Life & Living

Life & Living

Guliakhali Sea Beach: A harmony of waves and green

Guliakhali does not try to impress you with rolling waves or the classic “beach photo-op” look. It just is. It seems as though someone took a beach, churned it in a mangrove forest, and then gently spread a grassy carpet on top. There are a lot of open grasslands, areas of shimmering water that cut through the green like silver veins, and mangrove roots that rise like natural sculptures. You don’t arrive at Guliakhali; you ease into it.

8h ago

Architect Marina Tabassum designs London’s iconic Summer Pavilion

In a landmark moment for South Asian architecture, Marina Tabassum and her office Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA) have become the first from the region to design the Pavilion — a space known for celebrating innovation and cultural dialogue through design.

8h ago

Human-sized Labubu doll fetches over $150,000 at Beijing auction

Meet Labubu: a human-sized, monster-faced doll that just smashed records, selling for a whopping 1.08 million yuan ($150,324; £110,465) at an auction in Beijing.

8h ago

#Perspective / Things Dhaka should learn from Chattogram!

As someone who has lived in Dhaka and Chattogram for a more or less equal number of years, I am here to tell you that the port city is much better than the capital. Admit it: Dhaka is overrated.

8h ago

The anatomy of a face: Inside Atia Rahman’s world of prosthetic makeup

To most people, a face is a face. To Atia Rahman, it’s a map of memory, trauma, identity, and fiction. When she works, she is not just applying makeup but rather layering psychology, reconstructing time, and adding evidence to a character’s backstory.

9h ago

Shaping a child’s personality with eco-friendly, educational toys

Eco-friendly, handmade toys with rich cultural stories promote healthy child development, creativity, and environmental awareness. Choosing sustainable, biodegradable playthings helps children learn compassion, reject plastic waste, and connect with heritage, supporting a safer, greener future.

1d ago

#Women Empowerment / Farming against the salt: Women farmers on the frontline of the Sundarbans

In Bangladesh’s saline delta, climate-vulnerable women like Jamuna and Pushpa lead adaptation with innovative farming and resilience. Despite gender inequality and health risks, they drive sustainable solutions for survival, food security, and environmental justice.

1d ago

Children’s summer clothing: What to buy and where to shop

Summer fashion for kids in Bangladesh blends comfort and style with dungarees, co-ords, shorts, tees, sundresses, kameezes, and lightweight shirts. Available in various designs and fabrics, these outfits ensure comfort and ease, perfect for hot weather.

3d ago
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

Swadhinata Concert temporarily suspended

The concert was set to feature performances from Bangladeshi artists

2m ago

International Jazz Day Special / A jazz sanctuary amidst Dhaka’s familiar chaos

On an uncharacteristically cool April evening, I stepped out of Banani’s blaring traffic and neon haze into a dimly lit room tucked within a commercial building and almost cinematically shifted from chaos to a melodical hush. A small audience leaned forward, captivated by the spell of an ensemble that included an esraj, a sarod, a jazz guitarist and a drummer, and a vocalist whose voice moved without language, just sound, rhythm, and improvisation. The music was neither entirely classical nor jazz nor fusion, but something looser, more exploratory, alive to the moment.

1m ago

JU observes Selim Al Deen’s death anniv

The drama and dramatics department at Jahangirnagar University yesterday organised a daylong programme at their campus, marking the 17th death anniversary of renowned thespian and former teacher Selim Al Deen.

5m ago

‘Bangladesh first concert’: Artistes vow to stay united for country

The capital’s Manik Mia Avenue was teeming with people from all walks of life since yesterday afternoon, as they waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes.

6m ago

The rise and fall of Chattogram’s single-screen cinema halls

Eid holidays in Chattogram city were once synonymous with a cherished tradition: families and friends gathering to enjoy movies in single-screen cinema halls scattered across the city. However, the golden days of cinema halls are long gone.

2m ago

Metallica to hold virtual concert in Fortnite

Metallica, the world-renowned rock band, is set to hold a virtual concert in the popular video game Fortnite. Named 'Metallica: Fuel Fire Fury', Fortnite players can tune in to the virtual concert on two set dates: June 22 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 11 pm ET, and June 23 at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm ET.

12m ago

BTS’ RM sets new record with his latest No. 1 single

BTS’ leader RM returns to the US charts, only weeks after releasing his latest solo album. The global star made a comeback as a featured artiste on Megan Thee Stallion's new single "Neva Play," which has quickly become a success for both artistes.

