Dowel Biswas

Dowel is always thinking about a million things at once and writes to make sense of it all. Feel free to send her your thoughts at [email protected]

The timeless allure of Jibanananda Das on screen

Known by various titles—“The Poet of Love” and “Poet of Ruposhi Bangla”—Jibanananda's metaphysical and magically realist verses have enchanted countless readers and audiences. His influence spills over from literature into cinema, inspiring iconic works from the 90s rock band Moheener Ghoraguli to films like Sayantan Mukherjee’s “Jhora Palok” and Robiul Alam Robi’s “Moribar Holo Taar Shwaad.”

1w ago

A bittersweet Durga Puja

Dhaka city seems to have experienced a juxtaposition of tradition and trepidation during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

2w ago

The artivist

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

3w ago

Shah Abdul Karim, the Baul king who sang his soul

Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.

1m ago

Prachyanat School honours Kafka with stage adaptation of ‘Metamorphosis’

Kafka's “The Metamorphosis”, published in 1915, remains one of the most unsettling yet profound explorations of alienation and existential dread. The novella's iconic opening—“One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect”—sets the tone for a story that delves deep into the absurdity of human existence and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

2m ago

‘Cartoon Ey Bidroho’: Drik celebrates revival of political cartoons

Political cartoons played a pivotal role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, transforming the revolution with artistic brilliance and courage.

2m ago

Rahul Ananda’s home, a once vibrant cultural hub, looted and burnt

As we are still counting down on our losses, the vandalism and destruction that took place at Joler Gaan frontman Rahul Ananda’s residence on Monday (July 5) afternoon has devastated many cultural activists and people at large.

2m ago

Valiant voices against brute force: The fearless upstarts of Bangla rap

It’s incredible how the same slogans, songs, anthems, and the spirit of Bengali nationalism and the Liberation War of 1971 are being echoed both on the streets and in assemblies, but this time with supporting views on the ongoing quota reform movement that has gripped the nation for the past month. Bengal has always been a land where political resurgence has stood on the stronghold of its culture.

3m ago
October 22, 2024
October 22, 2024

The timeless allure of Jibanananda Das on screen

Known by various titles—“The Poet of Love” and “Poet of Ruposhi Bangla”—Jibanananda's metaphysical and magically realist verses have enchanted countless readers and audiences. His influence spills over from literature into cinema, inspiring iconic works from the 90s rock band Moheener Ghoraguli to films like Sayantan Mukherjee’s “Jhora Palok” and Robiul Alam Robi’s “Moribar Holo Taar Shwaad.”

October 13, 2024
October 13, 2024

A bittersweet Durga Puja

Dhaka city seems to have experienced a juxtaposition of tradition and trepidation during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.

October 5, 2024
October 5, 2024

The artivist

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

September 12, 2024
September 12, 2024

Shah Abdul Karim, the Baul king who sang his soul

Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.

August 30, 2024
August 30, 2024

Prachyanat School honours Kafka with stage adaptation of ‘Metamorphosis’

Kafka's “The Metamorphosis”, published in 1915, remains one of the most unsettling yet profound explorations of alienation and existential dread. The novella's iconic opening—“One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect”—sets the tone for a story that delves deep into the absurdity of human existence and the crushing weight of societal expectations.

August 17, 2024
August 17, 2024

‘Cartoon Ey Bidroho’: Drik celebrates revival of political cartoons

Political cartoons played a pivotal role in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, transforming the revolution with artistic brilliance and courage.

August 6, 2024
August 6, 2024

Rahul Ananda’s home, a once vibrant cultural hub, looted and burnt

As we are still counting down on our losses, the vandalism and destruction that took place at Joler Gaan frontman Rahul Ananda’s residence on Monday (July 5) afternoon has devastated many cultural activists and people at large.

August 3, 2024
August 3, 2024

Valiant voices against brute force: The fearless upstarts of Bangla rap

It’s incredible how the same slogans, songs, anthems, and the spirit of Bengali nationalism and the Liberation War of 1971 are being echoed both on the streets and in assemblies, but this time with supporting views on the ongoing quota reform movement that has gripped the nation for the past month. Bengal has always been a land where political resurgence has stood on the stronghold of its culture.

August 1, 2024
August 1, 2024

Artistes unfazed by heavy rain, censorship: Demand justice for students

The rally was a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and reform in Bangladesh, highlighting the role of visual media professionals in amplifying the call for accountability and change.

July 30, 2024
July 30, 2024

A revolutionary song for a nation amidst a ‘rising revolution’

As the country grapples with the ongoing quota reform protests, starting from July 1 and now on its 14th day, this song serves as a poignant reminder of the power and spirit of resistance. The government's heavy-handed response to peaceful protests, marked by violence and oppressive crackdowns, draws unsettling parallels to the struggles faced by countless others in the pursuit of justice and equality.