Aanila Kishwar Tarannum

The case of the missing girl: Where are we in Bangla children’s literature?

It wasn’t until my 20s that I realised I had read less than 10 Bengali women authors in my childhood and adolescence.

3y ago

Fashion: Self-expression or consumerism?

Clothing carries undeniable meaning, becoming a strong vehicle for self-expression.

3y ago

Iconic TSC soon to be erased

In the wake of Dhaka University’s birth centenary in 2021, the decision to bulldoze its historical Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) and replace it with a multi-storied structure shocked students, alumni, and residents of Dhaka.

3y ago

What good is the DSA if it can’t protect women from online harassment?

There is little I can add to what has already been said about the shaming, blaming and moral policing of women on the internet.

4y ago

On broken things like the economy and young people’s spirits

For the number of times I have seen older people address and advise the youth, I have seen very few instances of the former assuming the role of a listener.

4y ago

From footpath to Facebook

Sixty-four-year-old Habibur Rahman came to Dhaka from Narsingdi in 1988. For the past 32 years, he has been selling books around the city, and now, to the elderly man’s amazement, he is selling books online with the help of his son.

4y ago

Periods to be replaced with commas in women’s bodies

When my editor asked me to write a period piece for this week’s Satireday, I was quite perplexed. After all, it is common knowledge that periods have been cancelled, and emojis now mark the end of sentences (¬‿¬)

4y ago

Worse off at a shelter

Photos taken by activists at a shelter called Kalua’s Homes at Baruikhali of the capital’s Rayerbazar area have revealed a dismal picture. Scores of well and unwell dogs were photographed cramped inside a small shed, while paralysed cats were found in cages. Some of the dogs were all skin and bones, as the food given to them were inedible and covered with mould.

4y ago
February 15, 2020
February 15, 2020

Climate crisis worsens, Boshonto and Shorot cancelled

In a shocking announcement, Bangladesh Met Office yesterday said the country no longer has six seasons.

February 14, 2020
February 14, 2020

Pahela Falgun, Valentine's Day: '2 days' in 24 hours

In recent memory, Pahela Falgun, the first day of spring according to the Bangla calendar, has fallen on February 13… or has it?

January 27, 2020
January 27, 2020

Swaying voters on the digital space

With close to 100 million internet users in the country, everything from shopping to entertainment is moving online, and it is no surprise that mayor and councillor candidates for the two Dhaka city corporation elections have jumped on the bandwagon.

January 25, 2020
January 25, 2020

Swipe right to exercise your voting rights

As the city polls draw nearer, candidates are pulling out every stop -- be it composing hip hop music about lack of discipline in the ‘hood, posters on heritage sites, or going on Facebook Live more times than the admin of an average buy-and-sell group -- mayoral candidates know how to tap into the large pool of young voters.

November 29, 2019
November 29, 2019

Putting the “news” in our news feeds

Roshni Islam, 23, is a student of environmental science at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB). On a typical day in her life, she wakes up around 8am and goes through a rotation of social media apps on her phone.

November 5, 2019
November 5, 2019

Architecture for the people

If you have passed through Manik Mia Avenue recently, you may have noticed six shipping containers sitting right outside the parliament complex -- each depicting the unique architectural landscape of Dhaka in different seasons. Designed by artist Reesham Shahab Tirtho, the vibrant graffiti on the container walls have caught the attention of all commuters, many of whom stopped to check out the exhibit.

September 20, 2019
September 20, 2019

Bangla natok and chill

There are over 40 privately run TV channels in the country, of which four are news channels, one music channel, and one is for

August 30, 2019
August 30, 2019

Clouds aren’t fluffy and other revelations at Meghalaya

During the Eid holidays, I went to Meghalaya through the Tamabil-Dawki border with seven friends. On our way to Sylhet from Dhaka,

August 17, 2019
August 17, 2019

‘The most alone of poets’

“I fell in love with how modern Jibanananda Das’ work was, and how unusual the temperament behind it was. And it’s not just his poetry, his life is just as interesting to me,” said Japanese filmmaker Hiroshi Sunairi, who has been researching on Das for the past few months.

June 21, 2019
June 21, 2019

Black Mirror’s “Miley Cyrus episode” : A better ending to Hannah Montana?

Any form of television or literature targeted towards female young adults have a few tried and tested tropes—protagonist gets a