AvenueT
Best of year one
DhakaTribune
Contents
1
AvenueT DhakaTribune
2 Avenue T closet Jam Session
Editor Zafar Sobhan
Beautiful bangladesh
Managing Editor Jahangir Hyder
4 Top 7 deshi hotspots 6 Nostalgia listology 7 Tourism 8 Fashion and politics 10 Tiger, tiger, burning bright
Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Lifestyle
Executive Editor Shariar Karim
Weekend Tribune Team Rumana Habib James Saville Adil Sakhawat Farhana Urmee Faisal Mahmud Syeda Samira Sadeque Promiti Prova Chowdhury Shah Nahian
28 American Apparel backlash 29 The godmothers 30 Personalities 31 In uniform 32 Stereotypes 33 Motherhood
Design Sabiha Mahmud Sumi Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood Production Masum Billah Advertising Shahidan Khurshed Circulation Wahid Murad
44 Budget eats 45 Cart attack 46 Business perspective 47 Baishakhi fest 48 Restaurant reviews
Survival
Avenue T team Mahmood Hossain N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa Khan N Moushumi Cartoon Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Rio Shuvo
Foodies
17 TMAG gallery Look of the week
20 Geneva camp 21 Rana Plaza 22 This is how it’s done! 24 Social skills
People
36 Paromita Mitra 37 Mahfuzur Rahman 38 Zara Rahim 39 Nafees Bin Zafar 40 Kumar Sangakkara 41 Shib Narayon Das 42 Faisel Rahman
12 Constructing conversations 13 Digs 14 Top 5 luxury rides 16 Shaatkahon Rongila Mela
TMAG Team Sabiha Mahmud Sumi Rubab Nayeem Khan Munira Fidai Natasha Rahman Saudia Afrin Tahsin Momin Baizid Haque Joarder Fuad M Hossain Rad Sharar
34 Weekend Tribune photo story The ring 35 Avenue T closet Paisley perfection
Relationship
25 Avenue T closet Rabrindranath revisited 26 Weekend Tribune photo story The scent of a woman
50 Sex education 51 Situation room 52 Best of tough love 53 Locker room 54 Fatherhood
Women
Health
About the cover Our anniversary cover is a capriccio art piece done by a young, untrained artist named Delwar, from Old Dhaka. The poster contains some of the most unique archaeological landmarks in Bangladesh. Tiger Tours was inspired from an artwork on a shopping bag from a handicraft store in Egypt, and asked Delwar to do a surrealist view of ancient Bangladesh to create a modern appeal. Cover by Tiger Tours
56 Weight loss journal 57 Confessions 58 Eat smart 59 Nik Squad 60 Weekend Tribune photo story A nomadic life
Editor’s note Dear readers,
What you’re holding in your hands is the end product of weeks of sleepless nights. So many stories begging to be told, so many voices clamouring to be heard, the real challenge was to decide which ones to refuse. From hard-hitting analysis on largescale events, to critical examination of social issues that affect us, to light hearted hacks for improving your lifestyle, we’ve curated a sweet and spicy mix of some our favourite pieces for your enjoyment.
As we step into Volume 2, we take one last look back at the best of Volume 1. We hope the fruits of this labour of love will prove to be as enjoyable for you to read as it was rewarding for us to put together. On behalf of everyone at the Dhaka Tribune Features family, I’d like to thank you for all your support in our quest for excellence. Sincerely, Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Features Editor
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Avenue T
Closet
JAM SESSION Orchid is the colour of the year, but it doesn’t hurt to break out all your purple party gear PHOTOGRAPHER: RIYADH ASHRAF MODELS: JYOTI & RAJ
Beautiful
Bangladesh
People, places, sights and sounds ... Bangladesh is an incredible potpourri of experiences. From our wildlife to our rich cultural heritage, we have got a sampling of what our beautiful country has to offer Photographer: SYED ZAKIR HOSSAIN DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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Beautiful Bangladesh | Top 7 Deshi Hotspots
Beauty within the Ba From pristine natural landscapes, to monuments steeped in centuries of tradition and history, to rare and exotic wildlife, Bangladesh will surprise you with her beauty. Read on for our picks Tiger Tours
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7 Naogaon
Varendra,
Naogaon district is located in north-eastern region of Bangladesh, within the Rajshahi division. The district is most well known for being home to the Paharpur Vihar. It is an important farming region, with extremely fertile soil and one of the highest cultivation rates of rice than any other district. Ninety percent of the population is Muslim and majority lives a simple, farming lifestyle.
KUSUMBA MOSQUE
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Bagerhat
Bagerhat, under the Khalifabad Pargana, is said to have been founded by Khan Jahan Ali. The Pargana region also included settlements like Khulna, Satkhira, Jessore, and Barisal. After Khan Jahan Ali, the region was taken over by Maharaja Pratapaditya in 1459. Located at the confluence of two historical rivers, the Brahmaputra and the Ganges, Bagerghat is also known as the “city of mosques� for the presence of a large number of mosques in the district. The domed structures of the mosques built with bricks in the 15th century are considered an architectural marvel.
Bandarban NILGIRI VIEW
DOMED MOSQUE
Celebrate a private getaway with friends and family in the mystical land of the hills located not too far away from Chittagong. Here lies the small town of Bandarban with the beautiful Sangu River, Boga Lake and Nafakum running through it, along with other sites of unsurpassed beauty.
Tangail
BAGHA Tangail, a town located in the Tangail district and lined with the banks of river Louhagang is part of the Dhaka Division.
It is famous for its widely popular chamcham, handloom saris and the unforgettable tourist attractions.
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KOROTIA PALACE
BangladeshI border 3
Lawachhara
rainforest,
Srimongol
In the past two decades, Bangladesh has been victim to rapid deforestation. Bangladesh’s forests and national parks are one of the best tourist attractions,along with being referred to as Bangladesh’s “protected areas.” Lawachara rainforest of Srimongol, Maulvibazar is one of the most well-known national parks in Bangladesh and is home to a large number of species.
HOOLOCK GIBBONS
LEOPARD CATS
BALIATI PALACE
BALIATI PILLARS
CURZON HALL
LALBAGH FORT
Dhakeshwari Temple
AHSAN MANJIL
2 Dhamrai Balihati & With their magnificent historical sites of intriguing heritage and culture waiting to be explored, Balihati and Dhamrai is the perfect weekend getaway from the busy routined life of the city to unwind and rediscover peace.
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Puran Dhaka It is fascinating how, for decades, the localites of Puran Dhaka have held onto their norms and culture, regardless of the evolving contemporary lifestyle of modern Dhaka. Although the customs of the dwellers of this part of town are very diverse when compared to the cultural norms of the rest of the Bangalee people, they still have a distinctly Bangalee charm that is hard to resist. All one needs to do is take a stroll down the streets of Puran Dhaka to get a glimpse of the glorious days gone by.
Photos: Tiger Tours
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Beautiful Bangladesh | Nostalgia listology
You know you grew up in
Bangladesh when… Birthdays always make us nostalgic. As Bangladesh celebrates 43 years of independence, we look back on the little things that mark a quintessentially Bangladeshi childhood You read Amar Boi every year
Your new books were covered with old calendar paper A new school year meant new shoes from Bata
Danish biscuit boxes stored sewing kits, not cookies
You religiously watched McGyver on BTV
Winter meant wedding lights – even more lights than on Eid
You toughened your fingernails on a carrom board
Anything to do with March, February or December made you feel proud, and it still does Election time meant a long period of unannounced (but mostly non-violent) holidays
This is what evening tea meant:
You were fascinated that plates of Sharif Melamine were unbreakable
Eid meant lights
Eating out meant “Chinese khetey jawa”
Your daily read was Chacha Chowdhury
You learned to completely love the ferocity of Kalboishakhi, not fear it
You actually wore red and white on Pahela Baishakh, not “shades” that stretched red to purple
You grew up with a completely different meaning of the word “shadhinota”
Winter also meant early morning pitha-gatherings and tetuler rosh
Your idea of a slide was spilling talcum powder on the floor and sliding on it
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You learnt to write your alphabets on a slate with chalk
Tourism | Beautiful Bangladesh
For Love
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of Desh Putting Bangladesh on the travel map Rumana Habib
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asmin Choudhury, founder of Lovedesh, arrived at our interview with mishti paan in hand. “Sorry I’m late,” she said in her crisp British accent. “I was having the most wonderful conversation with the paan seller next door. I just had to video him for my blog.” Moments later, she was striking up a friendly conversation with the person standing in front of us in the queue at Gloria Jean’s. He was caught-off guard at first, but opened right up in short order. Yasmin lives for these “serendipitous moments,” as she calls them. She sees the world with loving eyes, and this is one of her greatest gifts. Her openness to the people and experiences that come her way are what would make her a wonderful guide in an undiscovered land. This is precisely what she is seeking to do with Lovedesh, a tourism social enterprise with the tagline: “Let’s travel the third world?” Yasmin personally hates the phrase “third world,” but rather than shy away from it, she says she wants to “smash the stigma” and “redress the balance” of the negative stereotyping of underdeveloped countries like Bangladesh. Rather than thinking of Bangladesh as a place to give aid to, she wants British travellers to seriously consider it as a holiday destination. This is a win for both sides, she says, creating a sustainable industry for Bangladesh, and giving tourists a meaningful experience in an “authentic, unspoilt” place. “What fascinates people are the images I show them of Bangladesh,” Yasmin says. “No one is seeing enough images of the beautiful landscapes, of just the everyday people smiling, all the stunning regions and
destinations.” She told me about a recent interview she had on BBC Asia Radio, whose questions revealed much about the British mindset. “In the UK, the only things we get to hear about Bangladesh are the bleak headlines. Those of us outside the NGO world never get to hear about all the ‘good stuff’ – and there is so much good stuff!” Among the virtues she extols are: Bangladesh’s natural beauty, its artisanal crafts, and its food. But above all, “one of the greatest assets Bangladesh has is the warmth and the hospitality of the people, and their joy in seeing someone connect with them.” Bangladesh’s people? The same people we locals complain about, day in and day out, for being lazy and corrupt? Yasmin says she deals with potential extortionists by making it very clear that she is not giving handouts. Once that is removed from the equation, they are free to engage as one human to another. Yasmin is making great strides in making her true dream of getting Bangladesh on the global tourism map. For two years, she has been knocking on doors, trying to rally support for her impassioned vision for Bangladesh. In November 2013, she won the World Fringe Travel Market competition, whose judges include influential tastemakers in the British tourism industry. Since then, the doors have been opening. In addition to the Guardian hotspot listing (see box above), she also got Bangladesh profiled in this April’s CondeNast Traveller magazine. She invites me to visit her while she is in Sylhet, and I am tempted to take her up on the offer. I get the feeling that, guided by this visitor from London, I am certain I would see my home country in a whole new light.
Photo: Courtesy
A Guardian holiday hotspot The Guardian has named Bangladesh as one of its “holiday hotspots” for 2014. The annual list is widely read by travellers in the UK. It showcases under-the-radar places ... that are inspiring or exciting right now. “‘Visit before the tourists come’ is a catchy slogan,” the Guardian’s Vicky Baker, who helped compile the list, told me. “A lot of our readers are adventurous types, so they are interested to hear about emerging destinations that are not overrun with other holidaymakers.” Not all tourists are created equal. Bangladesh may not have the glamour of Hong Kong or the hedonism of a Thai beach, but it can offer travellers a meaningful journey. Lovedesh is featured prominently in the article, highlighting their upcoming “curated trip” to Bangladesh which is tailored to British tastes.
Yasmin Chowdhury, founder of Lovedesh, said: “As the world gets smaller and more travelled, those authentic, serendipitous moments are being lost, and I think there are only a handful of countries that still offer that.” Caroline Eden, who contributed the recommendation on this list for Kolkata, has also written extensively about Bangladesh: “There are wild jungles of the remote Chittagong Hill Tracts; new hotels opening across the country, including Panigram, a bungalow-style ecoresort in southern Bangladesh, 70km from the famous Sundarban Forest; and cultural festivals such as Hay Festival Dhaka and the Dhaka World Music Festival,” she has written. “I was inspired and absolutely loved Bangladesh when I visited,” Eden told me. She is also appreciative of our “legendary – not to mention sincere – hospitality.”
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Beautiful Bangladesh | Fashion and politics
Spinning a yarn There was the traditional jamdani, then the regal katan and finally, the sultry silk. Boldly making its way into the realm of saris, breaking free from the tried and tested designs is Paera Bangladesh’s graphic art inspired saris, conceptualised by designer Nawshin Khair and graphically represented by Sabiha Mahmud Sumi. Blending traditional designs with graphic images that are inspired by free speech, language and culture, these designs bear subtle signs of standing up and speaking out. February 21, 1952 was the first landmark in our journey that led to the birth of our nation. The events of that day would go on to shape not only our culture, but also our political landscape as a whole. Not until February 2013, has there been such a feeling of awareness among young people of all walks of life in Dhaka. The artwork represented in this collection reflects on precisely that: the voices of people that are trying to define their own cultural and political identity
RAB FORCE INSPIRATION The RAB force inspired design portrays how the very institution initiated to protect the citizens has over time, instilled fear in them
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LALON INSPIRED The baul/lalon experiences that give our country character in music is portrayed in this sari using graphics and a quote
Photographer Miftah Rahman Model Atri Location courtesy Najmal Villa Wardrobe Paera Shoot coordinator Tausif Sanzum Find Paera at Kimaya Design Studio, Road 114, House 27/a Gulshan CONSTRUCTING BEAUTY The different faces imprinted depict the war between what we label as beautiful and ugly in the world. A small story by Kahlil Gibran, asking us to look at inner beauty and not the external appearances, is also printed on the sari
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Beautiful Bangladesh | TIGER TIGER, BURNING BRIGHT
ALL the best things in life are
God’s gift to mankind
On April 20, 2013, National Thermal Power Corporation of India and Power Development Board of Bangladesh officially signed the agreement for setting up a coal fired power plant at Rampal, Bagerhaat, near the Sundarbans. The agreement was signed as a joint venture agreement for both the nation’s benefits regarding a more stable and constant power supply Natasha Rahman and Azfar Rahman
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I am definitely not in support of the power plant planned to be set in the largest mangrove forest in the world. Firstly because I think preservation of the forest is necessary and we should value it like India did! Like National Thermal Power Company of India did not get permission to carry out their activities inside the part of Sundarbans of India. Plus we are running out of Bengal Tigers and few other animals. There is always a possibility that these animals are going to be extinct! If this power plant is set up, we would lose them faster than we think!
Iqbal Habib ONe on one with Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Joint secretary Why are you against the establishment of the coal power plant? Because the selected plant site is at the edge of the Sundarbans, which is not only this region’s sole mangrove forest and a symbol of our strong national heritage, but a haven for this region’s great biodiversity. Moreover, the commencement of this project precedes the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) finalisation, i.e., it does not encompass the EMP (Environmental Management Programme) propositions. Do the advantages of this venture outweigh the negative effects on the Sundarbans, our natural heritage? No. While ideally, this project
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promises the possibility of cheaper coal-based electricity, we have failed to acknowledge that the current management plan by the project execution authorities does not include all the required environmental mitigation programmes. When taken into account, these would cause the production costs to skyrocket. Thus what we have in our hands is nothing but a gross underestimate of the actual cost this project would incur. The financial aspect in itself defeats the feasibility of this project, not even considering the vast environmental repercussions it will cause.
Anu Muhammad member Secretary Bangladesh Oil, gas and mineral corporation
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Not many people are aware of this fact, but the specific area on which the power plant is being built was originally the Sundarbans. But the area, due to farming and urbanisation is now a locality. So technically, the power plant is being built on the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans has saved many lives during the natural disasters like Aila and Sidr. It is ecosystem prevents Bangladesh from the severity of natural disasters. Whenever a power plant needs to be built, an EIA assessment has to be carried out on that area. Unfortunately, in this case, before the assessment was completed, the government forcefully acquired the land from the people. These things indicate towards the non transparency of the project. It is an unequal contract. Indian National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) will gain more profit although Bangladesh made the most capital
investment. Plus, according to the contract the Bangladeshi authorities will not be able to charge taxes on the profit made by the Indian company. Hence, our costing surpasses the benefits we derive from this power plant.
Rubaiya Ahmad chairman obhoyaronno, Bangladeshi animal welfare society
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From a personal viewpoint, I would definitely say that the issue concerning Sundarban is a very horrible situation. Not only that it’s a matter of murdering a completely functioning ecosystem, but it’s also about destroying one of the most prestigious heritages that our nation could take pride in. I find it hard to understand why the current government has agreed to move forward with the decision of building a power plant there since they were trying to make resolutions regarding preserving the natural habitats and the environment of Sundarban earlier; this current plan is contradicting with what they planned before. Even though it is understandable that our country lacks in terms of providing proper power supply but it still doesn’t justify the destruction of nature’s gift to us. If this power plant is built, it will also cause harm to the people living near Sundarban and Bagherhat because it will push the animals out of their habitats and out in the open, where they will be a danger to society and society will be a threat to them in return. I strongly believe that the government should reconsider moving forward with this plan because this may generate profit and power for the nation, but it will also destroy one of our nation’s heritage, as well as identity.
“ “
Saquib Rahman General Secretary Desh, We’re Concerned Non-Profit Organisation
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S
hould we be worried when the establishment of a coal power plant in Rampal, about 14 kilometers away from the Sundarbans, threatens the loss of the world’s largest mangrove forest? Or could this be a blessing in disguise for our electricity deprived Bangladesh? The Sundarbans ecosystem is one of the primary reasons why the coastal parts of our country are still stable enough for natural habitats to grow and flourish. We live in a nation with an emerging economy and yes, we do need better resources for power management. But at what cost? We are Bangladeshis. We were born in a nation that thrives on agriculture, and building this power plant in Rampal will bring an end to the livelihood of thousands of farmers. Apart from that, a nation that takes pride in calling themselves the Tigers in the sporting arena, building this power plant also means bringing closer the extinction of the Royal Bengal Tigers. Aside from tigers, we are also talking about deer, birds, and countless other species of flora and fauna. The building of a coal fired power plant may give jobs to thousands of people who need to put food on the table for their families, but it also means that we will be wiping out a natural and stable ecosystem, as well as the world’s largest mangrove. As of now, it is all just a matter of how soon we have to say goodbye to such a wonderful gift that nature. In the end, will history remind us of the ways in which we took nature for granted? Will we only just give an existence to the Bengal Tigers through our cricket team and Banglalink’s logo? Will we someday look back and regret not taking a stand against this? Here are a few verdicts from various concerend individuals in our society.
Lifestyle Gorgeous garments, sparkling jewellery, great digs, fast cars. Who doesn’t dream of a picture perfect life? We’ve spent a year following trends, mapping out the quirks of life in Dhaka. Read on for the scoop on all that is fabulous Photo courtesy: zia uddin Model: arjeeta dutta wardrobe: Andeem DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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Lifestyle | constructing CONVERSATIONS
Get your adda on! 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 decor 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 N Anita Amreen
The set up
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 stools in small clusters. You may use cane stools and tables to add a rustic touch to your adda setting.
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?
Nibble station
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.
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 oranges and leave it for the guests to add to their tea. For those looking for a summer cooler, place two flasks of lassi (one salty and one sweet). A jug of cool lemonade, too, can be served to those uninterested in tea or lassi.
Photos: Bigstock
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Digs | lifestyle
Top 3
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Tmag’s room of the week
Room of: Fahim Razzaq Artwork: Sabiha Mahmud Sumi
Room of: Tahsin Momin Photo: Saudia Afrin
Room of: Pragya Rahman Artwork: Sabiha Mahmud Sumi
Style up those walls
Shapes and patterns
Using only one colour in the wall might be quite dull. To add visual interest you can use current wall paint as a background for various geometric patterns like triangles, circles, ovals in vibrant colours. Then discover the beauty of geometry.
What is the point in having For the ‘shippers Your favourite movie or game a room of your own, if character could be a theme for room. Posters, photos you can’t make it uniquely your and collages featuring said could totally spice YOU? Now, we’d all love to character(s) up a plain, boring wall, and what way to show the love for be able to afford a complete better your interests? do-over, but since not all of For the artsy types Love art? Showcase it by us are Bruce Wayne, let’s displaying a mixed medley paintings, framed prints, start with something simple. of sketches, masks and artsy photographs. Do art? Use your Your walls Saudia Afrin
wall as a canvas and paint a mural! Either way, you’ll create a visual feast you’ll love looking at over and over again.
Sporty Chic
Play up with your favourite sport through creative wall painting. Whether you’re a Formula1 fanatic or fond of playing cricket, these can be your room theme. To make it more realistic, over the background painting you can put real accessories of your game, like jerseys, player cards and more.
How to
There are two ways you can do your wall theme. If you wish to declare your ideology with a fantastic mural painter contact Sabiha Mahmud Sumi. Get in touch with her now. Phone: 01610312898 Email: mahmud. sumi@gmail.com . Or you can make it a DIY project, get the paint, maybe get some friends and do it yourself. Once the paint dries, you add the accessories, and voila! Photo: Kheya Mezba
Nature lover
Your study needs a quiet place, which you can personalise with knick knacks and photographs. Choose a fresh, natural colour like spring green as background and paint a huge branch with lots of white flowers over it on your wall. This looks best beside your cool shelves and desk.
