United News of Bangladesh

Recipients of the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2023 have been announced, honoring 16 individuals for their notable contributions to various aspects of Bangla literature. Bangla Academy announced the names of the winners on Wednesday, according to a press release. Bangla Academy felicitates rickshaw painters for achieving UNESCO recognition Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to hand over the awards officially during the inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2024, it said. Shamim Azad won the award for her achievements in poetry. Names of Bangla Academy Literary award winners announced        Novelists Nuruddin Jahangir and Salma Bani jointly won the award for best fiction writer. Playwrights Mrittika Chakma and Masud Pathik were acknowledged for their outstanding work in the field. BSA, Bangla Academy celebrate PM Hasina's 76th birthday Tapankar Chakrabarty received recognition in children's literature category, and ornithologist Inam Al Haque was honoured for his contributions to the environment/science field. Tapan Bagchi was bestowed with the award in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to folklore. Afroza Parvin and Asaduzzaman Asad were acknowledged for their writings on the Liberation War, while Saifullah Mahmud Dulal and Md Mojibur Rahman received awards for their work on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Ishak Khan was recognized in the biography category.

Portraying pitfalls of development and miseries caused by climate change effects, a 10-day exhibition titled 'Rising Echoes' began on Saturday at 'Batighar – Smritite Sharaney Aly Zaker', Asiatic Centre rooftop in the capital. The exhibition features a total of 31 artworks and photographs. In this exhibition, photographer Mrittika Gain showcased adversities faced by people of Kalabogi village in Dakop, Khulna, due to climate-induced river erosion. through her photographic lens. ‘Praktoni Sammilan’: Chhayanaut announces gala rendezvous in March Simultaneously, the other participating artist Hlubaishu Chowdhuri has highlighted the disfigurement of natural landscape due to construction of Kaptai Dam in Rangamati, through her paintings. The 10-day exhibition titled ‘Rising Echoes’ has been organised by Mongol Deep Foundation and curated by Shamsul Alam Helal, a Curator, Educator and Visual Artist. He has curated exhibitions in Chobi Mela and Dhaka Art Summit.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) announced the names of the 20 recipients for its prestigious Shilpakala Padak on Monday, in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to their respective artistic and cultural mediums. A total of 20 artists and organisations were unanimously selected (10 out of 12 fields) for the Shilpkala Padak in the years 2021 and 2022 by the evaluation committee formed to review the applications, according to the BSA Shilpkala Padak policy for the final nomination of the deserving artists. According to the official press statement of BSA, the recipients for the class of 2021 are: - Md Nuruzzaman (instrumental), Sharmin Hossain (dance), Sadi Mohammad (vocal), Biren Shome (fine arts), Professor Abdus Selim (dramatics), Mohammad Nohir Uddin (folklore), Dr Matin Rahman (film), Kazi Madina (recitation), MA Majid (jatra artist), and Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Parishad (creative cultural unit). The recipients for the class of 2022 are: Foad Nasser (instrumentalist), Saju Ahmed (dance), Elen Mallik (vocal), Professor Alok Rai (fine arts), Khairul Alam Sabuj (dramatics), Sunil Karmakar (folklore), Rafiqul Islam (photography), Mir Barkate Rahman (recitation), Aruna Biswas (jatra artist), and Dr Safiuddin Ahmed (creative cultural researcher). Subject to the kind permission of the President and formally fixing the date, the Shilpakala Padak awarding ceremony will be organised soon, BSA stated. Each award recipient will get a gold medal, a cheque for Tk 1 lakh, and a certificate. The award has been conferred on deserving creative personalities for their continuous contributions in several fields of arts, culture, entertainment, and literature since 2013; however, the award could not be conferred on the recipients in 2019 and the ceremony could not take place in 2020 due to the global pandemic of Covid-19.

