Dowel Biswas

The much-anticipated annual Nazrul Utsav 2025 kicked off yesterday, celebrating the philosophies of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet whose works embody a powerful message of secularism, humanity, and unity. The two-day festival, organised by the Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha (BNSS) at the Chhayanaut premises, is scheduled to run from 5pm to 9:30pm, featuring performances by over 100 artistes from Bangladesh.

Eminent Bangladeshi artist and creator of the iconic "Tokai"character, Professor Rafiqun Nabi, was denied access to the stage at an art exhibition at the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. The event, held yesterday, was meant to celebrate and showcase the talents of emerging artists from the university's Department of Drawing and Painting. However, what unfolded left many questioning the university’s priorities.

In a career that spanned over six decades, Zakir Hussain worked with not just India’s musical stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also legends like George Harrison and Van Morrison.

The Bangabandhu International Conference Centre glittered last night as celebrities, influencers, and artistes gathered for the third edition of the coveted Blender’s Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards.

In a country where a sense of freedom has barely returned after over a decade of suppression, the question of a writer’s role looms large.

Shayan’s work is a blend of personal reflection and sharp social commentary, involving themes from lost relationships to biting political critiques. In songs like “Jonotar Beyadobi”, “Bhoy Banglay Bhoy”, “Ei Meye Shon”, and “O Neta Bhai”, she speaks not just of struggles, but of hope for a better world, calling for collective action against injustice.

As we celebrate the artiste’s 80th birth anniversary and reflect on four years since we lost him, we remember Aly Zaker as more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not merely entertainment—it is the heartbeat of life itself, shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world.

For over three decades, Bappa has been an invaluable asset to the country's music industry, and he continues to work on several projects, including his latest song “Shohorer Chokh”. Additionally, the musician launched a Bangla Ghazal album, titled “Onubhob”, just yesterday.

Known by various titles—“The Poet of Love” and “Poet of Ruposhi Bangla”—Jibanananda's metaphysical and magically realist verses have enchanted countless readers and audiences. His influence spills over from literature into cinema, inspiring iconic works from the 90s rock band Moheener Ghoraguli to films like Sayantan Mukherjee’s “Jhora Palok” and Robiul Alam Robi’s “Moribar Holo Taar Shwaad.”

Dhaka city seems to have experienced a juxtaposition of tradition and trepidation during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.

Kafka's “The Metamorphosis”, published in 1915, remains one of the most unsettling yet profound explorations of alienation and existential dread. The novella's iconic opening—“One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect”—sets the tone for a story that delves deep into the absurdity of human existence and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

Political cartoons played a pivotal role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, transforming the revolution with artistic brilliance and courage.

As we are still counting down on our losses, the vandalism and destruction that took place at Joler Gaan frontman Rahul Ananda’s residence on Monday (July 5) afternoon has devastated many cultural activists and people at large.

It’s incredible how the same slogans, songs, anthems, and the spirit of Bengali nationalism and the Liberation War of 1971 are being echoed both on the streets and in assemblies, but this time with supporting views on the ongoing quota reform movement that has gripped the nation for the past month. Bengal has always been a land where political resurgence has stood on the stronghold of its culture.

The rally was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and reform in Bangladesh, highlighting the role of visual media professionals in amplifying the call for accountability and change.

As the country grapples with the ongoing quota reform protests, starting from July 1 and now on its 14th day, this song serves as a poignant reminder of the power and spirit of resistance. The government's heavy-handed response to peaceful protests, marked by violence and oppressive crackdowns, draws unsettling parallels to the struggles faced by countless others in the pursuit of justice and equality.

To make a film is to tell a story, and when it's a cumulation of collective consciousness, to find common social grounds, values, and ordinary yet telltale stories that create the base of development of human thought and psyche is a perfect example of a much needed social and cultural commentary.

From the heart-wrenching sacrifice of her son during the Liberation War to her relentless pursuit of justice for the thousands of Bengali mothers who also lost their children, Imam's struggle and determination were unwavering. Her fight didn't end with the war; it continued with a revolution aimed at ensuring that the most despicable traitors in Bengali history, the war criminals, faced appropriate punishment. Her unwavering commitment transformed personal tragedy into a national movement for justice and accountability.