Learning, Unlearning, and the Architecture of Change
In a world where design often races ahead of reflection, CubeInside Design Ltd. is inviting architects, students, and thinkers to pause—and reconsider. Their upcoming three-day event, Learning & Unlearning, promises not just a series of lectures but a journey into the core of architectural consciousness. Set to unfold from September 25 to 27, the event will be hosted at CubeInside Design Ltd. in Dhaka. It’s not a typical seminar. It’s an exploration—into the craft, the culture, and the contradictions of architecture today. CubeInside, known for its thoughtful design practice, has curated this event with a clear intention: to challenge assumptions, provoke dialogue, and open up new ways of seeing. The title itself—Learning & Unlearning—signals a dual movement. It’s about acquiring knowledge, yes, but also about shedding the habits and biases that no longer serve. The programme is structured around lectures, discussions, and exhibitions, each designed to engage participants in critical reflection. Over three days, attendees will encounter ideas that stretch beyond blueprints and facades. They’ll be asked to consider architecture not just as a profession but as a cultural act—one that shapes and is shaped by society. The event is open to students, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with architectural discourse in a setting that encourages both curiosity and critique. CubeInside’s invitation is clear: come with questions, leave with more. CubeInside’s announcement, shared via its official Facebook page, carries a tone of quiet urgency. “CubeInside invites you to Learning & Unlearning,” it reads. The event’s visual identity, as seen in the post, is minimal yet evocative. It reflects CubeInside’s design ethos: clarity, restraint, and meaning. There’s no excess—just an invitation to think. What makes Learning & Unlearning stand out is its refusal to be didactic. It doesn’t claim to have answers. Instead, it offers a space where answers can be questioned. In a field often dominated by trends and technicalities, this is a refreshing shift. CubeInside’s initiative is timely. As Bangladesh grapples with rapid urbanisation, climate challenges, and shifting cultural landscapes, architecture must evolve. Events like this help ensure that evolution is thoughtful, inclusive, and grounded. For those attending, the three days will likely be more than an academic exercise. They’ll be a chance to connect—with ideas, with peers, and with the deeper purpose of design. And for CubeInside, it’s another step in its ongoing commitment to architecture that matters. In the end, Learning & Unlearning is not just about buildings. It’s about building understanding. And in that, CubeInside is offering something rare: a space to think, together. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 Opens in Dhaka, Showcasing National Industry to Global Markets
A four-day international exhibition has commenced in Dhaka to present Bangladesh’s ceramic industry to local, global buyers and investors. Organized by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025, one of Asia’s largest and most influential international ceramic trade exhibitions, is being held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). This fourth edition of the expo is set to host 135 companies and 300 global brands from 25 countries, including host Bangladesh, while more than 500 international delegates and buyers are scheduled to participate, underscoring the increasing global focus on Bangladesh’s rapidly expanding ceramic sector. BCMEA confirmed that the exhibition will feature three technical seminars, a job fair, extensive B2B and B2C meetings, live product demonstrations, spot-order opportunities, raffle draws, attractive giveaways, and the launch of new ceramic technologies and products. The exhibition is open to visitors free of charge from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily and is expected to attract buyers, suppliers, and stakeholders from across the sector. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said the industry, once fully dependent on imports, has now secured a strong position in global markets. He stressed the need for advanced technology adoption and uninterrupted energy supply to maintain production efficiency. The adviser added that the Interim Government will provide all necessary policy and regulatory support to accelerate the industry’s expansion. Following the inauguration, the adviser and distinguished guests visited various pavilions and stalls, where they praised the innovations and product displays. The commerce adviser expressed confidence that the sector will become increasingly export-driven. The event was presided over by BCMEA President Moinul Islam. Other speakers included Export Promotion Bureau Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro, BCMEA Senior Vice-Presidents Md Mamunur Rashid and Abdul Hakim Sumon, and BCMEA General Secretary Irfan Uddin. BCMEA President Moinul Islam noted that the ceramic industry has experienced rapid growth over the past decade. More than 70 factories producing tableware, tiles, and sanitary ware are currently in operation, serving a domestic market valued at Tk 8,000 crore annually. Over the last ten years, both production and investment have increased by nearly 150 percent. He added that Bangladesh now exports ceramic products to more than 50 countries, earning nearly Tk 500 crore in annual export revenue. Total industry investment exceeds Tk 18,000 crore, with the sector providing direct and indirect employment to approximately 500,000 workers. He further highlighted that major ceramic-producing nations, including China and India, are increasingly exploring investment opportunities in Bangladesh due to its competitive cost advantages and expanding global footprint. Fair Committee Chairman and BCMEA Secretary-General Irfan Uddin said Bangladeshi ceramic products are gaining international recognition for their quality, durability, and modern design. Demand is rising, and new global markets are opening for local manufacturers. He added that the expo will spotlight next-generation ceramic technologies, including automation, advanced digital printing, robotic handling, and upgraded production lines. “Smart tiles and sensor-integrated ceramic products, which are already popular worldwide, are expected to enter the domestic market soon. This expo will help local manufacturers connect with these emerging technologies,” he said. The event is supported by key industry partners. Sheltech Ceramics is serving as the Principal Sponsor, while DBL Ceramics, Akij Ceramics, and Meghna Ceramics are Platinum Sponsors. Gold Sponsors include Mir Ceramics, Abul Khayer Ceramics, HLT DLT, and SACMI, reflecting broad industry backing for the international expo. Written by: Mizanur Rahman Jewel
