Mahiya Tabassum

Mahiya Tabassum is a writer and journalist. She is working as a sub-editor at The Daily Star. Send her book and film recommendations at mahiya.t16@gmail.com.

Road safety and a nation’s betrayal of its youth

Since 2019, a staggering 5,619 students have lost their lives on our roads

2d ago

The Prottoy pension scheme will exacerbate brain drain

By potentially making the teaching profession less attractive, the Prottoy scheme risks exacerbating brain drain.

2w ago

Artcellism lives on

As I was preparing for the camera to roll, a humbling realisation struck me—this band had been crafting sonic masterpieces before I had even mastered my mother tongue. Their creations, like— "Oniket Prantor", "Onno Shomoy", "Obosh Onubhutir Deyal", "Amar Poth Chola", "Dhushor Shomoy"—had become the soundtrack to a generation’s hopes, dreams, and rebellions.

3w ago

Bangladesh is lagging behind in female-led projects: Sadia Khalid Reeti

From penning screenplays to critiquing global cinema, meet Sadia Khalid Reeti– who has navigated the complexities of a male-dominated industry with grace and determination. A multi-faceted talent, Reeti wears the hats of film critic, screenwriter, and journalist with equal aplomb, bringing a fresh perspective to an industry often set in its way.

3w ago

An unlikely partnership: How internet humour is reshaping film marketing

In Bangladesh and beyond, the success of productions like "Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya" and "Myself Allen Swapan" suggests that meme marketing is more than just a passing trend. It represents a fundamental shift in how audiences interact with and share content. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, those in the film and streaming industry who can master the art of the meme may find themselves with a significant advantage in capturing the ever-elusive attention of modern viewers.

4w ago

‘Non-communal Spirit and Nazrul’: Honouring the Rebel Poet’s clarion call for equality

Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.

1m ago

Manik Bandopadhyay's timeless works: A mirror to our frailties

On Manik Bandopadhyay’s 116th birth anniversary, his unsparing literary vision jolt us out of complacency with today's injustices.

2m ago

National Rabindra Sangeet Festival kicks off, honours Kalim Sharafi and Sadi Mohammad

Celebrating the timeless melodies of Rabindra Sangeet, the National Rabindra Sangeet Festival inaugurated its 35th edition yesterday evening at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in the capital.

2m ago
July 24, 2024
July 24, 2024

Road safety and a nation’s betrayal of its youth

Since 2019, a staggering 5,619 students have lost their lives on our roads

July 7, 2024
July 7, 2024

The Prottoy pension scheme will exacerbate brain drain

By potentially making the teaching profession less attractive, the Prottoy scheme risks exacerbating brain drain.

July 6, 2024
July 6, 2024

Artcellism lives on

As I was preparing for the camera to roll, a humbling realisation struck me—this band had been crafting sonic masterpieces before I had even mastered my mother tongue. Their creations, like— "Oniket Prantor", "Onno Shomoy", "Obosh Onubhutir Deyal", "Amar Poth Chola", "Dhushor Shomoy"—had become the soundtrack to a generation’s hopes, dreams, and rebellions.

July 1, 2024
July 1, 2024

Bangladesh is lagging behind in female-led projects: Sadia Khalid Reeti

From penning screenplays to critiquing global cinema, meet Sadia Khalid Reeti– who has navigated the complexities of a male-dominated industry with grace and determination. A multi-faceted talent, Reeti wears the hats of film critic, screenwriter, and journalist with equal aplomb, bringing a fresh perspective to an industry often set in its way.

June 29, 2024
June 29, 2024

An unlikely partnership: How internet humour is reshaping film marketing

In Bangladesh and beyond, the success of productions like "Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya" and "Myself Allen Swapan" suggests that meme marketing is more than just a passing trend. It represents a fundamental shift in how audiences interact with and share content. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, those in the film and streaming industry who can master the art of the meme may find themselves with a significant advantage in capturing the ever-elusive attention of modern viewers.

May 28, 2024
May 28, 2024

‘Non-communal Spirit and Nazrul’: Honouring the Rebel Poet’s clarion call for equality

Highlighting the universal appeal of Nazrul's poetry, Dr Kamal, who is also a poet, stressed the need to expand translation efforts to present the rich literary heritage of Bengal on the global stage. He urged bringing masterpieces of Bangla literature, including Nazrul's transcendent works, to readers across the world through high-quality translations. This would not only honour the genius of pioneers like the Rebel Poet but also facilitate a wider appreciation and understanding of the region's literary and cultural legacy among international audiences.

May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024

Manik Bandopadhyay's timeless works: A mirror to our frailties

On Manik Bandopadhyay’s 116th birth anniversary, his unsparing literary vision jolt us out of complacency with today's injustices.

May 10, 2024
May 10, 2024

National Rabindra Sangeet Festival kicks off, honours Kalim Sharafi and Sadi Mohammad

Celebrating the timeless melodies of Rabindra Sangeet, the National Rabindra Sangeet Festival inaugurated its 35th edition yesterday evening at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium in the capital.

May 7, 2024
May 7, 2024

Gaza Holocaust and Press Freedom: Drik calls a spade, a spade

The event, inaugurating the photo exhibition "Gaza Holocaust: Killing the Truthtellers", delved deep into the nuances of Western media's portrayal of conflicts, particularly the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Moderated by renowned photojournalist Shahidul Alam, the discussion brought together voices echoing a common sentiment: the West's selective adherence to its proclaimed values.

March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024

Not ‘fair’ at all: Why are fair-skinned actors cast for dark-skinned characters?

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

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