United News of Bangladesh

Drik Picture Library, World Press Photo's regional partner in Asia, has announced the regional winners of the 2024 Contest, which features a selection of the world's greatest photojournalism and documentary photography. According to Drik, the works encourage viewers to explore beyond the news cycle and delve further into both major and obscure tales from across the world. BSA commemorates August 21 with photography and public art exhibition A webinar was held on Wednesday to make the announcement. ASM Rezaur Rahman, General Manager of Drik Picture Library, and Anna Lena Mehr, Contest Director of World Press Photo, spoke at the event along with the winning photographers. This year’s winners for the Asia region are: ‘A Palestinian Woman Embraces the Body of Her Niece’ by Mohammed Salem, Palestine, Reuters in the Singles category; ‘Afghanistan on the Edge’ by Ebrahim Noroozi, Iran, Associated Press in the Stories category; ‘Heartstrings’ by Kazuhiko Matsumura, Japan, for The Kyoto Shimbun in the Open Format category; and ‘I Am Still With You’ by Wang Naigong, China, in the Long-Term Projects category. BUP Photography Society holds exhibition Furthermore, the global jury selected one honourable mention: ‘The Edge’ by Zishaan A Latif, India. There are 24 winning projects and six honorable mentions in total for the six regions. Additionally, this year, the jury made the exceptional decision to include two special mentions in the selection. The awarded stories will be shown to millions as part of World Press Photo’s annual exhibition in over 60 locations worldwide, while millions more will see the winning stories online. The awarded photographs were selected from 61,062 entries by 3,851 photographers from 130 countries, judged first by six regional juries, and the winners were then chosen by a global jury consisting of the regional jury chairs plus the global jury chair, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian. Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, Joumana El Zein Khoury, said: “Each year, jurors from all over the globe review tens of thousands of photos to find a selection that is visually stunning, tells stories that matter, and represents our shared world. This year’s selection includes stories of desperation, hunger, war, and loss—but also of perseverance, courage, love, family, dreams, and more butterflies than anyone has a right to expect.” Photography exhibition 'Contemplation' opens at AFD Global jury chair, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian, said: “These final selected works are a tapestry of our world today, centred on images we believe were made with respect and integrity, that can speak universally and resonate far beyond their origins.“ Managing Director of Drik Picture Library Shahidul Alam said: “We are perhaps witnessing the highest frequency of deaths of photojournalists in recorded history. Where world leaders appear to have lost the plot, a brave jury has decided to stand on the right side of history. They have listened to the will of the people and the photojournalists who represent them, rejecting the endless propaganda that powerful nations and their media have served up.” The four global winners, including World Press Photo of the Year, will be announced at the press opening of the Flagship World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and online simultaneously on April 18, 2024, at 11:00 am CEST (Amsterdam time). The World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 is expected to be shown at over 60 locations worldwide, including Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Rome, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Taipei, Sydney, Toronto, and Tunis.

