Photographer, journalist, and theatre activist Mohammd Asadurjaman Aslam Molla’s first solo photography exhibition, ‘Hajong,’ is set to be inaugurated on Friday at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The opening of the exhibition will be joined by Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, and Mustafa Zaman, artist-art critic and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) Fine Arts Director, on Friday at 4 pm. Bangladesh’s art treasures deserve a global stage: Clare Hindle The exhibition will highlight the rich culture, traditions, and lifestyle of the Hajong community, a small ethnic group residing in the northeastern regions of Bangladesh, including Sunamganj, Sylhet, and Mymensingh. The Hajongs have a unique culture and religion, closely aligned with Hinduism but centred around worshipping Shiva, their chief deity, and Aslam Molla’s work will showcase their distinct customs, including their practice of wearing ‘Paita,’ the holy thread, and their devotion to Goddess Durga and other deities. The Hajong people, who were significantly displaced during the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent, have a history intertwined with political movements, particularly the fight against the exploitation of zamindars in the Mymensingh division. Aslam Molla's exhibition will also shed light on their struggles, including their involvement with the Communist Party and the subsequent migration of around 30,000 Hajong refugees to India in 1964. Garden Gallery Cosmos welcomes Spring with daylong ‘Live Drawing, Watercolour Session & Exhibition’ Aslam Molla is currently working as a journalist at New Age. His past exhibitions include the Colombo Art Expo 2024 and the 25th National Art Exhibition in 2023, where he won the Best Award in Photography. The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, March 18, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm.

Clare Hindle, Founding Director of the World Art Foundations, has shared her insights with Gallery Cosmos on Bangladesh’s art scene, highlighting the country’s remarkable treasures and diverse ways to connect people globally. She made the remark at an event hosted by Gallery Cosmos at its Garden Gallery in Baridhara on Monday evening, welcoming Clare Hindle to Bangladesh. Stressing the importance of art, Clare said, “Everybody, whether you're supporting artists, whether you're supporting museums, whether you're supporting communities that learn from the experiences held within, I feel that there's a lot of work to be done globally.” Speaking at the event, Nahar Khan, executive director of the Cosmos Foundation and Gallery Cosmos, said they have long been dedicated to supporting arts and culture in Bangladesh.

Celebrating the joyous festivities of Spring in flair, Gallery Cosmos organized a special daylong art event titled ‘Live Drawing, Watercolour Session & Exhibition’ on Saturday at the Garden Gallery Cosmos, Baridhara in the capital. A unique venture of Gallery Cosmos, the event featured a captivating live drawing session followed by a daylong exhibition of 10 prominent and renowned Bangladeshi artists - Abdus Shakoor Shah, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Biren Shome, Jamal Ahmed, Shohag Parvez, Kuhu Plamondon, Shahanoor Mamun, Fareha Zeba, Sourav Chowdhury, and Kamruzzoha. The artistic festivity, supervised by Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, was also joined by several other prominent and influential personalities, including Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan, Ekushey Padak recipient art maestro Farida Zaman, Grammy-nominated eminent Nazrul exponent-singer-educator Dr Nashid Kamal, prominent fashion designer and Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) founding President Maheen Khan, esteemed members of Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka and others. From 11am to 3pm, the artists participated in live drawing sessions by drawing a florist woman as a live model and other beautiful, picturesque elements of nature, portraying the scenic beauty of Spring on their canvases with watercolour. 

Ahsan Manzil, one of Dhaka’s most historic landmarks, came alive with the melodies and rhythms of Sufi traditions as a daylong Sufi Festival was held on Thursday, organised by Shahbaz Foundation. Notably, this was the first time in 17 years that Ahsan Manzil hosted a Sufi festival, reinforcing its role as a historic venue for cultural and spiritual gatherings in the city. The event brought together Sufi scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts from home and abroad. The festival began in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag, marking the start of an immersive cultural experience. In the afternoon, audiences enjoyed traditional performances including Puthi recitation, Murshidi, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, and Marfati folk songs. As the evening progressed, attendees were captivated by Qawwali and Murshidi performances from Kalu Bala Sufi Band, Sufi dance by The Circle Troupe, and Sufi Hadra performances. Sheikh Fahim Faisal, the festival organiser, emphasised the importance of preserving and modernising Sufi traditions. “Sufism is an ancient part of Bengali heritage. We want to blend it with modern elements and introduce it to the younger generation,” he told UNB.  

