United News of Bangladesh

Artist Suborna Morsheada's fourth solo art exhibition, titled ‘Introspect’, has begun at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in Dhanmondi on Saturday. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at 6 pm at AFD's La Galerie, where the exhibition was opened by eminent artist Monirul Islam. A graduate of the Department of Printmaking at Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts, Suborna’s artworks are deeply inspired by her emotional experiences and journey as an artist, spanning the spectrum from joy and serenity to moments of sadness and despair.  A visit to remember: Rahul Ananda welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron at his home In the year 2018, her debut solo art exhibition, ‘Love, Life and other Emotions, was held at Café Mango and Gallery in the capital. Her works have been showcased in a number of exhibitions at home and abroad, including the 10th Ulsan International Woodcut Print Biennale 2022, South Korea; Documenta Fifteen 2022, Germany; 17th Asian Art Biennale 2016, Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka; Chobi Mela 2018 organized by Drik and Pathshala; Young Artist Art Exhibition (2016, 2018, 2022), Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka, to name a few.  She won the Kibria Young Printmaker Best Award in 2016 and the Berger Best Young Painter Award in 2018. Drik’s celebrates 34th founding anniversary, Dr Zafrullah’s contributions in health movement commemorated "My fourth solo exhibition, ‘Intorspect, invites art admirers to explore the intricate relationship between nature, human experience, and the emotions that shape us. My works depict the stages of human development, mirroring the changing seasons and the ever-evolving landscape." "Love, an integrated part of my work, is often likened to the warmth of the sun -- vibrant and passionate; conveying the intensity of romanticism and its ability to infuse life with colour and vitality," according to the artist. ‘The Reflection of Endless Mystery’: Nabaraj Roy's first solo exhibition opens at AFD The exhibition, curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, showcases a collection of 40 selected artworks based on a wide range of media, including etching, lithography, wood engraving, acrylic, and cyanotype, created between the years 2012 and 2023. The exhibition will be open to all until September 29, everyday from 3 pm to 9 pm, except Sundays.    

The visiting French President Emmanuel Macron made a visit to the Dhanmondi residence of music artist, lyricist and instrumentalist Rahul Ananda of the popular Bangladeshi musical group 'Joler Gaan' on Sunday night.  Macron was accompanied by the Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud, alongside the French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy, the French cultural institution Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Director François Grosjean, and other higher officials representing both countries. The French president made the visit after dinner and stayed there for over one and a half hours. He interacted with Rahul Ananda’s family including his wife Urmila Shukla and son Tota, and three other Bangladeshi artists — Ashfika Rahman, Kamruzzaman Swadhin and Afroza Sara. France respects Bangladesh's sovereign policy independence: PM Hasina says after talks with President Macron Apart from listening to Rahul’s soulful, homely rendition of Bengali music including songs such as “Ami Banglay Gaan Gai” and a medley of Lalon songs, the French president also explored various musical instruments that Rahul Ananda makes and plays as an instrumentalist.  They also presented gifts to each other. The artist presented an ‘Ektara’ (a one-stringed Bengali musical instrument) to the French President, saying that this would remind him about this memorable visit, while Macron gifted a pen to Rahul Ananda, suggesting to write poems and songs. The artist shared the picture of the gift on his social media profiles. Bangladesh rolls out red carpet to welcome President Macron Marking this visit, Rahul Ananda alongside his family decorated the entrance of his 140-year-old Dhanmondi residence with flowers. During his short briefing with the media after the French President’s historic visit to his home, Rahul Ananda said that it was a brief yet beautiful cultural exchange between two artists, as the French President is also a musician by passion and a music enthusiast. Informing the media about how the contact was made, the artist said that back in June, a multidisciplinary musical and theatrical performance titled "Made in Bangladesh" was staged at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, in celebration of World Music Day 2023 - in which he collaborated with Belgian artist Max Vandervorst, and the French president got interested after learning about this performance. “I feel like and call myself a bird, and I am also an instrumentalist and I make my own instruments, so the tree is a pivotal part in my artistic activism, and I am actively involved in tree plantation across our country. The French president lauded this initiative and he also learned how to play the ‘Ektara’ I presented to him, and I was surprised to find out that he is a fast learner,” Rahul Ananda told the media. President Macron arrives in Dhaka Sunday to "concretize some projects, boost" further economic relations “Through your support, this unimaginable bridge was formed, thus the honourable President of France made a visit to my house — and I tried my best to represent our Bangladeshi culture and heritage in front of him,” Rahul Ananda said while expressing his gratitude to the media. This brief two-day visit of the French President Emanuel Macron became historic since the last official visit by a French President to Bangladesh dates back to 1990.  

