United News of Bangladesh

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Thursday inaugurated 'Troubling Rain', a solo photography exhibition by award-winning photographer and educator Abir Abdullah, at its La Galerie in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The opening ceremony was attended by prominent artist Dhali Al Mamoon, architect Saif Ul Haque, Ekhon TV editorial head Tushar Abdullah, and art critic Moinuddin Khaled. In the exhibition, Abir captures the contrasting faces of Dhaka’s monsoon season — celebrated in Bengali literature for its beauty and romance, yet marked by disruption and hardship. Shot over two decades, his images portray flooded streets, overturned umbrellas, and fragile urban infrastructure under relentless rain, offering intimate glimpses into the resilience of the city’s residents. Abir Abdullah, currently the Photography Workshop Coordinator at AFD, studied at the Bangladesh Photographic Institute and Pathshala, later advancing his skills through global workshops and documentary projects. His career has been recognised with prestigious honours including the Mother Jones International Fund for Documentary Photography and the Alexia Foundation professional grant. His works have been published in The New York Times, Asiaweek, and TIME, and exhibited in cities including London, Amsterdam, San Francisco, Perpignan, Quebec, and Sharjah. 'Troubling Rain' will remain open to visitors until August 23, from Monday to Saturday between 3 pm and 9 pm, at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

A two-day travelling photo exhibition by Pathshala South Asian Media Institute titled “Photography in the People’s Uprising: July Photography – Witness to History and Tool of Struggle” began on Monday morning at Dhaka University’s Swoparjito Swadhinata Chattar, bringing to the streets powerful images that documented the July–August 2024 uprising. The exhibition features works by 14 photographers who risked their lives to capture moments of intense street protests, violent crackdowns, and the spirit of resistance that defined the movement. Organised as an open-air gallery, it aims to revisit key locations in Dhaka that turned into battlefields during the historic months — including the Central Shaheed Minar, TSC, Mohammadpur Beribadh, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Rampura, and Hatirjheel. Renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, along with fellow photographers, teachers, students and other professionals, joined the opening event. “This initiative has brought the gallery to the people — even working-class passers-by are stopping to see the images. Without photographers, perhaps Sheikh Hasina would still be in power; their work should be honoured and protected with proper copyright recognition,” Shahidul Alam said at the event. Photographer Taslima Akhter said the exhibition serves to remember the days of the uprising, while Pathshala teacher Jannatul Mawa noted that when the media was unable to play its role, the photographs spoke the truth. Photographer Jibon Ahmed, who also has a solo exhibition running almost simultaneously at Alliance Francaise Dhaka (AFD) of the photos he took during the Uprising, recalled facing live gunfire from the BGB targeting protestors, while Syed Ashraful Alam shared memories of capturing images amid the chaos in Uttara, and Suman Kanti Pal recounted similar experiences in Rampura. Before setting out, the participating photographers reflected on the challenges of documenting the unrest that happened in July 2024. Following the reminiscences, five vans carrying the photographs embarked on their journey through the city’s flashpoint areas, engaging with the public along the way. The exhibition will continue until Tuesday. Participating photographers include Syed Ashraful Alam, Istiak Karim, KM Asad, Jibon Ahmed, Dipu Malakar, Noor Alam, Moin Bulu, Md Shafiqul Islam, Raihan Ahmed, Rahat Karim, Shuvra Kanti Das, Sultan Mahmud Mukut, Suman Kanti Pal, and Habibul Haque.

