the most popular in Haiti and said its sound represents a new generation of Haitian youth culture. “It’s electrifying. It’s music that will touch your soul,” Luc said, adding that the combination of music and costumes would bring the spirit and heart of the Haitian people to the parade.

When Zoë Armstrong received an ultrasound report showing signs of endometriosis, she broke down in tears while speaking with her mother. After years of pain and repeated visits to doctors, she finally had an explanation for what she had been experiencing. Seeing the diagnosis in writing made her feel validated. Armstrong's experience reflects a wider problem. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, many patients wait 10 years or even longer after their symptoms begin before receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis. The condition affects about one in 10 women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, often causing severe pain and other health problems. Severe pain and other symptomsEndometriosis is believed to be a chronic inflammatory disease, although its exact cause remains unclear. Experts say genetic factors may also play a role. The symptoms can vary depending on where the tissue grows and how severe the condition is. It commonly affects the ovaries, bladder and bowel, though in rare cases it can occur outside the pelvic area. Common symptoms include severe pain during menstruation, sexual intercourse or bowel movements. Patients may also experience bloating, fatigue and infertility. Dr. Drorit Or of Mount Sinai West in New York said the pain can be so severe that some patients are unable to attend school or work and may remain in bed for days. Armstrong began experiencing symptoms when she was 11. She suffered stabbing pain on the left side of her body and frequently had to visit the school nurse. Later, she developed severe pain, nausea, heavy menstrual bleeding, acne and ruptured ovarian cysts. After getting married, her pain became even more intense and frequent. Why diagnosis often takes so longArmstrong was eventually diagnosed at the age of 29 by a doctor who also had endometriosis. An ultrasound detected an endometrioma, a cyst associated with the disease. After searching for the term online, Armstrong finally began to understand what could be causing her long-standing health problems. Surgery later confirmed the diagnosis. Experts say delayed diagnosis can happen for several reasons. Menstrual pain is often considered normal by both patients and doctors. In addition, the symptoms can resemble those of other medical conditions. Dr. Megan Billow of the Cleveland Clinic said not all health care providers have sufficient experience or expertise in identifying endometriosis. Doctors suggest that patients keep a record of their symptoms, including when pain occurs, where it is felt and how severe it becomes. This information can help doctors better understand the patient's condition. Patients should also feel comfortable asking their doctors whether endometriosis could be a possible cause of their symptoms. New diagnostic tests raise hopesNew tests designed to help detect endometriosis are already being used in some countries, although they have not yet received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. One test, called EndoSure, takes about 30 minutes. It measures electrical signals in the gut using sensors placed on the abdomen, and the results are provided to the doctor afterward. Another test, known as Endotest, analyzes saliva samples for microRNAs that may indicate the presence of endometriosis. Results are generally available within two to three weeks. In the United Kingdom, health advisers have issued draft guidance recommending that both tests be used by the National Health Service for three years while more evidence is gathered about their effectiveness. The aim is to help speed up diagnosis, particularly in primary care. Dr. Mark Noar, founder of Maryland-based EndoSure, said the company is preparing its application to the FDA to seek approval for the test as a tool to assist doctors in diagnosing the disease. Meanwhile, French company Ziwig is working to make Endotest available to patients in the United States through a pathway that allows certain laboratory-developed tests to be offered through certified laboratories without FDA approval. Dr. Andrew Spiers of Ziwig said such tests should be considered an important