United News of Bangladesh

Ekushey Padak-winning educationist, scientist, researcher, and author Professor Dr Ahmad Shamsul Islam has passed away. He breathed his last in the early hours of Monday (April 14). He was 100 at the time of his death. He leaves behind two sons, a daughter, 14 grandchildren, and a host of relatives, admirers, and former students. His eldest son, Professor Dr Yusuf Islam, is the Vice-Chancellor of Southeast University. His only daughter, Dr Zeba Islam, is a professor at the University Grants Commission, while his youngest son, Engineer Khalid Islam, is an IT specialist based in Silicon Valley, USA. Professor Islam taught botany for over 40 years at the University of Dhaka and other institutions around the world. He also served as a supernumerary professor at Dhaka University. In his research career, he achieved a major milestone by successfully hybridizing two commercial varieties of jute for the first time. He also pioneered tissue culture and micropropagation techniques for jute. To produce virus-free plants from local orchids and potatoes, he developed and applied various tissue culture methods, including somaclonal variation, meristem culture, and micropropagation. Among his notable awards are the President’s Gold Medal in Agriculture (1984), Ekushey Padak in Education (1986), BAS Gold Medal in Biology (1987), Bangladesh Botanical Association Gold Medal (1997), and the GNOBB Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). In 1980, he founded the Qur’anic School Society to spread the teachings of the Qur’an among young children. His notable publications include ‘Smritir Pote Jibon Chhobi’, ‘Rhymes of the Heart’, ‘Bongshogotibidyar Moolkotha’, and ‘Gene Prokoushol.’ His contributions to education and research in Bangladesh will be remembered forever.

Former president of Khulna Press Club and Khulna Journalists’ Union, Monirul Huda, passed away in Dhaka on Friday at the age of 89. He had been suffering from illness for a long time. A veteran journalist, Monirul began his career in the 1950s with Dainik Pakistan (later Dainik Bangla). He also served as a leader of the then undivided Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists. Beyond journalism, he was vice-chairman of Khulna Municipality, a prominent tax law practitioner, and a senior member of Rotary Club. Various social, political, and cultural organisations in Khulna expressed deep sorrow at his passing and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.

The weeklong national ‘Jatka Conservation Week-2025’ will be observed from April 8 to 14 aiming to boost sustainable hilsa production and make the national fish more affordable for the general public. Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter shared the information at a press conference at the Secretariat on Monday. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock and the Department of Fisheries have jointly taken the initiative under a broader plan to ensure sustainable hilsa development. The adviser said, “To prevent hoarding, smuggling, and tackle the hilsa syndicate, I personally participated in several stakeholder meetings across key hilsa-producing districts including Barisal, Barguna, and Chandpur. As a result of our interim government’s timely measures, we have been able to curb the illegal transport of hilsa. We have also initiated visible actions at the factory level to halt the production of illegal fishing nets.” She stressed the socio-economic importance of hilsa, calling it an integral part of Bangladesh’s heritage, economy, and nutrition. Jatka conservation week to begin March 11 “Hilsa contributes to fulfilling the country’s nutritional needs, generating employment, supporting fishermen’s livelihoods, and strengthening the rural economy,” she added. In FY 2023-24, hilsa production in Bangladesh stood at 5.29 lakh metric tonnes, accounting for nearly 11% of the country's total fish production. Hilsa also contributes more than 1% to the national GDP. Bangladesh alone produces over 80% of the world’s hilsa, placing it at the top among 11 hilsa-producing nations, she informed. Recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Bangladesh, hilsa directly employs around 600,000 people in harvesting, while another 20 to 25 lakh people are involved in transportation, sales, net and boat making, ice production, processing, and exports—either directly or indirectly, the adviser said. To ensure sustainable and consistent hilsa production, the government has committed to annual nationwide awareness and enforcement campaigns. This year’s theme for Jatka Conservation Week 2025 is “If jatka is not caught, nets will fill with hilsa.” 'Jatka' refers to juvenile hilsa under 10 inches (25 cm) in length. In comparison, hilsa weighing 1 kg typically measures 40–50 cm, while fish over 2 kg can grow up to 60–62 cm. Through this campaign, the aim is to allow jatka to mature into full-sized hilsa. The week will be observed in 20 hilsa-rich districts including Dhaka, Manikganj, Rajbari, Shariatpur, Madaripur, Faridpur, Munshiganj, Barishal, Bhola, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barguna, Jhalakathi, Chandpur, Lakshmipur, Feni, Noakhali, Chattogram, Bagerhat, and Sirajganj. Various awareness and enforcement programmes will be carried out at both central and field levels, including district and upazila levels.