Bangladesh’s leading cultural institute Chhayanaut announced on Friday that it is going to host a grand reunion of its alumni, past and current teachers, cultural workers and organizers from home and abroad, titled ‘Praktoni Sammilan’ on March 2 this year (Falgun 18 in the Bengali calendar year 1430). The second-ever gala rendezvous in the institution’s six-decade-long history, the event is aimed at reuniting those who have studied, taught or been associated with the institution for at least two years in Chhayanaut Sangeet Bidyayatan's long-term music courses. On Friday, the announcement of this rendezvous came at a press conference at the institution’s Ramesh Chandra Dutta Memorial Auditorium at its Sangskriti Bhaban, home to its over 150 teachers and 5,000 students, in the capital’s Dhanmondi. Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, and ‘Praktoni Sammilan’ Convenor Rokaiya Hasina Neely briefed the media about the event. “In 1963, Chhayanaut established its Sangeet Bidyayatan intending to practise the musical culture of Bengal and inculcate the Bengali ethnicity in the learners - and since then, the institution has been immersed in teaching the taste of mainstream Bengali music including Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, Folk Sangeet and various genres of classical dance and pure music. With this gala rendezvous, we are aiming to commemorate and celebrate the unity of this majestic institution with all of our learners, teachers and associates,” Dr Sarwar Ali said at the event. ‘Praktoni Sammilan’ Convenor Rokaiya Hasina Neely said that the day-long celebration will feature commemorative sessions, dialogues, cultural events and more. The decoration of the event will be Jamdani-themed, and there is a plan to publish a memoir book and photo exhibition on the early-mid-current phase of the Sangeet Bidyayatan featuring students across generations. “However, most likely, having a calm conversation, dancing in harmony, playing instruments to set the mood, and singing in unison with the companions would be the most enjoyable activities for everyone. We are anticipating such a majestic rendezvous with utmost cooperation and participation of our alumnus and associates,” Neely added. Registration for the event is currently underway for interested alumni and associates at Sankskriti Bhaban and also through the institution’s official Facebook page and website. The registration will remain open until the end of January, and further details regarding the event will be shared shortly, according to Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa. Chhayanaut was founded in 1961 to establish the cultural rights of the oppressed Bengali netizens in then-East Pakistan under the Pakistani regime. Poet Sufia Kamal was the founding President of the institution. Aside from its cultural curriculum, the institution is famed worldwide for organizing the traditional, grandiose cultural festival of Pahela Baishakh at the capital’s Ramna Park every year. One of Bangladesh's most iconic and popular events, the traditional Pahela Baishakh festivity of Chhayanaut has gained the reputation as one of the world's greatest regular cultural festivities.    

Martial arts, a term encompassing various physical disciplines, are not just about physical prowess but also about mental discipline and spiritual growth. Central to many of these arts is the martial arts belt ranking system. These belts are more than colorful accessories; they signify the milestones one has achieved and the challenges that lie ahead. Which Martial Arts Use Belt Ranking System? Karate  This martial art is renowned for its robust strikes and powerful kicks. Karate adopts a structured belt progression system, beginning with the symbolic white belt and culminating in the prestigious black belt. As practitioners advance through various levels, each belt color marks a new stage of expertise and understanding. Taekwondo Characterized by its swift and dynamic kicks, Taekwondo follows a similar belt system to Karate. It encompasses a progression from white to black belts, each representing the stages of skill and personal development within the art. Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness Judo A grappling-focused martial art, Judo emphasizes throws and takedowns. It employs a belt system starting from white, advancing through different levels until brown. The highly regarded black belt is awarded at the pinnacle of mastery, symbolizing a deep understanding of Judo's principles and techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Recognized for its emphasis on ground fighting techniques, Jiu-Jitsu features a belt system encompassing white, blue, purple, brown, and black belts. Significantly, within each belt level, practitioners may earn stripes, marking progress and skill refinement. Others Various other martial arts also incorporate belt ranking systems. Aikido, for instance, moves practitioners from white to black belts, symbolizing a journey of growth and learning. Kung Fu, known for its diverse styles, follows varied belt systems, each reflective of its unique philosophy and technique. Read more: Daily Strategies for Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Focus and Alleviating Anxiety

