Mahiya Tabassum

The author is a writer and journalist. She is working as a sub-editor at The Daily Star. Recommend your must-read books at mahiya.t16@gmail.com.

Dismantling rural gender-based violence requires more than awareness

In rural areas, gender-based violence traps women in a cycle of abuse, fear, and systemic neglect.

2w ago

When digital space becomes a paradise for harassers

In the era of technology, gender-based violence too has taken a new form in the digital space in Bangladesh.

2w ago

Clean toilets: A ‘luxury’ Dhaka’s vulnerable cannot afford

Dhaka's claims to metropolitan status will remain incomplete while women bear the brunt of insufficient hygienic public toilets.

4w ago

A thespian's final bow

Masud Ali Khan, a towering figure in Bangladeshi performing arts, passed away yesterday at his home in the capital’s Green Road, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans over seven decades of unparalleled artistic brilliance.

1m ago

Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism

BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.

1m ago

Confronting the overlooked facets of child abuse

Child-on-child sexual abuse is a subset of the broader child sexual abuse epidemic that plagues Bangladesh.

2m ago

An evening with Jal: Of nostalgia, music, and reunion

Mumtaz spoke with palpable excitement about returning to Bangladesh. "We are going to perform in Bangladesh after over a decade," he said, his eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "All Jal fans are probably grown up now, like me," he added with a chuckle. "But still they remember all the songs, it's so overwhelming for us to come here again and receive such a heartwarming welcome."

2m ago

The never-ending fight for women’s clothing autonomy

The right to choose one's clothing without fear of harassment or assault is a fundamental aspect of personal freedom.

3m ago
August 9, 2024
August 9, 2024

The walls of Dhaka: Canvases of protest or eyesores?

As a literature student from North South University put it, "Slangs are part of our language. And it's difficult to express frustration and anger without using slangs.

August 7, 2024
August 7, 2024

Stars with spine: Media personalities who voiced out for students

In such challenging times, when protesters and civilians were indiscriminately killed, wholesale arrests, block raids, and a nationwide internet shutdown violated citizens' fundamental rights, keeping the nation on edge for weeks– only a few had the courage to raise their voices against the oppression and injustice.

August 2, 2024
August 2, 2024

Brushes and banners: Creative community leads rainy revolt in Dhaka

Under the platform titled “Artistes Against Genocide and Oppression”, a diverse group comprising visual artistes, photographers, performance artistes, musicians, poets, writers, researchers, architects, and art organisers, organised this rally of resistance. Their gathering was a response to the recent turmoil surrounding the quota reform protests, which have led to wholesale arrests and indiscriminate killings.

July 28, 2024
July 28, 2024

The prolonged internet shutdown sets a dangerous precedent

It represents a grave threat to democracy and human rights that demands urgent attention.

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.