National
Nationwide Pays Tribute to Language Movement Martyrs on Amar Ekushey
Bangladesh is observing ‘Amar Ekushey,’ commemorating the courageous martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, a crucial event that advocated for Bangla’s recognition as a state language. This day, also known as International Mother Language Day, highlights the nation’s dedication to preserving language and culture.
In a symbolic show of respect, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in tribute, laying floral wreaths at the Central Shahid Minar right after midnight. The Prime Minister arrived first, followed shortly by the President, greeted by Dhaka University’s Vice-chancellor, signifying a moment of unity under the echoes of the immortal song ‘Amar Bhai-er Rakte Rangano Ekushey February.’
The ceremony drew ministers, diplomats, military chiefs, and citizens, all paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for linguistic freedom.
In a poignant display of solidarity, people from various walks of life walked barefoot to the monument, offering flowers while singing the movement’s anthem, reflecting the profound significance of the day.
The events of February 21, 1952, when Dhaka’s students and citizens protested Urdu’s imposition as the sole official language, marked a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s struggle for self-determination. The brutal police response resulted in the deaths of several protestors, galvanizing the nation towards eventual independence in 1971 under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership.
UNESCO’s recognition of Ekushey February as International Mother Language Day in 1999 further elevated its global significance, promoting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage worldwide.
On this day, the national flag is flown at half-mast, and black flags are hoisted across major buildings, with Bangladesh Missions abroad also participating in the observances.
Various organizations have organized seminars and cultural functions to observe the day’s essence. President Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Hasina released messages emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural respect, aligning with the spirit of Amar Ekushey.
As the nation reflects on its historical journey, the President and Prime Minister’s messages call for a renewed commitment to preserving the Bengali language and culture, fostering mutual respect among diverse linguistic and cultural groups. The observance through special media programs, educational seminars, and cultural events highlights Bangladesh’s enduring legacy of linguistic pride and cultural identity.
National
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman Appointed Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, a distinguished academic from the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka, has been appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of Northern University Bangladesh (NUB). The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment through an official notification issued on Sunday (23 November), signed by Sultan Ahmed, Assistant Secretary of the Secondary and Higher Education Division, on behalf of the President.
The notice states that, with the approval of the Honorable President and Chancellor, Professor Rahman will serve a four-year term as Vice-Chancellor under Section 31(1) of the Private University Act, 2010. He will receive all salary, allowances, and benefits as determined by the university, and his duties will commence immediately in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.
Professor Rahman has an outstanding academic background. He secured First Class First in his Honors degree from the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department, achieving record-breaking marks. He completed his MBA with dual majors in Finance and Marketing at Dalhousie University in Canada, graduating in the top 1% of his class. He later earned his Master’s degree (First Class Second) and PhD from the same department at the University of Dhaka.
During his illustrious 35-year career, he has served as Chairman of the Department of Marketing at the University of Dhaka for three years and was elected to both the Syndicate and Senate of the university. He also served as Dean at Daffodil International University and has taught as an adjunct professor at North South University, BRAC University, and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).
Professor Rahman has an extensive body of research, with over 35 publications, including four international papers and three research monographs. Several MPhil and PhD scholars have completed their degrees under his supervision. He also served for many years as Vice President of the Dhaka University Marketing Alumni Association.
Outside academia, he has contributed significantly to the corporate sector and educational governance. He has worked as an independent director and strategic adviser to various reputed organizations and has served on the governing bodies of several well-known colleges in Dhaka. He currently holds the position of Chairman of the North South Society.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
