Panthakunja, located on Sonargaon Road, was once a rare oasis in the capital
More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.
Thousands of Bangalees ushered in Bengali Year 1432 at Ramna Batamul on Monday morning, as Chhayanaut’s iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration marked its 58th edition with renewed hope, harmony, and heritage.
As the sun rose over Dhaka, Chhayanaut’s Pahela Baishakh celebration for the Bengali year 1432 began at Ramna Batamul. The theme of Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration this year is "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (my freedom lies in light). Through this theme, Chhayanaut aims to convey a message of hope, resilience, and renewal.
As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.
Chhayanaut is all set to celebrate Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, with its iconic cultural programme at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.
Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
“Love Letters” remains a haunting tale of unrequited love and missed opportunities, melancholy, loneliness, and desolation. In its oblique and unaffected way, the play illustrates the universal truth that so much of life, if not all, is a solitary journey, a letter we write only to ourselves.
Growing up listening to timeless melodies like "Ke Jash Re", and "Tumi Aar Nei Se Tumi", the name Sachin Dev Burman needs no introduction to Bangla song lovers. To pay homage to the legendary lyricist and composer, cultural organisation Banhishikha organised “Sachin Dev Burman Sangeet Utsav, a two-day musical festival, at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital.
Thanks to timeless melodies like “Ke Jash Re”, and “Tumi Aar Nei Se Tumi”, the name Sachin Dev Burman needs no introduction to Bangla song lovers.
As one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of cinema, Akira Kurosawa is most popularly known for his films based on stories about samurais, but his greatest accomplishment is perhaps his exploration of the metamorphosis of flawed humanity against nature.
Drik Gallery celebrated its 34th founding anniversary by honouring the extraordinary Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury and his contribution to ensuring equal access to healthcare for all.
"Hok Kolorob" and his other renowned lyrics in musical genius Shayan Chowdhury Arnob's songs, such as, "Naam Chilo Na", "Prokrito Jol", "Ghum", "Dhushor Megh", "Rod Boleche Hobe", "Protiddhoni", and "Mon Kharaper Ekta Bikel", offer merely a glimpse of the actual man Rajib was, said Abdullah Juberee, a journalist and an admirer of the poet.
On his 12th death anniversary, The Daily Star looks back at the life of this fascinating filmmaker.
Even after being acclaimed and acknowledged all over the world, including India, Pakistan, the USA, Britain, and Europe, SM Sultan’s artworks before the 1950s remain a mystery as most of these could not be traced due to his nomadic nature.
From children’s books to internationally applauded films, from lyrical ballads to Netflix series, wherever we put our senses, they are filled with the legacy of the “Bard of Bengal”, Rabindranath Tagore. Do we ever ask ourselves what we would do without him? Do we wonder how the entire culture of the Indian subcontinent is wrapped around his existence?
The play, “Tirthojatri” is adapted from popular writer Humayun Kabir’s philosophical fiction “Tirthojatri Tinjon Tarkik.” The play is co-written by the fiction's original author, and Tauquir himself.
