Art, Music and Entertainment of Bangladesh

Art of
Bangladesh
Bangladeshi art
has a perennial history
which originated more
than two thousand
years ago and is
practiced even to this
date. Among the
various forms of
Bangladeshi art,
photography,
architecture, sculpture
and painting are the
most notable.
History of Bangladeshi Art

A new wave of
evolution was
Bangladeshi art introduced in
witnessed the Bangladeshi art
influence through the
The most of Islamic
significant pervading
art though the of British rule,
development of arrival
Bangladeshi art of Muslims in
Proper took place during
evidence about Bengal beginning
the Pala from the 11th
the earliest rule which
development of century
existed from
Archaeological Bangladeshi art 750–1174 CE
site of Wari- refers to
Bateshwar indic the Mauryan
ates that the
history age.
Bangladeshi art
dates back to
450 BC
 Photography in Bangladesh
Photography is the contemporary art form where Bangladesh has really made its mark. The early work was done by
the pioneers like 

Some Work of Golam Kasem Daddy

Golam Kasem Daddy was

home not only to Bangladesh’s
oldest photographer, but also
the first Bengali Muslim short
story writer.
 Photography of Manzoor Alam Beg
Manzoor Alam Beg:

Manzoor Alam Beg was a famous Fine

Art Photographer. He is considered as
the Father of Fine Art Photography
Movements in Bangladesh. Manzoor
Alam Beg has been awarded the most
prestigious Ekushey Podak given by
Bangladesh government in 2007
besides 200 more national and
international awards and honors.
 Photography of Naibuddin Ahmed

Naibuddin Ahmed: In
Bangladesh Dr. Ahmed also
attained recognition as a
genetic scientist. He
developed two types of tea.
His camera focused on
typical elements of
Bangladesh -- boats,
riverbanks, farmers, rural
lifestyle, mustard-fields
and cornfields.
Naib Uddin Ahmed: Photography of Naib Uddin Ahmed

Naib Uddin Ahmed (1925 – 14

December 2009) was a
Bangladeshi photographer best
known for his work during
the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Sayeeda Khanam: Sayeeda Khanam  is the
first female professional photographer of
Bangladesh. She worked as a photographer
with the filmmaker Satyajit Ray in three of
his films. Beside Ray, she also did portraits
of figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Neil
Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mother
Teresa, Indira Gandhi and Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman. In 1985 she was honored
with UNESCO Award for photography.
Mohammad Rakibul Hasan:

He has made black and white photographs

about climate change, political violence
and the Rohingya refugee crisis. Hasan
was awarded the Lucie Awards Discovery
of the Year 2018.
2017: 2nd Prize in Fine Art and 2
Honorable Mentions in Documentary
Series Categories, The 4th Global Student
Photography Contest 2017, China
Shahidul Alam:  Shahidul Alam is
a Bangladeshi photojournalist, teacher
and social activist. Alam is a visiting
professor at the University of
Sunderland in the UK. In 2014 he was
awarded the Shilpakala Padak by the
President of Bangladesh and in 2018 the
Humanitarian Award from the Lucie
Awards.
 Architecture of Bangladesh
The remains of the ancient archaeological sites bear ample testimony to the fact that the art of
architecture was practiced in Bangladesh from very early period of her history.

The Somapura Mahavihara,
a creation of the Pala
ruler Dharmapala, at
Paharpur, Bangladesh, is
the largest Buddhist Vihara
in the Indian subcontinent,
and has been described as a
"pleasure to the eyes of the
world. It was designated as
a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1985.
Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban: Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban or National Parliament House is the
house of the Parliament of Bangladesh. Designed by architect Louis Kahn, the complex is
one of the largest legislative complexes in the world, comprising 200 acres (800,000 m²).
The building was featured prominently in the 2003 film My Architect, detailing the career and
familial legacy of its architect, Louis Kahn. Robert McCarter, author of Louis I. Kahn,
described the National Parliament of Bangladesh as one of the twentieth century's most
significant buildings.
 Kantanagar Temple, 
Commonly known as Kantaji
Temple or Kantajew Temple.

 The Kantajew Temple is one

of the most magnificent
religious edifices belonging to
the 18th century.