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Lifestyle | TOP 5 luxury RIDES
Ready4to bE
“Luxury Car” is one of those nebulously defined terms that is still, somehow, perfectly clear. We all know that a luxury car is a vehicle that is simply superlative in terms of performance and comfort. It’s fast, it’s comfy and it does all that while being as quiet as the library. These days it seems like everything that rolls down the production line is a luxury car that promises state of the art technology, leather wrapped interior of the highest order and is as eco-friendly as your notepad. While we continue to hold our breath for them to see the light of day, let’s look at the five best luxury cars that you could buy here Tahsin Momin
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Mercedes Benz C180
When it comes to luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class isn’t exactly a name that comes to mind. That’s because the German company has never made an actual luxury sedan carrying the C-Class badge, until now. Sharing the same platform of its bigger sibling, the E-class, the W204 series C180 was developed by the German automotive house, Daimler AG in collaboration with
Mercedes-Benz. Similarities from past generations include nothing, whatsoever. The C180 has been completely redesigned with crisp lines flowing from the front to the rear. The new BMW 3-Series or the Audi A5 may be just around the corner, but with all these and more in the Mercedes-Benz C180, it's very clear that the gold standard is back with a bang.
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Range Rover Evoque
Designed by Victoria Beckham, the Evoque is a luxury Crossover SUV aimed toward luxury lifestyle off-roading. The Evoque reinterprets the classic Range Rover recipe with a transformed sense of styling. Unlike all the other Range Rover the Evoque does not seem to have the muscular lines. With its curvy lines flowing from the front to the rear in a unique harmony,
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one would think it might not look tough or off roady even though being covered in Range Rover badges. Driver or the passenger, just sit back and enjoy the unique Range Rover luxury. Its main competitors - the Audi Q5 BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLKClass, might offer a lower price but the Range Rover Evoque has a character that on other vehicles in its class have.
Jaguar XF
The Jaguar XF combines lavishness, comfort and great handling in an executive car that redefines the word “luxury.” The Jaguar XF is one of the finest executive cars in the market. It’s luxurious and comfortable but also offers precise handling and excellent performance. The XF is one of the best looking cars in its class; rivals like the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series are handsome machines, but are quite conservatively styled and
are relatively boring to look at. Jaguar has gone for a flamboyant design with the XF and it definitely helps it stand out from the crowd. For its part, the XF is still a class act. It’s still the most elegant executive car choice. The elusive delights of the Jaguar will be more than enough to offset its shortfalls elsewhere. So is all that glitters gold? Yes, all that glitters is gold and all that glitter must roll.
unleashed 2 Lexus CT200h
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An appealing luxury hybrid hatch that is as eco-friendly as a health food shop. Luxury, power, performance and elegance in a sporty look this is the 2013 Lexus CT200h. It is quite unique for a luxury car to give an exhilarating performance on the road, but for engineers at Lexus, it isn’t. The CT200h promises a lavishly finished interior with a
distinct sporty exterior, making it the one of the fastest hatchback in town. Lexus CT200h maybe a bit down on the power but it is a perfectly designed car for outstanding luxury. And to top it up, the exterior has the killer looks of a road hungry car. In short, the Lexus CT200h is an excellent car that performs brilliantly!
BMW 520d
The BMW 5 series is still the king of the executive car class, thanks to great looks, an outstanding drive and superb practicality. The 2013 BMW 520d is a car to provide you with immense joy, comfort and better mileage. It is extremely powerful and your guess is absolutely right, it is expensive too. With a bundle full of luxuries, style and power, you expect nothing short of - “big
bundles of money.” The 2013 BMW 520d, is a good looking car with a beautiful interior. The lustrous element inside the cabin makes this car even more attractive. And with its poised rear-wheel drive handling, great refinement and strong pace, the 520d continues to set the standard for driving fun in the executive car class.
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LIfestyle | Shaatkahon rongila mela
Weaving seven tales of Bangladesh
Farhana Urmee writes about Shaatkahon Rongila Mela, a fiveday Baishakh festival organised by Jatra, bringing craftsmen from all over the Dhaka division under one roof
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atra, the local craft-oriented clothing and home decor boutique, inaugurated the fair at its Dhanmondi outlet April 10, 2014. The five-day fair will remain open from 10am-8pm. The theme is shaatkahon (seven stories), a collection of seven myths and tales about the seven divisions of Bangladesh, helping us learn more about people and traditions from different regions. It is also the story of seven local flowers in seven colours, as well as seven local plants, each with specific significance. The fair also marks the launch of their new range of Jatra products, designed with the shaatkahon in mind. Coincidentally, the design team also consists of seven artists. Jatra is known most for its dynamic themes, and has in the past celebrated classically Bangladeshi elements such as dehototwa (chakras), rickshaws, gamchhas and tribal culture.
At the mela
• Craftsmen from all across the Dhaka division displaying their handiwork • A quintessential Bangladeshi food festival on the day of Pahela Baishakh • Performances by bands and solo artists such as Bahok, Joler Gaan, Kangalini Sufia, Rob Fakir and Shadhona
Seven stories
The seven classic tales of inspiration are: Behula Laxmindar, Kajolrekha, Hason Raja, Monori Mutshuye, Santhal rebellion, Gunabibi and Bonbibi.
Seven flowers and plants
The seven flowers that feature prominently in the designs are: goloncho, telakucha, sundari, joba, padmo, kolmi and oporajita. The plant motifs used in the jewellery and accessories are: mango, jackfruit, marijuana, palm, tea and white mountain. The flowers and plants were selected both for their beauty and their medicinal benefits.
In conversation with Anusheh Anadil
Anusheh Anadil, the founder and owner of Jatra, is also a celebrated musician. The inspiration behind all her work, she tells us, is nature. Read what the candid artist-entrepreneur had to say about the mela What is the significance of the fair’s name, Shaatkahon Rongila Mela? We are focusing on seven divisions of Bangladesh. Each division has its own set of arts, and crafts, stories and history. By highlighting those in our works we made an effort to let people know about the culture and history of the seven zones, and about the country in large. To be more specific, we are bringing out the stories chapter by chapter. Our seven divisions have seven stories. That is why it is called “shaatkahon” (seven stories) and “rongila” to indicate colour. Jatra is all about loving colours and spreading them into our lives. Thus, the fair has been named Shaakahon Rongila Mela. What is the highlight of this fair? We have invited craftsmen from all over the Dhaka division. In the near future, we will invite craftsmen from other districts as well. The presence of the craftsmen is the unique feature of this fair. How did you do your research? We, the designers’ team, visited different places across the country in search of different crafts. We videotaped many of the works and their backgrounds. This firsthand information was extremely useful for our design and production. We have already covered Dhaka and Sylhet. The work is in progress. We have a plan to release a documentary and a travelogue. Any particular reason for holding the fair during this time of the year? Since it is Baishakh and fairs are a signature of the celebration of
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Pahela Baishakh, we assumed that this would be the best time to uphold the range of local products. We do have plans to arrange such fairs on the occasions of Eid as well. Probably the upcoming chapters would be held during those times. This time it is only the wellknown stories from the seven districts, but next time we might feature tales that solely carry messages regarding saving the environment. We are doing research on birds of Bangladesh as well, for use in the upcoming chapters. How did your passion for crafts develop? I remember I used to paint on the walls when I was a child, and kept asking my parents to have murals other than white paint. I was born in a family that provided an incredible orientation towards creativity and culture, as my father is an architect and my mother is a dance activist. Although I studied architecture and fine arts in Canada, the ultimate teachings came within my family. What is your vision for Jatra? Clearly, to encourage purchasing of local products and pursue foreigners to buy our products. In the last ten years, we have been able to improve the quality of our work. My biggest driving force was Thai crafts. Whenever I visited Thailand, I became envious seeing the stuff they make inside the country and export throughout the world. But today, I feel that our crafts are being endorsed at a larger scale. Again, I never found Bangladesh to be a poor country. Whenever I visit villages, I am amazed to see how rich our
Photos: Courtesy
crafts are. But artists living in a hand to mouth, condition that is discouraging the forthcoming generation to become craftsmen. In this way, many of our beautiful crafts are dying out. Jatra has attempted a journey into crafts to appreciate the contribution of these craftsmen. How do you merge the interest of your designers and the local craftsmen? Actually we work depending on them. Without the craftsmen we cannot do a number of things. However, the production amount is not that large, as men do the work by hand. However, they are happy this way, and also they do not want massive production scales or large amounts of money. Through this sort of arrangement we can invite craftsmen directly to the fair and showcase their work to urban customers. We have plenty of crafts across the country. Bringing simple variations to them can create an international market for them. Do you wish to expand Jatra? Of course! We have a dream to reach everywhere. But I really wish that our local products reach the world over and people from all over the world appreciate what we make. Unfortunately we hardly notice our own treasures. We have plans to collaborate crafts with tourism, which can be the best way to introduce our crafts to the world. We have been planning to collaborate with other houses that work with local products. Slowly, we are proceeding. A big chunk of our youth loves deshi products which is a great inspiration to work more and more.
DON’T ASK US TO COLOUR BETWEEN THE LINES PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODEL: SHABRIN ISLAM
MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODEL: RIFAT JAHAN
TMAG gallery of look of the week
WE’RE PRETTY FIERCE ABOUT OUR STYLE STATEMENTS PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODEL: SAMIN SABABA
CHANNELLING SOME OLD-SCHOOL HOLLYWOOD GLAM PHOTOGRAPHER: SYED LATIF HOSSAIN MODEL: SANA HAIDER
STANLEY KUBRICK’S ‘A CLOCKWORK ORANGE’ IS KNOWN FOR ITS ICONIC STYLES. WE WERE INSPIRED BY ITS VISUALS PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODELS: MILI AND SAKIB
WHEN THE WEEKEND ROLLS IN, ARE YOU A HOMEBODY OR A PARTY ANIMAL? PHOTOGRAPHER: SAUDIA AFRIN MODELS: ESHABA AMEEN SHADIB BIN NEWAZ
TMAG gallery of look of the week
WHEN YOU PUT EFFORT INTO KEEPING FIT, A BASIC TEE LOOKS TWICE AS NICE PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODEL: SUN
YOUR STYLE IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR PERSONALITY PHOTOGRAPHER: HOMAYRA ADIBA MODEL: NUSRAT SRABONY
SURVIVAL If there’s one thing Bangladeshis are good at, it is beating the odds. We’ve got a wonderful collection of stories of people who rose to the occasion and overcame obstacles big and small to emerge victorious
Photographer: homarya adiba Model: nusrat srabony Make-up: wasifa ahmad prop: najmal ahmed DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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SURVIVAL | Geneva camp
Chaos in a different language
Pahela Baishakh knows no boundaries: religious, cultural or political. Syeda Samira Sadeque talks to refugees in Geneva Camp, Mohammadpur to find out how they welcome the new year
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n the nooks and crannies of every community, there exists an inherent – and beautiful – chaos: Loud haggling with shopkeepers, children playing on the street happily (or angrily), words being exchanged on the phone, or laughter being shared over tea. These are the sounds that identify a community; the sounds of a home. And it is precisely what I hear as I walk through the alleyways of Geneva Camp in Mohammadpur, only in Urdu. It is barely a week before Pahela Baishakh, but the shops aren’t donned in red and white, or vibrant with new-year-spirit like most places in Dhaka. There are some shops with a few clothes for Pahela Baishakh, but most places appear as normal. The words flutter among the sellers and buyers, and around my guide Rubel as he speaks to those around him. They all converse in Urdu – even with me – until I ask their Pahela Baishakh plans, and the Bangalee in them spurts out: “Ilish khabo! [I’ll eat
Hilsa!] ” The refugees residing in Geneva Camp are relics of our liberation war that took place 42 years ago – a community living in poor conditions, with questionable rights and little acceptance to the outside world. It is an issue we still are, in many ways, unable to address. Yet, they are no different when it comes to celebrating the most vibrant celebration of the year: Pahela Baishakh. “It’s the same day as my daughter’s birthday, so it’s double the celebration in our home,” says Jasmine who is a Bangalee but married a family here in the Geneva Camp. In between our conversation, she talks, laughs and makes jokes in Urdu with her sister-in-laws. “They’re here from Mirpur to buy clothes from me,” she explains to me. Jasmine, now a mother of three, brings in clothes from Tangail to sell them in the camp, and was just unloading her Baishakh stock as we walked in. She adds: “The markets have
their own sales, but there are no fairs or rallies here. There is no place for that, so we all just go out.” 15-year-old Chandni, who attends the local school, says she celebrates with her friends and family both in school and at home. “Our school arranges a cultural show where students sing and dance, so we attend that in the morning,” she says, adding that her nine-year-old little sister also performs in the show.
As morning passes
Following the morning festivities with panta-ilish and school shows, people go out in the afternoon and evening. Jasmine says: “My daughter has made it a point that the mornings have to be about Baishakh and panta-ilish. But in the afternoon, we celebrate her birthday with cake and pulao.” While Jasmine’s family is busy with these celebrations, others go out. “Sometimes we go to Shangshad Bhaban, sometimes
Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
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Photo: Quamrul Abedin
even to Smriti Shoudho,” says Nahid, a neighbour. “We all raise money and have a small function on our rooftop,” says Chandni. Tania, who also lives in the camp, says she follows the same routine: waking up in the morning, eating breakfast of panta-ilish, and then heading out with the family.
For a Muslim community
However, this spirit of embracing the Bengali new year is not prevalent among all of the residents of the camp, which is made up of Muslims mostly. Ruma, who lives in the camp with her in-laws, says she does not celebrate the event as it is “not for Muslims.” Her comment triggers off an unavoidable debate between her and rest of the crowd. “It’s just my belief, and I follow it,” she insists calmly. Ruma is not alone in believing this. As I walk around talking to people at shops and tongs, I don’t see the vibrant chaos of the Bengali spirit awaiting Pahela Baishakh. A street-side vendor, when asked about preparations for the festival, evades the question a few times before replying: “What Pahela Baishakh? No, we don’t do anything. It’s not ours to celebrate.” His assistant chimes in: “Who said anything about celebrating? Where do they celebrate? We don’t know of any.” Baishak spirit in the Geneva Camp may not live up to that on the streets, but it definitely reigns in the homes (and rooftops) of those who do celebrate. Perhaps,the sentiment expressed by Tania in the simplest words explains it best: “Whatever the Bengalis do, we do,” she says. “We celebrate everything with joy!”
rana plaza | Survival
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Heroes and survivors On April 24, 2013, Bangladesh was rocked by the devastating collapse of Rana Plaza. The largest industrial disaster in history left 1,136 dead and forever changed the lives of everyone it touched. Here are first person accounts of four people on the ground in Savar Dr Papyia Rahman: On call at EMCH
Tanvir Arafat Dhrubo: Lighting the way
Siddik: Under the iron on the 7th floor
Shilpi Begum: Learning to walk again
I had night shift the previous evening. That awful morning, I was about to leave after a long night's duty. I was instructing a nurse to attend a patient with regular medicine on the seventh floor. Suddenly we heard a deafening boom. It felt as if the whole world was coming to an end. I went downstairs and heard from others that the building nearby named Rana Plaza had collapsed. The emergency room quickly filled up, and we had to start treating the patients on the lobby. The patients were crying, shouting in pain. Many arrived dead. We just tried to keep our head cool and treated them, but it was a hard job to do. I left the hospital on April 26, after providing medical care to the helpless victims of Rana Plaza, for more than 70 relentless hours. I will never forget that time. For a doctor, the sight of injury and death is a day-to-day thing. But seeing hundreds of people is terrifying, even for a doctor. I remember the eyes of a girl named Rukhsana. She begged me to save her, but I could not. Her eyes still haunt me when I try to sleep at night. Though it has been a year, it is hard to forget those few days. I still work at Enam Medical College and Hospital, and everyday when I pass the Rana Plaza sight, those faces flash in my mind. It is hard to forget such horrible memories.
On the first day, I was just following the news on TV. We saw the firemen handling the situation. The next day, I sent some juniors from my university to the scene. They reported that, apart from everything else, the most urgent thing required was light. I am the president of the Science Club at BUET. We had Tk10,000 in club funds. With this we purchased some cutters and halogen light-bulbs that we used to light up the adjacent buildings and the debris, trying to make the rescue work a little less difficult. We started collecting funds from our fellow students and bought gloves, masks and machinery. We knew we could get such equipment in Dholaikhal. As we were regular customers of the shops, they sent our purchases directly to the scene. When I arrived at the scene on the morning of April 26, the first thing that hit me square in the face was the smell of corpses – a smell I was totally unfamiliar with. It took us a while to grasp how the site was being managed, and to ascertain the chain of command. Our focus was providing technical support as recommended by the fire service officials. There were two teams from BUET working during the turmoil, one at Savar, and one at the campus to raise funds and buy equipment.
As soon as I got to work, I was overwhelmed with a bad gut feeling. I didn't want to go in, but the guards beat us. I still have the scars on my back. Less than 30 minutes after I started, the building collapsed. I was standing beside a pillar, working on the ironing machine as I did everyday. When the building started to shake, I reacted quickly enough to get under the machine, which ultimately saved my life. I had been standing next to a friend. I was lucky. My friend, on the other hand, sustained major injuries after the collapse. He was squirming in pain. He asked me for some water, as I usually carried a water bottle, but I did not have one that day. He died within the next 15 minutes. I wish I could have helped him. I do not remember when or how I was rescued. However, when I regained consciousness, some people who I barely knew forced me to attend a talk show around 11pm on that very night. After everything that happened, I was fearful about entering another high-rise building. But three men dragged me inside the building where the TV station was located. It was like torture. I used to be very talkative and stylish. Nowadays, I feel very quiet and reserved. I hope one day I can put everything behind me once and for all.
I cannot exactly recall every part from that dreadful day. I am still undergoing long-term treatment to be able to fully use my prosthetic leg and stand on my own feet. I still have pain in my right thigh and my right foot. I cannot even feel my leg up to the point it was cut off. I was not rescued until the third day of the collapse. A man died right on top of me. He was hit on his head and his dead body fell on me. I could not move at all. I was stuck under the dead body for three days, and at one point my legs became numb. It was the most horrible experience possible. I had a number of surgeries and treatments at many hospitals. I was finally admitted to CRP (Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed) and have been settled here for the last eight months. I can walk now without others’ assistance, with the help of a crutch. My restless mind does not let me sleep. With even a tiny noise, particularly if it comes from the roof, I become petrified. I highly get depressed when I think of my future. I was a regular earner in my four member family. I have a seven-year-old daughter and I want her to be educated. Despite of all this, I feel blessed that I have got a new life. I keep practicing walking, so that I can stand on my own feet confidently one day.
Faisal Mahmud
Promiti Prova Chowdhury
Shah Nahian
Farhana Urmee
Photo: Andrew Biraj
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SURVIVAL | THIS IS HOW IT’S DONE!
i did it my way TMAG’s slogan is “Your space, your way.” We hear from some young minds who created their own space, their way TMAG desk
Money for Music “I believe self-reliance is one of the most important virtues that a person needs to have in order to grow. According to my capabilities, I try my level best to cover my day to day expenses, as well paying for my university tuition fees. I see it as one of life’s many challenges. Even though this responsibility comes with a lot of pressure, I try my best to keep myself organised, attend to my family’s needs and of course, take care of my own personal needs too.” Zerif Ahmed, 19 Guitarist of Nemesis
survival skills We polled approximately 50 people aged 13-25 about whether or not they can cook and do household chores. 68 percent said they cannot cook at all and only 54 percent don't do any chores around the house.
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vox pop TMAG conducted a survey of around 50 first-timevoters and only 60 percent said that they are intending to vote in the upcoming elections.
