Dowel Biswas

Dowel is always thinking about a million things at once and writes to make sense of it all. Feel free to send her your thoughts at [email protected]

Post-July Shilpakala: The cultural spearhead needs to change internal culture

More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.

3d ago

Bangaliyana marches on

Pahela Baishakh heralds new beginning

1m ago

Thousands gather at Ramna Batamul to welcome Bengali New Year

Thousands of Bangalees ushered in Bengali Year 1432 at Ramna Batamul on Monday morning, as Chhayanaut’s iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration marked its 58th edition with renewed hope, harmony, and heritage.

1m ago

Chhayanaut ushers in 1432 at Ramna Batamul with Raag Bhairav

As the sun rose over Dhaka, Chhayanaut’s Pahela Baishakh celebration for the Bengali year 1432 began at Ramna Batamul. The theme of Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration this year is "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (my freedom lies in light). Through this theme, Chhayanaut aims to convey a message of hope, resilience, and renewal.

1m ago

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.

1m ago

Pahela Baishakh: Chhayanaut all set for celebrations

Chhayanaut is all set to celebrate Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, with its iconic cultural programme at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

1m ago

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.

1m ago

Shilpakala is not without leadership: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki

Renowned filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed concerns that Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is running without leadership following the recent resignation of its Director General, Syed Jamil Ahmed.

1m ago
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025

Post-July Shilpakala: The cultural spearhead needs to change internal culture

More than just a home for the arts, it has long been a custodian of collective memory, responsible for shaping a culturally enriched, humane Bangladesh, rooted in its historical context. Despite its undeniable impact in preserving traditions, amplifying artistic expression, and cultivating national identity, the institution has long been a target for political manipulation, corruption, and political parties’ quests to control the cultural conscience of the country.

April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025

Bangaliyana marches on

Pahela Baishakh heralds new beginning

April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025

Thousands gather at Ramna Batamul to welcome Bengali New Year

Thousands of Bangalees ushered in Bengali Year 1432 at Ramna Batamul on Monday morning, as Chhayanaut’s iconic Pahela Baishakh celebration marked its 58th edition with renewed hope, harmony, and heritage.

April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025

Chhayanaut ushers in 1432 at Ramna Batamul with Raag Bhairav

As the sun rose over Dhaka, Chhayanaut’s Pahela Baishakh celebration for the Bengali year 1432 began at Ramna Batamul. The theme of Chhayanaut's Pahela Baishakh celebration this year is "Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy" (my freedom lies in light). Through this theme, Chhayanaut aims to convey a message of hope, resilience, and renewal.

April 14, 2025
April 14, 2025

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration, resilience, and unity.

April 12, 2025
April 12, 2025

Pahela Baishakh: Chhayanaut all set for celebrations

Chhayanaut is all set to celebrate Bangla New Year, Pahela Baishakh, with its iconic cultural programme at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka.

April 9, 2025
April 9, 2025

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.

April 9, 2025
April 9, 2025

Shilpakala is not without leadership: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki

Renowned filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has dismissed concerns that Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is running without leadership following the recent resignation of its Director General, Syed Jamil Ahmed.

March 10, 2025
March 10, 2025

Violence on women is a byproduct of patriarchy: Shayan

Renowned musician and social activist Farzana Wahid Shayan, known for her bold stance on gender inequality and oppression, has once again raised her voice in response to the alarming rise of gender-based violence in Bangladesh. In recent weeks, a wave of brutal incidents, including the rape of eight-year-old Asiya by a relative, has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, prompting widespread outrage and calls for justice.

March 8, 2025
March 8, 2025

Parsha wants to write her own destiny

Parsha Mahjabeen Purnee holds two very distinct identities among her audiences, one more intriguing than the other—she is a musician and now an actor with her (groundbreaking) debut in Jahid Preetom’s “Ghumpori”. A third-year university student who inspired millions through her song, “Cholo Bhule Jai” during the July Movement gets candid with The Daily Star about her journey, new-found fame and future aspirations.