Internationally acclaimed Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury is currently gracing the stages of Kolkata, performing in the acclaimed play "Radhang." Directed by Munmunur Rashid, the play has witnessed six stellar performances in two days, owing to the immense enthusiasm and demand from the Kolkata audience. Chanchal's presence on the Kolkata stage has captivated and mesmerised the local audience. The overwhelming response from the spectators has led the director, Munmunur Rashid, to extend the play with two additional shows, responding to the high demand and eagerness of the Kolkata viewers.   Reflecting on the fervor surrounding his play, Chanchal Chowdhury expressed, "Just like the long queues that formed from the morning for my film 'Hawa,' a similar line-up was seen for 'Radhang.' The passion of the Kolkata audience towards stage plays has left a lasting impression on me. I had inquired from my mentor, director Munmunur Rashid, about the audience's reaction outside Dhaka, especially in Kolkata, regarding plays like 'Radhang.' He replied that such overwhelming responses were unprecedented. The incident has left a mark on my mind."   While the two days of back-to-back shows brought joy to the audience, it posed a significant challenge for the team. Chanchal emphasized the importance of regular participation in stage performances for actors, stating that without a focus on the art of stage acting, future generations might lose the essence of authentic acting, be it in films, dramas, or any other platform.   Chanchal shared his commitment to regularly perform on stage from the coming year, fostering an increased interest among new generations of artists. He stressed the need for actors to pay attention to the art of stage acting and expressed his intention to maintain regular communication with the stage, a platform he has never left. Chanchal is set to return to Bangladesh on January 2, 2024.  His latest cinematic venture, 'Hawa,' has earned him accolades including a National Film Award for Best Actor. Besides, the audience eagerly awaits the release of his film "Monogamy", while his film "Padatik" is also awaiting release in India.

Shuktara Samkalpa from Assam is the state's youngest published author in English. Not just in Assam, she might also be the youngest published author in English in the country. Samkalpa's latest work, "Scribbling of Reporter Rodent", which she wrote while she was under 14 years old, has been published by Black Pepper of Chhapakhana Publishers of Kolkata. The book is available at the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair, making her the youngest author at this mega event. "Scribbling of Reporter Rodent" includes articles written on various topics, including one on Greek Mythology and Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort, to name a few. "Most of Shuktara's writings were written when she was 11-14. Most of these writings published in this 80-page collection have been earlier published online under the pen name Reporter Rodent. Hence, the final anthology is named so," said Deepayan Dhar from Black Paper.  The book was introduced at the book fair by the former principal of Santiniketan Patha Bhavan Supriyo Tagore. Source:Gplus

INS Kolkata visited Djibouti from May 4-7, 2022, as part of the anti-piracy patrol being undertaken by the Indian Navy to ensure safe transit of merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden.   As per a press release from the Ministry of Defence, Captain Prashant Handu, the Commanding Officer called on Colonel Ahmed Daher Djama, Commander of the National Navy of Djibouti and Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander-in-Chief of Djibouti Coast Guard during the visit.   "Both dignitaries also visited INS Kolkata, along with personnel from the Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard. The courtesy and camaraderie exhibited by the Djibouti Coast Guard and Navy to INS Kolkata reflects the strong friendship they share with the Indian Navy," the release added.   "Indian Navy warships have been deployed in the Gulf of Aden since Oct 2008 for anti-piracy patrol to ensure safe transit of merchant vessels," tweeted the Navy spokesperson.   Source: ANI

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Friday) said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s historic speech delivered at the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on February 6, 1972 is very significant one in the history of Bangalee nation. Bangladesh Information Ministry along with Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata in cooperation with Indian authorities will arrange a memorial meeting tomorrow marking the day at the historic parade ground on the eve of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence and birth centenary of Bangabandhu. Terming the initiative as milestone, the Prime Minister in a message said India has remarkable contributions to Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Sheikh Hasina said in one hand India gave shelter, food and all other essentials to nearly one crore people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War, on the other hand, hundreds of Indian soldiers embraced martyrdom for the independence of Bangladesh. “That is why the friendship between the two countries is written in blood letters,” she added. She said India’s gift of 20 lakh vaccines to Bangladesh in facing the coronavirus pandemic is an instance of the friendship. Mentioning that Bangabandhu’s stay in Kolkata during his student life is very important, she said he (Bangabandhu) passed higher secondary and BA from Islamia College (now Maulana Azad College) in that city. “During that period, he regularly took part in different political programmes actively with national level leaders and obtained deep knowledge on true political practice and its aspects,” she added. The Prime Minister said when the Liberation War started, around 72 lakh Bangladeshis took refuge in only West Bengal and at that time, Kolkata had turned into a union of Bangalee nationalism. In cooperation with the Indian government, Bangladesh leaders close to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had administered the Liberation War staying in Kolkata and different places in India, she recalled. She said poets, litterateurs and intellectuals and others had played an unparallel role during the Bangladesh Liberation War. On the occasion of Bangabandhu’s historic speech on February 6 in 1972 in Kolkata, the Prime Minister recalled the father of the nation with profound respect and prayed for the eternal peace of Bangabandhu’s soul. She also recalled with gratitude the sacrifice and unity of Indian people during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. She wished the friendly ties between the two neighboring countries will further stronger in the coming days. Source: BSS AH

