United News of Bangladesh

Bangla House will make its debut at SXSW London from June 2nd to 4th, 2026, bringing Bangladesh and its global diaspora to one of the world’s most influential platforms for culture, technology, trade, music, art, and innovation. Presented by Amreen Bashir Ali & Tanveer Ali from the Mubarak Ali Foundation, Durjoy Rahman from the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation, and Ayesha Qureshi MBE & Abdal Ullah from the British Bangladeshi Power & Inspiration in collaboration with SXSW London, Bangla House will take place at the Kobi Nazrul Centre on Brick Lane, a landmark institution named after Bangladesh’s National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam and a powerful symbol of British Bangladeshi history and identity. SXSW has long served as a global meeting point where creators, investors, founders, artists, and leaders come together to shape conversations and build new ideas. Bangla House marks a major moment for Bangladesh and its diaspora, creating a platform dedicated to showcasing Bangladeshi creativity, entrepreneurship, culture, and influence on an international stage. Across three days, Bangla House will feature discussions spanning investment, startups, healthcare innovation, artificial intelligence, fashion, music, media, food, art, and cultural diplomacy. Speakers include Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, investor Rahat Ahmed, fashion icon Bibi Russell, and Emmy awarded music director, Shams Ahmed along with many others. The programme will also feature performances from leading artists shaping contemporary Bangladeshi and diaspora sound, including Xefer, Surya Sen, and Farooque Bhai Project, to name a few. Bringing together founders, investors, artists, policymakers, and cultural leaders from Bangladesh and across the diaspora, Bangla House reflects a growing confidence in Bangladesh’s creative economy and its ability to contribute meaningfully to global conversations shaping the future. Bangla House at SXSW London is free and open to all. Please join to celebrate Bangladeshi and diaspora talent and power. Follow @banglahouse.sxsw and www.banglahouse.org for more information.

Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, known for building giant wooden troll sculptures from discarded materials across the world, has brought his fantasy-inspired creations indoors for the first time in a museum exhibition. The new show titled “The Garbage Man” at the Arken Museum of Contemporary Art near Copenhagen features a story-driven installation where mischievous trolls secretly take over the museum, reshape it and fill it with waste, including a giant human figure made of trash as a warning about human consumption and pollution. Dambo, 46, said the exhibition continues his long-running message about waste and environmental responsibility, but in a more experimental indoor setting where he can use materials such as electronics, cardboard and clothing that would not survive outdoors.

Cosmos Art Echo, the artist talk initiative of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71, held its 10th session titled “The Story of an Angry Man Talking to a Wall” on Friday afternoon with internationally renowned Bangladeshi artist Mahbubur Rahman as the guest speaker. The session was held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Cosmos Atelier71 Studio at Cosmos Centre in Malibagh, Dhaka. Mahbubur Rahman, widely recognised for his multidisciplinary practice, conceptual depth and contribution to contemporary art discourse in Bangladesh, spoke extensively about his artistic journey, experimentation with different mediums, creative philosophy and the challenges of contemporary art practice. Reflecting on his early years at the Faculty of Fine Arts, he said although many teachers and senior artists encouraged him to pursue sculpture, he was always deeply fascinated by painting. He said sculpture appeared to him as more studio-oriented, while painting offered greater possibilities for interaction with people, exploration and movement. The artist recalled how Asian Art Biennale exhibitions played a transformative role during his student years, describing them as “eye-opening” experiences that exposed him to global artistic languages and visual cultures. He said Dhaka city itself functions like a “visual book” for him, where streets, neighbourhoods, people and professions continuously inspire his artistic imagination and storytelling. Mahbubur Rahman said he often views urban spaces like Old Dhaka as cinematic sequences filled with narratives, textures and human interactions that later become reflected in his works. Discussing artistic creativity, he spoke about Renaissance masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, saying artists possess immense imaginative capacity capable of transcending boundaries between painting, sculpture, architecture and other forms. He described the artistic process as similar to scanning and printing reality through the mind and hand, emphasising that artists should not remain trapped within comfort zones. The artist also reflected on competition within society and the art world, saying artists often struggle due to limited platforms, lack of institutional support and highly competitive environments. He shared memories of receiving the Asian Art Young Award but said he did not even attend the award ceremony, explaining that recognition itself was never his primary motivation. Mahbubur Rahman further discussed his long engagement with folk traditions, rickshaw painting, collaborations with traditional painters from Nepal and Mithila artists, alongside his experimentation with figurative forms, textures and surface treatments in painting.

