books

Taliban govt clearing 'un-Islamic' books from Afghanistan shelves

In October, the ministry announced the commission had identified 400 books "that conflicted with Islamic and Afghan values, most of which have been collected from the markets".

THE SHELF / 8 books to read in celebration of Women in Translation month

Women in Translation Month is an annual celebration that toasts to women authors from around the globe who write in languages other than English

Books / The book that rebelled: Arek Falgun by Zahir Raihan

The book is not only ardent in its refusal of authority but also speaks of detaching oneself from aspects of one’s life that add meaning in the pursuit of revolution.

Book recommendations on post-independence history of Bangladesh

A list of books that might help you get started on the political climate of Bangladesh after 1971

THE SHELF / 4 books I was grateful to read this year

It's true, I feel differently about books that I previously disliked or enjoyed reading and books that I want as a physical presence in my life

Where is my dictionary?

The recent internet blackout in Bangladesh put a spotlight on an often-forgotten tool: the dictionary. For writers and anyone who relies on crafting basic-level English communications, the lack of digital access was a stark reminder of our dependency on the internet.

REFLECTIONS / The tiny space between science and literature

"Growing to love something, and allowing that to change me is not immediate, it is not profound. Nor is it something caused just by reading a handful of books"

THE SHELF / Book-to-screen adaptations to look forward to in the second half of 2024

The first half of this year has treated us with some truly amazing book-to-screen adaptations like Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, A Gentleman in Moscow, and Ripley. The second half is also unlikely to disappoint. Here are some book-to-screen adaptations to pack the rest of your year with.

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Unseen chains of consequences

When a few boys arrive at the couple’s flat to seek out their college-going daughter, Rekha, the parents are thrown into a whirlwind of adventure.

April 9, 2024
April 9, 2024

5 of your favourite iftar items as books

The youthful adventurers in the story spare no effort in unravelling a mystery that proves as elusive as the unyielding strands of jilapi, while also exploring deeper, sweeter themes such as friendship.

March 23, 2024
March 23, 2024

In conversation with Shazia Omar: Fiction, wellness, readership, and everything in between

'I would like to see more writing coming out of Bangladesh,' Shazia Omar said. 'We are still behind'

March 13, 2024
March 13, 2024

A country coming to life

Weaving the grand themes of politics and history, the book is a revelation into how the ordinary lives within a country are buffeted by constant changes.

March 7, 2024
March 7, 2024

Bangladesh beyond geopolitics in a new multipolar world: what’s new in foreign policy trajectory?

Both the China and India factors in Bangladesh’s foreign policy decisions, as identified in Li Jianjun and Deb Mukharji’s chapters, will be continuously evolving and contributing factors that would perhaps influence Bangladesh’s policies with other countries as well.

March 3, 2024
March 3, 2024

D's Bistro unveils 'Golper Provat' in celebration of international mother language day

The stage was then graced by accomplished writers, each sharing unique insights. Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the importance of entertaining communication for writers.

February 29, 2024
February 29, 2024

A tale of existential crisis in the modern world

The plot sheds light on a privileged modern experience where time stands still, stopping the clock as the days and nights roll and go.

February 27, 2024
February 27, 2024

Has the Boi Mela been reduced to photographic aesthetics and vacuous controversies?

In the last few years, there has been a paradigm shift in the traditional book fair culture. The commercialisation and curation of hyper nationalist books have led to the absence of literature and stories of “others”.

February 26, 2024
February 26, 2024

Ekushey Boi Mela: Children's books and what to expect

With only a few days to go, there’s still a chance to take the younger ones to the book fair and check out the wide range of books available

February 25, 2024
February 25, 2024

BTS of Ekushey Boi Mela: Is our publishing industry overly reliant on one event?

Most publishing companies in Bangladesh are not big enough for them to have a fully functioning marketing team or a viable marketing strategy.

February 24, 2024
February 24, 2024

Dynamics of race and riches in ‘Such a Fun Age’

In the thick of it is a young woman of colour who’s a late bloomer and eventually finds her footing.