Maisha Islam Monamee

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.

Four Karan Johar films to revisit on his birthday

Most of us grew up watching his romantic comedies, shot in luxurious sets with star-studded casts. Over time, his stories adapted a rather progressive approach, offering fresh perspectives to enjoy.

3d ago

Reading ‘memory’ with Sehri Tales and Sister Library

The event, themed ‘Memory,’ took place on Sunday, May 21 at Dhanmondi’s DrikPath Bhaban, supported by Goethe-Institut Bangladesh and HerStory Foundation

4d ago

Laila Sharmeen’s ‘Golden Bengal’: A thoughtful, artistic tribute to nature

Laila Sharmeen’s 12th solo painting exhibition, “Golden Bengal,” has begun at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). The exhibition’s opening ceremony took place on Saturday, May 20, and was graced by the presence of Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury MP, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament as the chief guest.

6d ago

Laila Sharmeen’s ‘Golden Bengal’ kicks-off at AFD tomorrow

Laila Sharmeen’s 12th solo art exhibition, “Golden Bengal” will kick-off at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka tomorrow, May 20.

1w ago

Seven Bangladeshis make Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2023 list

The famous business journal Forbes annually lists notable global movers and shakers under the age of thirty. This year, seven Bangladeshis made the list of 'Forbes 30 Under 30' Asia Class of 2023.

1w ago

‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’: A mother’s fight for justice

The Rani Mukerji starrer, “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” is a heart wrenching tale of an Indian immigrant who struggles for the custody of her own children, when they are placed in foster care by Norwegian childcare services.

2w ago

Movies to watch on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a worldwide celebration of mothers and motherly figures. This occasion honours a mother’s love, care, and endless sacrifices for her children and family.

2w ago

‘Shehzada’: a missed shot at remakes

As the story progresses, however, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of everything that has been going on.

2w ago

Foraying into Tagore’s short stories

It is important to set unconventional examples at the time that they are written; Tagore’s work did this.

2w ago

Four contemporary Tagore adaptations that are a must watch

Rabindranath Tagore’s works continue to amaze literary enthusiasts even today and the Nobel laureate has been a major source of inspiration for several filmmakers, who have developed their own unique touch by traversing his works. On his birth anniversary, we look back at four such adaptations that make Tagore’s works truly immortal.

2w ago

Teams from Bangladesh win int'l Minecraft-based educational competition

eBLAZE, an local eSports club from the EMK Center, recently won top places at the Minecraft-based educational competition, the NASEF Farmcraft Tournament 2023. 

3w ago

4 books that explore press freedom

Here are four books that explore the stories of journalists, and the issues surrounding press freedom.

3w ago

Books exploring workers’ rights in South Asia

In order to understand the background of the labour movements in South Asia or the plight of workers, here are some books to add to your reading list.

3w ago

The working class in cinema

Globally, May 1 is observed as Labour Day to honour the lives of workers, who are the foundation of development. To commemorate this important day, here is a collection of movies and shows with noteworthy characters who portray the many challenges faced by the working class.

3w ago

5 years of 'People, Policy, Progress' 

Founded in 2018, Youth Policy Forum (YPF), an online platform for young Bangladeshis to engage in nation-building and state-crafting, recently completed five years of policy discourse.

Reading habits: Completing the Quran during Ramadan

For a large number of practicing Muslims, completing the Quran during Ramadan is an annual goal.

Bangladeshi school students bag first prize at NASA Space Settlement Contest 2023

Six students from DPS STS School Dhaka secured first place at the NASA Space Settlement Contest 2023.

How to stay physically fit for Taraweeh

With these tips, you can make the most of this holy month and keep yourself physically fit for Taraweeh.

Everything you need to know about Sehri Tales 2023

Sehri Tales has established itself as a Ramadan tradition for writers in Bangladesh. The rules are simple: each night at midnight, for the entire month leading up to Eid-ul-Fitr, Ahmad shares a prompt, and participants have until 6 AM (sunrise) to write original poetry, flash fiction, or create unique art, and then share it online with the hashtag #sehritales2023.