8m ago

J-Hope’s ‘Mona Lisa’ takes over iTunes charts globally

Yesterday, J-Hope unveiled a new single, “Mona Lisa”, accompanied by a music video. The energetic track was co-produced by the BTS member himself and Blake Slatkin, known for his work with Charlie Puth, Sam Smith, and Lizzo.

2m ago
Showbiz

Showbiz

Sabila debuts, ‘Taandob’ ensues

Once a sweetheart of television, Sabila Nur has hit the bullseye with her silver-screen debut with a leading role opposite Shakib Khan in “Taandob”. The film will go down in Bangladesh’s cinematic history for being rife with action, twists, and cameos.

6d ago

Bangladeshi ‘Ken’ in Dhaka

The Bangladeshi 'Ken', known for his appearances in major Hollywood productions like “Barbie”, “Wicked”, and “Aladdin”, continues to make the country proud as he juggles acting, dancing, and interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names.

2w ago

Sublime Sarika

Since childhood, Sarika Sabah has immersed herself in the world of art, taking classical dance lessons and specialising in Kathak. Over time, her dedication to dance grew, yet a deeper desire began to burn within her—a dream to one day find her place among the stars. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with TVCs in 2019, while she was a second-year CSE student at North South University, and quickly rose to prominence, winning hearts with her portrayal of Jhumur in Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s popular mega serial “Family Crisis”.

3w ago

Jaya and Sharmin take over

As Jaya Ahsan and Mohsina Akhter, the two leads of the film, take sips of black coffee and rong cha respectively at The Daily Star’s studio, the excitement levels vary among the illustrious mega-star and respected theatre practitioner.

1m ago

Dola does it again

Some songs don’t just trend—they take over. One such track is “Chand Mama”, from the film ”Borbaad”, which didn’t just climb the YouTube Music trending list once, but soared to the top twice and is still continuing to evoke emotions even after a month.

1m ago

Pritom’s reign ever-expanding

From back-to-back cinematic musical hits to earning praise for his acting on OTT platforms, Pritom Hasan is having a standout year. His collaboration with Shakib Khan and chart-topping tracks like “Chand Mama”, “Didha”, and the ever lively “Laage Ura Dhura” have solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after musicians in Dhallywood.

2m ago

Xefer owning it

This Eid, Xefer Rahman surprised fans not just with new music, but also with her return to acting. After her debut in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s “Monogamy”, she appeared in the highly anticipated web-series “Myself Allen Swapan 2”, directed by Shihab Shaheen. She not only shared the screen with Nasir Uddin Khan but also lent her voice to the series with the track “Boyam Pakhi 2.0”. Simultaneously, her song “Niye Jabe Ki” from the Eid film “Daagi” was added to the festive lineup.

2m ago

Eid 2025: Your complete entertainment itinerary

As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the entertainment industry gears up to deliver some of the year’s biggest productions across cinema, television, and OTT platforms. This year is no exception, with highly anticipated films and soundtracks setting the stage for a grand celebration.

2m ago
Star Health

Star Health

Barguna slips deeper into dengue crisis

Despite efforts by the health department and local administration, the dengue situation in Barguna continues to worsen.

23h ago

212 new dengue cases reported in 24hrs; Barishal sees highest spike

Last year, dengue claimed the lives of 575 people

1d ago

28 new Covid-19 cases reported in 24hrs

The total number of cases has now risen to 2,051,901

1d ago

One die of Covid, 25 new cases in 24 hrs

The lone diseased is a female patient from Dhaka Division

3d ago

Covid-19 testing resumes at govt hospitals in Ctg

However, mass testing is yet to start

3d ago

Health ministry urges LGRD to step up anti-mosquito drives amid dengue surge

It also recommended launching awareness campaigns

3d ago

Dengue, covid: Health guidelines issued for HSC exams

Amid a surge in Covid-19 and dengue cases across the country, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee yesterday issued emergency health guidelines ahead of this year’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations.

2d ago

Dengue: One death, 169 cases in 24 hrs

7 new Covid-19 cases reported

5d ago
Satireday

Satireday

Satire / Let's MoPE!

"Dhaka has become one big group project, where everyone's angry"

3w ago

Satire / Justice for Sale: Case Files Found at Tk 16 per Kg

Who knew justice could be 'that' quick, or cheap?

5m ago

Satire / BBA student gets married, calls it the best networking experience of his life

Nothing is impossible – if you believe in your ability to make the right connections, that is.