The departing 2023 has been a significant year with different cultural festivities across the nation, many of them returning after being ghosted by the COVID-19 pandemic that allowed only web-based events for the past three years. Some major events took place in Bangladesh, making it one of the prominent cultural years in recent history. Several local-international exhibitions and festivals were organized at different venues throughout 2023, be it Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum (LWM), Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art (DU FFA), Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Gallery Cosmos, Bangladesh National Museum, Gallery Chitrak, EMK Centre, Gallery Kaya, Drik, Safiuddin Shilpalay, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, Brihatta Art Foundation, EDGE, Abinta Gallery or bother venues in the capital. Right off the bat we had the 10th edition of the Dhaka Lit Fest that ran from January 5-8, returning after a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. Following this auspicious start, the year continued with a string of remarkable artistic and cultural festivities. The 21st edition of the Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), one of the oldest and most regular cultural festivals in the country, officially began shortly after the Lit Fest in the capital, showcasing 252 films from 71 countries. The long-awaited 6th edition of the Dhaka Art Summit (DAS) also made its return after three years in the following month at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), continued till February 11 under the theme 'Bonna' (Flood). The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair began on February 1st and concluded on February 28 at the premises of Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital, marking the first successful edition of the fair after the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. In celebration of World Music Day 2023, a multidisciplinary musical and theatrical performance titled "Made in Bangladesh" by Max Vandervorst of Belgium and 'Joler Gaan' band frontman Rahul Ananda of Bangladesh was staged in June at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, Dhanmondi - which eventually led the French President Emmanuel Macron to visit at his home in September. Several urban events captivated netizens this year at the Aloki Convention Centre in the capital's Tejgaon including the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB)'s flagship venture Bangladesh Fashion Week 2023 in March, the convivial urban rendezvous at the Dhaka Makers 2023's inaugural edition in June, and the tantalizing first-ever Arka Fashion Week in October. The venue was also the home of several high-profile concerts, including the musical night of popular Indian singer Lucky Ali. Gallery Cosmos, the philanthropic and artistic wing of Bangladeshi conglomerate Cosmos Group (full disclosure: UNB's parent company), organised several exhibitions and art events throughout the year. The list of events includes an exclusive Intaglio process-Softground and Stencil Workshop by internationally acclaimed art maestro Professor Rokeya Sultana titled 'Impression of Rokeyas', an exclusive watercolor art camp titled 'Splendours of Bangladesh' on August as an ode to the Father of the Nation, a joint exhibition with the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka tiled 'Smiles Around the World: An Artistic Celebration', Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan's solo exhibition titled 'Inspiration' and an exclusive ceremony in honor of a seasoned group of rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognized as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in Botswana, titled 'Gallery on Wheels' at the Private Museum, Baridhara in the capital. Additionally, several major solo exhibitions also took place throughout the year, including Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence' at AFD. Several local and international festivals were also held across the country in 2023, including (but not limited to) the 9th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival, the 16th International Children's Film Festival Bangladesh, Chhayanaut's traditional Bengali New Year celebration at the Ramna Batamul and its annual folk fest, Shuddha Sangeet Utsab, dance festival and seasonal odes; the Ganga Jamuna Cultural Festival 2023; Korean Film Festival 2023; Goethe-Institut Bangladesh's Science Film Festival 2023 and the traditional 'Zainul Utshab' by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Art in commemoration to the Shilpacharya's 109th birth anniversary. Throughout the year, several musical events also enthralled the audiences and music lovers at different venues including the International Convention Center Bashundhara (ICCB), Bangladesh Army Stadium, Hatirjheel Amphitheatre and Aloki Convention Center. These venues hosted several high-profile musical events, including To Gaza from Dhaka, Joy Bangla Concert, Coke Studio Bangla Live, Cholo Bangladesh Concert, Rock N Rhythm 3.0: Tribute Fiesta, The Night of Pritom Hasan, Dhaka Summer Con 2023, The School of Rock, Dhaka City Sound Project, and many more. Prominent bands and performers including Nagar Baul, Warfaze, Artcell, Meghdol, Shironamhin, Maqsood O' DHAKA, Chirkutt, Nemesis and others continued enthralling the fans in these concerts. The most talked-about musical programme was the second edition of Coke Studio Bangla, which enthralled the listeners with songs such as 'Deora', 'Kotha Koiyo Na', 'Dilaram', 'Murir Tin', 'Bonobibi', 'Darale Duaarey' and more. Besides, the Dhaka concert scene thrived throughout the entirety of 2023 with several big banner concerts and major artists and bands from India and West Bengal, including Lucky Ali, Anupam Roy, Chandrabindoo, Fossils, Taalpatar Shepai, Anuv Jain, Darshan Raval, and others. Overall, it was a tremendous year for the art-culture enthusiasts and admirers in the country, and netizens are looking forward to the forthcoming year with another great bunch of cultural festivities.

