United News of Bangladesh

Chhayanaut paid tribute to legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed marking his 125th birth anniversary through a special edition of its Shrotar Ashor at the Chhayanaut auditorium in the capital on Tuesday evening. The programme, which began at 6:30 pm with opening speeches by Chhayanaut President Dr Sarwar Ali, featured seven artistes performing Bengali songs from different musical traditions, including folk, Nazrul and traditional songs, highlighting the rich musical heritage associated with Abbasuddin Ahmed and other eminent composers and lyricists. The participating artistes were Priyantu Deb, Suman Majumdar, Most Sarifa Khatun, Biman Chandra Biswas, Md Abul Kalam Azad, Chandana Majumdar and Kiran Chandra Roy. Priyantu Deb opened his segment with ‘E Kon Modhur Sharab Dile’ and ‘Bosiya Nodikule, Elochule Ke Udasini’, both written by Kazi Nazrul Islam. Suman Majumdar performed ‘Khatune-Jamat Fatema Janani’, ‘Tomar Akashe Uthechhilo Chand’ and ‘Sadh Jage Mone Porojibone’. Most Sarifa Khatun presented folk songs including ‘Fande Poriya Boga’ and ‘O Ki Ekbar Asiya’, the latter associated with Abdul Karim.  

‘DOT: The Beginning of Everything’, the first solo exhibition of Japan-based Bangladeshi artist Kamrul Hasan Lipu is underway in Yokohama, Japan, featuring 41 paintings that explore memory, identity and cultural roots through the colours and motifs of Bengali folk art. The six-day exhibition opened at Gallery Shimizu on October 20 and will continue until October 25, bringing Bengali cultural influences into dialogue with contemporary Japanese aesthetics. The paintings, primarily created using acrylic and mixed media on canvas, reflect Lipu’s experiences of living away from Bangladesh and his continuing connection with the country’s cultural heritage. His works move between figurative imagery and expressive abstraction, using vivid colours such as turquoise, emerald green, sea blue, amber, crimson and golden yellow to create layered compositions. "Through time and distance, my memories of Bangladesh have taken on new forms, allowing familiar faces, sari patterns, birds, and flowers to return through the colors of feeling," Lipu said. "By bringing my personal experiences into conversation with the ornaments and rhythms of Bengali folk art, I continue to search for a visual language of my own," he added.  

The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum has published a book documenting the sacrifices of nine Sanatan faith followers killed during the 2024 mass uprising. Titled 'Bisarjan: Sanatan Martyrs of the July Mass Uprising', the book was released on Monday ahead of Sharadiya Durga Puja, paying tribute to the martyrs from the Hindu community. The nine martyrs are Shree Shuvo Sheel, Riya Gop, Hridoy Chandra Tarua, Saikat Chandra Dey, Tonoy Chandra Das, Ripon Chandra Sheel, Rudra Sen, Dipto Dey and Ganga Charan Rajbongshi. They included students, children and working-class people. The death of six-year-old Riya Gop during the uprising sparked widespread outrage across the country. She was fatally shot while playing on the rooftop of her residence.

The 2026 China Jingdezhen International Ceramic Expo opened on Sunday in Jingdezhen, a city in east China's Jiangxi Province known as the "porcelain capital", drawing more than 1,000 professional buyers from home and abroad. The five-day event showcases various aspects of the ceramic industry, covering the entire industrial chain, domestic and international markets, and the application of digital technology across an exhibition area of 140,000 square metres. Exhibitors from more than 19 countries, including Spain, Germany and Japan, are taking part in the expo. Themed exhibition zones highlight creative design, smart ceramic manufacturing, international brands and ceramic-producing cities. The 2026 standards for the "Jingdezhen Made" regional brand and the city's digital culture and tourism platform were unveiled at the opening ceremony. On July 25, the Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Sites were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, filling a longstanding gap in the list's representation of porcelain heritage and becoming China's 61st World Heritage site. The sites reflect the handicraft porcelain industry system that developed in Jingdezhen between the 10th and 19th centuries. Today, the city's ceramic industry chain employs more than 100,000 people, while the comprehensive division-of-labour system that contributed to its historical success remains active. First held in 2004, the expo has steadily expanded its international reach and developed into a comprehensive platform for exhibitions and trade, cultural exchanges and investment cooperation. Jingdezhen, which has a population of more than 1.6 million, recorded a net population inflow of 136,000 over the past decade. More than half of those who have established long-term businesses in the city come from outside Jiangxi Province, including a notable number from overseas.