8m ago

Satire / iPhone 16 users claim biggest feature is a scam

The iPhone 16 series launched a couple of weeks ago, coinciding with a sudden rise in online ads by people selling human kidneys.

8m ago

Government losing ‘Aandar’ control trying to bring it under control

In an unprecedented twist, the government keeps losing Aandar control while attempting to bring it under control. Aanda, or egg -- whatever people choose to call it doesn’t matter anymore as they are having breakfast without eggs.

8m ago

Holy League unveils new leftist wing

“We represent the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the majority of Bangladesh. Our policies, philosophies and ideals are all BLESSED. You must understand this,” he yelled at the crowd.

8m ago

A tale from the future: Ordinary students celebrate lynching 100th person

The year is 2028. Ordinary students have done something extraordinary yet again. Yesterday, they organised “Lunch for Lynching” to celebrate beating a hundred people to death since the “lucky seventh independence”.

9m ago

Satire / ‘Natok Kom Koro Pio’

“Natok kom koro Pio,” the man said, his white beard shaking with fury.

9m ago
TOGGLE

TOGGLE

Traveller’s notebook: in the Land of the Blue Dragon

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is not the first destination that comes to an average Bangladeshi traveller’s mind when thinking of getting out on exploring a new place.

7y ago

Traveller’s notebook: Kuala Lumpur

We’re a generation of wanderers and we have long been a species of wanderers. What ties us to our 9–5 routine is not natural. We want to explore, even if we don’t realise it, each one of us, to our very core, are explorers.

7y ago

The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer

The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.

1y ago

Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable

And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!

1y ago

So long, goodbye

The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

1y ago

Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra

Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.

1y ago

Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning

To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.

1y ago

Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh

Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support. 

1y ago
In Focus

In Focus

Why is Sandwip missing from the Bay of Bengal’s history?

Chittagong’s neighbour Sandwip is absent from Bay of Bengal history because its nature is hard to define.

4d ago

Writing the Padma

The first experience of the great river Padma is nothing less than overwhelming, and slightly terrifying. I first came to face the mighty river as a young lad in my teens sometime in April of the momentous year of 1971. My first sighting came with two terrors. My father was fleeing Dhaka with the family with the hope of crossing the river to escape the brutal onslaught of the Pakistan army. Arriving at the banks, there was the Padda (Padma) before us with its glorious panorama. It seemed like an oceanic river, with no sight of the other side, and the frightening prospect of crossing it.

2w ago

49th death anniversary / Art and decolonisation, with Zainul Abedin

When Zainul Abedin left Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1947, as India and Pakistan negotiated a partition-ridden freedom from the British Empire, he was one of the city’s most acclaimed artists.

3w ago

Forgotten Currents / Bengal’s Ties to the Straits World

Medieval Bengal’s links to the Straits world, a narrow stretch of water connecting to Southeast Asia and beyond, are overlooked. This world saw not only ocean-going vessels, but also coastal and localised traffic which, like riverine transport, has gone largely unrecorded.

1m ago

Muktadhara: How Tagore Exposed the Tyranny of Nationalism

Rabindranath Tagore, whose genius touched nearly every branch of the arts and literature, left an indelible imprint on the world of drama—not merely as a playwright, but as an actor, director, and visionary of the stage.

1m ago

In Search of Premodern Bengal’s Literary Treasures

With the passing of Professor Tony K. Stewart, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in Humanities Emeritus, the field of South Asian religions, and more specifically, premodern Bengali literature, has lost one of its leading lights.

1m ago

In Focus / Subaltern Aspirations in Early Modern Bengal

Poetry, History, and Caste Struggle

1m ago

Raja Pratapaditya Charitra and the Birth of Bengali History Writing

The writing of history in the Bengali language by a Bengali began around 225 years ago with the publication of Raja Pratapaditya Charitra in 1801.

1m ago
Star Youth

Star Youth

Helping parents navigate misinformation on the internet

Ensuring that our parents can navigate this digital minefield with vigilance is not just a personal responsibility; it is a necessity for a more informed society.

6d ago

Reader Submission / The significance of BPD Awareness Month

The emotional wounds of BPD are deep enough, but societal misunderstanding drives them even deeper.

3w ago

Nostalgia, memory, and the power of physical media in a digital world

To many, collections are personal archives. They are reflections of tastes and values, and, to this day, the beauty of those tangible experiences remains.

1m ago

Opinion / Mindless littering and our inability to keep our streets clean

Teaching someone the collective responsibility of keeping a city clean feels like trying to empty the Buriganga with a teacup.