Today (August 10) marks the 101st birth anniversary of legendary Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan, born on August 10, 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Bangladesh. The birth centenary of the revered artist will be celebrated through a two-year programme featuring discussions, exhibitions, book publications and research initiatives, organisers announced these on Saturday evening at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The inaugural event, a discussion titled 'The Legacy of Artist Sultan: Imagination, Beauty and the Politics of Uplifting the Common Man', was organised by the SM Sultan National and International Birth Centenary Celebration Committee. Ekushey Padak-winning eminent photographer and Member Secretary of the committee Nasir Ali Mamun, in his welcome speech, said the centenary festivities had been stalled last year due to the post-uprising situation of the country in August 2024. “This year, we are beginning a series of activities that will continue over two years, including art and photography exhibitions, seminars, symposiums, workshops and the SM Sultan Memorial Lectures,” Mamun said, adding that books on the artist’s life, works and philosophy would be published throughout the celebrations. A video documentary by Mamun featured tributes from late sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan; eminent artists Mustafa Monwar, Farida Zaman, Rokeya Sultana, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Kanak Chanpa Chakma; 1952 Language Movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq; writer Hasan Azizul Haq; educationist Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed; researcher Badruddin Umar; art critic Moinuddin Khaled; and researcher Shahman Moishan, among others. This was followed by the unveiling of the book 'Sultan Khonon', edited by Mamun. Dhaka University Professor-researcher Dr Shahman Moishan delivered the keynote speech, calling Sultan as an artist who rejected colonial cultural structures and modernist conventions to develop his own visual language rooted in humanity. “Full of adventure and thrill — moving from town to town, sometimes suddenly disappearing and reappearing — Sultan’s life is for us wrapped in mystery, illusion and curiosity; we see how Tareque Masud’s film 'Adam Surat' and Nasir Ali Mamun’s photographs capture that inward mystery. Sultan fashioned a mythic persona within history that mirrors the common people, and his life should be studied with utmost care," Shahman said. Committee convenor and artist Monirul Islam highlighted Sultan’s distinctive portrayal of muscular human figures without conventional backgrounds or shading. “In his paintings, Sultan depicted people with powerful musculature; his works do not employ conventional backdrops or shading, yet this self-taught artist forged his own distinctive style,” Monirul said. Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair, Sultan’s disciple Bimanesh Biswas, art critic Prof Abdus Sattar, Prof Abul Mansur and art critic Mustafa Zaman also spoke at the event.  

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) wrapped up its two-day staging of 'Songs of Hawkers', an imaginative theatrical production by French director Zazie Hayoun, with a performance on Saturday at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. Drawing from her long-held fascination with everyday life, Zazie transformed the spirited and chaotic world of Bangladeshi street hawkers into a playful, poetic and comedic stage performance. The production paid tribute to these tireless figures whose rhythmic calls, colourful wares and boundless energy form an integral part of the city’s streets.

The photographic publication titled 'Witness to the Uprising' by noted photojournalist Jibon Ahmed was launched on Tuesday at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), drawing a diverse audience of journalists, artists, intellectuals, and members of the diplomatic community. Edited by Mashruk Ahmed and jointly published by University Press Limited (UPL) and Netra News, the 350-page book features over 170 striking photographs along with journal entries documenting the events of the July Uprising in 2024 — one of the most turbulent chapters in Bangladesh’s recent history. Shot while on assignment and later while in hiding, Jibon Ahmed’s work offers a deeply personal and fearless visual narrative of protest, resistance, and the eventual collapse of a regime. His lens captures the raw emotion and chaos of the streets, standing as a testament to the power and responsibility of photojournalism under fire. July Martyrs: Foreign Adviser opens month-long photography and graffiti show  

