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Tofail Ahmed: A life dedicated to Bangladesh's independence and democracy
The history of Bangladesh's independence is not merely the story of a territory's birth; it is a glorious chapter of a long bloody struggle, immense sacrifice, indomitable courage and visionary leadership. Intertwined in every bend of this history are countless heroes, without whose sacrifice and contribution the dream of an independent Bangladesh would not have been realised. One such brilliant star, who played a pivotal role from the student-public movement to the various phases of post-independence nation-building, is Tofail Ahmed.
Tofail Ahmed: The unsung architect behind 'Bangabandhu' title
The tumultuous 1960s. On a February evening at the Race Course Maidan, the sky-shattering roar of lakhs of people echoed the name 'Bangabandhu' — a title that remains immortal and radiant in the hearts of Bengalis. The architect of that title was Tofail Ahmed. The veteran leader breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the capital's Square Hospital at around 3:30 pm on Monday, June 1. He was 82.
Eid and spirituality
From external festivals to inner awakening, while Eid is a significant religious celebration in Islam, it transcends mere external joy, feasting, or social gatherings. The true essence of Eid resides in its spiritual teachings, which cleanse the human heart, awaken moral values, and strengthen the bond with Allah; thus establishing an enduring joy of introspection within the mind of the saint or individual. The two Eids in Islam, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha—though differing in context—share a common objective: self-restraint, surrender, and self-realization. Eid-ul-Fitr represents a spiritual reward attained following the external and spiritual endeavors of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan instructs individuals to exercise control over hunger, thirst, and desires. By refraining from permissible things even during daylight hours, individuals come to understand that they can align their will with the will of Allah. This self-discipline fosters qualities such as patience, compassion, and gratitude within the human heart.
Teaching of Qurbani: A message of self-purification, sacrifice and social harmony
Eid-ul-Azha is among the most significant religious celebrations of the Muslim Ummah. The focal point of this festival is Qurbani, which transcends mere animal slaughter; it serves as a profound symbol of self-sacrifice, self-purification, and reverence for Allah. The essence of Qurbani lies in relinquishing greed, envy, pride, and self-centeredness, thereby awakening human values.
Colorful Eid celebrations in the days of black and white TV
Our childhood years were indeed uncomplicated yet filled with joy. At that time, there were not many forms of entertainment media available. The only options were Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV). The television sets were black and white, with screen sizes of 14 inches, 17 inches, and 20 inches. I did not encounter a larger TV set in anyone's home during that period. However, despite watching TV programs in black and white, the experiences were quite vibrant. In the era I am discussing, particularly regarding Eid celebrations on television, there were no color TVs, VCRs, HD TVs, computers, DVDs, or YouTube. There was solely one channel, BTV. Most villages had not yet received electricity. Nevertheless, in our time, Raozan village in Chattogram had electricity. As far as I recall, we began watching TV in 1980. BTV's broadcasts likely commenced in the afternoon and concluded at midnight. The programming began with the national anthem and ended with the national flag and anthem being displayed.
From hand-cut semai to Arabian kunafa, the evolution of Bengali Eid food
The morning of Eid brings with it a delightful fragrance that fills the air. New garments, the scent of perfume, and families gathering to share meals and drinks, along with visits to neighbors and relatives, characterize the Bengali Eid.
Ramisa is gone: Heart immersed in dull, icy darkness
Currently, the familiar classroom of the second grade at the Popular Model School in Mirpur is enveloped in silence. Outside, the sun blazes, yet the interior of the room is shrouded in a dull, icy gloom. The bench where Ramisa, the class's top student, would sit daily to organize her books with remarkable skill, feels even more desolate and quiet today.
A turbulent world, a dreamer and a thrilling game: How the FIFA World Cup began
The FIFA World Cup, the world's biggest sporting event, did not exist nearly a century ago. In those days, the Olympic Games were the only stage for determining the world's best football team. Seeing the massive global response to the sport, FIFA's first president, Jules Rimet, wondered: if football is so popular, why should it not have its own global stage?
'Mothers are not meant to be celebrated just for one day'
When Mother's Day arrives, the environment becomes charged with emotions. Everywhere, stories of a mother's sacrifices abound. Social media is filled with numerous posts celebrating mothers, affectionate comments beneath pictures, and special features in mainstream media, all contributing to a unique atmosphere. The market is adorned with cards, flowers, gifts, and various events aimed at bringing joy to mothers. Mother's Day holds significant importance as it serves as a reminder of our love and responsibilities towards our mothers.
Suvendu's political journey: From Trinamool leader to BJP-backed CM
Ending the nearly 15-year reign of the Trinamool Congress, and following extensive speculation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed the identity of the new Chief Minister of West Bengal.