Rock legend Ayub Bachchu has been posthumously awarded the 2026 Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Bangla band music. The announcement came seven years after his death, moving his wife Ferdous Akhtar Chandana, who expressed her emotions on social media on Thursday evening.

Chandana stated that the award is not only an honor for Ayub Bachchu as an artist but also a state recognition of Bangla band music. In her post, she reflected on Bachchu’s lifelong dedication to music and expressed gratitude to the jury board and all involved in granting the honor. She emphasized that Bachchu’s presence endures across Bangladesh and among Bangla-speaking communities worldwide.

The government announced the names of the 2026 Ekushey Padak recipients for contributions in various fields, including actress Farida Akhter Bobita, Ayub Bachchu, nine distinguished individuals, and one band.

Bangladeshi short film 'Scarlet Echoes' (Bengali title 'Raktim') has been officially selected for the main competition of the 56th Tampere Film Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious film events. Directed and written by young filmmaker Hemonto Sadik, the film is set against the backdrop of the historic July 2024 mass uprising. Out of 7,125 international submissions, only 60 films from 44 countries were chosen, with 'Scarlet Echoes' being the sole entry from Bangladesh.

The docu-fiction blends real footage from the 2024 July movement with fictional storytelling centered on Adnan, a photographer and single father, capturing the streets of Dhaka and the spirit of the people. Producer Dilruba Hossain Doel stated that the film was made without institutional support, shot mostly within the movement using a smartphone, and created entirely through voluntary collaboration.

Dedicated to late photographer Tahir Zaman Priyo, who was killed during the movement, the film will have its world premiere at the festival in Tampere, Finland, from March 4–8, 2026.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has extended the deadline for submitting proposals for government-funded full-length and short films for the 2025–26 fiscal year. According to a recent notice signed by Deputy Secretary Mosha. Sharmin Akhter, applicants can now submit complete package proposals until March 1. The previous deadline for submitting stories, scripts, and overall production plans was January 29.

The ministry’s notice invited producers, directors, filmmakers, film professionals, related institutions, writers, and screenwriters to submit proposals for story and script selection under the government grant program. The initiative aims to promote the film industry and encourage creativity and talent. For the 2025–26 fiscal year, the ministry plans to provide grants for up to 12 full-length and 20 short films, totaling 32 projects.

According to the notice, applicants must submit 12 sets of complete package proposals, including one original copy, for both full-length and short film categories.

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has won his first Grammy Award in the audiobook, narration, and storytelling category. The award was announced at the Grammy ceremony held in Los Angeles, recognizing the audio version of his book 'Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama'. Currently living in exile in India, the 90-year-old leader expressed gratitude, calling the honor a recognition of shared human values rather than a personal achievement.

In a social media message, the Dalai Lama said he accepted the award with humility and gratitude, emphasizing peace, compassion, care for the environment, and unity as essential for the collective well-being of humanity. The audio project featured artists including Rufus Wainwright and Maggie Rogers, with Wainwright accepting the award on his behalf.

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959 after a Chinese military crackdown and has since lived in India. The Chinese government labels him a separatist and claims authority over his succession, a claim he rejects, asserting that the decision rests solely with his office in India.

Bangladeshi television actor Tousif Mahbub has called on political leaders to honor their election promises even after the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election, scheduled for February 12. Speaking as a concerned citizen, he emphasized that whoever wins should prioritize the people's welfare and ensure that commitments made during campaigns are fulfilled.

Tousif stated that in the current national context, citizens have many expectations across different sectors. He clarified that he is not affiliated with any political party but wants elected representatives to act responsibly toward the public. Reflecting on past experiences, he mentioned that people have often felt deceived by unfulfilled promises, leading some to lose faith in the country or move abroad.

Reaffirming his patriotism, Tousif expressed unwavering love for Bangladesh and optimism that the nation will achieve a stronger global position through progress in politics and culture.

The 12th Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF) 2026 began today under the outreach program of the Media Studies and Journalism Department of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). The two-day event, presented by Infinix Mobile Bangladesh and supported by Star Cineplex, will conclude tomorrow. From 131 film submissions across 24 countries, 25 films have been selected for screening in six categories.

