Renowned Bangladeshi filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan dies at 61
Dhaka: Award-winning Bangladeshi filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan, best known for his critically acclaimed film Meghmallar, passed away at the age of 61 on Monday night. He died while undergoing treatment for liver disease at a hospital in Bengaluru, India, filmmaker Akram Khan confirmed.
Anjan had been battling liver-related complications for a long time and had traveled to India for treatment. Despite undergoing surgery, his condition worsened post-operation. His wife, writer Shaheen Akhtar, was by his side during his final moments. Arrangements are being made by the Bangladesh Short Film Forum to bring his body back home.
Tributes from the Bangladeshi film community poured in following the news of his death. Filmmaker Giasuddin Selim wrote on Facebook, "Rest in peace, friend, how much is left to be said. See you soon." Director Amitabh Reza Chowdhury also paid his respects, saying, "Dada, wait a bit. Coming up to complete the talk over Tarkovsky."
Anjan made his feature film debut with Meghmallar in 2014, based on Akhtaruzzaman Elias’s short story Raincoat. The film earned him Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Director and Best Dialogue in 2015. His most recent project, Chander Amaboshay (Dark Moon), funded by the government, is awaiting release.
Beyond his filmmaking contributions, Anjan was a founding member of the Bangladesh Short Film Forum and served as a faculty member in the Department of Film and Media Studies at Stamford University Bangladesh. He was also a jury board member for the National Film Awards last year.
Anjan is survived by his wife, two brothers, a sister, and numerous friends and relatives.
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Zebra population at Bannerghatta Biological Park increases to 10
Bengaluru (PTI): Bannerghatta Biological Park on Monday announced that the total number of zebras in the zoo has steadily increased to 10 with the addition of two foals.
Zebra Kokila, aged two-and-a-half years, gave birth to a foal on January 17, 2026, and Zebra Kaveri, aged 12 years, gave birth to a foal on January 28, 2026, they said.
In a statement, Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) said both the foals were identified as females.
"The newborns are housed along with the other zebras and are under constant observation by the veterinary team and animal keepers," it said.
With the addition of the foals, the total number of zebras in the zoo has steadily increased to 10.
Officials said that zebras have a gestation period of 12 to 13 months and the foals have brown stripes which will eventually become black.
Visitors can get a glimpse of the newborns during their visit, they added.
