The British Council has commissioned a project to nurture the collaboration and co-creation between young Bangladeshi and UK artists and to commemorate its 70 years in Bangladesh. Britto Arts Trust Bangladesh, Tara Theatre UK and the British Council have jointly organised "Artists Make Space." In collaboration with Chittagong University, the inaugural exhibition of this project was launched at the Rashid Chowdhury Art Gallery of the Fine Arts Institute of the university on November 6. This exhibition will continue till November 12 and remain open for everyone from 3pm to 7pm every day.  Chittagong University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shireen Akhtar was present at the launching event as the chief guest with Professor Benu Kumar Dey as a special guest. Professor Mahbubul Haque, artist Dhali Al Mamun and artist Nazlee Laila Mansur were also present. Read more: 23rd Young Artists' Fine Arts Exhibition ends

In keeping with Saudi Arabia, residents of a number of villages in Satkhira, Faridpur, Barishal and Chandpur districts are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha on Saturday. Saudi Arabia and a number of countries across the world are celebrating the festival of sacrifice on Saturday. But Bangladesh is slated to celebrate Eid on Sunday. In Satkhira, people from 20 villages in Sadar upazila, including Baukhola, have started the Eid celebrations. The main congregation was held at Satkhira Sadar's Bhaokhola Purbopara Jame Mosque at 8am. Imam Mohabbat Ali conducted the congregation with a small number of Muslim devotees. Read: Denied Eid dress, teen ends life in Pabna In Faridpur, thousands from 10 villages of Faridpur's Boalmari upazila are celebrating Eid-ul-Azha, the second largest festival of the Muslims, in keeping with Saudi Arabia. Muslims of Shekhar union's Sahasrail, Maitkomra, Rakhaltali, Ganganandapur, Baragaon, Durgapur and Rupapat union's Katagor and Kalimajhi follow Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries while celebrating Eid. Like every year, the main Eid congregations of the upazila were held in Rakhaltali, Mitcomra and Sahasrail. In Chandpur, residents of 40 villages in Chandpur district are celebrating Eid on Saturday amid much enthusiasm and religious fervour. The villagers of Barishal, Sreepur, Monihar, Barkul, Olipur, Belcho, Razargaon, Jakni, Kalcho, Menapur in Hajiganj upazila, Sachonmegh, Khila Ubhayarampur, Paikpara, Bigha, Uttoli, Balithuba, Sholla, Rupsha, Goalbhaor, Koroitoli, Noyarhat in Faridganj upazila, Mahanpur, Ekhlaspur, Dashani, Nayergaon,, Beltoli in Matlab South and Kachua upazilas are celebrating Eid. Also read: Mad rush at Paturia ghat ahead of Eid The main Eid congregation was held this morning on Shadra Senior Madrasa premises in Shadra village under Hajiganj upazila. In Barishal, the holy Eid is being celebrated in advance in some villages of six upazilas of the district. Around 20,000 devotees of Babuganj, Hijla, Mehendiganj, Bakerganj and three areas of Barisal metropolis offered Eid prayers in the congregations from 8 am to 9 am. Maminuddin Kalu, president of Shahsufi Jahagiri Mosque in Barishal city, said they offered their Eid jamaat following the government's directives and maintaining all Covid-safety protocols.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said both Bangladesh and Norway exemplify that even relatively smaller powers can wield considerable influence in shaping global norms and discourses. “We believe we shall continue to be inspired by Norway and other Nordic countries as we remain pledge-bound to build a peaceful, just, inclusive and prosperous society as part of our government’s Vision 2041,” he said. The Foreign Minister made the remarks while addressing a reception held at a city hotel on Sunday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-Norway bilateral relations. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt and Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen were present. Also read: FM highlights work towards 'free, fair and transparent' elections Momen assured Minister Huitfeldt that, if the last fifty years can be any guide, Norway can certainly place its bet on its future partnership with Bangladesh. Norway was among the first European countries to have recognised an independent Bangladesh in 1972.

Bangladesh and India will jointly celebrate “Maitree Diwas” (Friendship Day) in 18 countries on December 6, marking 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence and 50th anniversary of Bangladesh-India diplomatic relations. On December 06, 1971, India recognized an independent Bangladesh, borne out of the nine-month long struggle of the Bangalee people for liberation from oppression, for a life of freedom. To cherish this landmark day in history, the two friendly countries are hosting a “Maitree Diwas” logo and backdrop design competition. The contest is open to all citizens of India and Bangladesh, residents in their respective countries or anywhere in the world. READ: Bangladesh, India planning limited flight operation The last date for accepting entries is 31 October 2021. The submission of entry is free; and no special qualifications are prescribed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The entries will be judged on the basis of elements of creativity, originality, composition, technical excellence, simplicity, artistic merit and visual impact and how well the theme is communicated. For each category of contest, the selected winners will be awarded the first prize of US$ 1,000, second prize US$ 700, third prize US$ 500, and 5 consolation prizes of US$ 200 each; the sum due will be paid in equivalent INR or Tk to only an account maintained in India or Bangladesh. The contest will take place in two categories -- one for logo and the other for backdrop design. An entrant cannot submit more than one entry for each category but can submit a separate entry for each of the two categories. Multiple entries from the same entrant for one category will not be considered and will be rejected. Every entry should be accompanied by a brief written explanation of the Design and how it best symbolizes the concept of ‘Maitree Diwas’. READ: Bangladesh, India start freight train services on Haldibari-Chilahati route An entry could be an individual or a team project, provided participating team members are all nationals of India or Bangladesh, or both.

Streets in Dhaka and other big cities have taken a festive look with youths clad in red and yellow attires have started joining the celebrations of Pahela Falgun, the first day of Spring, and the Valentine’s Day.