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.

18h 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."

3w 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
October 11, 2023
October 11, 2023

The journey of street art in Bangladesh

Street art's journey is a global phenomenon that has transformed from its roots as an act of vandalism into a respected and influential art movement. In Bangladesh, this evolution has taken various forms, reflecting the changing socio-political landscape and the artistic expressions of its people.

October 8, 2023
October 8, 2023

Level Five’s ‘Semicolon’ is an urge to embrace life

The choice of title, "Semicolon", carries profound symbolism. A semicolon represents the continuation of someone's life despite facing adversity—it symbolises strength in the midst of a storm. In the context of mental health, it serves as an affirmation of solidarity against a myriad of challenges.

October 1, 2023
October 1, 2023

Xefer remastered

Xefer first broke into the scene with her soulful covers, capturing hearts with her deep melodic voice. Over the years, she not only continued her musical journey but also emerged as a style and youth icon.

September 5, 2023
September 5, 2023

The world of Asian influencer farms: A dystopian reality

Few people in the Western world have heard of Ruhan, but the Chinese company has emerged as one of several ‘influencer incubators’, transforming the face of e-commerce in the country. Occupying a grey high-rise in a drab part of industrial Hangzhou, the operation can be seen as the gears that keep online influencers churning out content during hectic eight-hour daily shifts.

September 3, 2023
September 3, 2023

Mahanayak Uttam Kumar: The human behind the silver screen persona

But what lay beneath the surface of this iconic figure when he shed his charismatic facade and stripped away the fluid mask that conveyed a myriad of emotions and moods? Did he, like us ordinary folks, grapple with emotional turmoil?

August 31, 2023
August 31, 2023

Rituparno’s lens: Masterful storytelling and conversations on human relationships

Rituparno Ghosh was not only a master of capturing the complexities of human relationships but also had an uncanny knack for portraying table conversations with a depth that is rare in cinema.

August 21, 2023
August 21, 2023

‘I hope our message of tolerance resonates with people’

In a recent interview with The Daily Star, the filmmaker talks about his latest project, political perspectives, motivations and challenges, and more.

August 20, 2023
August 20, 2023

‘Bay of Blood’: A powerful call for recognition and justice

Krishnendu Bose’s directorial “Bay of Blood” is a searing feature documentary, a gripping narrative that takes you on a journey through the heart-wrenching history of Bangladesh’s birth, unearthing the chilling truths of a genocide that echoed across the ages.

August 18, 2023
August 18, 2023

Gulzar’s 89th birthday: Celebrating the legendary wordsmith

Gulzar's experiments with poetry have given birth to a multitude of enchanting images, none more captivating than his portrayal of rain as a sentient being

August 15, 2023
August 15, 2023

50 years of Satyajit Ray’s ‘Ashani Sanket’: An enduring masterpiece

Half a century has passed since the release of the critically acclaimed Bengali film "Ashani Sanket" (Distant Thunder), directed by the legendary Satyajit Ray. This landmark film, released in 1973, continues to captivate audiences with its timeless exploration of the human condition, transcending its historical context to resonate with modern-day socio-economic challenges.