United News of Bangladesh

When the restless heart that once beat with curiosity, mystery and endless imagination suddenly fell silent, it left more than just grief. It carved an untreatable wound where nostalgia of teenage years used to dwell with sweet melancholia. This Wednesday, Rakib Hasan, the revered author of the Tin Goyenda series, breathed his last at Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital during dialysis. He had returned often, each visit a fragile thread keeping his light alive. But now, before treatment could even begin, death claimed him, causing us a great loss. Destined to chase mystery Rakib Hasan was born on December 12, 1950 in Cumilla. His childhood moved with his father’s transferable job, across Feni and beyond, but it was fueled by a world he carried inside,  a world of shadows, enigma and bewilderment. Initially, he completed schooling, tried uneventful regular work for a while. But the 9 to 6 life could never meet the needs of a soul meant to roam the unknown, to explore suspense and to chase anecdotes waiting to be told. Some books do more than just telling stories. They hide in your backpack, peek from your desk, fold within a fat textbook, become your companions under a warm blanket and your secret friends when the afternoon outside becomes too loud. For those of us who grew up in the '90s and '00s, Tin Goyenda was all of that. Launched in 1985, it was never just detective fiction. Inspired at first by Robert Arthur Jr.’s ‘The Three Investigators’, Rakib Hasan penned the series  into a world for restless juvenile hearts. Kishore, Musa, and Robin, through their laughter echoing under moonlit skies, courage flickering through dark forests, doubts trembling in shadowed corridors, became our invisible companions. They were our whispered wishes, our daring dreams of justice. Through their adventurous tales, we started believing that mysteries could be solved, truths uncovered and that friendship could conquer any fear. And then there was Geogina "Jina"  Parker. Spirited, mischievous, and fearless, she teased Musa, challenged the boys and yet brought warmth and loyalty that tied the group together. For us juveniles, she wasn’t just a character, she was the laughter in the night, the spark in our imaginations, the daring spirit that made flipping the pages of Tin Goyenda under the dim glow of a bedside lamp feel like sneaking into another world that we didn’t understand properly then. Even now, when I pick up a yellowed book, spine-cracked and pages pale with time, a pang of nostalgia hits. An adolescence lost, yet alive within the adventures Rakib Hasan left behind. Over 400 books, including more than 150 Tin Goyenda volumes, were his gift. To many of us, those books are the worlds that will never fade. Beyond 'Tin Goyenda' It goes without saying that his imagination had no limits. Alongside works under his own name, he wrote as Zafar Chowdhury for the Romohorshok series and as Abu Sayeed for Goyenda Raju. He translated Tarzan, Arabian Nights, and other timeless adventures to bring the distant worlds into the hands of Bangladeshi juveniles. His writings were never just mere stories of solving mysteries. They were lessons in courage, resilience and quiet bravery which worked like magic to shape the thoughts of young readers. Every tale had the heartbeat of childhood nights, the thrill of discovery, the whisper of courage hidden in shadows, constantly reminding us that even in darkness, something precious waits. Now that voice has faded like the last soft echo of a bedtime story. What remains now for the fans? A few faded pages, spines worn thin by love, margins filled with the handwriting of teens who are no longer unreasonable like they used to be. Those books once held beneath old mosquito nets, read by the trembling light of a dying yellow bulb, smelled like rain, mud, dust and multiple true friends. And somewhere between those lines, an entire generation found its courage, its laughter, its desire to live long and dream big. Tin Goyenda, Goyenda Raju, Romohorshok, names that once echoed through morning schoolyards and late afternoon playgrounds, now rest like ghosts in our shelves, whispering the promises of a world that will never return. Those tiny pocket books upheld a whole new world to us and helped understand too. They taught us that mystery was never just in the forest or the fog, it was in the ache of growing up, the fear of losing magic and the adamant hope that our heroes never die. And yet, they did, just like Rakib Hasan, leaving us to wander like nomads through the dim corridors of memories, grappling his writings like torches that still flicker, even after the storyteller is gone. A final goodbye I remember sneaking a Tin Goyenda book under my blanket, heart pounding that my mom might find out, reading past midnight, desperate for just one more chapter. I remember the pride when someone asked, “Who solved it?” as if I had been a part of the adventure. Even as tears fall, I am grateful to him for the laughter, the fear, the puzzles, the nights spent with his words. For understanding the fact that children deserve great stories and that even ordinary life can hold extraordinary wonders. Goodbye, Rakib Hasan. You have gone, but your mysteries remain in our old dusty bookshelves, in aching hearts, in every juvenile’s pursuit of the unknown who grew up into adults reading your words. May your divine soul find peace! And, may your writings never lose their appeal!  