Women artists have highlighted the importance of strengthening cultural infrastructure through sustainable funding, mentorship, representation and institution-building to ensure the continued growth of Bangladesh’s art sector. The observations came at a discussion titled “Beyond the Canvas: Women Shaping Art & Culture,” organised by the Dhaka American Women’s Club (DAWC) as part of its “Women in Art: A Silent Art Auction & Reception” programme held on May 19. The conversation focused on how women are shaping the foundations that make culture possible through artistic practice, patronage and the creation of institutions in Bangladesh and beyond. The speakers included Nusrat Mahmud, co-founder of Brihatta Art Foundation, and artist Tayeba Begum Lipi, co-founder of Britto Arts Trust. Nahar Khan, Founder of Solis, moderated the session.

Cosmos Art Echo, the artist talk initiative of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71, is set to present its 10th session titled “The Story of an Angry Man Talking to a Wall” this (Friday) afternoon. Internationally renowned Bangladeshi artist Mahbubur Rahman will be the guest speaker at this special session. He is recognised for his multidisciplinary practice, conceptual depth, and significant contribution to contemporary art discourse in Bangladesh and his role as Co-Founder of Britto Arts Trust. The session will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday (22 May 2026) at Cosmos Atelier71 Studio, Cosmos Centre, 69/1 New Circular Road, Malibagh, Dhaka. Cosmos Art Echo is hosting this session, continuing its commitment to dialogue, exchange, and critical engagement in contemporary art practice. Launched under the Atelier71 Membership Programme, Cosmos Art Echo has been bringing together artists, thinkers, and audiences through regular conversations, alongside activities including art camps, workshops, film screenings, outdoor art events, and auctions.

Four Bangladeshi filmmakers are participating in Cannes Docs 2026 with their documentary film projects under a French-supported initiative. Held alongside the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Docs is one of the world’s leading platforms for documentary filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, and distributors. The festival began on Tuesday. The initiative was organised by Alliance Française de Chittagong in collaboration with Bisubo Art Organization and supported through the French PICC grant, said the French Embassy in Dhaka. The selected filmmakers are Kazi Arefin Ahmed with Opekkha, Citto Aanondi (Sumaiya Binte Selim) with Blue-Collars from the Frontline, S M Kamrul Ahsan with In Search of Her, and Sumon Delwar with My Cousin. The projects were selected through a national open call launched in September 2025, followed by a transparent and comprehensive jury evaluation process.  

A new free digital textbook developed by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center is aiming to reshape how Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history and cultures are taught in schools and universities across the United States. The multimedia textbook, titled “Foundations and Futures: Asian American and Pacific Islander Multimedia Textbook,” seeks to challenge long-standing stereotypes such as “model minority” and “perpetual foreigner,” which scholars say have contributed to the marginalization of AAPI communities in American history. The project, which took years to complete and involved around 100 contributors including curriculum developers and illustrators, is designed to provide educators with a comprehensive and accessible resource for teaching AAPI experiences. “Our presence, our practices, our cultural rituals and things like that are not deemed as ‘American,’” said Karen Umemoto, co-editor and director of the UCLA Asian American Studies Center. “The actual putting together of this textbook also became our fight for inclusion and represents our right to be seen, our right to speak.” Co-editor Kelly Fong said the textbook will help students see themselves represented in mainstream educational materials. “Young people are going to have so many different opportunities to see themselves and their communities represented in this core text,” she said. The textbook covers a wide range of AAPI histories, including migration, labour movements, community struggles and contributions across the United States, with additional chapters planned for future updates. It also includes multimedia content such as archival images and videos. Researchers involved in the project said it gained added urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in anti-Asian hate incidents across the United States. The development of the textbook was also shaped by broader discussions on racial equity and ethnic studies education. “COVID, I think, was really one of the things that shaped the textbook the way that it did,” Fong said, adding that education can play a key role in addressing racism. The textbook includes stories of lesser-known figures and communities, ranging from Vietnamese and Hmong Americans to Indigenous Hawaiians, as well as narratives of women such as Mamie Tape and civil rights leader Patsy Takemoto Mink. However, scholars acknowledged that the project is launching amid growing political opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in education, particularly under Republican-led policies in several states. Despite concerns that some schools may hesitate to adopt the material, educators involved in the project say it fills a long-standing gap in American history teaching and will serve as an important resource for teachers. Education experts say the free textbook could be especially valuable because of its accessibility and university backing, even as debates continue over ethnic studies and DEI programs in schools. The UCLA centre is now seeking additional funding to expand the project further, with plans to add more content on communities such as Tongan Americans and Taiwanese Americans in future updates.  

