United News of Bangladesh

A photography exhibition titled "The Edge of Hope Exhibition" will be held in Dhaka from June 20-27 marking the World Refugee Day 2024 with a view to draw the attention to the life of the Rohingya people. The week-long event will start off with an opening ceremony on the first day of the exhibition, followed by a series of engaging activities including a career workshop on June 24, a photography workshop on June 26 and a closing ceremony on June 27. Amal Foundation, a Bangladeshi non-profit with a sustainable development mantra, will host the exhibition at the British Council premises. The exhibition will run from 9am to 5pm every day. The exhibition aims to feature the captivating photographs of renowned and acclaimed photographers Anthony Dawton from the UK and Jim McFarlane from Australia. They have collaboratively documented the resilience of Rohingya and climate refugees living in Bangladesh, said the organizers. The exhibition will serve as a window into the lives of these individuals, highlighting the enduring hope amidst their struggles. Through their lenses, the photographs will portray the dignity, unity, and hope that define the strength of the refugees. Representatives from various government and non-government organizations, universities, and media houses will be in attendance. The exhibition will be open for all throughout the week, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the powerful stories captured in the photographs. This exhibition aims to bring attention to the plight of refugees, reminding us of their struggles and the hope that persists even in the direst circumstances. It seeks to reignite our awareness and honor the strength and resilience of these vulnerable populations.    

Bangladesh Lyricist, Composers, and Performers Society (BLCPS) along with the Bangladesh Copyright Office jointly has arranged a day-long mentoring session in the capital. The national event, titled "WIPO Mentorship Program for CMOs Engaged in Copyright Management," was joined by delegates from WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), CISAC (International Confederation of CMOs), and IPRS (Indian Performers Rights Society). The delegates addressed several topics and provided recommendations to participants through their detailed presentations. Since 2013, BLCPS, the first government-approved CMO (Collective Management Organization), has been working to protect the rights of Bangladeshi creators to their intellectual property.  As part of its commitment to streamline and strengthen its working conditions and bring them to international standards, BLCPS arranged the session on Tuesday at the Six Seasons hotel. The program commenced with welcome speeches by Hamin Ahmed, CEO of BLCPS, followed by Miyuki Monroing, Program Officer, Copyright Management Division, Copyright and Creative Industries Sector, WIPO; and then Nafriza Shyama, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Cultural Affairs on behalf of BLCPS, WIPO and Ministry of Cultural Affairs respectively. Inaugurated by Copyright Registrar Md Daud Miah NDC (Additional Secretary), the day-long event then proceeded with five engaging sessions on five different and important topics, explaining the activities of the participating organizations. The inaugural topic was “WIPO's Activities in the Area of Collective Management and New Projects to Support the Growth and Development of Local CMOS,” conducted by Miyuki Monroing. The second topic, “CISAC's Roles and Initiatives to Seamlessly Represent Creators Across the Globe and Ensure the Royalties Flow to Authors Effectively,” was addressed by Benjamin Ng, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific CISAC. Three speakers addressed the third topic, titled “The Role of Local CMOs in Building a Creative Ecosystem for Creators and Users: What Can CMOs Contribute to You,” presented by Satoshi Watanabe, Honorary Advisor of CISAC; Rakesh Nigam, Chief Executive Officer, IPRS; and Surhit Bhattacharyya, Chief Information Officer, IPRS. Registrar of Copyright, Md Daud Miah then addressed the fourth topic, “Current Status of Copyright and Related Rights in Bangladesh and Future Cooperation with BLCPS to Support Creators and Creative Industries,” and the day-long sessions came to its closure with the addressing of the final topic of the day, “Current Operational Status of BLCPS and Future Perspectives” - delivered by BLCPS CEO Hamin Ahmed. “Today’s event was to address the procedures and necessity of copyright management for the stakeholders, which include the large numbers of music creators, music stakeholders, radio and television channels, music channels, digital distribution platforms, publishers, event organizers, advertising agencies, journalists, lyricists, composers, singers, and others related to our music industry. Along with these important stakeholders, esteemed delegates from WIPO, CISAC and IPRS joined us today to address and discuss multiple important topics, and we will initiate more beneficial activities in the future,” BLCPS member Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu told UNB. Founded in 1926, CISAC aims to improve communication, interest protection, and technology sharing across nations. For its specific focus on the development of lyricists and composers, this international confederation is called the leading global organization that is actively working for the betterment of lyricists and composers. CISAC is currently active in a total of 116 countries with its 225 CMOs and over five million creators; and its diverse field of works includes music, audiovisual, drama/play, literature, and visual art – and the people actively involved in these genres. In addition to CISAC, the United Nations' autonomous organization, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), has been working for the preservation of intellectual property (IP) and the intellectual creations of people from 193 member states around the world, as well as the preservation of information and policies related to this. Sections 38-44 of Chapter 9 of the Bangladesh Copyright Act safeguard individuals' intellectual property interests. BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society) is the first CMO for the music industry in Bangladesh. Founded in 2013 and operates under a non-profit Board of Trustees headed by legendary vocalist Sabina Yasmin, the organization received its license from the government in 2014 and since has been working to accomplish its vision to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.

