International Disability Art Festival 2024, the culmination event of the British Council’s long-standing work in disability arts in Bangladesh, began at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday. The event will end on April 27. The inauguration of the event was held at 3:00 pm, followed by an inclusive theatre performance, ’71 in Silence, to commemorate the liberation war. The festival included an exhibition titled’ Odommo Shilpotshob’(Indomitable Art Festival) which was Curated by IID, the exhibition featured diverse artwork spanning music, painting, sculpture, and more. Also there was theatre performances, panel discussions, film screenings, and a marketplace. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh; Matt Cannell, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, British High Commission in Bangladesh; Jenny Sealey, Artistic Director, Graeae Theatre Company; Shannon West, Director Bangladesh (interim), British Council; Nasiruddin Yousuff, Founder and Director, Dhaka Theatre; and Syeed Ahamed, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Informatics and Development (IID). Naheed Ezaher Khan, State Minister of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh, will attend the closing ceremony. International Disability Art Festival is part of the British Council’s project DARE (Disability Arts: Redefining Empowerment). DARE is a multilayer project aimed at developing the understanding and confidence among disabled people and the arts sector in Bangladesh. The project aims to bridge the gap between people with disabilities and the broader society. It was launched in 2019 in partnership with Dhaka Theatre and IID (Institute of Informatics and Development). On the first day, guests were invited to attend and watch five theatre productions: ’71 in Silence by Ramesh Meyyappan, ‘Circus Circus’ by Mostafiz Shahin, ‘Tribeni’ by Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, ‘Kendro Borabor Shurongotir Naam Prithibi’ by Esha Yousuf and Rafiqul Islam, and ‘WASTELAND - A Journey’ by Sanjay Ganguly, director, Jana Sanskriti Centre for Theatre of the Oppressed, Kolkata. One panel discussion took place on the first day, titled ‘Disability Representation in the Art Sector’, which addressed the underrepresentation of people with disabilities in multiple spheres of society, including arts. On the concluding day, the rest of the five theatre productions will take place: ‘Otopor Karim Bawali’ by Shamim Sagar, ‘Shongoti’ by Samiun Jahan Dola, ‘Kajol Rekha’ by Al Zabir, ‘Pittrigon’ by Dr. Aamir Zaman, and ‘Shwapno Kahon’ by Ashim Das. Participants can attend two panel discussions: ‘Breaking Barriers for Accessible Arts’ and ‘Funding Inclusion for Disability Arts’. The ‘Breaking Barriers for Accessible Arts’ titled panel discussion will identify and address the barriers that people with disabilities face in accessing cultural and artistic opportunities. Dr. Dipu Moni said, “Although people with disabilities face various physical and mental challenges, most of them are not any less capable than others in terms of intelligence and creativity. In fact, in many cases, they are more creative than others if we can create opportunities for them. On behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, I would like to thank and congratulate the British Council, Dhaka Theatre, IID, and everyone involved in this unique event.” Matt Cannell, Deputy High Commissioner and Development Director, British High Commission in Bangladesh said, “The UK works across the globe to support people with disabilities and marginalised and under-represented groups exercise and enjoy their full rights and freedoms, on an equal basis. The British Council’s DARE (Disability Arts: Redefining Empowerment) project, and the festival, is a great opportunity for us to redouble our efforts to forge a more inclusive world and celebrate the talents and achievements of people living with disabilities here in Bangladesh.” Shannon West, Director Bangladesh (interim), British Council said, ‘We are extremely proud to inaugurate the International Disability Art Theatre Festival 2024 today, which is the culmination event of our longstanding work through project DARE. Since 2019 our DARE project has connected the UK and Bangladesh and supported building capacity for Bangladeshi theatre organisations and DARE artists nationwide, fostering inclusive practices, advocating for policy change, and ensuring accessibility for disabled artists at institutions like the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. We thank all our partners and the Government of Bangladesh (GoB) for their positivity and support for mainstreaming disability art theatre in Bangladesh. Nasiruddin Yousuff, Founder of Dhaka Theatre, said, ‘Today we are proud to share that Dhaka Theatre has been a pivotal part of the journey of integrating disability art with the mainstream theatre in Bangladesh since 2013. Despite myriad challenges, each day presenting new hurdles, through unwavering dedication and collaborative synergy among disabled artists, trainers, the British Council, and the Dhaka Theatre team, remarkable strides have been made, and the International Disability Arts Festival 2024 is a testament to it.” The event allowed guests to immerse themselves in the world of disability art, gaining knowledge about the artists’ journey and the barriers they overcome.

