United News of Bangladesh

The 164th birth anniversary of iconic poet Rabindranath Tagore was celebrated at Dhaka University on Thursday. To mark the Rabindra jayanti a discussion meeting followed by a cultural programme was held at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, presided over the event while Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Treasurer Prof. Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury spoke at the event as honored guests. Chairperson of the department of Bengali, Prof. Dr. Serajul Islam (Seraj Salekeen), delivered a commemorative lecture titled “Rabindranath and Bangladesh.” In addition, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof. Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Taiabur Rahman participated in the discussion. Prof. Niaz said that the study of Rabindranath is relevant for all times. The more we discuss the thoughts, philosophy, and literary works of the World Poet, the more his relevance will shine. He expressed hope that through such discussions, the new generation will be able to learn about Rabindranath’s life philosophy, thoughts, and literary works. Tagore’s 164th birth anniversary on Thursday

The 164th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore will be observed across the country with various programs organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. This year’s theme is "Rabindranath and Bangladesh". The main three-day celebration will begin  at Rabindra Kuthibari in Shilaidaha, Kushtia, on Monday and continue until May 10(25–27 Boishakh 1432). The event is jointly arranged by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Kushtia district administration. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will attend the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, while Secretary Md Mofidul Rahman will chair the event. Additional Secretary Md Farhad Siddique will deliver the welcome speech, and Professor Mansur Musa will give the commemorative address. Dr Nakib Mohammad Nasrullah, Vice Chancellor of Islamic University, will attend as special guest. The cultural segment will feature a group dance performance of "Akash bhora surjo tara" by the academy's dancers. Kumar Bishwajit to return to stage after long hiatus Suma Rani Roy and Bulbul Islam will perform a series of Tagore songs including "Ami Kothay Pabo Tare", "Ghorete Bhromor Elo", and "Tumi Kemon Kore Gaan Koro," to name a few of the performances. A separate cultural event titled "Anandojogge amar nimantron" will be held on May 9 at 6:30 pm at the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The program will be chaired by Mohammad Wares Hossain, Secretary and Acting Director General of the Academy, with a welcome speech from Mehjabeen Rahman, Director of the Academy’s Music, Dance, and Recitation department. The event includes performances by dance group Bhavna and renditions of Tagore songs by both senior and emerging artists. The evening will conclude with group dances and songs such as "Aj Dokhin Duar Khola", "O Re O Re Amar", and "Oi Moha Manob Ashe." In addition to Dhaka and Kushtia, celebratory events will be held in all seven divisions. All programs are open to the public.

An art exhibition titled 'Ikrimikri: A World of Picture Books'  at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), enamoring young audiences. The inaugural ceremony was held on Friday, May 2. Ikrimikri is a creative platform dedicated to nurturing imagination and learning through picture books. With a strong emphasis on local languages, cultural narratives, and storytelling traditions, Ikrimikri produces beautifully illustrated books and a monthly magazine that capture the dreams, daily lives, and curiosity of children in Bangladesh. The initiative has grown into a vibrant space for visual storytelling, education, and childhood expression. The exhibition showcases illustrations from all the picture books published by Ikrimikri, inviting visitors to explore the artistic journey behind each title. Alongside the exhibit, a series of engaging events will be held from May 3 to 7. These include daily storytelling and story-listening sessions, interactive discussions with artists and publishers, children reading their own stories, and a visual storytelling workshop. The schedule also features a typography workshop for older students, a hands-on book-making session for Grades 5 to 10, and a concluding drama performance titled Fangsang, presented by children from the BotTola theater group on May 7. On Saturday, the first session was a storytelling and story-listening event from 5 to 6 pm, where children read aloud from Ikrimikri books and audience members were encouraged to share their own stories. The second session, from 6 to 7:30 pm, featured an interactive discussion with artists, writers, and publishers. On Sunday, May 4, the day will begin with another storytelling and story-listening session from 4 to 5 pm. From 6 to 7 pm, children and teenagers who enjoy writing will read their own stories during a session conducted by Shanu and Farzana Apu, with their written works also being displayed as part of the exhibition. Additionally, a special visual storytelling workshop titled "From Words to Images" will be held from 4 to 8 pm in Room No 12, conducted by Sabyasachi Mistry. This workshop requires prior registration.

