Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 47

AvenueT Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, March 29, 2014 | Volume 1, Issue 47

10

Bibi’s

Spring Flair

12

A SIT DOWN With

SRABONTI Narmeen Ali

Contents

AvenueT inside...

Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Magazine Editor

Editor’s note

5

8

Grand Vitara

Old fashioned get-together

Dear Readers,

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Avenue T team

Khan N Moushumi Mahmood Hossain Sabah Rahman

N Anita Amreen Tausif Sanzum Najmal A Nadvi

Contributors

Tahsin Momin Agony Aunt

11

16

A modern twist to tradition

Hoolocks

Waleed K Rajamiya Sabrina Miti Gain

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Editor, Avenue T

Photography

Syed Latif Hossain Sadia Marium

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

Shekhar Mondal

Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

We just celebrated Independence Day this week, and for all of us at Avenue T, we’re in this strange frame of mind that’s part nostalgia, part patriotism, all Bangladeshi.

This week, we chat with the lovely Srabonti Narmeen Ali about her book and music. We’re also featuring the unique styles of Bibi Russell on a special two-page spread.

And what could be more utterly, completely Bangali than a good old-fashioned rooftop adda? Join us at Tucked in for the fun.

Los Amigos 3 TRY OUT Nakshi kantha 4 TECH Moto G 5 TIRES Wheels of suzuki 6 TELL Agony Aunt’s solutions 8 TUCKED IN Hosting a hangout 9 TAKE CARE Strength and weight 2 TUNED

10 TRENDING Four ways to a sari 11 TAILORED A unique accessory 14 TEMPT Natural beauty 15 TICKET Independent sales 16 TRAVELOGUE In Lawachara 18 TANTALISE

Street food at its best

20 NEWS

Production

Masum Billah

Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

Wahid Murad

Contact us

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

12

Tunes, trends and tomes

This week Deshi Dazzle This week, we feature the signature gamcha fabrics, bright colours and whimsy that characterise the couture of Bibi Russell. Check out our two-page spread for more Models Sakib, Mousam Photographer Miftah Rahman Make-up Wasifa Shoot coordinator Tausif Sanzum

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

2 | Tuned in event

Los Amigos live @ EMK EMK Center hosted a concert of Los Amigos on March 25. Los Amigos is a Latin jazz band from India. Since its establishment in 2006, the band has garnered a lot of appreciation. 2011 was a turning point for the band when they played at the Java Jazz festival.

WATCH

entertainment

Lone Survivor

A four-man SEAL investigation team is given the task to capture a Taliban leader. However, they are soon discovered and outnumbered by the foes. After putting up a brave fight, only one man of the team survives. This is the story of the lone survivor, Marcus Luttrell.

It is based on the real life military operation, Red Wings which took place in 2005. Watch this gripping tale of survival in one of the most difficult terrains of the world.

See

Enlisted

After assaulting a high ranked officer in Afghanistan, staff sergeant Pete Hill is sent back to the base. Here, he is made platoon sergeant of a group of misfits which includes his two younger brothers. Watch this comedy series with a military backdrop as the three brothers rekindle and strengthen their bond.

Read

in Dhaka

March 29

this week

April 1 Gettysburg: The Last Invasion

EMK Platform Presents @ EMK Center

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

Recycle & Inspire: Part 2 ( Project Exhibition & Competition ) @ BRAC University

This book by Allen C Guelzo deals with the climactic threeday battle of Gettysburg. It dives deep into the lives of ordinary soldiers who dealt with both political and military pressures.

The book is known for its close to life depiction of the landscape as the civil war raged on. This book helps us experience the horrors of wars as well as admire the bravery of the people concerned.

Try Out |

3

diy

Nakshi kantha A touch of tradition

| N Anita Amreen

Nakshi kantha inspired home décor Nakshi kantha has always been an age old form of art that has been passed on from one generation to the next. With every thread entwined with a story, the detailed mastery of both colour and thread acts as a comfortable and vivid reminder of traditional Bangladesh.

Add a touch of tradition to your home with these nakshi kantha inspired décor ideas.

The nakshi kantha multi-frame Much like a multiple canvas painting, you can give your favourite nakshi kantha pillow cases a whole new dimension by framing each separately and hanging them on your wall.

You’ll need

• Four nakshi kantha pillow cases in relatively small, yet distinct sizes • Four frames of your choice to fit each pillow case • A drilling machine • Nails

Directions Frame each pillow case, smoothing it out so that there are no wrinkles.

Place them on the floor to set out the pattern in which you’d like to hang them on the wall. Instead of going for the usual straight horizontal placement, hang the frames at different heights. Next, holding them against the wall, trace their outlines with a pencil. Finally, drill in nails and hang your framed nakshi kanthas on the wall.

The nakshi kantha room divider This is a great way to use damaged or a worn out nakshi kantha to revamp your room divider.

You’ll need

• A room divider with multiple frames* • A nakshi kantha • A measuring tape • Scissors • Aica glue

Directions Measure each of the frames of your room divider. Based on your measurements, cut out small pieces from the nakshi kantha to fit the frames. Put a hefty amount of glue on each frame, then carefully stick on the nakshi kantha cutouts, smoothening them out as you paste them. Repeat with rest of the frames until all the frames have been covered. Give it an hour or two to dry before you move the room divider around.

Available at any

Aarong store

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4 | Tech troubleshooting

apps

Back to square one | Mahmood Hossain Day after day, apps are going back to the basics

Photo: Bigstock

Routing wirelessly

| Mahmood Hossain

Whether it’s at home or at a café, we need to have constant access to the Internet. The most comfortable setup for anyone is to have a wireless connection to the Internet at home.

Eventually, however you’ll have to replace your current router with a new and advanced one. Whatever the reason may be, there will be times when your wireless network will fail to pick up signals under the new settings.

The common problem here is that when you buy a new router and connect everything in the correct way, it won’t let you browse or properly use the Internet. There’s an easy fix for this.

1. Disconnect the network cables and power from the broadband modem that you’ve received from your Internet Service Provider.

2. Unplug everything that needs to be plugged in later. Leave everything unplugged for about 30 seconds.

3. Reconnect all the cables and wires to the modem, make sure that the WAN/Internet lights are lit.

4. Attach all the cables, including the Ethernet cable to the router’s WAN port, to your router. Plug in the power cord for the router.

5. Make sure the Internet connection light blinks or flashes to indicate established signals. These steps make the broadband modem get rid of the old router’s settings and set up the new router’s information.