Discussion  on ‘Le Petit Nicolas', translated into Bangla by Md Riadul Islam , was held at the Auditorium Nouvelle Vague, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday. The discussants were Bangla Academy Literary Awardee Researcher Prof Dr Masuduzzaman, academic and former VC of Barishal University Prof Dr S M Imamul Huq, and Embassy of France in Dhaka’s Cultural Attaché Yohann Gigarel. ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ (Young Nicolas) was created in 1959 and was the fruit of the fertile imagination of two geniuses: René Goscinny, creator and Jean-Jacques Sempé, illustrator. Thousands of children discovered the pleasure of reading through the books describing the little hero's antics. In this book, the central character Nicholas is sensitive and attached to true values like friendship towards people and love of one's parents, and has some sense of justice. For attributes like these, the young schoolboy still appeals to all generations. ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ has become an international success, as the book is praised for detailing the adventures and has been translated into about fifty languages. With 15 million copies sold for all titles, ‘Le Petit Nicolas’ became an international hero among children. This book is used as a textbook in many schools in France and many other Francophone countries. It is also recommended as a learning material for French language learners worldwide. Md Riadul Islam, an assistant professor of French at the Institute of Modern Languages of Shahjalal University of Sciences and Technology, Sylhet, has translated the book into Bengali for the first time - and this is his maiden translated book as well.

Today marks the 125th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh's national poet, renowned as the "rebel poet" for his powerful literary contributions across various Bengali genres. Born in Churulia village, West Bengal, on this day in 1899, Nazrul's works inspired resistance against injustice and oppression. His fiery poetry and creative genius have left an indelible mark on Bengali literature. Government and non-government organizations, along with cultural platforms, are commemorating the day with various programs, including cultural performances and discussions about Nazrul's life and legacy. National poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 124th birth anniversary Thursday The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has organized numerous events to honor Nazrul nationally. Institutions such as Dhaka University are also hosting events. The poet's 125th birth anniversary will be observed in Mymensingh and Daulatpur, Cumilla, locations of special significance to him. National broadcasting mediums, including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, alongside private TV channels, will air the inaugural ceremony and special programs. Print media will publish special supplements to mark the occasion. At Dhaka University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ASM Maksud Kamal led a gathering of teachers, students, and staff at Aparajeo Bangla at 6:15 am to lay floral wreaths at Nazrul's tomb. A discussion about Nazrul's life and works followed. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Naheed Ezaher Khan and ministry officials also placed wreaths at the poet's grave at 6:30 am, followed by the ruling party Awami League at 7:30 am. Bangla Academy paid tribute by placing wreaths at Nazrul's grave and portrait at Nazrul Mancha at 8:00 am. Remembering rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has planned a three-day program from May 25 to 27 at the National Museum in Shahbagh, to be inaugurated by Deputy Leader of the Jatiya Sangsad Begum Matia Chowdhury at 4:00 pm. Chhayanaut, a leading cultural institution, is hosting a three-day ‘Nazrul Uthsob 1431’ starting from May 25 at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban, Dhanmondi. The festival, featuring performances of songs, dances, readings, and poetry recitations, will conclude with the unveiling of "Nazrul Sangeet: Tothyo, Bhab O Shurashandhan," a publication on 50 Nazrul songs. Nazrul, who wrote 2,600 songs, 600 poems, three novels, and 43 articles, began his career while serving in the British Army in 1917. His famous poem ‘Bidrohi’ (The Rebel) was published in 1921. He later launched the magazine ‘Dhumketu’ (The Comet) in 1922. His active participation in the Indian Independence Movement led to multiple imprisonments by British authorities. Why not directive to issue gazette declaring Nazrul as national poet: HC Nazrul's works, rich in themes of freedom, humanity, love, and revolution, opposed religious, caste, and gender discrimination. His contributions to Bengali music include creating the genre ‘Nazrul Geeti,’ encompassing 4,000 songs. In 1942, Nazrul began losing his voice and memory due to Pick's disease, a rare neurodegenerative ailment. In 1972, his family moved to Bangladesh at the government's invitation. Dhaka University awarded him an honorary post-doctoral degree in 1974, and he received the Ekushey Padak in 1976. Kazi Nazrul Islam passed away in Dhaka on August 29, 1976, but his legacy endures, celebrated today and always.

