The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced that it will celebrate the Bengali New Year on the first day of Agrahayan instead of the traditional Pahela Baishakh. The event, organized jointly with the cultural group 'Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya', will take place on Sunday, November 16, at the Faculty of Fine Arts. DUCSU’s Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary, Musaddiq Ibn Ali Mohammad, explained that historically, the New Year was celebrated on Pahela Agrahayan through the 'Nabanna' harvest festival before Emperor Akbar reformed the calendar. The program will feature four segments, including a painting exhibition, a festive procession, cultural performances, and a reception for guests. DUCSU leaders said the initiative aims to revive the forgotten heritage of celebrating the New Year during the harvest season and reconnect younger generations with their cultural roots.

The 178th birth anniversary of renowned novelist, playwright, and essayist Mir Mosharraf Hossain was celebrated in Rajbari with various programs. Representatives from Bangla Academy, the district and upazila administrations, and the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Literary Council paid floral tributes at his grave in Padamdi village of Baliakandi upazila. Later, a seminar was held under the chairmanship of District Commissioner Sultana Akter. Bangla Academy Secretary Dr. Md. Selim Reza attended as the chief guest, while Director Samir Kumar Sarkar was present as a special guest. The event highlighted Hossain’s literary contributions and his enduring influence on Bengali literature and culture.

Members of Portugal’s former royal family visited the Guardians Cap project site in Salia village, Sylhet Sadar upazila, and inaugurated a newly constructed lake. They were welcomed by CEO Noor Hayat and Chief Patron B.J. Abu Sayeed Mohammad Bakir. A ceremony was later held at the foundation building, attended by dignitaries including Sir Sheikh Aliur Rahman, Sir Asif Niaz Bazlul, Lord Edward Shiu, and others. The foundation’s chairman, Md. Ashiqur Rahman Chowdhury, presented ongoing and upcoming initiatives. CEO Noor Hayat expressed gratitude for the royal visit, emphasizing the foundation’s mission to support underprivileged communities. The project aims to provide British curriculum-based education for students from class three to high school, with facilities for 100–150 learners and trained instructors. About 85% of the project work has been completed, and classes are expected to begin in September 2026.

The 77th birth anniversary of renowned Bangladeshi writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed was celebrated in Netrokona with various programs including processions, prayers, discussions, and cultural performances. The main events took place at Shahid Smriti Bidyapith in Kutubpur, Kendua, where floral tributes were offered to the author’s sculpture. Local officials, teachers, and students participated, highlighting Ahmed’s literary legacy and influence on Bangladeshi culture. Another celebration organized by the group ‘Himu Pathok Adda’ featured a rally from the central Shaheed Minar to Moktarpara field, followed by speeches from the Deputy Commissioner, police officials, and local poets. Speakers praised Ahmed’s ability to connect art with nature and his contribution to building a strong reading culture in Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed hope that the 'Notun Kuri' competition will play a significant role in nation building. Speaking at the 'Notun Kuri 2025' award ceremony held at his office on Thursday, he urged everyone to support children's creative development. Dr. Yunus encouraged children to engage not only in music and dance but also in writing, technology, sports, and entrepreneurship. He assured full government support for such initiatives and thanked the ministry for reviving the long-standing competition. During the event, he handed over checks worth 300,000 taka and trophies to two winners from different categories and congratulated all participants for their achievements.

A new documentary titled 'Trial of July Massacre' has been released under the supervision of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The 21-minute-59-second film, unveiled by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, focuses on the killings that occurred during the July 2024 uprising, which the film attributes to the then Awami League government. According to the accompanying statement, the release aims to highlight the events as one of the most tragic episodes in world history and to reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims. The documentary seeks to preserve the memory of the uprising and promote accountability for the violence that took place.

Bangla Academy has postponed the previously planned December edition of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair due to the upcoming national election.

A statement said the decision was made following a September 21 directive from the Home Ministry to arrange the fair after the election. The academy added that new dates will be decided later in consultation with publishers and stakeholders.

Farmers in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, are celebrating a bumper harvest of Aman paddy in salt fields, an area once unsuitable for rice cultivation. With support from the Department of Agricultural Extension, 300 hectares of salt fields were cultivated with BRRI dhan-75 and BINA dhan-17 varieties, yielding excellent results. Farmers can now grow both salt and rice on the same land, boosting income and food supply. Authorities plan to expand this practice to other abandoned salt fields across the region.

