Dhaka University renamed Mangal Shobhajatra to Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra, returning to its original 1989 title. The change raises questions about cultural identity, symbolism, and UNESCO heritage status, though the festive spirit of Pahela Baishakh remains unchanged.
Pahela Baishakh, celebrated on April 14, marks the Bengali New Year, rooted in Emperor Akbar’s reform aligning taxes with harvests. Today, it’s a vibrant cultural festival filled with music, processions, traditional food, and colourful attire.
Chef Pam Soontornyanakij becomes the first Thai and Asian woman to win World’s Best Female Chef 2025, revolutionizing Bangkok’s dining scene with Michelin-starred Potong, innovative ventures, and mentorship programs for future female culinary leaders.
Beat the summer heat in Bangladesh with stylish home décor tips like breathable bedding, light colours, LED lighting, and cooling verandas. These simple changes create a refreshing, energy-efficient sanctuary without relying solely on air conditioning.
At Wise Ghat, watermelons arrive in vibrant heaps, unloaded by laborers for distribution across Dhaka. This seasonal trade supports many, with watermelons sourced from Rangabali and neighbouring areas, spreading tradition and livelihoods throughout the city.
Purny Ayman made history as the first Bangladeshi woman in international motorsport, finishing fourth in UAE’s Time Attack. Her inspiring journey blends passion, virtual training, and perseverance, breaking barriers for women in global racing culture.
Cellato’s Byakuya is the world’s most expensive ice cream, blending rare white truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano, and sake lees into a $6,696 luxury dessert. This artisanal, East-meets-West creation redefines premium culinary indulgence and fine dining.
Bangladesh stands in solidarity with Palestine, but misguided protests harming local businesses weaken the cause. Strategic, peaceful resistance—not vandalism—builds real change. Channelling anger through smart, targeted action sustains justice without destroying local livelihoods or support.
The concert was set to feature performances from Bangladeshi artists
The drama and dramatics department at Jahangirnagar University yesterday organised a daylong programme at their campus, marking the 17th death anniversary of renowned thespian and former teacher Selim Al Deen.
The capital’s Manik Mia Avenue was teeming with people from all walks of life since yesterday afternoon, as they waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes.
Eid holidays in Chattogram city were once synonymous with a cherished tradition: families and friends gathering to enjoy movies in single-screen cinema halls scattered across the city. However, the golden days of cinema halls are long gone.
Metallica, the world-renowned rock band, is set to hold a virtual concert in the popular video game Fortnite. Named 'Metallica: Fuel Fire Fury', Fortnite players can tune in to the virtual concert on two set dates: June 22 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 11 pm ET, and June 23 at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm ET.
BTS’ leader RM returns to the US charts, only weeks after releasing his latest solo album. The global star made a comeback as a featured artiste on Megan Thee Stallion's new single "Neva Play," which has quickly become a success for both artistes.
Yesterday, J-Hope unveiled a new single, “Mona Lisa”, accompanied by a music video. The energetic track was co-produced by the BTS member himself and Blake Slatkin, known for his work with Charlie Puth, Sam Smith, and Lizzo.
The 97th Academy Awards were filled with unforgettable moments that had audiences on the edge of their seats.
This Eid, Xefer Rahman surprised fans not just with new music, but also with her return to acting. After her debut in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s “Monogamy”, she appeared in the highly anticipated web-series “Myself Allen Swapan 2”, directed by Shihab Shaheen. She not only shared the screen with Nasir Uddin Khan but also lent her voice to the series with the track “Boyam Pakhi 2.0”. Simultaneously, her song “Niye Jabe Ki” from the Eid film “Daagi” was added to the festive lineup.
As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, the entertainment industry gears up to deliver some of the year’s biggest productions across cinema, television, and OTT platforms. This year is no exception, with highly anticipated films and soundtracks setting the stage for a grand celebration.
The air crackled with quiet intensity as AKM Itmam, the rising star of “Boli (The Wrestler)”, settled into a chair at The Daily Star’s premises. He was a whirlwind of energy, a man with a flight to catch in less than 24 hours, yet he exuded a calm focus that belied his hurried schedule.
Starting out as a model, he made his acting debut in Vicky Zahed’s “Ararat” (2024), portraying a jinn—a performance that caught the people’s attention. His latest release, “Neel Shukh”, has taken him even further, proving that he’s here to stay.
The rising star will be starring in four films this year—two Bangladeshi projects, including one directed by Tanvir Hossain Probal, and two Indian films, one from Tamil Nadu and another from Kolkata. “I have a significant fanbase in Kolkata, and that’s how I was approached for these projects,” he shared.
