To commemorate the historic July Uprising, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has organised a month-long series of programmes aimed at reviving the spirit of the movement. As part of the initiative, a special event was held yesterday (July 14) at the Central Shaheed Minar, featuring a cultural programme and a musical drone show.
Written and directed by Ilias Nabi Faisal, “Agni Shrabon” arrives with a quiet urgency. Staged with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the play explores cycles of power, resistance, and the enduring human desire for peace.
At the heart of the play is the tragic trial of the Greek philosopher Socrates, whose unwavering pursuit of truth and reason led to a death sentence handed down by 501 jurors in ancient Athens. Accused of corrupting the youth and rejecting the state-sanctioned gods, Socrates could have chosen exile or even escaped. But instead, he accepted his fate and drank hemlock with stoic resolve, a moment immortalised in both philosophy and theatre.
Based on a popular tale from the Khulna region, the play will be performed today (June 16) at 7pm at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Marking the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to host “Ananda Utsab” at the Nandan Mancha of the academy. Supported by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the programme will take place on Friday, 6 June, at 7pm.
More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.
The festival received an overwhelming response, with 322 film submissions from across the country. After careful consideration by the selection committee, 89 films were chosen for screening—60 fictional shorts and 29 documentaries. These films were selected based on their artistic merit, storytelling prowess, and relevance to contemporary social issues.
Today marks the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. A powerful force in Bengali literature and culture, Nazrul's fiery words, revolutionary spirit, and undying call for equality continue to resonate in the hearts of millions. In honour of his life and legacy, a vibrant array of nationwide events and television programmes has been organised, celebrating Nazrul’s timeless contribution.
To mark the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has organised a simultaneous cultural festival across six districts, including Dhaka, for today at 7pm. While the Buddhist holiday falls on May 11 this year, the festivities are scheduled a day in advance.
A standout moment of the evening was the rendition of the well-known wartime song “Smuglyanka”, with Chernukhin’s piano evoking a mood of tenderness and longing.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Little, Brown and Company, 1929), a semi-autobiographical novel authored by a German World War I veteran, Erich Maria Remarque, is one of the greatest anti-war works of literature—one that was published nearly a century back and still holds relevance today
Multiple theatre troupes claim they applied to book shows during these “reserved” slots — and were denied. When the list of reservations became public, the frustration spilled onto social media. On the Facebook group “Theatre Connection,” theatre activist Zubair Zahid posted a blunt question: “What kind of artistic practice requires 54 working days across three auditoriums?”
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched three specialised training workshops today, under the management of its Training Department. The inaugural event took place at 10 AM at the academy premises, officially opened by A.F.M. Nurur Rahman, Director of the Training Department.
The Chaitra Sankranti Band Show and Cultural Programme officially commenced this afternoon at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, celebrating the end of the Bengali calendar year with a vibrant celebration of traditional music and modern performances.
Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
To celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a Chand raat special musical event. The programme will take place today at 7 pm at Nandan Mancha, featuring performances by Emon Chowdhury, Nancy, and Qawwal Ahmed Noor Ameri. Ameri is well-known for his expertise in Qawwali and Maizbhandari music.
The Bangladesh Short Film Forum (BSFF) has organised a memorial event in honour of filmmaker, film activist, and educator Zahidur Rahim Anjan, who previously served as the organisation’s president.
Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).
The three-day Burning Crab Festival came to a close, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the hill tracts and coastal regions. Hosted at the Mermaid Beach Resort, the event featured six stages, each showcasing a diverse array of performances.
