United News of Bangladesh

A group art exhibition titled “Where the Spirit Meets the Bone” will be open to the public from April 25 to May 16 at the Satori Academy of Arts in Banani, Dhaka. Organised as part of the British Council’s Art Exchange: Moving Image programme, the exhibition is curated by Kehkasha Sabah and features works by both local and international artists. The exhibition will be inaugurated on April 25 at 4:30 pm by eminent Bangladeshi artists Dhali Al Mamun and Dilara Begum Jolly, alongside Stephen Forbes, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh. The first chapter of the exhibition, scheduled from April 25 to May 7, explores sensory ecologies through social, emotional, and cultural fractures such as erasure, trauma, and loss, while emphasising care as a healing process. It includes work by seven Bangladeshi artists — Naeem Mohaiemen, Reetu Sattar, Sharad Das, Shohrab Jahan, Yasmin Jahan Nupur, Zihan Karim, and Sounak Das (Bangladesh/The Netherlands) — and four international artists — Afrah Shafiq (India), Ceal Floyer (UK), Hetain Patel (UK), and Hong-Kai Wang (Taiwan). Selected artworks have been loaned from the British Council Collection. The exhibition also features contributions by four Bangladeshi art students. Goethe-Institut celebrates return to historic Dhanmondi address  The second chapter, running from May 9-16, will showcase the outcomes of experimental workshops facilitated by artist-educators Shohrab Jahan and Zihan Karim. Focusing on moving images in both pedagogy and artistic practice, this segment will present a range of works including moving images, sound installations, and interactive pieces. Workshop participants include Abid Hassan, Arshadul Hoque, Naznin Ahmed, and Sadia Afroz — all from Bangladesh. “Where The Spirit Meets the Bone is a speculative project, evoking our somatic senses and their profound relation with care, necessary in the often-indescribable human terrain where vulnerability converges. The title also comes from Miller Williams’ poem ‘Compassion’, a reminder to see human frailty with empathy,” writes curator Kehkasha Sabah. To mark the exhibition’s inauguration, Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, stated: “The British Council is committed to assisting talented artists through various UK-Bangladesh initiatives. We are delighted to be supporting Kehkasha Sabah, and her exhibition through ‘Art Exchange: Moving Image’." "This immersive and thought-provoking exhibition, organised as part of a curatorial fellowship, not only showcases Kehkasha Sabah’s artistic dedication to societal themes but also enriches the cultural tapestry shared between the UK and Bangladesh. I warmly invite not only art enthusiasts but everyone to experience this remarkable exhibition," Stephen Forbes stated. More details of this exhibition are available at https://kehkasha.name/index.php.

British Council launched a research report on Tuesday with insights into the current and future potential of Transnational Education (TNE) in Bangladesh. The report was launched at an event hosted at the British Council’s Fuller Road auditorium in Dhaka, according to a press release on Tuesday. JU expels 289 students, suspends 9 teachers over July uprising attacks Both opportunities and challenges faced by students and institutions in the country were included in the report. Professor Dr SMA Faiz, chairman of University Grants Commission (UGC), was the Chief Guest, while the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, attended as Special Guest at the event. Salvador Carbajal Lopez, director of Education for South Asia at the British Council, presented the key findings of the research. Stephen Forbes,country director for British Council Bangladesh, spoke about the role of TNE in shaping the future of higher education in Bangladesh, it said. He said, “This report helps identify challenges and opportunities for TNE growth and closer cooperation between the UK and Bangladesh’s higher education sectors, bridging gaps in access and driving economic growth.” Prof Faiz spoke about the British Council’s efforts to foster TNE collaboration between Bangladesh and the UK and the mutual benefits for both countries in terms of academic excellence, capacity-building, and global competitiveness. Sarah Cooke talked about the importance of TNE in strengthening UK-Bangladesh ties, calling it an opportunity to explore how global education partnerships are shaping the future of learning. 128 DU students expelled for attacks on protesters during July movement The event included a panel discussion on unlocking the potential and social value of TNE in Bangladesh, moderated by David Knox, director of Programmes at the British Council, said the release. Panellists included Mohammad Anwar Hossen, member of UGC; Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, vice chancellor of Jahangirnagar University; and Ishtiaque Abedin, secretary general of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh. The report, commissioned by the British Council and conducted by Ecctis, provided several key recommendations, including improving regulatory processes, addressing language barriers, enhancing digital infrastructure for remote learning, and promoting gender equity in diverse subject areas, it added. Toufiq Hasan, head of Education at the British Council, announced the winners of the 2025 TNE Grant, awarding GBP 25,000 to UK-Bangladesh collaborations, including partnerships with Liverpool John Moores University, Nottingham Trent University, and others. These grants aim to strengthen institutional partnerships through TNE initiatives. The full report is available on the British Council’s website.

