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.

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.

16h 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."

2w 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.

1m ago

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.

1m ago

‘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.

1m ago

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.

2m ago

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.

2m ago

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.

2m ago
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.

November 3, 2023
November 3, 2023

A milestone of 500 for Apple Mahmud Emil

Apple Mahmud Emil made his debut in the world of TV dramas with the drama "Happiness Is", starring John kabir, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, where he worked on the background music and the original soundtrack. This was the first stepping stone in a journey that would see him become an ever-engaging figure in the industry.