Arts-&-Culture
"Stone Time": Bipasha Hayat’s solo exhibition begins at Gallery Chitrak
Showcasing captivating artworks, acclaimed actor-painter Bipasha Hayat's exclusive solo exhibition titled "Stone Time" was inaugurated on Saturday at Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi in the capital, demonstrating the recent global catastrophes, crises and ups and downs during the prime of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Inaugurated by Ekushey Padak conferred eminent cartoonist and art maestro Rafiqun Nabi, the opening ceremony of the seventh solo exhibition of Bipasha Hayat was presided over by internationally acclaimed painter and printmaker Shahid Kabir.
Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Arts Dean professor Nisar Hossain joined the inauguration ceremony as the special guest while legendary actor and Bipasha Hayat’s father Abul Hayat, former Bangladesh ambassador to Poland Mahfuzur Rahman and other artists and art admirers also joined the inauguration ceremony.
Cultural organizations welcome Pahela Baishakh with in-person events after two years
After spending two Bengali New Year celebrations with no in-person events and virtual celebrations, different government and cultural organisations finally welcomed Bangla New Year 1429 by organizing diverse programmes at different public venues.
The festivities of the day started in the early morning with the traditional cultural programme organised by Chhayanaut at the Ramna Batamul in the capital.
Also read:Amid tight security, Pahela Boisakh celebrated in DU
Dhaka University campus to witness Mangal Shobhajatra brought out by fine arts faculty of Dhaka University to welcome the advent of Baishakh 1429. Besides, special programmes will be organised in Uttara, Dhanmondi and other areas in the capital at 6:15 am. The two-hour programme featured group and solo songs presentations, dance recitals, speech and poetry recitations and instrumental presentations.
Art camp for special children held on Pohela Boishakh
Cultural personalities Subarna Mostafa MP and Afzal Hossain joined an art camp with special children on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh. Prominent directors Amitabh Reza, Opi Karim and Iresh Jaker also joined and spent time with special children and provided them with encouragement and motivation.
It was organized by Samsung and Fair Electronics under the supervision of Nabiha Raida Foundation at Samsung Flagship Store, Gulshan Avenue.
The event was inaugurated with a welcome address by Huang Sang Woo, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics Limited and Ruhul Alam Al Mahboob, Chairman, Fair Group.
Chairman of Fair Group Ruhul Alam Al Mahboob said the event was inspired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and his daughter Saima Wazed.
"Not only sound education but his alertness and dedication are most required. These children are our resources. We need to get out of this taboo with the joint efforts of all and the Fair Group will continue to work to create jobs for these special children."
Also read: Bengalees celebrate Pahela Baishakh with pomp and gaiety
100 Years of Rocket Paddle Steamer: A Pride and Heritage of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a country of the river, so we have a glorious history of traveling by water. The paddle steamer is such a historic water vehicle in Bangladesh. In the past, several paddle steamers built by the British used to travel the Dhaka-Calcutta route. Later, as the Dhaka-Kolkata route was closed, the steamers traveled from Dhaka to Khulna. At present, due to the reduced navigability of the river, these paddle steamers are running from Dhaka’s Buriganga across the country’s main rivers to Morrelganj in Bagerhat. These 100 years old paddle steamers might stop their services soon or in the future. So, we have tried to dig everything you need to know about paddle steamers in Bangladesh.
Paddle Steamer and Its History
Coal is used as fuel in these steamers, which are almost a hundred years old. In the early eighties, coal was replaced by diesel engines. The paddle steamer is named because the launch moves forward with the help of two large paddles. However, due to the high speed at that time, the steamers became more known as rocket steamers.
Among the few paddle steamers in the world PS Mashood (1926), PS Ostrich (1929), PS Lepcha (1938), PS Turn (1950), and MV Shela (1951) are in Bangladesh. Under the nearly 100-year-old official rocket service, three steamers still operate as public transport on Dhaka – Morrelganj – Dhaka route. The paddle steamers are so old that they are no longer used anywhere in the world.