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the literature of Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most effective tools for removing darkness from society. He said Rabindranath is the ray of sunlight in Bengali literature. Just as sunlight dispels darkness, Rabindranath, through his timeless literary works, has illuminated and removed the darkness from our consciousness, he added. The Minister made these remarks, while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a three-day national celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in Kushtia on Friday. The event was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and implemented by the Kushtia District Administration at the historic Shilaidaha Kuthibari in Kushtia, a place deeply associated with the poet’s memories. Nitai Roy Chowdhury, in his address, also said Rabindranath was, in every sense, a humanist and a compassionate advocate for farmers. Referring to Shilaidaha as a living monument of Bengali literature and culture, he announced that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism would jointly work to transform the Kuthibari into a complete tourist destination. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula presided over the event, while eminent educationist Professor Wakil Ahmed delivered a commemorative speech titled “Rabindranath: The Poet of Peace and Humanity.” Members of Parliament Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla, Afzal Hossain and Farida Yasmin, among others, were present. The cultural affairs minister also visited the museum inside the Kuthibari and viewed the preserved memorabilia of the poet. Later, the event was followed by cultural soiree on the open stage with an inaugural musical performance by Kushtia Shilpakala Academy artist Shreha Khatun. The three-day festival features a variety of events, including Rabindra Sangeet performances, poetry recitations, dance, and drama, said a PID handout.

A week-long exhibition titled A Shared Condition, marking the first solo showcase of artist Mubtasim Alvee, will open at Alliance Française de Dhaka on May 8. Curated by artist Mustafa Zaman, the exhibition will open at 6:00pm on Friday at Alliance Française de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. The exhibition and its associated collaborative programmes will continue until May 16 and remain open daily from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Dhaka-based multidisciplinary artist, animator and activist Mubtasim Alvee is currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of University of Dhaka. His artistic practice explores abstraction, perception and process through open-ended visual forms reflecting personal and collective experiences. Alvee is also the founder of Syllabaad Collective and the Charukola Animation Society, both aimed at encouraging collaborative learning and interdisciplinary artistic exchange. According to organisers, A Shared Condition examines the intersection between personal and collective psychological experiences. Inspired by the concept of pareidolia, the exhibition allows figures and forms to emerge organically from abstraction, reflecting memory, emotion and shifting identities. The exhibition also addresses how historical, political and cultural forces shape the psyche within a post-colonial context. Organisers said the works portray fragmented and fluid identities, highlighting continuous transformation and uncertainty. Featuring around 100 artworks created between 2024 and 2026, the exhibition includes works in acrylic, spray paint, pastel, printmaking and digital media. Alongside the artworks, the programme will include panel discussions, workshops, interactive audio-visual installations, film screenings, musical events and theatre performances. The event is supported by several organisations, including Bhabachakra, Syllabaad Collective, Charukola Animation Society, Dhaka Comics, Cartoon People, Tickify, Elaka Studios Ltd., Footprint Film Production, Siliconinja, and Street Spirits.

