A column published on July 9, 2026, in the Bangladeshi newspaper Amar Desh by writer Minar Rashid sharply criticizes Meher Afroz Shaon, widow of author Humayun Ahmed, accusing her of offending national sentiment through a recent online post labeled “July CDI.” The writer alleges that despite public outrage, no state action has been taken against her due to her social standing and connection to the late author.

The article expands its criticism to what it describes as widespread hypocrisy among Bangladesh’s cultural and intellectual elites. It argues that many prominent figures in the arts and media have used moral and patriotic rhetoric while engaging in personal and political misconduct. The writer connects these issues to broader moral decline and political influence within the ruling party.

The column also revisits Humayun Ahmed’s personal life, portraying his marriage to Shaon as a moral and cultural rupture that shocked the nation. It concludes by calling for an investigation into Shaon’s activities, linking them to political and ideological manipulation within Bangladesh’s cultural sphere.

The Al-Quran Foundation Bangladesh has called on the government to organize national-level Qirat and Hifz competitions under official initiative. The appeal was made by the foundation’s secretary general, Maulana Qari Golam Mostafa, who emphasized that regular government-backed events could help more Bangladeshi Qaris and Hafizes showcase their talent internationally.

According to the foundation, Bangladeshi participants have achieved remarkable success in global Qirat and Hifz competitions over the past four decades. From 1980 to 2025, a total of 37 Bangladeshi Qaris and Hafizes have won 180 international awards. The country’s first international recognition came in 1981 when Qari Hafiz A. Haque secured fourth place in Libya, followed by Golam Mostafa’s second-place finish in Saudi Arabia in 1982.

The foundation also urged the government to formally honor internationally awarded Qaris and Hafizes, stating that such recognition would inspire the younger generation to pursue Quranic education and enhance Bangladesh’s image abroad.

The historic Zamindar House in Kalsakathi village of Bakerganj upazila, Barishal, is on the verge of destruction due to years of neglect and absence of preservation initiatives. Built in the late seventeenth century by Janaki Ballav Roy Chowdhury, the estate once symbolized wealth and cultural refinement but now stands as a fading relic of history. Despite its architectural and archaeological significance, no official steps have been taken to protect or restore the site.

The Kalsakathi Zamindar House complex once hosted around thirteen Zamindar families and includes eleven buildings and three temples adorned with intricate terracotta and brick designs. The structures feature tunnels, secret chambers, and ornate carvings of deities and foliage that still attract visitors. However, plaster is peeling off, vines cover the walls, and valuable artifacts are being stolen.

Local residents have expressed concern that without immediate intervention from the Department of Archaeology, this heritage site may disappear entirely, erasing a vital part of regional history and tourism potential.

Begum Rokeya University (BRU) in Rangpur has once again been filled with memories of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the 2024 student uprising, as July returns. Two years after his death, friends, classmates, teachers, and fellow activists continue to honor his courage and selflessness. The campus’s familiar spots, from the English Department corridors to the Freedom Memorial, still evoke his presence and the spirit of resistance he embodied.

Friends recall Abu Sayeed as humble, compassionate, and always ready to help others, both in academic and social causes. His comrades remember his leadership during the early days of the 2024 movement, when he inspired others to stand firm against injustice. Teachers describe him as a bright, respectful, and principled student who dreamed of becoming a civil servant and protested against discrimination in merit-based evaluation.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said the university is working to preserve his memory through the construction of a residential hall, memorial gate, museum, and monument named after him, reflecting the collective demand of students and his family.

Distinguished writer, researcher, essayist, and political thinker Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq, former faculty member of the Department of Bangla at the University of Dhaka, passed away on Sunday afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest. The incident occurred at a restaurant in Mirpur, where he suddenly fell ill and was later declared dead at a local hospital. His death was confirmed by Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, and his daughter-in-law Razia Rahman.

Professor Huq was widely respected for his contributions to Bangla language, literature, culture, and political thought. He served for many years as a professor at Dhaka University and played a significant role in promoting the use of Bangla across all spheres. He edited two literary journals, “Sundaram” and “Lokayata,” and authored more than 20 books, including notable works such as “Ekushay February Andolon,” “Rajniti Darshan,” “Sahitya Chinta,” and “Sanskritir Shohoj Kotha.”

