The forest department and local administration in separate drives recovered 4 acres of reserved forest land in Gazipur and demolished 7 illegal brick kilns in Tangail. In Gazipur, the drive was conducted in the Bhabanipur Beat of Bhawal Range and 4.05 acres of reserved forestland were recovered by removing illegal structures. A total of 13 unauthorised houses and a boundary wall were demolished during the drive.  In Tangail, local administration conducted an eviction drive in Mirzapur upazila and demolished seven illegal brick kilns. 8 brick kilns fined Tk 12 lakh in Kushtia for unauthorised operations The operation which began on Thursday morning and continued until 2:30 pm in targeted areas in Bahuria, Baimail, and Paharpur. The chimneys of Bata Bricks, New Sarkar Bricks, Haque Bricks, New Romiz Bricks, B&B Bricks, Sony Bricks, and Ran Bricks were demolsished. Executive Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun of the Department of Environment, Additional District Magistrate Abdullah Al Mamun of Tangail, Senior Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate Rakibul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Mirzapur Masudur Rahman, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment Miah Mahmudul Haque, Assistant Director Sajib Kumar Ghosh, and other relevant officials conducted the drives.  

Renowned actor Prabir Mitra, fondly known as the "Nawab of the Silver Screen," has passed away. He was 81. He breathed his last on Sunday (January 5) at 10:10 PM while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, his family said. The popular actor had been battling multiple health complications and was hospitalised for 13 days. He was hospitalised on December 22 due to oxygen deficiency and other ailments. Despite medical intervention, his condition deteriorated over time. Born on August 18, 1943 in Chandina, Cumilla, Prabir Mitra, whose full name was Prabir Kumar Mitra, grew up in Old Dhaka. His passion for acting began during his school days, where he performed in Rabindranath Tagore’s play Dak Ghar. Prabir Mitra made his film debut in 1971 with the film Jolshobi, directed by H Akbar. Over a prolific career spanning four decades, he acted in over 400 films. In 1982, he won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo. He was later honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards in 2018. Prabir Mitra's contribution to the Bangladeshi film industry will forever be remembered. His legacy lives on through his extraordinary body of work, which continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

Professor Anisur Rahman, eminent Bangladeshi educator-researcher and Tagore exponent, passed away on Sunday in a Dhaka hospital at the age of 91. The former Professor and Chairman at the Department of Economics at Dhaka University and a member of Bangladesh's first Planning Commission, passed away while receiving treatment for pneumonia, according to multiple sources. His body will be kept at the Central Shaheed Minar from 11 am to 12 pm on Tuesday for public homage and then will be taken to the Segunbagicha Jame Masjid for the namaz-e-janaza. After the janaza, Prof Rahman will be taken to his ancestral home at Netrokona and will be buried there, according to Ruhin Hossain Prince, general secretary of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Born in 1933 to Anwara Begum and Md Hafizur Rahman, a Minister of the then East Pakistan, Prof Rahman attended St Gregory's High School where he was classmates with the Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen. He then went on to study economics at Dhaka University, earning his BA Honours in 1955 and MA in 1956. His career as an academic began at the Dhaka University where he first taught from 1957 to 1959. Prof Rahman then left to further his education at Harvard University in the United States, where he received his PhD in economics in 1962. He is known for his significant contribution during 1971, and for serving as a member of the Bangladesh Planning Commission, where he proposed and advocated for austerity measures to help the country recover from the Liberation War. He then served as the Chairman of the Economics Department at Dhaka University and Senior Research Officer for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. He joined the International Labour Office (ILO) where he directed a program on the participation of the rural poor in development until his retirement in 1990. In addition to his prolific professional activities, Prof Rahman was also a talented Tagore exponent and researcher. He became a strong advocate for people's self-development and participatory action research, while pursuing his passion for music. For his contribution to Rabindranath Tagore's music and literature, Professor Rahman was awarded the Rabindra Puraskar in 2004. Several organizations including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and its Director General, Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, shared profound condolences about the eminent icon's demise.