Travelling by himself “The first time I travelled by myself I was 20. I know it sounds clichéd but I truly felt free, and it was then when I realised that the world was truly at my fingertips.” Nabil Firoze Zaman, 23
The young entrepreneur
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“Firstly, being an entrepreneur at such a young age actually feels great. I earned my first pay check when I was 15 by hosting an “Under 18 football tournament” with a couple of friends. After that tournament, we decided not to waste the money over pointless stuff. Instead, we invested in an online clothing store. So far, the business has been a success and with the revenue earned, I plan on expanding into an event management organisation. I’m thankful for the opportunities I’ve received to learn to depend on myself, and I believe that sticking to such habits will take me a lot further in life.” Arman Mozaffar, 18
"I had been in love with speed since I was a kid, playing car games more than most girls I knew. For me, cars, especially sports cars, are divine. Its ability to boost your existence on gravity is extremely satisfactory." Using money saved up from teaching students during her A-level years, Jannati and her best friend started Velocity, an automobile modification service, in Uttara two years ago. Jannati Hossain, 22
My Space
App-tastic “Ultimately in life, whatever we do; sometimes we need to do something for ourselves as well.” One evening while backing up apps from his sister’s phone, he had to go through a lot of trouble and that’s when the idea of creating an app for backing up apps came into his head. His app features a simple platform for the users to backup their downloaded apps on to the computer so that in situation where the phone is dead or it has been restored the backed up file can be used to get back the applications without having to download them all over again. Ishtiaque Khan, 22
Every teen wants his own space, but this one took it a step farther. Starting a tutoring gig at age 13, taking on 20 students at a time, scrimping on lunch and travel fares, and stretching his Tk1500 monthly allowance from parents. Having a big family proved profitable during Eid. At 16, he got a parttime job at a call centre. Finally, at age 20, he had saved up enough money to buy a small, 3-bedroom apartment in Bailey Road. “It’s a possession that I slogged and worked for 5 years to earn- and nothing matches this feeling of contentment.” Arshad Anwar, 25
Scribbles
“I started writing from a very young age, attempting at poetry, rhymes and lyrics. I worked on my book “Silent call” for about three months. It consisted of seven short stories about life’s simple moments. I was ecstatic when my book was launched at “Ekushey Boi Mela 2013” I never thought that my book would be available to so many readers and I was shocked to see that my first edition was completely sold out. It was unbelievable!” Al Nahiyan, 19 Photo: Sabiha Mahmud Sumi
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SURVIVAL | Social skills
I am a survivor
For many going to school is great news. The other few dread the thought of it because school life has played its share of mean girls and bullies in their lives. Here are a few insights from survivors Baizid Haque Joarder, Natasha Rahman, Rad Sharar The Dark World of Zabeer
Zabeer Iqbal had always been on the heavier side on the weighing machine but that did not bother him too much up until he reached sixth grade when everyone in his class became weight sensitive. Soon, even the girls started to make mean remarks about Zabeer’s weight problem. He was always the last draw when his classmates chose the two teams for cricket. This weighed heavily on his mind. He tried discussing the matter with his parents but they took it very lightly which made him feel discouraged about the possibility of talking to a teacher or for that matter, a specialist. Then came the turning point in his life and it was the worst step he could have taken. The dark world of drugs. He had heard from people that such substances grant energy and aid weight loss. He liked it at first. Soon, however, his behaviour became suspicious and the parents raised a red flag. They stopped paying him a monthly allowance, but this only worsened the situation. Zabeer started to sell his smartphone, his music device, and even his clothes. When his parents got wind of this, they scolded him and threatened to deprive him of their family estate. This backfired as he resorted to theft and mugging to support his habit. And thus, he spiralled down into a world with no light.
Salib’s Story
A few things are always common in school: gum under your shoes, empty lunchboxes, and the fat boy who is constantly bullied. In this case, this fat boy is Salib, and he had experienced all three of the above situations. Not a moment went by from the 7th grade that Salib didn’t suffer for his physical appearance. He may have been a kind, talented, friendly and hardworking boy, but it didn’t matter to the others. His classmates picked on him with every overweight joke they knew, ate his lunch, targeted him for random pranks and even physically abused him to see if he was more effective than a trampoline. He laughed with them, participated voluntarily to feel like a part of the group, but it was pointless. Going to a teacher would have been social suicide, so he didn’t. He had friends, but they kept a safe distance and often switched sides against him whenever required. In Salib’s mind, a perfect day would have probably meant a day he was completely ignored. Soon, he started to develop a sense of inferiority. Defeat oozed out of him and the bullying became worse than ever. However, by the end of the 9th grade, Salib gradually learned to accept it, instead of denying it. He started calling himself overweight, laughed at himself
and joked around. He picked on himself before the other kids did, and genuinely enjoyed it himself. In a short span of a few magical months, the bullying stopped. Everything started to turn for the better, but Salib? He is now 18 years old, and also something he never forgets to remind everyonestill overweight. Note: All names have been changed to protect identity
Forced to pick up others’ slack … A pile of assignments in hand, a bag stuffed with more books than needed, and creasing of the eyebrows- get your ante up if your friend is a “nerd.” Usually, they are picked on by the jocks and slackers who force them to do their homework and assignments. If the nerds don’t comply, then it’s either a black eye that they need to hide from their parents.
five signs of being bullied
The loner ... When having a casual conversation with your friends, if they repeatedly say how they had to deal with a lot of “drama” in school, then that’s a sign that there’s more to the story that you need to dig up. If your friend says that the students are not very “friendly” or “welcoming” it could be that the students in class treat your friend like an outsider. If your friend says “don’t ask” whenever you ask about any activity in school, that is a telltale sign for a fishy story.
If your friend acts unlike their real self … If you notice your friend is unnaturally uncomfortable around a group of people or one person, then that’s a call for concern right there. If your friend is flinching or avoiding a group of people, or if they starts to act differently around them, then probe gently and find out. There may be more than they’r letting you in on.
Losing necessities one too many times … If your friend says s/he lost their pencil box, and this is the third time in a month, then you should keep an eye out for this sneaky mugger. Does your friend break into a cold sweat when he brings out their new geometry set or schoolbag? Ask your friend if someone’s messing with their stuff and try and read their facial features. If the eyes are twitching and averted, then it’s probable that they are being bullied.
No, thank you If you’re a single man and find yourself attending parties for one reason or another, there are always certain individuals you should try to avoid. There are also people you should gravitate towards. For example, very attractive single ladies (queue Beyonce). As tempting as the situation may be, there are certain types of women you are better off avoiding. What lies beneath is a misadventure you’ll regret later Mahmood Hossain
Centre of attention
The woman that wants it all. The spotlight is on her and the world is her stage. Confident and proud, there’s nothing that’s going to rain on her parade. Sounds exciting right? Wrong. You’ll be under her shadow the entire time. In her head, she’s Batman and you’re Robin. If you’re picturing a future with her, be prepared to always play second fiddle.
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Photo: Syed Latif Hossain
Diva
The aroma of arrogance is strong with this one. She has the prospects of starring in a Mean Girls sequel. It’s her way or no way so it’s wise to steer away from this control freak. You try hooking up with her and you can consider yourself her personal caterer. And oh goodness, the tantrums and the mood swings!
Being ravenously hungry after school all the time ... Even after the lunch money is provided, and tiffin boxes are stuffed with yums, if your friend complains about being hungry after school, then there’s a possibility that they are going on empty stomachs, and not by choice. There is always a clan of brats who will grab your tiffin and run, or force you to buy them lunch.
Photo: Bigstock
She’s too young for you, bro
You know, the young lady that looks around 28. She’s got mature features and a personality to match, but then you find out that she’s only 17. No need to rock the cradle, fellas. Most likely her mom is trying to marry her off and you don’t want to end up babysitting her. Let’s move on. This is only the beginning, of course. Stick around for part two to get the rest of the roundup of women to avoid at social gatherings.
Avenue T
Closet
RABRINDRANATH REVISITED Goutam Saha’s collection for Ranam was inspired by Tagore’s “Shesh’er Kobita” PHOTOGRAPHER: RIYADH ASHRAF MODEL: MISHA
WEEKEND TRIBUNE PHOTO STORY
THE SCENT OF A WOMAN When we see our mothers, sisters, wives, we marvel at the wonder that is woman. In that state of awe, we worship the feminine Shakti; uphold her many virtues as the faces of a deity. Captured in this photo story are the real women of our country, who even in their normalness, are just as marvelous and wonderful as the deities we revere PHOTOGRAPHER: SYED LATIF HOSSAIN
Women
“Who run da world? Girls” - Beyonce From changemakers to home-makers, from workers to glamazens, women all over Bangladesh, and even beyond our borders, have shattered the label of “weaker sex.” Here are their stories Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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Women | American Apparel backlash
Undressing the American apparel ad A controversial ad by American Apparel showed a topless Bangladeshi American with the words “Made in Bangladesh” across her chest Rumana Habib
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t dropped just days before International Women’s Day, triggering a maelstrom of controversy online and off. At every Women’s Day event in Dhaka that I went to that day, people were asking in lowered voices: “Did you see the American Apparel ad?” American Apparel has yet to comment, reportedly stating that they “want the ad to speak for itself." What message is the company trying to send, if any? Is it just a marketing ploy saying: “Buy our overpriced t-shirts?” The company’s infamous CEO, provocateur DovCharney, has been a vocal supporter of the Bangladesh garment industry in the past. What do our responses to the (purposely?) ambiguous advertisement say about us? The reactions have ranged from indifference to applause to outrage. And what about the model, Bangladeshi-born Maks who “unreservedly embraced this photo shoot,” but who, as per one Facebook commentor, may henceforth be known as “the Bangalee girl who got her tits out for American Apparel.”
Meet Maks
The small print below thetopless photo has a short biography of the voluptuous model. Maks moved to California from Dhaka at the age of four, and “continued following her parent's religious traditions and sustained her Islamic faith throughout her childhood. Upon entering high school, Maks began to feel the need to forge her own identity and ultimately distanced herself from Islamic traditions.” An interview with the Daily Mail stated that the 22-year-old Maks declined to comment about the reaction of her “conservative Muslim parents,” but maintained that she was “fully comfortable with the photo shoot.” She told them: “All women should feel strong and powerful no matter what their background or what they were taught they had to be. We should all be able to freely express ourselves no matter where we come from.”
Fatwa watch
“She and American Apparel will be sporting their shiny new fatwas by summer,” an online reader commented. “I don't know what disgusts me more. American Apparel's oversimplification of Islam by pitting it against
freedom in explaining this model's motivations, their regular protectionist campaigns against Bangladeshi imports, their CEO's multiple sexual harassment lawsuits, or the unimaginative design of most of their clothes,” said Malina M. While not overtly stated, Maks’ photo is a clear rejection of her Islamic upbringing. Some religious leaning people considered the ad “a middle finger to Islam.” And others have nail-bitingly wondered what the backlash will be from Islamic clerics.
perspective. I also appreciate the image because its making visible the invisible. “I love that it's a perfect set of tits. Having seen the made in Bangladesh tag on clothing since I was a kid and feeling ambiguous about it, I can fully stand by this association. As someone on the wilder side of the Bangalee/ Muslim spectrum, I'm relieved.” Joe Allchin says: “I find it worrying that breasts are controversial in a world/country with so many real problems... How are a pair of tits controversial compared to sweat shop labour?”
Body positive
On Rana Plaza: Bleeding heart or opportunist?
In the picture, you may have noticed that Maks is also sporting quite a pair … of jean, and um, well … “They're making the phrase ‘Made in Bangladesh’ sexy,” I overhead someone say. My very dismayed female colleague noted that those who have applauded Maks for boldly embracing her freedom of expression have mostly been men admiring Maks' figure. But women have also applauded the move. Nahareen Rahim, an art historian, said: “I do love things related to the body from an art
Weekend Tribune responded with this cover photo, featuring Sadaf Siddiqui The original ad from American Apparel
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Photo: Syed Latif Hossain
The most serious accusation levelled against the ad is that it is exploiting the Rana Plaza tragedy. For us, “made in Bangladesh” is a matter of pride, something to brag about when we spot it on a designer shirt at a fancy store. But in America, “made in Bangladesh” is indelibly associated with last April’s Rana Plaza tragedy, where 1,127 garment factory workers died after the collapse of a poorly constructed building. But Charney is the same man who said: “People in Bangladesh are vulnerable, and someone has to speak for them … it’s a shame, it’s an embarrassment … I believe they deserve something better than they’re getting.” He made the statement a month after the Rana Plaza disaster, in a one hour interview with Vice’s magazine’s Bangladeshi-American writer Reihan Salam. In it, he points the finger straight at his competitors, insisting that the problem is the “relentless pursuit of low costs in my industry,” and cutthroat delivery timelines. “Sweatshop free” is literally the company’s tagline. He proudly proclaims that he pays Californian minimum wage, although as we noted in our editorial on March 12, that is not a living wage. Of course, it is in the interest of his company's bottom line to equate a Bangladeshi garment worker's earning with “slave wages” in the mind of a guilt-prone consumer, who may not realise that the garment industry provides one of the best paying jobs in Bangladesh for undereducated workers.
The godmothers | Women
Hell hath
no fury Photo: Bigstock
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Until a few decades ago, the world of crime was believed to be predominantly reigned over by men. The odds of a female committing a crime have been mostly ignored. However, in recent years, the number of women criminals has risen at an alarming rate. The assumption that all culprits must be men makes it even easier for women to presume that they can commit a crime and get away with it Adil Sakhawat
Yaba Queen On June 20 last year, Manila Chawdhury (22) was arrested by the detective and criminal intelligence division of the police, along with five others, in the capital. Police recovered 30,000 pieces of yaba pills from Manila and her associates, which were worth Tk65lakh. Three separate cases were filed against the arrestees at Chawkbazar, Rampura and Motijheel police stations. The police found that Manila ran her drug business posing as a student. She is in third year at the Finance Department of Dhaka Titumir College. Before, she had been imprisoned for 10 months due to her involvement
in the yaba business. When interrogated, she confessed that she used to traffic the pills from Myanmar via Teknaf illegally and used to sell them to different areas in Chittagong and Dhaka. According to the DB, she was known to her associates and customers as the Yaba Queen. Moreover, when she was in jail, Manila created a syndicate of women prisoners inside the jail to expand her business. After she was granted bail, she helped her syndicate members out of prison on bail, starting her business all over again. Now that she is in jail, her syndicate members are running her drug business, according to a DB official.
Our own godmothers Before becoming a drug dealer, Gulbahar and her husband used to live in Mohammadpur and were scavengers. She met Alekzander, a heroin dealer, in 1994, and started her own business of selling heroin. Now, after 20 years, Gulbahar is a rich woman, owning a six-storey building in Mohammadpur and properties in Dhakkhinkhan. She has been controlling the underworld drug business with the help of 50 associates. According to a police official, she has been arrested several times but has been bailed out every time. Judging by her day-to-day life, Kolpona seems very gentle in nature. But in reality, she is very “efficient” in running her firearms and drug business. According to intelligence report, Kolpona has three houses in the capital. She runs her illegal business in the Kalyanpur area. She drove a Prado to do her daily dealings. Sakhina from Old Dhaka is more commonly known as
“Leader Sakhina.” She is No 2 on the drug dealers’ list created by the Department of Narcotics Control of Police. She has been arrested seven times but received bail every time. As many as 18 cases have been filed against her at different police stations. She runs and controls her drug business in the Islampur area. Rusia, also known as Mafia Chunni, is the most wanted criminal in Dhaka’s Sabujbagh area. She has been apprehended by the police for at least 100 times. Her most recent arrest was a month ago: she was accused of killing a bank official. But she was recently granted bail and got out. She made her fortune from criminal activities like kidnapping, drug dealing, murders, etc, according to sources in Khilgaon, Motijheel, Jatrabari and Sabujbagh police stations. She confessed to law enforcement officers that many political leaders have saved her from the law in exchange for large amounts of money.
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Women | Personalities
Beyond the sky Fighting the James Saville speaks to Lulu Ferdous, the first Bangladeshi woman to potentially travel to Mars
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s the hustle and bustle of Dhaka getting on your nerves? Do you long for some peace? Are you yearning for a traffic jam-free existence? Perhaps you should move somewhere quieter. Somewhere far, far away. Somewhere like Mars. Of course, there would be downsides to leaving Earth – but then again, there would be benefits to life on the Red Planet. Besides the lack of traffic, one of these benefits would be the possibility of meeting Lulu Ferdous. She is the Bangladeshi woman who has gotten herself through to the second phase of astronaut selection for Mars One, a privately funded project that aims to send four people (two men and two women) on a one-way trip to Mars by 2025. The aim of the project is to have the astronauts establish a permanent human colony on the alien planet. “When I told my parents, they thought it was some kind of a planetarium tour. There was silence after I explained that I wanted to go and live on another planet.” It may seem like the kind of cranky idea that could only appeal to suicidal lunatics, but Lulu’s passion for adventures in space is serious – so much so that she’s currently studying for a doctorate in aerospace science. When the story broke on Facebook, an old school mate of Lulu’s wrote of her: “She is a totally different, genius, awesome person. Her handwriting is microscopic size. I think none will forget her if they ever met.” In Bangladesh, Lulu wanted to be an air force pilot, a dream she was barred from pursuing because of her gender.
So instead she went to the US to study air transport administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After graduating magna cum laude, she got a job as a research assistant at the local Nebraska outpost of NASA. It was here that her space travel ambitions began, but her nationality would preclude her from ever becoming an astronaut. That is, until a pair of Dutch entrepreneurs launched Mars One. “The best thing about Mars One is that there was no nationality or sex restriction, whereas to be a NASA astronaut you have to be a US citizen.”
Criticisms and challenges
Not everybody has been quite so enthusiastic about the project, which is being funded on the promise of live TV rights, as there are plans to record and broadcast the entire mission as reality TV for audiences back on earth. Obviously, the chances of the astronaut’s long-term survival on Mars are fairly slim, and the possibility of watching four people die live on TV certainly raises ethical questions. Many critics say that the mission is simply not technologically possible in the given timeframe. There have also been Islamic stances against the exploration. One in particular stated that the dangers of the trip are so severe that taking part in the expedition would amount to suicide, which is prohibited in Islam. But naysayers aside, if the Mars One mission does get off the ground, it would make our nation proud indeed to have a Bangladeshi represented among its ranks.
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Photo: Courtesy
Good Fight
As a woman, she has been, since childhood, keenly aware of the chronicles of the domestic, physical or mental violence against women. She grew up wishing she could do something to change these dreadful stories. From 2010 till now, Trimita Chakma has put action behind those wishes, in her campaign to bring a revolution against the status quo Saudia Afrin
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powerful and spirited soul, Trimita Chakma began her journey with the vision of challenging the patriarchal system in our society, by advocating for women and all the inequalities they face. Two important experiences influenced Trimita to choose her path. She began life at a boarding school from age 13, and for four years, lived in close quarters with many other girls. She came to learn how, talents not withstanding, a girl can face so much discrimination on the basis of gender alone. Trimita was 19 when she attended a performance of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues” at her university in Germany. She found the play relevant to the stories of Bangladeshi women, and decided to join the movement. In 2010, she decided to perform Eve Ensler’s controversial play V-DAY in Bangladesh for the first time under the Vagina Monologues project. The project aimed to address women's sexuality and the social stigmas and create a new dialogue about gender roles. One can only imagine the challenge of implementing this in conservative Bangladesh. Fortunately the response among the urban audiences was generally favourable. The team continued their performances and fundraising efforts for women’s rights-based organisations over the next two years. The recent rape and murder of the 11-year-old Chakma girl increased her determination and urgency to increase the access of justice for indigenous women. With a view to create a new dimension in combating violence against women in Bangladesh, Trimita upped her ante by taking
on the position of a coordinator of V-DAY’s “One Billion Rising” campaign. Trimita is currently mentoring a research on access to justice for indigenous women of Chittagong Hill Track with the support of Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development(APWLD). She has also initiated an online archive for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) related issuesto keep the world informed about them. From her huge list of achievements, receiving the Australia Awards Scholarship in 2008 to pursue a Masters degree at the Carnegie Mellon Universityhas been the proudest moment of her life. She added another feather in her crown in 2012, when she received an Australian Alumni Excellence Award for young alumni in Bangladesh. She was also nominated as a Delegate for the 7th Asia Society's Asia 21 Young Leaders Summit in the same year. Interesting things you may not know about this superwoman. Trimita Chakma is afraid of aliens. She also hates going backwards on a train or bus. This might be the reason behind her commanding the new generation towards violence against women.