The second solo art exhibition of artist Md Ziaur Rahman, titled "Inner Speed," is all set to begin at Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD) on Friday. The exhibition's opening ceremony will be held on Friday, May 24 at 5:30 pm at AFD’s La Galerie. Professor Mohammad Eunus, Chairman of the Art Bangla Foundation; artist Ranjit Das; art critic Moinuddin Khaled; Bangladesh Supreme Court Senior Advocate Nahid Mahtab; and Moin Foundation’s Founder Muntasir Moin will attend the opening ceremony as special guests. Artist Md Ziaur Rahman was born and raised near the banks of the Shitalakshya River and the Narayanganj railway station. His lifelong endeavour has been to understand both people and nature, as nature is his greatest source of inspiration. Ziaur takes all kinds of elements from nature with great care and understanding through his artistic perception, and then he arranges those pleasingly in his painting. He completed his graduation in drawing and painting from Narayanganj Fine Arts College and later secured a Master's in the same field from UODA. ‘Inner Speed’ marks the artist’s second exhibition, following his first solo show titled ‘Nirvadhi’ at the Chap Gallery in Narayanganj in 2009. The exhibition ‘Inner Speed’ evokes the dream of transformation, reflecting the various harmonies and conflicts within society, the good and the bad, that provoke deep contemplation. Like everyone else, Ziaur Rahman has experienced moments that leave an indelible mark, and his work represents an effort to transcend these moments. He consistently grapples with his reality through his art, employing diverse mediums such as watercolour, oil, charcoal, acrylic, ink, and cotton. The dynamism of nature particularly moves him, and he often finds inspiration in the movement of bulls and horses—even the monsoon rains, with their inherent speed, stir his creativity. Drawing these powerful animals uplifts him when he feels low, as their dynamic forms inspire dreams and emotional resilience. Motion, in any form, captivates him, and he seeks to express this inner movement through his use of colours and lines. Rahman has profoundly connected his emotional expression to the depiction of horses and bulls; their varied postures captivate his artistic meditation, revealing his dedication and commitment to his subjects. To Ziaur, horses and bulls symbolise the essence of life, embodying strength and speed. His focus on these powerful animals suggests a deeper exploration of their life force. A bull's still gaze combines an unsettling mix of pity and fear for the viewer, while Rahman's fascination lies with the fierce bull, symbolising raw power and vitality.