Prominent Bangladeshi singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya received the prestigious Padma Shri Award from the Indian government on Monday (April 22, 2024). Indian President Droupadi Murmu presented the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri Awards for the year 2024 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The Vice President of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Minister, and other dignitaries were present. Read more: Sadi Mohammad laid to eternal rest at Mohammadpur Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian awards in India, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.The awards are given in various disciplines and fields of activity, viz., art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, among others.

Amid the Eid festivity, Sunday morning marked the annual Pahela Baishakh cultural celebration held at Ramna Park in the capital by Chhayanaut, the country’s distinguished cultural institution, widely revered for celebrating the beginning of the Bengali New Year with its flagship festivity on April 14. Began at 6:15 am beneath the banyan tree at Ramna (Ramna Batamul) with a mesmerising flute performance of the "Raag Aheer Bhairav" tune by Mortuza Kabir Murad, the cultural festivity was followed by the performances of the country’s distinguished artists, captivating audiences with songs, recitations, and other performances. Pahela Baishakh marked by Mangal Shobhajatra The cultural event featured 31 performances, including 11 chorus-songs and 15 solos, with readings and recitals by renowned artists including Satyam Kumar Debnath, Khairul Anam Shakil, Chandana Majumder, Tania Mannan, Ramendu Majumder, Jayanta Chattopadhyay and others, shedding spotlights on the themes of nature, love for humanity, self-purification and patriotism. Audiences from every part of the capital gathered for the celebration, singing and dancing to welcome the new Bengali calendar year 1431 with good tidings. In the last part of the program, Chhayanaut’s Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali read out the New Year speech. The event came to its closure with a group rendition of the national anthem. Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar live telecasted the 2:17 hours event, and Chhayanaut also streamed the festivity live on its YouTube channel and was also streaming the event at https://www.youtube.com/@ChhayanautDigitalPlatform. Strict security measures were put in place at the venue by the security enforcement unit of the government and the volunteers of the 13th Hussars Open Rover Scout Group, alongside Chhayanaut volunteers.

In celebration of Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year, a vibrant Mangal Shobhajatra procession started from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University on Sunday. The procession, a symbol of unity, cultural pride, and resilience, commenced its journey at 9:18 am on Sunday, captivating onlookers with its mesmerising display of traditional artistry and spirit. Led by enthusiastic participants, the Mangal Shobhajatra traversed through the bustling streets of Dhaka, weaving its way past iconic landmarks such as Shahbagh, Dhaka Club, and Shishu Park. Adorned in colourful costumes and wielding symbolic artifacts, the procession echoed the rich cultural heritage of Bangladesh while ushering in the new year with joyous fervor. The Faculty of Fine Arts, known for nurturing creativity and artistic expression, served as the perfect starting point for this spectacle of cultural significance. With its students and faculty at the forefront, the event exemplified the institution's commitment to promoting and preserving Bangladesh's diverse cultural tapestry.