starting point rather than a replacement for other diagnostic methods. Once doctors identify the possibility of endometriosis, further imaging and examinations may still be necessary. U.S. doctors agree that these new tests could become useful additions to existing diagnostic methods, but they are unlikely to provide a complete solution. They also will not address the long-standing tendency to dismiss or normalize severe menstrual pain. Treatment options are availableOnce diagnosed, patients can work with doctors to develop a treatment plan based on their symptoms and individual needs. Treatment options include painkillers such as ibuprofen and prescription medicines designed specifically for endometriosis. Hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, progestin therapy and medicines that temporarily stop menstruation, may also help manage symptoms. Surgery can be another option in some cases. Severe cases may require more extensive procedures, including hysterectomy. Armstrong underwent excision surgery to remove endometriosis lesions and scar tissue. She still receives regular care, including pelvic floor therapy and treatment for other related health problems. She now visits middle and high schools across New York City with the Endometriosis Foundation to raise awareness about the disease and other women's health conditions. Armstrong believes young people need better information about the warning signs and when to seek medical help. Dr. Or said that while endometriosis can be difficult to diagnose and manage, patients should know that treatment and support are available. Women do not have to simply accept severe pain as a normal part of life, she said, adding that many people with endometriosis can manage the condition and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Few voices in the region's folk music have carried the soul of rural Bengal quite like Abdul Alim, whose deeply moving songs turned the experiences of ordinary people into an enduring musical legacy. The legendary folk singer died on this day 52 years ago (September 5, 1974) at the erstwhile PG Hospital in Dhaka, aged 43. He has been dead longer than he lived, yet songs including 'Naiya Rey Nayer Badaam Tuila', 'Holudia Pakhi Shonar Boron', 'Porer Jaiga Porer Jomi' and 'Shorbonasha Padma Nodi' continue to resonate across generations. Born on July 27, 1931, in Talibpur village of Murshidabad, Alim developed an interest in music during childhood. His first two recorded songs, 'Tor Mostafa-ke De Na Mago' and 'Aftab Ai Baslo Pate', were recorded in 1943, when he was only 12. After Partition, he settled in Dhaka, where he became associated with radio and television while continuing his training under noted musicians including Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khasru and Momtaz Ali Khan. Alim recorded more than 300 gramophone records and lent his voice to over 100 films. He was also among the singers associated with Mukh O Mukhosh, the first feature film produced in the then East Pakistan. His repertoire covered diverse folk traditions, including bhatiali, murshidi, marfati, jari and sari. His distinctive voice and emotional delivery brought songs of love, separation, devotion, rivers and rural life to a much wider audience. His reputation extended beyond Bengal. At the All Pakistan Music Conference in Lahore, he received five gold medals for his performances and contribution to music. He received the Ekushey Padak posthumously in 1977 and the Independence Award in 1997. He also received the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer posthumously for his performance in Khan Ataur Rahman’s Sujan Sakhi. Yet preserving his musical legacy remains a concern. His family has said that of more than 500 songs associated with him, only around 250 to 300 have been documented, while some recordings held in archives outside Bangladesh remain difficult to recover. The preservation challenge makes Alim’s legacy more than a story of remembering a legendary singer. Every lost recording potentially means the loss of a unique musical interpretation and performance tradition. Despite the gaps, his voice continues to live through younger performers, his children and cultural organisations working to preserve his repertoire. More than five decades after his final journey, Abdul Alim’s songs are still travelling, keeping his unmistakable voice alive in Bangladesh’s musical heritage.

