The play centres around three main characters: a politician, a scientist, and a theologian. All three are accomplished in their respective fields, yet each feels an underlying dissatisfaction, a longing for freedom. They’ve sought out a psychologist for counselling sessions, and soon realise that they’re trapped in their respective circles—suffocating, exhausted, and desperate to break free.

The 10th Oriental painting exhibition, “Seeking Peace and Harmony”, at Abinta Gallery in the capital’s Uttar Badda area has officially been organised by Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts, in collaboration with Oriental Painting Study Group (OPSG). The opening and award ceremony took place today in the presence of distinguished guests, including Monirul Islam, an internationally renowned artist; Anis A Khan, a member of the Board of Governors, Society for Promotion of Bangladesh Art; Samar Majumder, an eminent artist; Prof Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka; Zareen Mahmud Hosein, founder of HerStory Foundation; Mikhail Idris Islam, chief adviser of the Oriental Painting Study Group; and Nilu Rowshon Murshed, chairperson of the Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts.

Artist Al-Akhir Sarker’s solo art exhibition “Satoborsher Dhaka” — a visual journal of our beloved Dhaka city and its transformation over the past few centuries — is underway at Bhumi Art Gallery in association with Shilpangan. Inaugurated yesterday, the ceremony was attended by the trustee of the Liberation War Museum and writer Mofidul Haque as the chief guest, and prominent architect Mustapha Khalid Palash as the special guest. The exhibition is dedicated to Foyez Ahmed, a Bikrampur-born legendary journalist, who grew up in Dhaka. Ahmed held onto the memoir of the city and its changes while becoming a pioneer of art galleries in Dhaka himself.

The play features Samia Chowdhury Joyee, Sadia Baydum Maknun, Mamun Abdullah, Dolly Akhter, Sabil Reza Chowdhury, Iqbal Noor, Talukdar Moniruzzaman Milton, Kamal Hossain, and others. Selim Shamsul Huda Chowdhury serves as the production director and set designer, while Professor Abdus Selim is the production adviser.

To have passed by the Shontrash Birodhi Raju Sharokh Bhashkorjo (Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture) one day and to then have stood before its maker the next, was a surreal experience. The moment felt extraordinary, yet, the man I stood before made the the interaction remarkably humble. To me, speaking with sculptor Shyamal Chowdhury equalled reconnecting with an old friend — as though he was back in the art scene after years and was describing art like it were the essence of his existence.

The event, titled “Manush Bhojle Shonar Manush Hobi”, was notably attended by chief guests Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Ministry of Cultural Affairs adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki.

The official logo unveiling ceremony for the International Migrant Theatre Festival, titled "Obhibaser Natok 2026," took place on January 4 at 6pm at the Jewish Center in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. The event was initiated by the Theater Support Group, a virtual platform for Bengali immigrant theatre artistes, and was organised in collaboration with New York-based theatre groups and performers.

As one walks towards the flag stand, a series of photographs becomes visible. They depict various subjects, ranging from a single mother dressing her child to an unassuming child selling balloons on the street. However, these subjects deviate significantly from typical "poverty porn”, clearly portraying empowered individuals from all walks of life.

“Ek dofa, ek dabi”, “Bloody July in Bangladesh”, and “Shob Shabhabik”— each poster boldly bearing these statements against the fascist regime, painted exclusively in red, yellow, and black — were the striking artworks by Debashish Chakrabarty during the height of the July Uprising.

The organisers believe that cultural events like this can create a powerful platform to mobilise communities and influence policymakers. "This assembly is not just about saving trees or a park—it’s about protecting the soul of Dhaka city,” said Layeka Bashir, one of the speakers at the event.

In post-colonial Bangla literature, the legendary dramatist, Natyacharya Selim Al Deen, a pioneer of modern Bangla theatre, is often credited with introducing a new dimension to the genre. He was also the visionary behind Bangladesh Gram Theatre.

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.

Yesterday, the Arts and Production Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launched a live and interactive AR-VR (Augmented-Virtual Reality) exhibition titled "July Revolution on Posters", featuring Debashish Chakrabarty's artworks on the July Uprising. The inauguration ceremony was held at 4:00pm in the Jatiya Chitrashala Auditorium.

Currently on display at Kala Kendra in Dhaka, “Liminal Horizon” is a solo exhibition by artist Sanad Biswas that explores the concept of transitional spaces, blurring the lines between the tangible and the intangible. Through an enticing collection of sculptures, the exhibition explores themes of liminality where the familiar dissolves into the unknown. As one of the most striking sculpture showcases in Dhaka’s post-pandemic art scene, “Liminal Horizon” stands out for its thought-provoking approach and the way it redefines spatial perception.

Curated by Efat Razowana Reya, “Visually Bimurto” highlights the remarkable synergy between the two artists, who share a background in architecture and visual arts.

As the year begins, Dhaka’s theatre scene is set to welcome two new plays— "Satkahon" by Navarasa Dance and Theatre Company and "The Rules of Love," a production by students from the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University.

Growing up, I have read plenty of fairy tales, imagining those storied multiverses vividly. The colours and textures I visualised and sensed while reading those tales existed only in my mind. That was until I entered Bhumi Art Gallery last Sunday — the venue where “Epic Journey of a Migratory Bird”, the second solo painting exhibition by Syed Golam Dastagir, is on display.

Among the notable schedules, the "Sixth National Sculpture Exhibition" will run until January 20, while the month-long exhibition titled "2024: Oi Nutoner Keton Ore" will feature posters, paintings, photography, videography, and cartoons and conclude on January 17. Additionally, the National Pitha Festival will be held on the Academy grounds from January 24 to February 1.

A special program will be held to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of Sthapatyacharya Muzharul Islam, the pioneering architect who shaped Bangladesh's architectural landscape.

Although theatrical productions continued into the early part of the year, political instability gradually reduced the frequency of performances. On July 19, "Anne Frank", a play by Mad Theatre, was supposed to be staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Shilpakala. However, the performance was cancelled due to the tense political situation. Soon after, the Academy shut down its auditoriums and rehearsal spaces, halting all activities. After nearly three months, theatre resumed on October 11 at the National Theatre Hall stage.