Special Content
Crocodile in Bagerhat shrine pond hunts dogs even on land, says locals
The crocodile in the pond adjacent to the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA) in Bagerhat is adept at hunting dogs not only in water or at the pond's edge but also on land. Locals have said that the crocodiles in this pond have been coming onto land to hunt for more than a decade and a half.
Unknown tale of Biju
Upon consulting dictionaries of Bengali, Hindi, and English, one encounters the term Chakma. Recent assertions by historical linguists indicate that all contemporary languages, totaling around 6000, have emerged through a gradual process of fragmentation from a singular, original great language. Consequently, we have adhered to the guidelines of the 'Bengali Glossary' to ascertain the meanings of the terms Bishu, Biju, Phul, Mool, and Gajyepajye.
Pahela Baishakh: From origins to global spread of modernity
Throughout history, a nation's identity is expressed through the vibrancy of its festivals. For the Bengali people, this vibrancy is epitomized by 'Pahela Baishakh'. From its roots in an agricultural society to the complexities of contemporary global life, this festival has experienced significant transformations.
Pahela Baishakh: Dialectical formation of Bengali identity
When individuals participate in a procession, carrying clay dolls or softly singing, "Eso, he boishakh, eso eso..." (inviting the summer), a pertinent question arises: is this celebration a festival of the Bengali people, or is it an imposition of Hindu culture upon the 'Muslims'? The latter assertion is quite significant. This inquiry is fundamentally altered with the onset of Baishakh. Its core lies in the comprehension of identity, culture, religion, and history. Pahela Boishakh stands as the most prominent socio-cultural festival in Bangladesh. This festival, which is rooted in the illusion of capitalism, is now celebrated in every household of the proletariat within the freedom of society. It has been intertwined with the cultural elements generated by the social order of transformation. This amalgamation is now irreversible. Even the philosophies of Marx or Hegel would falter in this context. Nevertheless, the discourse surrounding this festival persists. The crux of the debate: it is regarded as the timeless cultural manifestation of Bengalis, while conversely, it is viewed as a contemporary political construct, with a specific religious group rejecting and opposing it as an encroachment of foreign culture. It is impossible for all members of the nation to be entirely acquainted with one another. However, despite our differences, our journey and struggles are unified. Just as we feel joy when a Bengali receives an accolade thousands of miles away, we also experience sorrow when a Bengali perishes in a conflict in the Middle East. What accounts for this phenomenon? We have cultivated certain humanly conceived entities within ourselves, which fosters our attraction to one another.
How long lives be risked as crocodile pond remains unprotected?
The historic pond adjacent to the shrine of Hazrat Khan Jahan Ali (RA) in Bagerhat, which houses a crocodile, remains unprotected despite a recent viral incident where the reptile dragged a dog into the water. Even after the incident, people of all ages, from children to the elderly step into the crocodile-infested water every day. But no effective measure has been taken by the administration or even the shrine authorities.
Headless woman and dismembered man found in Cox's Bazar, police under pressure
Two brutal murders have taken place within two days in the same district, separated by 55 kilometres. One involved the decomposed body of a woman without a head and wrists, while the other involved the dismembered body of an unknown man stuffed into bags. The two incidents in Cox's Bazar have spread concern not only among the local population but also within law enforcement agencies. Investigators said, "These are not just murders – they are cold-blooded killings followed by a planned attempt to erase identities. This clearly indicates the involvement of professional killers."
Pir Shamim murder: Police obliged to file case even if family does not want
Even though 48 hours have passed since the murder of Pir Shamim Reza Jahangir in Daulatpur of Kushtia, no case has been filed yet. After such information came to light, new questions have been raised about the legal obligation to file a case in such cases.
From Ghazal to Pop: Legendary versatility of Asha Bhosle
Renowned as the 'Queen of Playback Singing,' Asha Bhosle stands as one of the most versatile and celebrated voices in the history of South Asian music. Her extraordinary contributions across diverse genres—including film music, classical compositions, ghazals, pop, and modern songs—have firmly established her as a legend.
Free expression of opinion or crossing Line?
Show cause notices have been served on 28 judges from different levels of the country for posting on social media platform Facebook about the independence of the judiciary. This incident has generated widespread discussion and reactions in the judicial arena.
US-Iran historic peace talks in Islamabad today
Long-awaited peace talks between the United States and Iran are being held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, today, Saturday, April 11. The US side is being led by Vice President JD Vance, while Iran is being led by the country's Parliament Speaker Baqer Ghalibaf. The talks began around 7:00 pm Bangladesh time, Al Jazeera has reported.