Photo: Nafee
IN UNIFORM | Women
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Identified by her uniform Additional Superintendent of Police Fatiha Yesmin, was on duty during our conversation. She was providing security for cricket players from different countries who had come to participate in the Asia Cup Adil Sakhawat Tell us about yourself ... I am from Nalitabari under Sherpur district. I completed my SSC exams in 1992 and HSC in 1994. I got myself admitted to the Political Science department of Dhaka University. There I completed my bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree in 2000. In 2003, I again enrolled at Dhaka University for my MPhil. I have completed it on female participation in local government. In 2005 I joined the Bangladesh Police after being successful in the 24th BCS exam. After completing one year of training at the Bangladesh Police Academy at Shardah, Rajshahi, I joined the force in Munshiganj district as Assistant Superintendent of Police for my probationary period. From there I was transferred to CID, where I served for six years. Then I went on a UN mission to Haiti as a logistics officer. Seven days before going on the UN mission I got promoted to Additional Superintendent. After 11 months I returned to Bangladesh and joined the Women’s Support and Investigation Division at the Victim Support Centre (VSC) under Dhaka Metropolitan Police. In 2007 I got married to an engineer. I have two sons. Tell us about the victim support center and your duties ... The Victim Support Centre was inaugurated on February 17 in 2009. In 2011 the VSC turned into Women Support and Investigation division. Previously, the VSC supported only female victims but now the VSC has three different cells: The victim support cell, investigation unit and quick response team. We have some telephone helplines. If any women victim such as abused domestic workers, trafficked women, oppressed hotel girls make a complaint to those helplines, our quick response team recovers those victims with the assistance of the local police station. We normally support victims for 7 days, as per the law. But sometimes we assist them for up to one month, in case we cannot find any solutions for the victim we have to keep them under our supervision. There are 49 police stations under the DMP. Cases related to women and children filed at those police stations come to the VSC. Then
we investigate the cases with our own investigative officers. Sometimes plaintiffs want their cases investigated by the VSC. They can submit an application to the DMP commissioner asking for their cases to be transferred to the VSC. Why did you join the police? When I was in first year of my university I dreamt of becoming a college teacher. But during my third year I changed my decision, as a uniformed job attracted me a lot. I liked the idea of people identifying me by my uniform. Did you make the right career choice? Of course, I am on the right track. Policing is a multidimensional profession where a person can meet different types of people in society, either those people are good and respected people or they can be bad or even wanted criminals. As a police member I have to keep my society secure so people can be free to move around the country. I think this profession is a good way for a woman to become a leader. In this profession I have to undertake challenges at every step. In this profession I can perform my duties not only in my country, but also in the international arena. So, I believe I have selected right career. What types of barriers have you faced throughout your career? When I joined in Munshiganj district as an ASP people used to stare at me curiously. I had to keep two male constables with me for security. It seemed women who are working in police were considered to be zoo animals. Other than this, I never faced any kinds of barrier in my profession. I got full support from my family, even from my husband who married me knowing that I am a police member. As this profession is a challenging one, I have to face the threat of many unexpected situations, but I never thought of those as barriers. Those are my challenges which I have to overcome. Do you get all the same training as male cops? Yes, I am getting all kinds of training from the Bangladesh police, I have already visited
the UK, Canada, Australia, Italy, USA, Haiti, Bahrain, and Switzerland. Are there any limitations remaining in the Bangladesh Police with respect to female cops? There are some limitations, many female officers cannot perform duties in many sectors. Female officers do not want to work in upazila level police stations or in remote areas. This happens because they cannot get out of their traditional mindset, even when wearing this prestigious uniform. How do you maintain your personal life? I make the situation positive for myself. My babies are habituated to my duties. If I remain at home they get confused. After spending six months when I came home from the UN mission on leave, my younger son called me ‘aunt’ as he was used to call my domestic worker ‘mom’ by then. It’s really painful to hear but I have to endure it, as I have to achieve my goal. The domestic worker has been working in my house for a long time, and I never think of her as a domestic worker. I think of her as my sister. Several times I go to perform my duty, while the children are in bed. My husband never asks me why I am out at night. I get full support from my family. But I give my family my full attention when I get leave. Please share your success stories which you have remembered or which make you inspired for your duty? When I was working in a human trafficking cell in CID I rescued a girl who had been kidnapped from Obhoynogor in Jessore and taken to Chittagong. A woman kidnapped her and forced her to get involved in sex work. When we were tipped off, I rescued the girl from a hotel but in that raid I could not arrest the main
Photo: Quamrul Abedin
kidnapper who had forced many women into this profession. After some days, I arrested her along with her husband in Netrokona district. This happened in 2007. Now that women is in Jessore jail after the final verdict. I am very happy that I can see the verdict with my own eyes. The latest success is Aduri, the girl who was found in the dustbin by a police official in the cantonment area. When the case was transferred to VSC, within one hour I arrested the female abuser of Aduri. We were really happy to give shelter and rehabilitation to Aduri. I also remember that when I was in Munshiganj, after completing my training, I arrested four criminals in one night drive. I was appreciated for that by my SP. What do you think of Women’s Day, and what would you say to women who want to become police officers? Women’s day did not come easily, so people should support it. More generally, if women want to keep their voices heard they must get into these types of profession so they can become leaders.
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Women | stereotypes
Dark and lovely It’s time to throw out those whitening products and make the most of the skin your mama gave you. Although this part of the world may never be on par with how the Western world is enamoured by bronze goddesses, take a cue from Halle Berry’s caramel skin or Paula Patton’s sunkissed complexion. Here are Avenue T’s tips on how to strut your golden skin Sabah Rahman Laying on the foundation
A common mistake dusky beauties make is buying the wrong shade of foundation. Most ladies from this side of the world have yellow skin undertones and need to look for a product for that particular tone. Some popular brands still formulate darker shades of foundation with pink undertones and the result is grey toned skin. Nobody wants that. Pick wisely and always test shades on your face instead of your hands.
Colour me beautiful
Don’t be afraid to experiment with bright colours. Whether it’s make-up or clothing, the idea that bright shades don’t work on dark skin is a myth. It’s actually easier to pull off vibrant eye shadows and lipsticks without appearing graish.
Protect me
Whoever told you protection against the sun was unnecessary for women with dark skin was dead wrong. Women of all colours are susceptible to environmental skin damages, so layer the protection on.
Bronze, bronze, bronze
Bronzers were made for darker skin tones. They blend in perfectly and give off the illusion of a flawless face. If you want a bit of shimmer, always pick bronzing products with golden flecks as opposed to silver. Golden tones are always more flattering on tan skin.
Shopping 101 Brands such as NARS, MAC, Revlon and L’Oreal are all available at Priyo General Store, Almas Super Store and Body Line outlets.
Photos: Bigstock
The wife’s guide to manning up the mamma’s boy With umbilical bonding between mother and son running so deep, it sometimes seems that only divine intervention can come in between the two. Avenue T shows you a three-step way to help man up the mamma’s boy in your life N Anita Amreen
Develop personal identity
As long as you and your man are 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. Build your own character by doing what you enjoy. Be cordial with her while you stand your ground. Encourage your husband to do the same, however, 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 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. 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
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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 decision to dictate your man’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.
MOTHERHOOD | Women
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Being a modern mother Dina Sobhan writes about what it’s like to be a mother today
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used to be one of those women who looked at children as little noisy creatures who belonged to someone else. They were cute to look at and nice to talk to, or play with occasionally, but had no relevance in my life. I had always been ambivalent at best as to whether or not I wanted children of my own. While I felt no particular affinity to other people’s children, I was fairly sure that I would like my own well enough. Of course, there were moments of extreme broodiness, when I wanted to experience the joy that others mothers talked about, but there were also moments when they seemed to be more of a complication than anything else. There were too many things I wanted to do with my life before becoming a mother. There are women out there who can juggle both a full-time career and a family, but I knew I would not be able to do both. I was just starting to practice counselling again and felt that a full-time career would require time and dedication. I had also not met the right person with whom to start a family. While I flirted briefly with the idea of having a child without a partner – and I know many women who have – I was neither brave nor capable enough to do it myself. All that changed when I met my present husband. We married within a month and I became
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I have friends in their late 30s who feel that it’s too late to have children, that they’re just too old, or that their careers are too important for them to contemplate starting a family at this stage. Conversely, I have unmarried friends who desperately want to have children but are afraid to challenge convention by having children on their own. Others are simply biologically incapable of having children and have been unsuccessful with their attempts at IVF. I consider myself lucky to have had not only a healthy pregnancy but a healthy delivery as well. Many women now opt to have elective C-sections to avoid the pain and the discomfort of labour. One friend of mine actually said: “Caesareans are so much more civilised.” While I strongly believe that this is a matter of personal choice, for me it was an option I would not have considered unless it was absolutely necessary. The way I see it, if my mother and my grandmothers were able to deliver a baby the normal way, why couldn’t I do it? It certainly wasn’t what I would call a pleasant experience, but it’s something I’m proud of having done, almost an accomplishment of sorts. However, since having my baby, I have had all kinds of women, from friends to the girls at my salon, congratulating me
with any pregnancy and/or delivery, regardless of age, as I have recently witnessed in the case of many of my younger friends. Similarly, I know women in their 40s and 50s who delivered their babies the good old-fashioned way. The most interesting aspect of being a mother later in life is not so much how it has affected me personally, but how it has affected other women, single and/or married without children. One friend, in particular, has told me more than once that I’m a “hero” to her for having had a baby so late in life, and through natural delivery. Every time her mother bemoans her single and childless status at 34, she cites me as an example of someone who subverted the idea of being “too old for marriage and children” after a certain age. A cousin’s wife, who has a PhD in mathematics and didn’t marry until she was in her late 30s, congratulated me over lunch the other day for getting myself “off the shelf” and married with child at my age. It amazes me that, despite having successful careers and financial independence, a benchmark of success for a woman in this society is still
marriage and children. In that sense, my mother’s generation and older generations in our society have yet to come to terms with the concept of “choice.” While there were many women in my mother’s day that held careers and had children later in life, it was a rarity, and certainly those who were unmarried or childless after a certain point were pitied for being “spinsters.” Nowadays, women feel they have earned the right to do whatever they feel is best for them. And many feel that having children is not conducive to other aspects of their lives. My cousin and his wife, both in their early 40s, agreed to put their careers first and when asked why they have no children, both husband and wife proudly announce that they chose not to have any. Similarly, I have a friend who, when asked if she has any “issues,” says: “Yes, I have many. But none of them are children.” I am lucky to have had a child late in life and, if I’m luckier still, I may have more. But I feel luckiest to have had the choice to do exactly what I feel is best for me, without anyone dictating to me what it means to be either a woman or a mother.
It is a little odd to see both the expecting mothers and their doctors favouring C-sections for the sake of safe birth, as natural birth was perfectly safe not too long ago
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pregnant almost immediately. While we had discussed starting a family as soon as possible, mostly due to our age – he was 42 and I was 38 - we had certainly not intended to have a family so soon after marriage. Perhaps it was the lack of foresight and planning that ultimately worked in our favour. Had we thought it through – with both of us at the time residing in different countries and with no fixed idea of what the future held – we might never have had any children at all.
on my choice. Apparently, I don’t seem like the sort of woman who would opt for the difficulty and messiness that labour entails. Perhaps more to the point, many of them just didn’t think it was possible for a woman of my age to have a natural delivery. Doctors in Dhaka particularly frighten women beyond a certain age into believing that complications are a natural consequence of late pregnancies and thereby force them into having caesarean births. Complications can occur
Photo: Bigstock
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WEEKEND TRIBUNE PHOTO STORY
THE RING
Zakir and al-Amin dream of becoming successful boxers. Most boys in their under 16 boxing group are school dropouts, and live a life of uncertainty and instability. Boxing is everything for them. There are only a few boxing gyms in Dhaka, and indeed in Bangladesh. The Mohammad Ali National Boxing Stadium is one of the major ones. These boys practiced boxing here every day
PHOTOGRAPHER: SUVRA KANTI DASWAS
Avenue T
Closet
PAISLEY PERFECTION Flowy fabrics and delicate paisleys make this sari the perfect evening option PHOTOGRAPHER: MUMIT MAHBUB
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people | Paromita Mitra
A letter from Miss Mississippi The gorgeous beauty Paromita Mitra, aka Miss Mississippi 2013, was both welcoming and warm throughout her interview with Avenue T Mahmood Hossain, Sabiha Akond Rupa How does it feel to be back in Bangladesh after your success in the states? It feels good to come home. I'm surprised and thankful for people's reaction to my success. What kept you motivated in the Miss USA pageant? Knowing where I came from was the biggest motivating factor. Being Bangali, I had to represent both my family and my people, whom I want to make proud. My family was also very supportive throughout the pageant. In the entire process, what were your favourite and most difficult moments? My favourite part of being Miss Mississippi was being able to travel to classrooms and schools to share my passion for higher education. A little girl once wrote a letter to me telling me that my presentation made her believe in herself. Knowing I could change someone’s life was truly an emotional moment. My most difficult moment was and has been trying to deal with my hectic schedule! I am so lucky to be busy and in demand, but I have a hard time meeting everyone’s needs. Have your relationships with friends and family changed? They definitely have, since I am unable to spend as much time with my friends and family because of my busy schedule. Everyone has been very understanding, however. The little amount of time I do get to spend with them has become very valuable. How do you deal with all the attention you get? I haven't really noticed a difference in attention, but when it comes to social media, I have a fan page on Facebook under Miss Mississippi, USA where I deal with pageant posts. I keep my personal Facebook page very reserved, and also use Instagram and Twitter a lot. When I am out and about,
I sometimes get photograph requests, which I don’t mind. Do you get time to watch movies or listen to new music? My favourite movie is Avatar. I really like horror films, too. Some of my favourite artistes include Norah Jones, Ravi Shankar, Dave Mathews Band and Justin Timberlake. What is one thing you look forward to in the future? What are your goals now? I look forward to my career plans. I hope to be the first Bengali astronaut. I will finish my aerospace engineering degree in just one more year. As for now, I plan to model and work for print and commercial ads while studying. Do you enjoy more perks now than before? What would be your favourite? It is nice to be able to travel often. I am given a travel allowance, along with sponsorships for everything from clothing to hair and make-up. My favourite perk is the responsibility that comes with my title. I get a lot of respect from children, and it's nice to know that I can be a role model for them. What is one thing you will miss most in being Miss Mississippi? What is something you won’t miss? I'll miss being able to get glamorous for big events. I love playing dress up! I won’t miss waking up early, and I can’t wait to sleep in. Is there something you would like to say to young Bangali girls who aspire to make great things happen? Anything is possible. Never think that you're not enough. Bangladeshi people have such a passion for life, we can be successful at anything. My advice is: do things you're fearful of. As a female engineer, I have faced so much adversity, but it has made me strong.
Photo: Courtesy
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Mahfuzur Rahman | People
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Living the Dream
Mahfuzur Rahman Tushar, 24, is the first Bangladeshi to take part in a Formula Series racing competition. Much is not made of the fact that Mahfuzur Rahman Tushar is the Bangladesh’s very first envoy in Formula Four, but if his provenance is studied, it is perhaps surprising that Bangladesh has not yielded a racing star before now Tahsin Momin
B
orn and raised in Dhaka, Tushar’s love affair with cars and speed started at an early age. During the 2002 Grand Prix season at Silverstone, the legendary Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher became the champion of British Grand Prix by beating his other Ferrari team-mates, Rubens Barrichello and Juan Pablo Montoya, motivating Tushar to participate in the formula series racing. Tushar’s first impression of driving came when he was only 13 years old, where he was asked by his father to park their car safely near his grandfather’s residence in Gazipur. He is a natural when it comes to driving. He learnt to manipulate the vehicle by seeing how his driver manoeuvred it earlier. Being the son of a pious Muslim, Tushar spent about nine years of his childhood studying at a city madrasah, from where he completed his Dakhil (SSC equivalent) in 2006. “Though I had spent years abiding by the strict rules of madrasah, I managed to find ways to stay in close touch with cars and the racing world,” Tushar said while narrating his experience. He later joined Dhaka Polytechnic Institute to obtain a Diploma
in Automobile Engineering. He completed his graduation in 2011. His pursuit for Formula Series racing began in 2007, when he came back from the World Cyber Games Championship empty handed. That is when he took a vow to become a Racing Legend. He went to the Google search engine and searched for “Formula series racing near Bangladesh.” Much to his delight there was a racing track situated in the provinces of Tamil Nadu. He jumped on the case and set off for India. But his happiness was short-lived when he figured out that the race track had been relocated to a new spot. However, Tushar didn’t give up just yet. Perhaps close proximity to the inner demands and an attraction as pervasive motor racing, was what kept Tushar going. He participated in monthly GoKart racing, which took place in Fantasy Kingdom near Ashulia. In 2010, he became the second runner up for the competition and that was only the beginning. In 2011, he became the “Speed Racing Go-Kart Track Master” champion. Tushar stood first amongst 300 other participants from throughout the country. Fuelled by his recent victory, Tushar decided to look for another shot at his dream of
becoming a Formula 1 driver. He repeated the same search process on Google. The results returned with “16 JK Tyre National Formula racing in India by FMSCI.” This led Tushar to the FMSCI website. Like many other young talents, Tushar had to overcome obstacles in his journey. 2012 was a year of calling for him; he obtained the necessary training and passed the qualifying round held in Chennai for the Formula 4 competition, but due to a shortage of funds, he could not participate in the expensive racing event the same year. His affection for motor racing faced a massive blow to the face yet again. Nevertheless, this did not discourage Tushar from trying harder and making it happen for himself. 2013 became the year when everything changed for Tushar. A local company stepped forward to sponsor him. Tushar flew to India to attend the Formula 4 competition titled 17th JK Tyre FMSCI Racing Championship-2013, which took place at the Kari Motor Speedway, Chennai, from July 19-21. Tushar competed against 23 racers and represented Madras Motor Sports Club. He finished in 11th position overall. Formula 4 is a platform which helps drivers aiming for the
upper tiers like F2 and F3 to gain experience. Initially organised in England, it is now being held in a few countries including India, Malaysia and Singapore. It is an introductory stage for Formula 1, the most expensive motor racing event. Only a handful of qualified racers from F4 can participate in F3 and following the same line of action, one can step up to enter F2. Only the top three winners of an F2 competition are eligible to take part in F1.This Bangladeshi racer is determined to bring back glory to his country through participating in the upcoming events. He hopes to make it to the prestigious Formula 1 championship within the next five to six years. Subsequently, he wants to establish a motor racing association in Bangladesh, which would come in handy for training aspirant racers. He anticipates that with time, the government and other private organisations will also become interested in holding motor racing competitions in Bangladesh. “Narain Karthikeyan is the first Indian F1 racer and the main reason behind F1 taking place in India. I wish to see the same happen in my country soon,” says Tushar keeping his fingers crossed.
Photo: Courtesy
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people | Zara Rahim
A woman of substance
Passionate. Stunning. Brilliant. Whoever said that a beautiful woman can’t be a tough nut at politics has yet to set eyes on this fine lady. 22-year-old Zara Rahim tells it as it is. To boldly go where most women are scared to tread on, this Bangladeshi belle is out to conquer the world and how! Natasha Rahman tries to keep pace with Zara’s grueling and exhilarating journey Natasha Rahman
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fresh graduate from University of South Florida in Tampa, Zara has bagged herself a degree in International Studies and Spanish. Her passion for politics geared in at high school and the rest, as they say, is history. She recollects working as florida digital content director for Obama in 2012, as an enriching experience. Starting out as an intern in January 2012 in OFA (Obama for America) and learning the ropes of the digital department at Florida headquarters, Zara took a risk once again. Putting off school, she decided to stick through with the grueling upcoming elections. Her dedication soon made her the digital content director shortly after. She reminisces, “It was critical. We were registering thousands of voters, informing them of deadlines, getting them to the polls, getting them to sign up online to volunteer at their local field offices, and teaching them about the important issues that were at the core of
the 2012 election. I got to meet the President, First Lady, Vice President, President Clinton, and other celebrities who campaigned for the President like Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington, among many others.” She fondly adds: “My mom also got to meet Barack Obama which was so wonderful.” We’d expect a woman of her stature who has achieved so much so soon to bask in the glory of her success, but her humble nature comes as a pleasant surprise. “I don’t feel successful because I know at only 22 I have SO much more to accomplish. I really feel humbled and to be honest, lucky! Working for Nobel laureate Dr Yunus was really the first thing I did that gave me validity as a young professional, so I feel really lucky to have gotten that opportunity. Being able to work for the President was pure honour to say the least.” Currently working as digital manager for Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Zara loves her job. As a public affairs assistant, her
calendar is packed with events with the mayor almost every day, documenting each event through photography. Zara warmly mentions: “He is an incredible politician and I really believe that he will be Governor of Florida one day. My job as digital manager requires me to manage the social media presences of the city, the mayor and work on cool development projects such as working with our IT department to create an app for the city, and working with Tampa Police Department to create a marketing campaign for bicycle safety.” A patriot at heart, Zara’s heart goes out to the women of Bangladesh. She strongly believes that Bangladesh frantically needs a colossal cultural shift as far as women are concerned. Women need to come out of their shells and demand the integrity and respect they deserve. She zealously insists, “Getting girls quality education and ensuring they finish their studies is vital. Also, promoting sexual health education is important. If you can empower women, you can change
the world.” Thinking of Dhaka, Zara takes a walk down memory lane.. “I think my favorite memory of Dhaka was when I was 5 or 6 and my dadaji would take me on rickshaw rides every afternoon of the summer and take me to get warm peanuts. I don’t remember much of him, but I remember that vividly.”
Getting personal with Zara Rahim Three things she cannot leave her house without ... Her iPhone, eyeliner, and her keys One random skill that she wished she could learn ... “I wish I could sing but no lessons can help this voice!” Secrets unraveled • She studied abroad in Spain for a semester. • She is a diehard fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. • Zara strongly advocates Bangladeshi women to take a stance in the political conditions.
Photo: Courtesy
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Nafees Bin Zafar | People
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An Oscar winner of our own If someone logs in to www.nafees.net, he or she would find it hard to believe that this is the personal website of someone who has won an Academy Award. Yes, Nafees Bin Zafar is very down-to-earth person, but with a superior mind. Faisal Mahmud gets animated over the first Bangladeshi Oscar winner
“I
can read and write code. That about sums it up,” says Nafees, who became the first Bangladeshi to win an Oscar when he was presented with the Scientific and Technical Academy Award in 2008. Nafees is a master of programming language. His specialty lies in computer graphics and he is currently working as a principle engineer in the world famous Dreamworks Animation studio. “The place where I work has a condition that every new movie from our production house should give its viewers something new. It’s the world of animation and here we - the engineers - are the creators. So yes, I have the liberty to create a three-eyed cute monster,” Nafees told the Weekend Tribune at the sidelines of a seminar organised by the department of computer science and technology at the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB). But that’s not the ‘new thing’ that our production house wants. Rather, it wants software with which you can create believable animation creatures with realistic body movements. I love writing that software,” he said.
