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
February 21, 2018
Revelling in the changes
For centuries now, language has been intrinsic to the changing patterns of culture. Some would even say that it's true the other way around. Even though the way we perceive and use language changes from one generation to the next, the social function of this tool to communicate remains the same—nurturing and promoting feelings of identity, community and of course harmony.
November 26, 2017
Against the odds, Bangladesh puts mothers at the forefront of medical practice
Ruby Akthar can still remember the agony of her first labour. Nestled away in one of Bangladesh’s many urban slums—aged just 20—a frightened Akthar attempted to deliver her first baby at home without ...
October 20, 2017
Playing the damsel in distress
When Don 2 was released back in 2011, many South Asians living in Malaysia stormed the local cineplexes and halls to watch the movie. A remake of an old Indian gangster flick, a star cast, including Shahrukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, pulled in quite the throng. As a part of an international conference in Kualalumpur at the time, a bunch of journalists from Bangladesh decided to watch the movie as well, catching one of the late-night shows after dinner.
August 15, 2017
Relaxing at Radisson
Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden recently began an exclusive spa promotion programme where individuals or couples can relax and receive massages - complete with specialised tea, healthy drinks and a 3-course lunch meal.
July 28, 2017
Lost at the Prague Castle
Many say that travelling makes you free, educates you, creates a bigger network that one can benefit from and of course, learn about a foreign culture. I would agree with all that, and add, however, that it also makes you think.
June 30, 2017
Education: For Passion And Purpose
Gone are the days when children and young people were fed 'dreams' of being doctors and engineers.
June 23, 2017
Prioritising health care and sports for the youth
Very recently, at a roundtable organised by the Daily Star, youth leaders and students from Dhaka came together to talk about how the
May 19, 2017
Including the Differently-Abled
25-year-old Khalil is seen typing away his data entry assignment, at the Distribution Section of Posmi Sweaters, a factory located in Gazipur.
May 5, 2017
Constructing a conscious change
Every other street in Dhaka city today has a building or two under construction, not to mention the flyovers that are being built.
February 24, 2017
On Jazz and Blues
If music be the food of love, play on. And if it be jazz, let it play the whole night!
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