Mahiya Tabassum

The author is a writer and journalist. She is working as an editorial assistant at The Daily Star. Recommend your must-read books at [email protected].

International Women's Day: The grim truth behind the Lalmatia GBV case

This incident, under the guise of moral policing, is yet another example of the deteriorating state of women’s rights and safety in Bangladesh.

1m ago

The uneven scale of reproductive responsibility

“I had heavy bleeding, blackouts, and I was listless and tired all the time. So, I told him that sterilisation would be better than taking these blighted pills or using condoms.”

1m ago

Ekushey Boi Mela: At the crossroads of freedom and censorship

A series of unsettling incidents over recent years has cast a long shadow over the fair’s foundational principles.

1m ago

'Israel killed 75 of my relatives in a single strike'

Ibrahim Saleem Kishko, a Palestinian student at Dhaka Medical College, offers a window into the reality of life in Gaza.

2m ago

Living and breathing ‘Dhaka Dreams’ with Kaavish

The excitement had been building for weeks, and when Kaavish finally took the stage for “Dhaka Dreams” yesterday at Senaprangan, the atmosphere was nothing less than incredible. Blue Brick Communications, the organiser with a track record of successful events like "Dhaka Melancholy" featuring Indian singer Nachiketa Chakraborty and "Dhaka Retro" with James, found themselves navigating a challenging evening that tested the limits of concert organisation.

2m ago

A crossover episode with my depression

Mental health struggles are part of the journey, not character flaws or personal failures.

3m ago

Hosts bedazzle in Safiya Sathi outfits

When Bangladesh’s glitterati descended upon this year’s Blender’s Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards, they brought with them an air of sophistication that could rival any international red carpet. Behind the scenes, pulling the strings of this sartorial symphony was none other than Safiya Sathi, whose design house returned as the event’s costume partner for the second consecutive year.

3m ago

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.

4m ago
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2024

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.

October 28, 2024
October 28, 2024

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.

October 17, 2024
October 17, 2024

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.

September 27, 2024
September 27, 2024

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."

September 15, 2024
September 15, 2024

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.

September 14, 2024
September 14, 2024

Our youth needs financial literacy to combat banking scams

The banking scams and digital financial crimes plaguing our country are not just economic issues; they're a threat to our aspirations for a reformed Bangladesh.

September 10, 2024
September 10, 2024

‘Shono Mohajon’: The unlikely anthem that became the voice of a generation

The story of "Shono Mohajon" and its role in the July Revolution is more than just a tale of musical success; it's a stark reminder of the complex relationship between art and society. While the song's resurgence demonstrates the power of music to inspire and unify, it also raises critical questions about the nature of protest anthems and the responsibilities of artistes in times of social upheaval.

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.