Marking the occasion of Drik's 34th founding anniversary, an exclusive lecture event titled Golam Kasem Daddy Lecture "Dr Zafrullah, National Drug Policy 1982 and Bangladesh Health Movement" took place at Drikpath Bhaban in the capital on Monday. The lecture was presented by Professor Md Sayedur Rahman, Chairman of the Department of Pharmacology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Read: ‘The Reflection of Endless Mystery’: Nabaraj Roy's first solo exhibition opens at AFD Eminent photojournalist Shahidul Alam, Managing Director of Drik, greeted the audience with his welcome speech at the beginning of the program. Prof Sayedur Rahman, in his lecture, shed the spotlight on several characteristics of Dr Zafrullah in light of his personal experience. He discussed Zafrullah’s involvement in the field hospital during the turbulent periods of  1971 Liberation War, the establishment of his iconic Gonoshasthaya Nagar, his opinions on women's emancipation, and his general life. He also emphasized Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury's contribution to the creation of the 1982 National Drug Policy and how that policy had aided in the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry's independence, saying: "In independent Bangladesh, Dr Zafarullah founded the health movement with the dream of creating an equitable society. The National Drug Policy of 1982 served as a catalyst in the battle against a profit-oriented healthcare system.”  Read: Exhibition on Rana Plaza tragedy underway at Drik Gallery “Dr Zafrullah believed that this policy could free people from the slavery of capital. The 1982 National Drug Policy, for that reason, not only prioritized the growth of the local pharmaceutical sector but also increased drug accessibility for the masses.” “In addition to promoting local pharmaceutical companies over foreign ones, the policy ensured people's affordability. Domestic pharmaceutical businesses could not make more than Tk 5–6 crore in profits annually prior to the establishment of this policy; and now they generate Tk 1000, 1200, or even 1500 crore annual turnovers. “Bangladesh stood as one of the 14 nations with its own drug policy after its establishment - and that credit goes to Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury. His proposed drug policy will remain an outstanding document for building a welfare-oriented state,“ Professor Sayedur Rahman said, emphasizing how Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury played a leading role in the health movement of Bangladesh during his lifetime with his humanitarian actions. On behalf of Zafrullah Chowdhury's family, his wife Shireen Huq and son Bareesh Hasan Chowdhury; along with the staff members of Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital at Dhanmondi and Gonoshasthaya Kendra Hospital at Savar, human rights activist Khushi Kabir, economist and educator Anu Muhammad, teacher and women's rights activist Firdous Azim and others joined the lecture. Read: Splendours of Bangladesh: Gallery Cosmos to bring exclusive watercolour art camp on Friday In addition to Drik's well-wishers and former and present staff members, the event was also attended by several photographers and journalists, celebrating the 34th founding anniversary of the esteemed organization. Commemorating the legendary Bangladeshi photographer and writer Golam Kashem Daddy, every year Drik organizes this exclusive lecture. Previously, the lecture was addressed by several eminent personalities including artist Mustafa Monwar, artist Dhali Al Mamun, film activist Catherine Masud and others.