Bangladeshi artist and printmaker Kalidas Karmakar has been remembered on his seventh death anniversary, honouring a creative legacy that helped shape the development of modern art and printmaking in the country. Renowned for his experimental approach to art, Karmakar explored painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation and mixed media throughout his career, constantly pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through innovative techniques and unconventional materials. Fondly known as ‘Kali Da’ in the country's art sphere, he earned the distinction of being called Bangladesh’s ‘Alluvial Artist’, reflecting his deep connection with the country’s landscape, culture and artistic traditions. Born in Faridpur on January 10, 1946, Karmakar completed his preliminary degree in fine arts at the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University, in 1964 before graduating from the Government College of Fine Arts and Crafts in Kolkata in 1969. His artistic practice evolved through decades of experimentation, with printmaking remaining one of his most significant areas of contribution. He explored techniques including etching, aquatint and viscosity printing, helping expand the possibilities of the medium in Bangladesh. Beyond printmaking, his work encompassed a wide range of materials and forms, often blurring the distinctions between traditional artistic disciplines. His distinctive visual language and willingness to experiment established him as an influential figure in the country’s modern art movement. Karmakar’s artistic journey extended beyond Bangladesh, with his works exhibited across South Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. His achievements were recognised with the Shilpakala Padak in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2018. A significant part of his legacy also lies in his longstanding association with Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, where he served as an adviser and played a pivotal role in developing facilities for printmaking. He designed the studio’s interior and was closely involved in setting up its printmaking equipment. The studio was established to provide artists with access to specialised machinery and facilities that were then scarce in Dhaka, enabling them to explore different printmaking techniques. His contribution extended beyond the studio’s physical infrastructure. Kalidas Karmakar envisioned an artist residency programme that would give printmakers a shared space to work independently, exchange ideas and develop their artistic practices. He remained closely involved with Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 until his death on October 18, 2019, serving as a lifelong Adviser and helping shape the institutions’ commitment to artistic experimentation and the development of printmaking in Bangladesh. “Today marks the seventh death anniversary of Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi artist and printmaker Kalidas Karmakar, our beloved Kali Da. His contributions to the establishment of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, as well as to the arts in Bangladesh, particularly printmaking, are undeniable. On this day, Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 respectfully remember Bangladesh’s ‘Alluvial Artist’,” Sourav Chowdhury, Artistic Director of Gallery Cosmos, told UNB. Kalidas Karmakar died in Dhaka on October 18, 2019, at the age of 73, leaving behind a diverse body of work and a lasting influence on Bangladesh’s modern art and printmaking.