The group art exhibition titled "Finding Nirvana in Life: Buddha of Bengal," featuring 42 artists from Bangladesh and India, began at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Monday. Organised by the cultural organisation Oriental Painting Study Group (OPSG), the exhibition showcases 71 artworks. A total of 33 Bangladeshi and nine Indian artists are showcasing their diverse artwork in the media, including Oriental Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Paintings on Palm Leaves, Rickshaw Painting, Cinema Banner Painting, Wash Painting, Gouache Painting, Calligraphy Painting, Tempera, and Patachitra. The exhibition is curated by Mikhail I Islam. Buddhist Vante Sanghananda Mohathero, Principal, Sylhet Bouddha Bihar; François Grosjean, Director, Alliance Française de Dhaka; and Dr Saymon Zakaria, Bangladeshi folk researcher and Deputy Director of the Department of Research, Bangla Academy, joined the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition. The ceremony was followed by the premiere of the play "Nirvana" at AFD’s Courtyard at 7:30 pm, directed by Dr Lata Samadder. The play was adapted from Ashwa Ghosh's 'Buddhacharita’, translated by Sadhankamal Chowdhury. Lata Samadder and Md Zahidul Islam jointly transformed the play, which was performed by the students of the Department of Theatre and Media Studies, Tejgaon College, Dhaka, and the members of OPSG. Professor Dr Md Harun-Or-Rashid, Principal, Tejgaon College, Dhak, inaugurated the premiere show of the play.

The exclusive printmaking workshop, "On the Trail of Planography," conducted by the celebrated artist Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, concluded successfully on Monday night at Cosmos Atelier-71 in Malibagh, Dhaka. The event was marked by the participation of eleven artists from varied backgrounds and presided over by key figures in the Bangladeshi art scene. The workshop, inaugurated on May 10 by renowned Bangladeshi entrepreneur, author, journalist and patron of the arts Enayetullah Khan, founder of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, with the presence of Tehmina Enayet, Director of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, and Nahar Khan, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, spotlighted the unique technique of lithography within planographic printmaking. Lithography, a pivotal technique, was explored in depth under the guidance of Rokonuzzaman, a former chair of the Department of Printmaking at Dhaka University. Notable attendees included veteran artist and freedom fighter Biren Shome, eminent artist-educator Professor Syed Abul Barq Alvi, internationally recognized artist Professor Rokeya Sultana, and famed photojournalist Nasir Ali Mamun. Ashmita Alam, chair of the Department of Printmaking at Dhaka University, also joined as a guest artist.  

Renowned artist Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman’s unique and interactive printmaking workshop titled ‘On the Trail of Planography’ is currently underway at Cosmos Atelier-71 in Dhaka’s Malibagh, showcasing the techniques of plate lithography in printmaking. The four-day exclusive planography workshop was inaugurated on Friday, May 10 by Enayetullah Khan, Chairman of Cosmos Foundation. The workshop features 11 artists from diverse backgrounds: Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Boni Adam, Chitram Sen Anik, Iqbal Bahar Chy, K Zaman Shimul, Kamruzzoha, Palash Baran Biswas, Rezwanur Rahman, Rumana Rahman Rani, Salma Zakia Bristy and Sohanur Rahman. Tehmina Enayet, Director of Cosmos Atelier-71 and Gallery Cosmos, and Nahar Khan, Executive Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Foundation, were also present at the workshop’s inaugural ceremony. “Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71 were established through the guidance of the illustrious printmaker, the late Kalidas Karmakar - and ever since inception, we have provided patronage to a number of great artists, workshops, exhibitions, art events, and publications and more. We will continue supporting our talented art community through organizing meaningful events, publishing resourceful books and hosting enlightening workshops like this,” Enayetullah Khan said at the event. “The history of Lithography, a planographic printmaking process, dates back to 1798 - and from then to the current day, the world of art has seen revolutionary changes. As an artist and art educator, my aim is to familiarize this particular medium not only to the students but also to the public and general admirers; however, this is understandably a bit complex process and requires several additional art equipment. Gallery Cosmos is not only providing all the required support and elements but also helping us to popularise the medium through this workshop, joined by participants from diverse backgrounds. I wholeheartedly thank Gallery Cosmos and all of its associates for organizing this workshop,” Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman told UNB.