The ‘Rising Stars Concert’, featuring three emerging Russian musicians, was held in Dhaka on Friday night at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. The classical music evening was jointly organised by the Russian House in Dhaka and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, supported by the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The concert showcased performances by Russian artists Stanislav Chernukhin on grand piano, Karina Khovalyg (soprano), and Mikhail Loginov (baritone). At the captivating event, Karina Khovalyg and Mikhail Loginov presented several well-known classical opera pieces from Russia and beyond, delivering vocals that evoked loneliness, grief, and the emotional turmoil of wartime. A highlight of the evening was the performance of the popular wartime song Smuglyanka, with Stanislav Chernukhin’s piano playing creating an atmosphere of romance and melancholy. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados The concert is part of the 'Rising Stars' project by the Russian World Foundation (Russkiy Mir Foundation), initiated in partnership with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. The project introduces young Russian musical talent to international audiences and promotes cultural diplomacy through concerts and educational events. Earlier, on May 2, the students and graduates of the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory conducted a master class at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Pianist Stanislav Chernukhin shared his insights into performing classical compositions by Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach, while vocalists Mikhail Loginov and Karina Khovalyg demonstrated foundational techniques for improving vocal skills. Music enthusiasts of all ages from Dhaka attended the session. The master class revealed numerous hidden talents, inspiring confidence in a promising generation of future performers. The master class, like the concert, is part of the global ‘Rising Stars’ initiative, which highlights the richness of Russian culture, language, and education. Since its inception, the project has gained international acclaim, with performances and masterclasses held worldwide and new tours continually being added. At the beginning of the concert, Pavel Dvoychenkov, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, remarked, “Music transcends borders and strengthens the bond between our two countries. This concert is more than a performance — it is an exchange of cultural heritage.” Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy acting Director General Md Wares Hossain welcomed the audience and emphasized the longstanding cultural ties and friendship between Russia and Bangladesh since the country's independence. The concert is scheduled for a repeat performance on Sunday (May 4), 5 pm, at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dhanmondi.

Emerging Bangla grunge band junkhEäd has stirred excitement among rock enthusiasts with its debut track 'Shamprotik', a song that has been garnering widespread appreciation for reviving the essence of Bangla grunge genre. Released on April 10 across platforms including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Instagram, and Facebook, the song has become a talk of the town among the listeners, and Ahsan Titu, founder of junkhEäd and formerly of renowned bands Black and Indalo, talked to UNB regarding the band's journey. According to Titu, junkhEäd introduces a gritty, emotionally charged sound, heavily inspired by the Seattle grunge movement. Titu takes on a multi-faceted role in the band, managing bass, guitar, vocals, and sound design, and throughout his musical journey, he played Bass with Horoscope, X-Trude, and Aashor, as well. "We — Bipu Ifti (guitars) and myself — had been jamming together for over a decade, composing several tracks influenced by the Seattle grunge scene," Titu told UNB. "Over time, we also ventured into post-rock and alternative rock elements."   Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo began crafting songs together in earnest. They were later joined by longtime friend Newton, who contributed additional guitar work. The trio bonded over their shared passion for grunge, shaping the distinct identity of junkhEäd.   On the meaning behind 'Shamprotik', Titu echoed what was already written in the song description, "This song talks about death."

