The national final selection round of the cultural competition 'Serader Sera Season-6', organized by the Somonnito Sangskritik Songshod (SASAS), was successfully completed on Friday at Tejgaon College premises in Dhaka. Participants from eight divisions of Bangladesh competed in three categories—singing, acting, and recitation—after advancing through upazila, district, and divisional levels.

The event aimed to identify talented artists, actors, and reciters from across the country and provide them with a national platform. Out of 300 selected contestants, ten from each category received 'Yes Cards' to move on to the next round, while others were presented with honorary gifts. The program was attended by cultural personality Ustad Tafazzal Hossain Khan as chief guest and former executive director of SASAS Abdullah Al Noman as special guest.

The national-level competition was directed by Zakir Hossain, with overall management by SASAS assistant executive director Israil Hossain Shanto. Guests and judges delivered motivational remarks to the participants before officially concluding the audition round.

The 15th Chapai Festival 2026 will be held in Dhaka on Saturday, January 3, organized by the Chapainawabganj District Association. The daylong event will take place at the Institution of Engineers auditorium in Ramna, aiming to strengthen cultural roots and fraternity among residents from Chapainawabganj living in the capital. The festival will be presided over by Engineer Nurul Islam, Chief Engineer of RAJUK and president of the association, with the chairman of the Land Reform Board attending as a special guest.

According to organizers, the festival’s main attractions include traditional Gambhira performances featuring humorous and contemporary songs, as well as regional food stalls offering Chapai’s famous Kalai Ruti and Mashkalai Dal. Distinguished personalities and meritorious students from the district will also be honored during the event.

General Secretary Advocate Delwar Hossain stated that the festival aims to highlight Chapainawabganj’s history, culture, and potential at the national level while fostering social harmony and unity among expatriate residents of the district.

Renowned Bangladeshi rhymester Sukumar Barua passed away at 6:55 a.m. on Friday at JK Memorial Hospital in Gahira, Raozan upazila of Chattogram. He was 88 years old. His daughter Anjana Barua told the media that he had been hospitalized for a week at a medical center in Chattogram and was later moved to JK Memorial Hospital, where he died while under treatment due to fluid accumulation in his lungs.

Born on January 5, 1938, in Madhyam Binajuri village of Raozan, Barua began his career in the 1960s as a fourth-class employee at the University of Dhaka. He started writing in 1963 while living in a rented house on Topkhana Road and retired in 1999 as a storekeeper from the same university. Over nearly six decades, he became known by titles such as “Chhararaj” and “Chharashilpi” for his humorous and satirical rhymes that often carried moral lessons, patriotic spirit, and political messages.

Barua received the Ekushey Padak in 2017 for his contributions to language and literature, along with several other honors including the Bangla Academy Literary Award and the Bangladesh Shishu Academy Literary Award.

Students of the 104th batch of Dhaka University observed a day-long fasting, prayer, and remembrance program on Thursday, January 1, under the initiative titled 'Monajate Insaf'. The event, held at the TSC area of the campus, honored the memory of Shaheed Osman Hadi and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. Participants fasted throughout the day, held a collective Quran recitation after the noon prayer, and performed Salatul Hajat in the afternoon. Later, they visited Osman Hadi’s grave, offered prayers for his and Begum Zia’s souls, and concluded with a communal iftar before Maghrib.

At the prayer gathering, Fatima Tasnim Juma, convener of the Dhaka University branch of Inquilab Monch, delivered a speech emphasizing Osman Hadi’s anti-hegemonic cultural struggle. She said Hadi believed in collective participation across organizations to advance such movements. Juma urged students to uphold national identity through art, literature, and culture, and to intellectually resist any misrepresentation of Bangladesh’s heritage.

She further stressed that cultural expression should reflect the voice and identity of Bangladesh, encouraging creative responses rather than censorship when confronting cultural distortions.

Adilur Rahman Khan, advisor to the Ministries of Industries, Housing and Public Works, and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, has directed the proper preservation of archaeological sites in Rajoir upazila of Madaripur. He made the directive on Sunday, December 28, after visiting the Khalia Rajaram Temple and speaking to journalists at noon.

Khan said that as part of reviewing ongoing activities of various ministries, several archaeological structures in Rajoir and Madaripur were inspected. He noted that Rajoir has three and Madaripur several more historical sites that urgently need preservation to protect the region’s history and heritage. He added that the district administration is active in this effort, with the deputy commissioner and the LGED secretary already issuing necessary instructions. He emphasized that with local cooperation, the preservation work could be completed smoothly.