Read Top 10 Historical Mosques in Bangladesh
The steamers operate on the Dhaka-Khulna route under the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC). The biggest of these are ‘Masud’ and ‘Ostrich.’ More than ninety years ago, in 1928, the paddle steamer PS Masood was built at the Garden Rich Workshop in Calcutta.
During that time, England’s “River and Steam Navigation” company used to operate huge streamers in this country. These vehicles were the main means of communication between Dhaka-Barisal, and Barisal-Goaland.
Paddle Steamer at a Glance
The rocket steamer has 12 first-class and 10 second-class air-conditioned cabins. Two beds in each cabin with their own veranda. First and second-class tickets are sold from Motijheel, BIWTA head office, and third-class tickets are sold in the steamer. In the third class, passengers have to bring their own bed to sit on the deck. The cabins contain two beds, a table, a washbasin, and two fans.
Read Ancient Temples of Bangladesh: Remembering Their Past Glory
While the roofs of all launches are accessible to the general public, there is no way to enjoy the river at night by sitting on the roof of a rocket steamer. Rocket roofs are not suitable for human movement. It has a small room in which the rocket steamer’s captain sits and operates the steamer.
Food and Drinks
If you want to eat canteen food on the paddle steamer, you have to order in advance. The food is cooked after ordering. If you want, you can take a food package of 220 Taka per person. There is also a variety of food, including coral fish and chicken fry as snacks. If you want to carry the food in the cabin, you may need to pay Tk 50 as a service charge.
There are usually two types of menus. A menu with khichuri, chicken, and eggs, and another menu with white rice chicken and two fillings.
Amenities for Local Passengers
The second-class rooms are located on the backside of the steamer, and the rooms are smaller than the first class. These rooms do not come with a washbasin or linen. However, Shower rooms and toilets are shared by the first- and second-class passengers. Between the first and second classes, inter and deck classes are available. The deck passengers have common toilets to use.
DU to celebrate Bengali New year with 'Mangal Shobhajatra' after 2 years
The Dhaka University (DU) authorities has announced a roadmap to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year, with traditional 'Mangal Shobhajatra' on April 14 after a two- year break.
The flagship procession from Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, was not held in 1427 due to the emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the FFA organized a symbolic procession on its premises in the following year due to lockdown during the period.
Read:Sights, sounds of Pahela Baishakh to return to Ramna after two years
The details regarding this year's celebration were announced in a meeting chaired by DU Vice Chancellor Prof Akhtaruzzaman, held at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate building on Sunday.
At the meeting, it was announced that this year's 'Mangal Shobhajatra' will start from the university's Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) premises at 9 am.
The procession will be brought out from the Sarak Deep area of the TSC as the road in front of the FFA has been narrowed due to the ongoing construction work of Metro Rail.
After parading the 'Memory Eternal' monument premises of the university, the Shobhajatra will end at TSC premises on the campus.
The meeting committee also announced that the festivity must be concluded within 5 pm and public entrance would be restricted on the campus area after that.
Evaluating the present context of COVID-19 in the country as well as the month of Holy Ramadan, the authorities requested the citizens to limit the public gatherings in this year's procession.
Alongside requesting everyone to maintain proper hygiene, the authorities announced that festive masks and bags cannot be carried on campus. However, masks made by the Faculty of Fine Arts can be carried.
Furthermore, it was declared that playing and selling of the Vuvuzela flute at this year's event will be strictly prohibited.
On the day of Pahela Baishakh, movement of the procession-goers and others via the gate of Suhrawardy Udyan behind the Raju sculpture will be restricted. However, the FFA entrance in front of the Suhrawardy Udyan, the adjoining gate of the Engineering Institute and the entrance of Suhrawardy Udyan in front of the Bangla Academy will remain open for the citizens.
Vehicles without DU authorized stickers will not be allowed on campus after 7 pm on April 13, as well as on the day of the Pahela Baishakh.
Residents on the campus area can use the road to Nilkhet and Palashi intersection for their transportation using their own vehicles.
The committee requested police to install CCTV cameras and archways on the campus to ensure the security inside the campus area during the festivities.
