Zahid Akbar

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (February 26) presented the Ekushey Padak 2026 to nine distinguished individuals and the band Warfez in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national life, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.

Born on February 22, 1943, in Cumilla’s Daudkandi upazila, Gazi Mazharul Anwar wrote more than 20,000 songs over a remarkable six-decade career. From romantic melodies to patriotic anthems, his words shaped the golden era of Bangladeshi music and cinema.

Chondona also shared a personal insight into her late husband’s deepest artistic pride. “My personal feeling is that Ayub Bachchu would have been happier if his band LRB had received the award,” she said.

Both films are scheduled to be released during Eid al-Fitr. After completing portions of their shoots in Bangladesh, the teams moved to Sri Lanka for the next phase.

He praised the role the newspaper has played over the years in the country’s art, culture, and cinema.

A new year has begun. In the past year, a total of 46 Dhallywood films were released, of which only a handful managed to achieve commercial success. Audience turnout was largely concentrated around Eid releases, while a few other films earned appreciation from viewers and critics alike.

Throughout 2025, numerous songs were released in Bangladesh’s music scene, including tracks from films, OTT platforms, television dramas and Coke Studio Bangla.

Rumours of closure continue to swirl around Madhumita, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic cinema halls, located in Motijheel. Having celebrated its golden jubilee just three years ago, Madhumita has been a cornerstone of the city’s moviegoing culture since its inauguration on December 1, 1967.

Popular actresses Sabila Nur and Tasnia Farin have been dominating the Eid-ul-Azha box office with their commercial film releases, “Taandob” and “Insaaf”. Both films have sparked widespread discussions across social media and among filmgoers, mostly in praise of the actresses’ performances.

Six films were released across cinemas in Bangladesh this Eid. Among them, “Taandob”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Raihan Rafi, has led the charts from Eid day through the fifth day of the holiday. The film was released in 133 theatres nationwide, with midnight screenings (12am–3am) running in venues such as Chhaya Bani in Mymensingh, Rajtilok in Rajshahi, and Modhubon Cineplex in Bogura.

Sariful Razz’s latest film, “Insaaf”, directed by Sanjoy Somadder, was released this Eid-ul-Azha initially across 16 theatres in Bangladesh. With Tasnia Farin also in a leading role, the film features Mosharraf Karim in a key role.

Today, on 25th Boishakh, the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the legacy of his music continues to echo far and wide- not just in the hearts of Bengalis, but across the cinematic landscapes of both Bengal and Bollywood. While his poetry and songs remain an inseparable part of everyday life, Rabindra Sangeet has also found a cherished place in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, often adapted, referenced, or directly used to elevate cinematic storytelling.

Today marks the sixth death anniversary of legendary singer Subir Nandi, whose timeless voice continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. Though he passed away on May 7, 2019, his melodies remain ever-present—on the radio, across streaming platforms, or simply heard in passing—stirring memories and emotions among fans old and new.

Bangladeshi films “Borbaad” and “Daagi” have sustained packed audiences in theatres both locally and internationally, even twenty days after their Eid release.

A total of six movies were released during Eid-ul-Fitr this year. Among the songs from these films, “Chand Mama” from “Borbaad” and “Konna” from “Jinn 3” have each surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

For the first time, Jaya Ahsan is featured in any Bangladeshi web series, that too during the Eid festival. Such occasions made her festival even more special. The “Jimmi” actress shared how she spent her Eid day.

Two of Shakib Khan’s films were released in cinemas this Eid-ul-Fitr– “Borbaad” and “Antaratma”. Dhallywood's Superstar shared that he did not have any special plans on the occasion. However he spent time with family and friends which is one of the essential things he does at the festivals.

Actress Afia Nusrat Barsha had revealed her decision to step away from acting. However, for now, she is still working on the silver screen.  

This Eid-ul-Fitr, in addition to star-studded films, audiences can look forward to exciting web content, as major OTT platforms have curated special projects for the festive season. From intense dramas to light-hearted romantic comedies, the list includes "Amalnama" by Raihan Rafi, "Jimmi" by Ashfaque Nipun, and "How Sweet" by Kajal Arefin Ome, among others.

The interim government has nominated eight distinguished individuals for the 2025 Independence Award, recognising their outstanding contributions at the national level. Among the honourees is the King of Pop, Azam Khan, whose nomination has sparked widespread reactions on social media. A high-level government source confirmed the news today, Thursday.