1m ago

SALT Knowledge Fair showcases community-led solutions for a better future

The Global Fund For Children (GFC) and hosted by the Grow Your Reader Foundation (GYRF) at Joynagar High School. Held on April 19, 2025.

1m ago

Challenges female drivers face in Bangladesh

For many women, driving is not just about navigating the roads, but the need to overcome pervasive societal biases while grappling with safety concerns.

1m ago

Five digital platforms for journaling

Here we have compiled five digital platforms that elevate the art of journaling into a convenient and paperless delight.

1m ago

The life altering mundanity of adulthood

As an adult, you’re constantly exhausted. You have no idea where your money goes. You’re not sure if you even want to know.

1m ago
Shift

Shift

AAB's Motorsport Academy for aspiring professional racers

Automobile Association of Bangladesh (AAB) has recently launched the Motorsport Academy, offering structured training programmes designed to develop professional racing talent. The academy currently runs three sequential courses – beginner, intermediate and advanced – each requiring successful completion of exams to progress.

3w ago

Curated Cars: The Dhaka Car Show that finally got it right

May 1 and 2 gave us something rare. A proper show. Curated Cars wasn’t just another excuse to hang out and say, “Bro, my car faster.” This was for the real enthusiasts—the ones who actually know what a Jaguar S-Type is and don’t think a McLaren is just a footballer. So what did they do differently?

1m ago

Mercedes EQS 680 Night Series: Maybach's take on silent luxury

The Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 marks its entrance into the electric luxury SUV segment with the new special edition 'Night Series', designed to combine exclusivity with a modern, electric edge.

1m ago

Dhaka Motor Show returns, but not for the gearheads

The Dhaka Motor Show came back to its old home at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) from May 1 to 3, reclaiming all four halls after a brief relocation to the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre. The venue was packed with cars, bikes, trucks, scooters, lubricants, helmets, tool vendors, accessory peddlers, and food stalls—but not much in the way of actual enthusiasm for driving.

1m ago

Press Release / Mitsubishi unveils locally assembled Xpander at Dhaka Motor Show 2025

Mitsubishi Bangladesh has officially unveiled the locally assembled Mitsubishi Xpander at the Dhaka Motor Show 2025. The company unveiled four variants of the Xpander lineup, which includes Xpander Classic, Xpander Premium, Xpander Eco, and the special edition Xpander Sport.

1m ago

Toyota and Alphabet's Waymo are teaming up

Toyota Motor and Waymo, the autonomous driving tech company owned by Google-parent Alphabet, have announced a preliminary agreement to explore a partnership in autonomous vehicle development. According to an official blog post by Waymo, the collaboration aims to create a new self-driving vehicle platform while also improving next-generation personally owned vehicles (POVs).

1m ago

Proton X70: Rancon launches locally assembled SUV in Bangladesh

Rancon Cars has officially launched the first locally assembled Proton X70 SUV in Bangladesh at the Proton Bangladesh Rancon Showroom in Capital’s Tejgaon area, on 30 April 2025.

1m ago

Kawasaki unveils concept for a four-legged robot that you can ride

Kawasaki has unveiled a concept that offers a glimpse into the future of off-road personal mobility at the Osaka Expo 2025. Named the Corleo, the vehicle concept resembles a robotic horse and is powered by hydrogen.

2m ago
Books & Literature

Books & Literature

THE SHELF / To flee, to remember

Every year, on June 20, World Refugee Day calls on us to remember and hold in our hearts the millions displaced by conflict, persecution, and political upheaval around the world.

1h ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / When the moon dances with elephants

In Lakshmi’s Secret Diary, Ari Gautier crafts a dazzling, multi-layered narrative that is as whimsical as it is profound. Translated with lyrical grace by Sheela Mahadevan, this South Asian francophone novel reimagines the traditional animal fable, inviting readers into a surreal and poignant odyssey through the eyes of Lakshmi, a temple elephant yearning for freedom.

1h ago

ESSAY / Daddy issues and female writers: About absent fathers in pop culture

In "Daddy," the speaker's inability to speak is not merely personal trauma but a symbol of women's historical silencing.

3d ago

CREATIVE NONFICTION / Ink, jasmine, and the ghost of Ma: Unlearning my father

When it comes to our fathers, especially the ones who try to be good men, a rampant affliction known as patriarchy has left us with no language to imagine them outside of what they were to others. Strip away the roles, and what’s left?

