The Anti- Corruption Commission ( ACC) on Wednesday asked director general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to submit their expenditure records following allegations of embezzlement and abuse of power. The ACC decided to launch probe on the allegations on January 2,2021. A two member team led by ACC Deputy Director Mohammad Ibrahim is looking into the matter while other member is Afnan Jannat Keya.  READ: ACC case against policeman in Chattogram ACC sought the records of the expenditure of the budget alloted for the academy of the fiscal  2019-2020, 2020-2021,  extra TK 35 crore of the fiscal  2020-21, the records of the cost of organising virtual programme during corona period in 2020,  various vouchers and bank statement of BSA at Sonali Bank till Dec 31,2021 The Commission asked the Shilpakala Academy to submit the necessary records and documents within January 11.  In the last few months, there have been some allegations against DG of Shilpakala Academy, including abuse of power and bribery. There is also a specific allegation of withdrawing Tk 26 crore. READ: ACC snaps illegal gas link from Savar factory According to the complaint received by the ACC, the director general of the academy tactfully removed Tk 26 crore by appointing a contract officer as the secretary without following the rules and regulations.

Observing the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) organized a handful of programmes including exhibitions and cultural events on Tuesday. The celebrations began with a national children's painting competition, which BSA hosted across the country. Hundreds of children and teens from various educational institutions in Dhakaparticip ated  in the painting competition at the National Art Gallery. A month-long special exhibition based on the exclusive art camp titled “Sheikh Hasina: Bishwajoyi Nondito Neta'' which was participated by 75 renowned female painters and artists of the country featuring the life and works of PM Sheikh Hasina, was inaugurated by BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky at 5 pm at the National Art Gallery. Read: Bangladesh celebrates Hasina’s 75th birthday The month-long exhibition is open for everyone from 11 am to 8 pm till October 27. Visitors can explore the exhibition maintaining adequate health guidelines. A book-launching ceremony was organized at the National Theatre Hall auditorium at 6:30 pm, as part of the celebration programmes. BSA DG Lucky unveiled the publication of the book titled “Manobotar Jononi Sheikh Hasina: Nibedito Pongktimala”, which contains 75 selected poems written by 75 noted poets of the country. Following the book-launching event, a special cultural night was held at the venue participated by renowned artists and performers. Singers Sabbir Zaman, Homayra Bashir, Ronti Das, Abu Bakar Siddiqui, Romana Islam, Shafi Mandal and BSA Baul team performed songs at the event. BSA dance artistes showcased special dance performances and its acrobatic team enthralled the audiences with game shows, while poet Tarik Sujat and Jharna Rahman recited special poems dedicated to the Prime Minister. Read: Hasina’s birthday celebrated amid mass vaccination campaign Earlier, a 7-day online event including discussions and cultural programme was organized from September 20-26 at BSA’s Facebook page and YouTube channel, featuring the life and activities of the Prime Minister. Marking her birthday, more than 600 children and cultural activists across the country made a one-minute greeting video each, of which 75 videos have been posted on the academy's Facebook page and the rest will be phased out on the academy's Facebook page and YouTube channel, according to its Public Relations Officer Hasan Mahmud.

The Bangabandhu-Bapu Digital Exhibition was opened for public viewing at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Saturday. The exhibition celebrates in a uniquely thematic way, the life and legacy of the Fathers of each of the two Nations, Mahatma Gandhi and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, State Minister for Culture K.M Khalid and High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami joined opened the digital exhibition.

Screening of quality films and resourceful workshops for the future filmmakers at the 14th International Children Film Festival Bangladesh (ICFFB) are inspiring and entertaining young audiences and their family members.

Dhaka, June 19 (UNB)- Veteran journalist and cultural activist Kamal Lohani has tested positive for coronavirus.   Sagar Lohani, son of Kamal Lohani, shared the information in his Facebook post on Friday.