United News of Bangladesh

The third week of September marks National Houseplant Week, a time when plant lovers turn their attention indoors. It also offers the perfect opportunity to try kokedama, a Japanese gardening technique that transforms ordinary houseplants into striking pieces of living art. Kokedama, which literally means “moss ball,” involves growing a plant in a soil ball wrapped in moss instead of a pot. The result is a minimalist, sculptural display that works equally well on a decorative plate or hanging from a hook. These creations also make thoughtful gifts. Plants that require less water are best suited for kokedama since exposed soil dries out faster than in pots. Spider plant “pups,” pothos, philodendrons, and succulents are all popular choices. How to make kokedama You will need: peat moss, bonsai or potting soil, preserved moss sheets, scissors, waxed thread or fishing line, two bowls, water, and a small plant. After mixing peat moss and soil into a firm, snowball-like shape, split it in half and enclose the plant’s roots inside. Wrap the ball with moss, trim the excess, then secure it with thread or line. Soak the finished kokedama in water for 15 minutes and drain. Rewater when it feels noticeably lighter. Care and display Kokedamas can be grouped as centerpieces or suspended for a floating garden effect. To prevent them from drying out, keep them in a humid environment or near a humidifier. Prune the plant each spring to prevent overcrowding, and fertilize lightly once a year with organic plant food. With a little creativity, kokedama brings artistry and elegance to any indoor plant collection.  

“I have always been a happy man. In these 80 years, I could not find a single day of sorrow in my life,” said noted nature enthusiast, ornithologist, mountaineer, photographer and writer Enam Ul Haque, as his 80th birthday was celebrated on Friday evening at the Cosmos Centre Rooftop with tributes, music and reflections from friends, family and admirers. Hosted by WildTeam CEO and former Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, the evening began with a remembrance of Cosmos Group Chairman Amanullah Khan on his maiden death anniversary, and Jahangirnagar University Fine Arts Assistant Professor Jannatul Ferdous, who recently passed away while on duty during the JUCSU election. A soulful flute recital by Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy with Tabla accompaniment by Anjan Sarker set the tone for the evening, followed by the unveiling of a portrait of Enam Ul Haque by artist Monjur Rashid, signed by the guests. Distinguished personalities attended the ceremony, including Cosmos Group and WildTeam Founder, Cosmos Foundation Chairman, and UNB and Dhaka Courier Editor Emeritus Enayetullah Khan; 'Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque' book editor Golam Shafique; Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman; former Bird Club President and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed; UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and ArtCon Founder ARK Reepon, among others. In his reflections, Enam Ul Haque said he felt fortunate to receive greetings from so many who came out of love, not obligation. “I know one day I will be gone, but Bangladesh will continue and surely become beautiful. If you look at the history of this country and then look at today’s Bangladesh, you will not be disappointed,” he said. Adding to the joyous atmosphere, Catherine Grace Gardner, Creative Artistic Director, Cosmos Global, led the guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to Haque and shared her reflections. Artist Zemrina Haque and the cultural group Addopanto, centred around Haque, presented bouquets to honour him. In his welcome speech, Enayetullah Khan recalled the many events held at the Cosmos Rooftop but called this one exceptional.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival wrapped up Saturday after 10 days of premieres and red carpets. Beyond the stars and awards, the event can also be told through numbers — from record ovations to pricey cocktails. 4,580: Films submitted for consideration, including 1,936 feature films. Submission costs 200 euros ($234) each. To qualify, a film must have been completed after Sept. 7, 2024, and make its world premiere at Venice. 21: Films in the main competition. That’s just over 1% of the features submitted. Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Bother won the Golden Lion. 7: Members of the main jury, chaired by U.S. director Alexander Payne. 22 minutes: Length of the longest standing ovation, for Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. 1932: Year the festival was founded. 65: Countries represented in the lineup. 156 minutes: Longest runtime of a competition film, Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin. 90 minutes: Shortest runtime, for The Voice of Hind Rajab. ‘Colour Rhymes’ at AFD brings children’s imaginations to life 10,000: Estimated turnout at a Gaza anti-war march held during the festival. 2: Lifetime achievement Golden Lions, awarded to actor Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. 5,370 dollars: Cost of a one-night stay at Hotel Cipriani, a celebrity favorite. 34 euros: Price of the “Buonanotte” cocktail at the Cipriani, invented with George Clooney. 2:3:1: Campari spritz ratio — Campari, prosecco, soda water — the unofficial festival drink. 4.5 km: Distance from Venice’s Piazza San Marco to the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, the festival hub. 71 feet: Lowest depth of the Venetian Lagoon, crossed daily by stars and guests on water taxis. 1,032: Seats in the Sala Grande, the main theater for premieres and awards. 44: Suggested font size for subtitles at Venice screenings. Non-Italian films must have Italian subtitles, and Italian films must have English subtitles. Source: Agency 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated a three-day art exhibition titled ‘Colour Rhymes’ on Thursday at its La Galerie in Dhanmondi, showcasing the imagination, innocence, and wonder of childhood through the expressive works of young artists. Organised by Painting Workshop–Dhanmondi and coordinated by artist Sarah Jabin, the exhibition features a vibrant collection of paintings created by children. The event aims to nurture their creative expression while inviting audiences to step into the unique world of their dreams and reflections. Each artwork is accompanied by the child artist’s own description, providing a direct glimpse into their thoughts. In one such piece, 'Dancing with the Rain', a young participant wrote, “I jump in puddles and the rain claps for me,” turning a rainy day into a joyful symphony. Another painting, 'Ice Cream Sadness', reflects a moment of disappointment with the words: “I request my father to give me an ice cream. He replied that I will catch a cold and that’s why he didn’t buy me ice cream.”

