Life & Living

Life & Living

#Perspective / #Perspective What Bangladesh’s forgotten trees tell us about nature’s fragility

Swedish-American designer Jacob Thomas created Plants of Bangladesh, a visual guide shaped by decades in local forests. Documenting thousands of species, he encourages simple plant identification, nature appreciation, and public awareness vital for Bangladesh’s conservation.

15h ago

Bangladeshi poet Amaya Rahman launches ‘Tears of a Flower’

Amaya Rahman’s debut poetry collection Tears of a Flower explores mental health and major Bangladeshi events, including the July uprising and Milestone plane crash, blending personal grief with social commentary to inspire young readers and spark national dialogue.

18h ago

Stop falling for fake old money trends online

Modern fashion chases an old money aesthetic without understanding its heritage, mistaking trends for identity. True style comes from authenticity, quality, and confidence, proving timeless elegance arises from lived truth rather than influencer-driven performance today.

1d ago

#Perspective / What makes bystanders ignore someone in danger?

Dhaka’s bystander effect highlights how fear, legal concerns, and social pressure hinder emergency response. Strengthening awareness, clear intervention, and responsible action can break crowd apathy, improve public safety, and encourage individuals to step in during critical moments.

3d ago

Sea breeze, moon-boats and silent shores — Teknaf in November

November reveals Marine Drive’s best beauty, with serene Teknaf beaches, colourful moon boats, live fishing, emerald hills, and golden paddy fields. A quiet scooter ride along Cox’s Bazar offers a unique, crowd-free coastal travel experience.

3d ago

How indigenous weddings are blending tradition with modern style

Indigenous weddings in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are evolving as brides and grooms blend traditional handwoven Chakma textiles with modern silhouettes. Renewed cultural pride, updated motifs, and contemporary designs are reshaping indigenous wedding fashion while preserving heritage.

3d ago

#Events / The black & white world of Fawaz Rob

Zainul Gallery has announced a solo art exhibition by Bangladeshi artist Fawaz Rob, featuring a major collection of his intaglio works, including the acclaimed Night Series, Charukola Series, and Palestine Series.

5d ago

Feeling panic after Dhaka’s earthquake? Expert tips to cope and stay safe

Experts urge Dhaka residents to manage earthquake anxiety by keeping routines steady, relying on supportive relationships

6d ago
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

Are Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau dating?

Photos of pop star and ex Canadian PM getting cosy on a yacht spark social media frenzy

1m ago

Dharmendra passes away

Veteran Bollywood actor Dharmendra passed away yesterday morning at his residence in Juhu, according to reports by Indian news agency IANS..He was 89..The family has not yet released an official statement regarding his death, but media reports say he had long been battling age-relate

6d ago

Taylor Swift's 'Life of a Showgirl' launches with global promotion

Promotional blitz includes midnight sales, global release parties, pop-up experiences

1m ago

Sanchita Rakhi voices Puja song by Dwijendralal Roy

Sanchita Rakhi is primarily known as a Rabindra Sangeet artist. However, she is also devoted to the works of the five great poets. For this, she has chosen this song as her Puja offering to music lovers.

2m ago

Robert Redford, Hollywood’s ‘Sundance Kid’, rides into the sunset at 89

Oscar-winning actor and director founded Sundance Festival, championed independent cinema

2m ago

Abir Hossain’s sarod chronicles

Born in Bardhaman, Abir’s fascination with the sarod began at age five after hearing Ustad Bahadur Khan in concert. He had to wait seven years before formally beginning his training, but the passion never faded. At twelve, under the guidance of Padma Bhushan Pandit Buddhadev Das Gupta, his training began in earnest. The discipline was severe, the expectations high. At one point, his childhood distractions—especially cricket—nearly derailed him, until his mother’s tears and his guru’s stern hand forced him to realign with his calling.

2m ago

OTT & Digital Content Awards / Mahtim Shakib and Sanzida Mahmood Nandita crowned Best Singer

The duet’s delicate blend of emotion and melody made it one of the year’s most memorable soundtracks

2m ago

Swadhinata Concert temporarily suspended

The concert was set to feature performances from Bangladeshi artists

7m ago
Showbiz

Showbiz

16 Days of Activism / Enough is enough: Showbiz women clap back at virtual harassment

Whether an actor, athlete, singer, journalist, a corporate, or as a woman, they have to carry the burden of such acts regularly. Every form of abuse must be addressed. And in this era of technology, where it takes seconds to post a derogatory comment, the response should be just as swift. Clear rules are needed to ensure that accounts can be properly identified, regulated, and held accountable. Without this, we only empower abusers to continue.

