Artisans busy giving finishing touches on Durga

Home Adviser Jahangir Alam Chowdhury yesterday assured that there is no security threat centring the upcoming Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Bangladesh's Hindu community.

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet artiste Sahana Bajpaie has expressed concern over what she describes as the gradual erosion of Bengali identity, particularly in the cultural sphere. In a recent Facebook post, she criticised the growing trend of prioritising Hindi songs over Bangla music, even at quintessentially Bengali celebrations such as Pohela Boishakh and Durga Puja in Kolkata.

Based on the true story of a 400-year-old brothel being demolished overnight, the long-awaited film “Rongbazar” is finally set for theatrical release during this year’s Durga Puja. Directed by Rashid Polash, the film sheds light on one of the country’s most complex and sensitive social realities.

Police and locals of the Hindu community locked in a clash in Patuatuli area of Old Dhaka late last night when the latter was going to immerse idols in Buriganga river.

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

Moulvibazar’s Juri upazila is home to a somewhat unique religious site. On a shared courtyard, built on deep mutual respect, the Bhuai Jame Mosque and Bhuai Durga Puja Mandap have been a beacon of communal harmony and coexistence for years.

Police are yet to identify the man who threw what locals said was a molotov cocktail at idols of a puja mandap in the capital’s Tanti Bazar on Friday night.

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people should aim to build a Bangladesh where no one’s right is infringed upon.

Upon Durga’s arrival, a familiar street corner, neighbouring colony, a quiet parking lot, or an abandoned open field turn into pandals overnight, adorned with lights and colours, ready to welcome the goddess. Whether you are strolling through the street pandals or gathering with friends at a temple, there are a few key spots in Dhaka that you simply cannot miss.

As dawn breaks and the first rays of sunlight  streams through your window, you hear the rhythmic beat of drums and the joyful clanging of cymbals coming from a nearby temple.

Kushum Shikder’s “Shoroter Joba”, originally a short story published in a 2017 Eid special magazine issue, has now been adapted into a full-length feature film. The movie makes its grand debut today, with screenings at Star Cineplex and Jamuna Blockbuster.

The five-day-long Durga Puja festivities kick off today. To celebrate, new songs have been released, and fresh dramas are set to premiere on TV and YouTube. Here’s a glimpse of some notable entertainment highlights for Durga Puja.

Bangladesh Bank issued a separate notice through its Department of Offsite Supervision, informing banks of the closure late last night

Today, a notification will be issued, declaring Thursday (October 10), as holiday

In the simplicity of floral blooms, devotees find a pure form, expressing their homage to the gods and goddesses; their beauty and scent create an ambience that elevates the entire spiritual experience.

This year, Kolkata's Puja will be solemn, omitting traditional festivities and community gatherings due to a recent heinous crime. The focus shifts to hope for justice and safer days, reflecting the festival's true spirit amid ongoing grief.

“Dhak, dhol, jhajor baaje,” we recite as children and there is no denying that the beats of the drums that we call ‘dhak’ has something robustly unique about it. Dhak is a familiar musical instrument that is native to the Indian subcontinent. Aside from their uniquely loud palpitating beats, there are stories behind the sound.

Although it is imperative to implement immediate security measures, it is equally critical to address the underlying causes of communal tension.

Actress Sushama Sarker has showcased her talent in theatre, television dramas, films, and OTT platforms over the course of several years. The thespian has moreover been a long-standing member of the theatre troupe Desh Natak while dedicating her time to stage performances in Dhaka for over two decades.