Dowel Biswas

Dowel is always thinking about a million things at once and writes to make sense of it all. Feel free to send her your thoughts at ddowelbiswas@gmail.com

We were complicit by our silence

In a country where a sense of freedom has barely returned after over a decade of suppression, the question of a writer’s role looms large.

2d ago

Shayan: Of music and defiance

Shayan’s work is a blend of personal reflection and sharp social commentary, involving themes from lost relationships to biting political critiques. In songs like “Jonotar Beyadobi”, “Bhoy Banglay Bhoy”, “Ei Meye Shon”, and “O Neta Bhai”, she speaks not just of struggles, but of hope for a better world, calling for collective action against injustice.

3w ago

Aly Zaker: Remembering the architect of Bangladeshi theatre

As we celebrate the artiste’s 80th birth anniversary and reflect on four years since we lost him, we remember Aly Zaker as more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not merely entertainment—it is the heartbeat of life itself, shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world.

1m ago

Bappa Mazumder’s odyssey lives on

For over three decades, Bappa has been an invaluable asset to the country's music industry, and he continues to work on several projects, including his latest song “Shohorer Chokh”. Additionally, the musician launched a Bangla Ghazal album, titled “Onubhob”, just yesterday.

1m ago

The timeless allure of Jibanananda Das on screen

Known by various titles—“The Poet of Love” and “Poet of Ruposhi Bangla”—Jibanananda's metaphysical and magically realist verses have enchanted countless readers and audiences. His influence spills over from literature into cinema, inspiring iconic works from the 90s rock band Moheener Ghoraguli to films like Sayantan Mukherjee’s “Jhora Palok” and Robiul Alam Robi’s “Moribar Holo Taar Shwaad.”

1m ago

A bittersweet Durga Puja

Dhaka city seems to have experienced a juxtaposition of tradition and trepidation during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

1m ago

The artivist

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

2m ago

Shah Abdul Karim, the Baul king who sang his soul

Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.

2m ago
August 6, 2024
August 6, 2024

Rahul Ananda’s home, a once vibrant cultural hub, looted and burnt

As we are still counting down on our losses, the vandalism and destruction that took place at Joler Gaan frontman Rahul Ananda’s residence on Monday (July 5) afternoon has devastated many cultural activists and people at large.

August 3, 2024
August 3, 2024

Valiant voices against brute force: The fearless upstarts of Bangla rap

It’s incredible how the same slogans, songs, anthems, and the spirit of Bengali nationalism and the Liberation War of 1971 are being echoed both on the streets and in assemblies, but this time with supporting views on the ongoing quota reform movement that has gripped the nation for the past month. Bengal has always been a land where political resurgence has stood on the stronghold of its culture.

August 1, 2024
August 1, 2024

Artistes unfazed by heavy rain, censorship: Demand justice for students

The rally was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and reform in Bangladesh, highlighting the role of visual media professionals in amplifying the call for accountability and change.

July 30, 2024
July 30, 2024

A revolutionary song for a nation amidst a ‘rising revolution’

As the country grapples with the ongoing quota reform protests, starting from July 1 and now on its 14th day, this song serves as a poignant reminder of the power and spirit of resistance. The government's heavy-handed response to peaceful protests, marked by violence and oppressive crackdowns, draws unsettling parallels to the struggles faced by countless others in the pursuit of justice and equality.

July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024

Behind Biplab Goswami’s comedy of errors, ‘Laapataa Ladies’

To make a film is to tell a story, and when it's a cumulation of collective consciousness, to find common social grounds, values, and ordinary yet telltale stories that create the base of development of human thought and psyche is a perfect example of a much needed social and cultural commentary.

June 26, 2024
June 26, 2024

Remembering Jahanara Imam: Forging a war amidst a war

Through her relentless activism and unyielding spirit, Jahanara Imam remains a beacon of courage and resilience in the face of immense adversity.

June 9, 2024
June 9, 2024

The wordsmith who enhances brands

A gifted artiste in this domain is lyricist Tushar Hasan, who has penned all the popular songs mentioned above. His contributions have not only defined this emerging trend but have also solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the world of brand anthems.

May 29, 2024
May 29, 2024

Humayun Faridee: Remembering the ‘actors’ actor’

Humayun Faridee, a luminary of Bangladeshi stages, screens, and television, took his final breath on February 13, 2012, in Dhaka. Yet his physical departure does not signify erasure. His creations and artistry have transcended time, rendering him immortal in the hearts of his admirers. While literal victory over death is unattainable, Faridee achieved a form of immortality through the enduring legacy of his work.

May 22, 2024
May 22, 2024

‘I have dedicated my life to instilling the values of our Liberation war in youths’

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, the eminent artiste talked about his Liberation War days, our independence, theatre activism, his upcoming film projects, and more.

May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024

Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, a legacy beyond words

Chowdhury’s contributions go beyond this iconic song and journalism. He was a distinguished storyteller with notable works, including the acclaimed short story collection “Samrat-er Chhobi” (The Emperor’s Picture). He also authored significant novels and plays, consistently emerging as an active progressive writer and political commentator through the twists and turns of history. He was not just an observer of history but an active participant.