2d ago

Suave Sudip

The ever-charming Sudip Biswas Deep first won hearts with his powerful performance in the globally acclaimed series “Invisible Stories”. From the stage to the small and big screens, he has explored every medium with passion and depth. Now, he’s ready to surprise audiences once again with his Chorki debut, the flash fiction romantic comedy “Perfect Wife”.

1m ago

The future of television / Renowned stars air concerns, share solutions

Once the pride of Bangladeshi entertainment, the television industry gave audiences timeless classics like “Kothao Keu Nei” and “Aaj Robibar”. At the time, BTV was the sole window into a world of stories that shaped generations. As private channels emerged, the number of television dramas soared, but their quality began to falter. Today, the industry finds itself struggling to restore its lost glory and stability.

1m ago

A match made in music: Putul and Reza’s story

The couple recently visited The Daily Star, complementing each other in coordinated outfits. Between interviews and photographs, they could not stop capturing moments of one another on their phones. Married for four years, they describe themselves as best friends who respect each other’s personal space while nurturing their shared world. Although deeply in love, they affectionately address each other using tui, a term that might sound a bit strange to others, but feels natural to them.

1m ago

Nawba Tahiya eases into the spotlight

In an industry where young actors often stumble under the weight of early fame, Nawba Tahiya Hossain has managed to do something rare—grow naturally into the spotlight. Barely out of her teens, she has already carried dramas that racked up millions of views and made her OTT debut alongside big names. Her story begins at the premises of Bangladesh Shishu Academy, where a little girl once sat with other children on Thursdays, learning how to recite poems and speak with confidence.

1m ago

Ankan’s aspirations

Recently, Ankan has been making waves with “Long Distance Love,” composed by Shuvendu Das Shuvo, with lyrics co-written by Pragata Naoha and Ankan himself. The song resonated deeply with listeners who related to the pain of separation. “Some loved it, while others didn’t. But what I cherished most was that people began sharing their own love stories in my comment section,” he said.

2m ago

The stars descend tomorrow

The fourth iteration of Blender’s Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards is set to unfold tomorrow, promising to celebrate the finest talents in the OTT industry.

2m ago

There’s no stopping Sadia Ayman

"I am fortunate that in the initial years of my career, I got the opportunity to work with such great filmmakers,” recalls Sadia Ayman from one of her old interviews with The Daily Star. Her aim for the stars led her to a place where she is now making her mark in the glittering world of showbiz.

3m ago
Star Health

Star Health

Health assistants continue work stoppage demanding grade upgradation

An 11-member team heads to Secretariat following a call from the health adviser

21h ago

Staff, infrastructure crisis leave thousands without care at Bagerhat’s maternity centre

20-bed Mother and Child Welfare Centre struggles to serve mothers, newborns after four decades without upgrades

22h ago

Hypertension ranks first among Bangladesh’s top ten diseases

Health and Morbidity Status Survey finds 33% experienced illnesses in 3 months leading up to the survey last year

22h ago

Toxic temptation: The hidden danger of food colours and adulteration in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s vibrant food culture is a feast for the eyes — from rainbow-hued sweets to brightly coloured street snacks. But beneath this colourful charm lies a dangerous truth: much of that colour is not natural at all. The growing use of artificial and industrial dyes in food has become a silent but severe public health crisis, threatening millions of consumers every day.

1d ago

Superbugs on the rise / The world is running out of effective antibiotics!

Dr Muniruddin Ahmed.On October 13, The Guardian published an alarming report titled ‘<I>Sharp global rise in antibiotic-resistant infections in hospitals, WHO finds</I>.’ The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that infections once easily curable with conventional antibiotics are now be

1d ago

Families struggle as dengue cases peak in November

Twelve-year-old Nuhas and his two-and-a-half-year-old sister Najat are sharing a single bed at the children’s ward of Mugda Medical College and Hospital, both diagnosed with dengue.

