Member of Parliament Saeed Al Noman from Chattogram-10 has formally requested the inclusion of recitation as an independent division under the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Ordinance 2026. In a demi-official letter sent to Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Thursday, he emphasized that recitation is a vital part of the nation’s cultural identity and deserves institutional recognition. He confirmed the matter to the newspaper on Friday.

In his letter, Noman noted that although the number of divisions in the new ordinance has been increased from six to nine, recitation was not included as a separate category. He described this omission as unfortunate and concerning, arguing that it undermines an important cultural tradition. He highlighted that recitation plays a historic role in promoting the Bengali language and culture and helps nurture a humane and culturally aware generation.

Cultural enthusiasts across the country have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that recognizing recitation as an independent division will invigorate the art form and strengthen Bangladesh’s literary and cultural continuity.

Dr. Mohar Ali’s article highlights Khandakar Fazle Rabbi’s critical analysis of Risley’s ethnographic theory on Bengali Muslims. Rabbi argued that Risley’s method of using nasal index as a racial marker was unjust toward Muslims because he measured Hindus by caste and occupation but treated Muslims as a single undifferentiated group. Rabbi found that if the same standards applied to Hindus were used for Muslims, the results would favor Muslims.

Rabbi revealed that Risley’s data collection was biased, as his assistant Kamod Behari Samanta admitted to measuring only lower-class Muslim prisoners from eastern Bengal, following Risley’s directive to exclude well-built or higher-status Muslims. Rabbi questioned how such selective sampling could yield fair conclusions. He further argued that the large Muslim population in Bengal stemmed from centuries of Muslim rule, with many present-day Muslims descending from the inhabitants of former Muslim capitals like Gaur, Rajmahal, Dhaka, and Murshidabad.

Rabbi urged authorities to officially investigate and record the true origins of Bengali Muslims. Although his critique influenced the 1901 census circular inviting local opinions, his book received no official support and remained obscure, while later works continued to echo the Risley-Beverly perspective.

The three-day Lai Haraoba festival of the Manipuri Meitei community began on Wednesday at the Cultural Complex in Tetigaon village, Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar. The event, which started at 12:30 p.m., will conclude on Friday, April 10, 2026. Renowned artists and researchers from Bangladesh and a group of performers and scholars from Manipur, India, are participating in the celebration.

According to the Lai Haraoba Steering Committee, Bangladesh, the festival is organized with financial support from UNESCO Bangladesh and the Bangladesh National Museum. It is being conducted by the committee in collaboration with Manipuri Cultural Complex, Bangladesh Pouroi Apokpa Marup Religious Cultural Organization, and Sadhan Bangladesh. The event aims to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of the Manipuri community.

Lai Haraoba, meaning “festival of the gods,” is one of the oldest and most significant Manipuri festivals, celebrating creation, divinity, and harmony through rituals, music, chants, and traditional dances. The organizers invited people from all walks of life to join the celebration, which is part of a national initiative to highlight community-based traditional festivals across Bangladesh’s eight administrative divisions.

After a 15-year break, the traditional horse race of Saltha in Faridpur was held again on Tuesday, April 7. The event took place across a two-kilometer stretch from Chitaila Beel to Nishatla in Ballavdi Union, organized by local residents to preserve rural heritage. A total of nine horses participated in the competition, which attracted nearly one hundred thousand spectators of all ages.

In the contest, Jasim Molla’s horse won first prize, receiving a 26-inch LED television, while Nurul Islam’s horse took second place with a cash prize of 8,000 taka, and Belayet Hossain’s horse secured third place with 6,000 taka. Locals expressed visible joy at the revival of the event after such a long time and hoped it would become a regular tradition.

Participants and organizers emphasized that such events strengthen rural culture and social bonds. Local political leaders, union council members, and community figures attended the occasion, underscoring its communal significance.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Joint Secretary General, Maulana Azizul Haque Islamabadi, issued a statement on April 6, 2026, urging people to organize modest and shirk-free cultural rallies during the upcoming Pahela Baishakh celebrations. He noted that the Ministry of Culture decided to rename the traditional ‘Mangal’ and ‘Ananda’ processions as ‘Baishakhi Shovajatra’ and expressed doubt about how free the event would be from what he described as Hindu cultural influence.

In his statement, Islamabadi said that Islam does not oppose decent artistic or cultural practices as long as they do not conflict with the spirit of Tawheed. He emphasized that idol-making or displaying animal figures is fundamentally prohibited in Islam and encouraged Bengali Muslims to celebrate in a dignified manner that reflects their own cultural and religious identity. He also criticized what he called “Hindutvadi cultural fascism” and urged showcasing Muslim heritage, including symbols like horses, in cultural rallies.

