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Masud Rana the legendary Bangladeshi icon of spy thriller literature by Kazi Anwar Hossain

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Masud Rana is a true legend in Bangladeshi literature. It's more than just a book series; it's a cultural phenomenon woven into the fabric of our storytelling tradition. Imagine a figure stepping right out of the pages of a thrilling international adventure – that's Masud Rana. Born from the creative mind of the esteemed Kazi Anwar Hossain back in '66, he wasn't just a carbon copy of James Bond, though the inspiration is clear. Instead, Hossain Sahib crafted a hero who, while navigating the shadowy world of espionage, carried a distinct Bangladeshi spirit. He's our own sophisticated, resourceful agent, operating under the watchful eye of Major General Rahat Khan for the Bangladesh Counter Intelligence. Think of the sheer escapism these books offered – a blend of pulse-pounding spycraft, daring adventures in exotic locales, and intricate mysteries that kept readers on the edge of their seats. It wasn't just about the thrills, though. Masud Rana, in his own ...

Abu Ishaque

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I n 1950, during the era of Pakistan (present Bangladesh), counterfeit currency suddenly started flooding the market. The entire administration was paralyzed. There was no way to stop the production of these counterfeit notes. A gentleman, then working as an Assistant Superintendent of Police, was assigned to investigate several cases related to these counterfeit notes. Eventually, he solved these cases. This police officer was, in fact, a fiction writer. He had already written a novel titled 'The Long Sun House' (Shurjo dighol Bari) by August 1948. However, due to the lack of a publisher for four years, he was understandably disheartened. So, he thought that writing a detective novel might attract readers. Based on the counterfeit note cases, he finally completed this novel in 1954. The novel was titled 'Fake' (Jaal). However, this novel was published 34 years later. The author's name was Abu Ishaque. He is a legendary fiction writer. But is he any less a lexicogr...

Syed Mujtaba Ali

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  I once read that at a gathering, a journalist had asked Syed Mujtaba Ali, upon seeing him drink alcohol, 'What will the young generation learn from seeing you drink?' In response, Syed Mujtaba Ali, taking a sip from his glass, said, 'Tell your young generation that before drinking, I had mastered 23 languages of the world.' There's another interesting anecdote about him! Syed Mujtaba Ali was a very famous writer at the time. Every day, admirers would come to his house to see him. One day, an admirer asked Mujtaba Ali how he wrote his books. No matter how much Mujtaba Ali tried to avoid the question, the admirer persisted. Finally, instead of answering directly, Mujtaba Ali said, 'Look, the Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung once wrote in his diary that some people ask me how I write. I have to say one thing about this, if someone wants, we can show them our children, but we cannot show them the process of creating children.' This man was full of such humo...

Mpox

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  W e all know that Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a viral zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans. While the outbreak in 2022 caused significant global concern, the situation has stabilized. However, maintaining awareness and taking preventive measures remains crucial. Mpox is characterized by symptoms similar to smallpox but milder. These include fever, rash, chills, body aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash often begins as flat lesions that progress to raised bumps, filled with pus, before eventually scabbing over. Mpox primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, including direct contact with rash, bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, and contaminated items like clothing or bedding. It can also spread from infected animals to humans. We can prevent Mpox by: Vaccination: While not widely available in Bangladesh yet, vaccination is a crucial preventive measure. Stay updated on vaccination programs and eligibility criteria. P...

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

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 Today I am writing about one of my favourite novel "Cold Mountain" by Charles Frazier. This is a gripping historical novel set during the American Civil War. The story follows the journeys of two central characters, Inman and Ada, as they navigate the harsh realities of war and seek to reunite in the remote and treacherous landscape of Cold Mountain, North Carolina. Frazier skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, including Inman's harrowing experiences during the war and Ada's struggle to survive on her own in a war-torn landscape. The characters are well-developed, and their growth throughout the novel is both moving and believable. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Frazier's portrayal of the Civil War's brutality and its impact on individuals is both haunting and thought-provoking. Inman, a wounded Confederate soldier, becomes disillusioned with the brutality of war and de...

To prevent dengue in your home

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Preventing dengue in a home involves a combination of proactive measures. Here's what you can do: Eliminate Breeding Sites: Regularly check your surroundings for any stagnant water in containers, flower pots, discarded tires, and other items that can collect water. Empty, cover, or dispose of these to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Use Mosquito Nets: Ensure that windows and doors have screens or mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out. Sleep under a mosquito net to prevent bites, especially during daytime when dengue mosquitoes are active. Use Repellents: Apply mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing. Use repellent sprays in living areas, and plug-in mosquito repellent devices. Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes to minimize exposed skin. Keep the Environment Clean: Regularly clean and maintain your surroundings. Trim overgrown vegetation and keep grass short to reduce hiding spots for mosquitoes. Cover Water Stor...