The country’s largest Alpona festival, titled "Alponay Boishakh 1431," is all set to bring the essence of Bengali culture to life with vibrant strokes of colour and artistry, as the organisers announced on Monday that the artists are ready to infuse the streets with hues of the rich traditions of Bengal. Asiatic Experiential Marketing Limited, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited, and Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited will implement this collaborative initiative, marking the Pahela Baishakh festivity to welcome the forthcoming 1431 Bengali year. Pohela Boishakh: Mangal Shovajatra to be arranged with global perspectives in mind this year A press conference was held in A S Mahmud Seminar Hall, Daily Star Centre, on Monday, April 8, joined by Asiatic 3Sixty’s Group Managing Director Iresh Zaker; Chief Executive Officer of Asiatic EXP Mohammad Sayeem; renowned international artist Mohammad Moniruzzaman; artist Sheikh Maniruzzaman Liton; Banglalink Digital Communications Limited’s Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer Taimur Rahman and Chief Legal Officer Jahrat Adib Chowdhury; Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited’s Chief Operating Officer and Director Md Mohsin Habib Chowdhury, and its Chief Marketing Officer, Tanzeen Ferdous Alam. Asiatic Experiential Marketing Limited hosted the annual Alponay Boishakh from 2012 to 2019, organising a cherished Alpona drawing celebration at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital and different locations nationwide to welcome the Bangla New Year. Art camp for special children held on Pohela Boishakh After a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the eighth edition of this grand celebration is back as Alponay Boishakh 1431, the organisers announced at the press conference. This year’s celebration is all set to spread the vibrant spirit of Boishakh across the country, with traditional Alpona to be drawn across three cities: Manik Mia Avenue, Dhaka; Shib Bari More, Khulna; and Mithamoin, Kishoreganj. The festivities will commence in Mithamoin, Kishoreganj, on April 12, 2024. The Alpona will start simultaneously at Shib Bari More in Khulna and Manik Mia Avenue in Dhaka the following day (April 13). This year, Alponay Boishakh 1431 is all set to make history with the attempt to set a world record with the world’s longest alpona, stretching a remarkable 14 kilometres from Mithamoin Zero Point to Austagram Zero Point, Kishoreganj, the organisers stated. The festivity in Dhaka will be graced by the Speaker of the National Parliament, Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, as the chief guest. Asaduzzaman Noor MP, Chairman, Asiatic 3Sixty; Sara Zaker, Co-Chairperson, Asiatic 3Sixty; Iresh Zaker, Group Managing Director, Asiatic 3Sixty; Rupali Chowdhury, Managing Director, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; Taimur Rahman, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Officer, Banglalink Digital Communications Limited; and artist Moniruzzaman will also be present at the site, along with other distinguished guests. Besides, high officials of Asiatic 3Sixty, Asiatic EXP, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, and Banglalink Digital Communications Limited will attend the events in Mithamoin and Khulna.

Eid-Ul-Fitr stands as a beacon of joy, marking the end of Ramadan with its festive spirit and the promise of cherished moments spent with family. As schools close and work pressures ease, families find themselves with a precious opportunity to reconnect, create, and celebrate together. This period of togetherness is not just about observing traditions, it's about making new memories that will be treasured for years to come. Below are ways to infuse creativity and joy into your family's Eid celebration, ensuring every moment is filled with warmth and delight. A guide to meaningful family bonding and fun during Eid-ul-Fitr Bonding over Eid delicacies: Inviting the whole family into the kitchen to prepare Eid specialties is a recipe for bonding. The act of cooking together, assigning tasks that suit each age group, and later savoring the dishes you've created side by side, turns meal preparation into a celebration of collective achievement and familial love. Festive home makeover with children:  Decorating your home for Eid with the help of your children not only beautifies your space but also kindles the creative spirit in your little ones. Encourage them to craft Eid-themed decorations, such as paper lanterns and homemade cards, transforming your home into a vibrant celebration of the festival's joy. Read more: Eid Shopping: Popular Bangladeshi Clothing Brands for Families Culinary adventures at children-friendly restaurants:  Eid is the perfect excuse to take a break from kitchen duties and indulge in the pleasure of dining out. Select restaurants that not only offer a diverse menu to cater to all tastes but also provide an engaging environment for children, such as play areas or interactive meal activities. This combination ensures a stress-free dining experience where the focus is on enjoying each other's company and making mealtime memorable. The beauty of henna: Gathering together for henna application is more than just a beauty ritual; it's a shared cultural experience that strengthens bonds. This tradition, rich in artistry and