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Polan Sarkar will not distribute books anymore
Staff Reporter, Rajshahi
01 Mar 2019, 00:00
‘Alor Ferywala’ Polan Sarkar will not distribute books for free anymore by visiting village after villages. He breathed his last at the age of 98 years on Friday at his residence of Bausa village under Bagha upazila of Rajshahi due to old age complications.
Haider Ali, son of Polan Sarkar confirmed the information. He said that his father was suffering from different old age complications for the last several days.
Polan Sarkar waged a social movement of reading books by distributing books for free after going home to homes. For his achievement he was awarded the ‘Ekushey Medal’ in 2011. Many receptions were accorded to him. A drama named ‘Sayanne Surjodoy’ was made centering him.
Following the death of Polan Sarkar State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam in a condolence message said that the nation lost a social worker due to the death.
He said, Polan Sarkar waged an extraordinary education movement throughout 20 villages in Rajshahi. After buying books with his own money he distributed those among the backward villagers. The people of Rajshahi and the nation will memorize him for eternal period.
Polan Sarkar was born in 1921. His real name is Harej Uddin. But he was popularly known as Polan Sarkar. His father died when he was just five months old. He had to conclude his education when he was in class six. But he continued his lessons with his own efforts. Polan Sarkar was the president of a high school governing body. He was a book lover. Every year he distributed books among the students who stood 1st to 20th in the merit list. From there his journey of distributing books began. After that he distributed books among all. When he was diagnosed as a diabetic patient he then used to distribute books by walking. He did the job for more than 30 years.
AH
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Archaeological Excavation / Age of Dhaka City More Than 2,500 Years
Dhaka is 400 years old, such history is known to all. But this history is changing. Archaeological excavations have been carried out inside the former Central Jail on Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka. Some of the artifacts found during this period and the existence of ancient forts prove that a huge palace was built here in 1430; That is, a prosperous capital city was in here.
Excavations have found some artifacts, from which archaeologists speculate that human settlement in Dhaka city began even before the birth of Jesus Christ. Between the fifth and second centuries BC. As a result, the age of this town is more than 2,500 years.
Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, professor of the archeology department of Jahangirnagar University and the supervisor of the excavations, presented the findings and surprising information in the discussion titled 'Archaeological Excavation in the Central Jail of Old Dhaka: An Analysis of Dhaka's Early Settlement' held at the Asiatic Society Auditorium on Tuesday (29 October) afternoon.
He said, under his leadership, a group of archeology researchers and students of Jahangirnagar University conducted archaeological excavations in the old central jail from 2017 to 2018. They excavated 11 sites in five locations - the front of the main gate of the jail, the courtyard of Rajnigandha Bhavan, the front of the jail hospital, the Dash Cell, and the western area of Jamuna Bhavan. They found walls, rooms, drains, and wells of an ancient fort. Apart from this, there are many types of archeological specimens including cords, Mughal period metal coins, various types of pottery, and terracotta sculptures.
Sufi Mostafizur Rahman said in the PowerPoint presentation along with the analysis of the pictures and data of these monuments, it was proved from the evidence that there was a palace fort in Dhaka long before the arrival of Islam Khan. The fort was mentioned by Subadar Islam Khan's commander and writer Mirza Nathan in his book 'Baharistan-e-Gayebi', later historians referred to it as 'Dhaka Fort'. Islam Khan lived in this fort. However, after carbon-14 testing at the US Beta Laboratory, evidence from archeological excavations has been found to date back to 1430 AD. As a result, it can now be said with certainty that this fort was built before the arrival of Islam Khan and it is not 'Dhaka Fort', rather, it is consistent to say 'Dhaka's Fort'.
Professor Sufi said, the history of Dhaka before Islam Khan is not clear. It was known from some monuments, including the Binat Bibi Mosque at Narinda, that there was a prosperous settlement here even before the arrival of Islam Khan. But through these excavations, it is proved that not only the town, there was at least one big palace fort and a prosperous city where the Subahdar and his large army of 50,000 soldiers lived.