The maiden solo art exhibition of artist Nabaraj Roy titled ‘The Reflection of Endless Mystery’ has begun at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital's Dhanmondi. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at 6 pm on Friday at La Galerie. Read: Rabindranath Tagore’s 82nd death anniversary being observed Eminent artist and Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Rafiqun Nabi joined the event as the chief guest, while distinguished artist and former Professor of Fine Art at Rabindra Bharati University, Nikhil Ranjan Pal, along with Dean of the Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Prof Nisar Hossain joined the event as special guests. Presented within the exhibition titled "The Reflection of Endless Mystery," there are 25 captivating artworks encompassing acrylic, watercolor, and mixed media paintings, as well as sculptures that showcase the brilliance of Nabaraj's artistic journey. Read: Exhibition on Rana Plaza tragedy underway at Drik Gallery Ever since childhood, artist Nabaraj Roy has been greatly attracted to the aesthetic diversity of forms found in nature. It is this diversity that drives him to create new shapes and forms. The contradictions emerging from the scenes, time, forms, and structures of urban and rural dwellings have had a deep-rooted impact on his mind.  Alongside these, the changes in time and culture have left deep impressions as well. When new shapes and forms are created spontaneously in this world of images today, they all contribute to expanding his thought. These are the forms that keep on returning to his canvas. Through these, he creates his art, his symphony! With his creations inspired by folk forms, urbanization, and nature,  Roy's works have captivated audiences with their unique perspective. This exhibition promises an immersive showcase of young artist Nabaraj Roy's artistic evolution, offering spectators a chance to engage with his distinctive interpretations of the world. Read: ‘Eternal Existence’: Curtain rises on Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition at AFD Among his distinguished recognitions are the 2020 SM Sultan Foundation Award and the 2019 Special Award from the Mount Fuji Painting Exhibition in Bangladesh.  An alumnus of the University of Development Alternative (UODA) in Dhaka, Roy graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree, specializing in painting. Expanding his artistic prowess, he pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Painting from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India, completing his studies in 2016. The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, September 12, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm.

The history of the Bengali Calendar holds a vital place in the Bengali culture in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. In both words and numbers, this timekeeper tells a tale of change that goes back centuries. This article looks at where it started, its journey through history, and the ways it transformed to become what it is today. Let’s uncover the captivating story of how the Bengali Calendar began, influenced cultures, and still marks important times today. Historical Evolution of the Bengali Calendar The origins of the Bengali calendar can be traced back to ancient Hindu calendar systems and the practice of timekeeping in the Indian subcontinent. Jyotisha, one of the six ancient Vedangas, focused on observing and predicting celestial movements to track time accurately. Within this context, the Hindu Vikrami calendar, named after King Vikramaditya and starting from 57 BCE, played a role in shaping timekeeping practices. In rural Bengali communities, the Bengali calendar, credited to "Bikromaditto," held significance. Various dynasties that held sway over Bengal prior to the 13th century used the Vikrami calendar. Buddhist texts and inscriptions from the Pala Empire era referenced months such as Ashvin. They align with Sanskrit texts from different regions of the Indian subcontinent. Read more: Top 10 Historic Places, Landmarks in Dhaka Hindu scholars engaged in rigorous calculations to track the cycles of celestial bodies. Sanskrit astronomical texts, spanning centuries, contributed to this effort. The works of Aryabhata, Latadeva, Varahamihira, Brahmagupta, and Lalla presented calculations of planetary motions and characteristics. Surya Siddhanta, with a completion date ranging up to the 10th century, contained vital insights into solar calculations. The foundation of the current Bengali calendar, as used in Indian states like West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, and Jharkhand, can be traced back to the Sanskrit text Surya Siddhanta. Modifications introduced during the reign of Shashanka, the first independent ruler of Gauda, enriched this version. The calendar's historical connection to Shashanka's ascension to sovereignty corresponds