2d ago

Migraine and other headache disorders: A global concern

Headache disorders remained among the most common neurological conditions worldwide, affecting an estimated 40% of the global population in 2021. Despite their widespread impact, they continued to be underestimated and under-treated, leading to significant personal suffering, reduced quality of life and substantial economic loss.

1d ago

Lung cancer: Modern challenges and timely prevention

Lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease. In Bangladesh, alongside smoking and negligence, factors such as air pollution, radon gas, genetic mutations, and industrial emissions from workplaces are increasingly contributing to its risk. Research shows that although smoking remains a major cause of lung cancer among patients in Bangladesh, cases of adenocarcinoma—a particular type—are rising even among people who have never smoked.

1d ago
Satireday

Satireday

Satire / Let's MoPE!

"Dhaka has become one big group project, where everyone's angry"

6m ago

Satire / Justice for Sale: Case Files Found at Tk 16 per Kg

Who knew justice could be 'that' quick, or cheap?

10m ago

Satire / BBA student gets married, calls it the best networking experience of his life

Nothing is impossible – if you believe in your ability to make the right connections, that is.

1y ago

Satire / iPhone 16 users claim biggest feature is a scam

The iPhone 16 series launched a couple of weeks ago, coinciding with a sudden rise in online ads by people selling human kidneys.

1y ago

Government losing ‘Aandar’ control trying to bring it under control

In an unprecedented twist, the government keeps losing Aandar control while attempting to bring it under control. Aanda, or egg -- whatever people choose to call it doesn’t matter anymore as they are having breakfast without eggs.

1y ago

Holy League unveils new leftist wing

“We represent the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the majority of Bangladesh. Our policies, philosophies and ideals are all BLESSED. You must understand this,” he yelled at the crowd.

1y ago

A tale from the future: Ordinary students celebrate lynching 100th person

The year is 2028. Ordinary students have done something extraordinary yet again. Yesterday, they organised “Lunch for Lynching” to celebrate beating a hundred people to death since the “lucky seventh independence”.

1y ago

Satire / ‘Natok Kom Koro Pio’

“Natok kom koro Pio,” the man said, his white beard shaking with fury.

1y ago
TOGGLE

TOGGLE

Press Release / Community wellbeing ride in Dhaka promotes rider health and safety

ELF Lubricants, a TotalEnergies brand, has held a community wellbeing ride in Dhaka aimed at highlighting rider health and safety.

1m ago

Traveller’s notebook: in the Land of the Blue Dragon

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam is not the first destination that comes to an average Bangladeshi traveller’s mind when thinking of getting out on exploring a new place.

7y ago

Traveller’s notebook: Kuala Lumpur

We’re a generation of wanderers and we have long been a species of wanderers. What ties us to our 9–5 routine is not natural. We want to explore, even if we don’t realise it, each one of us, to our very core, are explorers.

7y ago

The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer

The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.

2y ago

Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable

And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!

2y ago

So long, goodbye

The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

2y ago

Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra

Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.

2y ago

Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning

To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.

2y ago
In Focus

In Focus

A British witness to Bangladesh genocide: Val Harding’s 1971 story

In April 1971, at the age of 24, Val Harding was volunteering as a nurse at a hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, when she first heard of the atrocities on March 25 in Dhaka and the fight for the Liberation of Bangladesh.

10h ago

Early North Bengal: A (re-)creation and a lone journey

Naturally, ENB, which was mentioned as Puṇḍravardhana-bhukti in the Gupta epigraphs, remained mostly understudied.

1d ago

My experience as an editor of a Bangla magazine

We wanted Edesh-Ekal to say something to all citizens and at the same time to maintain a strong focus on women and their problems

2d ago

‘Struggle’: Noazesh Ahmed and his first masterpiece

All his life, Noazesh remained immersed in the enchantment of art.

6d ago

Birth Centenary / Remembering Munier Bhai

Munier Chowdhury's extraordinary contributions—not only through his own work but also by inspiring others and engaging in dialogue—made him unique.

1w ago

Photographing Muslim women: How Sufia Kamal broke the camera taboo

Sufia herself faced no trouble for having her photograph printed, but her poem did create difficulties.