SUF Mukarrema Reza, mother-in-law of late Arafat Rahman Koko, the younger son of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, died while undergoing treatment at a city hospital early Sunday. She was 71. Family sources said she breathed her last at 3:45am while receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital, Dhaka. Earlier, she had been admitted to the hospital with multiple health issues a week back. Her daughter Syeda Sharmila Rahman Sithi, wife of Koko, arrived in Dhaka from London on March 30, the day before Eid after learning about her mother’s illness. Following Koto’s death from cardiac arrest in Malaysia in 2015, Sithi has been living in London with their daughters Zahia Rahman and Zafia Rahman. Former Minister Kamal Ibne Yusuf’s wife dies Family sources said Mukarrema Reza’s Namaz-e-Janaza will be held after Asr prayers at the Old DOHS ground in Banani and then she will be laid to rest at Banani Graveyard. She is survived by two sons and one daughter while her husband HM Hasan Reza, former engineer of the RAJUK, died in 2017. In a condolence message, BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman prayed for the salvation of her departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Renowned cultural personality and President of Chhayanaut, Dr Sanjida Khatun, passed away at Square Hospital in the capital on Tuesday. She was 92. Chhayanaut confirmed the news through a press release, stating that she had been admitted to the hospital for a week. She had been suffering from kidney complications and other age-related ailments and required regular dialysis. Her body will be taken to Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in the capital's Dhanmondi at 12:30 pm on Wednesday (March 26) for people to pay their last respects. Born on April 4, 1933, Sanjida Khatun came from a distinguished family. Her father, National Professor Kazi Motahar Hossain, was a renowned scholar, while her mother, Sajeda Khatun, was a homemaker. She was also the sister of eminent writer Kazi Anwar Hossain and the wife of noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Wahidul Haque. Sanjida was a trailblazing figure in Bangladesh’s cultural arena — a Rabindra Sangeet singer, researcher, author, musicologist, and educator. She was one of the founding members of Chhayanaut in the early 1960s and later served as its President until her demise. She also co-founded the Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad and served as the President of Nalanda, an innovative child education institution. Sanjida completed her BA Honours from Dhaka University in 1955 and obtained her Master’s degree from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, in 1957. In 1978, she earned her PhD on the philosophical essence of Rabindra Sangeet. She began her teaching career at Eden College, later teaching at Carmichael College and the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University until her retirement. During the 1971 Liberation War, Sanjida was one of the founders of the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha, which played a crucial role in boosting the morale of freedom fighters through cultural performances. Throughout her illustrious career, she was honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Nazrul Gold Medal, Rabindra Smriti Award, and Rabindra Tattwacharya title. In 2021, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Shri award. She was also honoured with the Desikottama Honorary D.Litt and many other national and international accolades. Chhayanaut expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating that her contributions to the cultural landscape of Bangladesh will be remembered forever.

Olifa Akhter Kanta Islam, wife of BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, passed away at a city hospital on Tuesday. She was 70. Kanta, who had been suffering from prolonged illness, breathed her last at the United Hospital shortly before Iftar, said BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir khan. She left behind husband, one son, two daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn her demise. Sayrul said Kanta’s mamaz-e-janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at Banani DOHS Mosque on Wednesday. She would be laid to rest beside the graves of her parents-in-law in Mirpur, Sayrul said. Meanwhile, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed their deep sorrow over her death. Upon receiving the sad news, the Secretary General promptly visited the hospital to pay his respect to the deceased. They also prayed for salvation of the departed soul and conveyed their profound sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Former IGP and freedom fighter Syed Sirajul Islam passed away on Monday morning at a hospital in the capital. He was 75. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at a hospital around 9:30 am. His namaj-e-janaza was held at 10 am at SI Shiru Mia auditorium at Rajarbagh police lines. Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam, senior police officers, and his relatives attended the janaza. Former DU Vice-Chancellor Arefin Siddique passes away He will be buried at their family graveyard at Baliadanga village in Magura sadar upazila today. Syed Sirajul Islam joined the Bangladesh police force as an assistant superintendent of police in 1973. He served as the DIG of Rajshahi and Khulna ranges and as the Police Commissioner of Rajshahi. He is survived by wife and three sons.