with the inception of the Bangabda era. This calendar retains the original Sanskrit month names, with Baishakh as the first month. This anchored it to the Hindu calendar system and governed the timing of Bengali Hindu festivals. Additionally, it's theorized that Alauddin Husain Shah, a Hussain Shahi Sultan of Bengal, might have amalgamated the lunar Islamic calendar with the solar calendar. Alternatively, the calendar could have originated from Emperor Shashanka or Nawab Murshid Quli Khan's fiscal policies during Mughal rule. In the Mughal period, land taxes were collected from the Bengali populace based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, which followed a lunar cycle. This misalignment with the solar agricultural cycle, prompting the need for calendar reform. Mughal Emperor Akbar took up the task, commissioning the creation of a new calendar that integrated elements from both the lunar Islamic and solar Hindu calendars. The resultant "Fasholi shan," or harvest calendar, marked the potential starting point of the Bengali calendar. Read more: 100 Years of Rocket Paddle Steamer: A Pride and Heritage of Bangladesh Development and Transformation of the Bengali Calendar The "Tarikh-e-Elahi" calendar, introduced during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, represents a pivotal juncture in the evolution of the Bengali calendar. This hybrid calendar was a testament to Akbar's innovative governance approach, aiming to harmonize administrative and fiscal needs with agricultural cycles. By blending elements of the lunar Islamic calendar and the solar Hindu calendar, the "Tarikh-e-Elahi" sought to create a functional timekeeping tool that addressed diverse societal requirements. Notably, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan's reign brought further refinement to the calendar. His adjustments, which included a seven-day week commencing on Sunday and the synchronization of month names with the Saka calendar, laid the groundwork for the calendar's continued relevance. These modifications not only facilitated tax collection but also transformed the calendar into a cultural reference point for the people of Bengal. Read more: Ukraine: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Recent Changes and Revisions in the Bengali Calendar Recent times have witnessed efforts to modernize and enhance the Bengali calendar's accuracy and functionality. In 2018, Bangladesh embarked on a calendar reform aimed at aligning national days with Western dates. This endeavor resulted in adjustments that included the shifting of Kartik's start and a corresponding delay in the Hemanta season. These modifications illustrate the calendar's responsiveness to contemporary needs and its ongoing relevance. Presently, the year is designated as 1426 in the Bengali calendar. The realignment of national days is a noteworthy outcome of the reform. Key observances such as the Language Martyrs' Day, Independence Day, and Victory Day, commemorated on 21 February, 26 March, and 16 December respectively, will consistently fall on Falgun 8, Chaitra 12, and Poush 1 of the Bengali calendar for the next century. This adjustment ensures that cultural and historical commemorations remain consistent and synchronized. Read more: What Was Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Childhood Like? Historical Attempts at Calendar Reform The history of the Bengali calendar is punctuated by notable attempts at reform. Dr. Meghnad Saha's and Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah's efforts in the 1950s and 1963 respectively mark crucial steps towards enhancing the calendar's accuracy and functionality. These initiatives laid the foundation for subsequent improvements and demonstrated a commitment to scientific precision. In 1957, the introduction of the National Calendar in India marked a significant stride in standardizing calendars. This calendar, which amalgamated elements from the Surya Siddhanta and underwent substantial modifications, exemplified the ongoing quest for precision. While not extensively adopted outside official circles, it underscored the importance of regional calendars in cultural and administrative contexts. Read more: Top 10 Historical Mosques in Bangladesh Implementation of Calendar Reform in Bangladesh Bangladesh's journey towards calendar reform gained momentum in 1987. The decision to adopt a more accurate and internationally aligned calendar underscored the country's commitment to modernization and synchronization with global standards. This reform initiative aimed to rectify historical inconsistencies and align the calendar with contemporary expectations. To address these concerns, committees were formed in 1995 and 2015, comprising experts in linguistics, mathematics, physics, and culture. The recommendations of these committees aimed to refine the calendar's accuracy and structure. Proposals such as designating Falgun as a leap-year