The first Bangladeshi Oscar Winner
Nafees won his Oscar for creating the digital fluid simulation technique in the blockbuster movie “Pirates of the Caribbean, At World’s End.” “Simulating the physics of water has always been tricky, and the software sometimes has to use dodgy mechanics to make it feel real. That movie has lots of water bodies and I had to make those real with all the natural effects and reflections. I just did that,” said Nafees at the seminar in IUB which he titled “Animation 101.” For “Pirates of the Caribbean” me and my two other colleagues, Doug Roble and Ryo Sakaguchi, worked on simulating the digital environment for having fluid effect like that we have in the real ocean. One of the big effects in the movie was that famous “End of the World waterfall” scene.
Computationally that was a real challenge,” he said. Nafees said the director of the movie also wanted to have a waterfall effect which cannot be possible in the real world, but which would look aesthetically good. “Creating that extra thing is very empowering and fun. Like for example, different parts of that ocean in the movie have different gravity. You can’t really do that in the real world, but we can and that’s why we do things virtually,” he said. Before creating things with computers, the movie production house needed to build real models. “When you create a model, like a real model of a waterfall, you need to pour hundreds of gallons of water in it to make it a real waterfall in the camera. This has many problems. First, water on a small scale doesn’t look the same as water on a big scale. So the model can never look like the real deal. Secondly, you need to spend a lot of money and manpower to create that model and you need to dispose that amount of water. This is a huge production nightmare,” said Nafees. That is where Nafees got his motivation to create fake water so that the production house does not have to work with real water. “The very first fluid effect I worked on was in the movie Peter Pan. It was in 2003. There was a scene where a giant alligator goes down into a river. I created that alligator, the river and the splash effect of that alligator going down to the water. It saved our production house the hassle of training an alligator to do so in a life-size model,” he said.
model of it. And then you just need to add a little computer graphics in it”, he said. “But that situation has radically changed in the last few years. Now practically anything can be done and created with computer graphics. We, the engineers are constantly designing and writing new software to make things possible in the virtual world,” he said. Nafees said computer graphics is all about mathematics. “With sets of equation you can create anything in the virtual world. These equations might look dry but with the right hand and an able mind, the equations can do wonders,” he said. He said the best thing about computer-generated simulation was that one can work in intricate detail just by working on a computer. “We model things down. Because you can’t really know where the camera will roll, so we just build everything in the virtual world, so that nothing is being missed out,” he said. Giving the example of the
blockbuster animation film “How to Train Your Dragon,” Nafees said there was just one line in the script when Hiccup (a character in the movie) is riding on a dragon. “That’s just a line in the movie. But we had to translate that simple line onto the screen with details. Like what does he (hiccup) ride over? Some water, we got to have it. What’s in the background? Some rocks, we got to have them as well. These kind of things we need to fill in between a simple script and what you get in the final picture,” he said. “When you are making cartoons, you have to have believable elements in your movie. It has to be filled out. The world cannot stay empty. Consider a simple kitchen in an animation film; it must have simple everyday things like bowls, a sack of potatoes and so on. Those things are very realistic in context. And we create all those things as realistic as possible by writing codes,” said Nafees.
Photo: Courtesy
Working in the big world of Hollywood
Nafees started on Hollywood movies in 2000 after graduating in computer science and engineering from Charleston School of Engineering in South Carolina. He first started working for a company called Digital Domain, a live action studio. “Back in the day it used to be live action. Previously when you want to do something in the movie, you have to create the
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people | Kumar sangakkara
Sangakkara @ Sunbeams
During the peak of T20 season, the students of Sunbeams received a rare treat! A visit from Kumar Sangakkara, ex-captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team. TMAG was lucky enough to schoop an interview Munira Fidai
T
he Sri Lanka-Bangladesh Friendship Cricket Association (SBFCA) organised a short visit by the wicketkeeper-batsman of the Sri Lankan national cricket team, Kumar Sangakkara to Sunbeams on March 4. He was accompanied by his team manager, Michael De Soyza and Francis DeSilva, secretary of SBFCA. Sangakkara addressed an audience of over 500 elated Sunbeams students and answered questions with delightful humour and grace. Looking back on his school days, Sangakkara reminisced that he had been interested in several different sports such as badminton, tennis, swimming, table tennis alongside cricket. He was a senior prefect at his school and received a gold medal as the best All-Round-Student of the Year in Trinity College. It wasn’t until he was 17 that he finally started focussing solely on cricket. When asked how he perceives the importance of education in life, Sangakkara answered that the foundational courses have helped him prepare for life in general. He said, “You are never meant to be just one thing in life. There are many opportunities that life throws at you. Education prepares you to handle it all.” He admitted, surprisingly, that cricket may be his bread and butter for now, but it wasn’t his entire life. This is one part of his life. He adds, “There are so many people who do more important things than I do, and the world needs all these combinations.” He believes “real life” for him, will start when his cricketing career is over. “I can either sit at home and think about my past glories in cricket, or I can pursue otherthings that school has helped me prepare for- something else equally meaningful for me.” He added that not all important things come on camera or are newsworthy. But if you can change one life for the better, then life becomes worthwhile. Unfortunately, not everyone makes it in their chosen field. “What happens if you don’t have one fall-back plan, or two fall-back plans? This is where algebra, history, education in general will help you,” he concluded. When asked why he stepped
down from captaincy, he humbly replied: “It was time for someone else to take over. It is very good to realise that your time is up and that you’ve got to move on.” He admitted Angelo Matthews was his first choice to take up captaincy. Speaking on leadership, he said “Not having a nominated leadership role doesn’t mean you’re not a leader.” He shared that the Sri Lankan coaches encourage all players to think like leaders, which is why Lasith Malinga saved the day at the lower points of the Pak-Lanka match, this Asia Cup. “It’s all about situational leadership, and I believe that real life people are better heroes than anyone you see on TV.” He said he grew up idolising Sir Vivien Richards, before Brian Lara came in. He remembered feeling like he had a real shot at national cricket when he saw the 1996 Sri Lankan team perform at the World Cup. “How do you deal with the mental pressure on the field and expectations of the crowd?” he was asked. He replied that expectations were a part of life as a cricketer, and a privilege. “If the public doesn’t watch us and expect things, we are nobodies. How you fulfil their adulation is up to each player, but it should be fulfilled on and off the pitch - by not living in a bubble, by understanding the reality of things. We have a job to do at the end of the day and that is to represent our country with pride and display that pride on the field. You need lots of self confidence.” When asked what the highlight of his current trip to Bangladesh was, he said with a charming smile, “This visit right now, in Sunbeams.” After the loud jubilation over this answer finally died down, he continued on, “If you can be a part of an exchange of ideas that can help people later in life, I think that’s more important than any game of cricket.” He shared that the best advice he received since starting his sporting career was from his father who said, “If you ever devote a lot of time to something, and have a passion for it, ensure that it is done, as best as it can be, by you.” As a parting advice to students, he said, “Everyone is different,
D HAK A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSARY S P E C I AL | M AY 201 4
Photo: Sunbeams
and different things will work for you. Be who you are, and get the best out of your individuality. You may want to be like someone else. I wanted to be Brian Lara. At the end of the day, I am Kumar Sangakkara. All everyone wanted from me was for me to be
the best I could be.” Aren’t we all glad that he is what he is now, dear readers? Needless to say, the students and teachers of Sunbeams had a grand, grand time. TMAG believes our readers had as much fun reading!
SHIB NARAYON DAS | People
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The flag of our fathers Faisal Mahmud speaks to one of the (unrecognised) original designers of our nation’s flag
H
istory has acknowledged Kamrul Hasan as the designer of our national flag. This is true. He did design the flag – a red circle adorning the centre of a green backdrop – that we have today. But there were others who contributed to this symbol of national pride, and only a footnote in the history has remembered them. Shib Narayon Das is neither a vexillologist, nor a seasoned artist. Yet he, too, designed the flag of our country the first time, back in 1970.
The making of the flag
Though the Internet has given the honor to Das, he refuses this recognition. In his own words, “That map was a collective idea, and not just my own.” Das said that creating the national flag was just a small part of the liberation war, stating, “If I was not present, somebody else could have done it. It is not a big deal.” He said that right after the 1962-education movement, a few people including Sirajul Alam Khan started thinking about creating a group called Nucleus. “The history of our country hasn’t given Sirajul Alam Khan his due
recognition. But I am saying here, with full responsibility, that if Sirajul Alam Khan didn’t motivate us – a lot of activists of that time – then independence might have been delayed,” he said. Other people who were involved with Nucleus were Marshall Moni and Kazi Arif Ahmed. “AL leader Aabdur Razzaq was also involved with the movement but he didn’t continue with the movement,” he clarified. Das said that the Nucleus’s movement got its impetus in 1969 during the mass upsurge. One important incident of 1969, according to him, was the killing of Sergeant Jahrul Haque. Then in 1970, on February 15, the day on which Jahrul Haque was killed, leaders like Sirajul Alam Khan, Marshall Moni, Kazi Arif Aahmed, Shahjahan Siruj and ASM Abdur Rab decided to commemorate the death of Jahrul Haque by forming a group called Joy Bangla Bahini. Joy Bangla Bahini wanted to design the flag of an independent Bangladesh. “By this time, the independence movement by Chatro league was in full swing,” he said. This group planned to give Bangabandhu the flag at the Paltan Maidan. “It was decided that the flag should have the same look as the one we have today. The only difference was that there was a yellow map in the middle of that red circle,” he said. “Why did we decide to create the flag in such a fashion? Well, the green represents the natural beauty of our country and the red dot is a symbol of struggle and movement. We added the map because using the word “Bangla” would be confusing. When we were initiating movements with slogans like “Joy Bangla,” there was much confusion: Which Bangla (Bengal)? Purbo Bangla (East Bengal), Poschim Bangla (West Bengal), or both Bengals? So, we decided to specify the
land of the then Purbo Bangla (East Bengal).” Das said that some questioned why they had decided to have green in the flag, since Pakistan also had green in their flag. “We used green because we had no other color to represent the nature of Bangladesh. Pakistan used green for a different purpose. They used it because it is a sacred color in Islam,” he explained. Das said that they had also discussed that the identification wouldn’t be needed after liberation. “It was decided at that time that the map would be removed from the flag after attaining liberation,” he said, expounding that, “the map was not drawn the second time. The removal of the map was decided in the meeting where we first made the design of the flag.” He said that on February 14, by the side of the Chatra league office at Balaka Bhaban in Nilkhet, there was a tailor shop called “Pak fashion.” There, a tailor named Khaleq first sewed the flag. “I then drew the map on that flag with a gold colour, while sitting on the balcony of Shahjahan Siraj’s room in Iqbal Hall (now Jahrul Haque hall),” he reminisced. He said that the flag, however, was raised before being given to Bangabandhu. Anticipating imminent an Pakistani onslaught, the executive committee of the Bangladesh Chhatra League – led by ASM Abdur Rab, then Vice President of Dhaka University Students Union – hastily called an emergency meeting at midnight on March 2 at Modhur Canteen in Dhaka University. There, Rab reasoned that there was no alternative but to hoist the national flag of independent Bangladesh, which had been designed as an insignia during Sheikh Mujib’s campaign. On March 3 at 11am, on the Dhaka University premises, popularly known as Bat-Tala, students from all over the campus gathered to witness the historical moment as Rab pulled down the Pakistani flag and burned it. Moments later, he hoisted the flag of the independent Bangladesh. A political activist to the core “I don’t want to be remembered as the designer of the flag. I was a freedom fighter and above all I was a political activist. I still am,” Das said.
His political idol was Dhirendronath Dutta who was the first person to demand in the parliament that Bengali should be the national language: “During my leisure time at school I used to attend political gatherings where Dhirendronath Dutta used to speak. After seeing my interest, he started to give me various books about politics. I was just a student of class eight then, of Comilla district school. I was supposed to sit for an exam in 1962, but I couldn’t because the education movement had begun. I was directly involved with the education movement. My duty was to create a strike in the district school, Fayzunnisa School. “Creating a strike in a district school during the Pakistani military regime was hard. It was as hard as invading the governor’s house. However, we tried and it happened. That’s what started my direct involvement with politics. “Politics is in my blood. I am a lifelong political activist with certain ideology. But the politics that I have seen around these days is not the one I grew up idolizing,” he explained. He said the younger generation shouldn’t learn the wrong history that is fed to them by the politicians. “Time has come to raise questions. Time has come to break the shackles, and the younger generation should do that,” advised Das.
Following the flag 1.
It was an unknown Awami League worker who hoisted the flag at Ramna Racecourse on March 7, where Sheikh Mujib declared Bangladesh’s independence, and called for armed struggle against the Pakistani army. 2. Sheikh Mujib hoisted the flag at his own residence in Dhanmondi on March 23. 3. After the Liberation War, the national flag was officially adopted on January 17, 1972. For simplicity, the yellow map of the country was omitted. 4. The flag of Bangladesh was first hoisted at the United Nations in New York in September 1974. China had twice used its veto against the admission of Bangladesh at the UN in 1972 and 1973. At last the new country was recognised.
Photo: Courtesy
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people | FAISEL RAHMAN
Microfinance: Not just for
developing countries British-Bangladeshi Faisel Rahman is the founder and managing director of Fair Finance, a UK microfinance company that last year won an award from the British prime minister, and now has over 10,000 clients in London James Saville I've never heard of microcredit in developed nations, can you explain? When you think about the UK you don’t really think about financial exclusion. You think about people with too much access to credit; you think about over indebtedness; you think about how to give people more education rather than more credit. But there are four million people in the UK who use doorstep lenders, people who come around to your house offering you credit charging interest rates of around 400%-500% to lend you £500-600, and then come to your house weekly to collect. There are a further two million people who use very expensive short-term "pay-day" lenders, who charge upwards of 2,000%-3,000% interest. This is a similar problem microfinance organisations in Bangladesh are trying to solve, except in the UK we have legalised this lending. I thought if there’s a way of making microcredit work to tackle this in a village in Bangladesh, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work in the UK. Was it difficult getting the company off the ground? I had to use my credit card to make the first loan … I had a better chance of being repaid than some guy knocking on the door demanding cash and charging 10,000 interest. I first set up the company in East London, which has a very multicultural community including many Bangladeshis, and many informal lenders with the support of local organisations and community groups. One of my first clients was a lady who borrowed £250 from a local doorstep-lender, to buy a headstone for her husband’s grave. He charged her 1,064% interest, and she had paid back nearly £3,500 to this lender. We were on this man's his patch, and I decided to aggressively compete to put him out of business. So I
rang the lender up and offered to refinance the loan so long as he left her alone. We had quite a long argument. I then did something a bit unwise; I invited the media down to cover the story. They tried to find him, and they wrote the story up in the paper with his picture, and mentioned my name in the story. I got a death threat from this guy who didn’t like the fact that he’d been profiled. That was one of three I received in the first years of setting up the business. I suppose if I had any less of a reaction, I’d worry that I was doing the wrong thing. Did you study the microcredit model in Bangladesh? I spent three months in a village in Mymensingh, working at a Grameen branch office, interviewing the staff talking to hundreds of people on their experiences of microfinance. In my final year at Cambridge I had to do a dissertation. A family friend took me to see a lecture by Muhammed Yunus at the London School of Economics. I was really fascinated by what he was trying to achieve in small villages in Bangladesh. I sent a letter to him, and The Grameen Bank offered me an internship to come to Bangladesh to complete my dissertation. My initial work was to go out there to study the impact of microfinance on the economics of small villages. After doing all this research they said I could come back after I finished my degree and come and work there. When did you make the connection between Bangladeshi microcredit and the needs of the UK? Sitting in the villages in Bangladesh, I was fascinated to see that the local money lenders behaved in exactly the same way as at home. When I came back to the UK, I thought. said let’s see if we can give this a go here. The first five or six questions I had from various UK banks I was working with, were very much:
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“Microfinance is something we do in India and Bangladesh but not here in the UK.” They said things like: “We’ll if we’re not lending to people here in the UK it’s because they can’t afford it.” What I realised is that they actually weren’t interested in dealing with poor clients because it’s quite complicated. People with low incomes have quite complex financial needs. Their incomes are non-standard in that they go up and down depending on whether they’ve got work, and they want to work in a cash economy. They need personalised relationships with their financiers, and mainstream banks are not able to provide this. Most banks are about: How do you automate the
Photo: Courtesy
process? How do you credit score someone on a system? How do you make the decision as quickly as possible? In the UK, like in many developed countries, they have a very sophisticated banking model that relies on a very high-degree of technology, and that technology relies on certain algorithms and models that puts weight on certain things. This is the opposite of door-step lenders who know where you live know about your income and spend a bit of time working out how long they can give you to repay. The banks can’t give you that kind of flexibility or personalised service. So I realised I needed to create something quite new, quite bespoke.
Foodies
If there’s one thing Bangalees do with enthusiasm, it is eating. We bring you our favourite restaurants and food reviews for your gustatory pleasure Photographer: homayra adiba Model: mili and sakib DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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Foodies | Budget eats
FOOD SAFARI
A ravenously hungry stomach matched with a shamelessly empty wallet - a common dilemma faced by teens limited by student budgets. With your stomach growling and hunger pangs kicking in, you’ve got a mouth to feed (or several, in that case) but no cash to fund your escapades. This week, TMAG embarks on a food safari to bring you a host of options that will sate your appetite in the most economic way possible N Anita Amreen, Baizid Haque Joarder, Tahsin Momin, Saudia Afrin
Street eats While chotpotis and phuchkas are usually considered to be pocket-friendly meals, what if, by some sad chance of fate, even that is something you cannot afford? That’s where the “chanaan” comes in. Yes, you read that right. A hot, freshly baked naan and a steaming hot cup of tea costs anything between Tk20 to Tk40. Calm those demons with this appetiser before you hit the streets for a main course, a specialised little treat called the “all-time butter bun” costing Tk15 at max. With its simple packaging deeming it a fairly more hygienic alternative, the butter on this treat will make you reel in creamy delight. As for those of you who
can go a little off-budget, opt for a meat packed shwarma from any nearby “grill chicken” store. However, if you find yourself in the possession of Tk100 to Tk200, rest assured that you are not going home on an empty stomach. If you live near the Old Dhaka area, you can gorge on everything from Kachchi Biriyani, Chicken Biriyani, and Tehari along with roti and different types of kebabs. Take a stroll through Bongshal and Nazimuddin road and let those Tk200 take you places; TMAG assures you it will. Perhaps you may even be able to finish off your meal with a chilled cup of faluda or a thick glass of lassi.
Pop Polls on Dining Out 80% of our readers say they
88% are not satisfied with the
60% of our readers spend Tk200-350 per meal on such outings, 20% need at least Tk500, and the rest are way more frugal.
36% want French restaurants, 32% want Punjabi food, 20% want more Lebanese eateries, and 12% settled on the
dine out very often.
40% of our correspondents
enjoy fried chicken and burger meals on a regular basis, 24% frequent coffee houses for sandwiches and hot beverages, 20% prefer biriyani, and 16% go for kebabs and naan.
Mobile Munchies Awesome Burger
Location In the corner of the alley behind Westin, Gulshan Time of business 4pm-12am Awesome Burger does its business out of a cart in one of the most unofficially happening places in Dhaka. What makes AB unique is their choices of addons; jalapenos, mushrooms, egg, beef bacon, and cheese to go with the luscious patty. All the burgers are within Tk300, with the cheapest being the egg burger at Tk60. The add-ons can range between Tk20 and Tk50. The end result is a fantastic burger on a tight student budget. You can also go for the hot dog, which offers the same add-ons.
TiTBiTs
Location At the side of the lake of Sector 7, Uttara Time of business 4pm-10:30pm TiTBiTs is Subway’s Bangladeshi cousin. Starting from the price range of Tk80, the biggest sandwich which is a foot long will cost Tk200. They have varieties as well, you can choose your desired one from beef steak, tandoori chicken, chicken salami,
beef BBQ, and egg sausage. Their names are pretty catchy too, like MitMit, Chick Chick, Chit Pit etc.
QuickBite Location On the parking ground of Shimanto Square, road 2, Dhanmondi Time of business 10am-10pm QB is equipped with real meat, grilled cheese sandwich, and burger melts that are definitely not for the weak hearted and will cost within Tk150. Their sandwiches have all the ingredients of a dainty sandwich - grilled chicken, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onions, shredded carrots, cheese melted. Also available are a wide array of sauces, cream, and all the other vital condiments in the world.
