Art and Culture
Pete Seeger: A protester against war
Amid the global wars of the 20th century, one of the most vocal voices against them was American folk music legend Pete Seeger. A passionate singer devoted to folk music, Pete was a tireless advocate for peace.
Satyajit Ray: Through emotion and insight
“The more they read, the more they know, the more they deny.” This line from 'Heerak Rajar Deshe', spoken by the tyrannical king, ironically mirrors the life of its creator—Satyajit Ray. The more Ray read, observed, and understood the world around him, the more his films stood apart—reflective, layered, and deeply human. Today, on his birthday, we remember not just a filmmaker, but a storyteller who reshaped the landscape of Bengali and world cinema.
51 years in exile: Adieu to poet Daud Haider
Death is the inviolable opposite of birth. Everyone, regardless of race or religion, has to submit to that infallible truth one day. Poet Daud Haider (February 21, 1952-April 26, 2025) departed, holding the hand of that inevitable death.
Protests erupt over demolition of poet Rafiq Azad's Dhanmondi residence
The house located at 139/4A, Road No. 1 in Dhanmondi (western side) is situated on approximately 5 kathas of land. According to sources, the one-story house was temporarily allotted in the name of poet Dilara Hafiz by the ‘Estate Office’ in 1988. At the time, Dilara Hafiz was serving as a lecturer at Eden College.
Soumitra Dev: Demise of timely voice of protest
a shadow of sorrow fell over social media, especially Facebook, as news spread of the poet’s passing at a hospital in Khilgaon on Tuesday morning (April 15). Poet's admirers, writers, and journalists expressed their grief over his death. His friends described the loss as 'sudden' and 'unreliable', flooding the online space with messages of mourning. Many wrote: "A clear-spoken, protest-oriented voice of his time."
Social festivals are fading away
The culture of entertainment in the lives of Bengalis is gradually changing, and this has started to become distinctly noticeable. In the past, during social festivals like Eid, Durga Puja, Bengali New Year, Christmas, and Buddha Purnima, various games, cultural programmes, theatre, circus, poetry competitions, Baul songs, and musical duels were organized in different parts of rural Bengal. People would travel from the cities to the villages to celebrate the festivals, reconnecting with family members and loved ones, enjoying the festivities together. The villagers and city dwellers would share the joy of the celebration. However, today, the excitement of those days seems to be waning.
Have we forgotten Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul?
It was March 27, 1971. The curfew was relaxed for a few hours. Whenever the curfew was lifted, Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul would take his bicycle and first visit Dhaka Medical College, then Palashi Fire Service, the grounds of Dhaka University, Rokeya Hall, and around the British Council—witnessing one corpse after another. He then decided to take revenge for the horrific genocide. That afternoon, he forcefully entered a Bihari's house, took a gun, and formed a small group. He explained to the group, "We need more weapons." During this time, several Biharis' homes were looted for weapons. Using these weapons, he established the first base for the liberation war in Zinzira.
7-day Eid programme on Nexus TV
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh's popular TV channel Nexus Television has organized a 7-day colorful programme. The special programs include movies, entertainment talk shows, beauty shows and music events.
A cultural beacon Sanjida Khatun, a life beyond death
In every nation, among every people and culture, there are individuals who dedicate their entire lives to the relentless pursuit of art, humanity, and the greater good of their country. They become torchbearers, guiding lights, never looking back at their own personal gains or momentary pleasures. One such extraordinary individual was Sanjida Khatun (April 4, 1933 – March 25, 2025), the former president of Chhayanaut.
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