'Paal: Moving through Memories, Myths, and Motion', a unique exhibition reflecting the vibrant journey of the ‘Gangaburi’ River Heritage Project, began on Friday at Brihatta Art Space in Hazaribagh in the capital. Developed under the artistic direction of acclaimed artist Bishwajit Goswami, the exhibition features three large sails symbolising Land (Bhumi), Water (Jol), and Air (Paban). Created through collaborations with artists and communities centring the Buriganga River, the sails incorporate natural materials, folk poetry, and traditional crafts, presenting a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of people, nature, and time. The inaugural ceremony on Friday was joined by eminent personalities, including Ekushey Padak-winning art maestro Farida Zaman; Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Country Director Frank Werner; urban traditional artists and rickshaw painters Md Hanif Pappu and Syed Ahmed Hossain; BTV journalist and researcher Imran Uz-Zaman; Brihatta Art Foundation co-founder Nusrat Mahmud; officials from various embassies; students from different institutions and art enthusiasts from different walks of life. Speaking at the event, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh Country Director Frank Werner said, "The project belongs to the community, the artists, and the audience. Under the umbrella of EUNIC (European Union National Institutes of Culture), we supported the initiative, but this is truly your project; and by putting the exhibition on a boat and bringing it to the community, the project changed the conventional concept of accessing culture." He further mentioned that the book accompanying the project is not merely a catalogue but a piece of art-based research that documents the entire journey. Artistic director Bishwajit Goswami explained, "Art is fluid, like a river. If you try to stop a river, you destroy its nature. Through this work, we are exploring how collaboration and collective efforts can foster learning and growth. This is just the beginning—the project and its ideas will continue to evolve." Art maestro Farida Zaman praised the artistic collaboration and officially inaugurated the exhibition. The Gangaburi project’s selected artists for 2023 included Ahmed Rasel, Aminul Islam Ashik, Anannya Mehpar Azad, Kazi Sydul Karim Tuso, Md Khairul Alam (Shada), Nur A Alaa Siddique, and Shamim Ahmed Chowdhury.

Across the Netherlands, people donned orange clothes — from tuxedos to feather boas — and boats packed with revelers clogged Amsterdam's canals to celebrate their king's birthday Saturday. In an Amsterdam park, a dog called Lucy sported orange-dyed fur. “I love it. It’s a day where every year everyone just comes together, just celebrates and it doesn’t matter where you’re from everyone is just accepted," said 22-year-old Dicky van Warmerdam. "And if you look around, it’s just a giant party and who doesn’t want that?” The official royal walkabout by King Willem-Alexander and family members in the eastern town of Doetinchem started an hour later than planned so as not to clash with the funeral at the Vatican of Pope Francis. In a video message, Willem-Alexander said the day of Dutch celebration “has two faces” due to the pope's funeral, and paid tribute to Francis. “For many Catholics and non-Catholics, he was a source of inspiration,” the king said. The king's 58th birthday is on Sunday, but King's Day was held a day earlier. The celebrations began Friday night with street markets in the central city of Utrecht and parties in other towns and cities. Pope Francis laid to rest as world leaders mourn By Saturday afternoon, some canals in the Dutch capital were crammed with boats, the water sometimes barely visible through the throngs of people and clouds of orange smoke from flares. In a message on social media, Amsterdam Municipality said parts of the city were “too full” and urged people not to visit Amsterdam and “celebrate King's Day somewhere else.” Other cities also reported that events were overcrowded. In Amsterdam's Vondel Park, children spread out blankets and sold unwanted toys, clothes and books in one of the many “free markets” that spring up on sidewalks and parks. And it wasn't just the Dutch who were celebrating in Amsterdam. “It is a great moment for togetherness, to be with friends, you know, ... to make new connections," said 23-year-old Lorenzo Soldi from Italy.

