Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

Why is Shilpakala reserving empty halls?

Multiple theatre troupes claim they applied to book shows during these “reserved” slots — and were denied. When the list of reservations became public, the frustration spilled onto social media. On the Facebook group “Theatre Connection,” theatre activist Zubair Zahid posted a blunt question: “What kind of artistic practice requires 54 working days across three auditoriums?”
25 April 2025, 05:47 AM

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy launches three training workshops

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has launched three specialised training workshops today, under the management of its Training Department. The inaugural event took place at 10 AM at the academy premises, officially opened by A.F.M. Nurur Rahman, Director of the Training Department.
20 April 2025, 13:25 PM

Musical festivities begin for Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan

The Chaitra Sankranti Band Show and Cultural Programme officially commenced this afternoon at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka, celebrating the end of the Bengali calendar year with a vibrant celebration of traditional music and modern performances.
13 April 2025, 11:28 AM

‘Cultural healing’ and ‘inclusivity’ key in Bengali New Year celebrations as Ministry announces plans

Farooki declared that this year’s New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. “Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset,” he said.
9 April 2025, 11:20 AM

Chand raat special: Musical showcase at Shilpakala

To celebrate the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a Chand raat special musical event. The programme will take place today at 7 pm at Nandan Mancha, featuring performances by Emon Chowdhury, Nancy, and Qawwal Ahmed Noor Ameri. Ameri is well-known for his expertise in Qawwali and Maizbhandari music.
30 March 2025, 05:11 AM

BSFF to host memorial for Anjan with ‘Meghmallar’ screening

The Bangladesh Short Film Forum (BSFF) has organised a memorial event in honour of filmmaker, film activist, and educator Zahidur Rahim Anjan, who previously served as the organisation’s president.
6 March 2025, 06:12 AM

‘Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab’ commences at Shilpakala

Classical music and dance are among the most refined expressions of human culture, representing profound dedication, beauty, and tradition. In an effort to further promote and preserve these distinguished art forms, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be hosting a four-day “Shastriya Sangeet O Nritya Utsab” (Classical Music and Dance Festival).
19 February 2025, 06:40 AM

Burning Crab Festival concludes with cultural splendour

The three-day Burning Crab Festival came to a close, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the hill tracts and coastal regions. Hosted at the Mermaid Beach Resort, the event featured six stages, each showcasing a diverse array of performances.
1 February 2025, 12:50 PM

BSA launches first-ever Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival

For the first time, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is set to organise the Munier Chowdhury National Theatre Festival, with a 15-day, production-based theatre workshop already underway across the country in three phases.
1 February 2025, 10:10 AM

Aranyak Natyadal to celebrate 53 years with month-long theatre festival

Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal has organised a month-long festival to commemorate its 53rd anniversary this year, featuring a series of performances and events. The celebrations will take place at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), beginning tomorrow.
31 January 2025, 06:45 AM

Tarunner Utsab 2025 unites the nation in celebration

Tarunner Utsab (Youth Festival) 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, is currently being celebrated nationwide. The programmes are being held at district, divisional, and central levels. As part of this initiative, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the band music event “Bol Bir—Ami Chiro Unnoto Shir” in six districts and dance performances in 50 districts to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and potential of youth.
29 January 2025, 08:04 AM

Revolutionary art meets technology at BSA’s ‘Poster e July Obbhutthan’

“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.
11 January 2025, 11:50 AM

‘July Revolution on Posters’: A fusion of art and technology at Shilpakala

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.
8 January 2025, 10:39 AM

Opera, art exhibitions, and folk theatre to mark Shilpakala's New Year celebrations

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.
1 January 2025, 07:01 AM

Controversies, cancellations, and comebacks: Bangladeshi theatre in 2024

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.
31 December 2024, 07:46 AM

Bandarban to host night-long Marma folk drama performance

The performance, organised by the Conservatory Cell of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will commence at 9pm and continue throughout the night.
26 December 2024, 06:53 AM

Renamed halls and standup comedy mark Shilpakala Academy’s latest initiatives

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has officially designated three of its auditoriums to theatrical performances. The academy’s Director General Syed Jamil Ahmed, announced that these auditoriums are being renamed. Speaking at an event held at the academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall yesterday, he further stated that the Experimental Theatre Hall will be opened for theatrical productions starting December 28.
21 December 2024, 06:28 AM

Victory Day 2024: Your complete itinerary

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year’s powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism. 
16 December 2024, 04:17 AM

Celebrating December with theatre, qawwali, and cultural festivals across Bangladesh

This December, the country is set to come alive with an extraordinary lineup of cultural festivities, organized by Shilpakala Academy to mark the country's month of victory. From Qawwali performances to theatre festivals, the month-long celebration promises something for everyone. These events, held across districts and major cities, aim to bring art and culture to the public, making them accessible to all.
6 December 2024, 06:39 AM

175 cultural activists call for a separate film division at BSA

The statement presented arguments in support of this demand, signed by filmmakers, producers, cinematographers, editors, sound designers, film critics, researchers, teachers, film workers and organizers, actors, musicians, and photographers.
24 November 2024, 10:50 AM