United News of Bangladesh

A 9-day photo exhibition titled "Ten Years After Rana Plaza" is underway at Drik Gallery in the capital. The exhibition began on July 21 showcasing the photos of those who survived the collapse of Rana Plaza building and their families. Ismail Ferdous, a photojournalist and filmmaker, organised the show to commemorate tragic incident. Rana Plaza tragedy: SC stays bail order of Sohel Rana for 6 months more The exhibition is mainly supported by the 21st Century International Women's Garment Workers Union Heritage Fund and Bangladesh Centre for Workers' Solidarity. 54.5 percent of Rana Plaza survivors still unemployed:  ActionAid Bangladesh Through pictures, videos, narratives, and posters, the exhibition seeks to make sure that the memories of the Rana Plaza disaster remain alive in people’s mind and protect Bangladeshi garment workers' labour rights. Business integrity, ethical sourcing key to RMG sector sustainability: TIB says on 10th anniv of Rana Plaza tragedy Ismail captured the untold stories of the survivors and families of the victims in his picture titled "After Rana Plaza" and the documentary film "The Cost of Fashion". The exhibition will remain open from 3pm to 8 pm until July 29. Rana Plaza tragedy was the beginning of a struggle to improve workers’ rights: US Ambassador  

In remembrance of the late young environmentalist Soumita Das Chowdhury Medha, a special commemorative event was held on Saturday at the Shahid Munir-Azad seminar hall in the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust building, Purana Paltan in the capital. Organized by the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust, the event featured commemorative speeches, a special music session titled “Gachher Jonno Gaan” (Songs for Trees) and a tree plantation program in the building premise. Born in Narayanganj, Bangladesh - Medha was a Kolkata University English graduate and a MA Student in the Department of Film Studies at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal in India.  The rising star, who was a humanitarian since her early childhood and was known for her kindness and care towards people, street children and nature - passed away in a tragic accident, on February 12 last year. Due to Cyclone Amphan in 2020, the climate in West Bengal was severely damaged and jeopardized, which led Medha and her friends to initiate the project “Songs for Trees” through which they used to collect funds for tree plantation by singing ‘Modhukori’ songs. While performing in such an event on February 12, 2020 - a coconut tree which was already weak from its roots due to the cyclone - fell on Medha and she was spotted dead right after that tragic incident.  Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust President Shekhar Dutta presided over the commemoration ceremony on Saturday, while the Trust board member Habibuddin Ahmed read the condolence proposal. A number of dignitaries spoke on the occasion including the Trust Secretary Mukul Chowdhury, Bangladesh Medhajapon Center Joint Convenor Principal Karim Reza, Professor Neyamul Haque, Bangladesh Roof Garden Movement President Golam Haider; renowned filmmaker and architect Mashiuddin Shaker, former Editor of Dainik Samakal Mozammel Hossain Manju, Medha's father Malay Das Chandan and Dr Abdul Malek Bhuiyan, to name a few.  The program was conducted by Trust Board Treasurer MA Samad. Speakers in the seminar paid special attention to building a social movement for environmental protection by showing respect for the memory of Medha. After that, the artists of Medha Mancha from Kolkata - Shibanjan Bhattacharya, Dola Roy and Chayan Karmakar performed a musical tribute with a number of songs to the environmental warrior Medha. After the ceremony, a couple of trees were planted in front of the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust building. “Medha was a wonderful, talented kid and a very kind-hearted soul. Bangladesh was her motherland; however, her love towards nature and humanity was spread beyond the barriers. Despite her tragic death at such a young age, she is still vibrantly present through the memories of many people, and it is our honour to commemorate this majestic soul through events like this,” Shekhar Dutta, President of the Moni Singh-Farhad Smrity Trust told UNB.     

Believed to be over 350-year-old, Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, is currently undergoing renovation to restore its former glory after years of neglect.  Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) took the initiative last May to restore the historic structure to its original grandeur. This iconic structure, once regarded as the gateway to Dhaka, can be found on the route from Bangla Academy to Doel Chattar in the Dhaka University area. Dhaka's canals to be renovated: LGRD minister

Showcasing a handful of selected captivating artworks representing the glorious artistic vision of the young Bangladeshi artist Sourav Chowdhury, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) opens its door for the 5th solo art exhibition of the young artist titled ‘Eternal Existence’ on Friday. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at AFD’s La Galerie in the evening, featuring legendary artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Chargé d'affaire of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled also joined the inauguration ceremony as special guests. This exclusive exhibition is a part of Sourav Chowdhury’s longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism. A total of 30 artworks are being displayed at the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations. Inaugurating the exhibition, artist Rafiqun Nabi said that this exhibition is different considering Sourav Chowdhury’s dedicated vision and sincere hardship towards printmaking. “This exhibition is only about prints and sculptures, although his main field is drawing and painting. Talking about his exhibition of 23 prints (etching-aquatints) and 7 sculptures out of 30 works, Sourav told me that due to his workstation responsibilities at Gallery Cosmos, the print studio has to be looked after by himself, where other artists work in different mediums of printmaking.”

