obituary
PM condoles demise of veteran journalist Helal Uddin Chowdhury
Prime Minister Sheikh Hadina today expressed profound shock and sorrow at the demise of pro-Liberation War veteran journalist and former president of Chattogram Press Club, Helal Uddin Chowdhury.
Read: PM condoles death of noted journalist, freedom fighter Shahjahan Mia
In a condolence message, she prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.
Read: PM condoles death of Zeenat Barkatullah
Helal Uddin, Chattogram bureau chief of the national Bengali daily Jai Jai Din, died of cardiac arrest at Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital on Friday evening.
Read more: PM condoles death of physicist Bikiran Prasad Barua
Ekushey Padak-winning dancer, actor Zinnat Barkatullah passes away
Revered Bangladeshi dancer and actor Zinnat Barkatullah passed away on Wednesday afternoon.
Zinnath, who had been suffering from several health complications, breathed her last at 4:45 pm at her Dhanmondi residence, according to her daughter and renowned actor Bijori Barkatullah.
The eminent dancer was hospitalized back in March this year with a lung infection and brain haemorrhage and was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for five days.
Dhallywood’s modern-day ‘Starmaker’ Sohanoor Rahman Sohan dies at 57
She went through several complications after being infected with COVID-19 in 2020, including three brain strokes, sleep apnea, high diabetes and high blood pressure.
Her husband and renowned producer at Bangladesh Television Md Barkatullah lost his battle against COVID-19 on August 3, 2020.
'Hok Kolorob'-famed lyricist Rajib Ashraf no more
In her illustrious career, Zinnat Barkatullah served as the director of the Production Department as well as the Dance and Music departments at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) since 2002.
She attended the Performing Arts Academy after receiving her Master's degree in Sociology from Dhaka University and also earned a six-year diploma from the Bulbul Lalitakala Academy.
As an accomplished dancer, she is trained in Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Folk dance format. She acted in more than 80 dramas for various television channels, after debuting with the BTV drama ‘Maria Amar Maria’ in 1980.
Poet Mohammad Rafiq passes away
For her contributions to the field of dance and acting, she received prestigious awards including UNESCO award, Natya Shabha Award, BACHSAS Award and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, to name a few.
For her majestic contributions to the field of dance, Zinnat Barkatullah was honoured with the Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in the country, in 2022.
Dhallywood’s modern-day ‘Starmaker’ Sohanoor Rahman Sohan dies at 57
Dhallywood’s legendary filmmaker, producer and organiser Sohanoor Rahman Sohan passed away due to a brain stroke on Wednesday evening at Crescent Hospital, Uttara in the capital. He was 57.
He breathed his last at 7 pm, according to Director’s Guild Bangladesh General Secretary S M Kamruzzaman Sagar.
This happened after his wife died on Tuesday evening, after suffering a stroke. Sohan himself was suffering from neuro disease for a long time, according to the people close to him. The director was supposed to go to Japan for better treatment.
News of his death has cast a shadow of mourning in the film fraternity.
Known as the modern-day ‘Starmaker’ for launching the successful careers of superstars such as Salman Shah, Moushumi, Shakib Khan, Poppy and others - Sohanoor Rahman Sohan started his film career as an assistant director to the eminent filmmaker Shibli Sadiq.
He made his directorial debut with 'Bisshash Obisshash' (1988). However, his breakthrough film hit the theatres in 1993 with the movie ‘Keyamot Theke Keyamot’, starring the debutant duo Salman Shah and Moushumi. The film was a remake of the Bollywood film ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ (1988).
With the film ‘Ananta Bhalobasha’ in 1999, Sohan offered Shakib Khan, the biggest superstar in the current day Dhallywood.
‘Amar Ghor Amar Behesht’, ‘Shotter Bijoy’, ‘Amar Desh Amar Prem’, ‘Poran Jai Joliya Re’, ‘Koti Takar Prem’, and ‘Ek Mon Ek Pran’ are some of his other notable films.
Besides his successful directorial career, Sohan also served as the President, Secretary General and Vice President for the Bangladesh Film Directors Association, and also served as a member of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board.
Ex-state minister for relief Ebadur dies at 85
Former State Minister for Relief and President of Moulvibazar district chapter BNP Advocate Ebadur Rahman died of old age complications while undergoing treatment at a Dhaka hospital on Wednesday afternoon. He was 85.
Hasan Ahmed Javed, son-in-law (eldest daughter’s husband) of the former lawmaker who was elected from Moulvibazar-2 constituency (Borolekha and Jhuri upazilas), confirmed it, saying that his father-in-law breathed his last around 3:30pm while undergoing treatment at Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi.
