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Entertainment
Panchagarh's unique 'Rocks Museum' draws tourists with ancient artifacts
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By Abu Nayem
PANCHGARH, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS) - The northern border district of Panchagarh, renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites, is experiencing a surge in tourism as winter sets in. Among its many attractions, the country's sole 'Panchagarh Rocks Museum' stands out, drawing significant interest from both local and international visitors.
Established in 1997 on the campus of Panchagarh Government Women's College, the museum offers a unique glimpse into the geological history and ancient artifacts of Bangladesh. What began as a single-room initiative by then-Principal Dr. Nazmul Haque has since evolved into a prominent centre for tourists, students, and researchers.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of diverse rocks and stones, each accompanied by an identification plaque detailing its origin and relevant information. This includes igneous and sedimentary rocks, various types of gravel, silica, yellow and dark yellow sand, glass sand, mineral sand, limestone, silt, potter's clay, and hard rocks.
Upon entering Panchagarh Government Women's College, visitors are greeted by an outdoor display of large, ancient stones, some estimated to be 20 to 25 years old, arranged in a circular pattern. Each stone features a nameplate with a brief description.
The museum's indoor gallery showcases volcanic and sedimentary rocks, wavy flat stones, limestone, hard rocks, and indigenous tools. Additionally, it features fossilized wood recovered from riverbeds and underground, alongside 2000-year-old brick and stone sculptures, and terracotta designs.
A particular highlight is a 1,000-year-old traditional dinghy boat. This 25-foot vessel, carved from a single sal tree, was unearthed in 1999 from eight feet below ground in the Mahanater Ghat area of the Chawai River in Sadar Upazila's Amarkhana Union. It is believed to have been used by indigenous people in ancient times.
The outdoor gallery exhibits large sandstone, granite, quartzite, basalt, shell, and silicified wood. These range in shape from round to flat or long, with some bearing symbolic markings.
During the current winter season, the museum is witnessing a steady stream of visitors. Tourists often combine their visit with trips to Banglabandha Land Port, Zero Point, and the Tea Garden of Tetulia.
Sadia Sanjida, a former Dhaka University student, expressed her delight after visiting the museum with her family on Tuesday. "I had heard about the Rocks Museum for a long time. It was wonderful to see it firsthand and learn its history. I'm impressed that such a significant collection of ancient stones exists in our country," she remarked.
Naz Sultana Bithi, a teacher from Hakimpur Women's College in Dinajpur, shared her experience: "I brought my child here and was amazed by the stones recovered from underground. It's a great experience to show my child this collection of old stones."
Mufassir Rihan, visiting from Dhaka, noted, "I enjoy historical artifacts. I was curious after seeing information about the Rocks Museum on YouTube, which is why I came. I enjoyed my visit and learned about many ancient items, including the stones."
Golam Kibria, Head of the Geography and Environment Department at Panchagarh Government Women's College, highlighted the museum's importance: "The then Principal Dr. Nazmul Haque established the Rocks Museum with artifacts from various locations. This museum plays a crucial role in our educational institution for determining the age of the land, exploring geographical features, and preserving heritage and anthropological artifacts."
Ahsan Habib Pradhan, Head of the Statistics Department at the college, emphasised the museum's role as a landmark for Panchagarh visitors. "The museum is intertwined with Panchagarh's history and heritage. It houses numerous archaeological artifacts. Proper preservation will further enhance the district's reputation," he stated.
Samiun Jahan Dola receives Natyabandhu Award
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DHAKA, Dec 23, 2025 (BSS) – Theatre personality Samiun Jahan Dola was honoured with the Natyabandhu Award 2025 in recognition of her contributions to theatre through acting, training, direction and cultural leadership.
The award was conferred on Monday, the second day of the six-day “Nabin–Probhin Natyamela 2025,” organised by Dhaka-based theatre group Natyatirtha, at the main auditorium of the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Inspiring Confidence and Creativity: Little Arisha Shines at the International Kid Runway Show in Edmonton
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Inspiring Confidence and Creativity: Little Arisha Shines at the International Kid Runway Show in Edmonton
The fashion industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution, embracing platforms celebrating young talent. International Kid Runway Shows have emerged as a prominent trend, providing children with the opportunity to express their creativity, confidence, and charisma on a global stage.