1w ago

Dhaka’s forgotten WWII story: What soldiers feared more than Japanese bullets

The US soldiers and Allied crews who passed through Dhaka during the war ended up fighting two battles at once

1w ago

Bhashani and the gayebi janazah of 1968: A photographic history

The atmosphere was heavy and tense. It seemed unlikely that people would turn up for the gayebi janazah.

1w ago
Star Youth

Star Youth

Everyone’s earning from Facebook: Here's how you can get started too

How to start earning from your Facebook posts.

3d ago

Substack’s moment in time: The cultural and the personal

The more you use Substack, the more you will realise that it might just be the future of independent media.

1w ago

The highs, lows, and how-tos of a long-distance relationship

A long-distance relationship can feel like balancing on a thin line between comfort and chaos.

1w ago

Youth Anxieties / The overwhelming reality of entering the workforce as a fresh graduate

How the idea of entering the workforce as a fresh graduate overwhelms many.

1w ago

Nurturing a love for astronomy

Astronomy helps us better understand the stars, the universe, and even our own planet.

2w ago

Two of your friends have started dating, now what?

When love changes the friend group forever.

1m ago

The weight of toxic positivity

The hidden harm of “stay positive” advice.

1m ago

Feeling bored and why it isn’t necessarily a bad thing

What is this unsettling feeling of boredom trying to tell us?

1m ago
Shift

Shift

Uber and WeRide introduce driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi

Uber has recently launched fully driverless robotaxis in Abu Dhabi through a partnership with the Chinese autonomous-driving company WeRide, marking the first time the ride-hailing platform has offered driverless services outside the United States. 

4d ago

Press Release / Omoda 9 PHEV launched in Bangladesh

Asian Distributions Ltd, the distributor of Omoda and Jaecoo in Bangladesh, has officially launched the Omoda 9, a plug-in hybrid SUV.

2w ago

Deepal launches S05 plug-in hybrid in Bangladesh

Deepal has officially launched its latest Plug-in Hybrid model, the Deepal S05 at a launch event held on November 8, 2025 at the Deepal Bangladesh showroom located at Rangs Babylonia, Tejgaon, Dhaka.

3w ago

Avik Anwar wins double in Gulf Pro Car Series opener at Yas Marina

Bangladesh’s Avik Anwar won both Renault Clio Cup class races as the Gulf Pro Car Series began its season at Yas Marina Circuit on November 1, securing a clean sweep in Round 1.

4w ago

New 'Standard' Tesla cars start from $36,990

Tesla has launched new 'Standard' lower-priced versions of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, with starting prices of $36,990 and $39,990, respectively. 

1m ago

Press Release / Club launched for Volkswagen enthusiasts in Bangladesh

A new social club for Volkswagen enthusiasts called “VW Club Bangladesh Ltd” has been launched in Bangladesh, bringing together owners and admirers of the German car brand in an effort to build community and promote road safety.

2m ago

BYD launches upgraded Atto 3 in Bangladesh

BYD, the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer, has officially launched the upgraded version of its Atto 3, the electric SUV, at an event held on September 20 at the BYD Flagship Showroom in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

2m ago

Press Release / Mitsubishi launches Xpander Black Series in Bangladesh

Mitsubishi Motors Bangladesh has officially launched the Xpander Black Series in Bangladesh with the first variant the Xpander Matte Black.

2m ago
Books & Literature

Books & Literature

ESSAY / Lessons from our literary girls: Why freedom framed as favour is no freedom at all

If the girls we read about could speak today, their voices would be both sharp and unflinching.

4d ago

ESSAY / When old patriarchies wear new faces

To understand the deep-seated relevance of this modern debate, we must embark on a journey into the heart of Sarat Chandra’s literature, where these battles first found voice.

5d ago

INTERVIEW / Reclaiming the unwritten: Kanika Gupta on colonialism, embodiment, and the art of remembering

Gupta shares her insights on reclaiming forgotten histories, reimagining myths, and connecting ancient narratives to contemporary ecological and social concerns.

1w ago

ESSAY / Taylor Swift talks back to Shakespeare

I first heard Taylor Swift’s song “The Fate of Ophelia” on the radio during a road trip to New Hampshire the day after it was released on October 3.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Contested words, painful genealogies

Buried beneath masses of mangled bodies of countless innocents slowly pulled from the shrapnel and debris, their remaining flesh torn in the extraction, lies a reflection of the world’s inhumanity.