Feminist retellings: How books reimagine mythological women

These women display extensive strength, determination and valour, acting as the pillars of their families and masters of their own fate.

Feminism and Bollywood: How the portrayal of women has evolved

Female characters in Bollywood have largely been portrayed from a male perspective due to the imbalance between the number of men and women involved in the creative process. Gender bias spanned over decades, and it took more than fifty years to bring equality in terms of gender representation on the big screen.

Looking back at the Liberation War through poetry

On the third day of the event, two documentaries were showcased. The first featured the infamous Belonia Battle, and Pakistan’s first and only surrender to the freedom fighters. It emphasised how the battle is closely intertwined with Bangladesh’s military history and has a special significance in the turn of events that led to our independence. 

'We dissented Pakistan as it ignored the rights of the people of our region'

Gyantapas Abdur Razzaq Foundation revisits the spirit of liberation in March.

A weekend of conversation, art and feminism

The festival included four exhibitions, namely Made in Bangladesh by Prachyanat, Voices of Bangladesh by iCan Foundation, Moheshkhali Exhibition by University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and Hum Studio Interactive, and Auyoni: Beyond Sexuality by Ayreen Khan which were displayed at Gallery 1 of the BSA.

5 children’s books to find at Boi Mela this year

As a pioneer, the publishing house has ensured that the quality of their books is unparalleled; I was amazed by the colourful animations at this year’s Boi Mela.

Ekushey Boi Mela decor: A blend of old with the new

Be it the use of vibrant shades, taking inspiration from rickshaw art, or relying on the simplicity of monotone, the stalls this year feature a variety of artistic styles and innovative concepts.

5 books to read this year in observance of Ekushey February

The landmark event not only united the nation to speak up against oppression but paved a new direction for what ultimately led to our independence.

Five decades of Boi Mela: What has changed?

There have been many prominent changes, but it does not come without growing concerns over the quality of books presented at the Boi Mela.

Romance novels for those who aren’t in love

These books have made me fall for the idea of love, and believe in it.

BookTok – Making reading trendy

‘BookTok’, is a hashtag on TikTok, that connects avid readers across the world who interact with each other, discover new books and share their own ideas on what they read.

Boi Mela books for your Valentine

With Valentine’s day falling at the same time as Boi Mela, what could be a better gift than books?

Can Art make Peace: Stories from the Rohingya camps

The event kicked-off with the Embassy’s Cultural Attache, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan delivering the opening remarks.

When Bon Bibi comes to life

The scenography for the project was made by Paris-based multinational architecture, art, and design group Golem. It has been created with the support of Harper Collins India. The installation invites visitors to enter a forest of enormous pages where scenes from the book stand as tall as trees.

Dhaka Art Summit for young visitors

Animation, games and performances your children shouldn't miss on the last day of DAS 2023 today

Welcoming life with rain at 6th Dhaka Art Summit

Visiting the DAS on its fifth day, I had a wonderful experience of watching this performance live. While walking through the gallery, I was fascinated by the thunder noises and the soft sound of raindrops hitting the ground. It took me a while to find the pavilion, and by then there was a small group of visitors circling the performance.

These folk tales record a unique past between South Asia and Soviet Russia

The Slavic fairy tales and Soviet stories formed a significant part of the childhood memories of people who grew up in the subcontinent from the 1960s to the mid 1980s.

Revisiting indigenous folktales at Dhaka Art Summit

“We wanted to share the story in our native language, just the way we heard it from our elders", said Kanak Chanpa Chakma.

‘Learning from Puran Dhaka’

"Learning from Puran Dhaka: The Urbanity of Occupations along the Buriganga Riverfront", a living exhibition and open workshop, was inaugurated on Saturday at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

For the love of notebooks

"We want to use this space as a medium to connect our readers with products that accompany their habit of reading."

Book adaptations to look forward to in 2023

The live-action rock series follows the rise of a rock band through the 1970s Los Angeles music scene as they embark on a quest for worldwide fame.

Revisiting German and Bengali folklore in ‘Myth Bridge’

Here, Rapunzel, Hercules, Bon Bibi, and King Solomon might be having a gala time over tea, or fighting their own battles.