Senior officials including LGED Secretary Maksudul Alam, Deputy Commissioner Jahangir Alam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education) Fatema Azrin Tonni, and Rajoir Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mahfuzul Haque were present during the visit. The advisor also inspected land offices in Khalia and Kadambari unions and instructed officials to ensure the protection of government establishments.

A graffiti unveiling ceremony was held in Chatmohar, Pabna, on Friday, December 26, to commemorate revolutionary martyr Sharif Osman Al Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Mancha. The event took place near the Shaheed Minar in the Chatmohar Upazila premises, where murals of Hadi, Saeed, Abrar, and Mir Mugdho were painted by local students.

According to organizer Md. Hasanuzzaman Sabuj, the initiative, arranged under the banner of Amolin, aimed to inspire the public with Hadi’s spirit of sacrifice for the country and his courage to stand against Indian dominance. The artwork was created by students including Shishir, Faisal, Swapan, Masud Rana, Sabuj, and Gopal from various educational institutions.

The organizers expressed hope that the graffiti would serve as a lasting reminder of Hadi’s ideals and motivate younger generations to uphold national dignity and resistance against external influence.

A newly constructed road in Kishoreganj’s Rashidabad Union has been officially named ‘Shaheed Osman Hadi Road’ to honor the memory of Osman Hadi. The inauguration and prayer ceremony took place on Friday after Jumu’ah prayers at the Sagora Bishwaroad-adjacent Signboard Mor area, organized under the banner of the people of Kishoreganj. Residents from all walks of life participated spontaneously in the event, which included prayers for the departed soul of Osman Hadi.

According to local sources, the naming of the road aims to preserve the legacy of Shaheed Osman Hadi and commemorate his life of sacrifice and struggle. The event was attended by former general secretary of the Kishoreganj District Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, student leader Ashikuzzaman Ashik, among others. Participants reflected on Hadi’s contributions and prayed for his eternal peace.

The initiative reflects a local effort to honor historical memory through civic recognition and community participation in Kishoreganj.

An all-party gathering of Islamic scholars and clerics held a discussion and prayer session in memory of Shaheed Sharif Osman Bin Hadi at the Dhaka University Central Mosque on Friday after Asr prayers. Speakers said Hadi sacrificed his life for dignity, freedom, and justice, reminding everyone that true humanity lies in refusing to bow to injustice.

Participants emphasized that relations with the neighboring state of India remain strained, describing aggression not only as a physical attack but also as an assault on justice, humanity, and conscience. They recalled that Hadi had consistently spoken out against cultural aggression and urged people to remain vocal and courageous in resisting it.

Speakers pledged at Hadi’s grave to embody his spirit in their character and actions, vowing to oppose all forms of domination and aggression, including those affecting the Sundarbans, Hill Tracts, Rampal power plant, and border issues. The event concluded with prominent clerics visiting Hadi’s grave to offer prayers.

Christians in Bangladesh celebrated Christmas on Thursday with prayers, decorations, and joyful gatherings across Dhaka. Churches including Tejgaon’s Holy Rosary Church and Mohammadpur’s St. Christina Church were illuminated with lights, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes. Thousands attended morning prayers, while families dressed in new clothes joined the celebrations. The festive atmosphere extended beyond churches to hotels hosting special meals and cultural programs.

Father Jayanta S. Gomez of Holy Rosary Church said the community prayed for peace and stability in Bangladesh, emphasizing Jesus’ message of justice and equality. Parishioners described how they celebrated at home by cutting cakes, preparing traditional foods, decorating Christmas trees, and exchanging gifts. Father Kajol Purification of St. Christina Church noted that prayers were offered for peace among all faiths.

The celebrations reflected both religious devotion and social harmony, with participants expressing joy and hope for peace in the country.

Irish cartoonist Harry Burton has sharply criticized Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, calling it a moral failure amid ongoing violence in Gaza. In a widely discussed editorial and accompanying cartoon published in The Irish Examiner, Burton depicted an Israeli singer performing under bright lights while surrounded by imagery of destruction and blood, symbolizing the contrast between entertainment and war.

Burton argued that allowing Israel to compete despite accusations of genocide in Gaza undermines international accountability. He compared the situation to Russia’s exclusion from global sports following its invasion of Ukraine, questioning why similar standards are not applied to Israel. His comments follow the European Broadcasting Union’s December 4 decision to permit Israel’s entry, which has triggered withdrawals from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland.

The controversy reflects growing cultural backlash against Israel’s actions in Gaza, where over 70,000 people have reportedly been killed since October 2023. Observers expect further boycotts and debates over the role of cultural diplomacy in conflict zones.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will organize a special cultural evening on December 24 to celebrate Christmas. The event, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Nandan Mancha of the Shilpakala Academy premises, will be open to all and aims to promote peace, harmony, and human values through music, carol performances, and devotional songs.