Islamabadi further criticized secular cultural groups such as Udichi for promoting what he described as aggressive Bengali nationalism that excludes ethnic minorities, calling for a more inclusive and faith-conscious cultural expression.

The eleven-day 'Shaheed Zia 2nd Book Fair' was inaugurated at the Sylhet Central Shaheed Minar premises on Sunday afternoon. The event was organized by Komol Sahitya Parishad Sylhet, and the inauguration was conducted by Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of presenting the life, leadership, and patriotism of Ziaur Rahman to the younger generation. He also noted that cultural events like book fairs play a vital role in fostering reading habits and promoting patriotism among youth.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Sajon Ahmad Saju, president of Komol Sahitya Parishad Sylhet, and conducted by acting general secretary Majharul Islam Menon. Special guests included recitation artist Saleh Ahmad Khosru, former general secretary of Kendrio Muslim Sahitya Sangsad Dewan Mahmud Raja Chowdhury, Sylhet Metropolitan BNP library secretary Advocate Abdul Mukit Opi, and Sylhet District JASAS member secretary Raihan Hossain Khan. Political, social, and cultural leaders, poets, writers, and journalists were also present.

The fair will run daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. between April 5 and April 15, featuring participation from various publishing houses across the country, including Dhaka.

Bangladesh’s Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the traditional Mongol Shobhajatra, organized annually by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, will now be known as ‘Boishakhi Shobhajatra’. The decision was revealed on Sunday during a press conference on the upcoming Bengali New Year and related festivities of ethnic communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo. The minister said the government reached this decision to resolve long-standing debates over the procession’s name.

He explained that Pahela Baishakh represents joy and well-being, rooted in Bangladesh’s agrarian heritage. The new name aims to preserve cultural unity while avoiding confusion and division. The procession will continue to feature diverse regional traditions, folk art, and music. Chowdhury also assured that UNESCO’s recognition of the event would remain unaffected, as the government will simply notify the organization of the name change.

The minister added that daylong cultural programs will be held at Ramna Batamul and other venues, with maximum security measures in place. He urged citizens to celebrate responsibly and uphold national unity through cultural diversity.

Bangladesh’s Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury announced that the parade celebrating the Bengali New Year will henceforth be known as 'Boishakhi Shovajatra'. He made the announcement on Saturday, April 4, in Mohammadpur, Magura district, during the foundation stone laying ceremony of a modern district rest house.

The minister explained that there is no difference between the previously used names 'Mangal Shovajatra' and 'Ananda Shovajatra', but the celebration will now officially take place under the new title. He emphasized that the Bengali New Year is a long-standing cultural heritage of the Bengali people, belonging to no political party, and enjoyed by everyone from farmers to ordinary citizens. He also stated that the government will continue to serve all citizens, including those who did not vote.

The event was chaired by District Council Administrator Alia Ahmed and attended by Magura-1 Member of Parliament Monowar Hossain Khan, District Commissioner Abdullah Al Mahmud, and Superintendent of Police Molla Azad. The minister inaugurated the foundation stone with prayers and blessings.

Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi, a long-standing cultural organization known for its progressive stance, is facing a severe internal crisis following a controversial caricature of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina displayed on March 25 during Genocide Day events near the Central Shaheed Minar. The artwork, portraying Hasina in a demonic form, sparked outrage among pro-Hasina leftists, journalists, and activists, who accused the organizers of engaging in anti-state activities. The dispute has deepened existing divisions within Udichi, which now operates under two rival committees.

Founded in 1968 by Satyen Sen and Ronesh Dasgupta, Udichi has often been accused of promoting Indian cultural influence and Islamophobia under the banner of progressivism. Critics claim the group failed to resist state repression during Hasina’s rule and alienated the majority by undermining religious values. The organization’s leadership remains split between factions led by Mahmud Selim–Amit Ranjan Dey and Habibul Alam–Jamshed Anwar Tapon, each accusing the other of deviation from Udichi’s original ideals.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that Udichi’s fragmentation reflects the decline of India-aligned cultural politics in Bangladesh, as public sentiment shifts against imported ideological narratives.

British-Bangladeshi community leader, writer, and professional accountant Abu Taher is set to receive the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honor from King Charles III for his outstanding contributions to social service and charitable work. The official ceremony will take place on May 13 at Windsor Castle, where the King will formally confer the honor. His name has already been announced as an MBE recipient.

Based in London, Abu Taher has been recognized for over three decades of voluntary service, cultural leadership, and humanitarian initiatives that have positively impacted both the British and Bangladeshi communities. Originally from Chandarpur village in Golapganj, Sylhet, he has also made significant contributions to literature, writing poems, essays, and plays that reflect themes of diaspora life, humanity, and cultural identity.