The advent of a new year is celebrated around the world expecting a healthy and prosperous future ahead. In this celebration, people love to enjoy some quality time with family and friends in a joyous ambiance. Centering this event hotels and restaurants are offering lucrative offers for dinners and staycation. Let’s take a look at some events and parties in Dhaka on New Year’s Eve. New Year Festivities and Parties in Dhaka on December 31st Night Revibe Parties by Radisson Blu Dhaka’s Radisson Blu Water Garden has arranged the "Revibe Gala Dinner 31st Party'' in Utshab Hall and the "Winter Revibe Party" in the Ballroom, hosted by ReConnect Multimedia.  On offer is live music, and a dazzling array of entertainment, including fashion shows, celebrity dances, salsa, hip hop, laser shows, and belly dance. The Grand Ballroom and Utshab Hall present distinct celebrations, each offering a unique experience.  Tickets range from 3500 BDT to 10000 BDT. The minimum age requirement is 18, and the dress code mandates chic and sassy for ladies and a jacket or suit for gentlemen. Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024 If you are looking for a family-centric celebration for an unforgettable evening, check out ‘The Pankouri New Year Fiesta 2024’. Organised by Pankouri An Indigenous Dine Out, the event aims to create meaningful moments for families.  Scheduled for December 31, 2023, starting at 8 PM at Pankouri Restaurant, the fiesta offers an exclusive experience with live music, DJ Vicky spinning 80s beats, a delectable buffet and live BBQ —all within a smoke and alcohol-free environment.  The event emphasises a joyous celebration for singles, couples and families with kids.  Tickets are available for those eager to welcome the New Year surrounded by family warmth. The ticket price for singles and couples is BDT 3000 and 6000 respectively. For a family with two children the ticket price is BDT 8000.  Read more: The Enduring Lessons of Christmas: Embracing Kindness, Hope and Renewal Galactic Night by Le Méridien  Do you want to welcome the new year in a cosmic environment with stellar vibes? Hosted by AllEvents.in, Le Méridien Dhaka’s Galactic Night event is set to entertain the guests with music under a celestial sky. 

