United News of Bangladesh

Popular book retailer and publishing house ‘Baatighar’ has stepped into its 21st year, marking the occasion with a vibrant celebration titled ‘Alap, Adda, Abritti O Gaan’ on Tuesday at its flagship store inside the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro building in the capital’s Banglamotor. The event brought together writers, readers, artists, journalists, and well-wishers, creating a lively gathering that reflected the institution’s growing legacy as a literary and cultural hub. Speaking at the celebration, noted educationist and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, “The book trade in Bangladesh is now in its second generation, and ‘Baatighar’ is leading the way. They have set a standard by proving that a bookstore can be both attractive and intellectually engaging; witnessing ‘Baatighar’s growth brings me joy.” Addressing the decline in book sales, Professor Sayeed added, “It’s not about how many read books—what matters is that those who do are the ones capable of moving a nation and society forward.” Eminent intellectual Badruddin Umar praised ‘Baatighar’ for publishing quality books and urged greater focus on translation to enrich Bangla literature. “It’s a matter that has been long overdue; and if publishers like ‘Baatighar’ emphasize translation, the next generation will benefit tremendously,” he said. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said, “To survive 21 years is no small feat for any business. Even though books may not be the most commercially viable product, ‘Baatighar’’s perseverance gives us hope in this country.” In a welcome message, Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud said, “Like the creative bookstores found in major cities around the world, ‘Baatighar’ has established itself as a leading and innovative publishing house in Bangladesh. I wish ‘Baatighar’ continued success and growing recognition among readers and writers alike.” Group art exhibition ‘AESTHETE’ underway at Alliance Française de Dhaka Other speakers at the event included Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam, Professor Mansur Musa, writers Anisul Hoque, Mohit Kamal, Badal Syed, Altaf Parvez, Afsana Begum, artist Shaheenur Rahman, July revolutionary Umama Fatema, and journalist-presenter Deepti Chowdhury, among others. The event began at 5 pm, and the cultural performances continued in between by Warda Ashraf, Dipankar Dey, Gargi Ghosh and others. Founded in a modest 10x10-foot room in Chattogram’s Cheragi Pahar with minimal capital and enormous love for books, ‘Baatighar’ began its journey on June 17, 2005. As of June 17, 2025, it has completed 20 years and entered its 21st. Now with six branches across four major cities—Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi—‘Baatighar’ boasts spacious, elegantly designed bookstores, including outlets in Shahbagh and Banglabazar in the capital. In 2017, ‘Baatighar’ formally launched as a full-fledged publishing house and has since published over 400 titles, earning acclaim at home and abroad for its high-quality content, precise editing, appealing cover designs, and durable binding. It has also participated in international book fairs and entered into publishing contracts with publishers in Europe and North America. At the 2025 Amar Ekushey Book Fair, ‘Baatighar’ won the top award in the pavilion category for its aesthetic design and presentation. To celebrate its 21st year, ‘Baatighar’ plans to host large-scale events in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, turning its bookstores into festive spaces welcoming writers, artists, journalists, and readers from all walks of life. The celebrations will continue through December 2025, including regional book fairs and a variety of book-related events and publications.

A compelling group exhibition titled 'AESTHETE' was inaugurated at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD)'s La Galerie on Tuesday, featuring the works of 28 talented and renowned Bangladeshi artists. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was joined by eminent artist and Professor Emeritus of the Dhaka University Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Art connoisseur Raquib Mohammad Fakhrul and renowned artist Ranjit Das attended the event as special guests. Curated as a reflection of Bangladesh’s evolving artistic landscape, 'AESTHETE' showcases nearly 33 paintings and sculptures that explore themes rooted in nature, folk traditions, socio-political realities, and contemporary life. The exhibition spans abstract and representational styles, inviting visitors into a space of visual poetry and personal narratives. ‘Invisible Stories’ captivates Dhaka audience at BSA ahead of France Tour The participating artists include Abdullah Al Bashir, Abdus Sattar Toufiq, Al-Akhir Sarker, Anjum Sulaiman, Anukul Chandra Mojumder, Ashfaque Bappy, Biplob Chakroborti, Bishwajit Goswami, K. Zaman Shimul, Kamal Uddin, Kamruzzoha, Kazi Sahid, Lutfa Mahmuda, Md Ziaur Rahman, Monjur Rashid, Muntasir Moin, Naeem Zaman, Nazia Ahmed, Pradyut Kumar Das, Ratnashwar Sutradhwar, Rezaur Rahman, Ruhul Amin Tarek, SM Saha Anisuzzaman Faroque, Sourav Chowdhury, Sumon Wahed, Syed Golam Dastagir, and Trivedi Gopal Chandra Gupu. Through this diverse presentation, 'AESTHETE' fosters a space for contemplation and dialogue—encouraging a shared journey of discovery between artists and viewers. The exhibition is open to the public from July 8 to 15 (Monday to Saturday), 3 to 9 pm.

