I am compelled to ask what being a Bangali even means today: What shapes our ethnic identity?

From gracing the majestic walls of mosques to the pages of intricate manuscripts and beyond, the appeal of the Islamic art form has persisted over centuries and captivated many. The beauty and depth of this art form attracted Tasleema Alam – an artist, designer and educator – who recently designed an Afghan carpet for His Majesty King Charles III.

As a Bengali woman, donning a teep is part of one’s culture and tradition. I had seen my mother use the teep as a part of her look in the ’60s and ’70s. It was not just my mother; many in my family wear the teep. I wear them every day myself, and in my opinion, it has nothing to do with the plight of my piety.

We can’t just wish things away, we can’t disown parts of our culture and country because they don’t fit our particular ideal. That is a cop-out, an easy way out, that is claiming we are pristine, and the dirt lives elsewhere, claiming we are saints and that is not our sin. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said culture has no clash with religion -- referring to numerous attacks on cultural programmes including bombings at Pahela Baishakh celebration.