Rome authorities are moving to tighten regulations on golf carts that have become increasingly popular among tourists, as concerns grow over congestion, illegal parking and overtourism in the Italian capital’s historic center. Hundreds of golf carts now carry visitors through Rome’s narrow streets and around major landmarks. While operators say the electric vehicles are quieter, take up less space and produce no exhaust fumes, critics argue that their rapid growth has added to the city’s already severe traffic and parking problems. Golf cart bookings in Rome increased 147% this summer compared with 2024, according to TripAdvisor. The city is estimated to have as many as 500 such vehicles. Rome has only about 4,300 regular on-street parking spaces in its historic center, while an average of 50,000 vehicles enter the area each day, according to city transport officials. Luigi La Licata, head of a neighborhood association in Monti, said the golf carts had become the latest source of frustration for residents already dealing with heavy traffic. “O­vertourism is a real problem,” said Pascal van Duijnhoven, president of Metur, an association of golf cart tour operators. He acknowledged that the industry was part of the problem but argued that the vehicles could also help address transport challenges if properly regulated. Rome Deputy Mayor for Sustainable Mobility and Transport Eugenio Patanè said the city was seeking greater control over the sector. He said the city wants to introduce fixed routes, limit the number of golf carts and establish a system for selecting authorized operators. Rome has asked the regional authorities to transfer regulatory powers over passenger transport and tourism businesses to the city. Patanè said he expected the transfer to take place this month, allowing Rome to introduce new rules for the rapidly expanding sector. Meanwhile, authorities have stepped up checks on golf cart operators. Vehicles linked to Metur members were stopped 14 times during the latter half of August, according to van Duijnhoven. Operators said some checks lasted up to an hour and complained that penalties were sometimes excessive or inconsistent. Unlicensed tour guides can face fines of up to 4,000 euros ($4,600), while vehicles allegedly operating as unauthorized private-hire services can be barred from the streets for more than a month. The crackdown has also exposed tensions between golf cart operators and traditional taxi and private-hire drivers, who accuse the newcomers of taking away part of their business. Despite the disputes, city authorities say regulation is necessary as the golf cart business has become increasingly widespread in Rome’s crowded historic center.

In Yutian County, on the edge of the vast Taklamakan Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, water is scarce. But every summer, the sound of drums and paddles brings a small pond to life as local villagers take part in dragon boat races. The ancient Chinese sport, traditionally associated with the rivers and lakes of southern China, has found an unlikely home in this dry inland region. Teams race in long dragon-shaped boats, paddling in rhythm to the beat of a drum. Success depends not only on individual strength but also on teamwork and coordination. For many local participants, dragon boat racing was a completely new experience. “Most of us used to play football or basketball,” said 25-year-old participant Adiljan Abduegni. “Before trying dragon boats, we didn’t know how to row. Some people couldn’t even swim.” Yutian County, far from China's major rivers and coastal areas, had little opportunity for water sports. That began to change in 2022 when local authorities launched the county's first annual summer dragon boat race. Nearly 20 townships soon formed teams, with participants including farmers, taxi drivers and construction workers. In the early days, villagers even built their own boats and paddles, often in different shapes and sizes. The races were held on a small fishpond, one of the few suitable venues in the area. Although the competitions were initially far from professional, they quickly became popular among both participants and spectators. As interest grew, local authorities provided standard dragon boats and paddles, helping the sport become more organised. Last year, more than a dozen paddlers from Yutian travelled to Miluo in central China's Hunan Province to compete in the national Dragon Boat Super League. Despite limited experience and less advanced equipment, the team gained valuable exposure by competing against stronger and more experienced crews. Dragon boat racing has since continued to spread across Xinjiang. In areas without suitable waterways, organisers have introduced land-based events, while frozen lakes in northern Xinjiang have hosted winter races using specially modified boats fitted with blades and brakes. The sport reached another milestone in August when dragon boat racing was included in the Xinjiang Ethnic Traditional Sports Games in Kashgar, where 12 teams from across the region took part. Adiljan's team finished fourth in the 200-metre race, but he said winning was not the only goal. “The result is not the most important thing,” he said. “One person may paddle fast, but cannot go far alone. Only when everyone works together can we move faster and farther.”

Give one a gentle tap, and its oversized head starts shaking, moving up and down or from side to side. That familiar movement has made bobblehead dolls one of America’s most popular and enduring collectibles. From entertainers and athletes to politicians, animals and fictional characters, almost anyone can be turned into a bobblehead. Personalized versions featuring ordinary people are also popular. Often handed out as promotional gifts at baseball games and other events, the quirky figurines have become a familiar part of American pop culture. “I think they’re the ultimate Americana, sort of pop-culture icon,” said Phil Sklar, a longtime bobblehead enthusiast and founder of the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The museum displays a large collection of the figurines, explores their history and also sells bobbleheads. However, the dolls did not originate in the United States. According to Sklar, head-nodding figures existed in China hundreds of years ago. Europeans later brought similar versions back to Europe, where smaller models, particularly in Germany, became popular. Bobbleheads gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1960s, initially featuring sports stars and being distributed at baseball games. Their appeal later expanded to include famous figures such as members of The Beatles. Although public interest in bobbleheads has risen and fallen over the decades, they have remained a popular collectible, with many of the biggest names in sports, entertainment and public life eventually getting their own version. For many Americans, the simple, head-shaking figurines have become a lasting symbol of pop culture.

