The top fifty contestants of Flora Bank Miss Universe 2020, have been selected. According to Miss Universe Bangladesh organisers, the competition saw a total of 9,256 registrations this year.

`cMarking Solidarity Day, students of the ninth batch of Pathshala honoured Ashrafi, also known as the Chobiwala of Bihari Camp Bazaar at “Chobi Mela Shunno''. A temporary studio was set up at the rooftop of DrikPath Bhobon, which not only allowed the audience to interact with the photographer, but also to get soaked in nostalgia. In a candid conversation, Ashrafi shared his story with The Daily Star.

“[Off] Limits”, a group exhibition currently underway in “Chobi Mela Shunno” at DrikPath Bhobon, features projects by fourteen South Asian artistes. As a part of the festival’s intention of celebrating and promoting art, the photographs on display focus on life amidst the pandemic, while also looking back at the past to reminiscence over elements that have been forgotten.

Najmun Nahar Keya’s artistic journey began in Old Dhaka, where she grew up in the midst of beautiful architectural wonders and a family that encouraged her creative aspirations. Her artworks exhibit her inclination towards nostalgic memories, associated with archival photographs of her family, architectural beauty, new materials, recent societal and global political events, and personal experiences. Keya co-curated many shows before, but her first ever solo curated show is “Frozen Song”, an exhibition inspired by architect Bashirul Haq, currently underway at “Chobi Mela Shunno”.

Noted music composer Ali Hossain, creator of songs like “Osru Diye Lekha E Gaan”, and “Holud Bato Mendi Bato”, breathed his last at a hospital in the United States of America on Tuesday at 4:15 pm (local time).

Starting his career with the blockbuster "Kashem Malar Prem", noted actor S M Aslam Talukder, known by his stage name Manna, starred in numerous hits throughout his career. Today marks his 13th death anniversary.

In the podcast episode, ‘Contemporary Dissent – Echoes of the 80’s’ by “Chobi Mela Shunno'', Lotte Hoek and Catherine Masud share their experiences, looking back at their journeys in the late 1980’s and early 2000’s in Bangladesh. They talk about the parallels and differences in their journeys.

''Chobi Mela Shunno'', currently underway at DrikPath Bhobon, celebrated Solidarity Day on February 15. A panel discussion featuring female journalists and photojournalists was held on that day. Moderated by Saydia Gulrukh, the discussion featured Joyeeta Roy, staff journalist at Bangladesh Protidin, Sabina Yasmine, staff photojournalist at Prothom Alo, Sadia Marium, member of the Kaali collective and Zyma Islam, staff reporter at The Daily Star.

The birth centenary celebration of late eminent classical music exponent Pandit Barin Mazumder was observed at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday.

The special edition of Chobi Mela features a series of podcasts that include themes ranging from collective narratives to echoes of the 80s, thinking contexts, conversations and many more sharing of ideas in and around defining and (re)defining the meaning and interpretation of images. The podcast series is curated by artiste Munem Wasif who handpicked speakers ranging from artists to curators, filmmakers, writers, musicians and others.

The sixth episode of the podcast series of “Chobi Mela Shunno” was released online yesterday (February 15). Speakers of the session were filmmakers Shaheen Dill-Riaz and Nurul Alam Atique. It was hosted by Munim Wasif.

The coronavirus pandemic changed the world in ways that were unexpected. The advent of the phrase, 'new normal’ caught up rapidly. These days, we enter a bank with our faces covered in masks, offices have online meetings and work from home options, and educational institutes conduct online classes and exams. Similarly, dance classes also shifted online.

A usually nonchalant Kona Café was brimming with people celebrating Valentine ’s Day and Pahela Falgun with their loved ones – with a warm cup of beverage and some good music. People of all ages were eager to witness Elita & Friends perform at the establishment, situated inside the premises of Lakeshore Hotel.

A usually nonchalant Kona Café was brimming with people celebrating Valentine ’s Day and Pahela Falgun with their loved ones – with a warm cup of beverage and some good music. People of all ages were eager to witness Elita & Friends perform at the establishment, situated inside the premises of Lakeshore Hotel.

Happening now at the newly opened DrikPath Bhobon at Panthapath, “Chobi Mela Shunno'' has successfully created a space for artists, thinkers, activists, and visionaries in self-reflective, experimental processes. “Frozen Song'', an exhibition of the festival, depicts the diversity and transformation of Drik and Pathshala. It is inspired by Bashirul Haq, the architect of DrikPath Bhobon.

Baba Betar, an art radio and contemporary sound archive, started its journey in March 2020, during the countrywide shutdown, induced by the pandemic. It is being aired every day from 8 pm to 10 pm at this year’s “Chobi Mela”, on the festival’s website. Tomorrow (February 16) will be celebrated as “Baba Betar Day” at the event.

Chattogram-based visual artist Zihan Karim has curated a show at “Chobi Mela” for the second time. This year, the festival welcomes an energetic ensemble of South Asian artists to explore how they are dealing with these uncertain times.

Ayman Sadiq is one of the most popular and respected teachers and entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.

In August 2020, Sayeeda Khanam, the first professional female photographer of Bangladesh, breathed her last at the age of 83. To commemorate her legacy and her journey, Chobi Mela 2021 arranged a solo exhibition of her work.

We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with the arrival of spring. With that in mind, The Daily Star brings you a compilation of some notable television shows that will be aired in the country.