Shouts of excitement echoed along the Seine at morning as Parisians legally plunged into the river for the first time in more than 100 years. Designated swimming areas, including two new wooden decks near the Eiffel Tower and Île Saint-Louis, opened to the public as part of a long-anticipated initiative to revive urban swimming in the heart of Paris. Ahead of the opening, a municipal worker cleared patches of algae from the water with a net, and soon, eager swimmers lined up with towels in hand, ready to jump in. Cheers and joyful cries filled the air as the first swimmers entered the emerald-green river. Strict safety measures were in place, including mandatory bright yellow lifebuoys for all swimmers and lifeguards stationed along the banks. The river's mild current served as a reminder that the Seine remains a bustling, living waterway. “It’s amazing to swim right in the center of the city, especially with the heatwave we’ve had,” said Amine Hocini, a 25-year-old construction worker from Paris. “I expected it to be cooler, but it’s warmer than I thought.” Can you have Mayonnaise on a weight loss diet? here's what experts say The return of public swimming follows a €1.4 billion ($1.5 billion) clean-up effort linked to last summer’s Olympics. Authorities say the Seine now meets European water quality standards on most days. Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who took an early swim last year, attended Saturday’s event, holding up a bottle of river water to demonstrate confidence in its cleanliness. Environmental officials confirmed bacteria levels were well within safety limits.

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), in collaboration with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), hosted the opening shows of the body puppet theatre performance Invisible Stories on Saturday and Friday at BSA Experimental Theatre Hall, drawing a captivated and enthusiastic audience. Directed by renowned French puppeteer Laurie Cannac, the intercultural production featured a powerful performance by Cannac herself alongside Bangladeshi artist Md Farhad Ahmed. Combining elements of puppetry, dance, and music, the show marked a unique Bangladesh-France collaboration in contemporary theatre. 'Invisible Stories' told the tale of two scientists in Dhaka investigating the influence of ghosts on daily life. As their obsession grows, they are overtaken by the supernatural and drawn into a surreal voyage through the haunted and mystical Sundarbans. The performance shed lights on diverse oral traditions across faiths and communities, blending folklore with modern theatrical technique. Gallery Cosmos workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate concludes Following the Dhaka shows, the production is set to tour France starting in mid-August 2025. For the international leg, performers Md Farhad Ahmed and Swatee Bhadra will represent the production in cities including Charleville-Mézières, Paris, Cluny, Dijon, and Besançon. The piece will be staged at notable venues and festivals such as the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes, Théâtre Paris-Villette, and Festival Contes Givrés. Laurie Cannac, classically trained at Théâtre-Ecole du Passage, is known for her emotionally resonant and physical puppet theatre. She founded Compagnie Graine de Vie in 1997 and has led numerous intercultural collaborations. Md Farhad Ahmed, associated with Prachyanat Theatre since 2012 and Jolputul Puppets since 2014, brings his expertise in dance, choreography, and puppetry to the production. Swatee Bhadra, a fellow performing artist, joins him for the upcoming France tour. The show was free and open to all.  

