United News of Bangladesh

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury has said the literature of Rabindranath Tagore is one of the most effective tools for removing darkness from society. He said Rabindranath is the ray of sunlight in Bengali literature. Just as sunlight dispels darkness, Rabindranath, through his timeless literary works, has illuminated and removed the darkness from our consciousness, he added. The Minister made these remarks, while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of a three-day national celebration of the 165th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore in Kushtia on Friday. The event was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and implemented by the Kushtia District Administration at the historic Shilaidaha Kuthibari in Kushtia, a place deeply associated with the poet’s memories. Nitai Roy Chowdhury, in his address, also said Rabindranath was, in every sense, a humanist and a compassionate advocate for farmers. Referring to Shilaidaha as a living monument of Bengali literature and culture, he announced that the Ministries of Culture and Tourism would jointly work to transform the Kuthibari into a complete tourist destination. Cultural Affairs Secretary Kaniz Moula presided over the event, while eminent educationist Professor Wakil Ahmed delivered a commemorative speech titled “Rabindranath: The Poet of Peace and Humanity.” Members of Parliament Reza Ahmed Bacchu Molla, Afzal Hossain and Farida Yasmin, among others, were present. The cultural affairs minister also visited the museum inside the Kuthibari and viewed the preserved memorabilia of the poet. Later, the event was followed by cultural soiree on the open stage with an inaugural musical performance by Kushtia Shilpakala Academy artist Shreha Khatun. The three-day festival features a variety of events, including Rabindra Sangeet performances, poetry recitations, dance, and drama, said a PID handout.

More than 400 years after its creation, Hamlet is enjoying renewed global popularity, appearing across film, theatre, music and social media. A National Theatre production starring Hiran Abeysekera is running at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, while a London-set film adaptation features Riz Ahmed. Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins has also drawn attention on TikTok with performances of Hamlet’s famous soliloquy. The play’s influence extends further. The film “Hamnet,” inspired by its origins, won Jessie Buckley an Oscar, while Taylor Swift topped the Billboard chart with a song linked to Ophelia. Eddie Izzard is touring a solo stage version worldwide. Huge ice block, rising costs fail to stop Everest climbers this season New interpretations continue to emerge, including productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and Teatro La Plaza, the latter featuring actors with Down syndrome. Scholars say the play resonates today due to its exploration of anxiety and moral uncertainty. Filmmaker Aneil Karia has also reimagined the story in modern London, reflecting contemporary political unease. Directors and performers say the enduring appeal of “Hamlet” lies in its adaptability, with each new production offering fresh meaning for modern audiences.

Hundreds of climbers are preparing to scale Mount Everest despite the danger posed by a massive unstable ice block on the route and rising travel and permit costs. About 464 climbers, along with a similar number of Nepali guides, are now at Everest base camp waiting for the short period of favorable weather expected this month to begin their climb to the world’s highest peak, which stands nearly 8,850 meters high. Climbers started arriving at the 5,300-meter-high base camp last month. However, their progress was delayed for more than two weeks because of a huge unstable block of ice, known as a serac, hanging dangerously above the main climbing route. The elite “Icefall doctors” assigned by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee usually complete the climbing route by mid-April by fixing ropes and placing aluminum ladders over deep crevasses. This year, however, the route through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall was only opened on April 29. The committee also warned climbers that the cracked serac could collapse at any moment and urged expedition teams to be extremely careful. The newly prepared route passes below the unstable ice block, which remains a major concern for climbers and guides. The Khumbu Icefall is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Everest climb because of its constantly moving glacier, deep crevasses and massive hanging ice formations, some as large as 10-story buildings. A similar falling serac triggered a deadly avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 Nepali guides and workers. Veteran mountain guide Lukas Furtenbach, who is leading a large expedition team this year, said the risk is serious. “Anyone who says they are not concerned is either inexperienced or not paying attention,” he said from base camp. He added that this year’s route is more exposed and difficult than last year’s in some sections because climbers must pass under unstable ice formations. To reduce risk, Furtenbach said his team is carrying lighter loads, limiting time spent in dangerous areas and relying heavily on experienced Sherpa guides for safety decisions. Other expedition companies are also warning climbers to move carefully, especially during warmer afternoon hours when melting ice increases the risk of collapse.   António Guterres visited Nepal’s mountains in 2023 and warned about the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers caused by climate change and global warming. Despite concerns over safety, the Iran conflict and rising travel expenses, climbing activity remains strong this season, according to expedition organizer Ang Tshering Sherpa. He said the number of climbers from the United States and Europe has dropped, while more climbers from Asian countries are joining Everest expeditions. China has closed the northern route to Everest this year, forcing all climbers to attempt the ascent from Nepal’s southern side. Thousands of climbers have successfully reached Everest’s summit since it was first conquered on May 29, 1953, by New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.