The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), organized a special concert titled 'Dhaka City Sound Project' on Thursday night at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital, enthralling music lovers with captivating fusion scores. Five artists including the German musician, music producer and artistic director of Dhaka City Sound project Viktor Marek, renowned Bangladeshi music artist Kanak Aditya, rapper Shagor, percussionist Toisifor Rahman Eem and flutist Jabiul Islam. Aiming at creating a musical portrait of cities, the City Sound Project initiated by Goethe-Institut and has been implemented in Dhaka, Kolkata and Colombo. Also read: AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'  The decisive factor behind the project is the encounter with an unfamiliar acoustic context and its transformation into a new aesthetic reality. The City Sound project started in December 2022 with a research visit to Dhaka by Viktor Marek, a German musician and music composer based in Hamburg. During the trip, Viktor Marek immersed himself in Dhaka's artistic scene and recorded the city's acoustic impressions. Through this trip, Viktor identified four talented musicians to collaborate with him in producing the sonic portrait of Dhaka: Kanak Aditya (vocalist), Shagor (rapper), Eem (percussion), and Jabiul Islam (flute). Also read: Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous Viktor Marek returned to Dhaka during the first week of July 2023 to commence the production phase of the project. This phase began with rehearsals involving the four selected musicians and will culminate in two consecutive concerts in Dhaka. The first concert took place on July 18 at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park Amphitheater in Gulshan 2. This concert was organized in partnership with Dhaka Sessions powered by bKash. People from various backgrounds and walks of life joined together to experience Dhaka in a new and extraordinary way through the power of music. This was followed by this second and final concert on July 20 at Alliance Française de Dhaka premises. Also read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD During the production phase, the contributions of four Bangladeshi artists, namely Eem, Kanak Aditya, Shagor, and Jabiul Islam, were essential. They extensively rehearsed with Viktor Marek to perform alongside Marek during the two concerts in Dhaka. As a result, the final piece goes beyond being an outsider's musical portrait of Dhaka and instead becomes an inspired blend of both the inside and outside perspectives. While certain parts of the songs have been rehearsed, the artists mostly improvised, ensuring that each concert is unique. Titles of the music tracks created through the intensive rehearsals process were: 'Nightrider', 'Gulistan Flowers', 'Good evening', 'Bassektara', 'Cell Song', 'Alal & Dulal', 'Sky, Water, Land', 'Baul Experience', 'The country of colours', 'Aliens Bells' and 'Maschinenland'. Also read: ‘Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo’: Ode to the Father of the Nation on ‘Taal Patar Puthi’  

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is set to host the 5th solo art exhibition of young artist Sourav Chowdhury titled ‘Eternal Existence’. The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6 pm at La Galerie. Eminent artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi will join the opening ceremony as its chief guest, while Chargé d'affaires of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled will also attend the event as special guests. Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous Sourav Chowdhury has been exploring civilization and its existence since his childhood, and his quest began at a tender age when there were no earthly boundaries between imagination and reality. Chowdhury's imagination has led him to various forms, such as ancient Bengali folk characters — be it the majestic nightcrawler owls, age-old clay dolls in the name of ‘Tepa Putul’ or the ancient characters like the mighty tiger from the folk masterpiece ‘Gazir Pot’ (traditional scroll painting); and also in many historic timelines — be it the Mughal era or the recent timeline of the contemporary art scenario.  This exhibition is a part of his longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.  Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023 at Drik: Narrating stories beyond lenses Chowdhury has travelled to various countries and explored traditional architectural installations, combining ancient formats with Bangladeshi folk themes and characters. He aims to transform human nature into something beautiful, jovial, and uplifting through his imaginary characterizations. He is experimenting with multiple mediums, including etching, sculpture, and installations, to express his inner artistic thoughts through various media, and also humorously depicts idioms and proverbs used in Bengal and occasionally makes connections between his work and the present world. Currently working as the Artistic Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, Sourav Chowdhury has established himself as one of the important Bangladeshi artists through his years of tremendous artistic experience. As a young journeyman in the vast realm of the Bangladeshi art sphere, Sourav Chowdhury has participated in numerous national and international art exhibitions at home and beyond.  A total of 30 artworks will adorn the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations. Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD Artist Sourav Chowdhury was born in Rajshahi in 1987. Even before completing his BFA and MFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Development Alternative (UODA), he embarked on his artistic journey and participated in many exhibitions, art camps and competitions at home and beyond.  His first solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in 2016, followed by his second and third exhibits titled 'Eternal Existence–Circle of Dynamism' held at Cherepovets Museum Association, Cherepovets, Russia, and Academy of Professional Development and Retraining of Educators, Moscow, Russia in 2017. His fourth solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at the Russian Ambassador's residence in Dhaka in the same year.  Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world For his brilliance in art, Sourav Chowdhury has received several awards including Bengal Foundation Award (Printmaking) at the 22nd National Art Exhibition 2017 and the 'Best Award' at the 20th Berger Young Painters' Art Competition 2015, to name a few. The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, August 1, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sunday).  

