Bangla Academy has announced the recipients of its 2025 awards, recognizing eight individuals for their contributions to literature, science, and the arts. The awards will be formally presented on December 27 during the Academy’s 48th annual general meeting. Each award carries a monetary prize ranging from fifty thousand to two hundred thousand Bangladeshi taka.

Among the honorees are Professor Mansur Musa for linguistic research, Khosru Chowdhury for science communication, and Sanaul Haque Khan for poetry. Hafiz Rashid Khan will receive the Sa’dat Ali Akhand Literary Award for his research on ethnic literature, while actor-director Tariq Anam Khan will be honored for his contributions to theatre. Shibabrata Barman is recognized for translation, Safiq Islam for his mathematics book, and fiction writers Subrata Barua and Anisur Rahman for their storytelling achievements.

The Bangla Academy awards, established to promote intellectual and creative excellence, remain among Bangladesh’s most prestigious honors. The 2025 selections highlight the diversity of contemporary Bangladeshi scholarship and creativity across disciplines.

The Bangla Academy has announced that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will start on February 20 and continue until March 15, marking a 24-day event instead of the usual month-long schedule. The decision was made due to the timing of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, which led to a delay from the traditional February 1 opening.

The revised dates were finalized during an emergency meeting held at the academy’s Shaheed Munir Chowdhury auditorium. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangla Academy, Dhaka University, publishers’ representatives, and law enforcement agencies. The fair’s inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. on February 20.

Organizers said the adjustment aims to ensure smooth coordination with national events and maintain visitor safety. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair remains Bangladesh’s largest literary gathering, celebrating the country’s language movement and cultural heritage. Preparations are underway to accommodate publishers and readers despite the shortened schedule.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that national days like Victory Day reinforce unity and inspire the nation to move forward even during difficult times. Speaking after paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar on December 16, he emphasized that despite ongoing inequalities and social divisions, such commemorations serve as reminders of collective strength and solidarity.

The event was part of the university’s daylong Victory Day celebrations, which included flag hoisting, floral tributes, exhibitions, and cultural performances. Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders echoed calls for justice and equality, noting that the dream of a fair and inclusive Bangladesh remains incomplete even after 54 years of independence.

University officials, faculty, and students participated in various programs across the campus, including prayers for the martyrs and the nation’s prosperity. The observance highlighted both remembrance and renewed commitment to building a just and united society.

Gazipur Agricultural University (GAKRUBI) marked Bangladesh’s 55th Victory Day on December 16, 2025, with a daylong celebration honoring the nation’s Liberation War and its martyrs. The festivities began early with a flag-raising ceremony and a disciplined march-past at the university’s July 36 Square, followed by a vibrant rally led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman. Participants paid floral tributes at the central Shaheed Minar, expressing deep respect for the fallen heroes of 1971.

The program included a children’s art competition depicting the spirit of victory, friendly sports events, and a discussion session highlighting the significance of the day. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized that Victory Day symbolizes national pride, identity, and unity, urging the younger generation to uphold honesty, patriotism, and responsibility. The celebration concluded with a special prayer at the central mosque for the martyrs’ souls, reaffirming the university’s commitment to nurturing science-minded and patriotic citizens.

On December 16, 2025, political psychologist Dr. Ahmad Anisur Rahman published a reflective essay tracing Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War to a broader historical continuum of civilizational struggles. He argues that the war was not an isolated event but part of a millennia-long resistance by the Bengali people to preserve their land, culture, and identity against successive waves of foreign domination.

Dr. Rahman situates the roots of Bengali identity in ancient Dravidian and Semitic civilizations, suggesting that the struggle for liberation began with early conflicts between indigenous populations and invading Aryan groups. He contends that the 1971 war represented the latest phase of this enduring quest for autonomy and cultural preservation. The essay blends historical interpretation with anthropological and linguistic analysis, emphasizing that understanding these deep roots is essential to grasping the true spirit of Bangladesh’s independence.

The piece has drawn attention among historians and cultural scholars for its sweeping historical scope and its call to view national liberation as a recurring theme in Bengali civilization. It underscores the continuing relevance of liberation ideals in shaping the nation’s political and cultural future.