On March 15th, 2025, the Edmonton Convention Centre hosted the IKR EDMONTON Kid Runway Show, a daylong event featuring a diverse group of young participants. One of the standout stars was 10-year-old Arisha, a Bangladeshi-Canadian child model. Proud parents Ishrat and Khaled cheered as their daughter confidently walked the runway, receiving warm applause from the audience.
The show featured a variety of renowned brands, including:
Oakley Rae Handmade
Bellezafrik
MOA
Drippy
Young Socialites
Enhle Babes Couture
Frocksnfreckles
The event drew a vibrant crowd of parents, grandparents, stakeholders, and special guests. Among the attendees were Delwar Jahid, President of the Bangladesh North American Journalists Network (BNJNET) and Editor of Doinik Ekattorer Chetona, who expressed his admiration for the young participants' confidence and talent.
What is an International Kid Runway Show?
An International Kid Runway Show is a professional fashion event designed exclusively for children to showcase clothing collections. Such shows are often featured in major fashion capitals like New York, Paris, London, and Milan, or held as independent global events dedicated to children's fashion.
Key Features of a Kid Runway Show
Diverse Representation: Embracing inclusivity, these events celebrate children from various ethnicities, cultures, and abilities.
Fashion Innovation: Designers focus on blending creativity, comfort, and sustainability to create vibrant styles suitable for young models.
Confidence Building: Children are trained to walk the runway, pose, and present themselves with poise, fostering self-esteem and communication skills.
Parental Involvement: Parents actively support their children throughout the event, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
Conclusion
International Kid Runway Shows go beyond fashion; they are empowering platforms that nurture confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness among young minds. With increasing emphasis on inclusivity and child protection, these events continue to inspire new generations to express themselves and shine on a global stage.
Golam Mustafa: An Unrivaled Actor of Bangladesh
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Golam Mustafa was a versatile actor who left an indelible mark across radio, television, theater, and film. Today marks the 18th anniversary of his passing. He departed from the world stage on February 20, 2003, but his legacy in Bangladeshi entertainment endures.
Born on March 2, 1935, in Pirojpur Mahakuma, Barisal district, Golam Mustafa moved to Dhaka in the mid-1950s. There, he fell in love with renowned radio actress Hosne Ara, whom he married in 1958. In his personal life, he was a devoted father to two daughters, the eldest being Suborna Mustafa, a nationally acclaimed actress.
His journey into the performing arts began in 1945 when he acted in the play Pallimangal, written by B.D. Habibullah, at the Ashwini Kumar Town Hall in Barisal. That same year, he recited Kazi Nazrul Islam’s poem Oi Naam at an event at Barisal District School, capturing the audience’s attention with his powerful voice and delivery.
After relocating to Dhaka, Golam Mustafa delved into theater before making his film debut in the documentary Ek Akar Zamin. His first feature film, Rajdhanir Buke, directed by Ehtesham, paved the way for a prolific career in cinema. He played a variety of roles, including lead, supporting, and antagonistic characters, showcasing his remarkable range as an actor.
Over the years, he appeared in nearly 300 films in both Bengali and Urdu. Some of his most notable performances include roles in Seemana Periye, Titas Ekti Nadir Naam, Padma Nadir Majhi, Emiler Gobna Bahini, Shuvoda, Shrawan Megher Din, Dhireh Bahe Meghna, Chandranath, and Devdas. He also acted in numerous television commercials.
While Golam Mustafa excelled in various roles, he was particularly celebrated for his performances as a villain. His portrayal of an alcoholic landlord in Harano Din (1961) remains one of his most memorable roles.
His immense contribution to cinema was recognized with multiple accolades. He won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in Emiler Detective Force (1980) and Shuvoda (1986). In honor of his contributions, he was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2001. Additionally, he received the Bachsas Award for his outstanding performances.
Since his passing in 2003, the Bangladesh Awrit Samannya Parishad has commemorated his legacy by celebrating 'Golam Mustafa’s Memory and the First Hour of Ekushey' every year, ensuring that his remarkable contributions to Bangladeshi culture are never forgotten.
- Additional Resources:
- Additional Resources:
- Agro-Ocean
- Asian News and Views
- Bangabandhu Development and Research Institute
- Bangladesh North American Journalists Network
- Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA)
- Coastal 19
- Delwar Jahid's Biography
- Diverse Edmonton
- Dr. Anwar Zahid
- Edmonton Oaths
- Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF)
- Motherlanguage Day in Canada
- Samajkantha News
- Step to Humanity Bangladesh