Despite losing their first four wickets for just 13 runs, Bangladesh managed to make it to the third day of Kolkata Test Mushfiqur Rahim hit his 21st Test fifty to check the batting collapse and guided the Tigers to the third day in spite of some serious fear of losing the game within two days.  Bangladesh posted 152 for six in 32.3 overs in their second innings before the umpires pulled off the bails with the dismissal of Taijul Islam midway through the scheduled last over of the day. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten for 59 off 70 balls with 10 fours.  Ishan Sharma bagged four wickets conceding 39 runs while Umesh Yadav took two wickets for 40 runs.  Despite Mushfiqur’s hard-fought fifty, Bangladesh are in big trouble in Kolkata Test as they still need 89 runs to avoid an innings defeat.  Bangladesh lost four quick wickets in the second innings after India declared their first innings on 347 for nine in 89.4 overs. The hosts secured a 241-run lead at the end of their first innings.  Bangladesh lost Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque inside two runs. Ishant scalped both of Bangladesh’s first two wickets in his first two overs of the second innings.  After suffering a duck in the first innings, Mominul came with the same failure in the second innings, and with this, he became the second Bangladeshi captain after Habibul Bashar to have suffered a pair.  Imrul Kayes failed to impress once again and most probably another one-digit contribution in Kolkata Test has brought his final time for the national team. It will be a surprise if he gets another call to Bangladesh side in future.  Before scoring 4 and 5 in Kolkata, Imrul scored only 6 and 6 in Indore Test. This dismal show of the southpaw brought him under a serious question about his international career.  After losing four wickets just in 13 runs, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah came up with a gritty fight as they added 68 runs in the fifth wicket stand before Mahmudullah’s retiring hurt due to a hamstring blow 39.  Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who was included in the playing XI as the concussion substitute, came into the field to partner Mushfiqur in the same stand and added 51 runs before falling apart off Ishant on 15 off 22 runs.  Bangladesh had to make another concussion substitute in this game as Nayeem Hasan got a struck on his head, and the team management brought in Taijul Islam as the replacement.  After Mehidy’s dismissal, Taijul Islam batted 24 balls to score 11 before the day ends. Taijul fell prey to Umesh.  Earlier, India scored 347 for nine in 89.4 overs with the help of Virat Kohli’s 27th Test ton. It was Virat’s second Test ton at the Eden Gardens with the previous one came against Sri Lanka back in 2017. With this century, Indian captain’s tally of international tons reached 70. He just needs two more centuries to pass Rickey Ponting’s 71 and become second after Sachin Tendulkar in the list of the most century in career.  Along with Virat, Cheteshwar Pujara (55) and Ajinkya Rahane (51) also contributed well with the bat.  Al Amin Hossain and Ebadat Hossain bagged three wickets each while Abu Jayed Rahi scalped two wickets.  Bangladesh tumbled for 106 in the first innings as they were completely fumbled against the Indian pace attack. Ishant bagged five wickets while Umesh took three and Mohammad Shami scalped two wickets.  Brief score: Bangladesh first innings 106/10 in 30.3 overs, Shadman 29, Liton 24, Nayeem 19, Ishant 5/22, Umesh 3/29, Shami 2/36 India first innings 347/9 (declare) in 89.4 overs, Virat 136, Pujara 55, Rahane 51, Al Amin 3/85, Ebadat 3/91, Abu Jayed 2/77 Bangladesh second innings 152/6 in 32.3 overs, Mushfiqur 59*, Mahmudullah 39 (retired hurt), Mehidy 15, Ishant 4/39, Umesh 2/40 Source: UNB AH