1w ago

CREATIVE NONFICTION / The Solitude of ’69

For the Class of ’69 at Dhaka University, that bond was embodied in one man—Syed Mayeenul Huq. He wasn’t just a friend; he was the quiet, steady centre that held their entire constellation together.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / An incident amidst nightly escapades

“Graveyard Shift” is a highly anticipated work by M L Rio, following her success with If We Were Villains (Flatiron Books), released in 2017. Like its predecessor, the novella “Graveyard Shift” also stays in the realm of dark academia; however, the similarities between the two books end there.

1w ago

POETRY / Ink and Tree

If every leaf that falls is a memory you’ve forgotten, then let my ink become rain— so you might remember how it felt to grow with me.

2w ago
Star Holiday

Star Holiday

The lantern town of HOI AN

No travel experience of Vietnam would be complete without encountering the charm of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Every nook and cranny of this two-thousand-year-old town felt like something out of a fairytale.

1w ago

The call of Maasai Mara

The journey begins in the dust. Fine, red ochre dust that plumes behind our safari vehicle, coating everything in a thin film that smells of ancient earth. It’s the dust of the Maasai Mara, the pulse of Kenya’s wildlife.

1m ago

A day inside the Forbidden City

The moment I stepped into the Forbidden City, the noise of the modern world seemed to fade away.

1m ago

Star Holiday / Langtang valley trek

Land of endless beauty, simple living

2m ago

Shakil’s Mission Impossible

The mountains’ call -- sometimes in silence, sometimes in the rustle of dry leaves, sometimes in the babble of waterfalls, and sometimes in the roar of glaciers. Once someone hears that call, they can no longer remain confined within walls. My “Sea to Summit Everest Expedition” was just such a j

3m ago

The Great Wall of China

The morning mist clung to the hills of northern China, softening the sharp lines of the mountains. Then, through the shifting veil, I saw it -- the Great Wall of China.

3m ago

Machu Picchu Whispers of the Incas

I was in the ancient city of Cuzco, Peru -- once the capital of the Inca Empire -- standing at the train station with the Andes rising like ancient guardians all around me. My next destination was Aguas Calientes, better known as Machu Picchu town.

4m ago

Sri Lanka: A story of resilience & beauty

Not long ago, the country was on the brink of collapse. Now, it has turned around

5m ago
Weekend Read

Weekend Read

The chef who put home cooks: At heart of global cuisine

Asma Khan is an advocate for women’s empowerment through food -- honest, eloquent, and unapologetically frank.

2d ago

When the alleys knew our names

There was a time when Dhaka’s narrow lanes knew us better than we knew ourselves. Long before the flyovers sliced the sky and long before every passer-by walked around wrapped in earbuds like private citizens of their own worlds, these alleys held entire universes.

1w ago

Haripur Zamindar Bari in Brahmanbaria / On the banks of Titas, a palace fading into memory

The Haripur Zamindar Bari in Brahmanbaria’s Nasirnagar upazila stands in quiet resignation, its ageing walls holding the weight of a world long gone.

2w ago

The magic of ras utsab / A night of dance, music and devotion

As the full moon of Agrahayan rises, the Manipuri community in greater Sylhet prepares to celebrate its most cherished festival -- Maharas Leela, or Ras Utsab.

3w ago

Taxidermy: Preserving life through art, science

Inside the Jamuna Bridge Regional Museum in Tangail's Bhuapur, a child was staring at a stuffed owl, mesmerised, as he wondered if it was a real bird.

1m ago

Choosing peace over pace

“Time is money” -- this capitalist anthem has forced us, the modern world citizens, to optimise and monetise every second of our waking hours. We compute our accomplishments quantitatively, without regard for the quality of the task done.

1m ago

The mantas: A life adrift

Despite centuries of life on the water, the Mantas remain invisible in official records.

1m ago

Echoes of grandeur linger in Haturia’s fading palaces

Tucked away on the banks of the Jamuna in Pabna’s Bera upazila, the remote village of Haturia holds on to a remarkable past.

1m ago