Gallery Cosmos, the artistic wing and printmaking studio of Cosmos Foundation, is set to host a unique Printmaking Workshop titled "On the Trail of Planography" at Cosmos Atelier71, Cosmos Centre in Malibagh, Dhaka, from May 10 to 13 (every day 10 am to 5 pm). Set to be inaugurated on Friday, the workshop will be conducted by internationally acclaimed artist-art educator Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, with the participation of 11 Bangladeshi artists from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, young teachers and art educators from different universities will join the workshop. Eminent artist Rokeya Sultana, legendary photographer Nasir Ali Mamun, and art educator Ashmita Alam, Chairman of the Department of Printmaking, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, will participate at the workshop as guest artists. The workshop will focus on exploring plate lithography techniques in printmaking. Participating artists are: Abu Kalam Shamsuddin, Boni Adam, Chitram Sen Anik, Iqbal Bahar Chy, K Zaman Shimul, Kamruzzoha, Palash Baran Biswas, Rezwanur Rahman, Rumana Rahman Rani, Salma Zakia Bristy and Sohanur Rahman. Currently a Professor of Printmaking at DU’s Faculty of Fine Arts, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman was born in Dhaka in 1976. After completing his BFA from the Institute of Fine Arts’ Department of Printmaking, Dhaka University in 1998 (held in 2001), he received a Master’s degree in printmaking from Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, India in 2004 under the ICCR Scholarship by the Indian Government. He continued his artistic research at Tokyo University of Fine Art, Japan (2010 to 2012) under the Monbukagakusho Research Scholarship, courtesy of the Japanese Government, and completed his PhD from Dhaka University in 2017. Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman’s 1st Solo Exhibition was held at the Zainul Gallery, Dhaka University in 2005. Before that, his 1st open studio exhibition was held at Nandan Gallery (M.F.A Submission), Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, India, in 2004 - and his 2nd open studio exhibition was held at Gedai Gallery (Research Submission), Tokyo University of The Fine Art, Japan in 2012.  In his illustrious career, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions at home and abroad, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA)’s Young Artists Art Exhibition, National Art Exhibition, Asian Art Biennale; and many other exhibitions in Japan, India, Ukraine, Serbia, Taiwan, and Australia, to name a few.  Notable among the artist’s awards are the Diploma (3rd place) in the category “Small format graphics” in The First International Small Form Graphic Trienale & Exucubris, Planet for All, Ukraine, 2022; Honorable Award in International Art Fest 2021-22, (Microtopia), Bangladesh, arranged by Chittagong Art Club and Gallery Chitrak; E- Certificate Award Winner, GAWA Annual International Watercolor Online Contest-2019; Elizabeth Greenshields Award, Canada-2009, Best Award in Printmaking at the 16th (2008) and 15th (2004) Young Artists Art Exhibition, Organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Best Award in Printmaking in Annual Art Exhibition, Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University (1998).  From 2019-2022, Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman acted as the Chairman of the Department of Printmaking. Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. He has participated in numerous national and international art workshops and also conducted a few of them, and his works are in the collection of many notable institutions and galleries including Dhaka University, Tokyo University of Fine Art in Japan, Visva Bharati in Santiniketan, India, Bangladesh National Museum, Bangladesh Bank, and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, among others.

Marking the World Press Freedom Day 2024, Drik Picture Library organised an exclusive exhibition titled 'Gaza Holocaust: Killing the Truthtellers' and a panel discussion ‘Western Hypocrisy on Press Freedom’ on Sunday at the DrikPath Bhobon in the capital. Curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, the exhibition pays tribute to the death of the truthtellers and displays protest against Israeli atrocities in Palestine. The inauguration was followed by a panel discussion where Meghna Guhathakurta, Executive Director of Research Initiatives, Bangladesh (RIB), Nurul Kabir, Editor of English daily New Age and Zahed Ur Rahman, scholar and political analyst spoke as the panelists, while the session was moderated by Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli occupation force has killed thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children, turning Gaza and the West Bank into a war zone. Despite worldwide calls for a ceasefire, Israeli forces have reportedly killed 142 media persons in their line of duty, and the war has claimed the lives of more than 35,000 people, including over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, and 1,200 deaths in Israel. Bibi Russell enchants Amman with 'Magical Threads of Bangladesh' fashion show Drik organized the exhibition and discussion when freedom is plundered and freedom of expression is gagged around the world, Shahidul Alam said, "Today's discussion revolves around activities of Western countries that talk about democracy. As we speak, many people are still dying. We have to digest a lot due to the hegemony of the West, but the topic today is which country is more peaceful.”