The month-long celebrations commemorating the historic July Uprising of 2024 will continue with a grand public event on Tuesday on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, featuring cultural performances, a symbolic celebration of the fall of fascism, the historic reading of the July Declaration, and a special drone drama titled 'Do You Miss Me?' among daylong festivities. Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) with support from the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, the event will begin at 11am and run throughout the day. The cultural programme will kick off with performances by the band Tong, including songs like ‘July-er Puthi Gaan’, ‘Ami Chitkar Kore Kadite Chahiya’, and ‘Teesta Bachan, Dhobla Bachan’. This will be followed by Saimum Shilpigoshthi performing revolutionary songs including ‘Jegei Jokhon Uthechho Bondhu’, ‘Ei Andolon Sofol Hobe’, ‘Aay Tarunno Aay’, and ‘Boichhey Batash Boiree’. Kolorob Shilpigoshthi will present ‘Tribhubone Priyo Muhammad’, ‘De De Pal Tule De’, ‘Teer Hara Oi Dhewyer Shagor’, and ‘Delhi Na Dhaka’. Solo performances will include ‘36 July’, ‘Manush Manusher Jonno’, and ‘Palashir Prantor’ by Nahid, and ‘Bangladesh’, ‘Ami Banglay Gaan Gai’, ‘Chol Chol’, and ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’ by Tashfee. Following a break for Zuhr prayers, Chittagong Hip-Hop Hood will take the stage with tracks such as ‘Pehenol’, ‘Nawab’, ‘Rafqi’, and ‘Re 89’. Rapper Sejan will follow songs like ‘Kotha Ko’, ‘I Ain’t A Killer’, and ‘Hudai Hutashe’. Rock band Shunno will perform ‘Shotho Asha’, ‘Godhulir Opare’, ‘Behula’, ‘Bedona’, ‘Rajahin Rajjo’, and ‘Shono Mohajon’. At 2:25pm, a symbolic commemoration of the fall of fascism will be observed, followed by a performance by popular singer Shayan featuring ‘July-er Gaan’, ‘Ami Gaichi Sobai’r Jonno’, and ‘Tajjob Bone Jai’. Singers Ethun Babu and Mousumi will present ‘Deshta Tomar Baper Naki’, ‘Gonojagoroner Gaan’, ‘Maa’, and ‘Amader Bangladesh’. Iconic bands Souls and Warfaze will then perform back-to-back. Souls will play ‘Dekha Hobe Bondhu’, ‘Mon Shudhu Mon Chhuyeche’, ‘Brishti Dekhe Onek Kedechhi’, and ‘Nissongota’, while Warfaze will deliver ‘Maharaj’, ‘Osamajik’, ‘Nei Proyojon’, ‘Obak Bhalobasha’, ‘Purnota’, and ‘Tomake’. After Asr prayers, the historic July Declaration will be read, followed at 5:30pm by ‘Amra Korbo Joy’ performed by the Basic Guitar Learning School. Ethnic band F Minor will present ‘Meye’, ‘Mukti’, and ‘Dahuk’. Singer Parsha will perform ‘Chol Bhule Jai’, ‘Muktir Mondire’, and ‘Mora Jhonjhar Moto’. After Maghrib prayers, Elita Karim will present ‘Dhono Dhanno’, ‘Palashir Prantor’, and ‘Ghure Darao’. The highlight of the evening will be a special drone drama titled 'Do You Miss Me?' from 7:30pm to 8pm. Authored by The Anonymous and jointly presented by the Governments of Bangladesh and China, the show will feature 2,000 drones recreating key moments and slogans from the July Uprising, showcasing scenes of student and public mobilisation that led to the eventual victory. Finally, headliners Artcell will close the night with performances of ‘Swadhinota Medley’, ‘Dukkho Bilash’, ‘Pothchola’, ‘Onno Shomoy’, ‘Bangladesh’, and ‘Kandari Hushiyar’. The entire event will be open to the public, according to BSA.  

A special group art exhibition titled 'The Trendsetters' featuring works by 10 talented Bangladeshi artists has been inaugurated on Friday evening at Bhumi Gallery in the capital’s Lalmatia. The opening ceremony began at 6:30 pm and was inaugurated by internationally acclaimed artist Monirul Islam as the chief guest. Art connoisseur Gitanka Debdip Datta attended the ceremony as the special guest, and a number of renowned and emerging artists, art critics and art lovers were also present at the event. Organised by Bhumi Gallery, the exhibition showcases artworks by Anukul Chandra Majumder, Azmeer Hossain, Kamal Uddin, Sadek Ahmed, Kazi Shahid, Sohag Parvez, Abdullah Al Bashir, Kamruzzoha, Shahanoor Mamun and Sourav Chowdhury. Highlighting the exhibition’s theme, the organizers said that art reflects human thought, struggle, and society. Each generation gives rise to creative minds who challenge norms, redefine practices, and inspire others. 'The Trendsetters' presents the artistic journey of 10 promising and established young artists who are developing their own visual languages and occupying a significant space in the contemporary art scene. The exhibition features 70 artworks in diverse styles and mediums—ranging from realism and abstraction to experimental and traditional expressions. Despite their artistic differences, all works are unified by originality, persistence, and passion. These artists not only represent individual success but also serve as role models for emerging creators. Their works embody a strong sense of cultural identity while engaging in global artistic dialogues. According to the gallery, 'The Trendsetters' is more than just an exhibition—it is a forward-looking initiative where bold creatives are guiding, inspiring, and becoming voices of the future. Their works demonstrate that with dedication, integrity, and creative courage, Bangladeshi art can proudly take its place on the global stage. The 12-day exhibition will remain open to all every day from 4 pm to 9 pm until August 12.