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature and research, he received the Bangla Academy Award in 1981. Details regarding funeral and tribute arrangements will be announced later.

Former cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed a private television report alleging corruption in the July Memorial Museum project, labeling it as disinformation. In a response to digital media outlet The Descent, he said the report presented misleading information about project costs, documentary production, and implementation. Farooki stated that around Tk 130 crore had been spent so far, not Tk 150 crore as claimed, with Tk 96 crore used by the Public Works Department for infrastructure.

He explained that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs transferred funds to the Public Works Department under a government-to-government system, but the report wrongly blamed the National Museum for the entire expenditure. Farooki also objected to the report’s claim that a documentary production address was an auto-rickshaw garage, saying the films were made by young and known filmmakers. He denied that Tk 2.7 million was spent per short documentary, asserting that detailed expense records exist.

Farooki further said the government approved direct procurement due to time constraints and accused certain groups of running a deliberate negative campaign against the museum and its documentaries.

Begum Rokeya University (BRU) in Rangpur has once again become immersed in memories of the July Movement as friends, classmates, and teachers recall the courage and sacrifice of Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the 2024 uprising. Two years after his death, his companions say his presence still lingers across the campus—from the English Department corridors to the Freedom Memorial and Media Square—symbolizing resistance and selflessness.

Friends described Abu Sayeed as humble, compassionate, and always ready to help others. Fellow activist Md. Shamsur Rahman Suman recalled his leadership during the July 2024 protests, while English Department head Dr. Mohsina Ahsan remembered him as a bright and modest student who joined the movement against merit-based discrimination. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said initiatives are underway to build a dormitory, memorial, museum, and gate in his name.

Students have urged the university to expedite permanent measures to preserve Abu Sayeed’s legacy, emphasizing that his ideals remain alive in their collective consciousness.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the yearlong 'Nazrul Year 2026–2027' program on Thursday morning through a virtual event organized by the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat. He declared that national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is not only a figure of the past but also a source of inspiration for future generations. The government has designated May 25, 2026, to May 25, 2027, as Nazrul Year and is considering declaring Trishal in Mymensingh, associated with the poet’s memory, as 'Nazrul City'.

During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted Nazrul’s influence on Bangladesh’s social, political, and cultural life, describing him as a guiding light against oppression and inequality. He emphasized the poet’s inclusive vision that transcended religious and social divisions and urged that Nazrul’s moral and humanistic values be used to guide youth amid the challenges of technology and artificial intelligence.

Rahman called for successful organization of literary conferences, research, seminars, cultural festivals, and exhibitions under the national committee formed for the celebration. He also unveiled a commemorative stamp and logo marking the official start of Nazrul Year.

A seminar was held at Rajshahi University on Tuesday, June 30, to commemorate the 33rd birth anniversary of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi. Organized by Speak With Rebel Production, the event took place at the Dean’s Complex conference room under the theme “Pen, Culture and Throne: Cultural Politics in the Struggle for Power Through the Ages.” The discussion highlighted Hadi’s struggle against imperialism and his role in resisting cultural domination.

Speakers at the seminar stated that the people of Bengal have never been aggressors but have faced threats from imperialist forces seeking to weaken their cultural identity. They said Osman Hadi understood these threats and was targeted for his resistance. RAKSU Vice President Mostakur Rahman Zahid claimed that imperialist India had long-term plans to influence Bangladesh’s education, literature, and culture, and that Hadi was killed for opposing such dominance. Former Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Saleh Hasan Nakib emphasized that understanding Hadi’s ideals requires more than symbolic admiration.

The event was attended by former student advisor Dr. Amirul Islam Konok, Professor Dr. Mahfuzur Rahman Akhand, and other discussants.

France will organize a spectacular light show at the Statue of Liberty in New York to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. The French Consulate announced the plan on Monday, saying the performance will be pre-recorded and broadcast at the start of ABC Network’s 25-hour special program on July 4, the US Independence Day. The event aims to present the monument in a way never seen before, highlighting its symbolic and emotional significance.