Netflix is kicking off March 2025 with a fresh slate of English-language originals, offering something for every kind of viewer. From gripping crime dramas and mind-bending sci-fi to laugh-out-loud comedies and compelling documentaries, the coming month’s lineup is packed with must-watch content. Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling mystery, an animated adventure, or a dose of reality TV, here are the top new releases you won’t want to miss. 10 Netflix English Originals Premiering This March . Hot Wheels Let’s Race (Season 3) | Pre-school Animation | March 3, 2025 Based on the toy brand Hot Wheels of toy manufacturing company Mattel, Inc., this animated film boasts production by Mattel Television Studios. Under the collaborative animation efforts of OLM Digital and Sprite Animation Studios, the adventure comedy flourishes with Collette Sunderman (voice director) and Moto Sakakibara as its directors. The storyline revolves around six young hopefuls at the Hot Wheels Ultimate Garage Racing Camp, where they master essential skills to become the next generation of exceptional racers. Read more: The Biggest Superhero Movies of 2025: Marvel, DC, and Beyond Similar to its predecessor, Season 3 will maintain the five-episode structure. It will see Coop and friends facing Cruise and Professor Rearview in a final race to reclaim the Ultimate Garage and stop his monsters for good. Lending their voices are Jakari Fraser, Amari McCoy, Griffen Campbell, Risa Mei, Josh Keaton, Charlie Schlatter, and Grey DeLisle-Griffin. Developed by Rob David, Melanie Shannon, and Jordan Gershowitz, the sports series thrives with Rob David, Christopher Keenan, and Fred Soulie as executive producers. With Love, Meghan | Lifestyle Show | March 4, 2025 This lifestyle TV series, directed by Michael Steed, highlights Meghan, Duchess of Sussex as host and executive producer. The executive production team includes Aaron Saidman, Eli Holzman, and Leah Hariton. Read more: Top 10 most-anticipated Korean dramas releasing in February 2025 This uplifting series explores practical how-tos and open-hearted conversations with both old and new friends. Meghan offers personal tips and tricks, celebrating creativity through playful imperfection. Together with her guests, she ventures into the kitchen, the garden, and beyond, proving how effortless and joyful creating beauty in unexpected moments can be. Notable guests are Korean-American chef Roy Choi, American chef Alice Waters, and American actresses- Mindy Kaling and Abigail Spencer. The show also features Meghan's husband, the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry as an honorable guest. Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black (Season 1 – Part 2) | Soap Opera | March 6, 2025 Starring Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart, the drama series follows the life of a young woman whose world takes a shocking turn after crossing paths with a wealthy yet deeply dysfunctional family. Behind their glamorous cosmetic empire lies a dark underbelly of deceit and a sinister trafficking scheme. Read more: February 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: Top 12 Must-Watch Films Part 1 concludes with Killing Karma, where she confronts her sister’s kidnapper, striking him with a speeding car. Yet it leaves the audience questioning whether he survived or met his end. Besides creating and directing, Tyler Perry executive produced the soap opera along with Angi Bones and Tony Strickland. The supporting cast includes Julian Horton, Steven G. Norfleet, Richard Lawson, Charles Malik Whitfield, and Debbi Morgan. Plankton: The Movie | Musical Animation | March 7, 2025 Inspired by the beloved TV series SpongeBob SquarePants, this animated movie, produced by Nickelodeon Movies, excels with the creator Stephen Hillenburg. Mr. Lawrence teamed up with Kaz and Chris Viscardi to turn his own story into a screenplay, which made it into a movie thanks to director Dave Needham. Read more: 10 Most-Anticipated Bollywood Movies to Watch in February 2025 Led by Lawrence as the Plankton, the voice cast includes Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Clancy Brown, and Rodger Bumpass. The story follows Plankton, whose plans for world