significance, becomes a cherished moment of connection and celebration among family members. Handcrafted Eid cards and gifts: Nurturing your children's creativity through the creation of handmade Eid cards and gifts for loved ones not only keeps them engaged but also teaches the value of thoughtful giving. This activity allows them to express their feelings through art, making the holiday more personal and meaningful. Read more: Sky-high Laughs with a Hint of Turbulence: 'Crew' starting Tabu, Kareena, Kriti Takes Off! The excitement of Eidi: The giving and receiving of Eidi encapsulate the essence of Eid's joy for children, offering a tangible connection to the festivities. This tradition not only brings smiles to their faces but also instills in them the values of generosity and gratitude. Picnicking under the open sky: Planning a family picnic combines the beauty of nature with the joy of togetherness. Selecting a picturesque spot where the kids can play and explore while the adults relax and chat is a simple yet profound way to celebrate Eid, surrounded by the beauty of the world. Rediscovering the joy of reading together:  Introducing children to the magic of stories is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's through the vibrant pages of picture books for the little ones or the compelling chapters of novels for the older kids, reading together opens up new worlds of imagination. A family trip to the library can become a treasure hunt, seeking out titles that will become the next bedtime favorites or spark lively discussions around the dinner table. Read more: Some Popular Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka

Drik Picture Library, World Press Photo's regional partner in Asia, has announced the regional winners of the 2024 Contest, which features a selection of the world's greatest photojournalism and documentary photography. According to Drik, the works encourage viewers to explore beyond the news cycle and delve further into both major and obscure tales from across the world. BSA commemorates August 21 with photography and public art exhibition A webinar was held on Wednesday to make the announcement. ASM Rezaur Rahman, General Manager of Drik Picture Library, and Anna Lena Mehr, Contest Director of World Press Photo, spoke at the event along with the winning photographers. This year’s winners for the Asia region are: ‘A Palestinian Woman Embraces the Body of Her Niece’ by Mohammed Salem, Palestine, Reuters in the Singles category; ‘Afghanistan on the Edge’ by Ebrahim Noroozi, Iran, Associated Press in the Stories category; ‘Heartstrings’ by Kazuhiko Matsumura, Japan, for The Kyoto Shimbun in the Open Format category; and ‘I Am Still With You’ by Wang Naigong, China, in the Long-Term Projects category. BUP Photography Society holds exhibition Furthermore, the global jury selected one honourable mention: ‘The Edge’ by Zishaan A Latif, India. There are 24 winning projects and six honorable mentions in total for the six regions. Additionally, this year, the jury made the exceptional decision to include two special mentions in the selection. The awarded stories will be shown to millions as part of World Press Photo’s annual exhibition in over 60 locations worldwide, while millions more will see the winning stories online. The awarded photographs were selected from 61,062 entries by 3,851 photographers from 130 countries, judged first by six regional juries, and the winners were then chosen by a global jury consisting of the regional jury chairs plus the global jury chair, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian. Executive Director of the World Press Photo Foundation, Joumana El Zein Khoury, said: “Each year, jurors from all over the globe review tens of thousands of photos to find a selection that is visually stunning, tells stories that matter, and represents our shared world. This year’s selection includes stories of desperation, hunger, war, and loss—but also of perseverance, courage, love, family, dreams, and more butterflies than anyone has a right to expect.” Photography exhibition 'Contemplation' opens at AFD Global jury chair, Fiona Shields, Head of Photography at The Guardian, said: “These final selected works are a tapestry of our world today, centred on images we believe were made with respect and integrity, that can speak universally and resonate far beyond their origins.“ Managing Director of Drik Picture Library Shahidul Alam said: “We are perhaps witnessing the highest frequency of deaths of photojournalists in recorded history. Where world leaders appear to have lost the plot, a brave jury has decided to stand on the right side of history. They have listened to the will of the people and the photojournalists who represent them, rejecting the endless propaganda that powerful nations and their media have served up.” The four global winners, including World Press Photo of the Year, will be announced at the press opening of the Flagship World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 at De Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and online simultaneously on April 18, 2024, at 11:00 am CEST (Amsterdam time). The World Press Photo Exhibition 2024 is expected to be shown at over 60 locations worldwide, including Amsterdam, London, Berlin, Rome, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, Taipei, Sydney, Toronto, and Tunis.

