Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday celebrated its 47th founding anniversary with acrobatic shows, dance and recitation performances, discussion, exhibitions, and songs.
The festivities started at 10am with the hoisting of the national flag and the academy's flag.
Later, a special exhibition – featuring notable activities of all departments of the academy since its foundation in 1974 – was inaugurated at 4pm at Gallery-2 and Gallery-3 of the National Art Gallery.
Shilpakala Academy Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky lifted the curtain on the week-long exhibition.
Also, the academy organised a discussion at its Nandan Mancha in the evening where State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid was present as chief guest.
"Today, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has become one of the iconic and dedicated cultural hubs in the world. Over the years, the academy and all of its associates have helped build its reputation," Khalid said.
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Liaquat Ali said, "Against all the odds, Shilpakala Academy has been nurturing the arts and culture of Bangladesh since its inception. Our journey did not stop even during the Covid-19. We regularly arranged cultural events and webinars and supported the artistes."
A cultural event – featuring enthralling dance performances by Shilpakala artistes and musical performances by popular band Spandan – took place following the discussion.
Coordinated by Bangladesh Dance Artistes' Association President Minu Haque, noted and promising artistes including Farhana Chowdhury Baby, Anik Bose, Shahidul Islam Babu, Smita Dey and Munmun performed a group dance recital with the song "Himalay Theke Sundarban."
Nilufar Wahid Papri and Sazu Ahmed staged a Kathak dance recital and Dipa Khandaker, Selina Haque and Sultana Haider performed a traditional Dhamail dance.
And Tamanna Rahman, Subrata and Arthy performed a Manipuri dance and Benjir Salam, Minu Haque, Maietri Sarkar and Jasim an Odissi dance.
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Also, Afrina Afroj Chowdhury, Lubna and Shamim performed a Kathakali dance, and Rachel Priyanka Perris, Laboni and Mousumi Gaudiya dance.
And Baby Rozario, Belayet Hossain and Salma Begum Munni performed a Bharatanatyam dance recital at the event.
Also, the artistes of the dance troupe Nrityanchal presented a dance recital – directed by acclaimed dancer-choreographer Shamim Ara Nipa – with the song "Majhi Nao Chhariya De."
Noted recitation artiste Shimul Mustapha recited poems, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Acrobatic Troupe performed shows including cap dance, high cycle balance, cycle balance, and blanket balance.
Shilpakala Academy is the "only national institute for the development of arts and culture in Bangladesh."
And it was set up for the study and practice of arts in all the districts and upazilas of Bangladesh.
Also read: 22nd Young Artist Fine Arts Exhibition begins at BSA
To spread cultural activities, the district Shilpakala Academy has been set up in five districts of the country. In each district, there is a cultural officer who runs the activities of the district Art Academy.
With a state-of-the-art gallery building, a dedicated theatre building; dedicated music, dance and recitation building and a training building on its premises, Shilpakala frequently hosts discussions and programmes.
It also organises cultural events such as theatrical productions, musical recitations and dance performances, and painting or photography exhibitions.
Besides its regular activities and events at its Segun Bagicha headquarters in Dhaka, Shilpakala is now operating in all 64 districts and 492 upazilas of the country.
Ekushey Padak winner actor ATM Shamsuzzaman's health condition improved on Thursday, his family said.
He was admitted to the Azgar Ali Hospital in Old Dhaka with breathing complications on Wednesday. He is undergoing treatment under the supervision of Dr Ataur Rahman Khan.
His daughter Koyel Ahmed and wife Runy Zaman informed the media that the actor was suffering from Asthma and breathing difficulties, along with other health complications for the last couple of days.
According to the doctors, his oxygen level decreased and his condition would have deteriorated if there was any delay in hospitalisation.
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His overall condition improved on Thursday as his oxygen saturation level increased to 98 percent from 83 percent. Results of his tests are satisfactory, according to his family.
Abu Taher Mohammad (ATM) Shamsuzzaman was born on September 10, 1941, at Daulatpur of Noakhali. His career began as an assistant director in Udayan Chowdhury's film 'Bishkonnya' (1961).
His acting career began in 1965 but he earned his big break as an antagonist in Amjad Hossain's film 'Nayanmoni' (1976).
In his career, ATM Shamsuzzaman wrote more than a hundred screenplays. He debuted as a director with the film 'Ebadat' in 2009.