A week-long exhibition titled A Shared Condition, marking the first solo showcase of artist Mubtasim Alvee, will open at Alliance Française de Dhaka on May 8. Curated by artist Mustafa Zaman, the exhibition will open at 6:00pm on Friday at Alliance Française de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. The exhibition and its associated collaborative programmes will continue until May 16 and remain open daily from 2:00pm to 8:00pm. Dhaka-based multidisciplinary artist, animator and activist Mubtasim Alvee is currently pursuing an MFA in Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of University of Dhaka. His artistic practice explores abstraction, perception and process through open-ended visual forms reflecting personal and collective experiences. Alvee is also the founder of Syllabaad Collective and the Charukola Animation Society, both aimed at encouraging collaborative learning and interdisciplinary artistic exchange. According to organisers, A Shared Condition examines the intersection between personal and collective psychological experiences. Inspired by the concept of pareidolia, the exhibition allows figures and forms to emerge organically from abstraction, reflecting memory, emotion and shifting identities. The exhibition also addresses how historical, political and cultural forces shape the psyche within a post-colonial context. Organisers said the works portray fragmented and fluid identities, highlighting continuous transformation and uncertainty. Featuring around 100 artworks created between 2024 and 2026, the exhibition includes works in acrylic, spray paint, pastel, printmaking and digital media. Alongside the artworks, the programme will include panel discussions, workshops, interactive audio-visual installations, film screenings, musical events and theatre performances. The event is supported by several organisations, including Bhabachakra, Syllabaad Collective, Charukola Animation Society, Dhaka Comics, Cartoon People, Tickify, Elaka Studios Ltd., Footprint Film Production, Siliconinja, and Street Spirits.