For the Love of Language Nation and Literature
With a new sun, new authorities emerge, revitalising familiar spaces. The 40th Ekushey Book Fair 2025, themed “July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh (New Bangladesh Deconstruction),” featured over 700 publishing houses at the premises of Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan. The month-long fair was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government on 01 February. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, a fundamental element of Bangladesh’s literary heritage, returned this year with a striking and visually captivating transformation. Uniquely crafted stalls add an architectural charm that sets this year’s fair apart from the previous editions. Visitors are greeted with the richness of literature and an impressive array of architecturally designed stalls, each presenting a unique identity. The influence of the new government is evident in the fair’s structured setup, where each stall showcases unique aesthetics through bold shapes, intricate exteriors, and thematic designs. When visiting this year’s Ekushey Book Fair, the crowd was astounding. People of all ages turned the fair into a true celebration. The entrance was bustling with various food vans, and women and children were all dressed up. The Book Fair has never been this festive and crowded in recent years, even on working days. Whether for recreation or out of love for books, the fair should continue in this spirit for eternity, celebrating Bangla language and literature. Readers and visitors took a moment to admire the aesthetics embraced by publishers who dedicated extra time and thought to beautifully decorate their pavilions. One of the highlights of this year’s book fair is the pavilion by Iti Prokashon, titled ‘Ziar Bari’ (Zia’s House), named after Ziaur Rahman, a prominent army chief, freedom fighter and politician who served as the sixth President of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981. A key figure in the country’s War of Independence, Zia’s name has often been sidelined in public discourse and textbooks due to the agendas of the previous autocratic regime. In contrast, Onnodhara Prokashon transformed its pavilion into a representation of the Bangladesh Parliament House. The sight of these two distinct symbols coexisting on the same ground truly captivated visitors. Afsar Brothers gave their pavilion a harmonious blend of heritage and functionality, making it an inviting space for book lovers while paying homage to Bengal’s rich architectural traditions. The structure follows a half-timbered design with exposed wooden beams and white infill panels, resembling classic Bengali rural or zamindari house styles. Other notable mentions include Bishwa Shahitto Kendro, which transformed its pavilion into a two-story BRTC bus structure, paying homage to its Moving Library. Bhashachitro Publications adopted a minimal, monochrome palette, giving the pavilion a simple yet elegant look. Bengal Books chose a wooden pavilion, creating a soothing atmosphere for buyers with its well-decorated books and thoughtful lighting. The Puthiniloy stall featured a book-structured roof, while Gronthik designed its stall to resemble a mud house with bamboo. Shaishab Prakash’s stall is shaped like a whimsical castle, inviting readers into a world of children’s literature. These creative designs add a unique visual and conceptual dimension to the fair, making it not just a place for purchasing books but also for cultural and artistic appreciation. The best pavilion design goes to Batighar, designed by artist Shahinur Rahman. The triangular front featured a stained-glass-like panel with motifs from Nakshi Kantha and Patachitra, reflecting Bengali folk art. Inside, a red dome element, inspired by a Chhoto Sona Mosque, highlighted local heritage. The steeply pitched roof with exposed red clay tiles resembled traditional Bangladeshi huts. For its artistic excellence, Batighar won the Kayum Chowdhury Memorial Award for best pavilion in this year. Sadly, the kids’ section lacked vibrancy, with limited space for children to explore and freely roam around. However, a few stalls, including Shoishob Prokash, Mayurpankhi, and EKRI MIKRI, did a decent job of capturing the attention of young visitors. Shoishob Prokash transformed its stall into a castle-like structure, Mayurpankhi adhered to its palette with subtle adjustments, and EKRI MIKRI added a creative touch by placing a horse for children to play on, making the stall an engaging and fun experience for the little ones. This year, the fair included 66 more stalls than the previous year. 99 publishers were located at the Bangla Academy premises and 609 at the Suhrawardy Udyan area. There were 37 pavilions in total, with one at the Bangla Academy premises and 36 at Suhrawardy Udyan. The Little Magazine Corner had been set up in Suhrawardy Udyan, with 130 stalls. In the children’s corner, 74 institutions had been allocated. The fair also featured daily seminars and cultural programmes in the evening, and a special “Children’s Hour” held every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm. As part of the Amar Ekushey celebrations, various children’s competitions, including art, recitation, and music, were organised. The fair had four entrance points: TSC, Doyel Chattar, MRT station, and Engineering Institute. Director General of Bangla Academy Mohammad Azam and Member Secretary of the Fair Management Committee Sarkar Amin said to Ceramic Bangladesh that the fair was entirely polythene and smoking-free, with security provided by the Police, RAB, Ansar, and various intelligence personnel. All participating institutions sold books on a 25% commission basis. The academy published 43 new books and reprinted 41 books for this fair. A total of 3,300 new titles were published in this Book Fair 2025 and Bangla Academy stall alone sold books worth Tk 61 lakh. Several awards were presented at the fair, including the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award for the best publisher, the Munir Chowdhury Memorial Award for artistic excellence, and the Rokanuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award for children’s literature. These awards recognise the contributions of publishers and authors to the literary and cultural landscape of Bangladesh. Written By Fariha Hossain
