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.

2m 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
March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024

Not ‘fair’ at all: Why are fair-skinned actors cast for dark-skinned characters?

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

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.