An exciting chapter in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape has begun with the official launch of Art Dhaka, a new art fair scheduled to be held in Dhaka from November 6–10 this year. The launch event held at Aloki on Sunday brought together diplomats, corporate leaders and members of the country’s arts and culture community, formally introducing the initiative to the public.The initiative is led by a group of individuals and institutions deeply committed to promoting the country’s arts and culture. The founding members include Durjoy Rahman, Aumia Khundkar, Amreen Bashir Ali, Fahd Sattar, and Nahar Khan. Together, they bring a powerful convergence of cultural leadership, media, philanthropy, and institutional experience. Art Dhaka has been conceived as a hybrid art fair designed to bring together artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions within a single curated environment. The fair will feature gallery presentations, curated exhibitions, public programming, and dedicated spaces for emerging artists and new collectors. The fair will be designed to create multiple points of engagement. Talks, panels, and interactive experiences will offer audiences insight into artistic practice, collecting, and the evolving role of art in society. A central focus of Art Dhaka is to bridge the generational gap among patrons and cultivate new audiences, said a press release on Thursday. Through accessible entry points, educational programming, and direct engagement with artists and curators, the platform aims to demystify the art world and build familiarity with artistic practice. By creating pathways for students, young professionals, and first-time buyers to engage with art in a meaningful way, Art Dhaka seeks to establish an informed next generation of collectors who can support and strengthen the cultural ecosystem over time. With the tagline, “Art for All,” this platform aims to be a place where artists, collectors, and institutions can meet, where new audiences can engage with confidence, and where the cultural energy of Bangladesh can be experienced at scale. The first edition of Art Dhaka aims to facilitate a space where artistic practice, audiences, and patronage come together with clarity and purpose. About the founders: Durjoy Rahman is the Founder of the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation (DBF) and one of Asia’s foremost art collectors and cultural philanthropists. For over three decades, he has been deeply involved in building a distinguished collection that spans international masters alongside emerging and established South Asian artists. Through DBF, Durjoy actively supports creative practice by initiating exhibitions, artist residencies, publications, and cross-cultural collaborations worldwide. The name “Durjoy Bangladesh” translates to “Invincible Bangladesh,” reflecting a spirit of resilience and cultural strength that aligns with the foundation’s mission. DBF has long-term partnerships with leading international institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), among others, playing a vital role in placing Bangladeshi and South Asian art within major global discourses. Nahar Khan works across media, culture, and global engagement, shaping narratives that move across borders. She is the Executive Editor of the United News of Bangladesh (UNB), one of the country’s leading and most trusted independent news agencies. She oversees editorial integrity, newsroom innovation, and the agency’s ongoing transformation within an evolving information ecosystem. She is the founder of Solis, a multi-pillar platform working across strategic insights and intelligence, convening and culture. Her practice is shaped through directing exhibitions, artist residencies, high-level symposia, and international exchange programs that place Bangladeshi art in dialogue with global platforms. Her broader work includes her role on the board of Cosmos Foundation, supporting conservation, cultural and heritage initiatives. Through exhibitions and cross-border collaborations, she has worked to position Bangladesh’s narratives within wider global conversations. Her most recognised project, The Black Story, brought together artists and scholars across continents to explore shared histories through an Afro–South Asian lens. Amreen Bashir Ali is a strategist and academic working at the intersection of art, education, and global development. She leads initiatives at the Mubarak Ali Foundation focused on cultural diplomacy and education, including partnerships with institutions such as Harvard Business School, Frieze Art Fair and South by Southwest (SXSW) London. She holds degrees from McGill, Harvard, and Oxford University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at Trinity College Dublin. T. Aumia Khundkar is the Deputy Managing Director of ICE Media, Bengal Group Limited and leads the operations and editorial direction of the company’s two publications, ICE Today and ICE Business Times. Beyond publishing, Khundkar has extensive experience in managing public relations and communications, and organising events such as Bengal Classical Music Festival and Dhaka Makers. With a deep-rooted affinity for art, culture, and music, her work is driven by a continued commitment to nurturing and elevating Bangladesh’s evolving creative landscape. Fahd Sattar is the Founder and CEO of Aloki, a multidisciplinary cultural space in Dhaka working across the intersections of art, music, design, performance, and public programming. He is also the co-founder of Dhaka Makers, a platform dedicated to supporting independent artisans, designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurship within Bangladesh’s evolving cultural landscape. His work focuses on building accessible and community-driven cultural infrastructure through exhibitions, festivals, markets, performances, and cross-disciplinary collaborations. Through both Aloki and Dhaka Makers, Sattar has worked to create spaces that bring together artists, craftspeople, musicians, curators, and audiences in ways that encourage dialogue, experimentation, and new forms of cultural exchange. With a background rooted in creative direction, event-making, and independent cultural production, his practice explores how alternative platforms can contribute to the growth of contemporary culture and creative economies in Bangladesh.

Tucked away in Kerala’s Malappuram district, the quiet village of Kodinhi appears like any other rural settlement at first sight. But a closer look reveals an unusual pattern that has long fascinated visitors and researchers alike — an unusually high number of twins. Over the years, Kodinhi has gained global recognition as India’s “Twin Town”, where nearly 20 percent of the population are twins. In a country that generally records one of the lowest twin birth rates in the world, the village stands out as a rare demographic mystery. The village has recently returned to online attention following a widely circulated advertising campaign by e-commerce platform Flipkart. The campaign creatively builds on Kodinhi’s identity, imagining a world where everything comes in pairs, using the village’s real-life phenomenon as a metaphor for “double” value and offers. The concept has been widely appreciated on social media, with users praising its humour and originality. One user commented, “Very creative, with genuinely good jokes. They hit a home run with this concept.” A village defined by twinsKodinhi’s statistics remain extraordinary. In a community of around 2,000 families, there are an estimated 400 to 550 pairs of twins. The twin birth rate is reported at 42 to 45 per 1,000 births, far higher than India’s national average of about 4 to 9 per 1,000. What makes the phenomenon more striking is its consistency. The trend has continued for at least six to seven decades, with new twin births recorded every year. Locals also note a curious pattern — women born in Kodinhi who move elsewhere after marriage reportedly still give birth to twins, adding further intrigue to the mystery. Scientific mystery remains unsolvedDespite repeated studies by Indian and international researchers, the reason behind Kodinhi’s unusually high twin birth rate remains unclear. Scientists have explored possible environmental influences, including water composition and diet, but no consistent factor has been identified. Unlike some regions such as Nigeria’s Igbo-Ora, where specific dietary habits are linked to twin births, Kodinhi shows no such clear correlation. Genetics has also been considered a possible explanation, but researchers have yet to identify any specific gene responsible for the high rate of twins. Studies have also ruled out pollution, chemicals, lifestyle factors, and supernatural explanations suggested in local folklore. Despite the lack of scientific consensus, the phenomenon continues. A community that embraces its identityMany residents view twins as a blessing and attribute the phenomenon to divine favour. These beliefs coexist with ongoing scientific curiosity about the village. To better document and support this unique identity, locals formed the Twins and Kins Association (TAKA) in 2008. The group helps track twin births, supports families, and collaborates with researchers studying the phenomenon. #From NDTV

