Maisha Islam Monamee

The rise of social media has transformed the landscape of activism.

The music scene in South Asia has always been vibrant, but traditionally it has been dominated by the juggernaut of Bollywood soundtracks established by thriving labels. The industry is now witnessing a seismic shift, fueled by the democratising power of social media and the rise of short-form videos. Instagram reels have become a breeding ground for independent artistes who are bypassing traditional gatekeepers and building massive followings with their captivating narratives and infectious music.

The road to Hong Kong was not just about the thrill of competition; it was a profound learning experience that stretched beyond textbooks and classrooms.

Zabeer Zarif Akhter, a 17-year-old Bangladeshi student from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, has secured the national title in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition. His water purification system, crafted from recycled electronic waste, aims to tackle water pollution and waterborne diseases while promoting environmental responsibility.

"The Actuality of Fiction", a captivating solo exhibition by acclaimed Bangladeshi artist Uttam Kumar Roy is currently underway at Alliance Française de Dhaka. Curated by Mustafa Zaman, the exhibition opened its doors on July 5, and will continue until July 16.

The web content arena has recently witnessed a surge in the popularity of period pieces, transporting audiences to bygone eras filled with opulent costumes, grand estates, and intricate social codes. This trend has been significantly amplified by the recent success of Netflix’s "Bridgerton", a lavish reimagining of England during its Regency era. These period dramas offer a form of escapism, allowing viewers to temporarily step away from the complexities of modern life and immerse themselves in a world governed by dissimilarly archaic rules and norms. The luxurious settings, extravagant costumes, and often dramatic storylines provide a visual feast, transporting viewers to a time perceived as simpler, albeit not without its own set of stumbling blocks.

A hybrid model, offering both online and offline learning experiences, seems to be the answer. Online platforms provide interactive content and self-paced learning, while offline methods such as workshops, peer group discussions, and practical sessions foster hands-on learning and critical thinking.

Project Altair from the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) and Team Interplanetar from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has advanced to the final round of the international rover competition European Rover Challenge (ERC) 2024, to be held in Krakow, Poland, from September 6 to 8, 2024.

Directed by Pratish Mehta and produced by TVF (The Viral Fever), “Kota Factory” has captivated viewers with its realistic portrayal of the academic pressures and emotional struggles faced by IIT aspirants in Kota, Rajasthan. From its unique monochromatic visual style to its heartfelt storytelling, the Netflix series immerses viewers in the world of coaching centres and hostel life, offering a glimpse into the lives of those striving for excellence.

Here are our picks for refrigerator models you can buy for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 under the BDT 50,000 price tag. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

Read on for our picks of deep freezers you can buy for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 within the price range of BDT 40,000. Please keep in mind that pricing and availability may vary across stores.

Mrinal Sen, a pioneering figure of Indian cinema, continues to inspire artistic representation of social consciousness. Born on May 14, 1923, in Faridpur, his journey as a filmmaker traversed tumultuous socio-political landscapes. Through the composition of his illustrious career, he distinguished himself as a filmmaker of unparalleled vision and courage, particularly because his works transcended mere entertainment to embody profound social commentary.

Set in the fictional Nirmal Pradesh in India, “Laapataa Ladies’” premise follows Deepak (Sparsh Srivastav), a farmer, who mistakenly ends up with Jaya (Pratibha Ranta), another bride, instead of his newlywed wife Phool (Nitanshi Goel). The film however reveals itself as more than just a case of swapped identities on a train. It is a story about defying expectations and finding freedom, wrapped in a cloak of apt humour. Since returning to the director’s seat after 13 years, Kiran Rao thus weaves a hilarious tale of these two exchanged brides. The highlight of the film lies beneath the comedic chaos in powerful messages that point to the threads of patriarchy binding women in our society.

The robot, named Hades-X-ZeroThree, draws inspiration from Greek mythology. 

Resting Academy's "All That Weathers", currently underway at Drik Path Bhaban, is more than just a mere accumulated display of photography exhibition. It is a voyage through the heart of change — a tapestry woven with stories from the intimate landscapes of Bengal, Kashmir, and Central India.

Suranjana Bhattacharja's journey into the world of art took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with Dystrophy around a decade ago, causing partial disability in her left hand. Despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition, she found solace in her passion for sewing. Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, she ventured into stitched collage, a novel form of artistic expression. The inception of this exhibition can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Suranjana's life while residing in Montreal. Struck by the parallels between her own journey and that of renowned artists like Matisse, who persisted in creating despite physical limitations, she found renewed determination to pursue her craft.

Summer in Bangladesh is a scorcher. With temperatures soaring and humidity reaching uncomfortable levels, staying cool becomes a priority. As such, when it comes to choosing a cooling solution, you are faced with two main options: air conditioners (AC) and air coolers. But, which one should you go for?

While the film boasts charming performances and a visually appealing production, it ultimately struggles to navigate its blend of romance, science fiction, and family drama. The core concept of a human falling in love with a robot is undoubtedly thought-provoking, raising questions about identity, emotions, and the future of technology. It successfully touches upon interesting themes like artificial intelligence and societal perceptions of technology. Yet, being unable to delve deeper, the film leaves certain corners unexplored and rather open to interpretation for the audience. 

Aydha Mehnaz, a 29 year old Bangladeshi, has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Media and Marketing category. Aydha is VIP and Media Relations Lead at fashion brand Mugler, a French luxury fashion house owned by L’Oréal Group. Under her leadership, Mugler's media impact value soared from $58 million pre-Covid to now over $200 million, states Forbes. 

Each painting in the exhibition tells a unique story, inspired by folklore, mythology, and the artist’s own imagination. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to bustling village scenes and joyous Boishakh festivities, they offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, wonder, and timeless tradition. He employs a unique blend of folk motifs, indigenous symbols, and captivating fables, to weave a narrative enriched in cultural significance. Some paintings also have references to other art forms, like nakshi katha and rickshaw painting, to name a few.