month and adjusting month lengths were key components of these reform efforts, which sought to blend scientific precision with cultural significance. The culmination of these endeavors resulted in the official preparation of the calendar in 2019. This modernized calendar, rooted in historical heritage yet adapted for the present, serves as a symbol of the nation's commitment to accuracy and cultural continuity. Bottom Line The history of the Bengali Calendar is a captivating journey through time. From its inception to modern reforms, it has remained a crucial aspect of the Bengal region's cultural identity. As the calendar continues to evolve, its resilience and adaptability reflect its enduring significance in shaping the rhythm of life for people across generations. Read more: Top 15 Heritage Sites of Bangladesh

If anyone wants to know about Bangladesh, he or she must know about the Father of the Nation. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an inseparable part of the nation’s history. Books can help to explore his remarkable life, from his early years to his charismatic leadership during tumultuous times. Autobiographies and other insightful books can vividly depict his struggles, political endeavours, and dedication to social justice. In this article, we have selected 7 best books on the Father of the Nation to help the youths learn more about the greatest leader in Bangladesh’s history. Books by Bangabandhu The architect of independent Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, was not only a public leader but also deeply passionate about literature and culture. The proof of this can be found in his three books, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’, ‘Prison Diaries’ and ‘New China 1952’. The Unfinished Memoirs ‘Oshomapto Attojiboni’ (The Unfinished Memoirs) is an autobiography by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman written in Bengali. In 2004, Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina received four notebooks containing his writing. The writing on the old, worn-out pages revealed that these were his unfinished autobiography, written between 1967 and 1969 while in prison. In his memoirs, Bangabandhu vividly paints a detailed picture of various facets of his life. He expressively recounts his ancestry and childhood years, his experiences during school and college, as well as his involvement in social and political spheres. his story digs into the historical events that he closely observed as a committed political activist, both preceding and following India's partition. He provides insights into the occurrences such as famine, communal riots in Kolkata and Bihar, the partition itself, and the discriminatory stance of Pakistan's central government. The memoir also meticulously documents pivotal moments such as the Language Movement, the emerging stirrings of the autonomy and independence movements, and skillfully captures a blend of immense uncertainties and soaring aspirations that defined the nation during that era. Bangabandhu did not shy away from expressing his perspectives on other notable leaders of the time, such as Maulana Bhashani, A.K. Fazlul Haq, Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Yar Mohammad Khan, Liaquat Ali Khan, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Ghulam Muhammad, Abul Hashim, Khawaja Nazimuddin, Chaudhury Muhammad Ali, Mohammad Ali Bogra, and Nurul Amin. This is the most reliable book to learn about the overall life of the Father of the Nation before the Liberation War. The book was first published in 2012 by The University Press Limited, Dhaka in Bangla language. Since its first publication, ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ has been published in many languages including in braille as well. Read more: Who was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman? A Short Biography of Bangabandhu, Father of the Nation The Prison Diaries ‘Karagarer Roznamcha’ (The Prison Diaries) is the second memoir by Bangabandhu. Written in Bangla, this book is based on Bangabandhu’s days in jail from 1966 to 1968. Besides discussing the details of prison life, the book reveals the political, economic, and social conditions of contemporary Pakistan. Bangabandhu mentioned political situations at that time, the condition of Awami League leaders and workers in prison, the condition of the media, and the ruthless torture of the rulers. In addition to that, the Father of the Nation also highlighted conspiracy, betrayal, love of nature, devotion to parents, the joys and sorrows in prison in the book. When Bangabandhu was released from prison in 1969, the then government of Pakistan seized his diaries. Four of them were returned later. In 2009, at the initiative of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and with the help of the Special Branch, two more notebooks were retrieved. Based on them, Bangla Academy published the book in 2017.