SA Khaleque, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and vice president of the Dhaka city unit of the BNP, passed away on Sunday afternoon at a hospital in Dhaka. He was 97. SA Khaleque, also a former deputy mayor of undivided Dhaka City Corporation and a five-time MP, breathed his last around 3:30pm at United Hospital, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan. He said the former MP had long been suffering from various old-age complications. SA Khaleque was admitted to the United Hospital on Wednesday last as his health condition deteriorated, Sayrul said. He said the BNP leader was placed on a ventilator on Saturday night as his condition turned critical. Hearing the news, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir visited Khaleque at the hospital on Sunday noon, just over three hours before his death. Sayrul said Khaleque's Namaz-e-Janaza will be held in front of the BNP’s Nayapaltan central office at 12pm on Monday. Another Janaza will be held at 2 pm at Mirpur Bangla College, and he will be laid to rest at his family graveyard near Gabtali Mirpur Shahi Mosque. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas, Dhaka South City unit Convenor Rafiqul Alam Mojnu, and Dhaka North City unit Convenor Aminul Haque expressed deep shock over the death of SA Khaleque. In separate messages, they prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed their profound sympathy to the bereaved family members. SA Khaleque joined the BNP through its founder Ziaur Rahman and was first elected MP in the 1979 parliamentary elections from the Dhaka-14 constituency. He was later elected as an MP from Dhaka-11 in the 1986 and 1988 elections with the ticket of the Jatiya Party. Khaleque returned to BNP before the 1996 national elections, securing the Dhaka-11 seat again with its ticket. His final term in Parliament came in 2001 when he was re-elected as a BNP candidate from the same constituency.

Adviser to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism and the Ministry of Land, AF Hassan Ariff, passed away at a hospital in the capital on Friday. He was 85. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, his personal secretary, told UNB that Ariff collapsed while having lunch at home earlier today. He was rushed to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had suffered a cardiac arrest. He was pronounced dead at 3:10 pm. Ariff’s first namaz-e-janaza will be held at Baitul Aman Mosque on Dhanmondi Road 7 after the Isha prayers this evening. Another janaza will be held at the High Court premises at 11 am on Saturday, according to the Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry’s notification. Decisions regarding his burial will be made after the arrival of his daughter, who is currently abroad. Ariff was appointed as an adviser to the interim government on August 8. The following day, he was entrusted with overseeing the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD). On August 27, he took on additional responsibilities as the adviser to the Ministry of Land. On November 10, he was released from the LGRD Ministry and tasked with managing the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism while continuing to oversee the Land Ministry. AF Hassan Ariff had a distinguished legal career spanning over five decades. He began his practice at the Calcutta High Court in 1967. In 1970, he relocated to Dhaka, enrolling in the High Court, and later founded AF Hassan Ariff & Associates, a leading law firm with offices in Dhaka and Chattogram. He served as Bangladesh's Attorney General from October 2001 to April 2005 and as the Law Adviser (Cabinet Minister) of the Caretaker Government from January 2008 to January 2009. An authority in constitutional law, commercial arbitration and public procurement, Ariff was a panelist at the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC), SAARC Arbitration Council and Shanghai Arbitration Commission. He also held the position of Court Member at the ICC International Court of Arbitration. He advised numerous government and corporate entities, including the Roads and Highways Department, Bangladesh Bank, and Chittagong Port Authority, along with telecom giants Robi Axiata and Grameenphone. Beyond his legal practice, he was a resource person for the Bangladesh Bar Council’s Continuing Legal Education and Human Rights Training Program and a prominent member of the International Business Forum of Bangladesh. In 2010, he led the Election Observer Mission for the Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) in Manila, Philippines.

Mahmodul Hoque, senior sub-editor of The Financial Express, passed away at his residence in the capital's Shanir Akhra on Monday. He had been battling a prolonged illness, including complications related to diabetes, heart, kidney, and lung conditions. Mahmodul Hoque had served at The Financial Express for nearly 25 years until his demise. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter and a host of relatives. The Financial Express Journalists Association (FEJU) and all the staff members of The Financial Express expressed deep sorrow at his passing.

Eminent poet Helal Hafiz was laid to rest with state honours  at the Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard at Mirpur in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon. He was buried around 3 pm after the second Namaz-e-Janaza that took place at the Jatiya Press Club. The first Namaz-e-Janaza was held on Bangla Academy premises in the morning. Family members, admirers, and distinguished personalities paid their last respects to the poet at these venues. Among those present were Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Director General of Bangla Academy Prof. Mohammad Azam. Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, passed away at the age of 76. People pay tributes to poet Helal Hafiz at Bangla Academy Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor.

