Arts-&-Culture
Rabindranath Tagore’s 82nd death anniversary being observed
Today marks the 82nd death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European and Bengali poet to win the Nobel Prize for literature, and widely revered as the "World's Poet".
According to the Gregorian calendar, Tagore died at the age of 80 on August 7 in 1941; however, his death anniversary is traditionally observed on 22nd Srabon according to the Bangla calendar.
The day has always been observed with extensive programs in a befitting manner as a tradition in both Bangladesh and India's West Bengal.
Also read: Tagore’s 162nd birth anniversary on Monday
To observe the day, cultural organizations and government, non-government institutions are paying their respective tributes with virtual events, featuring several noted artists, Tagore enthusiasts, and scholars.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will organise a programme titled 'Rabindranath o Bangabandhu' at its National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium at 6:30 pm.
Chhayanaut, the country's esteemed cultural institution, will arrange an event titled "Aghaat Kore Niley Jiney" at Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban in Dhaka's Dhanmondi at 7 pm.
Besides, television channels, namely Bangladesh Television, Channel i, Banglavision and others will air special programmes.
Also read: Tagore, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin revisited at DU, ULAB
Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi will stream a Facebook live program at 7:30 pm. The online event will feature songs, dance, recitation, and discussions, and it will be joined by Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, Azizul Huq, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi General Secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan, and Assistant General Secretary Iqbalul Haque Khan, among others.
Youngest of thirteen surviving children of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi, Rabindranath was born on 25th Baishakh, 1268 according to the Bangla calendar (May 7, 1861, according to the Gregorian calendar) in the Jorasanko mansion at Calcutta, British India.
Also referred to as the "Bard of Bengal”, Tagore composed over 2,000 songs which created a separate genre known as "Rabindra Sangeet". Besides, he wrote a total of eight novels, 84 short stories, and volumes of poems in his prolific literary career spanning almost seven decades.
Also read: Tagore’s 161st birth anniversary celebrated with in-person events after 2 years
He envisioned and founded the Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan in 1921 in order to strengthen the practice of culture and literature in the broader sphere and create future artists and writers for all ages.
of lyrical ballads, "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), Rabindranath Tagore received the Noble Prize in Literature in 1913 as the first Bengali and non-European poet.
Bangladesh's national anthem "Amar Shonar Bangla" and India's national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" are both Rabindranath Tagore's creations.
ULAB-MSJ publishes Whitepaper on Bangladeshi entertainment industry
The Media Studies and Journalism Department (MSJ) of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has recently published a white paper on Policy Regulation for a Sustainable Growth of Bangladesh's Entertainment Industry.
ULAB Media Studies and Journalism Head and ULAB Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jude William Genilo, PhD, Associate Professor Sarkar Barbaq Quarmal, PhD, and Assistant Professor Muhammad Abdul Kader, PhD jointly contributed to the whitepaper.
The main objectives of this white paper are to discuss the trends relating to Bangladesh’s entertainment industry and to provide a range of approaches that may be utilized to regulate the said sector, according to the authors. In this manner, stakeholders would be in the best position to decide what regulatory measures should be set in place to ensure the industry’s sustained growth.
The white paper states that the prospects of the entertainment industry are bright. However, many stakeholders have expressed concerns that heavy-handed regulations may affect the growth of the sector.
The government needs to exercise its role in safeguarding national and public interests. But it should create an enabling environment that allows market players to operate feasibly, satisfy the entertainment needs of its citizens, and ensure the advancement of the entire industry.
On a special note, Prof Jude William Genilo emphasised that Bangladesh should strike a balance in its regulatory approach to provide an enabling environment for the industry. He also mentioned it would be wise to observe Asia’s leaders - China, Japan and India - in terms of their strategies for providing cultural services.
Dr Barbaq has mentioned his concerns about the threat of heavy-handed policy regulation in the context of the growth of the industry. On this note, Dr Kader added that a heavy-handed approach may even violate the country’s constitutional guarantees, particularly Article 39 on freedom of thought, conscience, speech and press.
The whitepaper earnestly urges for a multi-stakeholder approach that employs a variety of participants to partake in dialogue, decision-making, and implementation of the responses to jointly conceived problems.