A documentary chronicling the life, literary journey and social engagement of veteran writer and social worker Nahar Kamal Ahmed premiered at Bishwa Sahitya Kendra in the capital on Thursday evening. Titled 'Discovering A Doyenne', the 1-hour-42-minute documentary was directed by Dr Mahmud Nurul Momen. A new edition of Ahmed's book Ei Prithibi was also launched and unveiled at the event. Prominent filmmaker Mosihuddin Shaker, director of the acclaimed film Surja Dighal Bari, attended the programme as chief guest, while Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, and mountaineer Nishat Mazumder, the first Bangladeshi woman to summit Mount Everest, attended as special guests. Former Bangla Academy Director Rahima Akhter Kalpana conducted the programme.

You want to cut fuel costs but are not ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid and the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid could be good options. Both SUVs combine a conventional hybrid system with a rechargeable battery, allowing drivers to travel a certain distance using only electric power. Regular charging at home can help reduce petrol consumption. But which of these two popular compact SUVs offers better overall value? Edmunds tested both vehicles to find out. Range and fuel economyThe Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has a clear advantage in electric range and fuel efficiency. Toyota estimates that most RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid trims can travel up to 54 miles using only electric power, while the sportier GR Sport is rated at 48 miles. In Edmunds' real-world test, however, the GR Sport managed an impressive 58 miles before the battery was depleted. After the battery runs out, the RAV4 is estimated to deliver up to 40 mpg in combined city and highway driving, a figure that Edmunds also found realistic in its testing. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid trails behind, with an EPA-estimated electric range of 32 miles and fuel economy of 35 mpg after the battery is depleted. Although it performed slightly better than those estimates in Edmunds' testing, it could not match the RAV4's advantage. Winner: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Passenger comfort and cargo spaceThe two SUVs offer similar cargo capacity, although the RAV4 has a slight edge in the plug-in hybrid versions. The RAV4 provides 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared with 31.9 cubic feet in the Tucson. Edmunds found both cargo areas spacious and practical, with their boxy shape making it easier to load luggage and other items. However, the Tucson offers significantly more room for rear-seat passengers. It has 41.3 inches of rear legroom, compared with 37.8 inches in the RAV4. The difference is noticeable for adults, teenagers and families using child seats. Edmunds' testers also found the Tucson's front seats softer and more supportive. Its ride quality over rough roads was also more comfortable than that of the RAV4. Winner: Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Technology featuresBoth SUVs performed exceptionally well in Edmunds' infotainment testing, receiving scores of 9.7 out of 10 for usability and connectivity. The RAV4 features a newer and improved infotainment system compared with other Toyota models. However, some important functions, including navigation and voice controls, depend on an internet connection and may require a paid subscription after the free trial ends. The Tucson includes these functions directly in its system without requiring an internet connection, although its navigation search is not as capable. Hyundai provides a standard 12.3-inch central touchscreen. Toyota offers either a 10.5-inch display on lower trims or a larger 12.9-inch screen on higher-end models. Overall, the technology packages are closely matched. Winner: Tie Pricing and valueBoth SUVs start at just over $42,000, including destination charges, and their prices rise to around $50,000. At the top end of the price range, the Tucson comes with nearly all available features. A similarly equipped RAV4 XSE requires additional options, pushing its price above $52,000. Edmunds also rated the Tucson's interior more highly, citing better-quality materials and a more premium look and feel. Hyundai also offers stronger basic and powertrain warranty coverage than Toyota. Winner: Hyundai Tucson Plug-in Hybrid Style and choiceToyota offers buyers more options. Besides the SE and XSE trims, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is also available in the more adventure-focused Woodland version and the sportier GR Sport model. These choices give buyers more flexibility in terms of styling, capability and driving character. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid, meanwhile, is available only in SEL and Limited trims. Hyundai's more rugged-looking XRT version is not offered as a plug-in hybrid. For buyers looking for more variety and distinctive styling, the RAV4 offers more choices. Winner: Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid Edmunds saysThe competition is close, with the Tucson standing out for passenger comfort, interior quality, value and warranty coverage. However, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid's biggest strengths are the features that matter most to many plug-in hybrid buyers: a longer all-electric driving range and better fuel economy. For drivers mainly focused on reducing fuel use and making the most of electric driving, Edmunds says the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid is the better overall choice, despite the Tucson's advantages in comfort and value.