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has emphasised that state awards are not just mere accolades but also serve as a manifesto of a government’s political and cultural philosophy, and the interim government's ideology got reflected in Thursday's Ekushey Padak ceremony. Farooki shared his reflections on the event in a Facebook post on Thursday, highlighting a departure from the traditionally solemn atmosphere of such programs. Bangladesh’s youths also ready to take lead in building new world:  CA “From my previous experience of watching such events on television, I have witnessed a sense of grandeur and gravity; however, this time, I saw vibrancy and spontaneity. The entire auditorium today seemed to resonate with the emotions of a new Bangladesh,” he wrote. One of the significant aspects of this year’s Ekushey Padak ceremony, according to Farooki, was the break from conventional protocols. For the first time, award recipients were given the opportunity to share their emotions on stage, making the ceremony more engaging and heartfelt. “Usually, we do not get to hear from the awardees, despite them being at the heart of such occasions. This time, we broke protocol and invited them to share their feelings, which led to several emotional moments,” Farooki said in the post. All four Avro Developers to jointly receive Ekushey Padak: Farooki The adviser also pointed out the remarkable instances of protocol flexibility, including the separate photography sessions deviating from the standard format and impromptu adjustments during the program. “These changes were possible because the chief adviser and everyone present in the auditorium were overwhelmed with the same emotions,” he remarked. Expressing gratitude, Farooki extended his appreciation to key figures involved in organising the event, including advisers Wahiduddin Mahmud, Asif Nazrul, and Adilur Rahman Khan, along with Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, the Chief Adviser’s Office, and officials from his ministry. He also commended the members of the Special Security Force (SSF) for their cooperation and adaptability in accommodating the new arrangements. Conveying his heartfelt applause to the award recipients while acknowledging their contributions in elevating the prestige of the honours, Farooki wrote, “Your work will continue to inspire future generations to achieve greater excellence.” One of the most star-studded recipient's lineups of Ekushey Padak in history, this year's Ekushey Padak selection has received massive applause from all walks of life for including some of the most prolific and influential personalities and groups, including the four-person founding team of Bengali language software Avro and the Bangladesh National Women Football Team.

A 10-day theatre festival titled 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' jointly organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, kicked off on Wednesday at the open stage of Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, joined the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest and inaugurated the festival. Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Secretary General Kamal Bayezid presided over the inauguration ceremony. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Deputy Director of the Theatre and Film Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, delivered the welcome speech. Khandaker Shah Alam, Convener of 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' also spoke at the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed reflected on the golden era of theatre in Bangladesh, saying: "During the 1970s and 1980s, theatre flourished across the country, largely due to extensive groundwork in the 1950s and 1960s at the district level." ‘Warrior Within Festival’: Dhaka Flow event fosters resilience, connection, and well-being He emphasized the role of theatre in addressing social and political anomalies, saying, "Through theatre, we must highlight the deviations in our society and state, planting dreams and aspirations in the minds of our people. Our theatrical productions should serve as a guide, a vision of what our country should be; because if we fail to create this space, if we neglect our responsibilities just like during the ousted fascist regime - a void will be created." Dr Jamil further mentioned the ongoing efforts of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to expand theatrical activities, stating, "We have already reached the district level and aim to extend our work to the upazila level in the future, covering theatre, folk drama, and music." He also urged all theatre groups to come together, adding, "We must move forward, and we must ensure that Baul music festivals, kite festivals, theatre, and dance performances continue uninterrupted. Any disruption to these activities will not only harm our artistic practices but also damage our reputation across the world. I call upon theatre groups to unite and present to the people our vision of the Bangladesh we desire." Following the inaugural session, the play 'Dwip' was staged by Natyatirtha as the inaugural play of this year’s festival. Open to all, the festival will continue till February 28, with two plays daily from 6 pm onwards.