Read: BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf returns home from Singapore after treatment
His first namaz-e-Janazae was held in Dhaka’s Lalmatia, and he will be buried at his family graveyard in Moulvibazar followed by two other funeral prayers.
He is survived by four daughters, grandsons and granddaughters and a host of well-wishers.
Read more: Ex-religious affairs minister Motiur Rahman no more
'Hok Kolorob'-famed lyricist Rajib Ashraf no more
"Hok Kolorob"-famed lyricist and filmmaker Rajib Ashraf has passed away.
He breathed his last on Friday morning at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Rajib's elder brother Ashraful Aaam Babu, and friend and musician Sina Hasan confirmed the news of his demise to the media.
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Rajib had been suffering from asthma for a while and was taken to the hospital after his condition deteriorated last night, said Sina.
Rajib's namaz-e-janaza will take place at Baitul Mukarram Mosque after Asr prayer on Friday. After that he will be laid to rest at Mirpur-11 Jannatul Mawa Graveyard, he said.
Celebrities and his close acquaintances have been sharing their grief and love for the revered lyricist on their social media handles after being informed about his untimely demise.
Regarded as one of the most talented and versatile lyricists in the modern era of Bangladeshi urban music, Rajib Ashraf garnered massive popularity for his collaborations with musician Arnob.
Read : Mostofa Sarwar Farooki makes acting debut in Chorki's 'Something Like an Autobiography'
With "Hok Kolrob", the title track of Arnob’s second studio album, Rajib became popular among music lovers for his lyrics. The duo then worked on creating a handful of fan-favourite tracks, including "Prokrito Jol", "Naam Chilo Na", "Ghum", "Dhushor Megh", "Rod Boleche Hobe", "Prtoddhoni", "Ekta Meye", "Mon Kharaper Ekta Bikel," and also the song "Boka Chaad" for Redoan Rony’s film "Icecream".
He also penned lyrics for the telefilms made by cellular company Airtel, including popular songs such as "Jolkona Ure Jay", "Valobashi Tai Valobeshe Jai", and more, as well as jingles for companies including Banglalink, Mojo, Seven Up, and Banglalink.
A passionate creative in the commercial and documentary filmmaking industries, Rajib worked for several creative agencies and also made a film on the Bangladesh Games.
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Rajib Ashraf has also acted in plays and telefilms, including Ashutosh Sujan's "Tiner Tolowar," Animesh Aich's "Holud," Nurul Alam Atique's "Mojider Television," and Amitabh Reza's "Ekta Phone Kora Jabe Please."
His last televised interview was broadcast on Maasranga Television as part of its "Ranga Shokal" talk show back in August this year.
Foreign Minister mourns death of cinematographer Afzal Chowdhury
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of veteran cinematographer Afzal Chowdhury.
In a condolence message, the Foreign Minister prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
Read: PM mourns death of Natore-4 MP Abdul Quddus
Afzal Chowdhury breathed his last on Thursday in a hospital in the capital. He was 92.
Born in Sirajganj in 1931, Afzal Chowdhury was fond of photography from an early age.
He shot many cinemas in Dhaka under the direction of renowned novelist, writer and filmmaker Zahir Raihan and many others.
Read: President mourns death of former minister Motiur Rahman
PM expresses deep shock as National Emeritus Scientist Dr Kazi M Badruddoza dies
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of National Emeritus Scientist Dr Kazi M Badruddoza, who was also the inventor of well-known “Kazi Guava”.
“The death of this renowned agricultural scientist and successful agricultural organiser has caused an irreparable loss to the country in the field of agriculture,” Sheikh Hasina said in a condolence message.
Read: President mourns death of former minister Motiur Rahman
She said that Dr Kazi M Badruddoza will be remembered by the countrymen through his creative work.
The PM prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.
Read more: ‘Lost a faithful political companion’: PM mourns death of Principal Motiur Rahman
Gemcon group chairman Kazi Shahed Ahmed passes away
Renowned business entrepreneur, sports organiser, publisher, writer and Chairman of Gemcon Group Kazi Shahed Ahmed died on Monday. He was 83.
He breathed his last at 7.15 pm.
Born in Jashore in 1940, Kazi Shahed was one of the founding platoon commanders of the Bangladesh Military Academy. After completing his graduation in engineering, he served diligently in the Bangladesh Army for 14 years.
Also read: Jugantor senior reporter Habibur Rahman dies at 42
His business career began with the establishment of Gemcon Group in 1979.
Kazi Shahed, a name synonymous with innovation, has left an indelible mark throughout his life.