Try browsing and use the Internet as you regularly would. If things still don’t work, you can go through the router setup instructions again. The setup will work smoothly since you have reset the broadband modem.

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

SquareOne Mail is a beautiful and simple app that presents you with the messages that matter most. All of your mails will sync into a very easy to use dashboard with a small ticker at the top of your screen, briefly showing what each new e-mail is about. Instead of dealing with tabs, this app categorises each type of e-mails to their respective boxes. This makes it easier to simply touch and view the e-mails you actually do want to read.Organising is a very important aspect of a productive life and the creators of this app are very well aware of that.

Each of the boxes (referred to as “zones”) are labelled appropriately, separating one category to the next.

It’s easy to divide your work e-mails from your personal ones from friends and family. E-mails that you receive from social networks also has its own zone. Each zone includes a simple swipe to the right for notifications going silent. You can always turn them back on when you actually want to hear or read from that zone.

Sorting e-mails from certain contacts are also quite simple. All you have to do is swipe and choose which zone it will fall into.

It’s user friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Apps like these not only make life easier but leaves you wanting more of it. SquareOne Mail is free to download on Apple devices that require iOS 7.0 or later.

gadgets

G rated

| Mahmood Hossain

It’s Moto G, the younger sibling While Motorola isn’t one of the heavy hitters, they’ve been in the game for quite some time. The Motorola Moto G is one of the few reasons why the company still functions. They have a long history in the mobile phone market and it is justified through the quality of their products.

Design

It’s difficult not to mention the incredibly low price of the Moto G. Its 8GB handset is approximately Tk20,000, while the 16GB is around Tk22,000. This phone is very affordable and you’d be a fool to complain about it. In turn, it begs the question: at such a low price, doesn’t it feel or look cheap? You’d be surprised that it’s the complete opposite of the assumption. The design is very similar to Motorola’s current flagship, the Moto X. You are actually getting more for what you’re

paying in terms of build and quality.

Performance

Comparing the Moto G to other flagship phones would be foolish.

It’s like David versus Goliath, except David won’t win this battle. At this price, it can only produce so much.

This is a perfect secondary phone for those who wish to keep their more high-end devices away from prying eyes. However, this Android 4.3 Jelly Bean running device can work as an everyday phone as well.

Specs

• Dual sim • 4.5-inch 720p resolution LCD screen • 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor; Adreno 305 graphics • 8GB & 16GB storage; 1GB RAM • 5-megapixel rear camera; 1.3-megapixel front camera

Tires | wheels

5

ROAD RAGE

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara

| Tahsin Momin It’s cheap, stylish and handles brilliantly, but it’s been constantly let down by below-par ride, refinement and performance

: Uttara Motors Ltd. 102, Shahid Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Tejgaon, Dhaka 1208, Bangladesh.

Phone: 8143372, 8144328, 8143713

If you are looking for a vehicle that maintains its grandeur on the road, then 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara is what you are looking for. It is a bold car with looks that is simple and yet elegant.

Photo: Big Stock

Mob no more

Exterior

The exterior of this car is a fine combination of tradition in a modern packing. It combines simplicity and grandeur that indeed inspire. The front and the back of this car are equally compelling and stunningly tempting. The spare wheel on the back of the car gives it its distinct sporty look in addition to its 16 inch standard wheels, automatic headlights and keyless entry.

Interior

The interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is nothing short of spectacular. The seats are plush and very comfortable and are available in leather and fabric upholstery.

Though the richness is not that much of a commodity in this car, the laminated wooden ash has been intelligently used in this car to make it look simple yet gorgeous.

The front dashboard is curvy and quite simple when it comes to designs, however smartly combines the centre console and the driver instrument panel in it. The driver instrument panel is made in round gauges and vibrant colours that give it equally impressive looks.

AUTO CORRECT What is the significance of spark plugs?

How often should they be replaced? | Tahsin Momin

Spark plugs are little devices inside the cylinder that take in high voltage electricity at one end and create a spark at the other end.

There, the spark ignites the gas and air mixture, and the resulting combustion is what ultimately powers the car.

It is recommended that you replace them every time you go in

for an engine oil change.

If they are not replaced regularly then your engine will start to misfire and run poorly, performance will suffer, efficiency will decrease and emissions will dramatically increase. You may also have difficulty in starting up your car.

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Performance

Under the hood, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is quite a machine, having a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine that can produce up to 148HP of power and coupled with fivespeed manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive. The automatic transmission and four-wheel drive are optional features. On average the Suzuki Grand Vitara gives out 9km/litre on the highway and 7km/ litre in the city which is quite the average for most of the SUVs in the same class.

Safety

The safety elements in the Suzuki Grand Vitara are also quite topnotch including traction and stability control, air bags for the front passengers and full length side curtains. Rear disc brakes have also been added to all the trims and efforts have been made to improve pedestrian protection at the front of the vehicle.

Overall, the Suzuki Grand Vitara performs respectably on-road and off, and is adequately equipped.

But the engine refinement is poor and more thought could have been given to its design, specification and equipment availability to make it more appealing. It was perhaps a sensible choice at the time of its launch but more recent rivals have since given it a harder time. The Grand Vitara is a far better car than the one it replaced but it has also been an opportunity missed.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re bound to have noticed Dhaka’s new love affair with flashmobs. The recent resurgence of the protest form, made popular

by Glee a few years ago, has finally hit the capital city here, and that means, like most memes, this live meme is destined to overstay its welcome.

The T20 anthem and all the flashmob contests aren’t really helping either. What does this have to do with road rage, you ask?

Well, considering, on any given day “normal” Dhaka traffic is a nightmare to begin with, blocking off sections of the road to dance to a song that everyone’s already tiring of, isn’t exactly the most considerate of options.

Yet, the very fact that we cannot afford to have a little song and dance on the streets without throwing a monkey wrench into everyone’s movements is telling about our overall road network.

With flyover projects underway in key areas, narrowing the usable pathways until they are completed, there is a serious lack of alternate routes. One can only hope that once these extra flyovers, bridges and the like are done, it will greatly ease the current snarls that are slowly reaching unbearable proportions. Now that is something worth dancing about.

Share your auto correct problems, write to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com

AVE N U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 20 1 4

6 | Tell issues

Disheartened Q

Books are my passion. For as long as I can remember, all I ever wanted to do is become a writer. I have submitted my manuscripts to many English publishing houses but have been rejected every time. The more rejection letters I get, the more frustrated and depressed I become. I keep questioning myself and my ideas and keep thinking that I am not a good writer. This depression has gripped my whole life and I don’t know how to get out of it. Please help!

