United News of Bangladesh

There are songs that hit your playlist, and then there are songs that feel like an invitation to a destination. Shayan Chowdhury Arnob’s latest curated piece, "Café," is definitely the latter. This track isn’t just a performance; it’s a perfectly captured moment where the fiery rhythm of Latin Jazz walks right into the quiet, soulful introspection of Bengali music. It’s a warm, dimly lit room captured in sound, and a beautiful reminder that life’s "Real Magic" often lives in the gentle silence between two heartbeats. What makes it truly special is how it balances respect with innovation. This composition is built on a stunning dual inheritance: drawing deeply from the beloved nostalgia of Gautam Chattopadhyay’s “Amar Priya Caffe” (Moheener Ghoraguli) and the foundational, iconic rhythm of Eddie Palmieri’s original “Café.” Producer Shuvendu Das Shuvo manages to weave these two profound, separate traditions into a singular, rich tapestry that somehow feels both instantly familiar and excitingly new. Read more: Classic Ibsen heroine reimagined in new film adaptation Tanzir Tuhin's vocals are the undisputed heart of the piece. His voice carries the Bengali "nostalgia" beautifully, delivering the lyrical sentiment of the idea of a café as a living book of small, private stories with a stirring, authentic warmth. This is instantly grounded by the masterful performance of the ensemble. Gaboo’s percussion carries the legacy of rhythm, providing a complex yet effortless groove, while Lívia Mattos’s accordion adds a magical, almost unexpected layer of European folk-jazz charm. When the brass section (Francis on trombone, Apurba on trumpet) kicks in, the song takes flight, transforming the quiet reflection into a vibrant, swirling dance. "Café" is an emotion first and a fusion second. It captures the quiet energy described in the notes: the last goodbye, the first hello, the "gentle pause between two hearts." It’s a flawless piece of music that proves that some feelings like a perfectly brewed coffee or a shared moment of silence transcend language. This single piece of music is a spectacular achievement from everyone involved from the artists like Mithun Chakraborty and Pradyut Chatterjea to the immense creative and sound squads led by Faizan R Ahmad (Buno) and Syed Gousul Alam Shaon. They haven't just produced a song; they have bottled the timeless hush of a place where everyone leaves a piece of their story behind. Read more: Thamma box office Day 5: Ayushmann, Rashmika's film nears Rs 100 crore mark

Are you seeking a comfy place outside your home to browse books and read in a calm environment? Steaming tea or coffee with snacks can make the reading more enjoyable. Let’s delve into some popular cafes in Dhaka city, where bookworms can immerse themselves in reading with a nice blend of coffee. 9 Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka Pathak Shamabesh Pathak Shamabesh is a fantastic spot for a cosy date with your favourite book. This place is popular among people of all ages. This library, founded in 1987, also serves as a bookstore, offering a great collection of books. Different genres, including concept books, picture books, fiction, children’s books, romance, and fantasy, are available for exploration.  Additionally, Pathak Shamabesh has a unique feature: the Reader's Club Membership account. This allows patrons to create an account and maintain a credit balance by depositing BDT 20,000 in advance. Operating from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day, it is open for seven days a week. Read more: Best Online Book Selling Websites in Bangladesh Bengal Boi In Dhaka, Bengal Boi, established in 2017, stands out as a renowned bookstore cafe and hangout spot, championing reading across all age groups. This cosy cafe offers a diverse selection of books and magazines, complemented by refreshing tea. Ideal for enjoying nature, it operates from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week.  Alongside fast food options, Bengal Boi hosts various programmes and activities to foster a love for reading and supports emerging writers through book promotions and events. With its well-organised layout and picturesque garden, it is the perfect haven to appreciate literature and the outdoors. Boi Chottor Boi Chottor in Shyamoli, Dhaka, is a delightful bookstore cafe offering a unique collection of imported original books. Operating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, it provides various services like dine-in, outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and in-store pickup. Additionally, they offer nationwide book home delivery.  Read more: Books VS Kindle: Which Is Better For You? With free wifi and a cosy ambience, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while exploring the shelves. Ample seating areas cater to readers and scholars alike. Boi Chottor also serves a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks, with designated spaces for children to indulge in reading. Occasional discounts add to the allure of this charming establishment.  PBS Discover a haven for book enthusiasts at PBS, the pioneering chain bookstore cafe in Bangladesh. Established in 2010, it caters to readers of all ages and educational backgrounds. Operating from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, PBS offers an extensive collection covering various fields such as world literature, science, philosophy, sociology, history, economics, politics, law, and religion.  They also stock materials for A-level students. Moreover, PBS features a vibrant children's reading and play zone adorned with shelves of colourful books, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a children-friendly environment to nurture a love for reading.   Read more: What Different Colors of Roses Mean: A Deeper Look Baatighar  Founded by Dipankar Das in 2005 in Chattogram, Baatighar has expanded its reach to four districts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. Renowned among book lovers, it offers a haven for those seeking solace in the world of literature. With its creative interior, Baatighar provides an elevated reading experience, whether you are immersed in fantasy or historical novels.