Preparing for the IELTS exam is a crucial step for those aspiring to study, work, or migrate abroad. A successful registration process is part of a well-structured and efficient preparation plan. In recent years, Bangladeshi applicants have been able to register for IELTS online. This article presents a step-by-step guideline for registering for the IELTS exam.  Things You Need to Know Before the Registration In Bangladesh, the IELTS exam is administered by the British Council and IDP Education. Both organizations operate multiple centers across all divisional cities in the country, where candidates can register in person to participate in the tests. Examinations for different modules are scheduled on specific dates each month. The IELTS exam is offered in two categories: academic and general training (GT), with the registration process tailored according to the selected category. The academic option is designed for those pursuing higher education, while the GT category is intended for individuals seeking immigration or job opportunities. Read more: Study in France: Costs, Scholarships, and Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students This test can be taken either on a computer or using the traditional paper-based method. Computer-based test results are typically available within 3 to 5 days, whereas paper-based results may take approximately two weeks. For registration, only a National Identity Card (NID) and a valid passport are required. Regardless of the test type or format, the current registration fee is BDT 22,500. Step-by-Step IELTS Test Registration Procedure IELTS Registration in the British Council Step 1 | Account Creation on ‘Test Taker Portal’ First, create an account on the ‘Test Taker Portal’ at the link  https://eamidentity.britishcouncil.org/account/login. This step requires the candidate's name, date of birth, and email address. Complete the account setup by creating a unique password and agreeing to the registration terms. Read more: Craft a Job-Winning Resume with AI: Step-by-Step Guide to Stand Out An account on this portal allows the candidate to complete the process at different times if needed. Additionally, the portal facilitates later access to IELTS scores and the ability to send a ‘Test Report Form’ to universities. Step 2 | Test Category Selection After logging in to the account, select ‘Book New Test’ from the top left corner. Choose the test category, either academic or general training, and then select the test format- either paper-based or computer-based. Candidates with accessibility requirements can choose from options such as scribes, assistive technologies, or hearing assistive devices. Read more: Free Online AI Courses by Harvard University from Basic to Advanced Levels Next, choose the date, venue, and time for the exam based on availability. Confirm the selection by clicking ‘Book Test’. Step 3 | Providing Necessary Information and Documents At this stage, personal information, including mother tongue and test purpose, must be provided. A scanned copy of the passport or National ID (NID) should be prepared for upload. Ensure that the passport is valid; if it is nearing expiration, it should be renewed before registration. Step 4 | Review Section Review the selected test date, personal details, and uploaded documents. Any errors should be corrected at this stage. Read more: Free Websites for Online IELTS Mock Tests Step 5 | Payment of Registration Fee The fee can be paid immediately or at a later time through online payment systems such as cards or mobile banking. Upon successful payment, the British Council will send a confirmation email with the exam details.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh and the British Council signed a deal on Monday at the UNDP Dhaka office to address the growing importance of English language proficiency in today's interconnected world. Recognising the significance of English skills in enabling youth to compete in the local and global job market, this collaboration aims to offer online self-study courses through Futurenation, focusing on workforce development and youth upskilling. Futurenation is a unique alliance formed by UNDP Bangladesh, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) & Grameenphone, working towards accelerating the Nation's future economic growth. UNDP to work with content creators to promote SDGs English has emerged as the global language of communication, even for non-native speakers, making proficiency in the language essential for accessing employment opportunities and entrepreneurial scopes with confidence. Leveraging the British Council's unparalleled expertise in delivering English language education for over 80 years, this partnership aims to equip the youth of Bangladesh with the necessary language skills to navigate the dynamic employment landscape. Through this joint initiative, UNDP Bangladesh and the British Council will establish a framework to facilitate global citizenship education, co-design initiatives, and provide skills and training programs for the youth. By combining their strengths, expertise, and resources, the two organisations seek to magnify their impact and accelerate progress toward shared objectives.Stefan Liller, the Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. UNDP to raise awareness on plastic pollution by introducing jute-polymer bags "This collaboration between the British Council and UNDP marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to promote education, culture, and sustainable development. By joining forces, we synergise our strengths, expertise, and resources, magnifying our impact and accelerating progress toward our shared objectives,” he said. One of the primary focuses of this partnership is to jointly develop training courses on business English, enhancing the employability of the youth and creating economic opportunities for all. Additionally, the initiative will prioritise climate action and youth, business and human rights from the youth perspective, and joint campaigns for creating social impact. Tom Miscioscia, the Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, said they are excited to collaborate with UNDP on the Futurenation programme. “Together, we will harness the transformative power of education and boost young people’s English language skills across Bangladesh to enhance their entrepreneurship and employment prospects. The British Council is committed to supporting Bangladesh’s next generation by building their skills, confidence, and connections through life-changing opportunities in English, education, and the arts.” The collaboration between UNDP and the British Council will open numerous opportunities for information sharing and consultation on matters of common interest. Together, they aim to ensure inclusive and quality education, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of sustainable economic well-being.