domination are put to a halt when his computer wife, Karen, decides to take charge. American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden | Crime Documentary | March 10, 2025 This docuseries offers a comprehensive exploration of how the world united to track down Osama bin Laden after the 9/11 incident in the United States in 2001. Mor Loushy and Daniel Sivan’s directing brings the three-part series to life. Read more: February 2025 Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Lineup: Exclusive Films and Web Series This historical series features exclusive interviews with key U.S. government figures involved in the global manhunt. It reimagines the decade-long mission to capture one of history’s most infamous terrorists.

Children can make new friends easily. But as an individual passes childhood and adolescence, the circle of friends becomes smaller. And, reaching a mature age, many people discover that it’s not easy anymore to find true friendships. Entering adulthood brings a myriad of responsibilities and often causes a shift in priorities. While friendships are cherished, making new connections becomes notably challenging. This article delves into the intricacies of forming friendships in adulthood while exploring the hurdles many grown-up people face in this endeavour. Why is it Difficult to Develop News Friendship at a Mature Age? Changing Dynamics in Adulthood When a person enters professional life and eventually starts a family, responsibilities take centre stage. Then day by day issues like career, conjugal life, children, and other personal pursuits become focal points of that person’s life, leaving less time and energy for socialising. The shift in priorities can lead to a natural distancing from the spontaneous social interactions that characterise youth. Established Social Circles Entering established friend groups can be challenging. Long-lasting friendships often have a shared history which makes it harder for newcomers to find common ground. Breaking into these circles demands effort and a willingness to navigate existing dynamics. Read more: How to Buy a Used Motorcycle: A Detailed Checklist Fear of Rejection The fear of rejection intensifies with age. Mature individuals may hesitate to initiate friendships and fear that others may not reciprocate. This fear is rooted in the vulnerability of opening oneself to potential rejection which makes the process more daunting. Communication Styles Differences in communication styles between individuals can pose obstacles. Due to professionalism and social norms, adults usually maintain distinct approaches to conservation and socialising with new people they meet.  However, an indecent approach or over-enthusiasm to create a connection with new people may lead to misunderstandings or discomfort. Navigating the decent and right way of communication requires patience and adaptability. Read more: Bearing Legacy Mindset: How Do You Want to Be Remembered? Limited Opportunities Studies indicate that, on average, it requires approximately 50 hours to form a casual friendship, while developing close friendships demands an investment of around 200 hours. As responsibilities pile up, opportunities for socialising diminish.  Work demands, family commitments, and other obligations leave little room for older adults to make spontaneous social encounters. As a result, finding time to nurture new friendships becomes a rare occurrence. Preconceived Notions When a child makes a new friend, it starts with a pure mind without prejudice. But it rarely happens in the case of mature persons.  Read more: Micro-acts of Joy: Secret to Being Happier and Healthier? Preconceived notions about individuals’ geographical, religious, political or social identity can hinder the formation of friendships among adults. Stereotypes and expectations based on age can create barriers and prevent people from seeing beyond assumptions and embracing the potential for meaningful connections. Building Trust Takes Time Trust is one of the most crucial elements of any friendship, and it tends to take longer to develop in mature relationships. Past experiences, caution, and a heightened awareness of personal boundaries contribute to the gradual nature of trust-building.