The weeklong printmaking workshop and exhibition 'From Darkness to Light: When Guanlan Meets Dhaka' recently concluded at the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio in the capital's Dhanmondi, with leading Bangladeshi artists praising the initiative for nurturing young talents. Eminent artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi attended the closing ceremony on Wednesday evening as the chief guest, while noted artist and freedom fighter Professor Abul Barq Alvi was present as the special guest. Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor and renowned printmaker Professor Anisuzzaman Anis, who conducted the workshop, also joined the ceremony, which was presided over by artist Ahmed Nazir Khokon, founder of the Safiuddin Shilpalay. The workshop, held from August 20 to 27 with the participation of selected students from different universities and 40 artists chosen by Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio, ended with a certificate distribution ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Rafiqun Nabi reflected on the evolution of woodcut practice in Bangladesh. Sharing his own journey as a printmaker, he said, “In the early days, there were limited opportunities for printmaking training, and we had to overcome many obstacles." "Fortunately, I learned from various workshops at home and abroad. I hope the participants of this training will continue to practice not only academically but also at home as much as possible,” Prof Nabi said. Professor Abul Barq Alvi congratulated the participants, urged them to pursue regular practice, and lauded the activities of the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio. Trainer of the workshop, Anisuzzaman Anis told UNB, “On the occasion of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed’s birth anniversary, the Safiuddin Shilpalay has previously organized a number of artistic initiatives. I have also been part of many workshops at different places, including Cosmos Atelier-71 of Gallery Cosmos. Recently, I visited Guanlan in China, and earlier in Japan, and I studied various aspects of woodcut art." "Inspired by those experiences, I have guided 40 participants from across the country, who worked here from August 20 to 27; and I only demonstrated the techniques, but they blended their own creativity into the work, which deeply impressed me. I believe more such workshops should be held so that aspiring artists can truly benefit,” Professor Anis told UNB. Coordinator of the workshop, artist Shakil Mazumder, told UNB, “In this workshop organized by Safiuddin Shilpalay marking the birth anniversary of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed, Professor Anis Sir taught us woodcut printmaking in a very friendly way. We worked for seven days, and on the last day we arranged the closing exhibition to demonstrate the 40 artworks of our 40 participants from Dhaka and other parts of the country, and the entire workshop was free of cost.” Chair of the event and Safiuddin Shilpalay founder Ahmed Nazir Khokon thanked the esteemed dignitaries of art alongside Professor Anisuzzaman Anis and all participants before formally concluding the programme. The event was also joined by Ekushey Padak-winning artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma, DU Faculty of Fine Art teachers Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, Abdullah Al Bashir, Juton Chandra Roy, Asmita Alam Shammy, Mohammad Kamal Uddin, artist Shahanoor Mamun, and Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, among others.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka, through its Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), on Thursday organized a cultural evening titled ‘Nazrul Sandhya’ at the ICC in Gulshan to commemorate the 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The programme drew a large audience, including eminent artistes, cultural dignitaries, Nazrul scholars, youth delegates and art enthusiasts, who together paid homage to the 'Bidrohi Kobi' (Rebel Poet). High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his address, reflected on the multifaceted legacy of Nazrul, describing him as “an icon of the shared cultural connection between India and Bangladesh.” Recollecting Nazrul’s role in India’s freedom struggle, Verma said, “His poems stirred a subjugated nation, awakened its soul and inspired an entire country to break free of the chains of colonial oppression.” Highlighting Nazrul’s relevance in today’s world, he added, “He is an ardent symbol of youthfulness, whose appeal for inclusive, plural humanism transcends national boundaries. He is a philosopher whose message of equality and harmony continues to inspire the world — a lighthouse of our collective conscience.” In her welcome remarks, IGCC Director Ann Mary George underscored the enduring cultural bonds between India and Bangladesh. She reaffirmed IGCC’s role as a hub for cultural exchange, noting its commitment to celebrating literary and artistic figures like Kazi Nazrul Islam who embody the region’s shared heritage. The highlight of the evening was the performances by acclaimed Nazrul Sangeet exponents Dr Chanda Chakraborty and Shahid Kabir Polash, whose soulful renditions brought alive the revolutionary zeal and lyrical beauty of Nazrul’s timeless works. Dr Chakraborty, an award-winning artiste and scholar, is an Assistant Professor at Government Music College and a senior instructor at leading institutions including Bangladesh Nazrul Institute. With a Ph.D. on Nazrul’s devotional music from Dhaka University, she has performed widely at home and abroad, receiving honors such as the National Nazrul Samaj Padak (2009) and Channel i Best Performance in Nazrul Sangeet (2018). Shahid Kabir Polash, a foremost Nazrul Sangeet and classical vocalist, trained under legendary maestros Sohrab Hossain and Sudhin Das. A ‘special grade’ artiste of Bangladesh Television and Betar, he has performed on prestigious stages internationally, including Nazrul Mela in Churulia, India. He has also been recognized with awards including the Citycell-Channel i Music Award (2010). Their renditions — from fiery verses of Bidrohi to Nazrul’s devotional and romantic compositions — deeply moved the audience, reaffirming the timelessness of his art. The evening served as a solemn musical tribute to Nazrul Islam (1899–1976) — poet, musician, freedom fighter and philosopher — whose writings championed freedom, equality and communal harmony, inspiring generations and symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India.

