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
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.

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.