Apart from this, the more significant finds are some 'Glazed Pottery' (much like ceramic) and 'Rolled Pottery' (smooth and delicately designed), which suggests that Dhaka was inhabited at least from the fifth to the second BC. Because, similar pottery has been found in ancient Pundravardhana (Mahasthangarh) and Wari-Bateshwar and Southeast Asia's India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia. The discovery of this pottery proves that there was a prosperous settlement here in the early historical period. There is a possibility that this town is connected with the ancient Silk Route. According to that source, it was an important trading center and its age is approximately 2500 years.
According to these statistics, Dhaka city has got the status of capital not only four times but seven times. According to the period, the early historical period (sixth century BC), pre-medieval period (sixth to thirteenth century), Sultanate period (thirteenth-sixteenth century), Mughal period (sixteenth-eighteenth century), the colonial period (1757-1947 AD) ), the Pakistan era (1947–1970 AD) and the capital of independent Bangladesh (1971–present).
The chief guest of the discussion meeting, veteran art historian Professor Habiba Khatun said that this discovery will make the new generation more curious about Dhaka. We used to take pride in Dhaka's Mughal heritage for so long. But now there is no doubt that the history of Dhaka city is more ancient. A new history of pride has come before us.
Mohammad Mahbubul Alam, Md Mamun Dewan, Muhammad Sohrab Uddin, Md. Awlad Hossain and Chand Sultana were connected with this archaeological excavation and research.
13 Arrested in Dhanmondi Home Robbery Attempt
13 individuals were arrested in Dhanmondi by a joint team of police and army after forcing entry into a residence and attempting a robbery. Late on Wednesday, October 30, the group entered the home in an organized attempt to create chaos and loot.
Those arrested include: Md. Hasibul Hasan (33), Md. Golam Morshed (32), Mahmudul Hasan Shimul (20), Abu Saleh Hiron (26), Rubel Hawlader (27), Azizul Islam (21), Mahfuzur Rahman (26), Mostafizur Rahman (26), Yasin Arafat (20), Md. Ibrahim (19), Jihad Hossain (19), Abdullah Al Mamun (16), and Sheikh Shahriar Ahmed (16).
During the arrest, five iron rods and five bamboo sticks were seized from them.
On Friday, November 1, DMP Deputy Police Commissioner (Media) Muhammad Talebur Rahman shared these details.
He stated that around 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, the 13 arrestees, along with four to five unidentified individuals, forced their way into House 13 on Road 13/A in Dhanmondi, intending to steal money, jewelry, and other valuables. They assaulted the security guards and tried to snatch their mobile phones upon entering.
DC Talebur Rahman added that the group damaged several CCTV cameras in the house, rang doorbells, and attempted to break down doors. Responding swiftly, a team from the Dhanmondi 32 police outpost arrived on the scene and, with assistance from nearby security guards and pedestrians, contained the intruders. A police night patrol team from Dhanmondi station and an army patrol team then conducted a joint operation to arrest them.
Following a complaint from the building manager, Abdul Mannan, a case was filed at Dhanmondi police station under the Speedy Trial Act at 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday night.
Legal action against the detainees is underway, and further efforts continue to arrest others involved, according to the DMP official.
DMTCL Announces Closure of MRT Pass Registration
Metrorail gaining popularity as a fast and safe public transport in the congested capital. However, the managing company Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced a temporary closure of Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) pass registration for travel on Metrorail. At the same time, it has been announced that the renewal of damaged cards will also be stopped.
This information was reported on the verified Facebook page of DMTCL at around 6:30 pm on Friday (November 1).
Due to unavoidable circumstances, the card registration and re-issuance facility will be closed till November 7. DMTCL sincerely apologizes for the temporary inconvenience.
Currently, Metrorail operates from 7:10 am to 9:40 pm, 6 days a week from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is running from 3:30 pm to 9:40 pm.
Teknaf Residents Gripped by Fear as Myanmar's Mortar Shells Rattle Border
Clashes continue between Myanmar's government forces and the Arakan Army, a rebel group. The Teknaf border is shaking with the sound of bombs and mortar shells.
Residents along the border have endured a sleepless night due to the deafening noise, which has instilled panic among them.
At 7 am from Saturday (November 2) night to Sunday (November 3) morning, heavy sounds of bombs and mortar shells dropped from helicopters have been audible across the border.