Also read: Actor ATM Shamsuzzaman on life support
The legendary comedian and antagonist won six National Film Awards for best actor in Kazi Hayat's 'Dayee Ke?' (1987), best actor (comedy) in 'Madam Fuli' (1999), 'Churiwala' (2001), 'Mon Boshe Na Porar Table E' (2009), best supporting actor in 'Chorabali' (2012) and the lifetime achievement award in 2017.
He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2015 for his outstanding contribution to the Bangladeshi cinema industry.
Like every year, Valentine’s Day is arriving on February 14 - this time amidst the pandemic. Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic, many of us have lost relatives, friends, and acquaintances. But life has to go on! This year, Valentine’s Day is coming to make us realize the value of our precious relations. Are you planning to celebrate this Valentine’s Day by presenting a surprise gift and/or treat to your beloved partner? Read this article to know about some great deals and offers for Valentine’s Day 2021.
It is said that diamonds are the best friend of a girl. Like the shine and beauty, the cost of diamonds is also high. But still Diamond can be the appropriate gift for this celebration. If you wish to exhilarate your partner with a gorgeous diamond ring or necklace, grab Valentine’s discounts on Diamonds!
The Diamond World Ltd is one of the leading Jeweler shops in Bangladesh that sell exclusive diamond ornaments maintaining standard and authenticity. It is offering exclusive collections of Diamond rings, lockets, nose pins, and earrings with lucrative discounts. You can avail of this Valentine’s Offer from their showrooms as well as the website. This offer is valid until 15th February 2021.
In 2003, Royal Diamond started their journey as the first Diamond Jewelry in Bangladesh. Collecting raw materials from Africa, they produce awesome diamond jewelry in India maintaining international standards. Then these products are marketed in Bangladesh. Centering Valentine’s Day, Royal Diamond is offering 27% discounts to the diamond ornaments. They allow EMI payment service, besides cash or debit card purchase.
Amin Jewellers is another trusted name in the domain of fashionable jewelry in Bangladesh. In the long journey of 44 years, this jeweler shop is serving its clients with top quality jewelry. Making an excellent combo between modern design and tradition, this jeweler has expanded its fame abroad. This reputed jeweler is offering a 25% discount on Diamond jewelry. Starting from the 1st February of this year, this offer is valid up to 14th February 2021.
Focusing on innovation, D’Damas BD has its take on the jewelry market of Dhaka. Outwinning Valentine’s discount offers of other jewelers, D’Damas offers 35% discounts on Diamond jewelry, including bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, lockets, pendants, tiklis, etc.
The Diamond Art jewelry shop sells natural Diamond Gemstones and Nose pins in Bangladesh. This jeweler is a sister concern of Rashi Ratno Bangladesh who serves the customers of this country with the natural precious and semi-precious astrological gemstone. In the celebration of Valentine’s Day Diamond Art is offering 10% discounts on Diamond jewelry.
Headquartered in India, Gitanjali Group is one of the leading branded jewelry retailers in the world. And, Gitanjali Jeweller is a favorite name for the people who love exclusive diamond, Kundan, Stone, gold, white gold, and platinum ornaments. Fortunately, you can buy these amazing Diamond jewelry from Bangladesh at 25% discounts.
Besides the upper mentioned jewelers, many other shops are offering discounts this month. For instance, Diamond House offers 29% discounts on diamond jewelry, like pendants, lockets, earrings, nose pins, etc. While Diamond Plaza is giving 27% discounts on the diamond ornaments.
Read A special Valentines meal can take many forms this year
To pay a tribute to love, you can plan a dinner with your beloved one on February 14. A bunch of renowned hotels and restaurants in Dhaka are all set to spread the love among their valuable customers on this special day. Let’s check out some lucrative Valentine Dinner deals that are hard to ignore!
Located on Airport Road, Commercial Area of Nikunja-2 at Khilkhet, Le Méridien Dhaka has acquired its position among the top hotels of Dhaka. To make an evening or a night to remember, this hotel is offering Valentine's dinner for couples. Here each couple can enjoy a 6-course set menu for a net BDT 15000. Get a prior reservation to grab this deal!
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Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort is one of the pioneer new-generation business class hotels in the country. This magnificent hotel stands by Airport Road at Nikunja 2 commercial area. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, Regency is arranging a wonderful event at its rooftop garden restaurant called ‘Grill on the Skyline’.
The hotel is inviting guests to grab its valentine buffet dinner offer titled ‘The Valentine on the Skyline’ at BDT 7999 per couple per table. Under this offer, guests will also enjoy heart shape cake, valentine's special drink, chocolates, and live music. Furthermore, there would be an arrangement for the ‘Best Couple Award’, where the couples can win ‘Couple Return Air Tickets for Cox's Bazar’ or Diamond Jewelry.