People from all walks of life paid their tributes to eminent poet Helal Hafiz on Bangla Academy premises on Saturday morning. His body was taken to Bangla Academy around 11 am so that people can pay their tributes to the poet of rebellion and love who died on Friday. His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha there. Admirers of the poet, people from cultural arena, writers, poets his elder brother Dulal Hafiz, younger brother Nehal Hafiz, and other family members were present. Family sources said he will be buried at Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the National Press Club after Johr prayers today. Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Director of the Bangla Academy were, among others, present Nehal Hafiz said, "We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality." Social media flooded with tributes to deceased poet Helal Hafiz Recitation artist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh’s history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant." He added, "Helal Hafiz used to tell me, 'If you want to write something, you must read a lot. Then, write very little. Publish even less.'" Family members of Helal Hafiz shared that they tried several times to take him to a hospital, but he insisted, "I have no time left, I quit." Chief Adviser mourns death of eminent poet Helal Hafiz Farooki said when you talk about the songs of youth, Helal Hafiz’s name always comes to mind. He said, "I don’t know if any other poet has influenced the history of a nation’s art and culture as much with just one poetry book. He didn’t write many books, but whenever we talk about songs and youth, Helal Hafiz’s name comes up. That is his achievement."

Helal Hafiz, a celebrated poet of rebellion and love, has passed away. He was 76. He was declared dead by doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. According to BSMMU authorities, the poet suffered a fatal injury following a fall in the bathroom of Super Home, a residence located in Shahbagh, Dhaka, at about 2:30 pm. The poet was taken to BSMMU where he was pronounced dead. His namaz-e-janaza will be held at the National Press Club after Zuhr prayer on Saturday, according to journalist Mahmud Hafiz. The gifted poet had been battling multiple health issues for years, including glaucoma, kidney complications, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Born on October 7, 1948 in Netrokona, Helal Hafiz rose to prominence with his debut poetry collection, Je Jale Agun Jwole (The Water That Burns), published in 1986. The book has since gone through over 33 editions, a testament to its enduring popularity. Hafiz also worked as a journalist for many years, contributing to leading newspapers such as Jugantor. Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more His poetry gained immense popularity during Bangladesh's anti-authoritarian movements, with his iconic lines from the poem Nishiddho Sampadokiyo (Forbidden Editorial), "Ekhon Joubon Jar, Michhile Jabar Tar Shreshtho Shomoy" ("Those who are young, now is the best time to join the procession"), becoming a rallying cry for protests. In recognition of his contribution to Bangla literature, Hafiz was awarded the prestigious Bangla Academy Award in 2013. He also received other accolades, including the Khalekdad Chowdhury Award. Helal Hafiz's work will remain immortal, inspiring future generations of poets and readers alike.  

Lyricist, composer, and renowned Islamic thinker Abu Zafar, the creator of numerous timeless songs such as ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’, ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam’ is no more. He passed away at 3:30 am on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 82, said his daughter Jihan Faria. Abu Zafar will be laid to rest at Kushtia Municipal Graveyard following his Namaz-e-Jana at the Kushtia Government College field after Asr prayers. The father of two sons and one daughter, Abu Zafar had been suffering from various age-related physical complications for some time. He was a lyricist, composer, poet, and musician all at once. Abu Zafar was born on May 15, 1943 in Kanchanpur village of Gorher Bari under Chandpur Union in Kumarkhali Upazila of Kushtia district. He was a regular musician and lyricist for Rajshahi and Dhaka Betar (radio) as well as Bangladesh Television. His professional career spanned academia, where he served as a professor of Bengali at Chuadanga Government College and Kushtia Government College. He retired from teaching in 2000. Abu Zafar’s patriotic and modern songs stirred the hearts of millions. His creations like ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna,’ ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam,’ and ‘Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bidhilo Gaaye’ remain timeless. He also authored several books, including ‘Notun Raatri Purono Din’ (poetry), ‘Bazare Durnam Tobu Tumi Sarbosso’ (poetry), ‘Biplobotter Soviet Kobita’ (translated poetry), and ‘Tumi Raat Ami Raatjaga Pakhi.’ Among his famous works, ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ was recognised as one of the top 20 greatest songs of all time in a BBC survey. Abu Zafar not only wrote and composed these masterpieces but also sang most of them himself. He occasionally performed duets with his ex-wife, the renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen.