United News of Bangladesh

Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has said that around 10 to 12 lakh people attended this year’s Lalon Festival in Kushtia, citing district administration figures. In a Facebook post on Monday, he said the massive turnout might make it “the biggest cultural festival in our history.” “Lalon is deeply rooted in our culture, and probably the biggest cultural ambassador for Bangladesh,” he wrote on Monday. The annual Lalon Festival, commemorating the 135th death anniversary of Baul saint Fakir Lalon Shah, drew an unprecedented number of devotees, artists, and visitors this year in both Kushtia and Dhaka. According to the Kushtia district administration, around 10 to 12 lakh people attended the three-day celebration in Cheuriya, the spiritual abode of Lalon, making it one of the largest cultural gatherings in Bangladesh’s history. From October 17 to 19, the Lalon Akhra in Cheuriya resonated with Baul songs, philosophical discussions, and spiritual exchanges, as devotees and followers gathered to honour the mystic bard. Renowned Baul singers including Tun Tun Baul, Sunil Karmakar, Rowshan Fakir, and Latif Shah, along with numerous other artists from across the country, performed at the festival, filling the air with the melodies of Lalon’s timeless songs. Simultaneously, a Lalon Festival was also held in Dhaka’s Suhrawardy Udyan on October 18, where performances were presented by Emon Chowdhury and Bengal Symphony, Lalon Band, Nirob & Bauls, Pathik Nabi, Suchona Shely, Baula Band, Arup Rahee, Somogeet, and several other musicians and groups. The massive attendance at both the Kushtia and Dhaka events highlighted the enduring appeal of Lalon’s philosophy of humanity, equality, and spirituality, reaffirming his profound influence as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s intangible cultural heritage.  

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Laufey is branching out into children’s literature with her debut picture book “Mei Mei The Bunny,” inspired by her beloved mascot-alias. Publisher Penguin Workshop announced Tuesday that the book, illustrated by Lauren O’Hara, will be released on April 21. The story follows Mei Mei, a determined young bunny aspiring to become a professional musician despite early setbacks. Merriam-Webster adds 5,000 new words in fully revised ‘Collegiate’ dictionary “I’m so excited to now share Mei Mei The Bunny in storybook form!” Laufey said. “Mei Mei has been part of my life for years, and opening up her world has been a beautiful journey. I hope readers of all ages find something inspiring in her story.” Born Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir in Iceland, the 26-year-old artist is known for her signature blend of pop, classical, and jazz influences. Her 2023 album “Bewitched” earned her a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and she followed up with “A Matter of Time” earlier this year. Source: AP 

For the first time, a nationwide celebration will be held on the occasion of the 135th death anniversary of the legendary mystic poet and philosopher Lalon Shah, featuring Lalon festivals and fairs across the country. The three-day event in Kushtia, organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in collaboration with the Kushtia district administration, will run from October 17 to 19, while Dhaka will host its festivities on October 18. Simultaneously, Lalon fairs and festivals will take place across all 64 districts on October 17. The cultural program in Kushtia will feature an in-depth exploration of Lalon’s philosophy, musical performances, and a vibrant Lalon fair. The inauguration ceremony will be held at Lalon Dham in Cheuriya, Kumarhati Upazila, Kushtia, on October 17 at 4 pm. Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will attend as the chief guest, while Md Mofidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry, will deliver the welcome address. Internationally renowned writer and researcher Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak will participate as the keynote speaker in the Lalon lecture session. The session will also feature prominent poet, writer, and thinker Farhad Mazhar, along with Professor A.A. Mamun from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University. The program will be chaired by Abu Hasnat Mohammad Arifin, Deputy Commissioner of Kushtia. Following the inauguration, the air at Lalon Dham will resonate with Lalon songs and mystical tunes. Baul and Fakir performers from across the country, including TunTun Baul, Sunil Karmakar, Rawshan Fakir, and Latif Shah, will take the stage, and the festival grounds will continue to be filled with performances by visiting Baul-Fakirs on October 18 and 19. In Dhaka, Lalon festivals and fairs will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan on October 18. Performers at the event will include Imon Chowdhury and the Bengal Symphony, Aleya Begum, Lalon Band, Nirab & Bauls, Mujib Pardeshi, Pothik Nobi, Suchona Shely, Baula Band, Arup Rahee, Samageet, and several other musical groups. Alongside Kushtia and Dhaka, the nationwide celebration on October 17 will mark the first-ever simultaneous observance of Lalon festivals and fairs in all 64 districts, bringing together devotees, artists, and cultural enthusiasts to honor the legacy of the spiritual luminary.

Independent theaters are considered essential for a city’s cultural memory, offering audiences films with a unique appeal, according to visitors. “The film selection is fantastic. I imagine the curators are very thoughtful people who want audiences to see the kind of movies they themselves would love to watch,” one moviegoer said.

Ekushey Padak-winning eminent Bangladeshi photographer and Drik Managing Director Shahidul Alam left Dhaka for Italy on Sunday to join the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s Global Media Flotilla en route to Gaza. The media flotilla, part of the international coalition’s effort to break the information and media blackout on Gaza, aims to show solidarity with the besieged Palestinian people. Alam is participating as the first Bangladeshi to join the coalition. Speaking at a press conference at DrikPath Bhaban in Panthapath on Saturday, Shahidul Alam said, “If we are defeated, humanity will be defeated. I may be going as the first person from Bangladesh, but I am carrying the love of all Bangladeshi people with me.” Drik directors and staff who attended the briefing included anthropologist and writer Rehnuma Ahmed, Drik General Manager and Curator ASM Rezaur Rahman, Deputy General Manager Md Kamal Hossain, and journalist-researcher and Drik Director Saeideya Gulrukh. Gaza Health Ministry: More than 66,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since 2023 Saeideya Gulrukh said the flotilla’s mission sought to break the long-standing blockade of Gaza and to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. At the press event, the organisers said the Global Sumud/Freedom Flotilla, which departed in late August with hundreds of citizens from across the world carrying relief supplies, has already come under attack twice while navigating high-risk waters. The Global Media Flotilla — a principal vessel accompanied by about 10 smaller boats — includes participants from more than 40 countries, with organisers reporting nearly 500 people have taken part in earlier stages of the convoy. Rehnuma Ahmed described the flotilla as a symbol of global civil-society protest against mass violence in Gaza and said Bangladesh’s participation was a matter of pride. Drik officials said Alam and other media activists will attempt to document conditions and ensure independent reporting reaches international audiences as the flotilla continues its journey toward Gaza.

Poet Rezauddin Stalin has been appointed as the new Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on Sunday. The appointment comes just a week after an office order had temporarily assigned the role to Abul Foyez Md Alauddin Khan, additional secretary (administration) at the ministry, in addition to his existing duties. The position has seen multiple changes in the past year following the resignation of longtime DG Liaquat Ali Lucky in August 2024 after the fall of the Awami League government during the student-led uprising. In September last year, theatre director and researcher Syed Jamil Ahmed was appointed DG for two years, but he stepped down in February 2025. Since March, BSA Secretary Mohammad Wares Hossain had been serving as acting DG. Alongside Stalin’s appointment, the government named four new directors in different departments of the academy: filmmaker Shaheen Dil-Riaz (Training Department), media and branding specialist Daniel Afzalur Rahman (Production Department), art researcher Salma Jamal Mausum (Research and Publication Department), and theatre personality Deepak Kumar Goswami (Drama and Film Department). The Cultural Affairs Ministry said the academy will be restructured under the new leadership to align with modern needs. Key priorities include nurturing local talents through online and offline training, adopting new strategies with national and international experts and institutions, presenting Bangladesh’s cultural heritage on the global stage, and celebrating cultural icons and milestones both nationally and internationally. Turn houseplants into living art with Japanese kokedama

The third week of September marks National Houseplant Week, a time when plant lovers turn their attention indoors. It also offers the perfect opportunity to try kokedama, a Japanese gardening technique that transforms ordinary houseplants into striking pieces of living art. Kokedama, which literally means “moss ball,” involves growing a plant in a soil ball wrapped in moss instead of a pot. The result is a minimalist, sculptural display that works equally well on a decorative plate or hanging from a hook. These creations also make thoughtful gifts. Plants that require less water are best suited for kokedama since exposed soil dries out faster than in pots. Spider plant “pups,” pothos, philodendrons, and succulents are all popular choices. How to make kokedama You will need: peat moss, bonsai or potting soil, preserved moss sheets, scissors, waxed thread or fishing line, two bowls, water, and a small plant. After mixing peat moss and soil into a firm, snowball-like shape, split it in half and enclose the plant’s roots inside. Wrap the ball with moss, trim the excess, then secure it with thread or line. Soak the finished kokedama in water for 15 minutes and drain. Rewater when it feels noticeably lighter. Care and display Kokedamas can be grouped as centerpieces or suspended for a floating garden effect. To prevent them from drying out, keep them in a humid environment or near a humidifier. Prune the plant each spring to prevent overcrowding, and fertilize lightly once a year with organic plant food. With a little creativity, kokedama brings artistry and elegance to any indoor plant collection.  

