Bangla Academy will confer the prestigious ‘Nazrul Award’ on researcher Anwarul Haque and renowned singer Shabnam Mustari for their significant contributions to the study, promotion, and performance of the works of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The awards will be presented during the Nazrul Jayanti celebration organized by Bangla Academy on Sunday afternoon. Each recipient will receive a monetary prize of BDT 100,000, along with a commemorative plaque and honorary scarf.

Culture Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki admitted that reversing 54 years of cultural deterioration cannot happen quickly. “We are drafting a blueprint—what needs to be done in the next five years and the next ten,” he said. “Before we leave office, we’ll hold a press conference titled ‘Road to Successor.’ I’ll leave behind a note of insights for the next team.” Farooki criticized the focus on pass rates and GPA-5 achievements, saying the foundations of education and culture have been severely damaged. He added that discussions are ongoing with the education and information advisers about reviving the popular program Notun Kuri, and highlighted efforts to promote local and inclusive cultural initiatives.

The 706th annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) began Sunday in Sylhet, marked by the ceremonial placing of the sacred gilaaf (cover) on the saint’s shrine. Devotees from across Bangladesh flocked to the dargah area, filling the air with chants of "Lal-e-Lal, Baba Shahjalal." Strict security measures were enforced, and the event will conclude today (Monday) with the final prayer (Akheri Munajat). Authorities remained vigilant to prevent any indecency or antisocial behavior during the spiritual gathering.

The 706th annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) begins Sunday in Sylhet, as devotees from across Bangladesh and abroad arrive for the two-day spiritual gathering. The event, traditionally held on the 19th and 20th of the Islamic month of Zilqad, includes floral offerings at the shrine, Qur’an recitation, zikr sessions, special prayers, and communal meals. The Sylhet Metropolitan Police and the organizing committee have urged attendees to avoid any immoral, indecent, or religiously inappropriate behavior during the event.

At least seven people were injured during a cultural event organized by Udichi Shilpigoshthi in Bogura, where they were singing the national anthem in unison. The event was disrupted by members of the “Anti-Fascist Forum,” who allegedly vandalized the office and clashed with participants. Additional Superintendent of Police Ataur Rahman said tensions flared between the two groups over competing programs. Police intervention helped contain the violence and prevent further damage or casualties.

In a rapid response to the launch of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ Bollywood production houses scrambled to cash in, with at least 15 film titles registered using the same name by Thursday. Just two days after the operation began, one production company even released a poster promoting its upcoming film.

Facing backlash, director Uttam Maheshwari publicly apologized. “We had announced a movie based on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ but I sincerely regret the decision. I had no intention of hurting sentiments or inciting controversy. The film announcement was meant as a tribute to the nation, not for fame or profit,” he said.

The mass registration of film titles around such a sensitive and ongoing operation has sparked debate over ethics and opportunism in the entertainment industry.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ekushey Padak-winning artist Mustafa Zaman Abbasi. In a condolence message, he said Abbasi’s contributions to Bangladeshi music will be forever remembered. “As a multi-talented artist from a legendary musical family, his songs and research will continue to inspire creativity in our cultural sphere,” Yunus stated. Abbasi passed away early Saturday morning at a hospital in Banani.

Bangladeshi potato farmers are urging the Ministry of Agriculture to revise seed potato pricing, claiming they are forced to sell produce at prices far below production costs. In FY 2023–24, farmers bought foundation seeds from BADC at Tk 48–54 per kg but had to sell the harvested seed potatoes to BADC for only Tk 35–37 per kg, despite open market prices ranging between Tk 70–80. Bound by contract, they couldn't sell elsewhere, leading to significant losses. The same issue has resurfaced in FY 2024–25, prompting renewed calls for price revision.

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is currently operating under an acting Director General, as the top position remains officially vacant. Despite its critical role in promoting arts and culture, the academy has not seen a permanent appointment for some time, raising concerns about its operational continuity and strategic direction.

Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that the licensing of media outlets during the former government’s tenure will undergo investigation. He accused the previous administration of manipulating media to justify abductions, extrajudicial killings, and other abuses. Alam also urged media outlets not to produce content that supports fascism. He criticized some outlets for labeling the July uprising as a movement and for referring to the current government as a transitional regime. “More people were killed in Bangladesh between July 19 and August 5 last year than in Gaza during the same period,” he said.

Food adviser Ali Imam Majumder noted that rice prices are now becoming more affordable, but emphasized that prices shouldn't drop excessively, to ensure farmers receive fair value. “Fair pricing will encourage production,” he said. Highlighting a bumper Boro harvest, he discussed improvements in storage infrastructure, including the conversion of the Narayanganj port warehouse into a silo. Majumder also mentioned that Bangladesh consumes 7 million tons of wheat annually, while domestic production remains at just 1 million tons—making imports essential.

The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, under the Ministry of Industries, awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates during a special event marking World Intellectual Property Day 2025. Kishoreganj Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate, Fouzia Khan, received the GI certificates on behalf of the district for Rata Boro rice and Austagram cheese. This recognition marks a significant milestone for Kishoreganj’s agricultural and food industries and is expected to enhance the reputation and market value of these local products.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen visited mango orchards in Nachole, Chapainawabganj, and expressed keen interest in importing Bangladesh’s premium mangoes. Impressed by the agricultural practices, he stated China aims to import up to 120,000 metric tons of mangoes this year, praising the fruit’s taste and quality.

Commenting on the recent lawsuit against actor Iresh Zaker, cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said he personally knows Iresh Zaker and confirmed his support for the July Movement. He clarified that the case against Zaker was filed by an individual, not the state. Farooki stated that while freedom must be respected, its misuse must also be addressed and expressed faith in a fair police investigation. He also mentioned that despite the cultural ministry’s efforts, it has received little media coverage, citing the recent recovery of library books in Tangail as an example.

Home and Agriculture Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Industry and Housing Advisor Adilur Rahman visited farmers engaged in paddy harvesting and threshing in Arial Beel, Munshiganj. They participated in harvesting activities and pledged to stop illegal soil excavation in the beel area. They also announced plans to dredge local canals and build two cold storage facilities for preserving vegetables, emphasizing that curbing corruption would accelerate national development.