The paper can be availed via this link: chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://msj.ulab.edu.bd/sites/default/files/Whitepaper.pdf.
DIU to highlight stories of marginalized people through ‘Community Digital Storytelling Festival’
The first edition of the “Community Digital Storytelling Festival”, scheduled to take place on February 10-11 next year, is being organized by the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication at Daffodil International University (DIU) under the motto "Real Story by Real People" with the goal of highlighting the narratives of marginalized people.
The first general meeting for the festival was recently conducted on DIU campus in Ashulia. The meeting was attended by the Advisor of the festival, Dr Abdul Kabil Khan, and the Chief Advisor and Head of the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication Aftab Hossain, along with the executive committee members and volunteers.
During the meeting, Kabil Khan emphasized the use of new technology to contribute positively to society by showcasing the stories of marginalized people. He also mentioned that this festival would mark the department's first international outreach programme, while encouraging the volunteers, stating that their involvement would help develop leadership qualities.
Aftab Hossain, chief advisor and head of the department, expressed his belief that this festival would be a significant milestone for the department. It would facilitate building direct connections with the industry and contribute to the betterment of society. He officially announced the formation of the executive committee.
The elected executive members, consisting of nine students, were nominated as follows:
Saim Mohammad Sani (Festival Director), Alifennesha Alif (Coordinator), Sakibul Alam (PR & Communication Manager), Iqbal Hossain (Creative Art Manager), Niloy Dhar (Branding & Marketing Manager), Naim Hasan (Finance Manager), Sadman Rafid (Submission Manager), Tahmid Sahriyar (Production Manager) and Manik Tanvir (Partnership, Development & Special Events Manager).
At the meeting, various action plans were presented by the festival director for the next six months, and sub-committees were formed with other volunteers.
The main objective of the Community Digital Storytelling Festival is to bring the untold stories of marginalized people to the forefront. These are the stories that often remain unheard in mainstream media. The festival is determined to fulfil this purpose and embark on its journey with this meaningful goal, according to its organizers.
Exhibition on Rana Plaza tragedy underway at Drik Gallery
A 9-day photo exhibition titled "Ten Years After Rana Plaza" is underway at Drik Gallery in the capital.
The exhibition began on July 21 showcasing the photos of those who survived the collapse of Rana Plaza building and their families.
Ismail Ferdous, a photojournalist and filmmaker, organised the show to commemorate tragic incident.
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The exhibition is mainly supported by the 21st Century International Women's Garment Workers Union Heritage Fund and Bangladesh Centre for Workers' Solidarity.
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Through pictures, videos, narratives, and posters, the exhibition seeks to make sure that the memories of the Rana Plaza disaster remain alive in people’s mind and protect Bangladeshi garment workers' labour rights.
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Ismail captured the untold stories of the survivors and families of the victims in his picture titled "After Rana Plaza" and the documentary film "The Cost of Fashion".
The exhibition will remain open from 3pm to 8 pm until July 29.
Rana Plaza tragedy was the beginning of a struggle to improve workers’ rights: US Ambassador
Songs for Trees: Event in capital memorialises young environmentalist Medha
In remembrance of the late young environmentalist Soumita Das Chowdhury Medha, a special commemorative event was held on Saturday at the Shahid Munir-Azad seminar hall in the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust building, Purana Paltan in the capital.
Organized by the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust, the event featured commemorative speeches, a special music session titled “Gachher Jonno Gaan” (Songs for Trees) and a tree plantation program in the building premise.
Born in Narayanganj, Bangladesh - Medha was a Kolkata University English graduate and a MA Student in the Department of Film Studies at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal in India.
The rising star, who was a humanitarian since her early childhood and was known for her kindness and care towards people, street children and nature - passed away in a tragic accident, on February 12 last year.
Due to Cyclone Amphan in 2020, the climate in West Bengal was severely damaged and jeopardized, which led Medha and her friends to initiate the project “Songs for Trees” through which they used to collect funds for tree plantation by singing ‘Modhukori’ songs.
While performing in such an event on February 12, 2020 - a coconut tree which was already weak from its roots due to the cyclone - fell on Medha and she was spotted dead right after that tragic incident.
Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust President Shekhar Dutta presided over the commemoration ceremony on Saturday, while the Trust board member Habibuddin Ahmed read the condolence proposal.