“I have always been a happy man. In these 80 years, I could not find a single day of sorrow in my life,” said noted nature enthusiast, ornithologist, mountaineer, photographer and writer Enam Ul Haque, as his 80th birthday was celebrated on Friday evening at the Cosmos Centre Rooftop with tributes, music and reflections from friends, family and admirers. Hosted by WildTeam CEO and former Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, the evening began with a remembrance of Cosmos Group Chairman Amanullah Khan on his maiden death anniversary, and Jahangirnagar University Fine Arts Assistant Professor Jannatul Ferdous, who recently passed away while on duty during the JUCSU election. A soulful flute recital by Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy with Tabla accompaniment by Anjan Sarker set the tone for the evening, followed by the unveiling of a portrait of Enam Ul Haque by artist Monjur Rashid, signed by the guests. Distinguished personalities attended the ceremony, including Cosmos Group and WildTeam Founder, Cosmos Foundation Chairman, and UNB and Dhaka Courier Editor Emeritus Enayetullah Khan; 'Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque' book editor Golam Shafique; Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman; former Bird Club President and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed; UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and ArtCon Founder ARK Reepon, among others. In his reflections, Enam Ul Haque said he felt fortunate to receive greetings from so many who came out of love, not obligation. “I know one day I will be gone, but Bangladesh will continue and surely become beautiful. If you look at the history of this country and then look at today’s Bangladesh, you will not be disappointed,” he said. Adding to the joyous atmosphere, Catherine Grace Gardner, Creative Artistic Director, Cosmos Global, led the guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to Haque and shared her reflections. Artist Zemrina Haque and the cultural group Addopanto, centred around Haque, presented bouquets to honour him. In his welcome speech, Enayetullah Khan recalled the many events held at the Cosmos Rooftop but called this one exceptional.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival wrapped up Saturday after 10 days of premieres and red carpets. Beyond the stars and awards, the event can also be told through numbers — from record ovations to pricey cocktails. 4,580: Films submitted for consideration, including 1,936 feature films. Submission costs 200 euros ($234) each. To qualify, a film must have been completed after Sept. 7, 2024, and make its world premiere at Venice. 21: Films in the main competition. That’s just over 1% of the features submitted. Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Bother won the Golden Lion. 7: Members of the main jury, chaired by U.S. director Alexander Payne. 22 minutes: Length of the longest standing ovation, for Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. 1932: Year the festival was founded. 65: Countries represented in the lineup. 156 minutes: Longest runtime of a competition film, Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin. 90 minutes: Shortest runtime, for The Voice of Hind Rajab. ‘Colour Rhymes’ at AFD brings children’s imaginations to life 10,000: Estimated turnout at a Gaza anti-war march held during the festival. 2: Lifetime achievement Golden Lions, awarded to actor Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. 5,370 dollars: Cost of a one-night stay at Hotel Cipriani, a celebrity favorite. 34 euros: Price of the “Buonanotte” cocktail at the Cipriani, invented with George Clooney. 2:3:1: Campari spritz ratio — Campari, prosecco, soda water — the unofficial festival drink. 4.5 km: Distance from Venice’s Piazza San Marco to the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, the festival hub. 71 feet: Lowest depth of the Venetian Lagoon, crossed daily by stars and guests on water taxis. 1,032: Seats in the Sala Grande, the main theater for premieres and awards. 44: Suggested font size for subtitles at Venice screenings. Non-Italian films must have Italian subtitles, and Italian films must have English subtitles. Source: Agency 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated a three-day art exhibition titled ‘Colour Rhymes’ on Thursday at its La Galerie in Dhanmondi, showcasing the imagination, innocence, and wonder of childhood through the expressive works of young artists. Organised by Painting Workshop–Dhanmondi and coordinated by artist Sarah Jabin, the exhibition features a vibrant collection of paintings created by children. The event aims to nurture their creative expression while inviting audiences to step into the unique world of their dreams and reflections. Each artwork is accompanied by the child artist’s own description, providing a direct glimpse into their thoughts. In one such piece, 'Dancing with the Rain', a young participant wrote, “I jump in puddles and the rain claps for me,” turning a rainy day into a joyful symphony. Another painting, 'Ice Cream Sadness', reflects a moment of disappointment with the words: “I request my father to give me an ice cream. He replied that I will catch a cold and that’s why he didn’t buy me ice cream.”