A

My dear, I understand your distress, let the fact that most good writers were rejected help console you. They were not rejected once but many times! You could be just like one of them. It is said that a rejection is an imperative test of one’s character. Never give up on your dreams, persistence is the key to your success. Why not write short stories for a magazine, articles on topics that interest you. You may get to be known that way, and once you have some contacts, it could be easier to publish your books. Have you thought of self publishing? You’ll find lots of help online on how to go about it. One of my clients is a top best-seller of self published books and she is now on her third one. Beatrix Potter in 1900, after many rejections published her own book: The Tale of Peter Rabbit; JK Rowling got twelve rejections before her first Harry Potter book was published, the poor woman had no job and no money even for electricity so she would go to a café and write there undeterred.

Write us your problems

and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

letters to mars

Served by the other man

Q

I had an arranged marriage to S. We’ve been married for a year and a half. Although we aren’t the most loving or intimate couple, we are both comfortable with each other. I respect and care for her but I also give her her space as she gives me mine.

Slightly private in nature, I know there are a lot of things she doesn’t like to share with others. This is fine with me but recently I’ve had the feeling that she’s getting very close to this office clerk who runs errands for our family. When I’m away, she calls him into our bedroom, gets foot massages from him, asks him to pick out her clothes (including her lingerie). This is alarming for me. Perhaps she has no intention to do anything with him, but I know she DEFINITELY knows this isn’t normal.

Is she trying to instigate me or get my attention and then laugh at me for the sheer stupidity of my doubts?

A

I am intrigued by what is happening in your life; there is something not quite right about it. What makes you shy about asking her what is going on and telling her this is an unacceptable behaviour? You seem almost scared of challenging her- why? Is it because you fear or know things are not that fine between the two of you? Your feelings are real, tell her how you feel about her, show your love and affection and do not be afraid to say: “When you do this I feel sad/upset/hurt. Can we talk about it?” Tell her you want your relationship with her to be real, where problems or worries are discussed. Tell her and make her feel that she is the woman of your life. When you talk to her on the phone, end the call with “I love you.” Surprise her by taking her out for lunch or get some sandwiches and take her out to the park. Court her - women love to be made to feel they are important to their men.

Write us your problems

and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

Photo: Big Stock

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

Photo: Big Stock

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19) This is the week when you disconnect and escape into the feel good world of your mind. Do what you enjoy most and take some time out to unwind.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) On the social front, you’re on a roll as you continue making winning relations with others. Your career will take a meaningful turn, one that you’ve been waiting for.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) It’s best to plan out your next few financial moves. You may succumb to procrastination and then suddenly make a few impulsive moves. If you’re confused, get feedback from others.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) You may be feeling insecure about your life and your surroundings. This is when you should branch out your interests and explore new territories - this will help you.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) You will feel burdened with the amount of work you’ve had to deal with recently. In the midst of it all, you may have lost yourself. Reconnect with old loved ones to remind yourself of the positive side of life.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) Focus on what makes you feel good - namely your partner and your loved ones. Instead of taking an independent approach to things, join hands to collaborate.

Horos

oscope

Tell |

7

tact

The wife’s guide to

manning up the mamma’ s boy | N Anita Amreen Four ways to cut the apron strings your man is holding on to Some men, regardless of age or experience, cling on to their moms with an almost sacred, holy bond.

However, the moment another woman enters the picture without the mother’s approval (god forbid!) all hell breaks loose. The women fight it out – one, for her man’s independence and the other, for the threat of losing the leash that holds her son close. In the ultimate battle, every win turns out to be a loss for the son himself.

With umbilical bonding between mother and son running so deep, it sometimes seems that only divine intervention can come in between the two. Despair not ladies, as this week Avenue T shows you a three-step way to help man up the mamma’s boy in your life.

Develop personal identity

As long as you and your man is okay with your decisions, there is no reason to pay heed to the mother’s unhappiness with it.

Never make an issue out of your man’s relationship with his mother.

If you’re queasy about how she infringes on your privacy, keep it to yourself. Build your character by doing what you enjoy. Be cordial with her while you stand your ground. Encourage your husband to do the same.

Never ask him to demean or go against her outright. Always appeal to the nobler motive: making your husband feel more confident about his decisions rather than making him rebel against her. Soon he will have his own identity, as you will Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) Your romantic partner and you will have to work things out one step at a time. Whatever problems you may be facing, remember that a little faith goes a long way.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) Don’t be let down by the negative side of people. Keep in mind that your words have weight and you do have the power to change things for your betterment.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) While focusing on the practical side of life, you may have become a little mechanical in your thinking. Think out of the box and try to incorporate some creativity into the decisions you take.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) You’ve been beating yourself up lately. Don’t be so hard on yourself as it’ll get you nowhere.

Spend some time with friends to cement the bonds you’ve been building.

have yours, without really bringing the mother in to complicate the situation.

Make peace with the M-in-law

Arguing with the mother-in-law is like playing with fire. It’s similar to fighting a losing battle that you can never win. Remain cordial and respectful with her, but maintain your distance. If you have any issues with her, take it up with your husband without really making her sound like the evil stepmom. Use logic and reason to explain to him how the choices he’s making aren’t in everyone’s best interest. If you make peace with your in-law, the momma’s boy will finally let go of the gift of guilt bestowed upon him by his mom and see things for the way they truly are.

Set limits

Instead of openly waging all out war with your mother-in-law’s every move, set limits with your man himself. Lovingly explain to him what is or is not tolerable to you, without really dropping the “m” word into the equation. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of him discussing his relationship problems with her, sweetly explain to him that you do not like him sharing private matters with family members who may wrongly judge you for it. Remain firm, yet don’t let anger get the better of you.

Eventually your man will learn to set boundaries with his mother, without hurting either of you in the process. He will learn to understand that if he sticks to his decisions, his mom will eventually have to conform.

letters to venus

Addicted to the virtual world

Q

My husband has a gross sexual appetite. He’s 34 yet he still streams pornographic videos from the Internet, has a whole album of these videos on his phone and can spend long hours watching them. I’m afraid this is not healthy for a man his age. It bothers me that he still needs all these childish distractions to stimulate himself. Often, I feel like I am not good enough or that he’s expecting too much from me. I would like him to stop, what’s the best way to tell him to?

