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 [email protected]

A city gasps, a park resists: Panthakunja protest redefines civic action

Panthakunja, located on Sonargaon Road, was once a rare oasis in the capital

1w ago

Post-July Shilpakala: The cultural spearhead needs to change internal culture

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.

1m ago

Bangaliyana marches on

Pahela Baishakh heralds new beginning

2m ago

Thousands gather at Ramna Batamul to welcome Bengali New Year

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.

2m ago

Chhayanaut ushers in 1432 at Ramna Batamul with Raag Bhairav

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.

2m ago

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

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.

2m ago

Pahela Baishakh: Chhayanaut all set for celebrations

Chhayanaut is all set to celebrate Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, with its iconic cultural programme at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

2m ago

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

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.

3m ago
July 24, 2023
July 24, 2023

Remembering the Mahanayak

Today marks the 43rd death anniversary of legendary actor Uttam Kumar.

July 11, 2023
July 11, 2023

The artiste behind ‘Udd Gaye’: Ritviz’s rise to fame

With his breakthrough song, “Udd Gaye” released in 2017, the singer produced hit bangers like “Sage,” “Liggi,” “Barso,” “Jeet,”

June 25, 2023
June 25, 2023

'Life Through Rohingya Eyes' sheds light on life of Rohingya refugees

Documented by 19 bright Rohingya photographers, the exhibition–a joint endeavor of UNHCR and the Bangladesh Liberation War Museum under the Rohingyatographer Collective–tells a tale of oppression, pain, resilience, and hope.

April 8, 2023
April 8, 2023

Picasso: An actor on the stage of history

On his 50th death anniversary today, The Daily Star looks into the complex psyche of the renowned artiste, which goes beyond his individuality.

March 28, 2023
March 28, 2023

World Theater Day: When ‘Art’ becomes ubiquitous

Yasmina Reza’s screenplay and Open Space Theatre’s adaptation continue with brisk intelligence and wit. The audience remained faithful, engaged, enthralled and deliberate in their interpretation of the play.

September 16, 2022
September 16, 2022

‘Nishwas’: Raihan Rafi’s compelling crime-thriller is a must-watch

After “Taan”, “Floor Number 7”, and “Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi”, Raihan Rafi has now brought forth another experimental production, “Nishwas”, to the popular OTT platform, Chorki on Thursday.

September 11, 2022
September 11, 2022

Indigo Giant: A poetic tale of oppression and rebellion

“Do you ever feel that there is something inside you? Something ancient, that will come out one day?” -- Naila Azad Nupur asks this exact question in “Indigo Giant”, her brilliant rendition of the story written by Dinabandhu Mitra in his epic play, “Nil Darpan”. The play, written by Ben Musgrave and translated by Leesa Gazi, was staged at the Bangladesh Mahila Samity’s Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with four shows. 

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