The three-day unique art workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques ‘Alchemy of Light’ concluded on Sunday at Gallery Cosmos, shedding the spotlight on these two alternative photographic printmaking processes, each with unique characteristics and applications. Led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University, the workshop brought together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. The concluding day was graced by Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean, Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professors Dr Anisuzzaman Anis and Dr Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, among others. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy “Since the inception of our Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, a number of art enthusiasts from home and abroad have joined to learn, practice and showcase their artistic power on a regular basis. We organize multiple unique art events and artistic ventures in a calendar year, and this special workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques under the title ‘Alchemy of Light’ by acclaimed artist Juton Chandra Roy have been a priority project for us,” Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet said on the occasion. “Talented artists from diverse background across the nation joined this workshop including prominent artists-art educators such as Professor Anis, Bishwajit Goswami and others; and they all have enthusiastically learned these relatively new artistic methods together in this workshop, and we will showcase the artworks from the workshop in a future exhibition soon,” she added. While exploring the workshop, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean praised the initiative, saying it was “very innovative” to organize such a workshop. “From my perspective, it’s particularly commendable as it uses natural colours—creating a dialogue between art and ecology. With this initiative, you are touching something deeply connected to that link. Our imagination in art comes from nature, and it’s important to strengthen that bond,” he told UNB.

Dr Sarwar Ali has been appointed as the new President of Chhayanaut, one of Bangladesh’s most prominent cultural organisations, three months after the passing of the legendary cultural activist Sanjida Khatun. Dr Ali, who had been serving as the Executive President, was named President at Chhayanaut's first annual general meeting since Sanjida Khatun's death, held on Friday. Chhayanaut confirmed the selection of Dr Ali as its new President to UNB, and the Facebook page of Chhayanaut also updated the details of the announcement on Saturday. Chhayanaut's executive committee has also been reorganised during the meeting. Khairul Anam Shakil and Partha Tanvir Naved have been named as Vice Presidents, while Laisa Ahmed Lisa continues as General Secretary. The newly formed executive council also features Mofidul Haque, Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury, Nahas Khalil, Aminul Kawsar Dipu, Sahana Akhter Rahman Papri, Masuda Nargis Anam Kalpana, Zubair Yusuf, Gautam Sarkar, Jasmine Buli, and Semanti Manjari. Meanwhile, Saeeda Kamal and Ruchira Tabassum Naved have joined the Chhayanaut Board of Trustees, filling the positions left vacant by the recent passing of Nurunnahar Abedin and Sanjida Khatun. Shilpakala Academy hosts ‘Ananda Utsab’ celebrating Eid-ul-Azha Dr Sarwar Ali has been associated with Chhayanaut since 1967. In his professional life, he is a pioneer with his broad experience as a medical practitioner. Currently, Dr Ali serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Renata PLC. He is also serving as the Trustee of the Liberation War Museum, Chairman of the Board of Management at BIRDEM Hospital, and Vice President of the Bangladesh Diabetic Association. Sanjida Khatun, a leading figure in the Bengali cultural movement and Chhayanaut’s longstanding President since 1999, passed away on March 25 this year while undergoing treatment at a hospital in the capital. She had been in declining health for several years. Chhayanaut was founded in 1961 as a bold cultural response to the Pakistani regime’s attempt to suppress Bengali identity. The organisation was born in the wake of the Rabindranath Tagore birth centenary celebrations, which it had carried out despite official restrictions. Chhayanaut’s founding president was poet and activist Sufia Kamal. Following her death in 1999, Sanjida Khatun took over the role and led the organisation for more than two decades.

The Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Dhaka, in collaboration with North South University (NSU), recently hosted Kosovo Film Day 2025, a landmark cultural and academic event that drew wide acclaim and an impressive turnout. Held to commemorate the 26th Anniversary of Kosovo’s Liberation Day (12 June 1999), the event highlighted the power of film to reflect history, share human stories, and build bridges between nations. The university auditorium was filled for both sessions of the screenings, with more than 250 guests attending each session. The audience included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, officials from various government departments, members of the diplomatic corps, honorary consuls, representatives of civil society organisations, business leaders and officers from the Diplomatic Security Division, as well as NSU faculty and students. In his opening remarks, Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, underscored the deep significance of the event: “Kosovo’s journey to independence has been shaped by tremendous challenges, but also by an unshakable belief in peace, democracy, and human rights. Through art and education, we honour those who sacrificed and continue to build bridges of friendship.” Three critically acclaimed Kosovar films were screened at the event: Hive (Zgjoi) – directed by Blerta Basholli, based on the true story of Fahrije Hoti, a war widow who challenges patriarchal norms by establishing a small business in post-war Kosovo. The film received global acclaim, winning all major awards in its category at the Sundance Film Festival. 'Alchemy of Light': Gallery Cosmos hosts workshop by Juton Chandra Roy Cold November (Nëntor i Ftohtë) – directed by Ismet Sijarina, set during the civil resistance of the 1990s, it portrays the inner turmoil of a civil servant caught between integrity and survival. The Hero (Heroi) – directed by Luan Kryeziu, a post-war psychological drama that examines trauma, identity, and the often-silenced burden of survival for returning veterans. Each film provided a compelling lens into Kosovo’s past and present, offering the audience a rare cinematic glimpse into its social fabric and resilience. During the event, Ambassador Pllana also highlighted the evolving academic cooperation between Kosovo and Bangladesh. NSU is in the process of formalising academic partnerships with the University for Business and Technology (UBT) and AAB College in Kosovo, aiming to establish joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and collaborative initiatives in media and cultural studies. Prior to the screenings, Ambassador Pllana was formally received by Prof Dr Abdur Rob Khan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of NSU. Discussions focused on the mutual commitment to enhancing educational ties and exploring future exchanges that empower young people in both countries, and Professor Khan praised the Embassy’s initiative and expressed his institution’s willingness to further strengthen bilateral academic and cultural ties. “Events like Kosovo Film Day deepen our understanding of each other’s identities and histories. They open doors for long-term collaboration rooted in mutual respect and shared values,” he noted. The Embassy of Kosovo extends its sincere gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students of North South University, whose support made the event a remarkable success. Their enthusiasm, engagement, and curiosity brought added meaning to the occasion. Kosovo Film Day 2025 reaffirmed the transformative potential of cultural diplomacy and set a promising foundation for continued academic and people-to-people cooperation between Kosovo and Bangladesh.

Gallery Cosmos, the acclaimed artistic wing and printmaking studio of the Cosmos Foundation, has launched a three-day workshop titled ‘Alchemy of Light’, focusing on the historical Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate techniques. The workshop is being held at Cosmos Atelier71, Cosmos Centre, Malibagh, Dhaka, from June 27 to 29, between 10 am and 5 pm daily. Inaugurated on Friday, June 27 at 10 am, the workshop is being led by acclaimed artist and educator Juton Chandra Roy, Lecturer at the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. It brings together 10 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds for an immersive experience in alternative photographic printmaking, blending Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate Techniques. The opening ceremony was graced by Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, along with eminent artist and Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor Dr Anisuzzaman, DU Faculty of Fine Art Assistant Professor at the Department of Drawing and Painting and Brihatta Art Foundation Co-founder Bishwajit Goswami, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and the participating artists: Rashed Sukhon, Naznine Akter, Alia Kamal, Farhana Islam, Sheikh Nahid Hasan, Sharmin Rahman Khan, Sumaita Afrin Shupty, Arup Mandal, Shuvra Talukder, and Bristy Pathan. Speaking at the event, Tehmina Enayet reaffirmed the gallery's commitment to multidisciplinary experimentation. “Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier 71 consistently organize unique and diverse initiatives. This time, we are excited to introduce this unique workshop on Cyanotype and Gum Bichromate—unconventional mediums that allow for vibrant, playful expressions. We believe audiences will enjoy these creations as much as the participants enjoyed making them,” she said, while acknowledging the support of the instructors and fondly remembered the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar, under whose vision the gallery was founded. Professor Anisuzzaman praised the workshop’s artistic merit and expressed his longstanding association with the gallery. “My relationship with Gallery Cosmos goes back many years, and I’ve had the pleasure of conducting two workshops here. Juton, the instructor, is my direct student - and I’ve witnessed his dedication to exploring new media, enriched further by his studies at Santiniketan. The works being produced here are a testament to his growth and vision,” he said. ‘Echoes of Existence’: Tarek Amin’s 2nd solo exhibition opens in London Highlighting the novelty of the medium, Bishwajit Goswami said, “This is a very engaging workshop where two techniques are being integrated in creative ways. While Cyanotype is somewhat familiar in our local context, Gum Bichromate remains relatively unknown. As Juton is both a printmaker and educator, and trained in these methods at Santiniketan where they are taken very seriously, this workshop offers an excellent opportunity to learn something new. While we usually focus on image creation, today we are delving into the process behind it—which is equally vital and rewarding. It’s encouraging to see young, emerging artists enjoying this collaborative experience. Gallery Cosmos has always supported such distinctive initiatives, with a strong setup and facilities.” Workshop facilitator Juton Chandra Roy elaborated on the vision behind the workshop, stating: “This workshop stems from the ongoing academic dialogue around alternative art practices, which are crucial. While traditional printmaking often depends on lab-based techniques using specialized tools and chemicals, access to such setups for emerging artists becomes limited after their graduation, and this pushes many artists to explore alternative media.”

