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
January 27, 2024
January 27, 2024

Art as a form of resistance: Palestinian artists stand against Israeli occupation

Palestinian art took on a more secular style from the late 19th century with issues related to “identity, memory, location, and resistance.” Artworks depicting Palestinian life also included a repertoire of “politically potent icons like the cactus and metaphors such as Palestine as the motherland.” The territory’s vibrant arts community was a testament to Palestinian resilience, but now it is losing voices central to its spirit.

January 23, 2024
January 23, 2024

‘Barir Naam Shahana’: A riveting dive into resilience and rebellion

The narrative, based on actual events, unfolds in a small town in 1990s Bangladesh, where the film's protagonist, Dipa, portrayed with resilience and conviction by Aanon Siddiqua, grapples with the aftermath of a failed marriage, societal taboos, and the weight of family honour. Aanon’s acting prowess, coupled with the raw emotions portrayed throughout the runtime, is bound to leave the audience in awe.

January 15, 2024
January 15, 2024

Bringing the ‘Dhamaka’ to Bangla rap: Shafayat opens up on his journey

Mohammad Shafayat Hossain, popular by his stage name Jalali Shafayat, stands as a prominent member of the acclaimed rap ensemble, Jalali Set, making him one of the most recognised rappers in the country. Whether in collaboration with Jalali Set or as a solo artiste, he consistently proved his prowess in delivering versatile verses and hit tracks, including “Dhamaka”, “Local Bus” in collaboration with the once-national sensation Momotaz Begum, and “Mainkar Chipay” alongside AvoidRafa.

January 12, 2024
January 12, 2024

Creating safe public spaces for women: A collective responsibility

Creating safe and empowering public spaces demands a multidimensional approach, the first step of which is initiating table conversations.

January 10, 2024
January 10, 2024

The golden voice falls silent

The realm of Indian classical music lost one of its brightest stars yesterday as Ustad Rashid Khan, the 10th-generation face of Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, bid us farewell.

January 9, 2024
January 9, 2024

Music maestro Ustad Rashid Khan passes away at 55

Ustad Rashid Khan, a celebrated music maestro, succumbed to death this afternoon while fighting the battle with prostate cancer at a hospital in Calcutta, as confirmed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

January 6, 2024
January 6, 2024

I am almost immune to personal attacks: Rakin Absar

In the saturated and dynamic landscape of content creation, Rakin Absar is popular for his quirky style, raw humour and even speculations surrounding his sexuality. The content creator juggles various roles in the digital media industry as a comedian, host, marketer, and programme producer.

November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023

Is quoting psychotic characters a cry for help?

The iconic figures like Batman and the Joker mirror the complexities and duality of depression, offering a channel for individuals to communicate their pain, seek understanding, and, perhaps, find the help and support they so desperately need.

November 11, 2023
November 11, 2023

Coke Studio Bangla concert: Could music save a logistical nightmare?

I found myself amidst the swirl of lights and beats at the Army Stadium yesterday, attending the highly-anticipated, “Coke Studio Bangla Live 2.0”. The air, however, was thick with overcrowdedness and controversy, making my overall experience a blend of musical highs and critical lows.

November 5, 2023
November 5, 2023

Shaping the digital realm: Content creators take the industry forward

Content creation in the digital age is a realm where imagination knows no bounds.

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