French is becoming increasingly popular among professionals and students in Bangladesh. Being one of the leading international languages of the world, skills in the French language can open career and academic opportunities for Bangladeshis. Besides, several European countries and Canada value French language skills for immigration. Let’s delve into several learning centers in Dhaka that offer French language courses.  Some Popular Places to Learn French in Dhaka City Alliance Française de Dhaka  Alliance Française de Dhaka or AFD is the premier organization in Bangladesh for learning French. The non-profit organization has been working in Bangladesh since 1959 and is playing a key role in promoting French art and culture in the country.  AFD offers French learning options for children, teens, and adults. They have both extensive and intensive courses for each level. In addition to A1, A2, B1, and B2, AFD also has a “Beginner” course to start things off from absolute basics. All of the classes are conducted offline. The course duration is about 40 hours for the extensive program and 76 hours for the intensive one. The cost varies depending on the age group and course type. The fees range from 3,500 BDT (non-beginner children) to 16,600 BDT (extensive adults). The intensive program for adults can cost up to 19,800 BDT with books. Read more: Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad Institute of Modern Languages (IML), Dhaka University  The Institute of Modern Languages of Dhaka University is one of the oldest language research projects and learning institutes in Bangladesh. Founded in 1974, IML works as an instituted faculty under Dhaka University and offers bachelor's, master's, Ph.D., and M.Phil. in selected linguistics and culture.  Currently, IML offers non-degree certificate courses in 13 different languages including French. The French language course curriculum comprises 1 year in the junior certificate course and senior certificate course. The minimum requirement to be admitted to the junior certificate course is to have at least a 2.5 GPA in HSC.  There’s also a 3-month long short course (60 Hours) on French language. All of the classes are conducted offline. The application fee is 500 BDT and the course fee is 9,500 BDT. BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), BRAC University  BRAC Institute of Languages or BIL is the third UGC-approved language research institute of Bangladesh. BIL started its journey in modular form offering English language courses to the students of BRAC University back in 2005.  Read more: Getting International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide Over the years, the modular structure evolved into a structured language research institute which was then renamed as BIL in 2012.  As part of its Modern Languages curriculum, BIL offers courses in 7 different languages including French. Currently, BIL offers on-campus offline beginner-level courses in French. The course fee for the program is 6150 BDT.  Shield Language Academy Dhaka  Shield Language Academy Dhaka is another leading institute for learning French in Dhaka. With over several years of experience, Shield is a trusted language learning center specializing in different languages.  Shield Academy offers A1 to B2 level programs for the French language. The duration for each of the courses is 4 months with 2 classes per week. The cost of each course is 16,500 BDT. Additionally, the admission fee will be 1000 BDT and the textbook and workbook fee will also be 1000 BDT.  Read more: 10 Ways You Can Improve Your English Pronunciation AIUB Institute of Continuing Education  AIUB Institute of Continuing Education started its journey back in 2007 as a means to provide technical skill development programs to the graduates of the university. The aim was to make them industry-ready and initiate essential skills to thrust them ahead in the job market.  Over the years, AIUB ICE has expanded into a diverse foray of skill development including foreign language courses. Currently, it provides A1, A2, B1, and B2 level French courses to its students as well as outsiders.  The duration of the French course of ICE is about 4 months. Classes are held on Fridays and the medium of instruction is online. The cost of each level is 9000 BDT.  Daffodil Institute of Languages, Daffodil University  Daffodil Institute of Languages was formed as part of Daffodil University’s outreach upskilling program. DIL aims to provide certified knowledge of foreign languages to individuals to help in their career prospects. Currently, DIL offers certificate courses in English, pre-university English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Quranic Arabic.  Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary Currently, DIL is offering an A1-level French course. The duration of the course is 2 months with three classes per week. The cost of the course is 30,000 BDT including the registration fee for the A1 DELF exam. 

Are you seeking a comfy place outside your home to browse books and read in a calm environment? Steaming tea or coffee with snacks can make the reading more enjoyable. Let’s delve into some popular cafes in Dhaka city, where bookworms can immerse themselves in reading with a nice blend of coffee. 9 Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka Pathak Shamabesh Pathak Shamabesh is a fantastic spot for a cosy date with your favourite book. This place is popular among people of all ages. This library, founded in 1987, also serves as a bookstore, offering a great collection of books. Different genres, including concept books, picture books, fiction, children’s books, romance, and fantasy, are available for exploration.  Additionally, Pathak Shamabesh has a unique feature: the Reader's Club Membership account. This allows patrons to create an account and maintain a credit balance by depositing BDT 20,000 in advance. Operating from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day, it is open for seven days a week. Read more: Best Online Book Selling Websites in Bangladesh Bengal Boi In Dhaka, Bengal Boi, established in 2017, stands out as a renowned bookstore cafe and hangout spot, championing reading across all age groups. This cosy cafe offers a diverse selection of books and magazines, complemented by refreshing tea. Ideal for enjoying nature, it operates from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week.  Alongside fast food options, Bengal Boi hosts various programmes and activities to foster a love for reading and supports emerging writers through book promotions and events. With its well-organised layout and picturesque garden, it is the perfect haven to appreciate literature and the outdoors. Boi Chottor Boi Chottor in Shyamoli, Dhaka, is a delightful bookstore cafe offering a unique collection of imported original books. Operating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, it provides various services like dine-in, outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and in-store pickup. Additionally, they offer nationwide book home delivery.  Read more: Books VS Kindle: Which Is Better For You? With free wifi and a cosy ambience, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while exploring the shelves. Ample seating areas cater to readers and scholars alike. Boi Chottor also serves a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks, with designated spaces for children to indulge in reading. Occasional discounts add to the allure of this charming establishment.  PBS Discover a haven for book enthusiasts at PBS, the pioneering chain bookstore cafe in Bangladesh. Established in 2010, it caters to readers of all ages and educational backgrounds. Operating from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, PBS offers an extensive collection covering various fields such as world literature, science, philosophy, sociology, history, economics, politics, law, and religion.  They also stock materials for A-level students. Moreover, PBS features a vibrant children's reading and play zone adorned with shelves of colourful books, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a children-friendly environment to nurture a love for reading.   Read more: What Different Colors of Roses Mean: A Deeper Look Baatighar  Founded by Dipankar Das in 2005 in Chattogram, Baatighar has expanded its reach to four districts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. Renowned among book lovers, it offers a haven for those seeking solace in the world of literature. With its creative interior, Baatighar provides an elevated reading experience, whether you are immersed in fantasy or historical novels. 

