Afsana Aziz Nitol

Many brave souls, both men and women, fought for our mother language Bangla during the 1952 Language Movement. However, the names of women language fighters hardly appear in written history.

The Ekushey Grantha Mela plays an essential role in the life of cover artist and illustrator, Sarah Toufika. She believes that the books published in the fair every year, bring immense joy in readers' lives.

To celebrate the menstrual cycle through music, dance, and art, Jatra Bangladesh Limited has organised a five-day long festival titled Lal. The festival, providing a platform for women to talk about menstruation openly, started on the night of full moon on February 19.

Cover artists across the country become extremely busy during the month of February, and Kheya Mezba Shormi is no different.

Cover artist Indira Sarker Chaity has devoted her life to art since childhood. When her fellow classmates aspired to be doctors and engineers, she dreamt of filling her canvas with creativity.

An Indian and Bangladeshi collaborative lyrical-musical-dance ensemble, titled Madhur Basanta, was recently held at the main auditorium of Chhayanaut. Indira Gandhi Cultural Center (IGCC), in collaboration with Indian High Commission, Bangladesh, organised the event to celebrate spring in Bangladesh.

Actor, dancer and a writer, Ashna Habib Bhabna, is often struck by the little things of everyday life. Aspiring to tell the stories that affect her so deeply, Bhabna recently published a book titled Tara in this year's Ekushey Boi Mela. In an interview with The Daily Star, she talks about her new book, and other projects.

In 1963, music exponent, educationist and Ekushey Padak winner Pandit Barin Mazumder, founded the Government Music College in Agargaon, Dhaka. To commemorate the 98th birth anniversary of the maestro, Government Music College recently organised a two-day long music festival titled Pandit Barin Mazumder Sangeet Utshab 2019, at its premises.

Her love for those colourful book covers stayed the same after all these years. Using mostly watercolour wash techniques, Keya now designs book-covers that spark the interest of many readers. She also uses acrylic paints and pencils for her work.

This year, in the Ekushey Boi Mela, Tirtho has designed covers of books by renowned writers, including the likes of Habibullah Siraji and Khasru Choudhury.

Cover artist Niaz Chowdhury Tuli has been designing books for the Ekushey Grantha Mela since the last 19 years. “I have worked for each Boi Mela since 2000 with utmost sincerity. Passion makes one do so,” says the artist.

Professional Photographers Affiliation Bangladesh (PPAB) organised Bangladesh Photographers Award 2019, which is a part of World Photographic Cup 2019 – an international photo competition.

The tenth edition of Chobi Mela launches on February 28, 2019. In a press conference held yesterday at Drik's new gallery in Panthapath, the organisers updated the media on the upcoming programme. The festival will continue with many happenings till March 9.

A 100-minute drama of a love triangle, filled with jealousy, passion and emotions, was recently staged at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Titled Irsha, the play was staged by theatre troupe Prangonemor.

The mysteries of the parallel universe called 'the upside down' will continue to unfold this year with Netflix releasing the third season

The play was directed by Afrin Huda, a lecturer at Jagannath University. She also played the role of Khodeja, the wife of a zamindar. Her headstrong, vocal and confident attitude stood out throughout the play.

The many incidents of sexual harassment and discrimination were depicted through a dance performance titled, Dohon – Burning, at EMK Center recently.

Last Tuesday, an adaptation of English dramatist J B Priestley's play, An Inspector Calls, directed by Naila Azad, was staged at Bangladesh Mahila Samiti.

On December 10, the premises of Hotel Galesia and Resort Limited in Banani was filled with art, music, poetry and good vibes. The day was dedicated to all the women who were victims of sexual violence and assault.

Sporsho, founded by Nazia Jabeen, is the first organisation in Bangladesh to publish Braille books for visually impaired children. The founder of Sporsho and writer, Nazia Jabeen, was recently awarded for her outstanding contribution to the field of social welfare.