Details of the festival were announced at a press conference held at ULAB’s permanent campus. The categories this year include Short Film, One Minute, Vertical Film, Open Door, Citizen Journalism, and Outstanding Talent Award. The first day’s screenings will take place at the ULAB campus, while the second day’s events will be held at Star Cineplex (Shimanto Shambhar).

For the first time, the Citizen Journalism category will feature films highlighting social justice, climate change, real-life issues, and stories of marginalized communities. The Outstanding Talent Award will recognize a skilled crew member behind the scenes. The jury board includes filmmakers and writers from Nepal, Bangladesh, France, and the UK.

Veteran actor and director Abul Hayat has returned to directing after nearly a year’s break with a new television drama titled 'Sokhina'. The production is based on a story by the late writer Rabeya Khatun, with the screenplay written by Hayat himself. Shooting began last Tuesday at a resort in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, and the drama is planned for broadcast during Eid-ul-Fitr.

Hayat said that Rabeya Khatun’s stories offer a wide range of possibilities for quality productions even on limited budgets. He explained that reading 'Sokhina' inspired him to return to directing. The rural-themed drama stars popular actress Moushumi Mou in the lead role opposite actor Shyamal Mawla, with Naresh Bhuiyan and Badrul Hasan Khan also in the cast.

Discussing his current work, Hayat noted that he is now selective about projects, focusing on stories and characters he personally values. He emphasized balancing work with family and rest, adding that staying away from acting or directing leaves him feeling a sense of emptiness.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania’s new film “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” centered on the Palestinian crisis, has secured a place in the final nominations for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September last year to record-breaking standing ovations, will compete in the Best International Feature Film category. The Oscars ceremony is scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in California, with the final nominations announced on January 22.

Alongside Tunisia’s entry, the category includes films from Brazil, France, Norway, and Spain. Despite submissions from seven African countries, Tunisia is the only one to reach the final list. This marks Ben Hania’s third Oscar nomination, following previous recognition for “The Man Who Sold His Skin” (2020) and “Four Daughters” (2023). She remains the only Tunisian filmmaker to receive multiple Oscar nominations.

“The Voice of Hind Rajab” depicts the January 2024 Gaza attack that killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives, and paramedics. The film’s executive producers include Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, and Jonathan Glazer.

Bangladeshi actor and producer Ananta Jalil has announced his departure from the film industry due to a severe downturn in his garment business. Once operating a factory in Savar with around 12,000 workers, Jalil now manages only about 4,000 employees. He said the business situation has become so difficult that he cannot focus on acting or complete his pending film projects. Jalil emphasized that he has always prioritized business over cinema and will not return to acting until his business recovers.

Jalil also confirmed that his wife and co-star, actress Barsha, will no longer appear in films. This decision has cast uncertainty over their ongoing productions, including “Netri: The Leader,” “Operation Jackpot,” and “Chita,” which have yet to finish shooting. Jalil, who entered the film industry in 2008, stated that he and Barsha have always worked together and will only return to cinema jointly if conditions improve.

He added that his focus now is on overcoming the current business crisis, suggesting that any future film work will depend on better times ahead.

Veteran actress and Ekushey Padak recipient Dilara Zaman, now over eighty, remains active in acting and public appearances. On January 9, 2025, she was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 'Dhallywood Film and Music Silver Jubilee Award 2025' ceremony in Dhaka. She expressed gratitude to the event’s organizer, Alamgir Khan Alam, praising his sincerity and humility.

Despite her age, Zaman continues to work regularly in television dramas and other media. She is currently performing in the ongoing drama series 'Rupnagar,' directed by Kaysar Ahmed and airing on Deepto TV, where her performance has received strong audience response. Additionally, her central role in the YouTube-released drama 'Somprokker Golpo,' directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz, has also been well received.

Her continued recognition and active participation in acting and cultural events highlight her enduring influence in Bangladesh’s entertainment industry.

Popular Bangladeshi singer Dilruba Khan, known for her hit song 'Pagol Mon', has released a new musical project featuring a traditional Puthi and Kiccha centered on former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Rahman. The artist announced the initiative on her Facebook page on January 25, 2026, explaining that the two pieces will be released on her YouTube channel 'Dilruba Khan Official' on January 25 and 26.