Jawad Araf Khan’s pathway to success

Jawad Araf Khan, a business student at North South University (NSU), has recently been crowned as the “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” at the Global Platform Icons of Asia Awards 2022. He won this recognition beating 1500 other nominations from across 40 Asian countries.

5 YouTube channels to help liven up your holud dance routines

In full flow with the beat and the rhythm. 

Looking back at Hrithik’s best performances on his birthday

Be it due to his dancing prowess, or exceptionally well-crafted action sequences, Hrithik Roshan has been reigning over the Bollywood industry for quite the right reasons. To celebrate his birthday today, we look back at five of his most memorable performances on screen.

Dhaka Lit Fest 2023: There's something for every young reader

Babuibela’s third edition was launched on the first day of DLF. The Babuibela (Mayurpankhi, 2020) series, written and illustrated by artist Reesham Shahab Tirtho, are picture books showing new parents’ journeys with their little ones. The book launch was also accompanied by a discussion between illustrator Tirtho and musician, artist and author Shibu Kumer Shill.

Day 1 of Dhaka Lit Fest sees crowds, conversations

The first day saw a relaxed yet diverse range of topics covered in the sessions, from South Asian and world history to women’s rights, publishing, Bangla literature and film, and the legacy of BRAC founder Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.

Capturing the war stories of medical professionals

Muktijuddher Chikishsha Itihas captures the stories and struggles of medical professionals during the Liberation War.

Sixth non-fiction book fair underway at DU

This fair is organised annually with a goal of raising awareness about books related to business, economy and real-world phenomena. The organisers believe there has been a growing popularity of these books, and initiatives like this can go a long way in promoting readership.

May 25, 2023
May 25, 2023

Four Karan Johar films to revisit on his birthday

Most of us grew up watching his romantic comedies, shot in luxurious sets with star-studded casts. Over time, his stories adapted a rather progressive approach, offering fresh perspectives to enjoy.

May 24, 2023
May 24, 2023

Reading ‘memory’ with Sehri Tales and Sister Library

The event, themed ‘Memory,’ took place on Sunday, May 21 at Dhanmondi’s DrikPath Bhaban, supported by Goethe-Institut Bangladesh and HerStory Foundation

May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023

Laila Sharmeen’s ‘Golden Bengal’: A thoughtful, artistic tribute to nature

Laila Sharmeen’s 12th solo painting exhibition, “Golden Bengal,” has begun at the La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD). The exhibition’s opening ceremony took place on Saturday, May 20, and was graced by the presence of Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury MP, Speaker of Bangladesh Parliament as the chief guest.

May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023

Laila Sharmeen’s ‘Golden Bengal’ kicks-off at AFD tomorrow

Laila Sharmeen’s 12th solo art exhibition, “Golden Bengal” will kick-off at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka tomorrow, May 20.

May 18, 2023
May 18, 2023

Seven Bangladeshis make Forbes 30 under 30 Asia 2023 list

The famous business journal Forbes annually lists notable global movers and shakers under the age of thirty. This year, seven Bangladeshis made the list of 'Forbes 30 Under 30' Asia Class of 2023.

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’: A mother’s fight for justice

The Rani Mukerji starrer, “Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway” is a heart wrenching tale of an Indian immigrant who struggles for the custody of her own children, when they are placed in foster care by Norwegian childcare services.

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

Movies to watch on Mother's Day

Mother’s Day is a worldwide celebration of mothers and motherly figures. This occasion honours a mother’s love, care, and endless sacrifices for her children and family.

May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023

‘Shehzada’: a missed shot at remakes

As the story progresses, however, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep track of everything that has been going on.

May 9, 2023
May 9, 2023

Foraying into Tagore’s short stories

It is important to set unconventional examples at the time that they are written; Tagore’s work did this.

May 8, 2023
May 8, 2023

Four contemporary Tagore adaptations that are a must watch

Rabindranath Tagore’s works continue to amaze literary enthusiasts even today and the Nobel laureate has been a major source of inspiration for several filmmakers, who have developed their own unique touch by traversing his works. On his birth anniversary, we look back at four such adaptations that make Tagore’s works truly immortal.