The arrival of New Year's Eve traditionally brings with it spectacular fireworks displays. While visually impressive, these celebrations often have unintended consequences, such as disturbing wildlife, contributing to air pollution, and posing fire hazards. As environmental awareness grows, there's a shift towards finding safer, more sustainable ways to celebrate. This guide offers a range of creative and eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks for welcoming the New Year, ensuring that your celebrations are not only memorable but also kind to our planet and its inhabitants. Exploring Creative and Sustainable Ways to Ring in 2024 without Fireworks 1. Theme-based Home Party Transform your home into a magical celebration space with a chosen theme. Consider superheroes or fairy tales for kids, and perhaps a nostalgic retro or glam theme for adults. Encourage guests to dress in theme-specific attire. Decorations and snacks tailored to your theme can elevate the experience. This personalized, home-based party offers a unique, intimate, and cost-effective way to usher in the new year. 2. Epic Movie Marathon Plan a movie marathon night with a specific theme like classic comedies, epic adventures, or family favorites. Set up a comfortable viewing area, either indoors with blankets and pillows or outdoors with a projector under the stars. Create a mix of films to cater to different age groups, ensuring everyone has a favorite to look forward to. Don't forget the popcorn machine and a snack bar to mimic a real cinema experience! Read more: 10 Foods to Eat for Good Luck in New Year 3. Culinary Delights: Cooking and Potluck Why not make the kitchen the heart of your New Year's celebration? Arrange a group cooking session where each participant can contribute to making a special dish. For a more relaxed approach, host a potluck dinner where everyone brings their signature dish. This not only makes for a diverse spread of culinary delights but also sparks conversations and recipe exchanges. Combine this with music, a dance area, and a storytelling corner to reminisce memories, experiences, and adventures. 4. Competitive Game Night Organize a game night featuring a variety of games – from classic board games and card games to interactive video games and outdoor sports if weather permits. Tailor the game selection to suit all ages and interests, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate. Offer small prizes for winners to add an extra layer of excitement to the competition. 5. Showcase of Talents: Music, Dance, and More Create a home concert or talent show where guests can perform their favorite songs, dance routines, or even magic tricks. This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially children, to showcase their talents and enjoy the spotlight. You can also curate playlists for a dance party, ensuring there’s something for every musical taste. Read more: IGP calls for flawless security over Christmas and New Year

Felicitating the rickshaw painters in Dhaka whose works have made rickshaw and rickshaw paintings recognised as the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Bangla Academy hosted a reception ceremony on Tuesday. The ceremony was held at the academy's Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad (AKSB) auditorium. Chaired by Bangla Academy president Selina Hossain, the event was joined by state minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid as the chief guest and Cultural Affairs secretary Khalil Ahmed as the special guest. Bangla Academy director general Poet Muhammad Nurul Huda delivered the welcome address, while the first secretary of the Bangladesh Embassy in France Walid Bin Quashem and the academy’s director of Folklore Museum and Treasury Department Dr Aminur Rahman Sultan participated in the discussion. A total of 111 rickshaw painters were awarded certificates, felicitations-memorials and Tk 10,000 (ten thousand) per person, at the event. The award and prize money were given on behalf of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs by the chief guest, special guest and president and director general of Bangla Academy. In addition, Bangla Academy’s recent publication ‘Rickshaws and Rickshaw Art in Dhaka’ album and Dr Aminur Rahman Sultan's authored book ‘Dhaka Zilla’r Lokosangskriti’ (Folklore of the Dhaka District) was unveiled at the ceremony. Speaking as the chief guest, KM Khalid said, “Bangladesh's rickshaw painting has gained global recognition as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This is a remarkable honour for our country, our Bengali netizens, and the achievement of every rickshaw puller and rickshaw painter in this country - moreover, this is Bangladesh’s achievement.” Cultural Affairs secretary Khalil Ahmad said, "In addition to the nature and public life of Bangladesh, it is important to capture the struggling history of this country, especially the portrayal of Bangabandhu in rickshaw paintings. Both the forthcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair and the Bangladesh Pavilion of the upcoming Kolkata International Book Fair will feature our rickshaw artwork.”

Christmas, celebrated worldwide, is more than just a festive occasion; it embodies profound teachings that resonate with millions. As we approach Christmas 2023, let us reflect on the invaluable lessons this sacred festival imparts, transcending mere celebration and highlighting values that enrich our lives and communities. 10 Lessons of Christmas Love and Compassion The essence of Christmas lies in Jesus' message of unconditional love and kindness. This festival urges us to extend our hearts in compassion and understanding towards everyone, especially those in need. It's a perfect opportunity to instill in young minds the importance of empathy, tolerance, and sharing. Christmas 2023 beckons us to embrace these virtues more than ever, fostering a world filled with kindness and care. Read more: 5 Christmas Dinner Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Generosity and Giving The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas symbolizes the spirit of generosity. It’s not confined to material presents but encompasses acts of kindness like inviting a lonely neighbor for a meal or donating to those less fortunate. Christmas 2023 is a reminder that the joy of giving is the essence of the festival, making the smallest gestures of kindness truly special.