Prayers for goodwill, good fortune on Shab-e-Barat

Millions of Bangladeshis were observing Shab-e-Barat on Thursday, the night that brings annual hopes of forgiveness and good fortune amid traditional festivities. Muslims believe that God reviews all people's past deeds on the night, one of the most sacred of the Islamic calendar. It is believed too that the fortune of each human being for the coming year is determined on Shab-e-Barat.

Shabana Azmi made SAARC goodwill ambassador

Renowned actress and social activist Shabana Azmi has been appointed as the SAARC goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS programmes for SAARC region.

South Asia Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member nations, which met in Kathmandu in the April this year, selected Azmi and Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya as SAARC Goodwill ambassadors for HIV/AIDS.