The New Nation - Internet Edition

Tributes paid to Sirajul Hossain Khan

BSS, Dhaka

Speakers at a memorial meeting here on Saturday paid glowing tributes to the life and work of Sirajul Hossain Khan as a former minister, politician, journalist and trade unionist.

The speakers said Sirajul Hossain was a freedom fighter, patriot and devoted honest person and he always stood for the emancipation of the Downtrodden.

The appreciation came while they were addressing the gathering arranged on the occasion of the first death anniversary of the former minister.

The meeting was held under the auspicious of Sirajul Hossain Khan Memorial Committee at the Jatiya Press Club. The committee also published a book on late Sirajul Hossain khan.

The speakers said, apart from working for establishing the democratic rights of the people, the late leader also fought for the independence and sovereignty of the country.

With Professor Mahbubullah in the chair, the meeting was addressed among others by Dr T Ali, a left leader, former state minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, former ambassador and secretary Sabihuddin Ahmed, Alamgir Mohiuddin, editor of daily Naya Diganta, journalist Gaziul Hasan Khan, former student leader Najmul Huq Nannu, Advocate Islam Ali, President, Jatiya Matsyajibi Samity, former state minister Nur Mohammad Khan, Advocate Shafiqul Islam of the Jatiya Matsyajibi Samity, Syed Sirajul Huda of Jatiya Dal, poet and journalist Jahangir Firoz, trade union leader Alamgir Majumder, Mustafizur Rahman, member secretary of the memorial committee media person Mahfuzullah and Ms Rita Rahman.

International Mother Language Day observed at BARD

BSS, Dhaka

International Mother Language Day was observed at the auditorium of Bangladesh Rural Development Academy (BARD) in a befitting manner as elsewhere in the country.

The day's programme began by placing wreaths at the alter of Shaheed Minar at one minute past after zero hour of the day.

National flag was hoisted at half-mast atop the office of the academy.

Besides, morning rally, showing of documentary film, painting competition for children and cultural functions were arranged.

DG of the BIRD M Khairul Kabir addressed it as chief guest with Director (training) Mohammad Mir Kashem in the chair.

Ekushey book fair full of life

BSS, Dhaka

People from all walks of life lined up in front of Bangla Academy on Saturday to enter the 'Amar Ekushey Boi Mela'.

Youngsters gathered in groups while the fair was buzzing with enthusiasm, others milling around the colourful book and flipping through the pages at the stalls.

Children were also busy leafing through their favorite books of fairytales and kept the salespersons busy asking questions about their books of choice.

Writers were found discussing and sharing views at the 'Lekhok Kunja' while enthusiasts were patiently listening.

Talking to BSS, a number of publishers expressed their satisfaction over the sale of books this year.

Owner of the 'Agami Prokashoni', Arifur Rahman, said the sale of books in the fair is increasing every day.

According to the Bangla Academy public relations office, sale of books in the academy sales center was the highest, compared to the previous years.

The academy sales centre sold books of Taka 52,28,116 on the 22nd day of the fair while the amount was Taka 43,44,388 on the same day in 2007 and Taka 32,23,371 in 2006.

"I used to visit the fair every year. It gives me satisfaction to be around books and new publications," said Tania Tabassum, a DU English Department student.

"Visiting the fair gives a sense of belonging with our history and culture," she added.

A total of 81 new books, including 19 novels, made their way into the Bangla Academy Ekushey Boi Mela on Saturday.

DU extends registration time for 44th convocation

BSS, Dhaka

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities have extended the time for registration of the 44th convocation for the graduates and medal-recipients till February 28.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the deans' committee recently.

Lutfar Rahman death condoled

BSS, Dhaka

Leaders of different political parties and organisations on Saturday expressed their deep shock and sorrow at the death of Awami League leader and former member of the parliament Alhaj Lutfar Rahman.

In a joint condolence message, the leaders recalled the contributions of Lutfar Rahman, who was also a close associate of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the country's War of Liberation in 1971, a press release said here.

President of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Lawyers' Council Advocate Khondokar Samsul Alam Dudu, National Democratic League President M A Jalil and Vice President Jahanara Begum, Bangladesh Nari Mukti Andolon President Fatema Khatun and General Secretary Farzana Yesmin Mukta, Muktijoddha Bohumukhi Kalyan Samity General Secretary Ajgar Ali, Dakkhin Bangla Juba Kalyan Samity General Secretary ASM Mostofa Kama, Muktijoddha Paribar Kalyan Sangsad Chairman Sayed Shahid Uddin and General Secretary Abdul Hai Manik, Gafargaon Upazila Muktijoddah Sangsad Commander Saiful Alam, Germents Labour Centre President Humayun Kabir and General Secretary Shahina Banu signed the condolence message.

The leaders prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

Lutfar Rahman died at the Lab Aid Hospital in the city on Friday.

Int'l seminar on theater ends

BSS, Dhaka

A two-day international seminar on 'Sandhikkhane Natok' concluded on Saturday at CIRDAP auditorium in the city.

The Bangladesh Centre of International Theater Institute (ITI) organised the seminar with cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar in the chair, said a press release.

Two sessions were held on the second day of the seminar. Actor Ataur Rahman presided over the first session titled 'Theater for development: the crisis within' and Ramendu Majumdar chaired the second session on 'Current trends in theatre: country reports'.

Asif Munir presented a keynote paper at the seminar. Dramatists from various countries, including Switzerland, Denmark and Poland, discussed the trend of dramas of their respective countries at the seminar.

Actors Ali Zaker, Sara Zaker, Ahmed Iqbal Haider and Jashim Uddin spoke at the seminar.

People should have easy access to research outcome: Samaddar

BSS, Dhaka

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser in charge of the ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Manik Lal Samaddar on Saturday said the people should have an easy access to the outcome of technological research.

He said the findings of the research activities must be utilized for the socio-economic development of the country, a press release said.

The special assistant was addressing a view-exchanging meeting in the auditorium of the Atomic Energy Research Institution here.

Science and ICT Secretary MM Wahiduzzaman Khan, chairman of Atomic Energy Commission Dr Safiqul Islam Bhuiyan and high officials of the institution and the commission, among others, were present in the meeting. Director general of the institution TQ Chowdhury presided over the meeting.

Samaddar said the government will take more initiatives for the development of the atomic institution. He urged the scientists to innovate new technologies considering the demand of the country.

Referring to the growing demand for power, the speakers at the meeting said it is essential to set up atomic power plants in the country.

They stressed the need for taking necessary steps by the government in this regard.

The speakers also informed that isotopes produced by the research institution are being used in different nuclear treatment centres for curing various incurable diseases, including cancer.

Apart from making medical appliances germ free, they said the institution is playing a vital role in preserving food grains.

Iftekhar leaves for Tokyo

BSS, Dhaka

Foreign Adviser Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury will pay a three-day visit to Tokyo beginning today to discuss bilateral cooperation with his Japanese counterpart Koumura, official sources said.

He leaves for Tokyo early morning today at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart.

The discussions, said the officials, would cover economic cooperation and assistance for Sidr survivor.

Director General at the Far East desk of Foreign Ministry Shahidul Islam will accompany him.

Japanese Ambassador Masayuki Inoue has left for Tokyo to join the talks between the two sides.

Dr Iftekhar will return on Wednesday.