A colourful blend of culture and entrepreneurship is on display at the Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition, currently underway at the Gulshan Shooting Club in Dhaka.  The event, which began on April 23, offers a platform for showcasing the Pakistani traditions while fostering cross-border collaboration. The exhibition brings together over 30 stalls featuring authentic Pakistani cuisine, traditional attire, and handcrafted footwear for both men and women. Visitors are experiencing a rich blend of flavour and fashion, highlighting Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Organised by Pakistan Livestyle in partnership with Bangladesh-based Gameplay Limited, the event aims to strengthen cultural and business ties between the two nations. Thousands gather in New Mexico for the largest powwow in North America “This exhibition has opened boundless opportunities for both nations to share and represent their unique lifestyles. It’s more than an event — it’s a celebration of cultural harmony,” said Faisal Titumir, Chairman and Co-founder of Gameplay Limited. Echoing the sentiment, Shagufta Bakht, CEO of Pakistan Livestyle, remarked in her inaugural speech, “The gate to cultural collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh is now wide open. We envision increased business ventures and entrepreneurial interest arising from this initiative.” The exhibition will remain open to the public until April 27. Pakistan Livestyle is a prominent event organiser promoting Pakistan’s culture, fashion, and heritage through global platforms. Gameplay Limited is known for curating impactful events that foster community engagement and diversity in Bangladesh.      

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage has joined forces with the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design, part of the Doris Duke Foundation in Honolulu, Hawaii, to present a new exhibition titled “Artifacts In Play with Assassin’s Creed Mirage”. Running through to August 30, the exhibit explores the fusion of gaming, history, and art by showcasing authentic artefacts featured in the game’s History of Baghdad segment, according to Ubisoft. Two notable objects on display are the blown glass jar with trailed zigzag decoration and the twelve-sided bronze mortar with animal finials and vegetal motif panels.

A group art exhibition titled “Where the Spirit Meets the Bone” will be open to the public from April 25 to May 16 at the Satori Academy of Arts in Banani, Dhaka. Organised as part of the British Council’s Art Exchange: Moving Image programme, the exhibition is curated by Kehkasha Sabah and features works by both local and international artists. The exhibition will be inaugurated on April 25 at 4:30 pm by eminent Bangladeshi artists Dhali Al Mamun and Dilara Begum Jolly, alongside Stephen Forbes, Country Director, British Council Bangladesh. The first chapter of the exhibition, scheduled from April 25 to May 7, explores sensory ecologies through social, emotional, and cultural fractures such as erasure, trauma, and loss, while emphasising care as a healing process. It includes work by seven Bangladeshi artists — Naeem Mohaiemen, Reetu Sattar, Sharad Das, Shohrab Jahan, Yasmin Jahan Nupur, Zihan Karim, and Sounak Das (Bangladesh/The Netherlands) — and four international artists — Afrah Shafiq (India), Ceal Floyer (UK), Hetain Patel (UK), and Hong-Kai Wang (Taiwan). Selected artworks have been loaned from the British Council Collection. The exhibition also features contributions by four Bangladeshi art students. Goethe-Institut celebrates return to historic Dhanmondi address  The second chapter, running from May 9-16, will showcase the outcomes of experimental workshops facilitated by artist-educators Shohrab Jahan and Zihan Karim. Focusing on moving images in both pedagogy and artistic practice, this segment will present a range of works including moving images, sound installations, and interactive pieces. Workshop participants include Abid Hassan, Arshadul Hoque, Naznin Ahmed, and Sadia Afroz — all from Bangladesh. “Where The Spirit Meets the Bone is a speculative project, evoking our somatic senses and their profound relation with care, necessary in the often-indescribable human terrain where vulnerability converges. The title also comes from Miller Williams’ poem ‘Compassion’, a reminder to see human frailty with empathy,” writes curator Kehkasha Sabah. To mark the exhibition’s inauguration, Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, stated: “The British Council is committed to assisting talented artists through various UK-Bangladesh initiatives. We are delighted to be supporting Kehkasha Sabah, and her exhibition through ‘Art Exchange: Moving Image’." "This immersive and thought-provoking exhibition, organised as part of a curatorial fellowship, not only showcases Kehkasha Sabah’s artistic dedication to societal themes but also enriches the cultural tapestry shared between the UK and Bangladesh. I warmly invite not only art enthusiasts but everyone to experience this remarkable exhibition," Stephen Forbes stated. More details of this exhibition are available at https://kehkasha.name/index.php.