Short films on Water - a film screening depicting adverse consequences of climate change will be showcased at the British Council premises on Saturday. The short films were produced under the project ‘Bangladesh Cymru Climate Stories’ by Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival from the United Kingdom with support from the British Council. The films explore the experience of coastal communities and river dwellers against the backdrop of climate breakdown. The four films are- Doprujhiri by Asma Bethee and Latika by Samsul Islam Shopoon from Bangladesh; Our Home, the Sea by Mared Rees and She Sells Shellfish by Lily Tiger Tonkin from Wales, UK. Planning Minister M. A. Mannan will be joining the event as the chief guest that will begin at 5pm. Dr.Farhina Ahmed, Secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Tom Miscioscia, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh will be present as special guests. The screening is open for all and be followed by a conversation with the directors, producers , and characters of the four documentaries along with a question-and-answer session, said a media release on Wednesday. The film screening event is a part of the British Council's observation of the World Environment Day on 5 June, which encourages awareness and action for the protection of the environment. The Bangladesh-Cymru Climate Stories film project was created in collaboration between Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival. Four filmmakers received financial and technical support from Dhaka DocLab and Wales One World Film Festival to complete their short films, which focus on climate change stories connected to women to create awareness among people. The project is funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Programme, which was introduced to support cultural partnerships in the UK and overseas and inspire independent artists to continue creative pursuits. So far, 94 projects from 41 countries have been completed with grant support from the British Council.  

In partnership with the British Council, award-winning arts company Komola Collective has recently staged “Indigo Giant”, a gripping drama written by Ben Musgrave, at Bangladesh Mohila Samity Complex. From September 8-10, audiences had the opportunity to enjoy the performance by Komola Collective’s ensemble of theatre-artists from diverse backgrounds and creative disciplines. Indigo Giant projects a story inspired by eminent writer and dramatist Dinabandhu Mitra’s epic play “Nil Darpan”. Also read: 23rd Young Artists' Fine Arts Exhibition ends Translated and produced by Leesa Gazi, Indigo Giant revisits forgotten moments from the history of the British period, while touching down on the irrefutable emotional whirlwind of the then Bengalis, said a media release on Sunday. Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, Md Sohel Rana, Sharif Siraj, Dr Sydur Rahman Lipon, Mamdudur Rahman Mukto, Mitali Das, Sadman Syed, Shipra Das Roma and Shishir Rahman portrayed different roles in the drama directed by Naila Azad. Also read: ‘The Fabelmans': Steven Spielberg debuts autobiographical film at Toronto Film Festival “It has born out of a dialogue between Bengali and British theatre artistes”, said Leesa Gazi about the drama. “Indigo Giant aims to form a living bridge between the trailblazing 19th-century Bengali play Nil Darpan and contemporary attitudes to indigo and multi-national commerce.” The event was supported by the GCRF QR Rapid Response Scheme, University of East Anglia, The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust and Living Blue.

