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!  

Mahmudullah Riyad’s retirement from international cricket has drawn emotional tributes from his long-time teammates, who reflected on his contribution to Bangladesh cricket. Former captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, who led Mahmudullah for most of his career, shared a heartfelt message on social media, recalling their journey together and the milestones Mahmudullah achieved. “Congratulations on a great international career, Riyad,” Mashrafe wrote. “The numbers beside your name are just statistics, but to us, you are much bigger than that. We know how important you were to the team and how deeply you committed yourself to it.” Mahmudullah Riyad announces retirement from int’l cricket Mashrafe reminisced about Mahmudullah’s iconic centuries in Adelaide and Cardiff, particularly his historic ton in the 2015 World Cup, the first by a Bangladeshi in the tournament. “No one can take away your achievement of being Bangladesh’s first centurion in a World Cup. I hope many from our country will follow your example and surpass your record of four ICC event centuries. You have shown how to step up on the biggest stage, and generations will learn from you.” Mahmudullah opts out as BCB’s new contract announced Tamim Iqbal, another of Mahmudullah’s long-time teammates, described him as one of the pillars of Bangladesh cricket. “You have been an inspiration both on and off the field. I will cherish the memories we shared in the dressing room. Thank you for your contribution to the country’s cricket, and best wishes for the days ahead,” Tamim wrote. Shakib Al Hasan echoed similar sentiments, calling it a privilege to play alongside Mahmudullah. “You led by example, both on and off the field. Your dedication, resilience, and love for the game and the country have made the nation indebted to you,” Shakib wrote. “May Allah bless you and guide you on your new journey.” Mushfiqur Rahim, another close teammate of Mahmudullah, expressed his admiration for the veteran all-rounder. “It has truly been an honor to share the field with you all these years. Thank you for your guidance and the countless memories we’ve made together. I am incredibly proud of all you’ve achieved for the nation,” Mushfiqur said. Mahmudullah’s departure marks the end of an era in Bangladesh cricket. While his absence will be deeply felt, his legacy as one of the country’s most dependable performers will continue to inspire future generations.  

Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury marked the Martyred Army Day on Monday by paying homage to military officials, who were killed during the 2009 BDR mutiny in Dhaka’s Pilkahan. He paid the tribute through placing a floral wreath at the Banani Military Graveyard. Chiefs of Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air also paid homage to the martyrs. Talking to the media after paying tribute, the home adviser said, “Families of the Pilkhana martyred military officials had been demanding that February 25 be announced as Martyred Army Day, and we have implemented that.” "In the Pilkhana incident, the verdict of the murder case was delivered. Many of those who were acquitted in that case are accused in explosives cases. The murder case is now under review at the High Court,” he said. Replying to a question, he said the testimony in the explosives case remains stayed and it is not in their hands. It's in the hands of the court. The court can grant bail if it wants. Tributes to the martyrs were also paid on behalf of Border Guard Bangladesh and Rapid Action Battalion.  

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday paid a profound tribute to former United States President and fellow Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter, who died on Saturday. The Chief Adviser placed floral wreaths at the portrait of the late president and wrote a condolence message in the condolence book opened at the US Embassy in Dhaka's Baridhara at 11:45am. US Charge d' Affaires Megan Bouldin welcomed the Chief Adviser at the embassy. CA Dr Yunus pays tribute to Manmohan Singh at Indian High Commission During his brief stay at the embassy, the Chief Adviser recalled his long friendship and told Bouldin that he visited Carter's home in Georgia. The Chief Adviser said Carter was a global champion of human rights, democracy and peace. He also praised President Carter for his efforts in fostering strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States. Dhaka discusses with UN modalities for int'l conference on Rohingya crisis Prof Yunus also recalled President Carter's visit to Bangladesh in 1986 and deeply appreciated his impactful work here through the Carter Center.