French Consul in New York, Cedric Foussigno, told AFP that the two nations share a 250-year friendship that remains strong and deep, motivating France to do something special for the occasion. France originally gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States in 1886, and it has since become one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, France also sent its air force aerobatics team to the US earlier in June. On June 9, eight Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France flew over Manhattan, painting the sky in the colors of the French flag and passing above the Statue of Liberty.

Five ancient stone idols, valued at approximately Tk 107 crore, have been formally handed over to the Department of Archaeology for preservation in Naogaon’s Dhamoirhat upazila. The handover took place on Monday, June 29, following a court directive, transferring the artifacts to the custody of the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery authorities.

The idols, recovered from different times in Dhamoirhat, will now be preserved in the museum of the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, a site under the Department of Archaeology. The official handover was attended by Dhamoirhat Police Officer-in-Charge Md. Mintu Rahman, Paharpur Buddhist Monastery custodian Md. Fazlul Karim, and Dhamoirhat Police Inspector (SI) Md. Abul Kalam Azad, among others.

The transfer marks an official step to ensure proper conservation of the valuable archaeological artifacts under state supervision.

A motorcycle rally was held in Dinajpur under the banner of the Tawhidi Janata, aiming to spread the message of Islamic victory, peace, and unity among Muslims under the Kalema flag. The event took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, starting from the field of Tafiyuddin Memorial School near the Eye Hospital at Fulbari Bus Stand area in Dinajpur town. The rally moved through various city roads before returning to its starting point.

Participants from different parts of Dinajpur joined the rally, representing people from various walks of life. The organizers stated that the purpose was to promote harmony and solidarity among Muslims through the symbolic use of the Kalema flag and to convey a message of peace across the region.

The event concluded peacefully, with attendees emphasizing unity and the peaceful spirit of Islam as central themes of the gathering.

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Anisul Huq has expressed deep sorrow and condolence over the death of renowned Bangladeshi artist, cultural personality, and Ekushey Padak recipient Mustafa Monowar. In a condolence message issued on Monday, the minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family members.

In his message, the minister described Mustafa Monowar as a shining star in the country's art and cultural sphere. He noted that Monowar made outstanding contributions to painting, television, and children's program production, which the nation will remember with respect. The minister added that his death has created an irreparable void in the cultural arena of Bangladesh.

Mustafa Monowar’s ancestral home is in Monoharpur village of Shailkupa upazila in Jhenaidah district, which falls within the minister’s constituency. Throughout his long career, Monowar made unique contributions to art, television, and children’s programming, earning the Ekushey Padak in 2004 for his exceptional service to the nation’s cultural development.

Ekushey Padak-winning artist and puppet maker Mustafa Monwar passed away at the age of 91 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka on Monday morning. His death has left the cultural community in deep mourning. Following the ritual washing at Dhanmondi’s Takwa Mosque, his body was taken to his residence on Dhanmondi Road No. 1, where family members and relatives paid their respects before it was placed in the Square mortuary.

On Tuesday morning, his first funeral prayer will be held at Bangladesh Television, where he worked for many years. Later, the body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at 11 a.m. for the public to pay their last respects. After the second funeral prayer at Dhaka University Central Mosque and a tribute at the Faculty of Fine Arts, he will be laid to rest at Banani graveyard.

The Information Minister noted that Mustafa Monwar’s ideals will continue to inspire future generations.

Leader of the Opposition in Bangladesh’s National Parliament and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has expressed deep sorrow over the death of eminent artist and cultural organizer Mustafa Monowar, who was a recipient of the Ekushey Padak. The condolence message was released to the media on Monday.

In his statement, Dr. Rahman described Mustafa Monowar as a shining figure in Bangladesh’s art, literature, and cultural arena. He highlighted Monowar’s legendary contributions to painting and children’s creative programs, noting that his work greatly enriched the nation’s cultural heritage. Dr. Rahman said Monowar’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the country’s cultural sphere.

He prayed for the departed soul’s peace and extended heartfelt sympathy to Monowar’s bereaved family, followers, and admirers, expressing hope that they would find strength to endure the loss.