Heritage sites are cultural and natural treasures that provide a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of a country or region. These sites hold significant historical, architectural, or cultural value and are preserved for future generations. Bangladesh, a country brimming with captivating stories and ancient wonders, boasts a plethora of such heritage sites. Keep reading as we go over 15 must-visit heritage sites in Bangladesh. 15 Most Well-known Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Sundarbans The Sundarbans, located in Khulna, in the southwestern part of Bangladesh, is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity. Read more: 5 Sundarbans eco resorts to experience world’s largest mangrove forest

Offering a unique and refreshing cultural breathing space to residents of the capital, Dhaka Makers raised the curtain on its inaugural event HSBC presents Dhaka Makers’ Week at the city’s Aloki Convention Center in Tejgaon. The initiators of the event, collectively known as the Dhaka Makers - emerged with a vision to help the creative communities of Dhaka through a one-of-a-kind arts and crafts festival that would provide an opportunity for independent creators to establish their brands, collaborate with fellow artists, and share their expertise with a wide array of audiences. The inauguration ceremony was held on the first day, initiated by the team which comprises creative inspired artists and doers - Fahd Sattar, Istela Imam, Maruful Hoque, Fairose Yasmin, Maleena Gomez, Tahsin N Choudhury, Mahenaz Chowdhury, Umaila Akhter, Zafir Huq, Taiara Farhana Tareque, and Mariha Q Chowdhury. Anusheh Anadil and Durjoy Rahman were guests of honour at the inauguration ceremony. After their speeches, the ceremony was followed by a live performance by Bengal Parampara Sangeetalay. Through the first-ever Dhaka Makers’ Week, the team took their first step in fostering the local arts and culture scene through an offline platform that engages artists from all creative spheres. Their objective was to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that celebrates the city’s innovative talent through thoughtfully curated spaces – where the “Makers” or collective artisans were able to exhibit their work, sell their products, and conduct interactive workshops.  

One of the founding members of the pioneering Indian Bangla rock band ‘Moheener Ghoraguli’, and renowned songwriter, guitarist, and music connoisseur Tapas Bapi Das, who was battling lung cancer, passed away this morning. He breathed his last at the SSKM Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, according to several media reports. Moheener Ghoraguli, and through the band, Tapas, revolutionised Bangla music since 1974 with a unique amalgamation of baul, jazz, folk and rock music that was complemented with melodious, soulful sounds and meaningful lyrics. Tapas was one of the most highly revered artistes in West Bengal. Also read: “Nodir Kul”: Coke Studio Bangla’s tranquil ode to Polli Kobi Jashimuddin He had been battling lung cancer for a while and was in its third stage, receiving chemotherapy. Artistes in both West Bengal and Bangladesh were raising funds for his treatment ever since the news of his illness broke in January, and the West Bengal government was taking care of his treatment. A fundraising concert by 40 leading Bangladeshi artistes for his treatment was scheduled to take place on July 14 at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Born on September 22, 1954, in Kolkata, Tapas became one of the founding members of ‘Moheneer Ghoraguli’ in 1974 alongside its original lineup -- Gautam Chattopadhyay, Ranjon Ghoshal, Pradip Chatterjee, Biswanath Bishu Chattopadhyay, Tapesh Bandopadhyay and Abraham Mazumdar. This original line-up performed together till 1978. Also read: ‘Deora’: Coke Studio Bangla’s latest featuring Pritom and Islamuddin Palakar is an instant hit   After the disintegration of the band, Tapas became the mastermind and mentor behind the next-generation Bangla band ‘Moheen Ekhon O Bondhura’ in 2015. Tapas is credited as the co-lyricist, composer, and singer of many popular tracks of ‘Moheener Ghoraguli’ including "Haay, Bhalobasi," "Bheshe Ashey Kolkata," "Shudhijon Shono,” "Ayee Surey Bohudurey" and more. Eventholic, the organizer of the scheduled fundraising concert in Bangladesh for the legendary artiste, posted on its official Facebook page: “Even though he lost his battle with cancer, he at least got to know about this initiative, and he expressed his joy when we first discussed this concert with him. We even signed some t-shirts by him last night.” “A tribute concert will surely take place, as we really want to stand beside his wife, Sutapa Das, and details will be revealed after two days. The show must go on,” says the post. Also read: ‘Murir Tin’: Coke Studio Bangla launches season 2 with nod to local dialects    