A

I do not believe that a healthy man with a healthy sexual appetite needs porn to stimulate himself. Often, this is the case of men and women who do not make love to their partner but engage in just simple sex. Making love is when two people love each other, care for each other and it becomes a spiritual union, even in the sexual act. I do not believe that it is a reflection of who you are or what you look like; it is a reflection of who he is. The best way forward is to talk to him and discuss the matter. Your husband is probably addicted to it. Try to understand him but also tell him how his actions make you feel.

Write us your problems

Photo: Big Stock

and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19) This week you’ll be swamped with responsibilities and obligations. Your inability to deal with it might frustrate you. The key lies in doing what you can, as fast as you can, leaving you enough time to socialise and mingle.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) You’re intuition and sixth sense will be pointing in one direction.

However, you’ll have difficulty believing in yourself. Consult with a friend to help rebuild your confidence.

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

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8 | Tucked in digs & finds

Idea Crafts

the host

Get-together:

the Deshi edition

S ST O R E D E L OCAT @

Gate College & i 11 Banan

The warmth of cha, the comfort of close company and the joy of a good ol’ adda With Independence Day reminding us of the spirit of togetherness, what better way to celebrate than indulge ourselves in our favourite form of recreation: adda. Forget about complicated décor ideas and five course menus, all it takes to relive good memories is the company of friends, a few hot snacks and long conversations while wrapped up in blankets under the night sky.

Leaf-shaped wooden frame

The set up

Miniature rickshaw

You can host the party at your veranda (if you have a large one) or your rooftop. Since summer has already set in, choose a cooler spot and make sure you have a few pedestal fans placed around your seating area. Set out two tables, one for snacks and the other for drinks. As for seating, place small tools in small clusters. You may use cane tools and tables to add a rustic touch to your adda setting.

Nibble station

Wooden showpiece

The nibble station can have all sorts of old finger favourites such as samosas, shingaras, dal puris and pakoras.

Take out your homemade achaar and

chutneys to use as dips. A separate corner can hold a huge bowl of freshly made jhal muri. Instead of bowls or plates for serving the jhaal muri, leave newspaper cuttings to shape into the cones to enjoy your muri the old school way. Again, add a little twist to your muri by leaving a side platter of achaar that guests can add to spice up their mix. For sweet nibbles, leave out platters of pitha: patishapta, bhapa and gurer pitha are natural choices.

Later into the night, if you’d like, you may move the party to your home and serve a dinner of fish, bhortas, different veggie dishes and rice.

| N Anita Amreen

of lassi (one salty and one sweet). A jug of cool lemonade, too, can be served to those uninterested in tea or lassi.

Drink station

What’s an adda without some tea?

You can purchase a few clay cups and

place them for your guests to drink tea from. Fill three flasks with masala tea, milk tea and the traditional rong cha. To add an orange tang to your rong cha, cut out big chunks of mosambi and leave it for the guests to add their clear tea. For those looking for a summer cooler, place two flasks

Fun and games

To keep the party alive, play some soft classics in the background.

It’s always fun to have a guitar or harmonium handy. If you have a singing talent among your guests, string up the guitar and play away.

There’s nothing more fun than a singing party. Have your guests engage in some light hearted fun by taking rounds to sing your past favourites. You may also set up mats on the floor, with a few cushions scattered for a fun game of snakes and ladders. Perhaps a game of carrom for the young ones?

Photos: Big Stock Photos: Neloy I Hossain

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

Take care |

9

health

the host

Strength and weight training

| Waleed K Rajamiya

Finding your body’s perfect fit

Five ways to cut down on your sugar intake

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Whether or not you’re trying to lose weight, sugar is one of those ingredients that’s always better to have less of. Here’s how to go easy on the sweet stuff without even realising it.

DIY Dressing

Processed condiments, from mayo to BBQ sauce, all contain large helpings of sugar. If possible, make your own dressing, substituting sugar with honey or molasses. It will actually taste better and half the time, you won’t even need to put in sweeteners.

Lying labels

Photo: Big Stock

Firstly, let’s get one thing straight.

There are two main types of training – strength training (fitness) and weight training (bodybuilding). Strength training is meant to improve your overall health, stamina and level of fitness.

Weight training on the other hand, is designed to build a large body made up of proportioned muscles, focusing on building muscles for show (bodybuilding contests, impressing women, sporting bodyhugging tees, etc).

Now the question is, size or agility? Let me rephrase that; do you want a physique like Ryan Reynolds and Brad Pitt or like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bill Goldberg? Both paths require considerable time, dedication, discipline and effort, and both provide amazing results.

Once you’ve decided on what kind of training you want to go for,

we’ll start with rep ranges. This is the main difference between the two kinds of training and it’s pretty basic stuff, rep means repetition (ie doing a bicep curl once counts as 1 rep, doing it twice counts as 2, so on and so forth). A set on the other hand, is made up of a specific number of reps (eg 3x10 means 3 sets of 10 reps each).

If it’s size you’re after, then I would suggest picking weights you’re comfortable with and doing your exercises within a range of 4 sets made up of 12 reps. What this does is cause microscopic damage to individual muscle fibres, but don’t worry, they repair themselves overnight, and gradually increase in size.

Keep in mind that working out does not just mean getting into beast mode and lifting weights like crazy for days on end. Your muscles need rest to recover and become

Photo: Big Stock

bigger. You will need to rest for at least two minutes between each set (my advice – use a stopwatch, you’ll be surprised at how much time you save), do not forget to get at least eight hours of sleep every night and do take a day off every week for all your muscles to completely recover.

If size isn’t what you’re looking for and you want pure, raw strength, then go for weights you are comfortable with (you could use weights that are reasonably heavy) and start working on a rep range of 4 sets made up of 4 to 6 reps (rest time between sets - 30 seconds to 1:30 minutes). What this does is repetitively expand and contract individual muscle fibres, giving you massive strength. A good example is when you see Olympic weightlifters, most of who look smaller than the big bodybuilders you find at the gym but lift 10 times more.

If you have a skinny body structure and do this properly, be prepared for a Bruce Leesque body in a matter of 5-6 months. Don’t worry about progress, you’ll start to see and feel it within a month. This kind of training also requires you to take a day off and to sleep at least eight hours every night.

If your body leans towards the bulkier side, you’ll see results within 2-3 months. Also, note that if pure strength training is combined with an intense cardio programme at the end of a workout, you will burn a staggering amount of fat.

Pay attention to the nutrition information on your bottled and canned food, particularly those labelled as “low-fat.”

