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

Activists demand allocation of 1 percent of national budget for cultural sector

On Friday afternoon, cultural activists presented their views at a seminar titled “Review and Proposal of the Cultural Sector Budget.” The event was organised by the Theatre Artists Association of Dhaka (TAD) in the seminar room of the Shilpakala Academy.
19 April 2025, 07:07 AM

Why wash dirty linen in public?

Culture adviser Farooki and Shilpakala chief Syed Jamil exchange barbs
2 March 2025, 09:48 AM

Shilpakala Academy lowers rental costs across all districts

The rental fees for auditoriums in the Shilpakala Academy institutions nationwide have been reduced. According to the newly adjusted rates, the rental fee for an auditorium with over 500/300 seats equipped with split AC at the district level will now be Tk 3,000 for a single shift of eight hours (2:00pm – 10:00pm). Previously, the amount was Tk 6,000 for the first three hours.
18 February 2025, 12:21 PM

Syed Jamil Ahmed urges unity through art at Sadhumela

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.
15 January 2025, 06:42 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

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

When art and politics collide

Dr Samina Luthfa, associate professor at the Department of Sociology in Dhaka University, talks about the recent controversy surrounding Shilpakala Academy and the theatre scene in Bangladesh with Monorom Polok of The Daily Star.
15 November 2024, 07:47 AM

Shilpakala Academy’s catalytic role against polarisation and extremism

BSA's initiatives in theatre, music, and visual arts have proven to be effective tools for bridging divides in Bangladesh's politically charged environment. The academy's diverse programming speaks to a wide range of Bangladeshis, although often failing to transcend party affiliations and ideological differences.
27 October 2024, 18:05 PM

Three-day Lalon Festival to return to Shilpakala Academy tomorrow

In honour of Lalon's 134th death anniversary on October 17, the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised a three-day festival to celebrate his legacy. A press conference detailing the event will take place today at 3:00pm in the National Theatre Hall seminar room.
16 October 2024, 06:30 AM

Women’s bodies, male privilege, and the enduring secularist/religious binary in Bangladesh

There are women who don't want to be in the middle of a duel between two groups who legitimise and co-produce each other.
14 October 2024, 15:28 PM

Ferdous Ara returns to Bangladesh Betar after 15 years

Celebrated Nazrul Sangeet exponent Ferdous Ara faced an unexpected exclusion during Awami League’s tenure. For the past 15 years, she was barred from performing on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar. Recently, however, she made a long-awaited return to these two state-run platforms. 
4 October 2024, 06:30 AM

‘The School for Wives’ returns to Shilpakala Academy

The play proceeds to what happens after that, and if Arnolphe succeeds in his motif.
15 March 2024, 11:42 AM

Dhaka Int’l Film Festival kicks off today, ‘Mujib’ and ‘Fereshteh’ to be screened for free

The 22nd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF) officially kicks off today, featuring a lineup of around 250 films from 74 countries, including Bangladesh. The festival, spanning nine days from January 20 to January 28, will showcase 71 films from Bangladesh. Notably, the films “Mujib: The Making of a Nation” and “Fereshteh” will be available for viewing at the festival free of charge.
20 January 2024, 10:36 AM

19-day nationwide Jatra festival kicks off

The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is spearheading a unique 19-day Jatra festival that spans 42 districts, engaging the general public in a journey of development and celebrating art. The grand cultural festival, titled "Gono Jagoron Jatrapala Utsav 2023", kicked off yesterday (November 2) with an inaugural ceremony at 6 pm at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
3 November 2023, 06:30 AM

European Film Festival commences in Bangladesh

A five-day European Film Festival has begun encompassing films from Bangladesh and Europe. The festival commenced with the screening of the Dutch movie “Mally Can Fly” at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theater in Dhaka, yesterday evening.
18 September 2023, 06:53 AM

Liaquat Ali Lucky reinstated as DG of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

The notice read that he can begin his occupancy starting from the coming April 13, 2023 or his next word-day, according to his existing contract.
29 March 2023, 12:58 PM

We don't have enough women in the Bangladeshi music scene: Sohini Alam

Among many talented artistes being featured at the upcoming WOW festival, this will be the first time that British-Bangladeshi band "Khiyo" would be performing in the country.
23 February 2023, 05:50 AM

Dhaka Art Summit for young visitors

Animation, games and performances your children shouldn't miss on the last day of DAS 2023 today
11 February 2023, 04:58 AM

‘Praner Prodip Jwaliye’: Prime Minister’s 75th birthday celebration at Bangla Academy

The program was divided in two sections; the first part was dedicated to launching the book titled, Praner Prodip Jwaliye (Bangla Academy, 2022). It is a collection of poetry and rhymes written for the Prime Minister’s 75th birth anniversary and were composed by celebrated personalities.
29 September 2022, 09:26 AM