Government adviser Mahfuz Alam has called for a special edition of Nabarun magazine dedicated to the children martyred in the July uprising, featuring their writings and personal memorabilia.

Speaking to officials from the Department of Films and Publications, he stressed the importance of publishing children’s artwork and writings in the magazine to inspire creativity among the younger generation. “Regardless of which government is in power, we must remain impartial when it comes to children and youth,” he said.

Mahfuz also urged writers to contribute articles on the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the 1974 uprising, and broader socio-economic issues. He recommended digitizing all past editions of Nabarun since its inception in 1970 and making them publicly accessible, while also introducing a special section for new writers, with at least five featured in each issue.

Farmers in Roumari upazila, Kurigram, are facing an acute shortage of urea, TSP, and DAP fertilizers, leading to repeated demonstrations and confinement of dealers and agricultural officers.

Police eventually intervened to restore order. According to officials, fertilizer allocation for the Aman season is far below actual demand. Allegations have surfaced that local dealers, in collusion with some agriculture officials, have diverted fertilizer to private retailers at inflated prices.

The Upazila Agriculture Officer admitted to supply shortages but assured that steps are being taken to resolve the crisis soon.

A grand Jashn-e-Julush was organized in Dhaka on Saturday to celebrate the holy occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH). The event was arranged by Anjuman-e-Rahmania Mainia Maizbhandaria, drawing thousands of devout Muslims from across the country to the Suhrawardy Udyan.

The gathering was graced by the presence of Hazrat Shahsufi Shahzada Syed Saifuddin Ahmad Al-Hasani, Chairman of Anjuman-e-Rahmania Mainia Maizbhandaria and custodian of Maizbhandar Darbar Sharif.

Following the assembly, the colorful procession moved through Doel Chattar, Shikkha Bhaban, and Kadam Foara, before returning to Suhrawardy Udyan, where it concluded with a Peace Assembly.

In Khulna, coastal farmers are earning extra income by cultivating watermelons along fish pond banks year-round. Traditionally a summer fruit, off-season watermelon cultivation now covers 966 hectares, with an estimated production of 30,900 tons. Trellis farming reduces irrigation needs and pest attacks, while high demand ensures good prices, 1,200–1,900 Taka per mon. With proper seeds, pest control, and government support, this practice could significantly strengthen the region’s agricultural economy, turning previously idle land into profitable farmland.

As in previous years, Anjuman-e-Rahmania Ahmadia Sunnia Trust organized the Jashne Julus rally in Dhaka on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi.

The procession began at 10:30 a.m. from Qaderia Madrasa premises in Mohammadpur and paraded through Shahjahan Road, Iqbal Road, Asad Gate, Mirpur Road, and Dhanmondi, before concluding at Mohammadpur.

This year’s rally was led by Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, who also presided over the concluding religious gathering. Bangladesh will observe Eid-e-Miladunnabi on September 6 (12 Rabiul Awal).

The interim government has officially recognized the death anniversary of mystic bard Lalon Shah as a National Day.
Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki emphasized that state recognition of cultural icons strengthens Bangladesh’s intellectual identity against historical neglect. “For decades, our establishment sidelined cultural riches from national celebration. This recognition helps craft a cultural identity beyond borders,” Farooki wrote.
He revealed that discussions are also underway to elevate artist S.M. Sultan’s birthday to a Class-A National Day, alongside honoring post-independence cultural figures such as Humayun Ahmed. “Celebrating Lalon means we are now looking beyond Tagore and Nazrul. The day isn’t far when contemporary masters like Ayub Bachchu will also be honored at the state level,” he added.

Information Advisor Md. Mahfuz Alam has called on district administrators to ensure neutrality and inclusivity in the upcoming ‘Notun Kuri’ talent competition.
Speaking at a briefing, the advisor said that after a long hiatus, the competition is resuming with the aim of inspiring cultural awakening among the younger generation. “If the most talented children from the grassroots are not fairly selected, it will impact the Dhaka round of the contest,” he warned.
He stressed that district administrations will play a crucial role in the regional selection process, while divisional administrations will oversee higher-level rounds. Mahfuz emphasized impartial judging and urged that children from all communities, regardless of religion or ethnicity, must be given the opportunity to participate.