Bound by music and driven by passion, Rubayat Rehman and Ruslan Rehman have found not just melodies but a shared destiny.
In becoming one with his character, Rizvi Rizu often pushes himself to the point of injury. “In ‘Feu’, I had a fight scene where I had to run at full speed through a forest, and the sharp leaves pierced my feet. In ‘Waqt’, I severely injured my thumb while holding a saw incorrectly. My thumb was on the body of the saw, and when I turned it on, it started moving and tore my skin. I suffered for 15-20 days, and everyone was terrified,” he recalled.
A defining moment in his decade-long career, Shahjahan Shamrat made an unforgettable impact with his portrayal of Razzak in Shankha Dasgupta’s “Priyo Maloti”. Adding his own charm to the character of an empathetic friend, his on-screen persona brought life to the bond of friendship and communal harmony, making the audience emotional.
Although Bangladesh has achieved a remarkable reduction in its maternal mortality rate, this progress could be jeopardised by current and potential funding cuts from key development partners, according to a new UN report.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially announced the theme of World Health Day 2025, Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures, which will focus on improving maternal and newborn health and survival.
World Health Day, observed on April 7, is often portrayed as a day to highlight the limitations of traditional healthcare systems. While such critique is necessary for progress, the day should also inspire ideas for improving human health.
Living with type 2 diabetes often means constant effort — checking blood sugar levels, planning meals, and injecting insulin daily. For many, this routine can be overwhelming. But a recent study offers hope in the form of smarter technology that can ease this burden.
New research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) suggests that focusing on percentage weight loss as the main goal for obesity treatment might not be the most effective approach.
Many people underestimate pre-diabetes, often dismissing it as a minor issue. But the truth is, pre-diabetes is a critical warning sign—and an opportunity to make lifestyle changes before serious health problems develop.
Who knew justice could be 'that' quick, or cheap?
Nothing is impossible – if you believe in your ability to make the right connections, that is.
The iPhone 16 series launched a couple of weeks ago, coinciding with a sudden rise in online ads by people selling human kidneys.
In an unprecedented twist, the government keeps losing Aandar control while attempting to bring it under control. Aanda, or egg -- whatever people choose to call it doesn’t matter anymore as they are having breakfast without eggs.
“We represent the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the majority of Bangladesh. Our policies, philosophies and ideals are all BLESSED. You must understand this,” he yelled at the crowd.
The year is 2028. Ordinary students have done something extraordinary yet again. Yesterday, they organised “Lunch for Lynching” to celebrate beating a hundred people to death since the “lucky seventh independence”.
“Natok kom koro Pio,” the man said, his white beard shaking with fury.
When the world is busy inventing and discovering new things, the people of Chapasthan 2.0 are busy coming up with new demands with every passing hour.
The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.
And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!
The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.
To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.
Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.
With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner.
Whenever Bata shoes come to mind, we are reminded not only of how footwear became woven into the fabric of everyday life but also of an extraordinary figure linked to its history in Bangladesh
Although the Bengali calendar has been in use for centuries, the tradition of celebrating Pahela Baishakh as a public festival is a relatively modern development.
Historians usually approach Bengal’s history from Gaur-Pandua in the west (i.e., Ilyas Shahi and Husain Shahi Bengal), but what of early Bengal?
When Bangladesh defeated Pakistan on 16 December 1971, one could be forgiven for assuming that the international community automatically recognised Bangladesh’s independence.
Dhaka's air is a stew of brick kiln soot, exhaust fumes, construction dust, and factory emissions
Anisur Rahman and I have traveled together across the troubled landscape of Bangladesh’s history over many years. We first came together in October 1957, when we were recruited as teachers by Professor M.N. Huda, then the Chairman of the Economics Department at Dhaka University (DU).
We live within ecosystems, engaging in mutual interactions. Ecosystems such as rivers, forests, and agricultural lands are shared resources.
Tamam na sud or ‘Not the end’! There could not have been a better ending of a captivating romantic novel like Shabnami.
Women are cultivating deeper and more meaningful relationships to find emotional nourishment and a sense of acceptance.
Instead of framing our resolutions as yearly goals, we could instead opt to break them into daily or weekly goals.
Having mindful conversations is about fostering a culture of mutual understanding and emotional depth.
A dividend from immunisation is a future free from the diseases that rob communities of health and well-being, a future free of these unwanted ailments.
The things you do online can be picked up by advertisers, future employers, and even cybercriminals. This can sometimes spill over into your real life, shaping opportunities or causing problems.
Dhaka’s polluted air isn’t just a statistic — it’s a daily, life-altering challenge.
Books held a very precious place in my life, and that would always be the case. I would make sure of it.