The temple belongs to the

popular Hindu Kanta or
Krishna and

 This is most popular with

the Radha-Krishna cult
(assemble of memorable love)
in Bengal.
The Sixty Dome Mosque in Bagerhat has been described as "the most impressive
Muslim monument in the whole of the Indian subcontinent. The construction of the
mosque was started in 1442 and it was completed in 1459.  It is the largest mosque in
Bangladesh.
The Lalbagh Fort is considered as one of the greatest examples of Mughal
architecture. The construction was started in 1678 AD by Mughal Subahdar
Muhammad Azam Shah who was son of Emperor Aurangzeb and later emperor
himself.
The influence of European architecture is also noticeable in several colonial monuments and
churches in the country. The most significant one is Ahsan Manzil, the former residence of
the Nawabs of Dhaka, later turned into a museum. Construction was started in 1859 and was
completed in 1872.
 Sculptures of Bangladesh
Unlike other parts of the Indian Subcontinent, the art of sculpture in Bangladesh started
through the molding of terracotta because of the dearth of stone relief and abundance of
the soft alluvial clay. This dates back to the 3rd/2nd century BC.

 Terracotta sculpture in Bangladesh: The history of terracotta sculpture in Bangladesh

starts from the Mauryan age (324–187 BC). 

Moder Gorob, mural

is located at Bangla
Academy yard, build
to remember the
martyrs of Bengali
Language
Movement in 1952
Bronze sculpture in Bangladesh: The trend of using bronze in sculptures started
in the 7th century CE mainly from the Chittagong region. As the region was
dominated by believers of Buddhism, most of these earliest bronze sculptures
were depictions of Gautam Buddha. 
Black stone sculpture in Bangladesh: Stone sculptures so far discovered from
Bangladesh that are assignable to the first three centuries of the Common era are few.
Modern sculpture in Bangladesh : In modern times, the theme of sculptural art has been
dominated by some historical events, mainly the Bangladesh liberation war.

Aparajeyo Bangla (Unvanquished Bengal) is one of the most well Shabash Bangladesh is another state of the art
known sculptures dedicated to the Bangladesh Liberation War in sculpture created to pay tribute to those killed in
1971.  the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
 Anti Terrorism Raju Memorial
BANGLADESH MAP ON
A sculpture at Mujibnagar, Sculpture: It is dedicated to the
SCULPTURES 1971
Meherpur depicts the rape memory of a student of Dhaka
of a Bangladeshi woman University named Moin Hossain
during the Liberation war Raju an activist of Bangladesh
Student's Union who was killed
while protesting against Terrorism.
Folk art: As in other countries of the world, simple the people of rustic, and primitive ideas
developed folk art in Bangladesh. Because of this the structure and growth of the folk-art of
Bangladesh are filled with pure and vigor and the symbolic representations of hope, aspiration
and sense of beauty of the rural Bangladeshi folk. 

Alpana or alpona refers to colorful motifs, sacred art or painting done with hands and
paint which is mainly a paste of rice and flour on auspicious occasions in Bengal.
Nakshi kantha: Nakshi kantha, a type of embroidered quilt, is a centuries-
old Bengali art tradition of the Bengal region. The basic material used is thread and old
cloth.
Pottery: Pottery is the process of forming vessels and other objects
with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired at high temperatures to
give them a hard, durable form.
 Modern art
The movement of modern art in Bangladesh has its roots in the early 20th century. Back then
there was no training or educational institutions for arts in Bangladesh.  Zainul Abedin, along
with other leading local artists like Quamrul Hassan, Safiuddin Ahmed, Anwarul Huq, Khawaja
Shafique established the Government Institute of Arts and Crafts to evolve the art tradition in
Bangladesh.
Zainul Abedin: Zainul Abedin was a Bengali painter. The Indian Express has described him
as "A legendary Bangladeshi painter. Bangladeshi people honored him with given the
title Shilpacharjo(Bengali: শিল্পাচার্য) 'great teacher of the arts' for his artistic and visionary
attributes. He was the pioneer of the modern art movement that took place in Bangladesh .
 Music of Bangladesh
Bangladeshi classical music:
Ragapradhan Gaan:
Bangladeshi classical music is based on modes called ragas. As far
as the Charyagiti (9th century), ragas have been used in Bengali
music. Jaydev’s Gitagovindam, Padavali Kirtan, Mangal Giti,
Shyamasangit, Tappa, Brahma Sangeet and Tagore songs have been
inspired by Ragas. The pioneers of these trend were Ramnidhi
Gupta, Kali Mirza, Raghunath Roy and the founder of the Bishnupur
Gharana, Ramshanker Bhattacharya. Nawab of Lakhnau, Wajid Ali
Shah played an important role in this trend.
 Folk music
Folk has come to occupy the lives of Bangladeshis almost more than any other genre of Bengali music.
Before the advent of radio, entertainment in the rural areas relied on a large extent on stage
performances by folk singers.
Folk music can be classified into several subgenres:

 Baul: Baul is the most commonly known category of Bangladeshi folk songs.  Baul songs
incorporate simple words expressing songs with deeper meanings involving creation, society, lifestyle
and human emotions. The songs are performed with very little musical support to the main carrier, the
vocal.  Instruments used include

Ektara ("one-string") Dotara ("two-strings"), ba(n)shi (country flute cymbals

made from bamboo)
Lalon: Lalon also known as Fakir Lalon
Shah, Lalon Shah, Lalon Fakir  was a
prominent Bengali philosopher, Baul saint,
mystic, songwriter, social reformer and thinker.
Regarded as an icon of Bengali culture, he
inspired and influenced many poets, social and
religious thinkers including Rabindranath
Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Allen Ginsberg
although he "rejected all distinctions of caste and
creed".). Lalon is best known of all folk songs
and the most important subgenre of Baul
songs

Lalon composed numerous songs and poems, which describe his philosophy. It is
estimated that Lalon composed about 2,000 - 10,000 songs, of which only about
800 songs are generally considered authentic.
রবীন্দ্র সঙ্গীত(Music of Robindra):
Rabindra Sangeet  also known
as Tagore Songs, are songs written and
composed by Rabindranath Tagore. They
have distinctive characteristics in
the music of Bengal, popular
in India and Bangladesh.

নজরুল গীতি (Music of Nazrul):

Nazrul Geeti or Nazrul Sangeet, literally "music of
Nazrul," are songs written and composed by Kazi
Nazrul Islam, a Bengali poet and national poet
of Bangladesh and active revolutionary during
the Indian Independence Movement. Nazrul Sangeet
incorporate revolutionary notions as well as more
spiritual, philosophical and romantic themes. One of
his famous song named
‘তু মি সুন্দর তাই চেয়ে থাকি প্রিয়
সেকি মোর অপরাধ?’ (You are
beautiful beloved so I see you, is it my offense)
 Bhatiali: Music of fishermen and boatman, almost always tied by a
common ragas sung solo.
 Gazir Gaan: Devotional songs dedicated to Gazi Pir, who is part of Pach Pir
tradition of folk practice and belief.
 Ghazal: Popular folk music of Sufi genres, introduced from philosophy and
religion in music practiced mainly by Bengali Muslims.
 Hason Raja: Devotional songs written by a music composer by the name of
Hason Raja that was recently repopularised as dance music
 Jari: songs involving musical battle between two groups
 Jatra Pala: songs associated exclusively with plays (performed on-stage).
Usually involves colorful presentations of historical themes.
 Jhumur: traditional dance song form Bangladesh and eastern part of India
 Pala Gaan: folk ballad also known as Pat.
 Modern bangla music
Adhunik sangeet literally means "modern songs". Bengali music traditionally has been
classified mainly by the region of origin and the creators of the musical genre, such as
Nazrul geeti (written and composed by Kazi. However, In the period just before Indian
independence, several new minor musical genres emerged, mainly in the form of
playback songs for movies. Among the main contributors to Adhunik songeet were
several singers from both West Bengal and Bangladesh. The list can never be completed,
but some of the more prolific (and better known) ones from Bangladesh are:
Female:
Runa Laila (also immensely popular Ghazal and play back singer in India and Pakistan)
Shahnaz Rahmatullah (mostly popular for some everlasting country songs)
Sabina Yasmin (possibly most prolific in terms of number of songs)
Shakila Zafar: Sings adhunik and classical, semi-classical songs.
Samina Chowdhury
Kanak Chapa
Male:
Abdul Jabbar, Khurshid Alam, Bashir Ahmed, Syed Abdul Hadi, Mahmudun-nabi, Shubir
Nondi, Andrew Kishore, Khalid Hasan Milu, deceased
 Pop Music
Pop music initially started with the so-called band music. And as the
name suggests, the music was heavily influenced by Western Music.
The greatest contributors to pop music also included the following
singers:
Azam Khan, Hasan, Firoz Shai, Fakir Alamgir, Amani Latiff, Happy
Akhand, deceased,Lucky Akhand,Kumar Biswajit, Prosanta Das
Some of the best known bands of the era were:
1.Ark
2.Souls
3.Obscure
4.L.R.B
5.Miles
 Rock music