A number of dignitaries spoke on the occasion including the Trust Secretary Mukul Chowdhury, Bangladesh Medhajapon Center Joint Convenor Principal Karim Reza, Professor Neyamul Haque, Bangladesh Roof Garden Movement President Golam Haider; renowned filmmaker and architect Mashiuddin Shaker, former Editor of Dainik Samakal Mozammel Hossain Manju, Medha's father Malay Das Chandan and Dr Abdul Malek Bhuiyan, to name a few.
The program was conducted by Trust Board Treasurer MA Samad. Speakers in the seminar paid special attention to building a social movement for environmental protection by showing respect for the memory of Medha.
After that, the artists of Medha Mancha from Kolkata - Shibanjan Bhattacharya, Dola Roy and Chayan Karmakar performed a musical tribute with a number of songs to the environmental warrior Medha.
After the ceremony, a couple of trees were planted in front of the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust building.
“Medha was a wonderful, talented kid and a very kind-hearted soul. Bangladesh was her motherland; however, her love towards nature and humanity was spread beyond the barriers. Despite her tragic death at such a young age, she is still vibrantly present through the memories of many people, and it is our honour to commemorate this majestic soul through events like this,” Shekhar Dutta, President of the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust told UNB.
Over ‘350-year-old’ Dhaka Gate being renovated
Believed to be over 350-year-old, Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, is currently undergoing renovation to restore its former glory after years of neglect.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) took the initiative last May to restore the historic structure to its original grandeur.
This iconic structure, once regarded as the gateway to Dhaka, can be found on the route from Bangla Academy to Doel Chattar in the Dhaka University area.
Dhaka's canals to be renovated: LGRD minister
‘Eternal Existence’: Curtain rises on Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition at AFD
Showcasing a handful of selected captivating artworks representing the glorious artistic vision of the young Bangladeshi artist Sourav Chowdhury, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) opens its door for the 5th solo art exhibition of the young artist titled ‘Eternal Existence’ on Friday.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at AFD’s La Galerie in the evening, featuring legendary artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Chargé d'affaire of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled also joined the inauguration ceremony as special guests.
This exclusive exhibition is a part of Sourav Chowdhury’s longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.
A total of 30 artworks are being displayed at the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations.
Inaugurating the exhibition, artist Rafiqun Nabi said that this exhibition is different considering Sourav Chowdhury’s dedicated vision and sincere hardship towards printmaking.
“This exhibition is only about prints and sculptures, although his main field is drawing and painting. Talking about his exhibition of 23 prints (etching-aquatints) and 7 sculptures out of 30 works, Sourav told me that due to his workstation responsibilities at Gallery Cosmos, the print studio has to be looked after by himself, where other artists work in different mediums of printmaking.”
Music lovers enamoured with Dhaka City Sound Project concert by Goethe-AFD
The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), organized a special concert titled 'Dhaka City Sound Project' on Thursday night at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital, enthralling music lovers with captivating fusion scores.
Five artists including the German musician, music producer and artistic director of Dhaka City Sound project Viktor Marek, renowned Bangladeshi music artist Kanak Aditya, rapper Shagor, percussionist Toisifor Rahman Eem and flutist Jabiul Islam.
Aiming at creating a musical portrait of cities, the City Sound Project initiated by Goethe-Institut and has been implemented in Dhaka, Kolkata and Colombo.
Also read: AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
The decisive factor behind the project is the encounter with an unfamiliar acoustic context and its transformation into a new aesthetic reality.
The City Sound project started in December 2022 with a research visit to Dhaka by Viktor Marek, a German musician and music composer based in Hamburg. During the trip, Viktor Marek immersed himself in Dhaka's artistic scene and recorded the city's acoustic impressions.
Through this trip, Viktor identified four talented musicians to collaborate with him in producing the sonic portrait of Dhaka: Kanak Aditya (vocalist), Shagor (rapper), Eem (percussion), and Jabiul Islam (flute).
Also read: Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Viktor Marek returned to Dhaka during the first week of July 2023 to commence the production phase of the project. This phase began with rehearsals involving the four selected musicians and will culminate in two consecutive concerts in Dhaka.