Read:Longest-running Amar Ekushey Book Fair ends; Tk52.50 crore books sold
Mobile public toilets will be set up in the area adjacent to Haji Muhammad Muhsin Hall, the area adjacent to TSC (Student-Teacher Center) the area around Doyel Chattar and Curzon Hall, the committee said at the meeting.
Now cemented as one of the most vivid and significant additions to the Bengali New Year celebration in the country, the DU Faculty of Fine Arts have been celebrating the traditional 'Mangal Shobhajatra' since 1989.
Sights, sounds of Pahela Baishakh to return to Ramna after two years
For the first time after the start of the Covid pandemic two years ago, Chhayanaut will welcome the Bengali new calendar year 1429 with cultural festivities at Ramna Park on April 14 this year.
However, as Pahela Baishakh will be observed during the holy month of Ramadan, the festivities have been scaled down, the cultural institution said Saturday.
Read: BGMEA for promoting culture, heritage to boost country's image globally
"In the past two years, we remained confined to home due to the global pandemic. However, taking stock of the current situation, Chhayanaut has stepped up to welcome the Bengali New Year 1429 with its traditional festivity again at the Ramna Batamul," Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun said.
Inspired by the success of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair this year, the institution has started taking adequate preparations to organise its traditional festivity at the Ramna Batamul to welcome the Bengali New Year 1429, Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali said.
Usually, more than a hundred Chhayanaut performers participate and showcase their musical performances every year at a live event in Ramna.
However, considering the health protocols as well as the month of holy Ramadan, this time "we have reduced the number of performers and the overall duration of our event," Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa told UNB.
Chhayanaut, founded in 1961, has earned global fame for organising the traditional, extravagant cultural festivity of Pahela Baishakh at Ramna Park every year.
Read: Pandemic dampens Pahela Boishakh celebrations in Bangladesh
The only exception was in 1971, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, then the last two years due to Covid.
The traditional cultural presentation of Chhayanaut marking the Pahela Baishakh – one of the most coveted and long-awaited festivities in Bangladesh – has earned its fame as one of the grandest regular cultural celebrations in the world.
Bangabandhu named peace as a prerequisite for development: FM
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen stated on Saturday that the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emphasized the establishment of peace as a prerequisite for development, following the groundbreaking foreign policy of "friendship with all, enmity with none."
“Bangabandhu highlighted the need of establishing peace as a necessity for prosperity throughout his life, and following his footsteps, we have been advocating a peace culture in many international forums for the benefit of disadvantaged people against prejudice, conflict, and violence,” Dr Momen said while inaugurating the Microtopia International Art Fest 2021-22 at Gallery Chitrak, Dhanmondi in the capital.
Emphasizing the importance of art in society, he said that the language of art is universal.
“People all over the world have different languages, different religions and different political ideologies, but the unique language of art is able to reach the hearts of all kinds of spectators by overcoming all the barriers of human-to-human communication,” he added.
Lauding the organizers, Dr Momen said that art is a significant medium of fostering human connection, nurturing a culture of world peace, fighting against exploitation and hardship, and celebrating humanity's achievement - all of which are offered to all people, regardless of religion or caste.
Noted artist Professor Shishir Bhattacharjee joined the opening ceremony as the special guest, while eminent artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi presided over the ceremony.
Longest-running Amar Ekushey Book Fair ends; Tk52.50 crore books sold
The longest-running Amar Ekushey Book Fair concluded in the capital Thursday.
The 31-day fair is estimated to have sold books worth Tk52.50 crore.
Traditionally held throughout February every year at the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan, the fair's 2022 edition started on February 15 after a pandemic-induced delay.
Jalal Ahmed, director of the Bangla Academy and member secretary of the Ekushey Book Fair Committee, presented the sales report of this year at the closing ceremony.
What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like?
Greatest Bengali of all time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's political wisdom and lifelong struggle gave birth to Bangladesh in the world. In short, his life is a history. From birth to death, each part of his life teaches us lessons. However, we all are well aware of his political and personal life. But how many of us know about Sheikh Mujib’s childhood? This legend of Bangladesh was born on March 17, 1920. Let’s explore all the details of Father of the nation Sheikh Mujib’s early age.