This initiative continues the ministry’s year-long effort to foster inclusivity by celebrating major religious and cultural festivals such as Eid, Buddha Purnima, Durga Puja, and Eid-ul-Azha. Previous events included nationwide festivals and performances highlighting Bangladesh’s diverse cultural identity. Officials described the Christmas celebration as another step toward strengthening interfaith understanding and unity.

The program underscores the government’s broader cultural policy of promoting mutual respect and coexistence among communities. Organizers expect strong public participation and view the event as a symbolic gesture of Bangladesh’s commitment to cultural pluralism.

In Gazipur’s Sreepur, van driver Suruj Ali’s long-cherished dream has come true as his youngest son, Md. Sanaullah, secured admission to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College for the 2025–26 academic year. Despite years of hardship and limited income, Suruj and his wife, garment worker Afroza Khatun, prioritized their children’s education above all else. Their perseverance has now been rewarded with their son’s success in the national MBBS-BDS entrance examination.

Sanaullah, who achieved GPA-5 in both SSC and HSC exams, attributes his success to his parents’ sacrifice and determination. His father, who migrated from Netrakona to Gazipur two decades ago, worked tirelessly to fund his children’s studies. Local educators praised the achievement as a symbol of hope and inspiration for underprivileged families. Abdul Hannan Sajal, principal of Haji Chhoto Kalim School and College, said the success reflects the power of perseverance and family commitment.

Sanaullah aims to become a compassionate doctor serving marginalized communities, embodying the values his parents instilled through years of struggle and sacrifice.

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has officially named the road stretching from Uttara North Metro Station to Mirpur Cantonment DOHS MP Checkpost as 'Ahmed Sofa Sarani', in honor of the late writer and intellectual Ahmed Sofa. The inauguration ceremony took place on December 21 near Uttara South Metro Station, attended by Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan as chief guest and DNCC Administrator Mohammad Ejaz as chair.

During the event, Dr. Khan highlighted Ahmed Sofa’s contribution to Bangladesh’s liberation movement, recalling his publication of the first wartime book 'Jagrat Bangladesh' in 1971. He noted the symbolic significance of the naming, given Sofa’s earlier exclusion from burial at the Martyred Intellectuals’ Cemetery. Administrator Ejaz emphasized DNCC’s approach to 'narrative-based governance', linking urban infrastructure with cultural memory.

The initiative reflects DNCC’s broader effort to integrate the city’s historical and intellectual heritage into its development projects. Officials and cultural figures present described the naming as a tribute to those who shaped the nation’s identity and thought.

Bangladesh marked World Meditation Day on December 21 with a large public meditation session organized by the Quantum Foundation at the National Press Club in Dhaka. Hundreds of participants from various walks of life joined the early morning event, which emphasized mental peace and emotional well-being under the theme of ‘keeping the mind well.’ The gathering filled the Press Club courtyard, reflecting growing public interest in mindfulness practices.

The observance follows the United Nations’ 2024 declaration of December 21 as World Meditation Day, recognizing meditation’s role in promoting global mental health. In an audio message, Quantum Method founder Shahid Al Bokhari Mahajata highlighted the foundation’s long-standing motto, “If the mind is well, all is well,” and announced 2025 as the ‘Year of Meditation.’ Organizers said the initiative aims to expand meditation practice across all levels of society.

The event underscores Bangladesh’s increasing engagement with holistic wellness movements. Advocates hope the annual observance will inspire broader adoption of meditation for stress reduction and community harmony.

In Kishoreganj’s Pakundia upazila, the centuries-old tradition of ox-driven ploughing is rapidly disappearing as farmers increasingly adopt mechanical tillers. Once a defining feature of rural Bengal, the sight of farmers guiding oxen through muddy fields has become rare, surviving only in isolated pockets such as Kursha village in Charfaradi Union. Local farmer Sabuj Mia continues the practice inherited from his forefathers, though most neighbors have shifted to machines for efficiency.

Residents recall when nearly every household kept oxen for ploughing, but the spread of affordable power tillers has made manual methods obsolete. Agricultural officer Nure-E-Alam noted that mechanization is essential to transform farming into a commercial enterprise, emphasizing the need for modern equipment. While nostalgia remains for the communal rhythms of traditional farming, economic pressures and time constraints are driving the transition.

Experts warn that the decline of ox-ploughing marks not only a technological shift but also the erosion of rural heritage. As Bangladesh pursues agricultural modernization, preserving cultural memory of these practices may become increasingly difficult.