The Warrior Within Festival, an immersive wellness event organized by Dhaka Flow, concluded successfully at the Airforce Basecamp in Agargaon, Dhaka. The three-day festival, held from February 13–15, attracted hundreds of participants seeking holistic well-being through activities centered on healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Running daily from 10 am to 8 pm every day, the festival aimed to reconnect attendees with their inner strength through yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and storytelling sessions. The serene surroundings at the Airforce Basecamp, enriched with lush greenery, created an ideal space for reflection, healing, and community bonding. A highlight of the event was the participation of wellness practitioners, artists, and spiritual leaders, who led workshops on emotional resilience, creative expression, and mindful movement. Attendees engaged in yoga sessions, guided meditations, and interactive art therapy, learning practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and personal challenges. “This festival was about more than just wellness; it was about transformation,” said celebrated yogini and Dhaka Flow Co-founder and CEO Shazia Omar. “We saw people confront their fears, embrace vulnerability, and walk away with a deeper understanding of their own power.” '12 Stories': Gallery Shilpangan's group art exhibition underway at Bhumi Gallery

A special group art exhibition titled '12 Stories' is currently underway at Bhumi Gallery in the capital's Lalmatia, organized by Gallery Shilpangan. Opened on Sunday, February 9, the exhibition showcases a total of 60 artworks made by 12 renowned, young and promising artists. The inauguration event of the exhibition was joined by Ekushey Padak-winning renowned artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma as the chief guest, while the distinguished artist and art critic Javed Jalil and art connoisseur Muntasir Moin joined as special guests. Participating artists of this group art exhibition are Azmeer Hossain, Nabaraj Roy, Kamaluddin, Moazzem Jhony, Tarek Amin, Ajoy Sannyal, Sourav Chowdhury, Babul Hossain Shohagh, Manik Bonik, Deepika Bhuiyan, Azmol Hosen and Khaidem Sithi Sinha. "This exhibition is showcasing five artworks of each artist, and in total, there are 60 artworks," artist Nabaraj Roy informed UNB. "With cordial participation by renowned and promising artists of our country, this exhibition has become a rendezvous of senior-junior artists," Nabaraj said regarding the exhibition. Deepika Bhuiyan, another participating artist in the exhibition, said: "We, the 12 participating artists in the exhibition, have tried to showcase our country’s culture and heritage through their individual artistic expertise. For example, I have amalgamated folk art with the traditional imagery of our Bengali women, to portray their emotions and feelings through my artworks." The exhibition will be open daily from 3pm to 8pm till February 20.

Offering an immersive experience with an invitation to step into a world where art and nature merge, where imagination runs free, and where every brushstroke breathes life, Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan’s solo exhibition titled ‘Imagination’ was inaugurated on February 13 at the Garden Gallery Cosmos in Dhaka’s Baridhara. Organized by Gallery Cosmos, the two-day exhibition is the third solo of the artist and the second with the gallery. His previous exhibition, ‘Inspiration’, was organized by Gallery Cosmos in November 2023. Showcasing around 30 artworks—created in Singapore and Dhaka using sketching on pencil, acrylic, and oil paint—Jamil’s artistic journey from ‘Inspiration’ to ‘Imagination’ has been one of resilience, of finding light in the shadows, and of translating nature’s rhythm into strokes of color and form. The inauguration ceremony of the exhibition on Thursday was joined by distinguished guests alongside family, friends and admirers of the artist, who was born into a family known for upholding and providing patronage to the country’s diverse arts and talented artists. Artist Kalidas Karmakar's 79th birth anniversary observed in Faridpur Cosmos Foundation Chairman, Cosmos Group and Gallery Cosmos Founder and UNB Emeritus Editor Enayetullah Khan; Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet; Vice President of the Cosmos Group, Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and Executive Editor of UNB Nahar Khan, Honorary Consul of Ireland in Bangladesh and Cosmos Group Deputy Managing Director Masud Khan and other distinguished guests were present at the inauguration. Former Adviser on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh caretaker government and Cosmos Foundation President Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury; Korean EPZ Corporation Bangladesh Limited President Jahangir Sadat; former diplomat and President of the Bay of Bengal Institute Ambassador Tariq Karim, prominent artist Maksuda Iqbal Nipa, family members of the late eminent artist Kalidas Karmakar and others were also present at the event. Inaugurating the exhibition, Enayetullah Khan said, "It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this fantastic exhibition of Jamil on this lovely afternoon on Spring’s eve. From his kindergarten days, I sensed that he was very creative and full of enthusiasm. He created the majority of these pieces while living in Singapore, and he worked at the Gallery Cosmos studio after returning to Bangladesh.” "The artist and all those connected to Gallery Cosmos are entitled to my heartfelt appreciation, especially Jamil’s sister Nahar Khan, Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, and, above all, Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, for fulfilling her roles as both an art promoter and a mother. I will always remember this evening as one of the most amazing evenings of my life," Enayetullah Khan remarked.

