Freedom fighter Tariq Ali: A man of great heart
With the sad demise of Ziauddin Tariq Ali, a colourful personality of the generation of Muktijoddha, a life-long crusader of secular liberal nationalist values of the liberation struggle has left the arena of history.
Remembering two key 1971 commanders we just lost
At a time when Bangladesh is planning the historic celebration of the 50th anniversary of independence next year, the demises, in quick succession, of two great commanders of the Liberation War, are too shocking.
Pranab Mukherjee: A Mentor for Mass Leaders
A major disappointment in the public life of India’s first Bengali President Pranab Mukherjee, who died on August 31, 2020, was that he could never contest and win direct elections to parliament, which would have helped him shed the tag his critics gave him: “a politician without a mass base and following.”
In memory of Sayeeda Khanam: The girl with a Rolleicord
Imagine women entering the field of photography, historically dominated by men, during a time when they were even more strictly confined to certain socially constructed roles.
Remembering Murtaja Baseer: The master of ‘abstract realism’
At 75, Murtaja Baseer is as agile and hyperactive as a child, with a mind as sharp and clear. In his cosy apartment in Manipuripara, Baseer eagerly shows his oil paintings stacked against the walls and explains the various phases that he has gone through as an artist and the mentors who have helped him along the way.
Bir Protik Major Taher Ahmed: A Liberation War hero
Major Taher Ahmed BP (Rtd), of the first Bangladesh War Course (BWC), passed away on July 4, 2020, at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Dhaka around 9 pm from a heart attack. The story of his life and legacy is intimately connected to the Liberation War of Bangladesh and as his daughter, I wanted to chronicle it here.
The man who healed with a smile
Every Friday, on the 13th-floor of Square Hospital, the resident medical officers, registrars and nurses waited for a call from the medical director, Dr Mirza Nazimuddin.
Remembering the rebel voice of Kamal Lohani
In the early sixties, cultural activists and student bodies with different political affiliations, led by their university faculty, played a crucial role in demanding democracy and holding the Pakistani authoritarian regime to account.
Adieu comrade Kamal Lohani
As we are living in the age of digitization, activism to bring about a change often remains confined in the virtual world but back in the 1950s, activism meant raising your voice and your hand in the air -- rendering powerful slogans and songs against injustice and unjust establishment. Kamal Lohani was a perfect example of that take-to-the-streets activism.
A funeral story that deserves to be shared
On June 6, thanks to modern technology, my siblings, nephews, nieces and their families in various countries in Asia, Europe and North America, virtually participated in every aspect of my Boro Bhai’s last journey. My Bangladeshi brothers beautifully followed all the rituals in the most meticulous manner with love, respect, dignity and compassion.