Showcasing 31 photographs by 23 local photojournalists — with engaging stories from across the nation — a group exhibition titled ‘Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023’ is currently underway at the DrikPath Bhobon, Panthapath in Dhaka. An exclusive initiative organised by Drik Picture Library, the exhibition curated by ASM Rezaur Rahman, showcases the winning and selected photographs from the 2nd annual Bangladesh Press Photo Contest. Drik launched the contest last year, lauding the practice of meaningful storytelling through quality photojournalism in the country. Read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD Inaugurated by renowned journalist and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir on Friday, the exhibition awarded seven photographers in three categories. The award for Picture of the Year 2022 was awarded to Abdul Goni from the daily Ittefaq, who received the award for his work titled ‘A Lonely Battle’. Md Shamsul Haque Suza from Daily Global Nation received the award in the category of Arts, Culture and Sports, while United News of Bangladesh (UNB) photojournalist Abu Sufian Jewel received the honourable mention award in this category. Mamun Hossain from the daily Kazir Bazar received the best award in the category of Politics, while the honourable mention went to Quddus Alam from Focus Bangla. Sardar Mohammad Rafiul Islam from BPS received the best award in the Public Interest Journalism category while the honourable mention went to Md Rafayat Haque Khan from Zuma Press. Sharing his experience of being awarded the top prize in the competition which received more than 1500 photographs this year, Abdul Goni told UNB that he is elated. “This is the first time I have been awarded the top prize in any competition in my career and I am grateful to the judges for this honour,” he said. Read: Curtain rises on 25th National Art Exhibition at BSA “On April 15 last year when a fire broke out in a plastic factory in the capital's Shaheed Nagar area, I saw a courageous elderly individual trying earnestly to put out the fire from the balcony of a nearby building. He was alone in the building as everyone was already moving out fearing the massive fire, and while even the fire brigade was facing a hard time against the fire, he stood against the flame with just a hose pipe. “I struggled to capture this image because this symbolized courage to me, and I believe even if we stand alone but in unity against havoc and calamities like these, we can always hope for a better tomorrow,” Goni told UNB. Two photographs of UNB photojournalist Abu Sufian Jewel are being displayed at the exhibition. One of the pictures, showing some children engaging in a spirited game of football in the picturesque hills of the Nilachal area, Bandarban, received the honourable mention award in the Arts, Culture and Sports category. “I captured the moment in September last year which took me back to my childhood; and even without many urban facilities that children in the cities get, they were enjoying their afternoon on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2022 through a sport which has always been immensely popular in the country. I am grateful to the judges and Drik for considering me for the honourable mention award in the category,” Jewel told UNB. “All these images are narrating outstanding visual stories, and the contexts of these photographs are familiar to us in the setting of our country. These photographs are really fascinating and the dedication of the photojournalists is vividly reflected in each photograph,” Nafisa Tabassum, a school teacher, said while visiting the exhibition. The esteemed jury board of the competition comprised photographer, editor and educator Abir Abdullah; Dhaka University Mass Communication and Journalism Department Professor Gitiara Nasreen, renowned cinematographer Rashed Zaman, Indian editor, curator and writer Tanvi Mishra and eminent photographer and Drik Picture Library Managing Director Shahidul Alam. This year’s exhibition and competition introduced a special Community Grant Programme titled 'Photojournalism in the Margins' for photographers from the indigenous community of Chattogram Hill Tracts and the Rohingya community residing in Bangladesh. Read: Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world