French is becoming increasingly popular among professionals and students in Bangladesh. Being one of the leading international languages of the world, skills in the French language can open career and academic opportunities for Bangladeshis. Besides, several European countries and Canada value French language skills for immigration. Let’s delve into several learning centers in Dhaka that offer French language courses.  Some Popular Places to Learn French in Dhaka City Alliance Française de Dhaka  Alliance Française de Dhaka or AFD is the premier organization in Bangladesh for learning French. The non-profit organization has been working in Bangladesh since 1959 and is playing a key role in promoting French art and culture in the country.  AFD offers French learning options for children, teens, and adults. They have both extensive and intensive courses for each level. In addition to A1, A2, B1, and B2, AFD also has a “Beginner” course to start things off from absolute basics. All of the classes are conducted offline. The course duration is about 40 hours for the extensive program and 76 hours for the intensive one. The cost varies depending on the age group and course type. The fees range from 3,500 BDT (non-beginner children) to 16,600 BDT (extensive adults). The intensive program for adults can cost up to 19,800 BDT with books. Read more: Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad Institute of Modern Languages (IML), Dhaka University  The Institute of Modern Languages of Dhaka University is one of the oldest language research projects and learning institutes in Bangladesh. Founded in 1974, IML works as an instituted faculty under Dhaka University and offers bachelor's, master's, Ph.D., and M.Phil. in selected linguistics and culture.  Currently, IML offers non-degree certificate courses in 13 different languages including French. The French language course curriculum comprises 1 year in the junior certificate course and senior certificate course. The minimum requirement to be admitted to the junior certificate course is to have at least a 2.5 GPA in HSC.  There’s also a 3-month long short course (60 Hours) on French language. All of the classes are conducted offline. The application fee is 500 BDT and the course fee is 9,500 BDT. BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), BRAC University  BRAC Institute of Languages or BIL is the third UGC-approved language research institute of Bangladesh. BIL started its journey in modular form offering English language courses to the students of BRAC University back in 2005.  Read more: Getting International German Language Certificates from Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Guide Over the years, the modular structure evolved into a structured language research institute which was then renamed as BIL in 2012.  As part of its Modern Languages curriculum, BIL offers courses in 7 different languages including French. Currently, BIL offers on-campus offline beginner-level courses in French. The course fee for the program is 6150 BDT.  Shield Language Academy Dhaka  Shield Language Academy Dhaka is another leading institute for learning French in Dhaka. With over several years of experience, Shield is a trusted language learning center specializing in different languages.  Shield Academy offers A1 to B2 level programs for the French language. The duration for each of the courses is 4 months with 2 classes per week. The cost of each course is 16,500 BDT. Additionally, the admission fee will be 1000 BDT and the textbook and workbook fee will also be 1000 BDT.  Read more: 10 Ways You Can Improve Your English Pronunciation AIUB Institute of Continuing Education  AIUB Institute of Continuing Education started its journey back in 2007 as a means to provide technical skill development programs to the graduates of the university. The aim was to make them industry-ready and initiate essential skills to thrust them ahead in the job market.  Over the years, AIUB ICE has expanded into a diverse foray of skill development including foreign language courses. Currently, it provides A1, A2, B1, and B2 level French courses to its students as well as outsiders.  The duration of the French course of ICE is about 4 months. Classes are held on Fridays and the medium of instruction is online. The cost of each level is 9000 BDT.  Daffodil Institute of Languages, Daffodil University  Daffodil Institute of Languages was formed as part of Daffodil University’s outreach upskilling program. DIL aims to provide certified knowledge of foreign languages to individuals to help in their career prospects. Currently, DIL offers certificate courses in English, pre-university English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and Quranic Arabic.  Read more: 10 Best Free Android Apps to Learn English Vocabulary Currently, DIL is offering an A1-level French course. The duration of the course is 2 months with three classes per week. The cost of the course is 30,000 BDT including the registration fee for the A1 DELF exam. 