The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) paid deep tributes and placed wreaths at the grave of Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf at Burighat in Naniarchar upazila of Rangamati on the occasion of the Victory Day. A floral wreath was placed on behalf of the BGB Director General at the grave of this heroic son of the nation on Monday morning. President Shahabuddin pays tribute to Liberation War martyrs on Victory Day BGB Kaptai Zone Commander Lt Col Mohammad Tanzilur Rahman Bhuiyan, Dayal Krishna Chakma, Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf Foundation Director Yasin Rana Sohel and others were present on the occasion. During the ceremony, an armed salute was given by playing the bugle tune and a prayer was offered seeking peace for the soul of Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf. Later, wreaths were placed on behalf of educational institutions and social organizations. Tributes paid to martyred police members on Victory Day at Rajarbagh Police Lines Later, the BGB’s Rangamati Sector Commander provided financial assistance to Doyal Krishna Chakma in recognition of his role in identifying and burying the remains of Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf at Burighat, Naniarchar.

President Mohammad Shahabuddin on Monday paid tribute to the martyrs at the National Memorial on the occasion of Victory Day in Savar. The president laid a wreath at the memorial to honour the martyrs at around 6:30 am. Judicial Service Commission presents 2023 Annual Report to President Shahabuddin After placing the wreath, President Shahabuddin stood in solemn silence for a while to pay respects to the brave martyrs of the Liberation War in 1971. During the ceremony, a smartly turned out contingent of of Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force saluted the president and presented a guard of honour. Chief Justice presents Supreme Court Annual Report 2023 to President The president also signed the visitor’s book at the memorial site.

Following the passing of their "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry last month, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc have each offered their first individual tributes to him.Cox, who portrayed Perry's on-screen wife Monica, posted an Instagram video of herself with Perry's character Chandler, saying she was "so grateful for every moment" they worked together, reports the BBC. ‘In time we will say more’: Friends stars say after Matthew Perry’s deathLeBlanc, who portrayed Joey, was the first to pay tribute."It was an honour to call you my friend," he wrote."It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. I'll never forget you," said LeBlanc. Matthew Perry, Emmy-nominated 'Friends' star, dead at 54Perry, 54, was found dead in his Los Angeles home last month, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans from all over the world.In a joint statement last month, Cox and LeBlanc along with Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer described Perry's death as an "unfathomable loss". Chandler Bing, the AI chatbot: A tribute to Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ characterFollowing his issues with alcohol and drugs, a new foundation has been established in Perry's honour, vowing to continue his dedication to helping others struggling with addiction.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina today paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of the historic Mujibnagar Day. She paid homage by placing a wreath at Bangabandhu’s portrait in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi, Dhaka 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 independence. Flanked by central leaders of Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, also the president of the party, placed another wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu on behalf of AL. On this day in 1971, Bangladesh’s first government in exile was formed at the Baidyanathtala mango orchard in Meherpur, under the then Kushtia district. The place was later renamed Mujibnagar as a tribute to Bangabandhu who had been declared as the president of the government-in-exile. Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed the acting president in the absence of Bangabandhu. Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed the first prime minister, while captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman were made cabinet members. The successful leadership of the core cabinet steered the Liberation War to victory on December 16 that year.  

The Bangabandhu Foundation has paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, marking its 21st anniversary.   Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, also president of the Bangabandhu Foundation, paid homage by placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka on Wednesday. Leaders and members of the foundation were also present at that time. The foreign minister later celebrated the anniversary of the Bangabandhu Foundation by cutting a cake with the leaders and members.  Read more: Bangabandhu Foundation pays homage to ‘Father of Nation’ at Tungipara

The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) on Friday paid tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32 in Dhaka. DCAB members, led by its President Rezaul Karim Lotus and General Secretary Abu Hena Emrul Kayesh, placed a wreath at Bangabandhu's portrait in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum. They also stood in silence for a few moments showing profound respect to the memory of the Father of the Nation, his family members, Liberation War martyrs and Freedom Fighters. Read more: FOSA pays tributes to Bangabandhu at Tungipara Rezaul Karim Lotus, executive editor of the Daily Sun, and Abu Hena Emrul Kayesh, special correspondent of BanglaVision, were elected president and general secretary, respectively, of the executive committee of DCAB for 2023 on December 29 last year.