The first concert took place on July 18 at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park Amphitheater in Gulshan 2. This concert was organized in partnership with Dhaka Sessions powered by bKash. People from various backgrounds and walks of life joined together to experience Dhaka in a new and extraordinary way through the power of music.
This was followed by this second and final concert on July 20 at Alliance Française de Dhaka premises.
Also read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
During the production phase, the contributions of four Bangladeshi artists, namely Eem, Kanak Aditya, Shagor, and Jabiul Islam, were essential. They extensively rehearsed with Viktor Marek to perform alongside Marek during the two concerts in Dhaka.
As a result, the final piece goes beyond being an outsider's musical portrait of Dhaka and instead becomes an inspired blend of both the inside and outside perspectives. While certain parts of the songs have been rehearsed, the artists mostly improvised, ensuring that each concert is unique.
Titles of the music tracks created through the intensive rehearsals process were: 'Nightrider', 'Gulistan Flowers', 'Good evening', 'Bassektara', 'Cell Song', 'Alal & Dulal', 'Sky, Water, Land', 'Baul Experience', 'The country of colours', 'Aliens Bells' and 'Maschinenland'.
Also read: ‘Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo’: Ode to the Father of the Nation on ‘Taal Patar Puthi’
AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is set to host the 5th solo art exhibition of young artist Sourav Chowdhury titled ‘Eternal Existence’.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6 pm at La Galerie.
Eminent artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi will join the opening ceremony as its chief guest, while Chargé d'affaires of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled will also attend the event as special guests.
Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Sourav Chowdhury has been exploring civilization and its existence since his childhood, and his quest began at a tender age when there were no earthly boundaries between imagination and reality. Chowdhury's imagination has led him to various forms, such as ancient Bengali folk characters — be it the majestic nightcrawler owls, age-old clay dolls in the name of ‘Tepa Putul’ or the ancient characters like the mighty tiger from the folk masterpiece ‘Gazir Pot’ (traditional scroll painting); and also in many historic timelines — be it the Mughal era or the recent timeline of the contemporary art scenario.
This exhibition is a part of his longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.
Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023 at Drik: Narrating stories beyond lenses
Chowdhury has travelled to various countries and explored traditional architectural installations, combining ancient formats with Bangladeshi folk themes and characters. He aims to transform human nature into something beautiful, jovial, and uplifting through his imaginary characterizations. He is experimenting with multiple mediums, including etching, sculpture, and installations, to express his inner artistic thoughts through various media, and also humorously depicts idioms and proverbs used in Bengal and occasionally makes connections between his work and the present world.
Currently working as the Artistic Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, Sourav Chowdhury has established himself as one of the important Bangladeshi artists through his years of tremendous artistic experience. As a young journeyman in the vast realm of the Bangladeshi art sphere, Sourav Chowdhury has participated in numerous national and international art exhibitions at home and beyond.
A total of 30 artworks will adorn the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations.
Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
Artist Sourav Chowdhury was born in Rajshahi in 1987. Even before completing his BFA and MFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Development Alternative (UODA), he embarked on his artistic journey and participated in many exhibitions, art camps and competitions at home and beyond.
His first solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in 2016, followed by his second and third exhibits titled 'Eternal Existence–Circle of Dynamism' held at Cherepovets Museum Association, Cherepovets, Russia, and Academy of Professional Development and Retraining of Educators, Moscow, Russia in 2017. His fourth solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at the Russian Ambassador's residence in Dhaka in the same year.
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For his brilliance in art, Sourav Chowdhury has received several awards including Bengal Foundation Award (Printmaking) at the 22nd National Art Exhibition 2017 and the 'Best Award' at the 20th Berger Young Painters' Art Competition 2015, to name a few.
The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, August 1, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sunday).
Top 15 Heritage Sites of Bangladesh
Heritage sites are cultural and natural treasures that provide a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of a country or region. These sites hold significant historical, architectural, or cultural value and are preserved for future generations. Bangladesh, a country brimming with captivating stories and ancient wonders, boasts a plethora of such heritage sites. Keep reading as we go over 15 must-visit heritage sites in Bangladesh.
15 Most Well-known Heritage Sites in Bangladesh
Sundarbans
The Sundarbans, located in Khulna, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity.
Read more: 5 Sundarbans eco resorts to experience world’s largest mangrove forest