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
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.

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.