Bangla rock was started by Azam Khan, Miles and LRB. Hassan

(associated with Ark) and James (Faruk Mahfuz Anam) (associated
with Feelings and, later, Nogor Baul) contributed in popularizing rock
music. 
Some of the best known new bands are:
1.Ark
2.Warfaze
3.Artcell
4.Aurthohin
5. LRB
6. Nagar Baul
7. Shironamhin
 Entertainment in Bangladesh
ENTERTAINMENT:
 Entertainment consists of any activity, which provides a diversion or permits people to
amuse themselves in their leisure time
 Entertainment may also provide fun, enjoyment and laughter. There are many forms of
entertainment for example: cinema, theatre, sports, games and social dance. Puppets,
clowns, pantomimes and cartoons tend to appeal to children, though adults may also
find them enjoyable.
Cinema of Bangladesh:
The cinema of Bangladesh is the Bengali-language film industry based
in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It has often been a significant film industry since the early 1970s
and is frequently referred to as "Dhallywood“. he dominant style of Bangladeshi
cinema is melodramatic cinema. Cinema was introduced in Bangladesh in 1898 .
A 1928 short silent film titled Sukumari (The Good Girl) was the first Bengali-
produced film in the region. The Face and the Mask, the first Bengali-language full-
length feature film of Bangladesh was produced in 1956.
DANCE:

Classical forms of the sub continent predominate in Bangladeshi dance. The folk, tribal
and Middle Eastern traits are also common. Among the tribal dances, particularly popular
are Monipur and Santal.
MUSIC:
The music in Bangladesh can be divided into three distinct categories classical, folk
and modern. The classical music, both vocal and instrumental is rooted in the remote
part of the sub continent. Ustad Alauddin Khan and Ustad Ayet Ali Khan are two
names in classical instrument music who are internationally known. Folk song
nurtured through the ages by village poets, rich in devotional mysticism and lovers is
popular in Bangladesh. The best-known forms are Bhatiali, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi
and Bhawaiya, Lalan, Hansan Raja, Abbasuddin and Abdul Alim are four great manes
in folk song. Modern Bengali song pioneered by Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi
Nazrul Islam blended western and Middle Eastern traits with traditional forms.
Contemporary patterns have more inclinations to west. Pop song and band groups are
also coming up mainly in Dhaka city.
 Sport in Bangladesh
Sport in Bangladesh is a popular form of entertainment as well as an essential part
of Bangladeshi culture. 

Kabaddi:
Kabaddi is recognized as the national sport in Bangladesh. The sport is played all
through the country. Bangladesh has been regularly participating in Asian Games for
Kabaddi. However, the recent rise of other sports has led to the decline in its
popularity. Bangladesh was once considered as a formidable side to play against in
this sport but has now been weakening due to lack of funds and other reasons.
Cricket:
Cricket is the most popular sport in the country. Its popularity rose after the national team won the ICC Trophy in
1997 and for the first time qualified for the Cricket World Cup in 1999. In 2000, Bangladesh became a full member
of International Cricket Council which allowed it to play Test cricket. 

Football:
Throughout history, football is popular sport in Bangladesh after cricket. Although it is
under neglect from both the government and authorities including the country's
football federation, known as Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Hockey: Hockey has been one of the most popular sports in Bangladesh. It comes right
after Cricket and football considering the popularity.

Chess: Chess is a popular indoor game in Bangladesh and the country has given birth to
many talented chess players. Bangladeshi chess player Niaz Murshed is the
first Grandmaster to emerge from South Asia in 1987.

Other ball sports:

Golf

Handball

Volleyball

Basketball

Rugby
Thanks For Your Kind Attention