The nation on Wednesday is observing the 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, recalling his undying legacy of defiance against injustice as well as his profound messages of love, humanity, and equality. The poet, lyricist, composer and revolutionary voice of Bengali literature and music, affectionately known as ‘Dukhhu Mia,’ passed away on 12 Bhadra, 1383 (August 29, 1976) at the then PG Hospital (now BSMMU) in Dhaka. Various socio-cultural organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day, including discussions, prayers and cultural events. National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute organised a discussion titled 'Mrityunjayi Nazrul' alongside Hamd-Naat recitations and doa mahfil. Bangla Academy paid tributes at the poet’s grave and arranged solo lectures and cultural performances. National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 126th birth anniversary today In a Facebook post, the Nazrul Institute said, “On the morning of the 49th death anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, we gathered beside his grave to pray for his eternal peace. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Nazrul Institute jointly offered prayers, attended by Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman and Additional Secretary Abdullah Khan. The dua was conducted by Nazrul Institute’s Executive Director Md Latiful Islam Shibli, who prayed that tomorrow’s Bangladesh becomes the egalitarian, fraternal, and harmonious nation envisioned by the poet.” Although Nazrul’s creative period lasted only 23 years, his literary works — poems, songs, essays and novels — remain timeless treasures of Bengali literature, inspiring generations in their struggles against exploitation and oppression. At the same time, he is revered as the eternal poet of love. Following Bangladesh’s independence, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka with his family on May 24, 1972, with special permission from the Government of India. He was accorded the status of National Poet, provided state accommodation in Dhanmondi, awarded an honorary D.Litt. by Dhaka University in 1974, and granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 1976. The same year, he was honoured with the Ekushey Padak. Despite being popularly revered as the National Poet for decades, no official gazette notification had been issued until this year. In January 2025, the interim government formally declared Kazi Nazrul Islam as Bangladesh’s 'National Poet' effective from May 4, 1972, finally granting him long-awaited state recognition.

When Hurricane Katrina struck 20 years ago, it devastated New Orleans and transformed its schools, leaving behind the nation’s first all-charter district. For many who lived through that upheaval, the experience shaped their futures — inspiring some to become educators themselves. Ahead of the storm’s anniversary, three survivors shared with The Associated Press how Katrina altered their lives and careers. A displaced student finds inspiration in TexasChris Dier, now a history teacher in New Orleans, was starting his senior year in neighboring Chalmette when Katrina hit. Evacuated to Texas, he finished school there after months in a trailer offered by strangers. Teachers stepped up in his darkest moments — providing supplies, tutoring, and even soccer cleats. “They made me feel like I belonged, not just a statistic,” he recalled. Once determined never to follow his mother into teaching, Dier said Katrina changed his outlook. “I saw how teachers responded. That inspired me.” An eighth grader longs for New Orleans’ ‘love and attention’Jahquille Ross, now an educator and nonprofit leader, was in eighth grade when he evacuated. Shuttled through four schools in a year, he felt isolated and struggled academically. “The teachers didn’t go out of their way. I didn’t get the love and attention I was used to in New Orleans,” he said. Returning months later, he found strength in family and community. Inspired by supportive educators, Ross chose to teach, hoping to give young children — especially from Black communities — the same encouragement he once received. Vermont’s dog mountain honors the bond between humans and their pets A teacher loses her school and memoriesMichelle Garnett, who taught kindergarten for three decades, recalled the heartbreak of finding her school destroyed. Floodwaters ruined her classroom, along with irreplaceable keepsakes her parents had given her. “All was lost,” she said. Still, living with 23 family members in Baton Rouge, she found comfort in safety and togetherness. Garnett entered teaching out of necessity while caring for her ill daughter, but Katrina deepened her sense of purpose. “We think we choose a path, but God puts us where he wants us. Teaching is where I needed to be.” Their stories reflect how Katrina’s devastation reshaped not just schools but lives — and how resilience, care, and community became lessons for a new generation of educators. Source: Agency 