Bengal Meat Fast Food Location On the parking ground of Shimanto Square, road 2, Dhanmondi Time of business 10am-10pm The BM grilled cheese burger has everything needed for a supreme abdominal orgasm. It is ground meat patty trapped between two
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grilled/toasted buns, and layered by a thick slice of cheese melting in the baking process. The secret burger condiments would soak into the inner layers of the bun and bring about the perfect moist for the beef/chicken to turn on its flavour. Tasting this sinfully cheesy burger will definitely bring out the inner devil in you.
Hot & Roll
Location On the parking ground of Shimanto Square, road 2, Dhanmondi Time of business 10am-10pm Hot & Roll is fresh and it is unique in every way possible. Served like giant ice-cream cones with different fillings, they are absolutely scrumptious. Prices are practical too, with the savoury rolls costing Tk160 and the sweet rolls costing Tk150. The savoury fillings contain curry chicken, chicken and cheese, pizza, double cheese onion, black pepper beef, Bolognese beef, BBQ chicken, satay cheese, tempura fish, and tuna salad. The sweet fillings take in strawberry and chocolate chip, banana chocolate, apple cinnamon, and many more.
limited choices of cuisines on offer in Dhaka.
surprising choice of Norwegian cuisine as missing from our scene.
(Answers based on a small poll carried out among 25 randomly selected teen readers, both male and female)
TMAG’s Pick Top 11 places to dine out inexpensively
Star Kebab Shwarma House Sausly’s BFC FFC Fakruddin Shimanto Square’s various kiosks King’s Confectionery Yum Yum CP Candy floss The ranking is based on a survey of over 100 students.
Cart attack | Foodies
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Eight things worth trying at The Cart Company
An open air eatery, snugly located in the heart of Gulshan Avenue, The Cart Company is a refreshing new retreat for those interested in quality eats that are priced affordably. Consisting of five carts – the Holy crepe, the Deshi Ghar, Fusion Asia, Big Fat Wrap and the Break Express there’s a whole lot to choose from. Here’s Avenue T’s pick of some of their best tasting food N Anita Amreen, Sabah Rahman
The Killer Nachos
Kala bhuna
Nasi Goreng
The nachos arrive in a deceiving platter as the star ingredient (the beef chilli con carne) is hidden behind a layer of tortillas. It’s best to dive directly into the depths of this dish, topping your tortilla with a good dose of meat sauce. The perfect flavours of the meat sauce, the crunch of the tortilla and the salty tang of cheese, create an addictive mix. Slightly on the spicier end, their nachos really beat their competitors, hands down; it is one of the best dishes at The Cart Company.
A puran Dhaka delicacy, the kala bhuna is a must-have for those who enjoy rich indulgences. It’s extremely spicy, filled with masala and it tastes so good, it’s worth the heart attack you are sure to get with one too many helpings. Try this with their aloo paratha, another guilty indulgence that comes in the form of a thick, deep fried dough with a thick layer of well spiced aloo.
Meant to be inspired by Malaysia’s staple noodle dish, this slightly Bangalee take on the Nasi Goreng is just that: a Bangali take on Nasi Goreng. Considered to be one of their best-sellers, both the Nasi Goreng and the Drunken Noodles are good meals to try if you’re prioritising affordability and large portions over taste.
The Fatso
8.5/10 Tk400
9.75/10 Tk300
9/10 Tk290
This behemoth-sized wrap, over flowing off the plate, may require some planning before you begin your gorging session. A soft parata encases tender chunks of beef or chicken, crispy julienned potatoes and a myriad of sauces which range from peppery to deliciously spicy. It will definitely leave you satiated and addicted.
Hebby Joss Burger
9/10 Tk180, toppings range from Tk40 to Tk60
The express version of Jamuna Future Park favourite is just as good as the original. Order the Hebby Joss Burger if you're a purist and bite into pure bliss. Nestled between a pair of soft buns, the beef patty is so tender that it melts right in your mouth. The second pleasant surprise about this burger is the spicy tang, thanks to their special sauce. You can also choose from an array of toppings like mushrooms and Dhaka ponir and even add on as many extra patties as you like.
9/10 Tk180, Aloo paratha Tk50
Holy Crepe
5.5/10 Tk160
All prices are exclusive of 15% VAT so it’s best you don’t get carried away with over ordering, a crime most of us are guilty of, thanks to their well-rounded dishes. Photos: Baizid Haque Joarder
The hot goodness of nuttella, the creamy crunch of peanut butter and the tang of strawberries and bananas – need I say more? It’s difficult to go wrong with such a potent mix of fillings, especially when it’s topped with hot chocolate sauce and a side helping of whipped cream. Given it comes with a Tk400 price tag, it’s totally well worth a sweet try.
Fresh juice
9/10 (Kalo jaam Tk120, Tetul Tk100 and Jolpai Tk160)
Their selection of fresh juices are absolutely potent concoctions. Whether it’s the subtle overtones of the kalo jaam, the delicious tang of the tetul or the thick consistency of the jolpai - The Cart Company have nailed their juices and nailed them good. Definite must-haves!
Where to find the cart company House- 76/2, Road- 127, Gulshan- 1, Dhaka 01789531818, 01737081573 DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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foodies | Business perspective
Opening a restaurant on wheels The business that tempts on every street corner Faisal Mahmud
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or the last couple of weeks, Hemayetul Islam, an accountant currently working at a travel agency, has been busy sampling food from food carts across the capital. While munching on the street delicacies, Hemayetul also strikes up conversations with the staff and owners. “I'm trying to gather as much information as possible from the vendors, as I am planning to open one of my own very soon.” “First, I am going to buy a cart and then I am going to modify it with my own design.” When asked what kind of food he plans to sell, he replies mysteriously: “It’s going to be something new.” Hemayetul managed to gather information from other vendors regarding the kinds of food in demand, number of staff members needed to run a cart, and running costs. “I also tried to get an idea of the cost of building different types of carts. Some are fixed, some have wheels and paddles, whilst some even have engines.” “I know it involves a risk, leaving a secure job and setting up a new business, but the food cart business is booming in Dhaka, and I am willing to take that risk.”
The cart craze Dhaka has suddenly become flooded with mobile eateries.
Food carts have seen a surge in popularity over the last few years in Dhaka, selling a wide variety of dishes ranging from delicious burgers to nachos, from simple lemonades juices to exotic passion fruit shakes. Bringing a diverse range of cuisines on-the-go, these food carts have changed the food habits of city dwellers, especially the younger generation, who are embracing these carts, which provide quality food at low prices, not only for snacks but also for full meals. This fast-growing trend has motivated many young individuals like Hemayetul to have a go at the business themselves.
Recipe for entrepreneurism
“A food business is an independent business. It has the added satisfaction of feeding people and seeing their happy faces,” said Saberid Rozin, who recently opened a food cart in Azimpur. Rozin’s cart sells fried chicken, french fries and fried mushrooms. He says the specialty of his food cart is a sauce named “Rono’s Corner.” “I know there are many food carts in Dhaka that sell what I sell, but my sauce is unique.” Rozin started his business in May last year. “One of my Boro Bhais (local
guardians) opened a mobile cart that sold fruit juices. He invested around Tk70,000 on the food cart and got his investment back within two months. I was involved with an Internet service provider firm back then; my salary was nominal and I was thinking of starting my own business.” At first he wanted to start a franchise of CP, the famous Thai joint that sells fried chicken, hot dog and sausages. “The dealership of CP cost Tk2.5 lakh and I needed a permanent place for that. The initial capital that I needed was around Tk 3.5 lakh. I didn’t have that amount of money.” One day while browsing bikroy. com Rozin saw several food trolleys for sale. He contacted several sellers, and finally bought a food cart with paddles for Tk 85,000. Rozin then went to a market in Gulshan and bought the necessary kitchen supplies, including an oil fryer and other utensils. After that he approached a cook from a local restaurant who used to prepare snacks such as aloor chop, piyaju and aloo puri. “I asked him whether he could prepare fried chicken, french fries and fried mushrooms. He said that he never had. I told him that if he was adept at frying local snacks, he could also fry those foreign items. He agreed and I employed him.” Photo: Chanchal Kamal
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Rozin says that with the help of his sister, he prepared the recipes for the food items. “My sister prepared the special sauce.”
Location, location, location
The most important part of the business is finding a good spot to sell the food. “You might have some great dishes, but if you can’t find a proper place, then you won’t be able to reach your customer.”So he chose Iraqi Maat, a open field amid the concrete structures of Azimpur where local youngsters hang out. At first, local hoodlums demanded chanda (extortion money) from him, but Rozin contacted some influential local leaders, and has not been pestered since.
Corrupt licensing schemes But not everybody has connections like Rozin, and some are extorted on a regular basis by many toughs, including law enforcement personnel. One owner of a food cart in Dhanmondi, who asked to remain anonymous, told me that in order to run his business, he had to budget for extortion payments to police and local leaders. The vendor in question said he had wanted to proceed legally. He needed a trade license and went to the office of the South Dhaka City Corporation. The official there asked him to get the approval of the ward commissioner of the area where he planned to situate the cart. He told the official that a trade license did not require the ward commissioner's approval, but the official said he could not issue a trade license without authorisation. With no other option, he went to see the ward commissioner, but even after repeated visits, he was denied a meeting. Finally an aide of the commissioner said if he paid Tk60,000, he wouldn’t need to have any trade license at all. The vendor returned to the SDCC office, but did not get any help. Finally he paid that amount to that aide of the commissioner. “Now I am doing the business without a trade license. I just pay a certain amount of allowance.”
BAISHAKHI FEST | Foodies
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The tale of morog polao, kebab and lassi
Getting in touch with our food heritage at the Taste of Dhaka festival Faisal Mahmud
T
he capital's Kalabagan Cricket Ground was transformed into an oasis for food connoisseurs, with a nagordola (ferris wheel) and merry go round for the children, and the sound of live baul music drifting through the air. The occasion was the third installment of the Taste of Dhaka festival, held from April 11-15, 2014, and intended to re-kindle interest in the city's traditional cuisine. The first festival was first organised back in 2008 on the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the city's founding. The second festival took place in 2010. For this year's edition, despite the summer heat, thousands of people attended the festival to indulge in traditional dishes. The celebrations throughout town for Pahela Baishakh on April 14, the concluding day of the festival, only increased the festive mood. Dhaka's residents embraced the traditional food. I met Mahadi Abdur Rauf, a doctor by profession and a local resident of Dhanmondi, as he was enjoying some Haji's Biriyani at the fair. He said the taste of the biryani was something he couldn't find in his neighbourhood. "With my busy schedule and Dhaka's traffic problems, it is not possible for me to go to Old Dhaka. But here they have this famous biriyani, so I have come to taste it.” Mahbubul Haq, an expatriate living in Canada, was roaming the festival. He said he felt lucky to be able to attend such an occasion during his short visit to Bangladesh. “I used to live in Bakashibazaar, Dhaka, and I grew up eating all these delicacies. It is good to taste some of them again.” Meanwhile, the festival also introduced local delicacies to visitors from other different countries. Eric Bruitile from France said the kebabs from old Dhaka were better than any kebabs he had ever tasted. He also loved the lassi. Ellenor Regbrand from the Netherlands loved the festive Pahela Baishakh mood. "It's a unique experience, finding all Dhaka's delicacies in one place. Plus it's Bangla New Year!"
The food at the festival
All sorts of famous delicacies from Dhaka were all available at the festival, including: Haji's Biriyani, Nanna's Morog Polau,
Shamsher Ali's Bhuna Khichuri, Bashir's Kebabs, New Purnima's Jilapi, Master Chef, Subrat Ali's tehari, Muslim's chap, Royal's almond shorbot, Beauty's lassi, as well as bakerkhani and various pithas. The Weekend Tribune talked with some of the chefs and learned the history of these classic dishes.
He said khichuri was the most popular dish in the Dhaka's nawab's house. "Biriyani and morog polau came from the Mughals, but khichuri was the creation of Dhaka's nawab bari.” Shomsher Ali said he had recently started cooking a new dish called katari chal er polau, an unusual twist on mutton biriyani.
Haji's Biriyani
Old Dhaka has always been famous for its different kebabs. The nawabs of Dhaka were reportedly very fond of kebabs; many kebab chefs were trained in their kitchens. Bashir Mia learned the art of Kebab preparation from one of those chefs before starting his own kebab business in 1972. Since then, Bashir Kebab has become one of the most famous kebab houses in Dhaka. Now Bashir Mia's two sons, Mohammad Sagir Aahmed and Mohammad Sabbir Ahmed, are in charge of the business. Sagir Ahmed says kebab
In 1939, Haji Mohammad Hossain started cooking and selling this delicious biryiani at 70 Kazi Alauddin Road. His son, Haji Mohammad Shahed Hossain, took charge of the business after his death. The dish is served in a signature style: inside a basket of jackfruit leaves. Shahed Hossain said serving it would actually be cheaper to serve it in plastic boxes, but they wanted to keep the tradition alive. "We have expanded our business and opened some branches in newer parts of Dhaka, but if you come to our old shop where Abba used to cook and serve the biriyani, you will find the original ambience."
Bashir's Kebab
making is a true art. “You have to know your spices and the ways of using them, otherwise you cannot prepare a good kebab. You must also have a clear idea of how hot the coal will burn so the kebabs do not become overdone or underdone.” Bashir Kebab now sells chicken and beef chap in addition to its previous menu of shish kebab, chicken tikka, khiri kebab and gurda kebab. Sabbir Ahmed is the specialist in this area.
Beauty Lassi and Faluda
Beauty Lassi and Faluda is one of the oldest shops in Dhaka. It opened around 92 years ago at 30/A Johnson Road. As of now, the shop has not opened any other branches. The main attraction of Beauty Lassi is its cheap prices. During the hot summer months, the lassi, faluda and lebur shorbot (lemonade) are in great demand. During winter, the shop serves puri and beef bhuna.
Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
Nanna's Morog Polau
Haji Nanna Mia opened his famous morog (chicken) polau shop at 41 Becharam Deuri in the early 80s. Nanna Mia began by catering morog polau for parties, especially weddings. When he opened a shop, it became a major hit. A secret element in this special morog polau is the deep-coloured onion paste with its rich flavours. Haji Nanna Mia's two sons now look after the business, and only they know the secret of the recipe. Aside from the signature morog polau, Nanna's shop now sells kacchi biriyani, khashir tehari and rice pudding. Nanna also sells special "aasto murgir morog polau" (made with a whole chicken) on the fifth day of every month.
Shamsher Ali's Bhuna Khichuri
Shamsher Ali started his business at 113 Bongshal Road only six years ago. Within six years, his bhuna khichuri attracted rave reviews from all over the city. Shamsher Ali cooks the khichuri himself every day, and he cooks only a certain amount. Often, people go to his shop and find the khichuri has finished. “I want to maintain a certain standard, so I cook limited portions.”
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foodies | Restaurant reviews
Top 7 eateries
Avenue T’s pick of the best bites of 2013 N Anita Amreen, Esha Aurora
Glasshouse Mesquite Brasserie Grill
While most Dhakaites instantly scream “El toro” when asked about their favourite southwestern joint, others remain silent, a secret smile playing on their lips. Once the arguments have died down, the latter part of the crowd exchange secret smiles, with their lips begging to whisper one name: Mesquite Grill, or shall we just call it Uttara’s best kept secret.
Hotbox
Perched above an inconspicuous location at Gulshan Avenue, at first glance, The Glasshouse Brasserie proves to be a pleasantly surprising restaurant discreetly tucked into the top floor of a buzzing shopping tower. Claiming to be somewhere in between being “a mesh of both fine and casual dining,” this boutique restaurant is aptly called “The Glasshouse Brasserie.” The fine line between “fine dining” and “casual dining” being drawn by their ability to offer quality meals at prices that are relatively sensitive to customer budgets.
Just when people were tiring of the old fast food joints or even the new kebab eateries packing Uttara’s narrow streets, in came Hotbox, the very first burger cart to steamroll its way into Uttara’s seemingly stagnant food scene. When it comes to guilty indulgences such as good old junk food – nothing really beats a juicy, meat-packed burger as the one offered at Hotbox.
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George’s cafe
The quaint George’s Cafe recently opened its doors to Dhaka dwellers. Albeit low-key, the New York style cafe offers an exciting mix of drinks (both hot and cold), along with an interesting brunch and breakfast menu consisting of hot dogs, sandwiches and a tempting selection of baked goodies. Despite the limited seating, George’s Cafe always provides you with a cozy getaway where you can sit back and lounge.
Daily Deli
One of the first online eateries in Bangladesh to offer British pies – has begun making its mark by daring avid foodies to take one bite of their baked goodies. Their small yet diverse menu is kept fresh and exciting with a few standout comfort foods, such as cottage pie, shepherd’s pie and chocolate pie, as well as other sweet and savoury dishes. It is seldom that you try a dish and are left silently baffled by its utter perfection, with Daily Delhi its almost every dish that leaves you feeling just that.
Brazil Churrasco
Brazilian Churrasco started its journey some twenty odd years ago in Singapore and slowly began to take over Asia. It’s the first of its kind concept restaurant here in Bangladesh. It offers a high end Brazilian buffet dining experience. Here is the idea - it is an all-you-can-eat, meat buffet. Literally! With an insane array of side dishes to choose from, along with a cold and hot salad/sides bar. The grilled meat is marinated for 12 hours and they keep coming to your table with large skewers full meal, gingerly shaving off delicious pieces of beef, chicken and lamb until you just cannot eat anymore.
Tastebud
Tastebud is a well lit little bakery located in Banani. Not only do they serve up some delicious desserts, they also offer an assortment of appetisers and entrees. The ambiance is calm and quiet and beautifully decorated with lots of mirrors and comfortable couches. comfortably sits between being a dessert café and a bistro.
Relationship Romance. Parenting issues. Pet care. Our lives are inextricably would up in the lives of others. We’ve spent a year disseminating and vice, analysing the fire points of what makes for a happy relationship, and celebrating successes. Read on for our picks
Photographer: Syed Wasim Nirjon Models: Rifat and Baizid Make-up: Wasifa Ahmad Location: The Olives DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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Relationship | Sex education
Let’s talk about sex, baby It’s sensational in pretty much any culture, but just mention the word in this country, and you’ll get a number of odd reactions, ranging from squirming, to knowing winks and nudges, or outright silencing by grown-ups. In our retreat behind the label of “conservatism”, we’ve had an ostrich-like attitude towards a lot of important issues, issues that are dangerous to ignore. TMAG breaks the silence and gives you reasons why we need sex education Sabrina Fatma Ahmad, Baizid Haque Joarder, Saudia Afrin, Natasha Rahman Because it concerns our health and well-being
Sex education isn’t just about doing the deed. For adolescents, dealing with a changing body raises concerns of its own. From puberty-related health issues to general reproductive health, young people may have a lot of questions that simply aren’t addressed, or merely waved off as things that’ll “all be solved automatically after marriage.” This is a pretty dangerous line of thought, given that a lot of diseases such as cervical and breast cancer, to name just a few, could be treated through early detection. And then you bring the issue of protection into the equation, and suddenly, there’s a whole new kettle of fish to handle. The movies show beautiful people in the throes of passion. Rarely do they address the uglier consequences of throwing caution to the wind. Unwanted pregnancies are just the tip of the iceberg. And even when the teens think they’re being responsible about using protection, using it improperly can lead to complications.
Know your STD’s
Dr Md Shahadat Hossain and Dr Ishrat Bhuiyan, associate professors of the skin and VD department of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital talk about the most common STD’s in Dhaka. Genital scabies (crabs) An intensely itchy rash caused in your private parts by tiny burrowing mites. Spread through skin-to-skin contact, and sharing of towels and personal products. Can be treated with ointments and anti-histamine. Viral warts Caused by skin-to-skin, oral sexual, or genital contact. Requires cryotherapy to treat the lesions. Herpes pro genitalis Like cold sores, but happening in your party bits, these are highly contagious, and even after you’re treated, you become a carrier
for the disease. This is usually treated with oral medication. Gonnorhoea Guys suffer burning pains during urination, girls either experience pelvic pain, or vaginal discharges. Treatment includes oral drugs or injections. When asked about the need for sex education in schools, their answer was “Sex education should be given from class five so that kids can be informed and take precautions. For those kids that don’t go to school, for example garments workers, they could be given an hour class on it every few months or so.”
Because young people need to know about protecting their rights
Just as sex is a reality, so is sexual abuse. We got in touch with Advocate Alena Khan, chairperson, Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation (BHRF) about the legal ramifications. “Molestation is one of the more popular acts of abuse in our society. Simple touching or smirks that count as sexual innuendo may well be molestation,” says Khan, when asked about the most prevalent types of abuse. There is a growing awareness about harassment. The act that mainly deals with such matters is known as “The Anti-Women and Children Oppression Act 2000 Amendment 2003” which is effective enough to get sentences from three months up to death sentences depending upon the crime. But there is always the window for the victim to file for a writ- petition asking the court to address a particular matter.” God forbid should one ever be the victim of rape, Khan advises the victim to report the crime as soon as possible as waiting longer than 24 hours to report may raise questions about the delay, and even be treated as a criminal obstruction of justice. Khan’s message to TMAG readers is “I urge the youth to talk about such sensitive issues and aware people around you. As the
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chairman of BHRF, we are trying our best to educate the youth about such matters. The parents too, should be free with the kids. One advice I would like to give is not to live together because most of the complaints we receive is from such relationships. If you ever feel abused in any way, do not feel shy. Talk to your parents, peers and anyone you are comfortable with. Our foundation can give you necessary support and assistance if required. Remember, if the victim does not open up, the perpetrators would probably be eyeing another prey and they will suffer the same fate.”