Manufacturers often try to compensate for the loss of flavour from removing fat by adding more sugar.

Avoid items that are high on ingredients like corn syrup.

Best fruit forward

Fruit is an awesome substitute for sugar-rich dessert items and can satisfy your sweet tooth. When picking fruit-rich snacks, such as dried fruit, look for the low-sugar option.

Better still, eat the fresh fruit.

It’s much healthier for you.

Flavour saver

Dairy alternatives such as soy or almond milk are life-savers for the lactose intolerant but their flavoured versions are pretty high on sugar. If you want to switch to these low-fat dairy substitutes but can’t stand the tastelessness of the plain products, add just a tad bit of salt, a spoonful of honey and unsweetened cocoa, and it tastes just like “real” chocolate milk.

Breaking bread

You’ll be surprised at how much sugar you cut back on just by switching from white bread to wholegrain. Ditto for chappatis. Once you get used to the taste, you’ll find that these fibre-rich alternatives also come with a whole host of health benefits.

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10 | Trending fashion

Draped in style

| N Anita Amreen

new collection

It’s Bibi, baby

This week Avenue T dishes out a few tips and tricks to revamp the conventional sari look by presenting you with four different styles of draping

It’s the consistency of tradition mixe aesthetics. Season after season, it s it better than Bibi Russell. H is as colourful as ever. Women ca yet simplistic designs, while men ar blend of solids, stripes and eye-catch

The anchaal glory

Begin by tying the sari around your petticoat as you would normally do with a regular drape. However, keep the kuchis limited since you’ll need more length to be left out for this style. Take the anchaal and wrap it around you from under your hands.

Smoothen out the sari on your chest, pinning up both sides of your blouse with it. Pleat the anchaal and move it under your left hand and over your left shoulder. Pin again. This will make the anchaal extend out from your shoulders, falling gracefully.

The haute half-sari drape

The mermaid double drape

Begin by draping the sari around your petticoat as you normally would, keeping the kuchis to a bare minimum again. Fold ¾ of the anchaal lengthwise and drape it around your waste, tucking in the extended edges into your petticoat. Make a second wrap from under your right hand and onto your left shoulder. Secure the border on your left shoulder with pins.

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To achieve this look, wrap the sari around twice, with the kuchis as you would normally do. Then pleat the anchaal and bring it over your left shoulder from the back, so that the anchaal is hanging all the way down near your knees. Take the right end of your anchaal and wrap it around your waist, moving from the right to the left side. It should go all the way round, over your kuchis, to be tucked right under your belly button. Tuck only the edge into your petticoat, tightening the wrap around your left hip.

The lahenga style

This style oozes with unabashed glamour. Draped in the style of a lahenga, it can amp up the glam quotient of any heavily embroidered sari. Make one plain, simple wrap around your petticoat, tucking in the edges. For the second round, start under your right hand, making several small pleats as you go around you waist, tucking in the edges.

The more pleats you have, the more volume your lahenga’s fall will have.

Take the remaining of the anchaal and bring it over your right shoulder, securing it with pins.

11

Tailored His style

ed with modern seems no one does Her new collection an don the vibrant re given an attractive hing patterns.

Wear it proud

| Mahmood Hossain

Hey, if Antonio Banderas did it, why can’t you?

Accessorising becomes easier and simplistic, as each look projects a bold statement. Let the clothes do the talking, while you strut in an effortless manner.

The accessory of choice is our very own gamcha. Yes, you read that right. Your eyes do not deceive you. We’re sure you’ve already seen Bibi Russell’s wonderful influence on Spanish actors in their homeland of Espania. Mr Banderas was waving it around and wrapping his neck in a classic gamcha. You might be surprised to know how easy it is to incorporate this simple accessory into different looks.

• The gamcha was originally meant for a functional purpose: wipe the sweat off your body.

This means that the gamcha is best used with a casual outfit.

A Panjabi or a kurta are the more common choices. You can simply hang the gamcha around your neck with both ends in front of you.

• Another easy giveaway is using the gamcha as an effective scarf. It’s spring and the weather is warmer so the light cotton fabric fits in perfectly.

This works with a regular polo shirt (or a T-shirt) and a pair of jeans.

• Pocket squares. Shocked?

Thinking out of the box, when it comes to style, is always encouraged. Again, the very light fabric makes it easy for you to fold it into many smaller squares until you can place it properly into your breast pocket. Ideally, you want to make sure the gamcha is of shorter length and very thin.

If it’s too long, don’t hesitate to cut it in half. Make sure you’re wearing a casual blazer or a suit that is warm weather appropriate.

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12 | Trial room

Tunes, trends and tomes

| Sabah Rahman

An author who recently had her first book published, a singer, a Bollywood dance teacher, mother of two and a loving wife, Srabonti Narmeen Ali is the embodiment of an independent woman. Avenue T sits down with this dynamic and influential figure

Srabonti Narmeen Ali Photos: Courtesy

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Bollywood dance teacher

13

Trial room|

There has been a recent surge of local authors writing in English.

What are some of the struggles they have to face?

English writing is quite new in Bangladeshi literature, but it is so amazing that we have so many talented writers finally coming out. At the same time there are obstacles, as there is in almost everything we do in life. Firstly the fact that we are writing in English in itself is an issue for many. One question that many people have posed to me is “Why in English?”

The truth is that I just wouldn’t be able to write a novel in Bangla, even if my life depended on it. It’s not something I’m proud of but it’s the truth. Another problem I have faced personally, is that my genre is not exactly your run-of-the-mill genre. With any industry, being different and breaking out of the cookie cutter mould that has been created for an artist is hard. Writing in English puts you in a different category in any case. Team it with writing about decadence like I did, and you’ve got a category that’s so alien that most people don’t know what to do with it.

you feel strongly about. Music is basically your soul on display. If you feel strongly about political views, it will show in your music.

When it comes to your music, who inspires you?

This is so difficult. So many people ask me this and I never know the right answer. My musical tastes are eclectic – no, actually, they are schizophrenic. I can jam from anything ranging from Tagore to Michael Jackson. Whatever takes me to another world and makes me believe in magic, makes me want to dance, makes me want to sing and cry and laugh, inspires me to become a better musician.

flowy things in light good-quality cotton. I’m a bit of a tomboy, so I usually dress down rather than up. My favorite local designer is Chondon. I buy all my saris from there.

Describe your personal sense of style. What are your favourite local brands?

VERY CASUAL! I don’t really see myself as a very stylish person. I like whatever I think looks good and is comfortable. I love long and

Most authors in Bangladesh continue to focus solely on 1971.

