The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Dhaka University is set to honour renowned Bangladeshi playwright Islam Uddin Palakar with the prestigious Natyajon Shommanona 2024 for his lifelong contribution to the nation’s indigenous theatre. 

Young artists have utilised their creativity to address pressing issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, and the need to challenge outdated societal norms. Through their powerful work, they convey a strong commitment to driving change and transforming individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Munier Chowdhury is the one behind the nation receiving such a great actor. He, who encouraged Ferdousi Majumdar to act, unfortunately, couldn’t see his sister’s success. “That saddens me the most. My last memory of him is from 1971 when we had moved across the border (to India). Many people had advised him to leave as well, but he would say, ‘Why should I go? I haven’t harmed anyone.’ I remember his words very clearly. It was for those very words that he was cruelly murdered. I never even got to see his body.”

Jamil Ahmed’s remarks, although unofficial, have ignited outrage within the cultural community, with many interpreting it as a dangerous precedent.

Jamil Ahmed confirmed that this was not an official directive. However, his comments have sparked a social media backlash, with many theatre artists criticising the suggestion. Numerous posts have emerged condemning Jamil’s stance, with some also alleging that fellow veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar had been given similar advice.

The prestigious Munier Choudhury Award will be bestowed upon the distinguished stage actor and singer Shimul Yousuf, while the Mohammad Zakaria Memorial Award will be awarded to Jahangir Alam, a talented actor from the troupe Prachyanat, reads a press release.

Reaching the 3rd level of Bengal Shilpalay, the first art piece greeting me in the lift lobby with its unique appearance was "Ria Moni", a tower constructed with children's toys. Created by Afsana Sharmin, this sculpture is a memorial for the six-year-old Riya Gope, who was shot dead on her apartment's rooftop during the Student Against Discrimination (SAD) Movement, leaving her family devastated. An intimidating installation with bamboo, sharp objects, water lilies, and severed doll parts is her way of visualising the movement. 

For his final act, Dutt chose to turn to William Shakespeare, reimagining “King Lear” in a contemporary context, which he titled “Aro Ekta Lear” (Another Lear).

As I stepped into the Central Shaheed Minar late in the afternoon, I was greeted with the jovial and embracing atmosphere of feminists from all corners of the city— and perhaps even beyond. Most were decked out in orange and red sarees, seemingly in line with a theme for the day. Some were even in work mode, going live on social media platforms to share updates on behalf of their organisations.

With a visionary mission to elevate Bangladeshi art to the global stage, Platforms Gallery is gearing up for its inaugural appearance at the prestigious Tokyo International Art Fair, set to take place on November 29 and 30. The works of three Bangladeshi artists—Auntora Mehrukh Azad, Fakhrul Islam Mazumder Shakil, and Tariqul Islam Herok—will be showcased at this global event.  

The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.

The committee will serve until December 2026. The decision was approved during the association’s first general meeting, attended by 80 of the 170 registered members, held at the National Theatre Auditorium in the capital, reads a press release.

Alliance Française de Dhaka is set to host a distinctive exhibition featuring traditional musical instruments handcrafted by Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Titled “Symphony of Healing”, the exhibition will officially open on November 25 at 6pm at La Galerie in Dhanmondi.

In a lively celebration of cultural exchange, a distinguished nine-member ensemble from Dhaka’s esteemed dance academy, “Kolpotoru,” showcased Bangladesh’s artistic heritage at the illustrious “Bali Yatra Festival 2024” in India. The performance was held at the invitation of the Government of India. 

The play has garnered acclaim for its poignant exploration of societal inequalities. Between 2001 and 2005, “Nityapurana” was staged 86 times across Bangladesh and abroad. 

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced seven priority programmes, including a nationwide talent hunt and a youth festival, to reignite the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.

The name of the late legendary artist Kazi Abdul Baset stands strong among the intellectuals who contributed significantly to Bangladesh's artistic and cultural progress even before independence. In tribute to the drawings and paintings he created from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, a solo exhibition titled “Brishti-te Roder Kona” is currently being hosted at Bengal Shilpalay. The Bengal Arts Program has curated the exhibition.

With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.

In a letter signed by renowned director Mamunur Rashid and dated Tuesday, the committee highlighted significant challenges in collaborating with the federation's central leadership.

The everlasting beauty of Bengal and her women, the past relics, and the present elements are currently assembled at Lone Star College Art Gallery, City of Tomball, Texas — creating a window from the USA, across the Atlantic, to Bangladesh. Tasnuva Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American visual artist has adorned the walls of the gallery with her heritage, memoir, and artistry for her second solo exhibition titled “Bengal Bliss and Harmony”. The event, curated by Jill Brumer, chair of the Fine Arts Department at Lone Star College and associate professor of Drama, is currently taking place in Texas.