Commemorating the spirit of the great Father of the Nation and Bangladesh’s Founding President Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Gallery Cosmos, the reputed artistic wing of Cosmos Foundation, is set to host a two-day exclusive watercolour art camp titled “Splendours of Bangladesh” on Friday, August 11, at the Cosmos Centre in the capital. The effort is being made to show respect to Bangabandhu who was not only the “Epitome of a Nation” known as Bangladesh, but also the visionary with a noble mission who dedicated his life to establishing the country on the world’s map with honour, glory and respect. The art camp will feature six young and talented Bangladeshi painters - Abdullah Al Bashir, Azmol Hosen, Kamruzzoha, Sadek Ahmed, Shahnoor Mamun and Surovi Akter. In this exclusive art camp, they will showcase their brilliance through their individual watercolour works on the theme of Bangabandhu’s glorious life and his majestic works and feature the country's unique natural resources and scenic, picturesque beauties of nature's finest places on earth, such as the Sundarbans, the biggest mangrove forest in the world; Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural sea beach in the world - and the monumental architectural landscapes such as the Jatiya Sangshad Bhaban, National Martyrs Memorial, Shaheed Minar, Buriganga River, Panam City, Kantajew Temple, Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, Shat Gambuj Mosque, and Ahsan Manzil - to name a few. These exclusive artworks will be featured in a unique publication titled “A Tale of Two Nations” by Cosmos Books, the executive publication wing of Cosmos Foundation, which specialises in the arts, archaeology and history, architecture, design, photography, travel and popular culture, but also publishes in a variety of other areas, especially those of visual interest. Cosmos Books has been working closely with its sister art gallery, Gallery Cosmos, with the latter’s aim to discover, preserves and exhibits Bangladeshi art on an international platform. This book will be an exclusive publication on Bangladesh and Singapore - the two states that seceded from Pakistan and Malaysia due to decolonisation, and both faced challenges in creating viable economies, integrating diverse populations, and defending their borders and interests in a world where great and middle powers compete. The author-- Enayetullah Khan-- an esteemed entrepreneur who has built up a global Bangladeshi conglomerate from scratch and a journalist who has covered global affairs and personalities closely, shares his thoughts on the economic, political, and strategic trajectories of Bangladesh and Singapore, presenting a cerebrally analytical and vividly readable analysis through this book. The art camp will continue on the following day (Saturday, August 12) at the same venue.

Today marks the 82nd death anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European and Bengali poet to win the Nobel Prize for literature, and widely revered as the "World's Poet". According to the Gregorian calendar, Tagore died at the age of 80 on August 7 in 1941; however, his death anniversary is traditionally observed on 22nd Srabon according to the Bangla calendar. The day has always been observed with extensive programs in a befitting manner as a tradition in both Bangladesh and India's West Bengal. Also read: Tagore’s 162nd birth anniversary on Monday To observe the day, cultural organizations and government, non-government institutions are paying their respective tributes with virtual events, featuring several noted artists, Tagore enthusiasts, and scholars. Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will organise a programme titled 'Rabindranath o Bangabandhu' at its National Music and Dance Centre Auditorium at 6:30 pm. Chhayanaut, the country's esteemed cultural institution, will arrange an event titled "Aghaat Kore Niley Jiney" at Chhayanaut Sanskriti Bhaban in Dhaka's Dhanmondi at 7 pm. Besides, television channels, namely Bangladesh Television, Channel i, Banglavision and others will air special programmes. Also read: Tagore, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin revisited at DU, ULAB Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi will stream a Facebook live program at 7:30 pm. The online event will feature songs, dance, recitation, and discussions, and it will be joined by Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, Azizul Huq, Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi General Secretary Jamshed Anwar Tapan, and Assistant General Secretary Iqbalul Haque Khan, among others. Youngest of thirteen surviving children of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi, Rabindranath was born on 25th Baishakh, 1268 according to the Bangla calendar (May 7, 1861, according to the Gregorian calendar) in the Jorasanko mansion at Calcutta, British India. Also referred to as the "Bard of Bengal”, Tagore composed over 2,000 songs which created a separate genre known as "Rabindra Sangeet". Besides, he wrote a total of eight novels, 84 short stories, and volumes of poems in his prolific literary career spanning almost seven decades. Also read: Tagore’s 161st birth anniversary celebrated with in-person events after 2 years He envisioned and founded the Visva Bharati University at Santiniketan in 1921 in order to strengthen the practice of culture and literature in the broader sphere and create future artists and writers for all ages. of lyrical ballads, "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), Rabindranath Tagore received the Noble Prize in Literature in 1913 as the first Bengali and non-European poet. Bangladesh's national anthem "Amar Shonar Bangla" and India's national anthem "Jana Gana Mana" are both Rabindranath Tagore's creations.

