Liberation War

Our Victory Day and the questions of equality, justice, and human dignity

Bangladesh's hard-won independence, achieved through the Liberation War in 1971, remains the most defining political event in our history.

Duronto TV marks 7 years of nurturing young minds

Duronto TV, the nation’s premier children’s television network, is entering its eighth year since its inception. 

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Otherness and invisible identities

'The Hippo Girl and Other Stories' holds up a mirror to a society that judges and ridicules those that do not adhere to its shortsighted vision of a homogenised culture.

Photography exhibition / ‘Rise of Nation’: Liberation War through the ‘eyes’ of refugees at Raghu Rai’s exhibition

Stranger to none, Indian photojournalist and member of the prestigious Magnum Photos, Raghu Rai has been a notable figure in the documentation of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. On May 5 this year, “Rise of Nation”-- an exhibition featuring both released and unreleased photos of the artiste commenced in the capital’s Zainul Gallery, situated at the Faculty of Fine Arts in the University of Dhaka. 

Rise of a Nation

“We hardly hear people talking about how lucky we are to be an independent nation. How incredible it is that we earned our freedom. Without understanding the trauma and struggles we endured to earn our freedom, the new generation cannot truly appreciate it.”

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / ‘Father of the Nation Bangabandhu’ marries the art of Japanese storytelling with the rich tapestry of Bangladesh’s history

A review of 'Father of the Nation Bangabandhu' (NRB Scholars, 2024) by ME Chowdhury Shameem and Iwamoto Keita

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Navigating culture, history, and nostalgia in ‘My Life in Tea’

Review of Anwarul Azim’s book ‘My Life in Tea’ (The University Press Limited, 2023)

THE SHELF / 10 political biographies to read during the general elections

While history has never been a one-man show, viewing it through the eyes of influential leaders can lend us a bigger picture.

Can a free, fair election liberate us from depraved politics?

Can we really believe that this election, regardless of which side wins, offers us any real choice or hope for things to get better?

December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023

Mr Moti

The monsoons have passed. Moti has grown so healthy, so strong and so big that no other cocks even dare to be near him.

December 14, 2023
December 14, 2023

What’s holding the world back from recognising the 1971 genocide?

The 1971 genocide in Bangladesh is also called the “forgotten genocide”

November 17, 2023
November 17, 2023

Screening of ‘Ajob Chele’ begins at Star Cineplex

The government-funded film will revolve around a 16-year-old youth, portrayed by Ridwan Siddique, who walks throughout the country amidst 1971’s Liberation War and about the experiences he gathers on his journey toward freedom.

October 18, 2023
October 18, 2023

Bangladesh Genocide of 1971: Time for the West to walk the talk

The genocide that Pakistan’s occupational forces committed in Bangladesh in 1971 has yet to get due recognition.

September 19, 2023
September 19, 2023

The records of resilience

Much of the reminiscences in The Murti Boys encompass the grittiness of staving off the Pakistanis with little weaponry and a great deal of quick thinking. 

July 7, 2023
July 7, 2023

“Fragile Things”: How ghosts and spirituality make it into writing

Participants, including the show’s hosts and guests, picked up discarded pebbles, photo frames, children’s artwork, and other knick knacks—all fragile things collected and displayed by the author. 

June 15, 2023
June 15, 2023

Can we process trauma through writing?

Iffat Nawaz, together with The Daily Star’s Books & Literary Editor, Sarah Anjum Bari, will discuss the act and impact of processing traumatic memories through writing. 

June 15, 2023
June 15, 2023

‘Letting jamaat return’: Will be suicidal for the nation

The government’s decision to allow Jamaat-e-Islami back in active politics, instead of bringing it to book for its 1971 role, will be suicidal for the ruling Awami League and above all, the country, said freedom fighters, families of the martyrs and war crimes researchers.

May 20, 2023
May 20, 2023

Chuknagar: A shocking savagery

It was around 11:00am on May 20, 1971.

May 18, 2023
May 18, 2023

When the message of Bangladesh’s liberation travelled on two wheels

Jamal Hasan and his three teammates decided to go on a goodwill mission for the fledgling state to thank the people of the world for supporting their Liberation War.