Acclaimed Bangladeshi printmaker Tarek Amin’s second solo exhibition ‘Echoes of Existence’ is currently ongoing at the prestigious Spitalfields Studios Gallery in London, United Kingdom. The exhibition was inaugurated on June 20 and was joined by several guests of honour including Councillor Kamrul Hussain, Councillor for Whitechapel, Cabinet Member for Culture & Recreation, London Borough of Tower Hamlets; renowned academic and leading British Asian writer in the UK Dr Manzu Islam; prominent actor-singer Shampa Reza; former Director of Human Development Report Office and Poverty Division, UNDP.and economist-writer Dr Selim Jahan; poet and storyteller Shamim Azad, and David Lee Morgan, a performance poet and musician who has won the London, UK, and BBC Slam Poetry Championships. Mamitha on whether Jana Nayagan is Vijay’s last film as he enters politics Tarek Amin is a prominent printmaker from Bangladesh, whose works have been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally. With a focus on experimental print techniques and expressive visual storytelling, Tarek’s art explores themes of existence, resilience and the complexities of human life. His latest exhibition ‘Echoes of Existence’ presents a diverse collection of more than 60 artworks, showcasing the artist’s exploration across multiple mediums, including woodcut, sketch, acrylic and etching. Known for his evocative visual language and masterful craftsmanship, Tarek Amin’s works have earned him a significant place in the contemporary art scene of Bangladesh. Kuberaa: Dhanush’s Political Thriller Marches On With Its Elegant Box Office Journey This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate the transient nature of life and the layered stories embedded in Tarek’s works. His distinctive approach to printmaking, combined with a bold and experimental use of techniques, offers a profound reflection on human experiences, memory and identity. At the Spitalfields Studios Gallery, London - the exhibition will run until June 27. Arrangement of the exhibition was conducted by East London Academy of Art.  

From public parks to picturesque beaches, tens of thousands across India participated in mass yoga sessions on Saturday to celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga. People in various Indian states gathered to perform stretches, breathing exercises, and traditional yoga poses. Military personnel also joined the celebrations—practicing yoga on naval ships in the Bay of Bengal and even in the extreme altitudes of the Siachen Glacier in the Himalayas. Countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia also planned similar observances. “I feel that yoga keeps us spiritually fit, mentally fit and helps us manage stress. That’s why I feel that people should take out at least 30 minutes every day for yoga to keep themselves fit,” said Rajiv Ranjan, who attended a yoga session in New Delhi. Yoga, one of India’s most recognizable cultural exports alongside Bollywood, has become a soft-power tool under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has promoted it globally as India steps into a more prominent role on the world stage. In 2014, Modi successfully lobbied the United Nations to declare June 21 as International Day of Yoga. This year’s theme was “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” Modi performed yoga in Visakhapatnam, a coastal city in southern India, where a large crowd had gathered. “Yoga leads us on a journey towards oneness with world,” he said as he joined others on colorfully arranged yoga mats for breathing drills and poses like backbends. “Let this Yoga Day mark the beginning of Yoga for humanity 2.0, where inner peace becomes global policy,” he added. Government officials, ministers, and military officers also shared images of themselves performing yoga poses on social media. In New Delhi’s Lodhi Gardens, a diverse crowd of participants followed instructions on stage as they practiced together. “Yoga for me is like balancing between inner world and outer world,” said Siddharth Maheshwari, a startup manager who took part in the event.