Mural, the graphic artwork painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling or other permanent substrate, is a popular form of art in the world. Through the brushstrokes, artists can broadly represent their worldviews of nature and other elements, and maximize their artistic visions. There are several unique places in Dhaka, a medieval city and one of the busiest cities in the world, which is full of stories. Banani is one of the most important areas in the city, and the people who live there have grown up surrounded by the beautiful and serene natural atmosphere since the town's founding; the streets of Banani were carpeted in Krishnachura (Royal Poinciana) flowers, but now the birds, animals and natural elements are hardly visible due to the passage of time. Sotheby's auction of Zainul Abedin paintings breaks records for Bangladeshi artists Presenting a creative solution to this issue, Art & Soul, founded by Nabila Rahman, has spearheaded a unique mural project in Banani Road 21/A with approval and funding of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor's office, under the patronage of its Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, and Ameenah Ahmed from Meena Trust, another significant donor of this project.  With generous funding from both donors, Art & Soul has brought together nine talented artists to create a stunning 250-square feet mural on Banani Road 21/A (Banani Bidyaniketan wall). The project manager and co-curator for this project is the renowned Bangladeshi artist Fareha Zeba.

In commemoration of the Genocide Day on March 25, Monday, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will lift the curtain on an exclusive exhibition of paintings by eminent and promising artists of the country.  Nahid Izahar Khan, State Minister for Cultural Affairs, will inaugurate the exhibition at Gallery Number 1 of the National Art Gallery at BSA, Segunbagicha in the capital. Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky will also join the inauguration ceremony. The exhibition will feature artworks made on a daylong workshop by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday in five venues in Dhaka, portraying the brutal massacre of Bengali netizens of then-East Pakistan on March 25, 1971 by Pakistani occupation forces.   Fifty senior and talented artists participated in the art camps, which were held at Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall and Begum Rokeya Hall, Rajarbagh Police Lines, Rayerbazar Boddho Bhumi and Jalladkhana Killing Field in the capital’s Mirpur. Eminent artists including Hashem Khan, Farida Zaman, Biren Shome, Nisar Hossain, Rokeya Sultana, Mohammad Eunus, Abdul Mannan, Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, Malay Bala, Asmita Alam Shammy, Rasel Rana and others participated in the art camps held in these different places in the city. The exhibition will also showcase the posters and photographs of BSA’s 'Gonohotta Poribesh Theatre' project.  Syeda Mahbuba Karim, Rezaul Hashem, Mostak Ahmed, Mahbubur Rahman Sujon and Taimur Hannan of the Fine Arts Department were the coordinators of this art camp under the management of the Fine Arts Department of the Academy. The exhibition will continue till March 31.  

At a recent auction organised by renowned auction house Sotheby's in New York, two paintings by the Bangladeshi art maestro, revered as 'Shilpacharya' Zainul Abedin, fetched a record price, the highest on record for a Bangladeshi artist. Sotheby's, which was founded in London close to 300 years ago but is now headquartered in New York, recently organised an auction titled "Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art", where these two paintings were auctioned at record prices. According to the Sotheby's website, one of the two paintings, "Untitled (Couple)," which depicts a Santal couple (Oil on canvas, 1963), sold for $381,000, or around Tk 4,16,29,622 (Tk 4 crore 16 lakh 29 thousand 622) based on today's USD to BDT exchange rate ($1 = BDT 109.26). A hat worn by Napoleon sold for $2.1 million at an auction of the French emperor's belongings The other painting, also “Untitled” depicts a woman at rest, wearing a sky-blue saree and scarlet bangles, created between 1956 and 1963 using oil paints on board. This painting sold for USD 279,400, equivalent to approximately Tk 3,05,28,389 (3 crore 5 lakh 28 thousand 389). The first painting, which measures 102 cm in width and 135.5 cm in length, was initially estimated to be valued between 100,000 and 150,000 USD, according to the Sotheby's website. The second one, which measures 80.4 cm in length and 60.4 cm in breadth, was initially estimated to be valued between 80,000 and 120,000 USD. Both were from the Marker family collection, which the Sotheby's website referred to as “Property from The Estate of His Excellency Jamsheed K Marker and Diana J Marker.” BBC reports that both of them were close friends of Zainul Abedin. The Shilpacharya often visited the Marker couple's house and at that time introduced several famous South Asian artists to them. However, the website did not reveal the details of the buyers. Art collectors often prefer to remain anonymous. Princess Diana’s iconic black sheep sweater could fetch at least $50,000 at auction Art connoisseurs in the country opined that these two paintings are among the highest selling prices among Shilpacharya’s artworks. In early 2018, Christie's, the famous New York-based auction house, auctioned off another artwork by Zainul Abedin from the Santal series for Tk 1.5 crore in Bangladeshi currency.