Taher continues to inspire new generations of British-Bangladeshi writers, particularly encouraging young people to engage with the Bengali language and literature, strengthening cultural ties across communities.

Internationally renowned photographer and rights activist Dr. Shahidul Alam paid a courtesy visit to Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. The meeting took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s office and focused on enhancing education in photography, film, and multimedia, as well as strengthening international cooperation in these fields.

During the discussion, participants explored the possibility of expanding joint educational and research programs between Dhaka University and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, a leading photography school in South Asia. Pathshala Principal Professor Kh. M. Harun was also present. The meeting emphasized the modernization of media, photography, film, and multimedia education in Bangladesh and the importance of global academic collaboration. Plans for organizing international seminars, symposiums, and conferences were also discussed.

The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged Pathshala’s significant role in developing photography and visual media education in Bangladesh and assured full institutional support for the advancement of its academic programs under Dhaka University’s affiliation.

Dhaka University has confirmed that the Bangla New Year 1433 celebrations will again be held under the name 'Ananda Shobhajatra', maintaining the change introduced last year from the traditional 'Mangal Shobhajatra'. The decision was reaffirmed at a preparatory meeting held on March 31, 2026, at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam. The procession will begin at 9 a.m. from the Faculty of Fine Arts and follow its usual route through Raju Sculpture, Doel Chattar, and Bangla Academy before returning to the faculty.

The theme for this year’s celebration is 'Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy'. To ensure safety and order, the university has issued several guidelines, including bans on wearing masks and carrying bags on campus, restrictions on vuvuzela use, and a requirement to conclude all events by 5 p.m. Vehicle access will be limited, with motorcycles completely prohibited.

A central coordination committee has been formed to oversee the arrangements, and the police have been requested to install CCTV cameras and archways for security. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury described the debate over the procession’s name as unnecessary, noting that the government has no objection to the current title.

Preparations for celebrating Pahela Baishakh and Bengali New Year 1433 began on Monday at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University. The event was inaugurated by Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the university, who attended as the chief guest. The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty, with Ekushey Padak-winning artist Professor Dr. Abdus Sattar speaking as the special guest. Faculty members, students, cultural figures, and artists were also present.

Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha thanked the teachers, students, and alumni for their efforts in organizing the celebration. She stated that several committees have already started preliminary activities to ensure a peaceful, disciplined, and festive environment for the New Year celebration. The Dhaka University administration is working to make the event successful and has called for full cooperation from all involved.

The preparations mark the beginning of the university’s traditional cultural festivities ahead of Pahela Baishakh, reflecting its commitment to maintaining a vibrant and inclusive celebration.

The article recounts the extraordinary role of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College and Hospital during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. Despite limited resources and constant danger, doctors, students, and health workers continued treating the wounded. Led by Professor Dr. Shamsuddin Ahmed, the hospital became a refuge for victims of violence. Dr. Ahmed organized an emergency blood bank and medical squad before the conflict intensified, saving countless lives. On April 9, 1971, Pakistani forces surrounded the hospital and executed Dr. Ahmed and several colleagues, marking one of the war’s most tragic massacres.

The institution’s contribution extended beyond martyrdom. Many students joined the medical corps in India, serving in refugee camps and field hospitals, while others fought directly in Sectors 4 and 5. Staff secretly supplied medicines and surgical tools to freedom fighters, risking their lives under curfew. The hospital grounds later became a memorial site honoring those who died.

The article concludes that these sacrifices remain underrecognized nationally. It calls for proper acknowledgment of the doctors, students, and staff whose courage embodied humanity and moral strength during the war.

The historic Nidaria Mosque in Lalmonirhat, built in Mughal architectural style nearly three centuries ago, is now at risk due to neglect and structural decay. Despite being listed by the Department of Archaeology, the three-domed mosque has weakened over time without proper restoration. Locals warn that without urgent renovation and recovery of encroached land, this northern heritage site could be lost.

According to local accounts, the mosque was built in 1176 Hijri by Subedar Monsur Khan in fulfillment of a vow. The single-room structure, measuring about 42 feet by 16 feet, features three domes, four corner pillars, and a single entrance. It stands in Kishamat Nagarband Mouza of Panchagram Union, with an adjacent Eidgah, graveyard, and a madrasa established in 2019. Although about 10 acres of land were donated to the mosque, part of it is now under dispute.

Local residents and the district administration have called for immediate action to restore the mosque and resolve the land issues. Officials said necessary measures will be taken soon to preserve the site, which locals believe could become a major heritage tourism destination if properly maintained.