Good touch, bad touch
When an unknown or even known hand is rested on your shoulders, think ten times before taking a leap of faith. Bangladesh being one of those countries, where the mere mention of sex raises eyebrows, think about the reactions when someone speaks of molestation. But as much as it scars one to think or even speak about the issue, what happens to those who bear the trauma of being touched in the wrong ways, by a stranger, or even worse, someone in the family? Having faced such dangers, the victim not only carries the memory for life, but s/he avoids consulting with parents, fearing that no one will believe them. They also end up blaming themselves, thus becoming prone to self-harming acts. In such cases, the no-talk-aboutsex policy puts you in harm’s way. Whether you receive sex education or not, it pays to know a few tips that will help you steer clear from sex offenders. Here’s how to do it: Avoid: Talking to unknown people online or over the phone. Unless a person is face-to-face with you, you lose out on a lot of warning signs that tip you off about the other party’s motives. Mingling with people whom you’ve known through friends/ family members. Taking gifts from someone
you’ve met recently. Being alone in bathrooms, lifts, and staircases Bad touch: If someone in school/family gets too touchyfeely i.e. excessive hugging, touching your neck, rubbing your chest/back/between your legs; it’s a sign. Talk to an authority figure: If it happens the first time it could most certainly happen again. You need to inform your parents. If they don’t believe you, let your school counsellor in on it. No matter how fearful or upsetting it is, you need to keep someone on your side.
Watch what you’re watching
Our culture moulds us to showcase ourselves as modest and humble. Hence, many important issues are not talked about and are regarded as taboo, and sex is one of them. According to the 2012 survey by BHRF, conducted in an English medium school, 58 out of 60 students have visited different pornographic websites that exhibit adult content. Advocate Alena Khan believes that this situation exists because of the taboo nature of the subject. Now, the idea of teenagers watching porn isn’t shocking to young people, probably because popular media downplays the legal ramifications of such activities. According to the Pornographic Act 2012, if someone is found to be guilty of disseminating and involved in such an offence this person be will penalised with both imprisonment and monetary penalties. The growing period of boys or girls when they undergo the process of sexual maturation in reproduction to enable fertilisation is called puberty. This certain age needs a lot of extra care from the person’s family. These people are going through a phase which they don’t know much about. “Parents should be more friendly with them, and they also need to teach how to tackle a certain situation. But be careful about the limitations of openness and freedom because it can be misused,” says Khan.
Situation room | Relationship
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Code Red
When it’s that time of the month for the special lady in your life, things can sometimes get a bit tricky. While some women seem to breeze through the dreaded week with minimal issues, those 5-7 days can be a real struggle for others. Here are a few tips on how to make things easier on you both Sabah Rahman
Pay attention
As mentioned above, some women deal with major premenstrual symptoms such as painful cramps, violent mood swings, lethargy and powerful emotions. If your beloved happens to be one of those unfortunate women, help make things a bit easier for her. Get her a hot water bag, offer her a massage or go all out and buy
her a day spa package. Bear with the ever changing moods and emotions, knowing that they will soon be gone. We’re not asking you to be her whipping boy, if she is chucking a remote control at your face (that’s just a bit too much), but just grit your teeth and let it ride out.
Do I look fat in these jeans? Due to bloating, she’s going to
feel fat and convinced she looks it too. Here is a major tip: do NOT agree! Some women can gain up to five or even more lbs of water weight during the week before they start. Hide the weighing scale and relax if she really does start looking a bit swollen. Unless she’s been gorging on endless portions of double cheeseburgers on a regular basis, chances are, once she starts, the extra padding will dissipate.
Work it out
The best thing you can do for the both of you is to work out together. Women who exercise on a regular basis are actually less susceptible to bloating and a host of other symptoms mentioned above. Get in shape together and reap endless benefits for your minds and bodies. It’s really a no brainer. If all else fails, buy her chocolate, a lot of it.
So you’ve What men been dumped secretly want Don’t Panic. It’s inevitable and we’ve all been there. And by there, we mean binging on greasy potato chips and overdosing on Toni Braxton’s greatest hits. Snap out of it and pay attention to Avenue T’s biggest break-up don’ts Sabah Rahman
Don’t talk smack
Don’t air out your dirty laundry on social media sites. This makes you look insecure and hungry for attention. This isn’t the time to talk about the quarrels you’ve had in the past because it’s behind you.
Don’t cry me a river
Don’t immerse yourself in sad songs. This is NOT the time to feel sorry for yourself. John Legend isn’t going to rescue you from your bedroom, so hit mute and do something to make yourself feel better.
Let’s get physical
Not with the next hot man you see, get yourself to your friendly neighbourhood gym and work it out. As much as you want to drown your sorrows in multiple packets of Mr Cookie biscuits, feeling good about yourself is the best way to move forward.
Don’t be that girl Just don’t….
We all know what men REALLY want and stem them as being one track minded. However, the male brain does seek out for the same things women fuss over. However, the male ego, the macho persona or the fact that he is after all a guy, doesn’t lead him to show his emotions as vividly. Dig deep because in a man’s eyes you will find the same innate need to connect on more than just a physical union Natasha Rahman
Independent women
Yes, you read it right. Men actually NEED woman who can get around on the streets of Dhaka without making a dozen phone calls to the chauffeur. Imagine how happy your man would be if he didn’t have to send you the car from across the city if you could just cross the street and make it to the mall. A man wants a woman who can multitask and juggle their work life and their home life and not get stressed out. A stress free responsible working woman is a rare find and one that a man wouldn’t easily let go of.
Dress to impress
Heels, shiny ballet flats, make up and a new set of perfectly matched clothes isn’t what men want all the time. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want their woman to spruce up for them from time to time. After the first 6 months of the relationship,
women usually discard the makeup and let their crazy hair run wild and free. Just because your man loves you, doesn’t mean you can go all corpse on him. Dress up and experiment with your hairdo or clothes and show him what a gorgeous lady he has bagged
Witty conversation
A man really needs a woman who can take a joke. It’s a rare find to have a woman who won’t take offense over a derogatory joke. Women easily get offended and that means men have to filter most of their thoughts in order to come off inoffensive, polite and in other words, boring. Men want a woman who is worldly and can get themselves in an intelligent debate without getting overtly personal about it. So ladies, you need to smile at his jokes and take it easy. Trust me, that’s an instant way to spice up your conversations and your relationship!
Photo: Bigstock
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Relationship | BEst of
Tough Love Q This is one of Weekend Tribune’s most popular columns. We caution readers not to take the ‘advice’ here too seriously Dina Sobhan
Q
A colleague and I got drunk a few nights ago and made out. We are both married. I haven’t told my spouse anything and I don’t think she has either. I feel guilty about the whole thing and I feel I should tell my spouse, who I know will not be at all understanding. On top of that, ever since that night, my colleague has also started completely ignoring me at work, which is making things worse, since work demands that we interact a lot. Help!
A
The whole scenario is wrong on so many levels, I’m struggling to decide what to address first. So, in no particular order of importance:
1. Awkward. 2. Have you never heard the expression, “Don’t mix business with pleasure”? 3. Are you experiencing a prolonged adolescence or a midlife crisis? In either case, who “gets drunk and makes out” after the age of 18? I suppose the above has outlined the important point that you have made a hot steaming mess out of your life at present. I’m not surprised your colleague is loath to speak to you, since she’s probably regretting the incident and scared witless that her “sig O” will sniff out your dirty secret like a dog with a misplaced bone. I would be grateful for the break in dialogue and use it as an opportunity to suck up to your superiors and find a new colleague to interact with. And when I say interact, I mean it in a strictly limited sense. Secondly, no amount of money or gold should compel you to tell your wife anything. This new age habit of “sharing” everything and being “honest” with everyone is what has led to the skyrocketing divorce rates we see today. Some good old-fashioned silence and discretion would not go amiss at this juncture. While you’re at it, spend some time with her and maybe you’ll rediscover her positive attributes and want to keep it in the family in future, so to speak.
Q
I have an eightyear-old son who is overweight and loves junk food. He never listens to me and I don’t have the heart to deny him food, but I feel bad whenever people, especially family, tease him for being fat. How do I get my son to listen to me and go on a diet when I myself am overweight?
A
Put down that patishapta and level with me: do you really want to deny your son junk food, or is it you who is having difficulty parting with her pastries and chanachur? Your son won’t feel compelled to lose weight if you enable his bad habits. Maybe you’ve waddled through life not caring about how you look and feel, but it’s unfair to subject your son to a life of mockery and ridicule, which will lead to feelings of low self-esteem and potential failure. Moreover, you are setting him up for health problems related to obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure to name a few. If you really want to help him, throw out the junk food and introduce a diet consisting mainly of protein and vegetables, and cut down on carbohydrates, sugar and fat. Also, start an exercise regimen of cardiovascular activity, such as walking or jogging. A young boy should be out playing sports with his friends anyway, but if he’s become used to a sedentary lifestyle, he needs to start slowly. As his parent, it’s your responsibility to cultivate good habits in him and raise a confident and happy child.
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I have a cat called Mr Tibbles. He is the most amazing cat in the world. The problem is, my boyfriend hates him and thinks I’m obsessed with Mr Tibbles. I do bring him everywhere we go, and he is a little portly because I love treating him to snacks and goodies, but surely my boyfriend should be more accommodating, right? He should accept me for who I am, pets and all. How do I explain to him that Mr Tibbles is an integral part of who I am?
A
Dear crazy cat lady, I hate it to break it you, but your kind don’t have much chance for success in romance with the non-feline variety. Your boyfriend must be a patient man if he allows you to carry your fat cat around in your oversized Fauxtega and feed him off your plate, and to think that he needs to be more accommodating is straight up cuckoo. While cats are lovely creatures, their place is at home, curled up at the foot of the bed, not carried around like the “kebab-me-haddi” in a love triangle. You need to get with the programme and realise double quick that your present boyfriend will soon be your ex if you don’t start treating him like the man in your life and your cat like the pet, not vice versa. PS: Mr Tibbles is a ridiculous name for a cat. Yours would be better off being called Motu, Potol or Aloo.
Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy
Q
I am addicted to the TV show “Game of Thrones.” I watch every episode a dozen times. I have started dressing up like Ned Stark (if you don’t know who he is, shame!), and have bought several expensive props to design my room. I am expecting a baby, and I want to call her Khalisi, ye of Dragonborn. My friends and family think I’ve lost the plot, but I really don’t see what the problem is. It’s an amazing show, so what’s wrong with showing your love for it? Please help me convert my family into an extension of the Stark family.
A
You are in need of a level of psychiatric help that extends beyond the purview of this column and even my expertise. I am so disturbed by your question that my own love for GoT has waned a little. You ought to be flayed for that alone. I have no advice for you. My advice to your wife, however, is run as far away as your little legs can carry you and save yourself. The only stark I envision in this scenario is your life. As for your parents, they ought to be punished for allowing you to become such a weirdo in the first place.
Locker room | Relationship
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Never let me go Three ways to incite her anger Guys, as all those sappy songs you pretend you don’t listen to will attest, it’s a wonderful feeling to love and be loved in return. There’s no bigger ego boost than knowing that someone you find attractive is thinking about you, misses you when you’re not around, and in general, gives a damn about the minutiae of your life. And it gets even better when you reach a level of comfort in a relationship where you don’t always have to bring your A-game. That kind of comfort can be dangerous, though, because it’s so tempting to just let everything go and devolve into a big sloppy mess until one fine day, you realise that your love life has lost its lustre. Here’s how not to go down that route Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Maintaining the merchandise
Sure, you’re not actively playing the field any more, but that’s no excuse to drop the ball and get flabby. Your body is still your temple, so treat it right. Staying fit has many advantages on a relationship level too, because you have all the stamina to keep the fire going, if you know what we mean.
Groom for improvement
There comes a point where you’re cool with your significant other seeing you in a day old stubble, or between showers, or in sweats. When that point becomes the norm, you’ve driven right into the territory of Uh Oh. Think about it. You put a lot of effort into courting her, but now
that you’ve got her you can play Homer Simpson? Hygiene is a big part of attraction, so if you want to keep the love fresh, stay fresh.
Something old, something new
The longer you’re together, the greater the tendency to settle down into established patterns. While ritual is comforting, a little variety is never a bad thing. Take some time to try new things together. Check out the new restaurant everyone’s been raving about. Go see a play - especially if that’s not something you usually do. Change keeps things refreshing and exciting.Treat your relationship as you would your prized car. Maintain it well, give it regular tune-ups, and it will take you wherever you need to go.
Once the fire of female temper begins burning, it’s next to impossible to tame that monstrosity. You listen, you respond, you cajole, you console - only to aggravate her further, struggling to cope in the inferno of fury. What in God’s name have you done wrong? Read on to find out Natasha Rahman
“Honey, you’re PMSing”
The gravest error men make when reacting to female temper is to make the mistake of saying “honey, it’s just PMS talking.” If there ever was a more aggravating and annoying response, this is definitely it. Use the golden rule of silence when you are unsure about what the “correct” response would be, because truth be told, there rarely ever is a “perfect” response.
“Are you mad?”
Well, of course she is. On several accounts it will justifiably seem that the woman of your life has gone cuckoo. Do you call a mad woman mad? Only if you want her to tear you to pieces with her razor sharp tongue, yes. At times you don’t even have to utter the words, and she knows just what you’re thinking – you are secretly pondering upon the utter triviality of her complains. Not only must you keep your tongue firmly pasted to the back of your mouth, you must also take up a look of genuine sympathy.
“You’re wrong”
Photo: Bigstock
If you’re looking for a brief holiday away from the hustle and bustle of your wife’s constant chatter, there is no need to take permission. Your ticket to peace will come in the form of two words “you’re wrong.” Nothing angers a woman like these two lethal words. If you must disagree, make it seem like it was her idea in the first place and perhaps you two can take that holiday together.
Ex-communications
Whoever told you that it’s possible to be friends with your ex is dead wrong. Well, maybe not completely, but 99.7% wrong. An exaggeration? Not at all Mahmood Hossain
T
he fact that you’ve given the effort to remain friends with your ex is only proof that you’re deluding yourself. There is history there, sure. You’ve been through a lot together, but that ex of yours, like so many before her, is going to be a pain in the backside. She will, subconsciously, no, knowingly ruin any real chance
you may have with a new girl. The ideal step to take is to keep the distance without offending anyone. The obvious thing to do is cut the cord completely. Delete all contact you have with her from the get-go. All the confusion and old feelings should be put to rest from the beginning of the end. No reason to be sentimental here, your ex is called your ex for a reason. Now, if your family
happens to be friends with her family, well, that’s a story for a different day. You should also know, this doesn’t just blow over in one night. It’s a process, just like everything else. Remember, it takes two to tango. You actually have to give the proper effort of paying attention to the new girl, which means there are things you should never do around her, such as mentioning your ex. NEVER
mention your ex! The new girl doesn’t care, and frankly, she doesn’t want to be compared with the past. It’s in poor taste, and a gentleman knows better. You want her to feel comfortable and safe, knowing there might be a bright future for the both of you. Out with the old and in with the new. Keep running that through your head, and give yourself and the new relationship a chance.
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relationship | fatherhood
The other side of the story The feeling of being a father is indescribable Adil Sakhawat
I
had my first taste of fatherhood when my daughter Warda was born on November 14, 2013. Waiting for her birth made me realise how my parents must have felt when they used to wait for me to come home at the end of every day. I lost my mother
“
work, it feels amazing to see when she recognises my voice. When my wife was carrying her, I used to talk to her a lot, as my wife’s doctor and our friends advised us to do. I suppose that helped me create this amazing bond with my daughter. Warda’s birth has given me a
Being a father feels amazing – I want to experience every moment of it. I want to witness every moment of my daughter growing up
“
when I was young. She did not get to see her son’s success. My father still waits for me – to come home, to become a successful person. Thanks to Warda, now I understand this chemistry between parents and children. Also, her arrival has brought her mother and me even closer. Warda’s birth has given me a whole new sense of responsibility. And being a father and husband feels overwhelming. Even when Warda was in her mother’s womb, I constantly felt her presence around me. Whenever we felt her moving, both my wife and I felt ecstatic. And that made me to become even more attentive towards my wife. During pregnancy, a woman goes to several changes that make her feel ugly, inadequate and sometimes downright miserable. My wife was no different, but she was also very patient and tried to keep her troubles to herself. She always worried that she might not be a good mum, but as her husband and the father of her child, I always felt the need to be her support, to tell her that she was going to be alright. I always felt the need to reassure her that we were going to be fine. Supporting my wife physically and emotionally surely kept my baby happy too. Warda is now three months old. When I come home after
confidence in myself that I never thought I would have. When I was in college, I once heard one of my teachers saying that a human being learns the most during the first two years of its life. Now that my daughter is here, both my wife and I feel compelled to learn more, because she is going to learn from us. We are parenting together to give my Warda a good life. I know that taking care of a child is a parental duty that is still associated with the mother in our society. But I always feel I should be as much involved in Warda’s upbringing as my wife. I put my daughter to bed when I get home, I change her diapers, I get up at night with her, I sing her lullabies. I feel that, this way, I can let my wife have some rest, and also I can have my own time with my daughter. My daughter is very little now, but she grows every day. I plan to make her life comfortable and loving. I want her to feel that she can be friends with her parents. Raising a child is no piece of cake. It is very easy to lose your temper and patience when you are a parent. However, allowing yourself to react in anger or frustration in front of your child is the worst thing to do. And this is something I have to keep in mind all the time.
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Before, when my wife and I had fights, I sometimes aggravated the situation further by constantly telling her to calm down. Now, thinking about her, both my wife and I lose all intention to fight. Apologies come naturally now, as I know how stressful job it can be to raise a child. Becoming a father has made me a homebody. I used to be an absent husband, but now I want to stay at home with my family as much as I can. We watch films together when I get home from work. I know Warda does not understand anything now, but I see her stare at the TV screen with a curious look on her face. I think it’s a good sign. Plus, this also gives us the chance to spend more time together as a family. Warda’s arrival in my life has changed my in more ways than I thought it would. Because of
her, I am getting rid of all my bad habits. I used to be a chain smoker, but now I am trying to quit smoking. I have stopped smoking at home. I never thought about saving money before, but now, for the sake of Warda’s future, I have started to track my spendings and save money so that I can provide her a stable future. It is amazing how a man can change in fatherhood. It may sound clichéd, but my daughter has also brought me luck. After her birth, a lot of my troubles got resolved – troubles that I had been having for a long time. She truly is God’s gift to me and my family. Warda wants me to be a better person. I want to make this world better for her, so she can grow up feeling free and comfortable in her skin, becoming whoever she wants to be. I will always be there for my darling Warda.
Land of her father
Rumana Habib
Lovedesh, the UK based tourism enterprise promoting travel to Bangladesh (see pg 7) fouded by Yasmin Choudhury, is also a love letter to her late father, Al-Haj Abdul Muquith Choudhury. Born and raised in the UK to religious Sylheti parents in a rather conservative community - she and her sisters were among the few families that encouraged their daughters to go to university Yasmin did not always have such a strong love for her desh. Like many immigrant children, she felt embarrassed by the odd-seeming customs that set her apart from her British friends. In fact, coming to terms with her Bangladeshi heritage was a long, bittersweet road, and at every turn of that road was her father’s face. After her father passed away suddenly during a trip to Sylhet in 2004, she flew in for his funeral, and bitterly swore she would never return. “I thought Bangladesh stole him from me,” she said. He had always wanted his daughters to give back in some way to Bangladesh. As they grew older and got caught up in their own lives, they were less willing to visit the home country. So he started to come by himself. And
unbeknownst to his daughters, he had been sending money to setup various philanthropic ventures: a school, an orphanage, a medical clinic. Yasmin was stunned and overwhelmed by the grateful faces of all the people he helped, but she was still not ready to process it. For five years she mourned her father, and was still bursting into tears when she thought of him. She decided she had to come back to Bangladesh to heal this open wound. When she returned in 2009, she was able to see Bangladesh with fresh eyes. And she fell in love. Photo: Courtesy Yasmin says her father’s proudest moment would have been to see Lovedesh’s very first guided tour. “I feel closer to him now than I ever did. The tragedy is that he did not live to see Lovedesh. But he is in everything I do. All of this is for him.”