Birth and Early Life
Sheikh Mujib was born on March 17, 1920, in an aristocratic Muslim family in Tungipara, Gopalganj. His father Sheikh Lutfar Rahman was the Serestadar of Gopalganj Sessions Court (Clarke of the court) and his mother's name was Saira Khatun. Mujib was the third child in a family of four daughters and two sons. His parents affectionately called him ‘Khoka’.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's life was spontaneous in the green environment of Tungipara. He was the leader of the group while swimming with the village boys in Madhumati, playing ha-du-du, football, and volleyball.
Read Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation
Education
In 1927, when Mujib was 7 years old, he was admitted to the local Gimabhanga Primary School. The founder of this school was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's youngest grandfather Sheikh Abdur Rashid. Bangabandhu studied up to third class in this school. Later, he was admitted to Gopalganj Public School in 1929 at the age of nine and studied there till 1934. Less than a year and a half later, Mujib contracted beriberi. This disease causes a Glaucoma in his eyes. Due to this, he could not continue his schooling for four years from 1934.
Start Wearing Glasses
Sheikh Lutfar Rahman took Mujib to Calcutta for eye treatment. Kolkata's famous T. Ahmed performed surgery on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's two eyes and advised him to wear glasses. From then on Bangabandhu started wearing glasses.
Read:Bangabandhu was a great strategist: Energy Advisor
Painter Mahfuzur Rahman to participate as first-ever Bangladeshi artist in World Art Dubai
As the Middle East's largest contemporary retail art fair ‘World Art Dubai’ (W.A.D) is all set to return for its eighth edition from Wednesday to the UAE's glitziest city - where this year, painter Mahfuzur Rahman is set to make his mark as the first Bangladeshi artist to be featured at W.A.D.
Mahfuzur will have hids his own stand (Q 07) displaying 13 of his paintings at the famous art fair from March 16-19 at Dubai's World Trade Centre.
Sharing his excitement with UNB from Dubai, Mahfuzur Rahman said this is an incredible achievement of his career to participate in the glorious international platform, hoisting the Bangladeshi flag as the first-ever participating painter from his motherland.
READ: Photography exhibition ‘Shahabuddin: The Painter, The Fighter’ begins at DU
“Words cannot describe how immensely happy and proud I am to be the first and only Bangladeshi Artist participating in this world-famous art carnival, known for interconnecting the art world to the artists and artwork buyers. All praise to my Almighty and I am thankful to all of my family, friends and well-wishers,” Rahman told UNB.
Hosting a gigantic collection of more than 4000 artwork pieces from more than 120 renowned galleries and solo artists hailing from 50 plus countries, this year’s World Art Dubai is set to enthral art admirers with multiple art workshops, art talks, live performances and several other segments highlighting young talents from diverse backgrounds and giving them the opportunity to be seen, thrive, and network with the art world.
At the event, Mahfuzur is also participating with the Funun art group with 74 artists. He will also participate in another segment titled ArtWalk.
A full-time corporate professional and also a passionate contemporary painter, Mahfuzur Rahman has participated in over 20 solo and group art exhibitions in eight countries around the world.
In September last year, two of his paintings were displayed at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) art event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Set to be World Art Dubai’s largest and most diverse edition ever, the event aspires to enthral the art admirers through a collection of paintings, prints, sculptures, street and digital art featuring an inaugural NFT platform. Typically, artworks at World Art Dubai are priced from $100 to $20,000.
Like the recently concluded Art Dubai which had its first digital art section this year, the eighth World Art Dubai will also dedicate a zone to crypto art titled W.A.D Next. In addition, it will provide information on cryptocurrency via a special talk programmed by MENA Tech alongside a podcast on NFTs titled Crypto Sheikhs.
Other highlights this year include a show of underwater artworks by Singapore-based artist Olga Belka. Her sculptures were made at the bottom of the sea, with the artist diving multiple times to complete her unique underwater projects.