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.

A commemorative discussion on Hazrat Fatima (RA), daughter of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was held in Dhaka on Saturday night at the Kabi Nazrul Islam Institute auditorium. The event was jointly organized by the Bangladesh office of Al-Mustafa International University and the Bangladesh Imamia Ulama Society. Iranian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Jalil Rahmani Jahanabadi attended as chief guest, alongside cultural and academic representatives from Iran and Dhaka University.

Speakers reflected on Hazrat Fatima’s exemplary character, describing her as a symbol of piety, wisdom, and devotion. They emphasized her balanced role as both a family figure and a contributor to society, portraying her as a timeless model for women worldwide. Islamic scholar Dr. Anwarul Kabir presented the keynote paper, stressing that her life demonstrates how faith and moral integrity can empower women to make meaningful social contributions.

Participants noted that Hazrat Fatima’s teachings remain relevant for modern women seeking harmony between family duties and public engagement, offering guidance for ethical and spiritual empowerment in contemporary society.

Dhaka’s Gallery Chitrak is hosting artist Azwad Ahmed’s first solo exhibition, titled ‘Radiant Shadows of Solitude,’ curated by art critic and curator Nisar Hossain. The exhibition, inaugurated on Thursday, features a thoughtful collection of Ahmed’s selected works exploring themes of silence, solitude, and introspection. The event was inaugurated by eminent artist Professor Emeritus Rafiqun Nabi, with art critic Professor Moinuddin Khaled presiding and Professor Mohammad Yunus and Javed Jalil attending as special guests.

During the opening, Professor Rafiqun Nabi praised Ahmed’s quiet dedication and urged him to share his art more widely, emphasizing that art should engage the public. Professor Mohammad Yunus commended the emotional depth and narrative richness of Ahmed’s paintings, noting their dynamic and contemplative qualities. Critics described the exhibition as a subtle yet powerful reflection on human emotion and perception.

Open daily from December 18 to 24, 2025, the exhibition invites viewers to interpret meaning through attentive observation rather than direct representation, marking a significant step in Ahmed’s artistic journey.

Samsul Islam Haidar, a centenarian and veteran of Bangladesh’s 1952 Language Movement, passed away late Friday night while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. He was a resident of Saitkahan village in Chandipasha Union under Pakundia upazila of Kishoreganj district. His funeral prayer was held on Saturday afternoon at Saitkahan Government Primary School field, followed by burial at his family graveyard.

Haidar was among the early activists who took part in the historic Language Movement that secured Bangla as a state language. He also served as the founding president of the Kaliyachapra Sugar Mill Workers’ Union in Pulerghat. Family members said he had been suffering from age-related complications for a long time and was first admitted to Kishoreganj’s Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital before being transferred to Dhaka.

His death has cast a shadow of mourning across the local community, with residents remembering him as a dedicated activist and respected elder who contributed to both the labor movement and the nation’s linguistic heritage.

Prominent Islamic scholar Maulana Mizanur Rahman Azhari shared an emotional message following the burial of Sharif Osman Hadi, the convener of the Inquilab Mancha and a key figure in the July revolutionary movement. Hadi was laid to rest beside national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s grave at the Dhaka University Central Mosque complex on Saturday afternoon, where thousands gathered to bid farewell.

In a verified Facebook post, Azhari described Hadi as a ‘symbol of rebellion’ and praised his courage and devotion to justice. He reflected on Hadi’s death, noting that he was shot after Friday prayers and attained martyrdom a week later. Azhari’s tribute emphasized Hadi’s patriotism, anti-imperialist stance, and strong moral values, calling him an inspiration for future generations.

The burial and Azhari’s remarks have drawn widespread attention, highlighting Hadi’s influence among youth movements and his symbolic role in contemporary social activism in Bangladesh.

Bangladeshi Islamic scholar and preacher Mizanur Rahman Azhari offered prayers for the late activist Sharif Osman Hadi, who passed away in Singapore while undergoing medical treatment on Thursday night. Azhari shared a Facebook post expressing condolences and invoking blessings for Hadi’s sacrifice and eternal peace.

Sharif Osman Hadi, known as a revolutionary figure from the July movement, had been receiving treatment abroad before his death. In his post, Azhari mentioned Hadi alongside other young martyrs such as Abrar Fahad and Abu Sayeed, praying for divine acceptance of his sacrifice and a place in paradise. The message resonated widely among followers on social media, drawing emotional responses and tributes.

Following Hadi’s death, reports indicated that his funeral prayer could not be held in Singapore due to administrative restrictions. Meanwhile, poems and songs dedicated to Hadi by poet Zia Haque have gone viral online, reflecting the continued public mourning and admiration for his legacy.

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.