A rare “rainbow cloud” phenomenon captivated residents in Indonesia last week, with videos and photos quickly spreading across social media. The unusual sight sparked widespread curiosity, as users debated whether it was a natural occurrence, a symbol of good fortune, or something more mysterious. The iridescent clouds were seen over parts of Bekasi and Bogor, including Jonggol, where footage showed patches of sky glowing in shades of pink, green and blue. The clips drew millions of views, with many describing the scene as “breathtaking” and “otherworldly.” However, not everyone was convinced. Some social media users questioned the authenticity of the visuals, while others speculated about alternative explanations, including conspiracy theories. The authenticity of the viral videos could not be independently verified. According to local reports, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) confirmed that the phenomenon is both real and natural. Officials explained that it is linked to atmospheric optics. The vibrant colours are caused by cloud iridescence—often referred to as “rainbow clouds” or “fire rainbows.” This occurs when sunlight interacts with tiny, evenly sized water droplets or ice crystals in thin clouds, bending and separating light into different colours to create a shimmering effect. Online, the videos attracted significant engagement, generating tens of thousands of views and thousands of reactions. Many users praised the striking visuals, while others remained skeptical or offered alternative interpretations of the phenomenon. Source NDTV

Despite the dominance of digital communication, pen pal programmes continue to survive and even attract renewed interest, with many people rediscovering the value of handwritten letters. The trend is reflected in stories like that of a woman who recently travelled thousands of miles to fulfil a decades-old promise to her childhood pen friend from New Zealand, highlighting the lasting bonds created through letter writing. Although organisations such as International Youth Service, which once connected pen pals globally, have shut down, others have persisted or emerged during the internet era. Even as some countries scale back traditional mail services, enthusiasts say there is growing enthusiasm for physical correspondence. Rachel Syme, a writer for The New Yorker, launched a pen pal initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic that drew more than 15,000 participants. She continues to see strong interest, with hundreds signing up for new rounds of matches and readers seeking pen pals at her book events. She believes handwritten communication appeals particularly to younger generations looking for a more meaningful and mindful alternative to constant digital interaction. Long-time participants also highlight the emotional value of pen pal relationships. Julie Delbridge, who joined International Pen Friends as a teenager, described the experience as deeply rewarding and supportive, offering friendship and diverse perspectives during a difficult period in her life. Over the decades, International Pen Friends has connected more than 2 million people worldwide, with membership rising again during the pandemic and increasing interest recently among young adults. Educational institutions have also embraced the concept. In the United States, schools and universities are using letter writing to promote communication skills, empathy and reflection. Some professors even require students to exchange letters by post to better understand different forms of connection. Experts say the appeal of letter writing lies in its slower, more deliberate nature. Compared with instant messaging, it encourages deeper thought and emotional expression. Digital platforms are also adapting the idea. Apps like Slowly recreate the pen pal experience by delaying message delivery to mimic traditional mail, attracting millions of users globally. Still, many enthusiasts argue that the tactile experience of writing and receiving letters remains unmatched, offering a unique and personal form of communication. For those who have maintained long-term pen friendships, the connections often go beyond words, sometimes lasting decades and leading to real-life meetings that reinforce the enduring power of handwritten correspondence.