According to the locals, the explosions in Myanmar's Rakhine state have reached residents in Teknaf, Hnila, Sabrang, Shahpari Island, and Saint Martin's Island. It is believed that the clashes are occurring in the areas of Mongdu and its surrounding borders in Myanmar's Rakhine state.
Nur Ahmad Anwari, chairman of Teknaf's Hoikang Union Parishad, said, "The people of the border area have heard the sound of explosions again. The matter will be informed to the concerned."
Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Adnan Chowdhury confirmed that loud sounds of explosions from the ongoing conflict in Myanmar's Rakhine state are frequently heard on this side. Locals have reported that the explosions were particularly loud last night and have been advised to move cautiously along the border.
BNP Student Wing Protests, Halting Two Trains in Rajbari
Leaders and activists of the BNP's student wing (Chhatra Dal) staged a protest, blocking the railway tracks and halting trains to demand that the Sundarban and Benapole Express trains continue operating via Rajbari station, instead of the proposed route change.
On Sunday morning (November 3), protesters stopped the Dhaka-bound “Madhumati Express” from Rajshahi and the Khulna-bound “Sundarban Express” from Dhaka at Rajbari Railway Station, chanting slogans to express their demands.
The activists circled the entire railway station in a protest procession, led by district Chhatra Dal convener Ariful Islam Roman. After blocking the “Madhumati Express” for 35 minutes and the “Sundarban Express” for 20 minutes, the protesters cleared the tracks at noon, allowing both trains to resume their journeys.
Protesters stated that they had learned the Dhaka-bound Sundarban Express from Khulna and the Benapole Express from Benapole would change their route from November 15, bypassing Rajbari and depriving residents of Rajbari and nearby districts of rail services. As a result, they are demanding that the route change be canceled and that both trains continue to operate via Rajbari.
They also urged authorities to introduce additional trains on this route rather than discontinuing the Sundarban and Benapole Express trains. The protesters warned of stronger action if their demands are not met.
Rajbari Railway Station Master Tanmoy Kumar Dutta mentioned that no official directive regarding the route change for the Sundarban and Benapole Express trains had been received from the Ministry of Railways, either in writing or verbally.
He further explained that the Dhaka-bound “Madhumati Express” from Rajshahi arrived at Rajbari station at 11:10 a.m. and was scheduled to depart after a 15-minute stop at 11:25 a.m. However, due to the protest, the train was delayed by 35 minutes and departed for Dhaka at noon. Similarly, the Khulna-bound “Sundarban Express” from Dhaka arrived at 11:10 a.m. with a scheduled departure at 11:40 a.m. but was delayed by 20 minutes and left at noon due to the protest.
Notably, the Sundarban and Benapole Express trains, which began service in November 2023, offer a convenient route for residents of Rajbari and neighboring districts to reach Dhaka quickly.
Massive Anti-Drug Sweep in Tongi: 40 Arrested
In a joint anti-drug operation in Tongi, Gazipur, 40 individuals have been detained.
The operation, based on confidential information, was conducted around 3:30 AM on Sunday, November 3, at the Keranitek slum in Tongi.
During the raid, law enforcement recovered large quantities of drugs, including marijuana, Phensedyl, yaba tablets, along with local weapons and cash amounting to 2,281,300 BDT. Forty people involved in drug trafficking were detained by the joint forces.
The operation included around 500 members from the Army, RAB, BGB, and police. The Army has reported that the process of filing cases against the detainees is underway.
Former Additional Secretary Amjad and His Son Detained
Former Additional Secretary Mohammad Amjad Hossain and his son have been detained. They were arrested late Sunday night, November 3, in a raid on House 33, Sector 11 in Uttara.
Acting on confidential information, a joint force began the operation at 10 PM on Sunday at their residence. After nearly four hours, Amjad and his son were detained.
The raid led to the seizure of large amounts of cash, both local and foreign, and valuable items from their home. This included 10.95 million BDT in cash, various foreign currencies, 11 iPhones, and luxury brand watches.
Police have stated that the process of filing a case against the detainees is underway.
It is worth noting that Amjad Hossain Khan retired in 2020 as an Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives.
