BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Lost in translation, looking for home

25 September 2026 • Books & Literature
I think what stayed with me most about R. F. Kuang’s Taipei Story was not its politics, its questions about diaspora, or even its fascination with a new language.

Literary Curtains / Patriarchy inversed: Reimagining Rokeya’s Ladyland in 2026

“Ladyland is not perfect,” remarks Sultana, one of the protagonists in the much awaited play, “Project Ladyland 2026”. Produced by HerStory Foundation in collaboration with the British Council and Women of the World Foundation, the play was greeted by a full house this weekend. Staged at the Bangladesh Mohila Samiti theatre, the performance made a splash on Friday, August 14.
Event Report / Special Discussion Marks Abul Hasnat’s Birth Anniversary: ‘Nabiner Shahittya: Shwapna O Shwapnabhongo’
19 July 2026
A special literary discussion titled ‘Nabiner Shahittya: Shwapna O Shwapnabhongo’ was held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. on the third floor of Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. This discussion was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of distinguished poet, essayist, and literary editor Abul Hasnat. The event brought together prominent writers and editors to discuss the literary pursuits of emerging authors and the pivotal role editors play in nurturing new literary voices.
News Report / Jamir Nazir wins 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize following AI review
3 July 2026
Set in rural Trinidad, “The Serpent in the Grove” explores themes of betrayal, survival and the resilience of a woman's will.

The Ethics of the Sacred in a mystic Poet

Shamim Reza's poetry is defined by an ethical and religious soul, an undoubtedly attribute of the legendary mystics of India. Gods not only summon us to sing to them, but they also ask us to share such ethics where love and sensuality are fused. That is, precisely, the great contribution of the Sufis and the Baüls. The poetry and artistic language proposed by Reza expresses the affections of a mystical land, its gods, its love for the sacred word and the sacred life that is the human life. Love is a way of expressing feelings, but also is a mechanism of philosophical and poetic knowledge. Love is a way of life: Poetry and music thus constitute an ethical way of living in community.
18 November 2022

Dear Mrs. Dalloway, I Will Be There

I am not ready to be a failure yet.
18 November 2022

In Iffat Nawaz’s debut novel, 1971 is not an open wound

Shurjo’s Clan uses magic realism to conjure Shurjomukhi’s freedom fighter uncles, who were martyred in Sylhet’s tea gardens during the 1971 Liberation War, and her grandmother, who took her own life shortly after the 1947 Partition. 
18 November 2022

Ramayana's evil stepmother redeemed in Vaishnavi Patel's 'Kaikeyi'

As a debut novel, Patel has done a remarkable job in crafting a compelling story through her richly descriptive writing. However, there is room for critique within the core premise of the novel.
17 November 2022

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: A relative’s perspective on an enigmatic hero

Nehru was revolted by Nazism and the persecution of Europe’s Jews. Bose…felt that the Indian struggle for freedom should override all other considerations.
17 November 2022

Bangladesh at the FOSWAL Literature Festival November 2022

FOSWAL (Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature) was initiated in 1987 and it has since been fostering the writers and literature of SAARC countries.
16 November 2022

HarperCollins union begins strike, citing wages, diversity

In recent years, entry- and mid-level employees throughout publishing have been increasingly vocal on social media about their unhappiness with wages, workloads and diversity.
14 November 2022

Leaf

A poem about the Fall.
13 November 2022

Himu taught me it was okay to not be normal

Himu not only made me look beyond goals that lead to a luxury of life, but he also taught me to enjoy the tiny bits that make life agreeable.
13 November 2022

An encounter with Sandeep Ray

"I have lifted from these stories. I’ve stolen from these stories. But you know, I’ve remade the characters so they don’t directly relate to anyone’s biography. But I cannot deny that a lot of the anecdotes, events and arc of the story come from certain family experiences", states Sandeep Ray.
12 November 2022

'IN SENSORIUM' BY TANAÏS: The scent of the motherland

The reader might have encountered in their grammar books that the pronoun ‘tara’ in cholito bhasha comes from its shadhu form ‘tahara’. For some of us, years of formal schooling has cemented this etymology in our heads, rendering us unable to find an alternate reality. Breaking these moulds, the author declares, “The word ‘they’ is tara, the word for star”, encouraging one to take a pause and consider these homographs in a new light.
12 November 2022

ULAB’s 6th literary salon discusses the local publishing scene

The event is being hosted today, October 12, between 5 and 7 pm at The Auditorium, 6th Floor of ULAB Research Building, House 56, Road 4/A Dhanmondi. It is open for all.
12 November 2022

The Greatest Irony of Lal Miah’s Life

JHALMURI (Puffed rice chaat) Preparation time: 2 minutes
11 November 2022

The Female Companion 

Not so easy to assure someone 
11 November 2022

The Old Man

After cremation everyone returned To their respective destination. The neighborhood was desolate 
11 November 2022

Oh Firebird, Can You Ever Fly Away from Us!

“Are you sure he can make it? The Rupsha in March is not safe, nor are the Sundarbans.”
11 November 2022

'Slam Poetry Nights', organised by SHOUTxDS Books, returns with gusto for its third installment

Around 17 participants took centre stage to perform their poetry at the event.
10 November 2022

Panihar Public Library: A heritage in ruins

A library containing more than 7702 periodicals, encyclopedias and books on literature, religion, poetry, science and economics—all wasting away from neglect.
10 November 2022

Baatighar sale for Humayun Ahmed Boi Mela

Baatighar Humayun Ahmed Boi Mela 2022 will span from November 5 to 15.
9 November 2022

5 new books we recommend this week

When you go to a book-store, it is often difficult to choose from the plethora of newly released books available. The following list should help when deciding what new books to buy.
8 November 2022
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