Bangladesh Betar, the state-owned radio broadcaster, celebrates its 85th anniversary on December 16, 2025, coinciding with Victory Day. Established in 1939 on Nazimuddin Road, Dhaka, the institution has played a defining role in the nation’s history—from broadcasting the 1971 Liberation War’s message of resistance to serving as a stabilizing voice during the 2024 mass uprising. Throughout decades of political upheaval, Betar has remained a trusted medium for verified information and national dialogue.

During the Liberation War, the ‘Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra’ became a symbol of defiance and unity, inspiring freedom fighters and civilians alike through news, songs, and cultural programs. In 2024, amid widespread misinformation on social media, Betar again emerged as a reliable source, emphasizing truth and constitutional continuity. Analysts note that its balanced reporting helped reduce public anxiety and foster civic trust.

As Bangladesh navigates post-uprising reforms, Betar’s continued relevance underscores the enduring importance of public broadcasting in promoting democratic inclusion, national identity, and responsible communication.

Thousands of people from across Bangladesh gathered at the National Memorial in Savar on Tuesday morning to pay their respects to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War. President Md. Shahabuddin and interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus led the tributes by placing floral wreaths at dawn, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the fallen heroes.

After the official ceremony, the memorial was opened to the public, allowing citizens, students, political leaders, freedom fighters, and their families to offer flowers and pay homage. The memorial premises were filled with floral tributes, banners, and national symbols. Senior civil and military officials, diplomats, and members of the judiciary were also present during the state ceremony.

Victory Day is being celebrated nationwide with various programs organized by the government, political parties, and social and cultural organizations. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence and the enduring unity of its people.

Bangladesh is set to mark its 54th Victory Day with a record-breaking skydiving display involving the highest number of national flags. As part of a special government program, 54 paratroopers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force will perform a coordinated parachute jump at 11:40 a.m. from Tejgaon Old Airport, each carrying the national flag. The event aims to secure a new Guinness World Record for the largest flag-bearing parachute display.

Before the skydiving demonstration, the three branches of the armed forces will conduct separate fly-past exhibitions starting at 11:00 a.m. The celebrations will also feature a Victory Day band show at the same venue. Similar fly-past and musical events will be held in other cities across the country, organized by the armed forces, police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and Ansar. All events are open to the public.

Officials describe the initiative as a symbol of national pride and unity, reflecting Bangladesh’s enduring spirit of independence and progress.

The Liberation War memorial at Muharpara in Hili, Dinajpur, built in 2015 to honor the martyrs of the 1971 war, is now on the verge of collapse due to years of neglect and theft. The monument, constructed at a cost of about 4 million taka, has lost its iron gates and decorative metal parts, while plaster is peeling off its walls.

Local freedom fighters and residents expressed deep concern over the deterioration, saying the site once symbolized the bravery of those who fought in one of the fiercest battles of the war. Veteran Liaquat Ali urged authorities to rebuild the memorial so future generations can remember the sacrifices made for independence. Residents also criticized the lack of administrative oversight, noting that even tiles and railings have been stolen.

Hakimpur Upazila Executive Officer Ashok Bikram Chakma said the site has been inspected and renovation work will begin soon, including lighting installations, CCTV surveillance, and measures to prevent misuse of the premises.

Bangladesh today commemorates the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Sreshtho Mohammad Ruhul Amin, one of the seven greatest heroes of the 1971 Liberation War. On December 10, 1971, Amin was killed in a fierce naval battle against Pakistani forces near the Rupsha River in Khulna. Born in 1934 in Noakhali, he joined the Navy after working briefly in journalism and rose to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer through merit and dedication.

During the Liberation War, Ruhul Amin played a crucial role in forming the nascent Bangladesh Navy. He helped convert Indian-donated tugboats into gunboats named ‘Padma’ and ‘Palash’, serving as the chief engineer of the latter. Despite orders to abandon ship during an air attack at Hiron Point, Amin continued fighting until his vessel was destroyed. Captured and tortured by collaborators, he was martyred, and his body was never recovered.