 The solo art exhibition by Potua Nazir Hossain titled “Bagher Deshe Boishakh (Boishakh in the Land of Tiger)” began at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital on Friday.   The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held on Friday at 5pm at AFD's La Galerie, which was joined by eminent art critic Moinuddin Khaled and Dr Lilly Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada in Bangladesh as the special guests.  Nazir Hossain’s artworks accentuate many different forms of the Royal Bengal Tiger in pattachitras that encapsulate many different folk elements of Bangla mythology.  The Royal Bengal Tiger is not only a quadruped feline in the sense that it symbolizes the indomitable spirit of Bangladesh, and the artist tells that more gracefully through his art, through his pattachitras, with an amalgamated panoply of folk motifs, indigenous symbols and fables. The fables in Hossain's artworks tell stories with vivid colours and aphorisms that are familiar and a cinch to figure out. Humorous situations in a bucolic setting like a tiger playing ektara or a tiger pulling a cart are sure to put a smile on the spectator's face, AFD states. Hossain's unique yet relatable style has brought out a collection of artworks that are just beautifully well-timed for the upcoming Bangla New Year, it added. As part of the Francophonie Festival 2024 celebration, organised by France, Switzerland and Canada - the exhibition will welcome visitors till Tuesday, April 2, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 8 pm.

 The first solo photography exhibition by Tazmin Haider titled ‘Mayhem of Life’ was recently held at Midas Centre in the capital’s Dhanmondi.  The exhibition featured 53 photographs taken by Tazmin. In addition, five of her paintings were also showcased in this exhibition. All profits obtained from the exhibition were donated to the IraMon Foundation to help the oppressed and helpless people of society, according to a press release. Regarding the exhibition, Tazmin said, “A picture tells more than a thousand words. In a sentence that cannot be expressed in words, it is easy to express this sentence through pictures. Each photo has its own story that needs to be told." “There were many stories of the society that were hidden in my pictures which were displayed at the exhibition. Each viewer perceives it from their perspective,” she added. The exhibition was attended by popular fiction maker Mabrur Rashid Bannah, YouTuber Prottoy Heron, actors Shaon, Toya, Rashed Shemanto, director Topu Khan, and other personalities from various fields. Tazmin Haider is a student in class 10. Her father Haider Akbar Munna is a media personality and vice chairman of Youth Group.

In 1974, the 29th UN General Assembly, witnessed a historic and powerful speech — on the need for non-violent and peaceful politics — that still bears remedy to the current state of chaos and conflict ravaging countries and taking a devastating toll on millions of lives. It was the brightest moment for Bangladesh on the global stage, within years of its independence. Before an assembly attended by as many as 138 leaders, the impact of a newly formed nation was on full display, thanks to the call for the greater humanitarian cause by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Now five decades down the line, that message of global peace, humanity and freedom resonates in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi 32 as Center for Research and Information (CRI) has rolled out an exciting and profound exhibition themed on the relevance of the speech. As a tribute to the Father of the Nation on his birth anniversary, CRI’s month-long exhibition drew a gathering of a diverse group. Lawmaker Nahim Razzaq and several members of CRI team alongside family members of martyred intellectuals inaugurated the event. Dhaka Flow's festival celebrating Women's Day provides a much-needed space for wellness  

Cultural institution Chhayanaut organised its special commemorative event 'Deshghorer Gaan' on Saturday, in memory of its founding member and the country's esteemed cultural personality Waheedul Haque. The event commemorated the 91st anniversary of the legendary cultural icon, who mobilised public support against the anti-Tagore hate campaigns of the then-Ayub regime and founded Chhayanaut with like-minded people in 1961 on the occasion of the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore. Prominent folk singer Kanan Bala Sarkar inaugurated the event at the Chhayanaut auditorium on Saturday. The event featured regional songs by esteemed local artists, including Gurupada Gupta (Khulna), Badal Rahman (Patuakhali), Jayita Arpa (Mymensingh), Bimalendu Dash (Habiganj) and the guest of the event Kanan Bala Sarkar. In addition, Eidu Boyati and his team from Jamalpur delivered 'Kichhapala' performances at the event. Chhayanaut Joint Secretary Jayanta Roy delivered the welcome speech at the event, while its General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa delivered the vote of thanks.