The iconic white Chinese takeout container-a folded trapezoid cardboard pail featuring a wire handle and red pagoda graphic-is a quintessentially American creation blending immigrant history, innovation, and convenience. Its design dates back to 1894, when inventor Frederick Weeks Wilcox patented a leak-resistant, folded paper pail originally created for carrying oysters. Meanwhile, Chinese immigrants arriving during the mid-1800s Gold Rush and railroad era established Chinatowns and foundational Americanized Chinese eateries. Following World War II, Chinese restaurants proliferated beyond chop suey and chow mein, establishing a reputation for affordable and accessible takeout, according to Michelle King, a history professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In the 1970s, packaging company Fold-Pak added the trademark red pagoda design and stylized lettering, cementing the container as a Chinese American cultural staple akin to the Italian pizza box. Today, while takeout packaging varies and holds diverse cuisines, the classic oyster pail endures as a cultural symbol-even immortalized as the universal "takeout" emoji.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organised a remembrance programme on Saturday to honour the legacy of Lalon Sai, highlighting his philosophy of equality, humanity and respect for people beyond religious and social divisions. The programme marking the 136th death anniversary of the mystic Baul saint was held at the National Theatre Hall at 6 pm, under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Addressing the event as the chief guest, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam MP stressed the importance of practising equality and respecting individual freedom of belief. Referring to recent incidents of religious extremism, he said people should have the freedom to practise or not practise religion without being subjected to insult or humiliation. “Lalon’s central teaching is a sense of equality, and that is what we should practise,” he said. Speaking as the chair of the programme, Md Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and Director General (additional charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, said Lalon’s life and spiritual practice presented a vision of a humane society where a person’s greatest identity is being human. “Lalon taught us that dignity lies not in one’s birth or identity, but in humanity, conscience and deeds,” he said. He added that Lalon’s philosophy was not merely part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage but also an important guide to social and moral renewal. Yasmin Begum, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended the programme as a special guest, while artist and researcher Professor Dr Ahmed Shakil Hasmi delivered the keynote address. Ashraf Uddin Ahmed Ujjal, Cultural Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and Zakir Hossain Rokon, Member Secretary of the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS), also spoke as special guests. The second part of the programme featured performances of Lalon songs by prominent folk and Baul artistes. Popular singer Latif Shah opened the musical segment with Lalon’s ‘Doinno Gaan’, followed by Nasrin Sultana Beauty’s rendition of ‘Krishna Preme Pora Deho’. Aleya Begum also performed Lalon songs. Biman Chandra Biswas sang ‘Ami Opar Hoye Boshe Achhi’, while Mousumi Iqbal performed ‘Helay Helay Din Boye Jay’. Veteran folk singer Kangalini Sufia presented ‘Dekha Diyeo He Rasul’, followed by Kaniz Khandaker Mitu’s rendition of ‘Ghore Keba Jage Keba Ghumay’. The programme continued with performances by Suman Roy, Pakhi Bauliana and Sultana Zaman Jochhona. The event concluded with collective performances of ‘Dhanya Dhanya Boli Tare’, ‘Amar Ghor Khanay Ke Biraj Kore’ and ‘Milon Hobe Koto Dine’ by vocal artistes of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.  

A discussion and cultural event titled 'Nazrul Borshe Aborton-er Nibedon: Chirodiner Nazrul' was held on Friday evening at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), aiming to highlight the timeless literature, music, and non-communal spirit of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam among the youth. Organized by the cultural organization 'Aborton' to mark 'Nazrul Year', the program brought together prominent academics, cultural personalities, and dignity figures to celebrate the poet's multidimensional legacy. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam joined the event as the chief guest, while Director General of Bangladesh Television (BTV) Kazi Jesin, Jahangirnagar University Bengali Department Professor Dr Shamima Sultana, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University Professor Dr Md Azharul Sheikh, and popular singer Nazmun Munira Nancy attended as special guests.

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) has launched 'Listening Beyond Sight', a solo photography exhibition by artist Arif Abdullah, offering visitors a unique exploration of creativity that transcends conventional visual boundaries. The exhibition opened on Friday evening at La Galerie, Dhanmondi. Md Abul Bashar, Strategy Consultant at Abul Khair Group of Companies, attended the opening ceremony as the special guest. Arif Abdullah, who began his artistic journey with a passion for photography during his school years, has developed a multidisciplinary practice that spans music, songwriting, and sound design. His artistic trajectory underwent a significant transformation while studying Fine Arts, when he was diagnosed with Choroideremia, a rare genetic condition causing progressive vision loss.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will organise a remembrance programme on Saturday to mark the 136th death anniversary of mystic folk philosopher Lalon Sai, featuring discussions on his life and philosophy and performances of his songs by prominent Lalon singers. The programme, organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will begin at 6 pm at the National Theatre Hall of the academy. Lalon’s songs and philosophy transcend divisions of caste and religion, conveying a message of humanity that continues to resonate in struggles for justice and against social prejudices and religious discrimination. Yasmin Begum, secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, will attend the programme as the chief guest, while artist and researcher Prof Dr Ahmed Shakil Hasmi will deliver the keynote discussion. Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, joint secretary and director general (additional charge) of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will preside over the event. The second segment will begin with a group performance by the academy’s vocal artists, followed by Lalon songs performed by noted folk singers including Kangalini Sufia, Aleya Begum, Latif Shah, Nasrin Sultana Beauty, Sumon Roy, Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Biman Chandra Biswas, Pakhi Bauliana and Mousumi Iqbal. Artists from the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha (JASAS) will also perform at the event. The discussion and musical performances, highlighting Lalon’s life, philosophy and humanist ideals, will be open to all.