A special photography exhibition titled 'Shotoborshe Sultan' will begin on Friday evening at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi marking the birth centenary of legendary Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan. Bengal Foundation organised the exhibition in collaboration with HSBC Bangladesh. The exhibition will showcase a rare and intimate visual journey of artist Sultan through the lens of eminent photographer Nasir Ali, widely known as the 'Poet with the Camera.' It will feature portraits of the iconic artist alongside original negatives, handwritten letters, diary entries, drawings, and other memorabilia from Mamun’s private collection.  Many of these artifacts will be displayed publicly for the first time, offering an evocative glimpse into the extraordinary life of one of Bangladesh’s most visionary painters. Marking his 65th solo exhibition, Mamun described the initiative as a significant milestone in his artistic career.  “For the first time, items from my personal collection— including three of his teeth, handwritten letters, diary pages with writings and drawings, unpublished sketches, and original negatives—will be on public display. To mark the occasion, Bengal Foundation and HSBC Bangladesh are jointly publishing a 160-page catalogue titled 'Seeding the Soul' - and altogether, this will be an important exhibition,” Nasir told UNB. "It feels like the State has finally honored me with what I deserve:" Nasir Ali Mamun 'Shotoborshe Sultan' will remain open to visitors every day from 4 to 8 pm (except Sundays) until September 27 at Bengal Shilpalay, House 42, Road 27, Dhanmondi. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by distinguished artist Monirul Islam and Matiur Rahman, Editor of The Daily Prothom Alo, as Guests of Honour. Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh, will also be present on the occasion.

The 76th birth anniversary of eminent playwright and theatre personality Selim Al Deen, widely known as 'Natyacharya', is being celebrated across the country through theatre festivals, seminars, exhibitions, processions and commemorative programmes. On Monday morning, teachers, students and cultural organisations paid floral tributes at Selim Al Deen’s grave on the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus. The JU Drama and Dramatics Department arranged daylong programmes featuring theatre songs, a photography exhibition, a commemorative rally, and a seminar where Dhaka University’s Theatre and Performance Studies teacher Sudip Chakraborty presented a keynote paper. Meanwhile, Dhaka Theatre and Gram Theatre jointly organised a four-day festival at Bangladesh Mahila Samity, which began on Friday with the staging of Deen’s Liberation War-based play 'Deyal'. The festival will conclude Monday evening with the Dhaka Theatre Awards ceremony and the staging of Deen’s play 'Nimmojon', directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff. Theatre troupe Swapnadal launched its two-day festival titled 'Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Janmotsab 2025' on Monday at Jahangirnagar University and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The programme features special stagings of Deen’s iconic plays 'Hargaj' and 'Chitrangada', directed by his student Zahid Repon. On Monday evening, 'Hargaj' will be staged for the 49th time at BSA’s Experimental Theatre Hall, while 'Chitrangada' will be staged on Tuesday evening to close the festival. In Gaibandha, Sarathi Theatre is hosting a three-day festival at Dariapur featuring tree plantations, art competitions, cultural performances, and the staging of Kalindir Git on Wednesday. Bogura Theatre is also marking the occasion with art competitions, recitations, and theatrical readings at its office premises. Separately, Selim Al Deen Sangrohashala arranged a two-day programme including a seminar on “Henrik Ibsen and Selim Al Deen: Eastern and Western Theatrical Forms and Modernity” at the National Theatre Hall, followed by a staging of 'Rupchan Sundarir Pala' by Bangalok. Born on August 18, 1949, in Senerkhil village of Feni’s Sonagazi upazila, Selim Al Deen studied Bangla literature at Dhaka University and later joined Jahangirnagar University, where he founded the Drama and Dramatics Department. A co-founder of Dhaka Theatre and Gram Theatre, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2007, the Bangla Academy Award in 1984, and the National Film Award for Best Dialogue in 1994. Selim Al Deen passed away on January 14, 2008, and was laid to rest near the central mosque of Jahangirnagar University.