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InterContinental Dhaka is located at Minto Road near Ramna Park. This magnificent hotel has made awesome arrangements for the guests targeting the February 14, Valentine celebration. Its all-day dining restaurant 'Elements' is offering a lavish Valentine buffet dinner titled 'Flavours of Love' at BDT 5,500 per person.
This hotel has also arranged "Private Gazebos" and "Aqua Deck" for couples who want to spend Valentine's Eve in a cozy private environment under the twinkling stars. The guest can enjoy a Couple Set Menu at BDT 11,111 per couple. What is more? Its luxuriant restaurant 'The Amber Room' offers a five-course couple set menu at BDT 14,500 per couple.
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The country's leading musical institution Chhayanaut will host a four-day online classical music event from Wednesday.
The virtual programme "Jaag Re Jaag – Chhayanaut Shuddha Sangeet Ayojon 1427" will feature performances of renowned classical artistes of the country, Chhayanaut said on Monday.
Over the years, Chhayanaut has organised a yearly classical music festival at its Dhanmondi campus.
The institution has been organising virtual programmes and broadcasting lessons on its Facebook group and YouTube channel since the beginning of the lockdown in April 2020.
Classical music lovers will be able to watch the virtual programme on YouTube and Facebook from February 10-12 at 8pm and at 8am in the morning on February 13.
Also, Chhayanaut is regularly broadcasting a distance-learning session on the first Thursday night of every month at 8pm on its YouTube channel on Tagore song, Nazrul song and folk song – featuring eminent artistes and maestros including Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun, Vice-President Khairul Anam Shakil and noted singer Chandana Majumdar.
The World Health Organization (WHO)'s second call for entries to its Health for All Film Festival has received 1,175 submissions from 110 countries including Bangladesh, the organization said on Thursday.
In the second edition of the festival, Bangladesh is participating alongside countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, United Kingdom, the United States of America, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and Uganda.
More than 40% of the short films feature themes related to COVID-19, revealing the pandemic's pervasive and universal consequences, WHO said in a press release.
Launched in 2020, the festival aims to nurture a new generation of film and video innovators focused on health topics. WHO engaged with independent film-makers, production companies, NGOs, communities, students, and film schools, to ensure a diverse range of entries.
“Telling stories is as old as human civilization. It helps to inspire, motivate, build empathy and share problems so we can find and share solutions together. Everything WHO does is about stories because everything we do is about people. We’re excited about the quantity and quality of entries in this year’s Health for All Film Festival. Ultimately, we hope the festival is not just a way to tell stories, but to change the arc of people’s stories around the world, towards better health,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
Three GRAND PRIX (grand prizes) will be awarded in May 2021 for each of the following categories that are aligned with WHO’s global goals for public health.
Universal health coverage (UHC): films about mental health, non-communicable diseases, major communicable diseases, innovative health services and other UHC stories not part of emergencies.
Health emergencies: films about health emergencies, such as COVID-19 and Ebola, as well as health responses in the context of humanitarian crises and conflict-affected settings;
Better health and well-being: films about environmental and social determinants of health, such as nutrition, sanitation, pollution, and/or films about health promotion or health education.
WHO also plans to award three special prizes: a student-produced film, a health educational film aimed at youth, and a short video designed exclusively for social media platforms.
Entries can include short documentaries or fiction films (3 to 8 minutes in length) or animation films (1 to 5 minutes).
The composition of the Festival jury will be announced in the coming weeks and will include a number of critically-acclaimed artists from the film and music industries, along with WHO experts. The jury will recommend winners to WHO’s Director-General, who will make the final decision. Initial shortlists for each category, comprising 15 films per category, will be announced in March.
Richard Curtis, a film director and writer from the United Kingdom, who was a member of the 2020 jury, said: "Being a Juror for the Health For All Film Festival was a deeply satisfying job -- so many subjects I knew nothing about suddenly coming to life in the work of some remarkable film-makers. And the actual judgement day was gripping -- really varied and passionate points of view from everyone on the panel. It was a real pleasure and a real privilege."
Wagner Moura, an actor and film director from Brazil, who was also among the jurors in the first edition of the Festival, said: "It was truly an honour for me to participate. The films that I have seen educated me a lot about different health issues around the world, and I want to encourage all persons concerned to keep doing these films, to keep talking about your communities, to keep exposing the vulnerabilities of the communities that you filmed. This is the perfect moment to praise the work of volunteers, of doctors, of health sector workers, that have sacrificed their lives for the sake of the most vulnerable ones."