Md Abdul Jalil, father of journalist Touhidur Rahman, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 79. He breathed his last at a hospital in Khalishpur, Khulna, after battling complications related to old age. The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) expressed its profound sorrow at the death of its member (banglanews24.com diplomatic correspondent) and former General Secretary's father. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time,” said DCAB President AKM Moinuddin and General Secretary Md Arifuzzaman Mamun in a condolence message. They offered their heartfelt sympathies to the grieving family and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Touhidur Rahman’s father will be laid to rest at the family graveyard following his namaz-e-janaza, which will be held after Zuhr prayers on Sunday.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University (DU) Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique passed away on Thursday night, leaving behind a legacy of academic excellence and leadership. He was 72. He breathed his last at 10:45 pm while undergoing treatment at the Neurosurgery Department of Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, his brother Saifullah Siddique told UNB over phone. Dr Siddique's namaz-e-janaza will be held at Dhanmondi Idgah Mosque after the Jumma prayers on Friday. Later, he will be buried beside his parents at Azimpur Graveyard. Dr Arefin Siddique’s condition “extremely critical” Despite receiving intensive medical care, he could not recover after being placed on life support. On 6 March, Prof Siddique withdrew cash from a bank booth before heading to Dhaka Club in Ramna. While conversing with others, he suddenly collapsed. His family members reported that he was immediately taken to Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital, where doctors placed him in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). As his condition deteriorated, he was put on life support. Medical sources confirmed that he suffered a sudden brain stroke, which led to critical neurological failure. Born on October 26, 1953, in Dhaka, Professor Siddique hailed from Raipura Upazila in Narsingdi district. He obtained his master's degree from the department of Mass Communication and Journalism at DU in 1975 and did PhD on televised teaching from the University of Mysore of India in 1985. He joined DU Mass Communication and Journalism department in 1980. Dr Siddique also served as acting dean of Social Science Faculty and as senate and syndicate member. He served as the Chairman of DU’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism before being appointed the 27th Vice-Chancellor in 2009, a position he held until 2017. After completing his tenure, he returned to teaching at his department until his retirement in June 2020. Beyond academia, Prof Siddique played an active role in various professional and cultural organisations. Former DU VC Dr Arefin Siddique on life support He served as the President and General Secretary of the Dhaka University Teachers’ Association. Besides, he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and a trustee of the National Museum. His passing has left a profound impact on students, colleagues and admirers across the country. Former Minister Kamal Ibne Yusuf’s wife dies

Chowdhury Shaila Kamal, wife of the late BNP leader and former minister Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, passed away on Wednesday morning. She was 78. Shaila Kamal breathed her last at 5:30 am while undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, her daughter and Dhaka North city unit Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal convener Chowdhury Nayeba Yusuf told UNB. Her first Namaz-e-Janaza was held at Gulshan Azad Mosque in Dhaka. Apex Group chairman Manzur Elahi dies Later, her body was taken to Faridpur, where her second Janaza was held at the local Kamalapur Moez Uddin High School High School ground.  After the Janaza, she was laid to rest at her family graveyard. He husband Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf passed away on December 10, 2020 at the age of 80 due to complications from coronavirus. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep sorrow at her demise. In a condolence message, he prayed for the salvation of departed soul and conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the grieving family. BNP Vice-Chairman Abdullah Al Noman passes away In another message of condolence, Mohila Dal President Afroza Abbas and General Secretary Sultana Ahmed also expressed profound sorrow at the death of Shaila Kamal.