A new fashion exhibition opening alongside Monday’s Met Gala is aiming to challenge long-held ideas of beauty in art by spotlighting body types that have often been ignored. The exhibit, titled “Costume Art,” begins with familiar classical ideals, including a glittering Dolce & Gabbana gown decorated with sequins and an image of the Greek goddess Aphrodite holding a golden apple, a symbol of traditional beauty standards rooted in ancient Greek art. But curators say the goal is not to celebrate only that classical form. Instead, the show uses it as a starting point to question and expand how bodies are represented in art history. Andrew Bolton, head curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, said the exhibition seeks to “reclaim the body” by bringing attention to forms that have long been overlooked or underrepresented. Those include corpulent bodies, disabled bodies, pregnant bodies and aging bodies. The exhibition features around 400 items, many displayed on newly designed mannequins based on real people with diverse body shapes and conditions. One section focused on aging includes a large grey hoodie with the phrase “I’M RETIRED. (This is as dressed up as I get.),” reflecting a more casual, humorous approach to aging and identity. Bolton said the exhibition is the most body-inclusive show the museum has ever staged, and visitors attending the Met Gala will preview it before it opens to the public on May 10. The show also marks the opening of new gallery space for the Costume Institute inside the museum’s main floor, near the Great Hall. The expansion was funded in part by the Met Gala, which raised a record $31 million last year. The new space will allow fashion exhibitions to run longer, with “Costume Art” scheduled to remain on view for eight months. The exhibition pairs fashion pieces with artworks from different periods, arguing that fashion itself should be seen as art, and that art can also be understood through fashion. It begins with Grecian-inspired garments and classical imagery but gradually moves toward more diverse and modern interpretations of the human body. One section focuses on pregnancy, featuring designs that highlight and celebrate the pregnant form. Among them is British designer Georgina Godley’s 1986 “Bump and Lump” dress, which emphasizes the shape of pregnancy. It is shown alongside a rare early 20th-century sculpture by Edgar Degas titled “Pregnant Woman,” depicting a nude figure holding her belly. Another section explores larger body types and challenges stereotypes linking size with fertility or femininity. Designer Michaela Stark’s corsetry works are included, some of which are displayed on mannequins based on her own body. One piece titled “Fat Not Fertile” is paired with an ancient marble figurine of a similar body shape, highlighting changing perceptions of beauty and power. Disability is also a central focus, with different displays highlighting physical, sensory and cognitive conditions. One mannequin inspired by Paralympian Aimee Mullins wears prosthetic-style boots designed by Alexander McQueen, paired with a 1965 sculpture titled “The Amputee.” Irish disability activist Sinéad Burke is also represented through mannequins wearing adapted fashion pieces, including a Burberry trench coat and a Vivienne Westwood design. Another display features model and wheelchair user Aariana Rose Philip, presented in a seated pose wearing casual clothing with a slogan shirt. The exhibition also addresses less visible conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease. A coat by designer Nadia Pinkney incorporates patterns inspired by brain scans of her relatives who lived with the condition. It is shown alongside artwork by Willem de Kooning, whose later work was affected by Alzheimer’s. A final section explores themes of shared human experience such as aging and mortality. It includes pieces like a Vivienne Westwood jacket decorated with red beads symbolizing blood and injury, paired with historical religious artwork. “Costume Art” will open to the public on May 10 and run through January 10, 2027.

Fisher, who grew up in an Amish-rooted family before moving to Nashville and later returning home, now produces recordings and videos of musicians with Amish and Mennonite backgrounds, helping them reach audiences beyond their communities. Recently, he hosted two sold-out concerts at Ragamuffin Hall, a former Presbyterian church he purchased and turned into a performance space and recording studio in McCoysville. The shows featured Ben and Rose Stoltzfus, an Amish-background married duo whose harmonies have drawn millions of YouTube views, ahead of upcoming larger shows in Pennsylvania and Indiana. Fisher said the venue is meant to support artists whose creativity might otherwise be discouraged in conservative communities, where musical instruments and public performances are often limited. Raised in a Mennonite environment with minimal instrumental music, Fisher was influenced by his father’s love of country music and early exposure to artists like Chuck Berry and the Beach Boys, which led him into music production. After working in Tennessee’s songwriting scene, he returned home, focusing on family life and faith while expanding his recording work. Since purchasing the church in 2022, he has hosted “clean country,” bluegrass and gospel-influenced music sessions. The growing exposure of Amish-rooted musicians online is helping reshape traditional boundaries.