Weekly Bichitra (সাপ্তাহিক বিচিত্রা) was a prominent Bangladeshi weekly literary magazine first published on May 18, 1972, shortly after the country’s independence. It was originally launched as a sister publication of Dainik Bangla and became known for its in-depth literary works, socio-political commentary, investigative reports, and cultural content. The magazine reached peak popularity in the 1980s and mid-1990s with a circulation of around 70,000 copies.
Under the editorship of influential figures like Fazal Shahabuddin, Shahadat Chowdhury, and literary luminaries such as Shamsur Rahman, Bichitra cultivated a reputation for intellectual rigor and excellence. It was notable for pioneering features in Bangladesh’s print media, including special Eid editions that featured serialized novels, essays, poetry, and cultural analysis.
The publication was also known for its investigative cover stories on social issues like corruption, smuggling, child trafficking, and women’s rights, which resonated strongly with readers and often stirred public discourse. One of its iconic contributions to popular culture was introducing the cartoon character “Tokai” by Rafiqun Nabi in 1978, which became a beloved symbol reflecting social satire.
Bichitra also played a critical role in chronicling Bangladesh’s history, including interviews and articles related to the Liberation War, such as with Sufia Kamal and Ziaur Rahman. The magazine ceased publication in October 1997 following political and economic pressures, marking the end of an influential era in Bangladeshi journalism and literature.
Today, Weekly Bichitra is remembered as a cultural milestone that significantly shaped Bangladesh’s literary and journalistic heritage, nurturing writers, poets, and intellectuals, and providing a vital platform for creative and political expression during its 25 years of publication.