4d ago

THE SHELF / 4 Bangla books with tender yet complex father figures

These paternal characters are not easy to love, nor can they love faultlessly themselves. Yet it is precisely this contradiction—their awkward tenderness, silent failures, and undeniable devotion—that makes them so achingly human

4d ago

CREATIVE NONFICTION / Nani’s salt

Her voice, thin as a whisper, sharp as a blade, sliced through the kitchen air thick with mustard oil and regret.

5d ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / The evolution of theater magazines in Bengal

Dr Babul Biswas’s Theaterer Kagoj Jotorokom Daay is a thoughtful and detailed study of the evolution of theater in Bengal and Bangladesh, through the lens of theatre-focused little magazines.

1w ago

THE SHELF / Books for different types of readers on Eid

Eid-ul-Azha is right around the corner, which entails delicious meals, family gatherings, and a little extra downtime between all the Qurbani preparation and feasting.

2w ago
Star Holiday

Star Holiday

The Kingdom of Magyars

Once the heart of a vast empire and now a crossroads between East and West, Hungary stands as a testament to Europe’s layered history. At the centre of it lies Budapest — a city where Gothic grandeur meets post-imperial nostalgia, and the echoes of Roman legions, Ottoman rule, Habsburg royalty, and Soviet tanks still whisper through cobblestone streets.

1h ago

ALASKA a sanctuary of the soul

Would you go somewhere today, far, far away? A place so remote and isolated, so vast that the only thing left to focus on is the wilderness and its untouched beauty. A place where time feels irrelevant, and the horizon stretches forever. That place, for us, is Alaska.

3w ago

Nordic summer bliss

The Nordic summer stretches time -- golden evenings linger, and under the glow of the Midnight Sun, every moment feels both eternal and fleeting.

1m ago

Himba village: An oasis of peace in Kalahari

However, one of the most unforgettable experiences of this journey was our visit to a Himba village in northern Namibia, where time seemed to slow down.

3m ago

Madhya Pradesh: A journey into ancient India

Nestled in the very heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and nature. With its rich heritage, the state offers a unique window into ancient India. It hosts three Unesco World Heritage sites, 11 natural parks, 24 wildlife sanctuaries and six tiger reserves. However, the state, with all its archaeological sites, turned out to be a treasure trove to me, a traveller drawn to history.

6m ago

The Pamir Highway: A road trip to remember

Our journey began with the dream of exploring Central Asia in a motorhome, but time constraints and border challenges reshaped our plans.

8m ago

Visiting four African nations in 12 days

Time is the one thing we all want but can never get enough of. No matter how hard we try to hold onto it, it always slips away.

8m ago

A Day in Jaipur: A city of splendid forts, mahals and people

Since childhood, my imagination of Rajasthan was shaped by Satyajit Ray's classic detective film Sonar Kella -- a thrilling tale that masterfully captured the beauty, tradition, and history of this land of kings and forts.

9m ago
Weekend Read

Weekend Read

Where birds still find refuge

The sky hung low over Dhaka, wrapped in winter smog that blurred the sun and muffled the city's sounds. A heavy silence lingered as we made our way through the chaos of Sadarghat, boarding an overnight ferry bound for the coast. We were escaping the choking haze in search of open skies and tidal

6d ago

Rajshahi University: A haven for biodiversity amid urban sprawl

Spread across 753 acres, the campus teems with lush greenery, tranquil water bodies, and a surprising richness of wildlife.

2w ago

Where Nazrul’s flute still echoes

In the quiet corners of Trishal, Mymensingh, the spirit of Kazi Nazrul Islam lingers -- not just in memory, but in rhythm of rustling leaves, in the dust-laden paths of Namapara and Kazir Shimla, and in the whispers of an old banyan tree beneath which a young boy once played his flute.

3w ago

The organic shift

When Farzana Karim, a Dhaka-based HR professional, developed chronic acidity, she tried everything from antacids to Ayurvedic concoctions.

1m ago

JU in full bloom

On the campus of Jahangirnagar University, the season sings a different song.

1m ago

The rickshaw debate

For some, the battery-run vehicles are a time-efficient and cost-effective blessing; for others, they are a dangerous disruption to the already precarious traffic system.

1m ago

The art of the fix: How luggage repairers save your travel companion

There is something comforting about that familiar zip, the reassuring click of a sturdy wheel rolling across a polished airport floor, the reassuring heft of your suitcase as you navigate new cities and distant horizons.

1m ago

A Bangladeshi scientist's visit to Antarctica

A researcher, Fairuz Ishraque spends 69 days in the icy continent

2m ago