The activities carried out under ‘Our Shared Cultural Heritage’ (OSCH), a youth-led programme by the British Council, has been showcased in Rajshahi. The activities were showcased on July 28 and 29. This project has been designed to connect young people and inspire them to work with cultural heritages through organising a series of trainings and activities. 31 young people from different institutions have been working with cultural heritages since 2021 under this project. Read: International art exhibition held in Kathmandu paying tribute to Sultan It is to connect the heritages to the youth as well as to the wider audience so that people can understand and work on our heritages. On 28 July, a programme was held at Varendra Research Museum, the research partner of this project. Robert Chatterton Dickson, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was present at the programme with Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, the British Council and other guests in attendance.

A total of four young filmmakers, two from Bangladesh and two from Wales, have recently been selected during an online workshop, organized by Dhaka DocLab in collaboration with Wales One World Film Festival and funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants, on climate change stories. After completion of these projects, these four films will be premiered at the Wales One World Film Festival in Wales, UK in March 2023 , said a media release on Sunday.

The British Council, in collaboration with Dhaka Theatre, has recently staged the technical show of its physical storytelling theatre piece titled “Noishobde ’71” (’71 in Silence) at Bangladesh Mohila Samity in the capital’s New Baily Road. It has been produced as a part of celebrating The British Council’s 70th anniversary in Bangladesh and also Bangladesh’s 50th year of independence, said a media release.   The theatre piece is directed by Ramesh Meyyappan, a Glasgow-based Singaporean theatre-maker who developed performances using an eclectic mix of visual and physical theatre styles. The 30-minute performance includes 15 artists with disabilities from eight divisional cities of Bangladesh and focuses on the country’s Liberation War through different acting methods. This activity was a part of the DARE (Disability Arts Redefining Empowerment) project led by the British Council in partnership with Dhaka Theatre. Also Read: British Council brings exhibition BANGLA for local art connoisseurs DARE is a project aimed at building an understanding and confidence amongst the disability and the arts sector in Bangladesh. It is meant to dispel the social stigmas associated with disability, and build an accessible bridge between arts, disability, and society. DARE was launched in 2019. Since then, it has been working in eight divisional cities in Bangladesh where both artists with disabilities and artists from local theatre organisations are participating together in order to get a better idea about how to work on disability theatre to create a sustainable platform for disability arts.

The British Council has organised an exhibition styled as ‘BANGLA’ to commemorate 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence with Tower Hamlets. Dhaka-based architecture studio Paraa, in collaboration with Tower Hamlets Libraries and Archives, National Portrait Gallery, London, citizen researchers (local community members) and The Rainbow Collective, has recently come up with a collaborative piece of artwork reflecting on the work of citizen researchers from the British Bangladeshi community, who have been exploring the role people in Tower Hamlets played in the independence of Bangladesh and the legacy of the 1971 on the local community. The British Council is supporting a viewing of the artwork through this exhibition in Dhaka, said a media release on Wednesday. The exhibition kicked off at the British Council in the city on June 16 and will continue till July 16. The exhibition is open for all from 9am 5pm. On the opening day, an Artist Talk with Ruhul Abdin was held where a conversation with the National Portrait Gallery discussing this collaborative piece of artwork as part of the CITIZEN UK initiative was initiated. Ruhul Abdin and Sadiqul Islam Shehab of Paraa worked with material collected by these citizen researchers to create this collaborative piece of artwork as part of the National Portrait Gallery (London) CITIZEN UK initiative. Read: British Council’s 'UK 1971: People's Solidarity with Bangladesh's Liberation’ exhibition begins To commemorate 50 years of Bangladeshi independence, the new public artwork has been installed at the Tower Hamlets Idea Store in Whitechapel, London. It signifies the diverse people that make up Tower Hamlets’ Bangladeshi community. Covering the letters in saree fabric refers to the fabric industry which employed many Bengali workers in Tower Hamlets (and is still a prominent industry in Bangladesh supplying many UK clothing retailers). Each letter is wrapped in a different colour inspired by Biman Mullick’s design for the first set of stamps representing Bangladesh as a new nation in 1971. The artwork will remain permanently in the borough of Tower Hamlets at the Idea Store, as a reminder of the stories connected to 1971 and the Bangladeshi community of East London.