DHAKA, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS) - Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu, founder of the voluntary organisation 'Surovi' and wife of former minister and Navy Chief Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali Khan, was honoured with the 'Gunijan Sammanona' in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social service. The 'Gunijan Sammanona' is a recognition or tribute to distinguished personalities. The honour was conferred by the Dhanmondi Society today on the occasion of the Great Victory Day under the title Sammanona Smarak-2025, a press release said. The award ceremony was part of the two-day Victory Fair (Bijay Mela) and Cultural Festival, held on December 15-16 at Dhanmondi Playground No. 4, with the slogan "Peace, Prosperity and Love". Syeda Iqbal Mand Banu founded 'Surovi' in 1979 with a single student. Over the last 46 years, the organisation has provided education to nearly 28 lakh underprivileged children and adolescents, helping them grow into responsible citizens. She is also the mother of renowned cardiologist Dr. Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. Representatives of 'Surovi', including Md Shahariar Kabir, Smriti Akter, Mohammad Sohel, Samina Akter and Ruby Akter, were present at the programme.

NETROKONA, Dec 16, 2025 (BSS) - A day-long still photography exhibition was held in Netrokona on the occasion of the Great Victory Day, showcasing powerful visual narratives of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 July Uprising. The exhibition was organised by the social and cultural organisation Udyam Learning and Social Development Center with the patronage of Dr. Lutfa Haque. It took place at the Municipal Art Gallery in Muktarpara of the district town. Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Haque, President of the District BNP and a prominent physician, inaugurated the exhibition. A total of 36 photographs were displayed, portraying the sacrifices of heroic freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War, the participation of people from all walks of life irrespective of gender, newspaper coverage from the war period and the brutal atrocities and genocide carried out by the Pakistani occupation forces. The images also captured the silent resilience of mothers awaiting victory, the lifeless bodies of children killed by the occupiers, and other stark realities of the war. The sacrifices of the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising were given special prominence in the exhibition. Speaking to BSS, chief patron Dr. Lutfa Haque said the initiative aimed to help the younger generation learn the true history of the Liberation War and uphold its spirit. She noted that independence was achieved through the collective sacrifices of people from all professions and classes. She further said that during the 17 years of authoritarian rule under the fallen Hasina government, the history of the Liberation War was presented from a single, monopolised perspective.  "Those who are turning eighteen today have largely grown up seeing, hearing and reading that version of history. The Liberation War is a history of immense sacrifice. Through this exhibition, we have highlighted the contributions of people from all walks of life, while also remembering the July 2024 Mass Uprising. Our effort to present an objective and accurate history to the new generation will continue," she added. Curator of the exhibition and young photographer Khan Mahbub Alam Abid told BSS that people from various professions visited the exhibition throughout the day. He said such initiatives are increasingly necessary to instil the correct history and spirit of the Liberation War among the younger generation. Young student leader Zubayer Hossain Jisan, who visited the exhibition, said that many in his generation grew up during an authoritarian period when they were taught a personality-centric version of history instead of an accurate account of the Liberation War. He said initiatives like this, especially in the post-July 2024 Mass Uprising period, deserve appreciation for promoting a neutral and truthful understanding of history. Another visitor Tasmia Tahura told BSS that although the memories were presented through still images, the messages of 1971 and 2024 remained deeply vivid.  "The Liberation War teaches us the meaning of freedom, while July 2024 inspires determination for change and the dream of a corruption-free and fascism-free Bangladesh. Visiting this exhibition has given my family and future generations an opportunity to connect with our history and heritage," she said.