Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD)

French playwright to stage a comedy on Dhaka’s street hawkers

Directed by French playwright Zazie Hayoun Jazzy, “Song of Hawkers” focuses on the daily lives of Dhaka's hawkers through three light-hearted stories—“The Secret”, “The Thief Rewarded”, and “The Competition”.

Rickshaw art takes centre stage at Alliance Française de Dhaka

Titled “Rickshaw Artistry: A World Heritage”, the exhibition highlights vibrant, hand-painted posters of superhit films, including the legendary action movie “Shodor Ghater Kuli”, which starred renowned Dhallywood actor Rubel and was directed by Raqibul Alam Raqib.

16 Days of Activism / Children for change: ‘Artivism’ exhibition advocates social progress

Young artists have utilised their creativity to address pressing issues such as inequality, gender-based violence, and the need to challenge outdated societal norms. Through their powerful work, they convey a strong commitment to driving change and transforming individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Exhibition / ‘Finely Tiny’: The blend of mathematics and Oriental art

In her current body of work, Élise finds inspiration in the intricate symmetry of geometric forms, exploring a shared language between art and science. Her pieces “Classroom” and “Roméo & Juliette – Mathematician Version” epitomise her commitment to merging mathematical calculation with creative expression.

‘Moja-Kori’ design festival to inaugurate Dhaka’s first community-driven cultural hub

Featuring more than 50 events, the festival will showcase architectural designs, artworks, photography, installation pieces, and performing arts, hosted in multiple venues around Korail as well as at Shala Neighbourhood Art Space, Gallery 101, and Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Alliance Française de Dhaka commemorates 65 years

The French language school Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), also adept at art exhibitions, and activities promoting a dynamic exchange between Europe and Bangladesh, marked its 65th anniversary with an extensive lineup of events, showcasing a seamless fusion of Bengali and French culture.

‘Invisible Stories’: Puppetry, ghosts, and traditions under one roof

Through the artistes’ use of puppetry and physical movement, the invisible becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the unseen forces shaping the world around us. From "tree ghosts" blamed for Dhaka's infamous traffic to the "ectoplasm" holding up the city’s walls, the show plays with the supernatural in ways that are both whimsical and profound.

Photo Exhibition / ‘Beyond the Gaze’: Exploring intimacy and isolation at AFD

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is currently hosting “Beyond the Gaze”, showcasing a profound exploration of intimacy, identity, and isolation through the lens of emerging photographers and artists. The exhibition features works from the PSA: Beyond the Gaze 2023–2024 workshop, an initiative supported by Photo South Asia under the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, and partnered with AFD and Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, India.

Art exhibition / ‘Stitched Collage’: Exploring Suranjana Bhattacharja’s threads of resilience

Suranjana Bhattacharja's journey into the world of art took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with Dystrophy around a decade ago, causing partial disability in her left hand. Despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition, she found solace in her passion for sewing. Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, she ventured into stitched collage, a novel form of artistic expression. The inception of this exhibition can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Suranjana's life while residing in Montreal. Struck by the parallels between her own journey and that of renowned artists like Matisse, who persisted in creating despite physical limitations, she found renewed determination to pursue her craft.

March 10, 2024
March 10, 2024

Onika's solo art exhibition explores the essence of home

The intimate solo art exhibition "Home" by the promising artist Nasrin Jahan Onika has recently unfolded at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka in Dhanmondi. The inauguration, graced by internationally acclaimed artist Monirul Islam, distinguished art critic Moinuddin Khaled, and art connoisseur and Shasha Denims Limited Director Zareen Mahmud Hosein as special guests, took place on March 1 with great fervour.

February 23, 2024
February 23, 2024

Unveiling ‘L’État, C'est Moi’: A journey through French aesthetics and culture

Last week, on February 15, 2024, Alliance Française de Dhaka hosted a book launching event for Dr Mahbubur Rahman’s 'L'État, C'est Moi'

February 19, 2024
February 19, 2024

Alliance Française de Dhaka hosts enchanting evening of classical music

Alliance Française de Dhaka treated music enthusiasts to a mesmerising evening of classical music on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at its Dhanmondi premises. The event featured the renowned French pianist, Maxime Zecchini, and accomplished violinist Isabelle Durin in a unique collaboration that showcased their individual artistry.

January 2, 2024
January 2, 2024

‘Nostalgia Dhanmondi’ journeys through Dhanmondi’s timeless alleys

Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.

November 18, 2023
November 18, 2023

‘Poetrimage’ of birds, women, and poems

At Alliance Francaise de Dhaka (AFD), a gallery brims with the seamless integration of poetry and paintings, each element complementing the other in a harmonious blend. One can easily get lost in the artistic world that Reza Asad Al Huda Anupam has created for his second solo exhibition “Poetrimage”, the opening of which took place at AFD yesterday. 

July 25, 2023
July 25, 2023

Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition underway at AFD

A total of 30 artworks are adorning  the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint.

June 24, 2023
June 24, 2023

‘Choloman Upakhyan’: AFD students capture stories through their camera

“Choloman Upakhyan” consists of photographs of five visual lens based artists. They have chosen different social issues to portray through their own perspectives.

June 22, 2023
June 22, 2023

Alliance Française to teach French to students of Glenrich International School (GIS)

GIS signed an agreement with AFD on June 15 at its premises with a view to facilitating mentorship for its students.

December 6, 2022
December 6, 2022

The art of expression: Rakibul Anwar's ‘Shonglogno’

"Shonglogno", a solo exhibition featuring the works of Rakibul Anwar was recently displayed at La Galerie, Alliance Francaise, Dhaka. The exhibition was inaugurated on November 18, in the presence of Her Excellency, Marie Masdupuy, Ambassador of France to Bangladesh; eminent artist Professor Dhali Al Mamoon, and artist-critic Mustafa Zaman.

October 6, 2022
October 6, 2022

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan: A chance encounter, and the rest is history

The memoir provides a good primer to Nusrat's life as a musician and the legacy he left.