Work to give 21st-century London yet another skyscraper has uncovered traces — in fact chunks — of the city’s origins almost 2,000 years ago. Archaeologists exploring the site of a planned 32-story office tower announced Thursday that they have unearthed the remains of a Roman basilica that once stood at the heart of the city known as Londinium. Excavations in the basement of a building slated to be demolished for the tower at 85 Gracechurch Street uncovered flint, brick and ragstone walls and foundations, up to 1 meter (over 3 feet) wide, 4 meters (13 feet) deep and two millennia old. Sophie Jackson of Museum of London Archaeology called it “one of the most significant discoveries” in years in London’s oldest quarter, the City — the square-mile financial district where modern glass high-rises stand atop the remnants of Victorian, medieval and even earlier structures. What’s been uncovered are the foundations of a two-story building, almost as big as an Olympic swimming pool. It was constructed between 78 and 84 A.D., about three decades after Roman troops invaded Britain and some 20 years after forces of the Celtic warrior queen Boudicca sacked the fledgling settlement. With metal detectors and patience, amateur treasure hunters unearth pieces of British history The basilica was part of the forum, the social, political and commercial heart of Roman London, where people went to shop, mingle, seek justice and hear the latest edicts from political leaders. The newly discovered remains are believed to form part of the tribunal, a raised area of the forum where politicians and officials made decisions about the city’s governance. “It’s the beating heart of the city,” said Andrew Henderson-Schwartz, head of public impact at Museum of London Archaeology. “It kind of towers above the city. And so it’s a real symbol of Roman power and authority. “We’re talking about the early stages of London here, but it’s a real sign of investment in the city, even in its early infancy,” he said. Developer Hertshten Properties, which owns the site and has planning permission for a new office tower, has agreed to incorporate the remains into its plans and put them on display in a visitor center. Henderson-Schwartz said the extent of the “absolutely massive” foundations discovered in several test pits suggests an “extraordinary” level of preservation. Further digging could answer intriguing questions, including why the original forum was only used for 20 years before being replaced by a much larger one, which remained in use until the collapse of Roman rule in Britain three centuries later. Items such as writing tablets, styluses — even ancient trash — could give glimpses into the daily lives of Roman Londoners. Property developers in Britain routinely have to consult archaeologists as part of their planning process, a practice that has uncovered finds from Saxon jewelry to medieval ice skates to the skeletons of 14th-century plague victims. The latest discovery adds to the scant traces of Roman London that can be seen around the city, including a section of ancient wall, a portion of amphitheater beneath the Guildhall and a temple to the god Mithras which lies incongruously under the modern headquarters of information company Bloomberg. "We do have these little windows into Roman London that are all over the city,” Henderson-Schwartz said. “But this is really in some ways the site that connects them all together. This is the heart of Rome in London, where all the decisions were made.”