Are we ever going to move forward?

The problem is that our nation hasn’t gotten our due justice for what happened in 1971. Very few people outside Bangladesh are aware that there was a war, and those who are aware are grossly misinformed. Bangladesh has not gotten a formal apology from Pakistan and from what my Pakistani friends tell me,even their educated population really don’t understand what happened. I think writing about it, especially in English, is the only way that we can disseminate that information to the rest of the world so that they know – the truth, the horror stories, the violence, those nine months in our history that our parents just cannot forget and cannot stop telling us about. These are stories that need to be told, and the world needs to acknowledge what happened to our country.

What is your idea of independence?

Independence is being free from your demons.

Many musician’s political views are reflected in their work, one example being the album for Shahbag. what are your views on this?

I think that makes sense. Music reflects who you are, whatever

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14 | Tempt

Deshi delights

| Sabah Rahman

Even though everything listed below is all natural, always perform a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions There is something very appealing about going the natural route when it comes to skin care products.

Women in Bangladesh are very familiar with “uptan,” which essentially means a mixture of herbs and other natural ingredients that are mixed with water to form a paste and used as a face mask.

Avenue T breaks down the benefits of the most widely used elements in these wonderful concoctions:

Turmeric

Chock full of anti-oxidants, turmeric is indeed the super spice.

Regular application can lighten the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars and even slow down the growth of pesky facial hair. You can also try a hair mask with turmeric as an ingredient to stimulate blood circulation on the scalp that promotes hair growth.

Photos: Big Stock

Chickpea flour

Locally known as “besan” and used in most face packs, it has a host of benefits for your skin. It’s a great natural cleanser, as well as an exfoliant. However, since it can be a bit drying, it’s recommended for oily or acne prone skin. Feel free to mix it with other natural ingredients. If you have dry skin and still want to experiment with besan, you can always add crushed almonds to the mixture, as the natural fat in nuts can moisturise your skin.

To henna or not to henna

Sandalwood

You’ll see this aromatic ingredient listed as “chandan” on the back of pre-packaged face packs.

Sandalwood improves circulation, fights free radicals and helps fight blemishes. Sandalwood oil can also be added to your regular facial lotion for deep moisturising.

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Neem

The leaf from the Margosa tree is truly nature’s gift to people battling oily, acne prone skin. Popular for its natural antiseptic properties, neem can also be used to soothe rashes and insect bites. Meena Herbal makes an amazing neem oil that helps prevent and deal with dandruff.

Using henna on your hair doesn’t have to mean orange, brassy colour anymore. Whether the scent of henna makes you recoil or not, women with lustrous, healthy hair swear by this natural wonder.

Remember to deep condition dry or damaged hair prior to application to prevent brittle results. Numerous companies manufacture henna based dyes. It can be gentler on hair, while strengthening the roots at the same time, due to its natural proteins.

15

Ticket|

March Madness special offers From silk panjabis to nakshi stitch saris, boutiques are teeming with outfits in proud shades of red and green.

Independence Day’s passed, but no reason why you can’t try these trends out

Shadak

alo

Kay Kraft Their range of outfits come in multicoloured prints, with kamizes priced from Tk2,000 and panjabis at Tk1,000 and up.

Saris are priced at Tk 1,300 and up. Their designs include block prints, embroidery, as well as the use of paneled short kamizes.

hal

de ll as e nclu ns i e as w ued g i s y e Bashundhara City Shopping Mall, d d b u d s e in s hal’ s, ti Panthapath Ph: 02-9117090 Des k print mizes en and and a c che eless k as for mt Tk380 izes v u m a t e e o l s . F priced iece ka aris at des Anjan’s sha en are three-p d up, s n wom e, with ,200 a 1 v k For the Ind o T b a at ependence City . ara Day, Anjan has create iced and up r h p d d several k ’s sun th, 60 antha stitch saris in sh a , Ba Tk9 ade el-7 anthap v e panjabis. E s of green, as well as L P , , A mbroidere kall d panjabis start at Tk Bloc ping M 889 1,400. Do p 3 o 0 check out h their tradit S 2-90 ional clutc h: 0 hes that st at Tk550.

P art

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ting interes has an es s lo Mirpur Rd a u k lo a , Dhaka, Shad ade b m y d a Ph:02-835 e r d f n o a e 0 n 77 0 li 8 54, s, k T s Bashundh from amize neck g ara City M priced n g high ts of k f a in s t i r R s , o a s ll p n e le S v vel 7, Panth o e co above. ter slee nd apath shade er lin a ee quar esign s in every at Tk750, d r i and thr es are trendy e a Th fotu . us start ets at the blo onably priced s and w. Fotuas 0, kamiz s 0. i r a s as inbo Tk85 k1,25 very re s include batik ints with the ra amizes T is start at d le pr . k r 0 ué an a e 0 l s q Sari sty well as block i sing hile s Tk1,4 on appl lection a w s f , a w o s 0 lo t e 0 t s l s prin cot at a Tk2,0 ying the u vibrant co e using tarting s. eir plo prices s jabis are mad Tk700. The r h e m t h , E t y r o t a an om oide Their p silk, starting s an entire embr elf apart fr d No en o ha s o t t i n F, Roa s and ev io t k t e c c s s e o s l e ’s B n d n r, childre s. inclu d Floo 71 Nipu f outfit tion es, saris 26, 2n :02-88218 Shopping c e e s l u l range o z o o h i ty i H P c , C m i s ’ , a a n k nt ar nan loor Nipu oidered Domina rent 11, Ba , Bashundh round F G , 6 2 r r e .

7 ath Hous nani emb anjabis n the cu , Level ity nthap o 11, Ba nd p s used i ff-white is start Mall, Pa Road N ashundhara C th a o pa ,B ur ab Level 7 Pantha colo tion are d. Panj k1,695 g Mall, e c in r e T p l p l t d o h a o S c an izes oon mar 995, kam 1,495. k ad at Tk aris at T 1, Ro s d se # an u o H aza, in Pl mondi ra a s u a n H Dha undh Bibian # 15, 7, Bash thapath l n a Leve all, Pa M Bibian City a Indep ’s collection en f boastin dence Day or is sim g of tw ple, shade o to th s, on red most of wh ree tone ic , sets st white and b h focus lack. K art at T a kamiz k es star 800 while miz single t at Tk 550.