Kawasaki has unveiled a concept that offers a glimpse into the future of off-road personal mobility at the Osaka Expo 2025. Named the Corleo, the vehicle concept resembles a robotic horse and is powered by hydrogen.
Revoo Bangladesh has launched the Revoo C32, an electric bike.
Deepal, a subsidiary of Changan Automobile, has officially entered the Bangladeshi electric vehicle (EV) market with the introduction of two models—the L07 sedan and the S07 SUV.
Two new electric bike models, Revoo A10 and Revoo A12, have recently been launched in Bangladesh.
In an era where modern sports cars are increasingly defined by complex electronics and driver-assist systems, Porsche has taken a different approach with the 718 Cayman T—a car that prioritises simplicity, driver engagement, and the purest form of motoring.
Toyota is reportedly halting production of the Corolla Axio and Fielder ‘E160’ generation in Japan by October 2025, according to various automobile publications.
BYD has recently launched Sealion 6 in Bangladesh. The hybrid EV features an ocean aesthetics-inspired design, BYD's signature Blade Battery, a 60-litre fuel tank, an 18.2 KW battery, around 1092 km of combined driving range, and other features.
When do you feel like you have become an adult? This is a question that can warrant all sorts of answers. A practical one? Perhaps when you become a homeowner. A realistic one — when you buy your first car.
BDT 80,000/3200 ft2 — Two-storey building built during the late 1970s with three baths, two verandas, and two garages @ Dhanmondi 33 (also known as Lost Property Lane), Dhaka.
Li’l Del is walking all alone Li’l Del wants to find her way home.
In the contested notion of creating a ‘nation,’ few ideas provoke as much ire among the everyday citizens of a bordered entity as the concept of a space—one that carries with it the weight of instilling an identity.
Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series has captivated pop culture with its bold take on tyranny, sacrifice, and resistance, spanning Katniss Everdeen’s blazing defiance in The Hunger Games (2008) to her final stand in Mockingjay (2010) against Coriolanus Snow’s cold cruelty.
In Gaza, the names of the martyrs slip through silence, lost to a world too distracted to listen
We'll put up feigned politicians / And their fake promises instead
Who do I tell, sir? The walls do not listen, The roads do not answer back
What if our Eid table had a few extra chairs reserved not for guests from our world but from that of the books we’ve loved throughout our life?
However, one of the most unforgettable experiences of this journey was our visit to a Himba village in northern Namibia, where time seemed to slow down.
Nestled in the very heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and nature. With its rich heritage, the state offers a unique window into ancient India. It hosts three Unesco World Heritage sites, 11 natural parks, 24 wildlife sanctuaries and six tiger reserves. However, the state, with all its archaeological sites, turned out to be a treasure trove to me, a traveller drawn to history.
Our journey began with the dream of exploring Central Asia in a motorhome, but time constraints and border challenges reshaped our plans.
Time is the one thing we all want but can never get enough of. No matter how hard we try to hold onto it, it always slips away.
Since childhood, my imagination of Rajasthan was shaped by Satyajit Ray's classic detective film Sonar Kella -- a thrilling tale that masterfully captured the beauty, tradition, and history of this land of kings and forts.
“Overlanding”, might be more familiar to Westerners, but it’s a concept anyone can embrace. It isn’t a typical vacation or guided tour. It’s a self-sufficient adventure travel style where one can conquer long distances, exploring for weeks, months, or even years.
The destination was Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s most well-preserved ancient cities on the Silk Road.
For city dwellers yearning for an escape from their mechanical lives, Cox’s Bazar stands as a beacon of natural beauty and serenity. Famous for its sun-kissed beaches and rolling waves, this coastal gem captivates the hearts of travelers.
On March 12, the 10-member journalist delegation from Bangladesh, of which I was a part, held a seminar with academicians and professors at the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences in China’s Kunming city.
Who is crazy enough to go window shopping at this time of the year? I mean during the month of Ramadan, and that too in a cosmopolitan like Dhaka.
Yet beneath its leisurely charm, Chengdu is a powerhouse of technology and industry, home to a rapidly growing high-tech sector. The city’s vibrant nightlife, neon-lit skyline, and thriving music and art scenes stand in stark contrast to its ancient roots, where the Wuhou Shrine whispers tales of the Three Kingdoms era, and the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu keeps the spirit of China’s most celebrated poet alive.
During the cooler months, Netrakona attracts tourists eager to explore its landscapes and immerse themselves in its rich cultural diversity.
There was a time when doctors told her there was no cure. A time when the world seemed to close in, whispering that this might be the end. But she refused to listen. She chose to fight -- not just with fists and footwork, but with the unyielding will of a warrior.