India took charge of the second Test of the series straightway at the packed Eden Gardens on Friday after bowling out Bangladesh for 106 in 30.3 overs on the first day of the pink-ball Test. None of the current Bangladeshi players played a pink-ball match before. Mominul Haque, the stand-in captain of Test team, hinted that that they might have to face a tough challenge while facing the Indian pace-bowling attack with the pink ball.  But he opted for batting after winning the toss and Bangladeshi top-order crumbled in no time. Bangladesh lost their first wicket when Imrul Kayes failed to judge the right line while facing Ishant Sharma. He went for a drive to the cover area but missed the ball which hit his pads, and the umpire did not think twice before lifting his finger. Imrul went for a review but in vain. Tigers lost four more wickets within 26 runs as Mominul Haque, Mohammad Mithun and Mushfiqur Rahim failed to add anything to their name, and as a result, Bangladesh suffered a colossal batting collapse. These three batsmen played 13 balls together.  After a crumbling start, the onus was on Mahmudullah Riyad and Liton Das. But Mahmudllah fell prey to Ishant thanks to a stunning catch by Wriddhiman Saha behind the wicket Liton retired hurt after sustaining a blow on his head off Mohammad Shami.  Liton sustained the blow at 20.3 overs. He retired six balls later. The right-handed wicket-keeper batsman did not go back in the middle. Bangladesh team management fielded Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the concussion substitute. The ICC introduced this sort of substitutes in July this year, and it is effective from August 1 this year.  Bangladesh had to make another concussion substitute when Nayeem Hasan got a blow off the same bowler- Shami. Bangladesh fielded Taijul Islam as the replacement. While Miraz is allowed only to bat this match, Taijul can do both.  Among the Tigers, Shadman Islam hit the highest 29. Liton posted 24 (retired out) and Nayeem scored 19. None of the other Bangladeshi batsmen reached double-digit scores.  In reply, India posted 174 for three in 46 overs at the end of day-1 with Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane batting at 59 and 23 respectively.  Ebadat Hossain removed Rohit Sharma (21) and Cheteshwar Pujara (55) while Al Amin Hossain took the wicket of Mayank Agarwal who had hit a double ton in the first game of the series. India have already secured a lead of 86 runs with seven wickets in hand at the end of Day-1 of the Kolkata Test.  Brief score: Bangladesh 106/10 in 30.3 overs, Shadman 29, Liton 24, Nayeem 19, Ishant 5/22, Umesh 3/29, Shami 2/36 India 174/3 in 46 overs, Virat 59*, Pujara 55, Ebadat 2/61, Al Amin 1/49. Source: UNB AH

Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Ma Zhanwu on Wednesday said his country was mooting a bullet train service between Kunming and Kolkata, traversing through Myanmar and Bangladesh, reports NDTV. With joint efforts of India and China, a high-speed rail link could be established between the two cities, Zhanwu said at a conference. "It will only take a few hours to reach Kolkata from Kunming if the rail link becomes a reality," he asserted. The envoy also said that Myanmar and Bangladesh would benefit from the project. "We may have a cluster of industries along the route. That increases the possibility of economic development of countries involved in the 2,800 km-long project," he maintained. The project had also found mention at the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) meet in Kunming in 2015, he said. The rail route was aimed at boosting trade flow in the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) corridor, Zhanwu said, adding that his country has been striving for the revival of Silk Route to increase connectivity from Kunming to Kolkata. Source: UNB AH

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gone to Kolkata. She is scheduled to hold meeting with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I cannot say sitting here what the result will be. But can say there will be development though the Teesta agreement is not signed. He said these to the newsmen after inspecting the construction work of flyover at Bhulta of Rupganj in Narayanganj on Friday. The minister said, Myanmar not only sent Rohingyas but also Yaba. Nobody will be spared whoever he is if found guilty following allegation. Quader said, nobody related to drugs from high-ups to insignificant person will be spared. Nobody from representatives of people, leaders or heavy weight politicians will be spared if found associated with drugs following investigation. He said, we all have to declare battle against drugs and make resistance against it as well as create consciousness. Asking police to become strict about traffic congestion the minister said, check the automobiles ply on the opposite direction when traffic jam occurred. Fine the vehicles that ply on opposite direction even it is mine. Ply of truck, lorry and heavy vehicle will be limited from three days earlier of the Eid, he added. AH      

The acting career of Dipa Khondokar is nearly two decades old. She has taken place in the heart of uncounted people through her work in the television drama and advertisement. Now she is acting in a film. Dipa is at present in Kolkata to take part in the shooting of the film ‘Bhaijan Elo Re’ directed by Jaydeep Mukherjee. She is acting as a sister of Shakib Khan in the film. Dipa Khondokat told Rtv online from Kolkata, the shooting is going on in a set named Maclin in Kolkata. It will continue till March 16. A number of people like Shakib Khan, Monira Mithu from Bangladesh and Shrabanti, Rajdav Dutt from Kolkata are taking part in the shooting. When asked about Shakib Khan Dipa said, Shakib is a very serious and attentive actor. As a co artist he is also tremendous. And everyone in Kolkata likes Shakib very much. Dipa in her long acting career did not act in film. She said, I tried to act in dramas based on good stories. Audience also liked those. I was waiting for attractive character for the big screen. In the first film I have found an excellent story. Everybody will love it. Dipa said that the shooting of the film ‘Bhaijan Elo Re’ will take place in London from April 1 to 10. After completing shooting in Kolkata on March 16 she will return to Dhaka on March 17. Then she will take preparation for next step shooting in London. There are three women characters in the film. One of those is being performed by Dipa. Shrabanti Chaterjee and Payel Sarkar are in the other two roles. Shantilal Mukherjee is acting as the opposite artist of Dipa in the film. AH