Level 7 , City M Bashundha ra all, Pa nthap ath

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16 | Travelogue

Hanging with

hoolocks | Sabrina Miti Gain

It was eight in the morning. The rows of tall, identical trees on both sides of the entrance road greeted us to the Lawachara National Park. Only a few people were passing by. The sightseers usually start to arrive later in the day. I have visited the Lawachara forest before, but this time it was quieter and more peaceful. After a while, I realised that this trip would be special because we heard the calls of Hoolock Gibbons, locally known as Ulluk. It took quite some time to finally spot them.

There they were—three grown black male ones with white eyebrows and a grey female gibbon with her baby holding onto her chest. They never stayed in the same place— always swinging from one branch to another. The noise they make to mark their territory is extremely loud. You can hear them from metres away. But it is very difficult to actually see them in the wild.

Globally endangered, Hoolock Gibbon is the only ape found in Bangladesh.

They should not be mistaken as a species of monkeys. The concentration of gibbons is the most in Lawachara forest but they are also found in Rema Kalenga, Satchuri, Chunati and some other reserved forests of Bangladesh.

Even though the Lawachara National Forest is best known for being one of the last habitats of gibbons, the forest is a haven for hundreds of different species of trees, animals, birds and insects. As you enter deeper in the forest,

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, M ARC H 29, 201 4

with hundreds of trees standing tall around you, the chirping of unknown birds and the fresh air will take your breath away. Here and there you will see some unknown wild flowers or some colorful spiders, or beautiful butterflies. The sunlight coming through the leaves of the trees creates a mystical environment around you. You will feel at peace with the nature.

The Lawachara forest was announced a national park in 1996. Apart from Hoolock Gibbons, Lajuk Banor ( Bengal slow loris), Hanuman (leaf monkey), Phayre’s leaf monkey (the ones that look like they are wearing white glasses), Maya Harin (barking deer), hare, squirrel, flying squirrel, hedgehog, Bon Biral (jungle cat), Mecho Bagh (fishing cat), mongoose, jackal, bat, several species of birds, snakes and frogs also live in this forest, according to the localites.

In the night you will hear owl hoots, the blood-curdling calls of foxes or croaking of frogs if you are staying near the forest. The forest flourishes its greatest wonders during monsoon. In the dry season, cold fog and heavy dew keep the environment moist. There are also two adivasi villages inside the forest. Most of them are Khasias or Monipuris. They are the ones closely connected to nature— the forest people.

As Lawachara is one of the major national parks of the

country, it has naturally turned into a tourist spot. People arrive by buses playing loud music, sometimes using mikes, to have a picnic inside the forest. There are signboards near the entrance of the forest, requesting everyone to be as quite as possible and not to honk car horns. Some people either fail to notice the huge signboards or just simply ignore them.

And of course they do not forget to litter. This is one of the few forests left in our country that is rich with diverse species and people cannot wait a little longer and carry the litter till they step outside the forest.

It’s just sad that they have no respect whatsoever for the forest environment. So I recommend that if you want to appreciate the beauty of nature then take a trip to Lawachara forest. And if you want to just hang out with your friends, throwing empty packets of chips wherever you want to, then it is better that you go to a picnic spot.

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Travelogue|

How to get there?

Lawachara National Park is situated in Moulvibazar, near Srimangal town. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach there from the town. The most fun way to go to Srimangal from Dhaka is by train. Parabat, Joyantika and Upaban Express are the three main trains that will drop you at Srimangal on the way to Sylhet. It will take you six to seven hours to reach there. But it will be worth it if you are with friends and family.

If you want to go there by road, there are some regular bus services like Shamoli and Hanif Paribahan that will take you to Srimangal. It usually takes three to four hours to reach there from Dhaka but traffic jam can extend the journey for a couple more hours. You have to start your journey from Saidabad bus station.

Where to stay?

HEED Bangladesh Project Guest House is the nearest and cheapest place to stay in.

Room prices vary from Tk500 to Tk1,500 per night. Food is cheap. Location is convenient and enjoyable.

The Tea Resort is three kilometres away from Srimangal. It’s managed by Bangladesh Tea Board. The rooms are cheap. Even though the resort is not the most comfortable place to stay in, it seems to be popular.

There is a forest guest house inside the Lawachara National Park. But rooms are not easily available there.

Grand Sultan Tea Resort and Golf is right next to the Lawachara National Park.

It’s the first five star resort in Bangladesh. Room prices vary from Tk18,000 to Tk56,000 per night. So if you want your trip to be luxurious, this is the right place for you.

Where to eat?

There are no restaurants near Lawachara forest. It is best if you have your meals in the hotel you are staying in. If you know someone in any of the nearby villages kind enough to be your host then you’re all set. There are also some good restaurants in Srimangal town like Kutum Bari, Agra, Sath Rong Restaurant, etc.

.com/ planet .lonely d i v i s i o n / w w /w http:/ y lh e t d e s h /s b a n gla l ga sriman gspot. b d .b l o g a l g n i k /boo man htt p:/ 3 / s r e e .html 0 1 1 /0 2 ts / n e m r o a c tu nd-res hotels-a

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18 | Tantalise

Top street eats and where to find them

| N Anita Amreen

Dhaka’s food service landscape has been experiencing a continuous, delicious boom. Whether you’re chasing an evening snack or a late night munchies attack - Dhaka’s streets are at your service.

Teeming with vendors serving everything from savoury phuchkas to the steaming goodness of egg cakes, these roadside delicacies are a treat to your taste buds. Read on to whet your appetite with Dhaka’s seductive offerings

Photo: N Anita Amreen

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19

Tantalise| Phuchka

From the plethora of savoury foods found on the streets, phuchka definitely takes the cake. With the perfect marriage of sour, sweet and spicy flavours, nothing beats the intense taste of a platter of warm, crackling phuchkas. In recent times a slight variation of the regular phuchka has been making rounds in a few areas around town. This miniature version of the phuchka is much, much smaller, with ten pieces fitting in a small 5cm bowl.

Once the bite-sized phuchkas are placed on the platter, the bowl is then drenched in one giant outpour of tamarind juice that comes in two flavours - sweet or sour. This one’s a real firebomb when it comes to flavours and can usually be found in Bashundhara.

Beef chaap

cks: Best pi akfast

Jhaal muri

Essentially puffed rice, jhaal muri is another favourite.

