As I stepped into the Central Shaheed Minar late in the afternoon, I was greeted with the jovial and embracing atmosphere of feminists from all corners of the city— and perhaps even beyond. Most were decked out in orange and red sarees, seemingly in line with a theme for the day. Some were even in work mode, going live on social media platforms to share updates on behalf of their organisations.

With a visionary mission to elevate Bangladeshi art to the global stage, Platforms Gallery is gearing up for its inaugural appearance at the prestigious Tokyo International Art Fair, set to take place on November 29 and 30. The works of three Bangladeshi artists—Auntora Mehrukh Azad, Fakhrul Islam Mazumder Shakil, and Tariqul Islam Herok—will be showcased at this global event.  

The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.

The committee will serve until December 2026. The decision was approved during the association’s first general meeting, attended by 80 of the 170 registered members, held at the National Theatre Auditorium in the capital, reads a press release.

Alliance Française de Dhaka is set to host a distinctive exhibition featuring traditional musical instruments handcrafted by Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Titled “Symphony of Healing”, the exhibition will officially open on November 25 at 6pm at La Galerie in Dhanmondi.

In a lively celebration of cultural exchange, a distinguished nine-member ensemble from Dhaka’s esteemed dance academy, “Kolpotoru,” showcased Bangladesh’s artistic heritage at the illustrious “Bali Yatra Festival 2024” in India. The performance was held at the invitation of the Government of India. 

The play has garnered acclaim for its poignant exploration of societal inequalities. Between 2001 and 2005, “Nityapurana” was staged 86 times across Bangladesh and abroad. 

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has announced seven priority programmes, including a nationwide talent hunt and a youth festival, to reignite the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.

The name of the late legendary artist Kazi Abdul Baset stands strong among the intellectuals who contributed significantly to Bangladesh's artistic and cultural progress even before independence. In tribute to the drawings and paintings he created from the ‘60s to the ‘90s, a solo exhibition titled “Brishti-te Roder Kona” is currently being hosted at Bengal Shilpalay. The Bengal Arts Program has curated the exhibition.

With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.

In a letter signed by renowned director Mamunur Rashid and dated Tuesday, the committee highlighted significant challenges in collaborating with the federation's central leadership.

The everlasting beauty of Bengal and her women, the past relics, and the present elements are currently assembled at Lone Star College Art Gallery, City of Tomball, Texas — creating a window from the USA, across the Atlantic, to Bangladesh. Tasnuva Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American visual artist has adorned the walls of the gallery with her heritage, memoir, and artistry for her second solo exhibition titled “Bengal Bliss and Harmony”. The event, curated by Jill Brumer, chair of the Fine Arts Department at Lone Star College and associate professor of Drama, is currently taking place in Texas.

The play “Marx in Soho” is making its return to the stage with five performances. This collaborative production by theatre groups BotTola and Jatrik will be staged over three consecutive days in Dhaka. 

A peaceful performance program, in the form of a street theatre titled “Lal Majlum” commenced at Dhaka University's Raju Memorial Sculpture last Saturday at 4:00pm, marking the tragic events of the historic mass uprising of July-August. 

The play was not only about raising awareness but also sought to change societal perceptions of people with autism and other disabilities. The team behind "Prerona" hoped the audience would rethink their approach toward those with special needs, transforming their black-and-white world into a colorful one filled with possibilities. As the saying goes, "It takes a village," and the creators of "Prerona" believe collective action can create a more inclusive society.

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.

Today two theatre troupes are set to perform street plays at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), advocating for the safety of theatre artistes. This protest is in response to the cancellation of the play “Nityapurana” on November 2, as well as the subsequent attack on renowned thespian Mamunur Rashid during a demonstration led by Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists.

The Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) of the Indian High Commission organised a musical evening dedicated to Shyama Sangeet by Kazi Nazrul Islam. The event took place yesterday afternoon.

Farooki, a renowned filmmaker, acknowledged the longstanding neglect of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. "Let’s not hide the fact—everyone knows the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has long been neglected. The budget for this sector is always limited. But my advantage is that I have an incredible team. Mohammad Azam is at the Bangla Academy, and he’s a brand! I have been following his work for a long time.”

Today, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) activists organised and participated in a press conference held at the National Theatre Hall seminar room, in response to the unwarranted attack on activists during a protest at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s (BSA) National Theatre Hall yesterday. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for the protection of the nation’s cultural sector so that theatre activities can resume without fear.