News in Brief --2024-12-17

One more dies of dengue

One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours until Monday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 549 this year. A recent dengue-related death has been reported in the Mymensingh division, outside the city corporations, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the period, 107 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, it added. Of them, 23 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 21 were hospitalised in Dhaka South City Corporation. As of now, 1,572 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals across the country. — UNB

'Bou-Jamai Mela' celebrates

in Lalmonirhat

LALMONIRHAT, Dec 16: A cherished rural tradition came to life on Monday as the 15-day 'Bou-Jamai Mela' commenced at Barabari Abul Kashem Degree College in Lalmonirhat. The fair, held annually, highlights the cultural heritage of the locality, offering a vibrant mix of festivities, food, and traditional practices. The event was inaugurated by former deputy minister and BNP Rangpur Divisional Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu. Scheduled to run from December 16 to December 31, the fair provides a nostalgic glimpse into village life with stalls featuring traditional sweets, pitha (rice cakes), and a wide variety of fish. At the heart of the fair is a unique cultural practice. Sons-in-law purchase large fish from the fair and bring them as gifts to their mothers-in-law, who prepare special meals to celebrate the occasion. Convener of the organizing committee, Faruk Siddiqui, highlighted the importance of this practice, saying it symbolizes familial bonds and honors rural traditions.— UNB

Shishu Academy celebrates

victory day

Bangladesh Shishu Academy Monday celebrated the 54th Victory Day of the country paying rich tribute to the martyrs of the War of Liberation. To mark the day, different programmes were organised at the academy premises. The programmes included holding of discussion, handing over prizes and organising cultural events. Senior Secretary of Women and Children Affairs Ministry Mamtaz Ahmed addressed the programme as the chief guest with Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Tania Khan in the chair. — BSS