The Media Studies and Journalism Department (MSJ) of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has recently published a white paper on Policy Regulation for a Sustainable Growth of Bangladesh's Entertainment Industry. ULAB Media Studies and Journalism Head and ULAB Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jude William Genilo, PhD, Associate Professor Sarkar Barbaq Quarmal, PhD, and Assistant Professor Muhammad Abdul Kader, PhD jointly contributed to the whitepaper. The main objectives of this white paper are to discuss the trends relating to Bangladesh’s entertainment industry and to provide a range of approaches that may be utilized to regulate the said sector, according to the authors. In this manner, stakeholders would be in the best position to decide what regulatory measures should be set in place to ensure the industry’s sustained growth. The white paper states that the prospects of the entertainment industry are bright. However, many stakeholders have expressed concerns that heavy-handed regulations may affect the growth of the sector. The government needs to exercise its role in safeguarding national and public interests. But it should create an enabling environment that allows market players to operate feasibly, satisfy the entertainment needs of its citizens, and ensure the advancement of the entire industry. On a special note, Prof Jude William Genilo emphasised that Bangladesh should strike a balance in its regulatory approach to provide an enabling environment for the industry. He also mentioned it would be wise to observe Asia’s leaders - China, Japan and India - in terms of their strategies for providing cultural services. Dr Barbaq has mentioned his concerns about the threat of heavy-handed policy regulation in the context of the growth of the industry. On this note, Dr Kader added that a heavy-handed approach may even violate the country’s constitutional guarantees, particularly Article 39 on freedom of thought, conscience, speech and press. The whitepaper earnestly urges for a multi-stakeholder approach that employs a variety of participants to partake in dialogue, decision-making, and implementation of the responses to jointly conceived problems. The paper can be availed via this link: chrome extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://msj.ulab.edu.bd/sites/default/files/Whitepaper.pdf.  

The first edition of the “Community Digital Storytelling Festival”, scheduled to take place on February 10-11 next year, is being organized by the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication at Daffodil International University (DIU) under the motto "Real Story by Real People" with the goal of highlighting the narratives of marginalized people. The first general meeting for the festival was recently conducted on DIU campus in Ashulia. The meeting was attended by the Advisor of the festival, Dr Abdul Kabil Khan, and the Chief Advisor and Head of the Department of Journalism, Media, and Communication Aftab Hossain, along with the executive committee members and volunteers. During the meeting, Kabil Khan emphasized the use of new technology to contribute positively to society by showcasing the stories of marginalized people. He also mentioned that this festival would mark the department's first international outreach programme, while encouraging the volunteers, stating that their involvement would help develop leadership qualities. Aftab Hossain, chief advisor and head of the department, expressed his belief that this festival would be a significant milestone for the department. It would facilitate building direct connections with the industry and contribute to the betterment of society. He officially announced the formation of the executive committee. The elected executive members, consisting of nine students, were nominated as follows: Saim Mohammad Sani (Festival Director), Alifennesha Alif (Coordinator), Sakibul Alam (PR & Communication Manager), Iqbal Hossain (Creative Art Manager), Niloy Dhar (Branding & Marketing Manager), Naim Hasan (Finance Manager), Sadman Rafid (Submission Manager), Tahmid Sahriyar (Production Manager) and Manik Tanvir (Partnership, Development & Special Events Manager). At the meeting, various action plans were presented by the festival director for the next six months, and sub-committees were formed with other volunteers. The main objective of the Community Digital Storytelling Festival is to bring the untold stories of marginalized people to the forefront. These are the stories that often remain unheard in mainstream media. The festival is determined to fulfil this purpose and embark on its journey with this meaningful goal, according to its organizers.