Are you seeking a comfy place outside your home to browse books and read in a calm environment? Steaming tea or coffee with snacks can make the reading more enjoyable. Let’s delve into some popular cafes in Dhaka city, where bookworms can immerse themselves in reading with a nice blend of coffee. 9 Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka Pathak Shamabesh Pathak Shamabesh is a fantastic spot for a cosy date with your favourite book. This place is popular among people of all ages. This library, founded in 1987, also serves as a bookstore, offering a great collection of books. Different genres, including concept books, picture books, fiction, children’s books, romance, and fantasy, are available for exploration.  Additionally, Pathak Shamabesh has a unique feature: the Reader's Club Membership account. This allows patrons to create an account and maintain a credit balance by depositing BDT 20,000 in advance. Operating from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day, it is open for seven days a week. Read more: Best Online Book Selling Websites in Bangladesh Bengal Boi In Dhaka, Bengal Boi, established in 2017, stands out as a renowned bookstore cafe and hangout spot, championing reading across all age groups. This cosy cafe offers a diverse selection of books and magazines, complemented by refreshing tea. Ideal for enjoying nature, it operates from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week.  Alongside fast food options, Bengal Boi hosts various programmes and activities to foster a love for reading and supports emerging writers through book promotions and events. With its well-organised layout and picturesque garden, it is the perfect haven to appreciate literature and the outdoors. Boi Chottor Boi Chottor in Shyamoli, Dhaka, is a delightful bookstore cafe offering a unique collection of imported original books. Operating from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, it provides various services like dine-in, outdoor seating, curbside pickup, and in-store pickup. Additionally, they offer nationwide book home delivery.  Read more: Books VS Kindle: Which Is Better For You? With free wifi and a cosy ambience, customers can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while exploring the shelves. Ample seating areas cater to readers and scholars alike. Boi Chottor also serves a variety of coffee, tea, and snacks, with designated spaces for children to indulge in reading. Occasional discounts add to the allure of this charming establishment.  PBS Discover a haven for book enthusiasts at PBS, the pioneering chain bookstore cafe in Bangladesh. Established in 2010, it caters to readers of all ages and educational backgrounds. Operating from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, PBS offers an extensive collection covering various fields such as world literature, science, philosophy, sociology, history, economics, politics, law, and religion.  They also stock materials for A-level students. Moreover, PBS features a vibrant children's reading and play zone adorned with shelves of colourful books, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a children-friendly environment to nurture a love for reading.   Read more: What Different Colors of Roses Mean: A Deeper Look Baatighar  Founded by Dipankar Das in 2005 in Chattogram, Baatighar has expanded its reach to four districts of Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Sylhet, and Rajshahi. Renowned among book lovers, it offers a haven for those seeking solace in the world of literature. With its creative interior, Baatighar provides an elevated reading experience, whether you are immersed in fantasy or historical novels. 

Mural, the graphic artwork painted or applied directly to a wall, ceiling or other permanent substrate, is a popular form of art in the world. Through the brushstrokes, artists can broadly represent their worldviews of nature and other elements, and maximize their artistic visions. There are several unique places in Dhaka, a medieval city and one of the busiest cities in the world, which is full of stories. Banani is one of the most important areas in the city, and the people who live there have grown up surrounded by the beautiful and serene natural atmosphere since the town's founding; the streets of Banani were carpeted in Krishnachura (Royal Poinciana) flowers, but now the birds, animals and natural elements are hardly visible due to the passage of time. Sotheby's auction of Zainul Abedin paintings breaks records for Bangladeshi artists Presenting a creative solution to this issue, Art & Soul, founded by Nabila Rahman, has spearheaded a unique mural project in Banani Road 21/A with approval and funding of Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor's office, under the patronage of its Mayor Md Atiqul Islam, and Ameenah Ahmed from Meena Trust, another significant donor of this project.  With generous funding from both donors, Art & Soul has brought together nine talented artists to create a stunning 250-square feet mural on Banani Road 21/A (Banani Bidyaniketan wall). The project manager and co-curator for this project is the renowned Bangladeshi artist Fareha Zeba.