The pioneer of modern journalism in Bangladesh, esteemed editor Kazi Shahed spearheaded the emergence of 'Ajker Kagoj' which played a pivotal role in ushering in a new era of journalism in the country.
Also read: Veteran journalist M Shahjahan Miah no more
Under his leadership, ‘Ajker Kagoj’ had emerged as a key player in championing free speech and embodying the spirit of the liberation war.
He was also the driving force behind another esteemed daily ‘Khoborer Kagoj’.
His non-profit initiatives include University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and Kazi Shahed Foundation. His wife Amina Ahmed is a renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer.
Kazi Shahed has also made a notable contribution in literature. His inaugural book was published in 1995. In 2013, at the age of seventy-three, his first novel 'Bhairab' was published.
Also read: Noted journalist Setara Musa passes away
Kazi Nabil Ahmed, the eldest of three children of Kazi Shahed, is a politician of Bangladesh Awami League and a current member of parliament. He is also the vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation.
His son Kazi Anis Ahmed is a renowned writer and publisher of the English-language daily newspaper Dhaka Tribune and the Bengali-language online newspaper Bangla Tribune and the literary magazine Bengal Lights.
His younger son Kazi Inam Ahmed is the director of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).
Jugantor senior reporter Habibur Rahman dies at 42
Habibur Rahman Khan, a senior reporter at the Daily Jugantor, died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday afternoon. He was 42.
Family members said he suddenly felt unwell with chest pain around 4pm on Tuesday.
He was rushed to the National Heart Foundation where doctors declared him dead.
Also read: Poet Mohammad Rafiq passes away
Habib is survived by a son and a daughter.
He will be buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals’ Graveyard after namaz-e-janaza at Mirpur Shinepukur Housing Jame Masjid, his family members said.
Habibur Rahman started his career as a journalist after completing his bachelor's and master's degrees from Dhaka University.
He was a member of the National Press Club, Dhaka Union of Journalists and Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Also read: Ex-MP Panna Kaiser passes away
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Media Cell Convener Zahir Uddin Swapan and Member Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie separately expressed shock over his death.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir condoled Habib's wife Farzana Mahmud Soni over phone after hearing the news of his death.
Also read: Veteran journalist M Shahjahan Miah no more
Poet Mohammad Rafiq passes away
Ekushey Padak-winning poet and freedom fighter Mohammad Rafiq, widely revered for his rebellious literary works, passed away on Sunday night. He was 80.
The poet, who had been suffering from various health complications, breathed his last on his way to Dhaka from Barishal around 9 pm on Sunday, according to his family sources.
They told the media that Rafiq went to his hometown in Bagerhat three days ago. When he fell sick on Sunday he was taken to a local clinic in Barishal city where doctors advised taking him to Dhaka.
He is scheduled to be laid for eternal rest in Bagerhat today.
Poet Mohammad Rafiq was born at Baitpur village under Bemrata union of Bagerhat Sadar upazila on October 23, 1943.
After passing the Matriculation exam, he enrolled in the science department of Notre Dame College in Dhaka; however, then switched to the humanities department at Dhaka College.
There he met and became friends with eminent fiction writer Akhtaruzzaman Elias , which left a strong impression on his literary spirit throughout his own literary journey.
After Dhaka College, Rafiq was admitted to the English Department of Dhaka University. In 1967, he graduated from Dhaka University in English Language and Literature.
During his student life, Rafiq made a name for himself by infusing poetic fervour into the student movement in the 1960s, and continued his rebellious creative journey during the Liberation War.
During the Liberation War, he worked at Sector-1 and later for the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, inspiring the freedom fighters through his literary works.
Rafiq started his career as a college teacher after independence before joining the Department of English at Jahangirnagar University.
During this period, he continued writing and publishing his poetry and prose. He raised his voice through his poetries against the oppression in society and one of his poems titled "Khola Kobita" which was written against the military dictator Hussein Mohammad Ershad, garnered an incredibly massive response.
His maiden publication of poetry titled "Boishakhi Purnima" was published in 1970. His other notable works include "Dhulor Songsare Ei Mati", "Kirtinasha", "Kopila", "Swadeshi Nishwas Tumimoy", "Matsyagandha", "Bishkhali Sondhya", "Kalapani", and "Troyee".
For his influential contribution in the country's literature, poet Mohammad Rafiq was conferred with the Ekushey Padak in 2010.
His other recognitions and awards include the Bangla Academy Award, Prothom Alo Best Book of the Year Award, and Gemcon Literary Award, to name a few.