His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage and patriotism. Each year, the nation pays tribute to his memory through military honors and public remembrance ceremonies.

UNESCO has officially recognized Bangladesh’s traditional Tangail saree weaving as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The decision was adopted unanimously on December 9 during the 20th Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi. This marks Bangladesh’s sixth individual inscription on the heritage list and the second achievement since the country’s election to the committee four years ago.

Bangladesh’s delegation, led by Ambassador Khandker M. Talha, described the recognition as a moment of national pride, celebrating over two centuries of craftsmanship by Tangail’s weavers. The application, submitted to UNESCO headquarters in April, successfully passed all evaluation stages despite earlier concerns of political complications. The recognition follows a 2023 controversy after India declared Tangail saree a Geographical Indication (GI) product.

Experts believe the UNESCO listing will help ease cross-border tensions and reinforce cultural cooperation. Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to India, Md. Riaz Hamidullah, noted that the recognition symbolizes shared heritage and pride for women in both countries.

Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday praised Begum Rokeya as a guiding force for women’s enlightenment and social progress in Bangladesh. Speaking at the Rokeya Padak award ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, Yunus highlighted Rokeya’s pioneering role in advancing education and equality for women, calling her a cornerstone of social reconstruction.

The Rokeya Padak, awarded annually by the government, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to women’s empowerment and social development. This year’s ceremony brought together policymakers, educators, and activists to celebrate the achievements of female leaders inspired by Rokeya’s ideals. Yunus emphasized that true national progress depends on ensuring equal opportunities for women in all sectors.

Observers noted that the event reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s leadership. The Chief Adviser’s remarks are expected to strengthen ongoing initiatives promoting women’s participation in education, entrepreneurship, and governance across Bangladesh.

BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has paid deep tribute to Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain on her birth and death anniversary, lauding her as an indomitable symbol of progress in a conservative society. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rahman highlighted Rokeya’s pioneering role in women’s awakening and education in Bengal.

He emphasized that despite facing severe social resistance, Begum Rokeya remained steadfast in her mission to educate and empower Muslim women. Rahman noted that Rokeya’s writings boldly challenged social inequalities and inspired movements for women’s independence and self-reliance. Her belief that education was the key to women’s dignity continues to resonate today.

Rahman concluded by saying that the essence of Begum Rokeya’s message lay in true female emancipation, which still motivates women across generations. He also prayed for the eternal peace of her soul, reaffirming her enduring legacy in Bangladesh’s social and cultural progress.

Dubai-based Imtiaz Developments has announced ‘The Symphony’, a new architectural landmark in Meydan designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The project, valued at AED 1 billion (USD 272 million), blends Emirati cultural motifs such as Sadu weaving and Talli embroidery with futuristic design elements. Spanning over 4,000 square meters, the development will include luxury residences, commercial spaces, and offices, with apartment prices starting at AED 2 million and penthouses reaching AED 20 million.

The unveiling ceremony at Coca-Cola Arena reflected Dubai’s signature grandeur, attended by investors, partners, and industry leaders, with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan as brand ambassador. Zaha Hadid Architects’ director Gianluca Racana noted that the project symbolizes Dubai’s drive for innovation and cultural continuity.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and conclude by mid-2029. Once completed, ‘The Symphony’ is expected to attract global high-net-worth buyers and design-focused investors, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for visionary urban development.

Bangladesh is preparing for an ambitious Victory Day celebration on December 16, 2025, marking 54 years of independence with a record-setting parachuting event. The Bangladesh Army, Navy, and Air Force will jointly organize a skydiving display featuring 54 paratroopers, each carrying a national flag, aiming to set a Guinness World Record for the most flags flown during parachuting. The event will take place at Dhaka’s old Tejgaon Airport and remain open to the public.

A preparatory meeting chaired by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam outlined extensive national programs, including air shows, cultural performances, and nationwide fairs. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki emphasized youth participation through concerts, traditional plays, and performances of songs from the Liberation War era.

Government ministries will coordinate flag hoisting, illumination, and special tributes to freedom fighters across the country. The Ministry of Information will release a commemorative publication, while museums, entertainment venues, and religious institutions will host free public events and prayers for the martyrs.