Health
What’s the point in fancy duds if your mind and body can’t enjoy them? From success stories of people who took agency of their health, to common concerns, and tips on improving your wellness factor, we’ve got the best of health for you Photographer: inkiad HASIN DH A K A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSA RY S PE C I A L | M AY 2 0 1 4
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HEALTH | Weight loss journal
Food: From foe to friend From being an overweight woman struggling to lose weight in her late 20s, Nowreen Nazmi lost a drastic 60 pounds over a three year period, without the help of any magic pill, crash diet or excessive exercise regime. Currently a Bangladeshi banker settled in New York, Nazmi’s holistic approach to weight loss has left her feeling happier as she embraces her physical and emotional transformations. Finding solace in yoga and running, Nazmi slowly made lifestyle changes that led her to drop 14 dress sizes. Avenue T has a tete-a-tete with this 30-year-old as she delves into her weight loss journey N Anita Amreen Over time as you’ve gone through with your weight loss journey, how has your self perception changed? I was more happy-go-lucky when I was overweight. I did not think about what to eat or exercise so I was living in a state of mind where I thought ignorance in bliss. I was also younger and did not need to think about how my food decisions would affect my body years down the road. As your body ages, metabolism slows down and in some cases (such as mine) you start having acid reflux, GERD or your joints hurt from exercising. Now, I think about eating yoghurt for my bones or adding cinnamon to my coffee to control my blood sugar. As I lost weight and hit my weight loss plateau I became my harshest critic – I would weigh myself and get very strict if I was up a few pounds from the night before. I realised this negative behaviour was making me crazy so I completely stopped weighing myself. Now I just go by body fat percentage or measurements which fluctuate less. How do people respond to your new look, as opposed to the old one? It took me three years to lose 60+ pounds so people have actually seen me losing weight as opposed to just showing up slimmer one day. People seem very supportive and happy for me. They also ask me how I did it and seem disappointed when I say it was just the good old fashioned healthy eating and exercises – no elimination diets, miracle pills, fancy programmes, and of course, it takes time if you do it right and want the weight to stay off! Do you ever feel tempted to slack off/binge and if so, how do you deal with it? When I started to plateau in my weight loss journey, I became very frustrated and would overexercise and under eat. This would work on the weekdays but then I would go to a dawat
and end up overeating rich food because I was so hungry all the time! Nowadays, I am eating more and better quality food with lots of good fat such as nuts, peanut butter, olive oil and fatty fish so I’m less inclined to temptation. The key is not to diet and just eat for your best health and energy. I know women who don’t eat all day when they have a dawat and then they just feast on lots of rich food and dessert items, and then starve themselves again the next few days. It becomes a vicious cycle. I would recommend not having this mentality. Instead of considering food as a reward or punishment, you should think of it as your ally which can give you energy and good health if you make the right choices. Has your evolution changed your personal style? What was your personal style like before and what is it like now? When I was overweight I would spend a lot more time trying to put myself together in terms of make-up, dressing up and I would wear heels most of the time to look taller. I learned how to do my eyeliner by 13! I used to spend a lot more time, energy and money on nice outfits and figuring out how to flatter my assets and hide excess fat. I would never wear my hair in a ponytail because I thought my face looked fat – now I always wear a ponytail to work. Now, I am a lot more confident and relaxed, I seldom wear heels and use minimal make-up since I have to go to the gym almost every evening. I still struggle to flatter my shape since I remain small (at almost 5’3) and accentuate my curves – it takes trial and error to figure out what works best (belts are my friend). If you are chubby or curvy I recommend wearing tailored clothes instead of loose or boxy cut ones which can make you look bigger. Today I am comfortable with myself no matter what I am wearing.
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How do you deal with media attention? Lots of women ask me for advice on weight loss, digestive problems and body image issues. I am happy to help since this journey can feel very lonely and it takes time to figure out what works for you. I always used to feel horrible and left out at dawats because I have severe gerd (acid reflux) and food intolerances. Everyone else seemed to eat whatever they wanted and remained skinny but after opening up about my own journey, people e-mail me all the time and tell me about their problems. I know we are not alone! There are some people who have a constant love/hate relationship with food. One moment they are binge eating to their heart’s content, the next they are throwing themselves into a rigorous crash diet. For people like these who can never strike a balance, what advice would you give them? You should never crash diet and if possible, don’t diet at all. Eat healthy as a permanent lifestyle. It’s not practical to say, “I will not eat bhaat or roti for the rest of my life.” Labelling food as “bad” or “off-limits” only makes me crave it more and causes binges. The key is to find healthy food that you love, identify the exercises you enjoy doing and always be prepared with healthy snacks so BEFORE
you don’t succumb to temptation. I struggle with temptation whenever I go to a dawat because people are eating the food I love and grew up with and I have digestive issues that prevent me from enjoying things like kichuri and dairy. I have learned to just operate on autopilot and pick fish, chicken and vegetables. Roti is always a great option and provides an automatic portion control. Recently, there’s been a Fat Acceptance revolution sweeping across the world. Do you think this is a good, pro-positive body image or an irresponsible complacence towards healthy lifestyle? I think everyone should aim to be the best version of themselves. My mom always told me, “I would rather you study hard and get a B than not study at all and get a B because then you would never realise your full potential.” It’s the same way with your health and body. It’s not just about wearing skinny jeans, it’s also about preventing disease and illness later in life. I look up to people like Jennifer Lopez or Cameron Diaz who openly talk about healthy eating and exercise – they work hard to look good and so do normal people! I agree you should accept yourself but it’s important to have self-respect and take care of your body! If you don’t take care of your body it won’t support you. AFTER
Photos: Courtesy
confessions | HEALTH
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Where there’s a will ...
Perhaps the most stressful thing about being a teen is the constant battle with one’s body image. The growth spurts, breakouts and bloating come marching in uninvited, just when you’re trying to fit in with your peers. We’ve been there, and we can tell you that it gets better – if you work at it. But don’t take our word for it. TMAG speaks to three people who took charge of their lifestyles to work the changes they wanted in their appearances. We hope, dear readers, that it will inspire you to get up, get moving, and bring out the best version of you that is possible Rubab Nayeem Khan, Munira Fidai, Fuad S Alamin Dropping a few dress sizes
We asked Sanam Siddique, who went from 68 kilos to 46 kilos in 8 months, about her experience. Working as her inspiration was her acute realisation that she was grossly overweight for her age and height, and wanted to lose excessive weight and live healthier. She shared that she not only feels healthier but has also become noticeably more energetic and fit than before. We wanted to know if she had any issues getting social acceptance or had confidence issues when she was overweight, which have gone with the weight. To this Sanam replied that she does not believe that a person’s weight or outward appearance should be the bar by which friendships or acceptance can or should be measured. The only issues that pushed her into achieving her desired weight were health concerns and that she is now more confident about herself. TMAG asked if she wanted to say anything to our esteemed readers about choosing a healthier lifestyle. She says, “I lost 22 kilos in 8 months by not only dieting, but by working out too. Eating a balanced diet is very important instead of crash dieting, but one has to definitely work out too for a better lifestyle.”
Braving it out
He dropped several kilos to gain his ideal shape and pick up a healthy lifestyle, Saud Hossain, 22, shares his journey with us. What motivated you to get into shape? Jokes and mean comments about my obesity from people, for one. Aside from that, I’ve had health issues like back pain in the vertebrae region which itself was quite alarming. I loved eating food and exploring different cuisines, but I wasn’t watching my body mass. I realised that this love of food, and lack of discipline in my food habits was actually doing me no good.
How did you turn things around? A very good friend of mine helped me by giving motivational speeches about fitness, after which I started walking on a regular basis. I noticed the instant results, which boosted my determination to look and feel good about myself. I changed my eating habits completely and kept a constant calorie count. I used to follow a 5-bite rule i.e. I only had 5 bites of whatever I ate. Gradually, within time obviously one must stop having fast food, junk food, fizzy drinks, carbohydrate-rich food items and switch to high protein and fibre diet. A message for young individuals who are coping with weight issues ... Always believe in yourself. Yes, it’s not an easy task to lose body mass, but it isn’t impossible. Once you understand what’s good and bad for you, it becomes easier to achieve it. Always have several but small, light meals throughout the day instead of starving yourself or going on crash diets. If you find it difficult to follow a certain diet, always be regular with exercise. Work out daily for at least an hour a day and try to burn off all the extra calories. While you’re at it, get a friend to root for you constantly. You can very easily get side tracked from your goals, so someone should be there to constantly push you.
Mass effect
Not everyone’s goal is to lose weight. Skinny people have their own share of woes. Fuad S Alamin shares his story about how he bulked up to gain confidence. I used to be a skinny boy in my teens, and by that I mean too skinny. My body weight was below the average for my height (5’9) and people used to think that I was ill whenever they saw me and that I don’t eat anything (and I actually wasn’t eating enough). I was one of those people who made other people think, “Poor child needs to be healthier,” and in fact my
structure was so narrow that I always had a hard time finding the right sized suit for myself. I used to feel weak mentally, even though physically I was fine and maybe it was because of the dissatisfaction of being slender. However, I was always into sports and before getting into strength training I used to play football. It is indeed a beautiful game but I just wasn’t getting as much satisfaction as other people get from playing the game, simply because my childhood dream was to be big and strong. I never wanted to be a bully or overpower others physically; I just liked the idea of having a big physical presence and confidence like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who were my childhood heroes. Also I felt I needed to gain weight to change people’s perception of me to “healthy looking” from “skinny kid”. After turning 18 in 2011, I bought a set of dumbbells and started to train occasionally home but it wasn’t until November of 2011 that I got into serious lifting in a proper gym when a senior friend of mine recommended me an online strength-training program which can be found in the website “Stronglifts.com.” It is such a simple and well laid out program that I immediately fell in love with it and Alhamdulillah, it didn’t take long for a dream to become a reality and passion. Fast forward to April 2014, I’ve managed to put on 35kg/75lbs (63kg/138lbs to 98kg/215lbs) of mostly muscle weight if not all. I think I’m gradually reaching the point where family and friends get surprised and amazed and compliment my transformation when they see me. Besides putting on mass, I’ve also managed to increase (and still in the process of increasing) my physical strength to the point where I can lift 2.5 times my bodyweight. And on March 23, 2014, I competed in a powerlifting competition in London, organised by Queen Mary University (where I study,) where I scored the third
highest total score, all praises to Allah. These positive changes have greatly increased my confidence, which extends to everyday life issues like socialising, appearing before audience etc. Weight training also relieves me from all kinds of stress and helps me to relax so mentally I feel a lot better and more peaceful. I also received a lot of support from my parents who highly encourage physical activity. I wouldn’t have been able to come so far without their support and I thank Allah for blessing me with such great parents. As with anything in life, one does not just lift weights and expect to grow overnight. Yes, I do believe it’s possible for anybody to transform themselves and get stronger but it’s the level of consistency, determination and effort that separates those who actually can and those who cannot. I thank all those who’ve supported me and still are, I thank my parents, my family and most of all I thank Allah for all the positive outcomes in my life. Photo: Bigstock
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58
HEALTH | Eat smart
For the love of food Celebrity dietician S N Shampa, shares the secret to sustainable eating habits Farhana Urmee
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ho doesn’t want to be healthy, or live a disease-free life? To prevent diseases, and maintain a weight appropriate to your height and age, sensible eating, exercise and sleep are essential. Obviously. Yet how many of us actually manage to maintain our health? The lifestyle of the 21st century man entails less walking and getting more things done by machine. The availability of a wide variety of food allows us to overeat without thinking about the consequences. Only after becoming obese do many heed the warnings and reduce their weight. Or more often, it is for the sake of vanity. Celebrity dietician SN Shampa says people’s practices are changing regarding the maintenance of good health, as they face new health problems related to modern living. Health consciousness is praiseworthy, but some commonsense is required in ensuring a balanced diet. Shampa, who has degrees in food and nutrition from universities in Dhaka and India, is a consultant nutritionist at Samorita Hospital in the capital’s Panthapath area. Shampa has been in this profession for more than a decade, and has helped out many people including media personalities. She says it has become fashionable to go to a dietician to get slimmer in the shortest possible time, and many people are going on extreme, unhealthy diets. A diet plan should be tailored to an individual’s profile, Shampa says. She does not believe people need to stick religiously to diet plans, but rather they should simply eat a sensible balance of foods which will prevent heath complications. Another interesting thing that Shampa does is keep a small amount of the patient’s favourite food in the daily plan. The habit of eating one’s favourite food every day keeps people motivated. A person's weight should be consistent with his or her height and age, but Shampa has seen an obsession among young women with losing as much weight as they can.
“When I see them with a perfect shape and weight, why would I help them to lose weight unnecessarily? I simply refund them the money they have paid for the visit and counsel them to maintain their current weight.” When patients come to her, she does a thorough intake, determining whether they have diabetes, blood pressure issues, occupation, earnings and even the reason why the patient wants to lose weight. She also investigates the level of haemoglobin in blood, level of uric acid and allergies. A nutritionist must know these particulars to avoid mismatches of food. The patient’s economic condition is an indicator of the lifestyle of the patient, and helps decide which diet plan would be feasible for the patient. “If I suggest a patient from low income group should eat food that is pricey and unavailable, say tuna fish, the entire diet plan will not make any sense for the patient,” explains Shampa. She also inquires whether the patient has dieted before. Dieting without knowing your body may prove fatal. As high-protein diets tend to increase the creatinine in kidneys, people who stop those diets tend to put on more weight than they had before they began dieting. “Another thing I need to know from my patients is why they want to reduce their weight, as I believe losing weight is a process that includes appropriate eating along with physical activities. Often the patient's desire to lose weight is enough. I just help them with counselling and advise them to take food in the proper way.” Shampa also sees some unhealthy competition amongst those who believe skinnier equals more beautiful. Unnecessarily losing weight brings a number of problems, hair loss, low blood glucose and nutrition deficiencies which may cause disease and even death. Whereas huge numbers of poor people are starving in some parts of the globe, other more developed parts of the world are seeing eating disorders develop in young people who want to remain slim. In March the western world observed Eating Disorder Week to address this problem, and even
D HAK A TR I BU N E | A N N IVE RSARY S P E C I AL | M AY 201 4
Three health
care myths Myth Cholestrol free oil is healthier than regular cooking oil Fact Some people are under the misconception that expensive cooking oils that claim to be “cholestrol free” are a healthier alternative to regular soyabean oil. There is no such thing as “cholestrol free oil” as no oil has cholestrol in it. Sometimes health nuts purchase expensive oils and think it is okay for them to consume as much of it as they want since it’s low on calories. Regardless of which brand of oil one chooses, 1 gram contains 9 calories, while 1 spoon contains 45 calories. It’s always advisable to limit the consumption of oil no matter what brand it is.
Barbie manufactures are creating dolls with measurements more consistent with regular men and women. Shampa sees that life is to be enjoyed, and that discarding food is not a solution, but may in fact put your life in danger. Maintaining a balanced diet is her mantra, and it can be done with minimal effort. We only have one life, she says, and it is ok to live for the love for food, as long as it is enjoyed with balance. At the end of the conversation she gave me an apple as a token of good health.
S N Shampa
Myth Tamarind consumption leads to thinning of blood Fact This is a complete hoax. The more tamarind you consume, the better it is for your blood as tamarind is very rich in iron. In fact, it’s a really good fruit to help increase iron and haemoglobin levels.
Myth There is more protein in small chickens or pigeon meat than regular meat Fact The protein content is always equal in all types of meat products. Some believe that opting for smaller chickens over larger ones is a better option since smaller chicken, or even pigeon meat has higher nutrition levels. The truth is that there is no drastic change in nutrition levels when it comes to meat protein.
Photos: Bigstock
NIK SQUAD | HEALTH
Confessions of the nightriders
59
Sabiha Mahmud Sumi writes about the bicycle group in Gulshan
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magine if the inhabitants of Dhaka city came around to the idea of using bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. Not just carpenters, mechanics or electricians, but all who would otherwise depend on their cars, as if the world would end if each member of the family didn’t have one. Not to make us Bangalis look bad, but it seems the word “green” didn’t make much of an impression on most of Dhaka’s citizens, merely because of the fact that “going green” can hardly ever be spotted on our day-today priority list. The Dhakaites are too busy worrying about the government in most cases. However, in the light of these nightriders, the most that can be said is that Dhaka dwellers have shaped things up. So, if you happen to live in the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara area and have been intrigued by an assembly of riders cycling to and fro, making rounds around your neighbourhood, you will be happy to know that these people are not creeps on bicycles. They are members of the Nik Squad, featuring Zaman Johan and Omer Nashaad.
Why Nik Squad?
Nik refers to the fact that most of the admins of the group are from Niketan of Gulshan. It really is very much the story of
Want to join Nik Squad on their late night rounds? Here is how you get started Step 1 Log on to Facebook and search for Nik Squad, or go straight to https://www.facebook.com/ groups/Niketongang/?fref=ts Step 2 Click on their ‘About’ page and find yourself the registration form, download it, and fill it out. Step 3 Contact one of the admins for information about events. Step 4 Carry the registration form along to your first ride.
any odd easy-to-predict movies, where a group of people, before coming together in unison, are all alone doing what they love to do by their lonesome selves. A coincidence brings them together. That is precisely the story of Zaman Johan who would ride to and from work on his bicycle, unusual for most in Dhaka city, and would wonder whether others like him in the city existed. He spread the word on Facebook and formed a group with five bicyclists like himself. Now, they have almost 400 people liking their group and sharing their interests on Facebook and in reality. Although their initial inspiration for the group came from the platform BD Cyclists had created, they have come a long way in making this yet another successful platform for bicycle enthusiasts. Nik Squad/BD Cyclists – what’s the difference? Omer Nashaad: The only difference between BD Cyclists and us is the fact that we have our rides at night. Nik Squad isn’t necessarily a group that is excluded from other rides and other bicycle groups. People who are a part of Nik Squad have and do go on other rides that BD Cyclists organise, and their members too come on our rides. At times, when there is a senior BD Cyclist amongst us, we let
them lead the ride. If you were to give bicycling enthusiasts a reason or background to what Nik Squad’s activities are about, what would your verdict be? Omer Nashaad: We think it’s almost like a statement that we make here for those who belong to the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara crowd. As such people are the ones seen getting into their fancy cars, entering their fancy workplace, then retiring at a fancy restaurant and can be assumed to avoid bicycles as their mode of transportation. So, for those who feel that they can break out of their usual habits and might be interested to, say, ride their bicycles to work, this is their platform, their outlet. Also, this is a place for young people to get out of their daily lives and enjoy a fun and different activity. Although this may not have been our initial aim or statement, this is something that resulted from what we started, which was simply a group who loved riding their bicycles. Recently, has any pedestrian come up to you asking whether you are part of a group, or why you ride your bicycle at night, or why ride a bicycle at all in a city like Dhaka? Zaman Johan: People come up to us all the time, asking whether
What you need for a ride
Did you know?
• Helmet • Flashlight or some sort of light source attached to your helmet. • Right sized bicycle for you • Bottle of water • Small snack (bananas are a popular choice)
For those of you who would end up running over somebody or get run over if given a cycle to ride, don’t flip the page just yet, because FYI Nik Squad shapes people like you into street smart bicyclists. So, if you are one of them and are interested in tweaking your transportation habits, call any one of the members.
For more information about Nik Squad contact Zaman Johan-01199800136 Mohammad Asaduzzaman-01711082194 Omer Nashaad-01715076620 Ahrar Masud - 01732761445 Lubna Noman- 01732761445
we are or not a part of a group and whether they can or cannot join, especially foreigners. Just yesterday, two women came up to us and made a remark about how ‘cool’ it was that we ride our bicycles around the city at night. What is an average number of people participating in Nik Squad rides? Zaman Johan: About 40 people per ride. What bicycles do you like best? Zaman Johan: Hardtail mountain bicycles. Bicycles made by Merida. One of the riders falls off their bike while speeding past a CNG and ends up with a big graze wound. What would Nik Squad do in that very situation, and what precautions would Nik Squad take? Omer Nashaad: We always have a first aid box on us at all times during the ride. Also, we follow a particular style of riding where we have one of the leaders riding up front, leading the group. And we have another one of our leaders riding at the back so that no one can fall behind. The rest of the leaders usually ride in the middle, keeping an eye out for everyone. At all times, we keep emergency numbers handy and hospitals in mind when we plan out the ride at our internal admin meetings. break to catch up after – Manik Mia Avenue – Shangshad Bhaban – rest there for 10 min – round towards Chin Maître – Bijoy Sarani road – Book Worm – Mohakhali DOHS – Cantonment – Banani 11 – Gulshan 2 circle to end with a cup of tea. Photos: Courtesy
Their Route Just juice – Gulshan 2 circle – Gulshan 1 – Tejgaon Link road – New Rangs bridge- 20 min on top of the bridge to rest – 10 min
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WEEKEND TRIBUNE
PHOTO STORY
A NOMADIC LIFE In the traditional Indian caste system, the Dalit caste is considered lowest, untouchable, having the fewest advantages. Socially its members have been considered profane by upper castes. Approximately 4.5 million Dalit live in Bangladesh. 65 percent are illiterate and very poor. They still make their living within their hereditary professions, of which swineherding is one PHOTOGRAPHER: Murtada H Bulbul
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