The challenges the film certification board faces
Hopeful outcomes from the new establishment will take months or years of work, research and the final formation of the act and its accompanying set of rules.
3w ago
‘Obak Bhalobasha’: 30 years later
Warfaze, one of the most celebrated bands in Bangladesh, turns 40 years old today. With albums, compositions, awards and several hits to their name, the band has contributed much to the music industry in Bangladesh. They have also played a vital role– through their melodies and lyrics– in keeping the Bengali language alive, thriving and evolving, over several generations and in countries all over the world, where Bengalis live and communicate accordingly.
5m ago
Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world
As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.
6m ago
Weaving ‘Tati’ as a musical, visual treat
It has been a couple of weeks at least since the Bangla New Year celebrations, which we lovingly refer to as Noboborsho. However, Coke Studio Bangla’s “Tati” is still dominating playlists. ‘Taanti’, or in this case “Tati”, refers to the craftsperson or the creator of fabrics, who works with the material called taant – depicting motifs, colourful borders, and softness to touch. Especially in this heat, a taant saree or a fatua is always a welcome addition to an average Bangladeshi wardrobe, allowing one to breathe easy and at the same time, look trendy.
7m ago
Tagore’s Gitabitan and the bookshelf of a Bengali household
It has been 81 years today since Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, poet, composer and the first Bengali Nobel Laureate, breathed his last. In these 81 years, much has changed in the world, including the modernisation of his compositions. Tagore’s songs—Rabindra Sangeet, as they are known—are still popular amongst Bengali music lovers.
2y ago
My visit to the Grammys
When I was arriving in Phoenix, Arizona last year for my Humphrey Fellowship, I did not imagine that I would get to be a part of one of the most prestigious musical celebrations of the world – the Grammys.
2y ago
Women in Translation Month: Why we need more of Selina Hossain
The women in Selina Hossain’s books are strong, because the author herself likes to be inspired by the reality around her.
3y ago
Remembering the contemporary great: Humayun Ahmed
To me, he was a weaver of stories from lands and cultures, all within Bangladesh, that I would never have heard of otherwise. Growing up abroad amidst mixed cultures and languages, Humayun Ahmed kept Bangladesh within me and in thousands of others like me.
3y ago
April 22, 2016
1 Minute Please!
Emon Shaha is a famous name in the music industry of Bangladesh. He has composed hundreds of songs for more than 50
April 22, 2016
Water Works
The heat is at its worst state and its only April. One wonders about the scorching June and July and pray for some more of the
April 22, 2016
Turning a Blind Eye
As we began last week with the Bengali new year, and hope to let go of the past and hit the restart button, we remember the horrendous day from last year, when on Pahela Baishakh, April 14, 2015, female visitors, of all ages, in the Dhaka University
April 22, 2016
In a State of Denial
The numbers in rape cases and sexual assaults have dramatically increased over the last few months in Bangladesh. In fact,
April 8, 2016
The Day is Near
It is just a week away from Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali new year (also celebrated in many parts of Asia), and preparations are already underway to make this the best Mongol Shobha Jatra ever, by the students of Charukala.
April 8, 2016
The Shrine by The Dighi
Bangladesh is filled with some of the most beautiful structures and architecture and many of them can be found in locations seldom visited.
April 1, 2016
The Fight for Tonu
Every time Tonu's face surfaces on your Facebook newsfeed, a torrent of mixed feelings hit you at the same time -- outrage, sorrow, helplessness and so much more. Nothing to do but scroll on and eventually run away from the atrocity that we allowed and continue to allow on the streets of Bangladesh.
March 25, 2016
Taskin in my Thoughts
One does not need to be a 'cricket-scientist' or an expert of the advanced level to understand that since Taskin Ahmed's regular deliveries were found legal in both the assessment and the match, it is certain that his bowling action during the match was not questionable.
March 18, 2016
Making Memories
Ever wonder how a smile from a toddler can make your day? An astonished gasp, bouts of laughter, and unconditional love -- few of the elements that make one fall crazily in love with children.
March 18, 2016
Out in the Open
When 26-year-old Tasmia Jahan would stay mostly awake, experience bouts of dizziness, gain weight, display strange cases of mood swings, suffer from anxiety attacks and suddenly burst into tears, her family thought she was just lonely and needed to get married.
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