A six-day public exhibition titled ‘Bidrupe Bidroho’ (The Power of Satire) got underway at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Thursday evening, attracting a large and enthusiastic crowd on its opening day. Organized by the renowned satire platform Earki, the exhibition commemorates the first anniversary of the 36-day mass uprising of July 2024, exploring satire as a powerful tool of political resistance. Scheduled from July 31 to August 5, the exhibition revisits the creative expressions that shaped the 2024 movement, where citizens demanding justice and democracy turned to humor and wit as forms of defiance. From cartoons, memes, and graffiti to protest songs, poetry, and video installations, satire became a bold medium for voicing dissent against political oppression.

A heartwarming showcase of creative expression by the children of Peace Home, a shelter operated by the NGO LEEDO (Local Education and Economic Development Organisation), was held on Saturday morning at the Liberation War Museum, highlighting a powerful fusion of art and literature, imagination, and social engagement. Organised jointly by the Liberation War Museum and LEEDO, the event featured artworks developed during a series of creative workshops led by young artist and curator Rupakalpa Chowdhury, drawing inspiration from Begum Rokeya's iconic feminist utopian story Sultana’s Dream. The programme featured the screening of the award-winning documentary Where the Kids Have No Name by Dutch filmmaker Jamillah van der Hulst, which offers an unflinching portrayal of the lives of Dhaka’s street children. The event began at 10:30 am at the museum’s lounge and main auditorium, opening with a moment of silence and a special condolence message from Peace Home’s children in remembrance of the victims of the recent Milestone School tragedy. Tropa Majumdar moderated the event, which included remarks from LEEDO’s Executive Director Forhad Hossain, who emphasised the importance of nurturing creativity and self-expression among marginalised children. LEEDO Peace Home Manager Sohel Rana and member Jasmin Akhter presented an overview of its activities and creative initiatives through a PowerPoint presentation.

Bangladeshi architect-artist Dristi Chakma has recently achieved international acclaim as one of her drawings was selected among the top entries from over 7,000 submissions in the Drawing of the Year Awards, and is currently being exhibited at London Creates 2025, a prestigious showcase hosted by Archisource in the UK capital. The exhibition, taking place at The Truman Brewery in London, features works from some of the world’s most prominent design studios, including Foster + Partners and RSHP. Dristi’s work stands among them—marking a significant milestone for Bangladeshi representation in global architectural illustration. In a recent Facebook post, Dristi shared her excitement, writing, “This is an absolutely proud moment for me as I’ve just stepped into London!! My drawing…has been selected as one of the top works…to be exhibited at London Creates 2025, hosted by Archisource.” She also noted the honour of having her work selected by a distinguished jury panel that includes Narinder Sagoo MBE (Foster + Partners), Jim Heverin (Zaha Hadid Architects), Will Johnston (RSHP), Sam Conway (Hayes Davidson), Eliza Grosvenor (London Festival of Architecture), and Archisource co-founders Mansel Haynes and Emily Glynn. The drawing, developed during her Master of Architecture studio ‘Art, Culture and Other Things’ at the University of Melbourne under the guidance of Samuel Hunter, was created in academic collaboration with Hrisheeta Singh. It is also featured in the Drawing of the Year 2025 publication, highlighting the best visual works of the year. Dristi Chakma studied Architecture at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and earned her M.Arch from the University of Melbourne. She currently works as an architect at VITTI Sthapati Brindo Ltd, and previously served as a faculty member at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).