An exciting chapter in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape has begun with the official launch of Art Dhaka, a new art fair scheduled to be held in Dhaka from November 6–10 this year. The launch event held at Aloki on Sunday brought together diplomats, corporate leaders and members of the country’s arts and culture community, formally introducing the initiative to the public.The initiative is led by a group of individuals and institutions deeply committed to promoting the country’s arts and culture. The founding members include Durjoy Rahman, Aumia Khundkar, Amreen Bashir Ali, Fahd Sattar, and Nahar Khan. Together, they bring a powerful convergence of cultural leadership, media, philanthropy, and institutional experience. Art Dhaka has been conceived as a hybrid art fair designed to bring together artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions within a single curated environment. The fair will feature gallery presentations, curated exhibitions, public programming, and dedicated spaces for emerging artists and new collectors. The fair will be designed to create multiple points of engagement. Talks, panels, and interactive experiences will offer audiences insight into artistic practice, collecting, and the evolving role of art in society. A central focus of Art Dhaka is to bridge the generational gap among patrons and cultivate new audiences, said a press release on Thursday. Through accessible entry points, educational programming, and direct engagement with artists and curators, the platform aims to demystify the art world and build familiarity with artistic practice. By creating pathways for students, young professionals, and first-time buyers to engage with art in a meaningful way, Art Dhaka seeks to establish an informed next generation of collectors who can support and strengthen the cultural ecosystem over time. With the tagline, “Art for All,” this platform aims to be a place where artists, collectors, and institutions can meet, where new audiences can engage with confidence, and where the cultural energy of Bangladesh can be experienced at scale. The first edition of Art Dhaka aims to facilitate a space where artistic practice, audiences, and patronage come together with clarity and purpose. About the founders: Durjoy Rahman is the Founder of the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) and one of Asia’s foremost art collectors and cultural philanthropists. For over three decades, he has been deeply involved in building a distinguished collection that spans international masters alongside emerging and established South Asian artists. Through DBF, Durjoy actively supports creative practice by initiating exhibitions, artist residencies, publications, and cross-cultural collaborations worldwide. The name “Durjoy Bangladesh” translates to “Invincible Bangladesh,” reflecting a spirit of resilience and cultural strength that aligns with the foundation’s mission. DBF has long-term partnerships with leading international institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), among others, playing a vital role in placing Bangladeshi and South Asian art within major global discourses. Nahar Khan works across media, culture, and global engagement, shaping narratives that move across borders. She is the Executive Editor of the United News of Bangladesh (UNB), one of the country’s leading and most trusted independent news agencies. She oversees editorial integrity, newsroom innovation, and the agency’s ongoing transformation within an evolving information ecosystem. She is the founder of Solis, a multi-pillar platform working across strategic insights and intelligence, convening and culture. Her practice is shaped through directing exhibitions, artist residencies, high-level symposia, and international exchange programs that place Bangladeshi art in dialogue with global platforms. Her broader work includes her role on the board of Cosmos Foundation, supporting conservation, cultural and heritage initiatives. Through exhibitions and cross-border collaborations, she has worked to position Bangladesh’s narratives within wider global conversations. Her most recognised project, The Black Story, brought together artists and scholars across continents to explore shared histories through an Afro–South Asian lens. Amreen Bashir Ali is a strategist and academic working at the intersection of art, education, and global development. She leads initiatives at the Mubarak Ali Foundation focused on cultural diplomacy and education, including partnerships with institutions such as Harvard Business School, Frieze Art Fair and South by Southwest (SXSW) London. She holds degrees from McGill, Harvard, and Oxford University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin. T. Aumia Khundkar is the Deputy Managing Director of ICE Media, Bengal Group Limited and leads the operations and editorial direction of the company’s two publications, ICE Today and ICE Business Times. Beyond publishing, Khundkar has extensive experience in managing public relations and communications, and organising events such as Bengal Classical Music Festival and Dhaka Makers. With a deep-rooted affinity for art, culture, and music, her work is driven by a continued commitment to nurturing and elevating Bangladesh’s evolving creative landscape. Fahd Sattar is the Founder and CEO of Aloki, a multidisciplinary cultural space in Dhaka working across the intersections of art, music, design, performance, and public programming. He is also the co-founder of Dhaka Makers, a platform dedicated to supporting independent artisans, designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurship within Bangladesh’s evolving cultural landscape. His work focuses on building accessible and community-driven cultural infrastructure through exhibitions, festivals, markets, performances, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Through both Aloki and Dhaka Makers, Sattar has worked to create spaces that bring together artists, craftspeople, musicians, curators, and audiences in ways that encourage dialogue, experimentation, and new forms of cultural exchange. With a background rooted in creative direction, event-making, and independent cultural production, his practice explores how alternative platforms can contribute to the growth of contemporary culture and creative economies in Bangladesh.