Dilruba Khan said her goal was not only to highlight two political figures but also to revive the fading folk art forms of rural Bangladesh. She described the project as an effort to bring back the melodic storytelling traditions that once enriched village life but are now disappearing amid modernization. Through rhythm and narrative, she sought to portray aspects of Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman’s lives and struggles.

The singer, who began her career performing songs by Abdul Alim, has long been recognized for her contributions to Bangladeshi folk music and film songs. This latest work continues her commitment to preserving the country’s cultural heritage.

Indian actor and social media personality Kamal R Khan, known as KRK, was arrested by Mumbai Police on the night of January 23. The arrest followed his January 22 post on X (formerly Twitter) where he commented on Bangladesh’s reported refusal to play in the T20 World Cup in India. Police stated that the arrest was linked to a shooting allegation, but many social media users claimed he was targeted for criticizing India’s attitude toward Bangladesh and Pakistan.

The controversy arose after reports that Bangladesh’s government expressed reluctance to send its team to India for the tournament due to security and political concerns. The International Cricket Council has not yet announced any change in venue. KRK’s detention has reignited debate over the intersection of cricket and politics in India and the limits of free expression.

KRK, born in Deoband, Uttar Pradesh, began his career in the early 2000s as a screenwriter before acting in films such as “Deshdrohi” and appearing in the reality show “Bigg Boss.” He currently runs a YouTube channel and works as a film critic.

The film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', based on the killing of a five-year-old Palestinian girl in Gaza, has been nominated for the Best International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. Directed by Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania, the movie recounts the true story of Hind Rajab, who was shot dead by Israeli forces in January 2024 while fleeing Gaza City with her family.

According to the report, Hind and her relatives were attacked while trying to escape Israeli bombardment. All passengers in the car, including her cousins and aunt and uncle, were killed. During the incident, Hind contacted Gaza’s Red Crescent volunteers for help. The film incorporates the real audio of her prolonged phone call with rescuers, who tried to comfort her as she remained trapped among her family’s bodies. Two rescuers later sent to save her were also killed by Israeli fire.

Earlier, 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, marking international recognition for its portrayal of the Gaza tragedy.

Bangladeshi singer Balam is set to release his fifth solo album titled 'Maula' after a gap of more than a decade. The album, containing six songs, will be released on the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr. Balam has composed and arranged all the tracks himself, while the lyricists’ names remain undisclosed. He mentioned that all songs will be released in audio format, with one track accompanied by a music video.

Discussing the project, Balam said he has resumed music seriously after years of releasing only singles, which he found insufficient to meet fans’ expectations. He emphasized that a full album allows for greater musical variety and helps attract listeners of different tastes and ages. The album aims to connect with both long-time fans and younger audiences, including Generation Z.

The title track 'Maula' is a Sufi-inspired song created during the COVID period, reflecting on global unrest. Balam believes its message remains relevant today. His previous albums include 'Balam' (2007), 'Balam 2' (2008), 'Balam 3' (2010), and 'Bhubon' (2013).

Veteran Bangladeshi film actor and choreographer Ilias Javed passed away on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, at a hospital in Uttara, Dhaka. He was 82. Born in Pakistan, Javed spent most of his life in Bangladesh, where he became a celebrated figure in the golden era of Bengali cinema. His real name was Raja Mohammad Ilias, and before becoming a leading actor, he was one of the country’s most acclaimed dance directors.

Javed began his artistic journey in Mumbai, training under legendary dance masters Sadhu Maharaj and Shambhu Maharaj, and learning alongside Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan. He debuted as a hero in the Urdu film “Nayi Zindegi” in 1964, but his breakthrough came with the 1970 film “Payel,” directed by Mustafiz, where he starred with Razzak and Shabana. He went on to act in over a hundred films, including “Nishan,” “Malka Banu,” and “Kajal Rekha,” pairing with leading actresses such as Shabana, Bobita, and Kabori.

Beyond acting, Javed revolutionized dance in Bengali cinema, mentoring top actors and actresses. His wife Dolly Javed described him as a superstar in both acting and choreography, remembered with respect by peers and fans alike.