Noted poet Al Mujahidi was remembered at a seminar at the Bangla Academy on Wednesday, with speakers recalling his distinctive contribution to Bangla poetry and lifelong engagement with the soil, people and struggles of Bangladesh. The Bangla Academy organised the seminar at 4pm at the Kobi Shamsur Rahman Seminar Room of the academy. Bangla Academy Secretary Dr Md Selim Reza delivered the welcome address, while poet and essayist Dr Mahbub Hasan presented a paper titled ‘Mrittikar Kobi Al Mujahidi’. National Press Club President and poet Hasan Hafiz and Dainik Jugantor Editor and poet Abdul Hai Shikder took part in the discussion. Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam chaired the event. The programme began with a one-minute silence in memory of the late poet. "Al Mujahidi is an unforgettable name in Bangla poetry. In his poems, the soil and people of this country have been illuminated with exceptional artistry," Dr Selim Reza said. Presenting his paper, Dr Mahbub Hasan said, "One way to know Al Mujahidi is through his poetry. His inner world is reflected there, and we can experience its fragrance." He said Al Mujahidi devoted himself to a long poetic journey through his works on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. "It began in 1963 with ‘Kaado Hiroshima, Kaado Nagasaki’, written while he was imprisoned at Dhaka Central Jail," he said. "From 1988 to 1999, he sharpened his pen to portray the brutality of imperialist destruction and crimes against humanity. This poetic journey proves how, with immense vitality, he used his sharp thoughts against the naked violence of human history," Dr Mahbub said. Referring to Al Mujahidi’s widely recognised identity as the ‘poet of the soil’, Dr Mahbub said, "He created the soil in his poetry in many ways and in many forms. He felt a profound attraction towards that primordial soil from which this earth was formed, as well as towards the golden gateways of Gaur and the attics of civilisation." "Although he sometimes spoke of living among heaps of stars, ultimately he spoke of returning to the soil," he added. The discussants said Al Mujahidi was simultaneously a poet, translator, essayist, editor and intellectual fighter who gave Bangladesh and its people distinctive expression through his poetry. They said he portrayed the fighting spirit and unique heritage of the people of this land throughout his literary career. As the literary editor of Dainik Ittefaq for many years, he also played a legendary role in nurturing and guiding many talented writers. They further stated that the fearless fighter of the national liberation struggle consistently used his poetic voice to speak of peace, humanity, equality and a modernity rooted in the soil. Poet’s daughter Paroma Al Mujahidi said, "My father always illuminated the country and its people through his poetry. Undoubtedly, his literary works will inspire the new generation in language, literature and patriotism." Professor Mohammad Azam said, "Al Mujahidi was a unique personality in the field of poetry in Bangladesh. Alongside illuminating indigenous modernity in his poetry, he also explored foreign mythology for expressions of human fellowship." "He left his distinctive mark through prose writings on poetry, translations of important poems from different languages into Bangla, and children’s literature," he said. "His contribution to the history of literary magazine editing in this country can never be forgotten," Bangla Academy Director General added. Sayera Habib, Bangla Academy Deputy Director, moderated the programme.