Selim Al Deen, perhaps the most celebrated name of Bangladeshi theatre in the post-Rabindranath era, was born on August 18, 1949. The playwright, fondly called Natyacharya, is credited with ushering in a new era in our theatre scene through his plays and extensive research in the field.

Political cartoons played a pivotal role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, transforming the revolution with artistic brilliance and courage.

Neatly curated by veteran ASM Rezaur Rahman, even without a single line of caption on the gallery walls, one could effortlessly relate to the silent yet atmospheric reverberation of the photographs. These images adorning the gallery's walls capture snippets of life in Bangladesh, from recaps of resilience to the messes we've created, depicting lives that go on but also leave questions.

Theatre activists and practitioners have called for an investigation into allegations of corruption, nepotism, misconduct, and political bias against Liaquat Ali Lucky, the former director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy who has recently resigned.

On Monday (August 12), Lucky submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, as confirmed by Salahuddin Ahmed, Secretary of the Shilpakala Academy. The resignation was submitted via WhatsApp, the secretary informed The Daily Star.

Chobir Hat, a longstanding hub for students and progressives, reopened after a decade-long closure, symbolising much more than a physical space—it embodies a cultural spirit. The inaugural concert of the “newly independent Bangladesh”, titled “Awaaz Uda-Kotha Ko”, has recently taken place at Chobir Hat in Suhrawardy Udyan.

Eminent photographer, activist, and journalist Shahidul Alam, who has established himself as a force of integrity, is also someone who is profoundly revered by the informed populace. Today, however, his red bicycle was stolen when he attended the event “Shrishtir Shadhinotay Shahoshi Bangladesh” (Brave Bangladesh for freedom of art) at Central Shaheed Minar.

With every brushstroke, SM Sultan brought the rural landscape and the essence of nature to life, capturing their beauty with unparalleled vividness.

The "Colours for Reform" campaign, which kicked off in the Science Lab area yesterday, comprises over 50 artists and 300 volunteers. The campaign seeks to preserve meaningful graffiti painted during the protests while refreshing Dhaka's walls with messages of hope and unity.

In the absence of the city's usual traffic management, a group of students have taken matters into their own hands. From directing vehicles to repainting the urban landscape, the young students are transforming Dhaka's streets in unexpected ways.

The artists demanded swift action to protect citizens and end the violence that became rampant following the cessation of the former government body. They highlighted that miscreants have been setting fires, vandalising, and looting in various parts of Bangladesh, including state structures, police stations, and historical landmarks like Dhaka University's Swadhinata Chattar and the historical Shashi Lodge in Mymensingh.

As we are still counting down on our losses, the vandalism and destruction that took place at Joler Gaan frontman Rahul Ananda’s residence on Monday (July 5) afternoon has devastated many cultural activists and people at large.

Under the platform titled “Artistes Against Genocide and Oppression”, a diverse group comprising visual artistes, photographers, performance artistes, musicians, poets, writers, researchers, architects, and art organisers, organised this rally of resistance. Their gathering was a response to the recent turmoil surrounding the quota reform protests, which have led to wholesale arrests and indiscriminate killings.

Nearly all multiplex and single-screen cinemas, including Star Cineplex and Lion Cinemas, have been closed for over a week due to the national crisis.

What defines a thought? Is it a solitary idea or several notions intertwined within themselves? Can a thought exist in isolation? Perhaps, thoughts are hardly innate, rather they are perceived uniquely in a continuous chaotic dialogue within the mind.

"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.

On July 6, the troupe held a grand ceremony on the eve of its founding anniversary at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theatre Hall to present the Loko Natyadal Award 2021-22 to six distinguished theatre personalities.

In the wake of two triumphant editions, the third edition of the exhibition of the principal local event celebrating the practice of photojournalism in the country, the “Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2024”, lifted its curtains yesterday. While the exhibition is taking place on the second floor, the inaugural event took place in the house-full eighth-floor gallery of the capital's DrikPath Bhobon.

Highlighting the festivities, the 200th performance of "Sonai Madhab" will be staged on July 13. Additionally, the troupe plans to premiere a new play and host a theatre festival later this year.

To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of the esteemed educationist, diplomat, and intellectual, the late Professor Khan Sarwar Murshid, a press conference was held today at the National Press Club.