Found in nearly every other street, muri is one of the more popular all-time favourite snacks. Crispy muri is mixed with a deliciously greasy masala oil, along with a passionate mix of ghugni (potato and chickpea mash), a hearty dose of chopped onions and chillies, as well as a tight lemon squeeze.

e • A br this is special, any local found in t around an restaur n w o t

Chicken soup

For those unaccustomed to the idea of deshi chicken soup, this dish might come as a shock.

However, once you try this breakfast delight, rest assured, you are to come back for more.

Usually found in roadside restaurants or what they call “hotels,” chicken soup is actually a korma style chicken curry that is usually served in a semi-large bowl with a lot of curry. This dish’s real draw is in the creamy flavours it lends to the chicken.

Usually found in carts that serve different kinds of kebabs and rolls, beef chaap is a rich, greasy and delicious version of the regular kebab. Mashed to a flat consistency, chaap usually tastes best when accompanied with a steaming hot naan or a freshly fried paratha.

icks: Best py Road, near

• Bail nessa n near Viqaru er’s Chaap d a a K th • ni maa , Abaho ani’s Chaap b b a R • r 11 Mirpu

Egg pancake

This new addition to the plethora of street eats is quite something.

Essentially an omelette sandwiched between two pancakes, this is usually just referred to as “cake.”

Best picks:

- Road 5 • Dhanmondi mudini Ku • Gulshan an Avenue lsh Gu a, Phuchk 13, Gausal or ct • Uttara - Se (Next to Azam Avenue Mall) ng pi Metro Shop Residential a ar dh un sh • Ba SU, N of t Area (In fron the on d un fo es im somet ading le ad ro ce main entran a) to Bashundhar

Bhel puri

Giving the phuchka a little twist is the bhel puri. Made of a thicker, greasier phuchka, the bhel puri is usually topped with a thick coating of mashed potatoes and chickpeas.

Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions are then sprinkled on top, with a final splash of tamarind (or tetuler tok) added for the final kick. Bhel puri is usually found in portable stands around town.

l identia icks: Best phundhara Res trance

s ain en • Ba n the m next to NSU I a e Ar as as well road, o B osite t and IU Market, opp • New ollege nd c d arou Dhaka a - Near an ar • Utt hi h ad 32 k o jl a R di - Ro nmon a h D •

Pakora, piaju, beef kebab, rolls

A plethora of fried munchies such as pakoras, piajus, shashlicks, mini kebabs and even deep fried sandwiches can be found in selected food carts. While these are widespread items, what really brings out the flavours or sets each cart apart are the sauces they serve. Some of these goodies are accompanied with a spicy, slightly tangy white sauce while others come with a tangy green sauce.

To really find your match, it’s best to give different carts a try, always making sure you try the dips on offer.

icks: oa Best p a- Maa-er D ar ht • Utt ector 13, rig S a , z ju la P t Pia Masco next to gate - near m • Far inema Hall iC Purob

cks: Best pianbag,

• Sobh bridge e under th

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20 | news The Westin Dhaka

hosts Starwood Careers Day 2014

The Westin Dhaka, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., took part in “Starwood Careers Day 2014.” Held on March 21, at the ballroom, the event was presided over by general manager Daniel Muhor of Wesin Dhaka and attracted over

Italian BranD

Lotto Globally acclaimed Italian brand “Lotto” recently started exporting goods to Bangladesh. To welcome the Bangla Nobo Borsho in full swing, Lotto has launched its new collection comprising Polo and other T-shirts in colourful designs. Some polo shirts have 3D embroidery and unique prints. Casual pants, jeans and gabardine pants are part of their new collection. Besides, tank tops, wrist bands, wallets and socks amongst others are also available at their outlet.

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400 passionate candidates. Starwood Careers Day 2014 encapsulates Starwood’s talent strategy that goes beyond talent attraction to building meaningful long-term careers for talent who join the organisation.

The event consolidates the strengths

of Starwood’s nine hotel brands and offers talent a unique opportunity to explore a career with Starwood that is broad-based in terms of portfolios.

The Starwood Careers Day kickstarts the division’s goal to fill over 25,000 positions at all levels and functions by the end of 2014. Westin Dhaka was part of more than 120 locations across key cities including Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New Delhi, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur that hosted Starwood Careers Day. The enthusiastic response to the Asia Pacific event puts Starwood Hotels & Resorts on a strong footing to continue its aggressive growth across the region. Starwood Asia Pacific division currently runs more than 260 hotels, with an additional 200 hotels in the pipeline. Recently, the company announced it is on track to open over 30 hotels in the region by the end of the year - an average of one hotel will be inaugurated every 12 days. As the fastest growing division, Starwood Asia Pacific employs over 73,000 associates, nearly half of all Starwood associates worldwide.

Pohela Boishakh Fashion Fair 2014

Watercress Signature Buffet (March 25-28, 2014) Watercress Restaurant is a venture of Olive Tree Foods Limited which is jointly conceptualised, developed and executed with leading American Food Consulting Group – The Next Idea (based in Los Angeles, California having operations offices in London, Dubai, and India). Since its inception in June 2013, it has become the ultimate destination restaurant for the food lovers who appreciate innovative multicuisine food, Western ambiance, and excellent service. It has gained reputation for its Pan Asian dishes, as well as dishes from the Sub Continental region namely Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Style Sell

After an overwhelming request from guests, the team of chefs at Watercress put together “Watercress Signature Buffet” for the first time, catering mouthwatering specialty dishes from Pan Asian, Sub Continental and Continental cuisines with luscious French desserts. To commemorate the country’s Independence Day with the freedom for its guests to enjoy the taste of its finest innovative dishes to their fullest, the restaurant introduced buffet dining from March 25 till March 28.

Fashion house Style Sell is introducing an exclusive array of clothes and accessories on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh. Their collection comprises different types of panjabis, kurtas, fotuas, saris, long dresses, lehengas, bags, footwear, jewellery, etc. Silk, satin, cotton and linen are the basic materials used. The collection significantly focuses on our traditional trends with a touch of modernity here and there. A variety of colours are used with embroidery and stoned work to showcase the new designs. Style Sell is also organising an even titled “Style Sell Pohela Baishakh Fashion Fair 2014” which will be open for all to enjoy. The fashion fair will feature face painting, mehendi, nail art, as well as live folk music. A glamorous fashion show will be presented on their premises on April 1. In addition, they will have 50 different types of pithas, chaat , cotton candy and gola at the event. The fair will take place from April 1 to April 13 at the outlet of Style Sell, South Avenue, House 2, Road 9, Gulshan 1, Ph: 029850789, Cell: 01744908019, web: www.stylesellbd.com.

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