Ave tv217

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, September 6, 2014 | Volume 2, Issue 17

I’m like the ringleader; i call the shots

Contents

AvenueT inside...

Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Executive Editor

9

5

Finding a release

The two wheel show

Shahriar Karim

Managing Editor

Jahangir Hyder

Magazine Editor

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

16

Asst Magazine Editor

Mahmood Hossain

Avenue T team

Khan N Moushumi N Anita Amreen Sabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum Sabiha Akond Rupa

Travelling in a circus

18

Refreshing fruits for the tastebuds

Contributors

Agony Aunt Tahsin Momin Adila Hoque Md Mahmudullah-Al-Mamun

Photography

Sabiha Akond Rupa

Graphics

Alamgir Hossain Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialist

2 Tuned Celebs transform 3 Try out Right on target 4 Tech A very sharp attempt 5 Tires Yamaha’s SZ-R 7 Tell Let’s get serious 8 Tucked In Living room balance 9 Take Care Battling anxiety 10 TrIAL Room On the runway

12 Trending Lively trends 13 Tailored Prints on point 14 TEmpt A colourful mask 15 Ticket Out to spa 16 TRAVELOGUE Circus! Circus!

18 Tantalise Frutiful flavours 19 News 20 NEWS

Editor’s note Dear Readers, Living in Dhaka, with all its strange quirks can sometimes feel like you’re at a circus.

This week, we decided to turn that feeling into a celebration of that weird world of fantasy under the Big Top. Take some stress out of your day with this easy clown-themed DIY dartboard on Try Out. Feeling like people treat you like the class clown? We’ll tell you what not to do in Tact. Tempt features some fabulous beauty tips for drama, while Trending talks Carnivale Couture.

In the Trial Room, we talk to Infinity Management about what it’s like to organise a big event.

Finally, in Travelogue, we take you to the circus - around the world.

Here’s wishing you a wild and wonderful week!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Editor, Avenue T

Shekhar Mondal Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

Production

Masum Billah

Advertising

Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation

Masud Kabir Pavel

Contact us

avenuet@dhakatribune.com www.dhakatribune.com

This week Feel like a ringmaster in this fabulous, trendy circus-inspired outfit

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The dynamic duo of Infinity

Model: Tasnuva Tisha Photo: Zia Udin Styled by: Maya Almuqtadir Shoot coordinators: Sabah and Anita

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2 | Tuned celeb buzz

Surrendering to the role Christian Bale The Machinist (2004)

Ben Kingsley Gandhi (1982)

Cameron Diaz John Malkovich (1999)

Elizabeth Banks The Hunger Games Trilogy (2012) This week we look at celebs who have undergone dramatic transformations for a role.

Charlize Theron Monster (2003)

in Dhaka

September 7

this week

September 5

Mohakal’s Production-30 ‘PROMETHEUS’ Photography ExhibitionLife and Works of Tajuddin Ahmed Rooney Mara The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

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Try Out |

3

diy

Why so serious?

Take a breather Coulrophobics

| Khan N Moushumi We are well aware of the fact that most people, if not all, despise clowns. Okay “despise” might be too strong a word - let’s just say they truly dislike those make-up-clad entertainers. Some even suffer from Coulrophobia – excessive fear of clowns. Not sure if it’s all that face paint, the big red nose, or their bad rap in horror movies, but whatever the reason may be, there’s a great way to turn the tables and have some fun. Make a dartboard and paste a clown’s face on it.

You’ll need • • • • • • • •

Cork sheet Darts Pencil Permanent pens/markers Anti-cutter Glue Measuring tape Photo of a clown

Directions Using your measuring tape, select the radius of your dartboard and with a pencil, draw a circle that’s at least 18-inches in diameter (9inch radius) on your cork sheet.

Next, use your anti-cutter to cut out the circle and trim the edges.

Trace two more concentric circles on your cork sheet, one at 4.5-inch radius and the other at 7. Now, it’s time for you to take that picture of a clown and cut a circle out of it with a 4.5-inch radius so that it perfectly fits right into the smaller circle that you just drew. Paste the picture on your dartboard using glue. Draw the bull’s eye right at the centre of the picture on the board and make sure it’s at least 1-inch in diameter.

Use your permanent pens or markers to mark all circles including the bull’s eye. Don’t worry about numbering the sections, just grab hold of the darts and start throwing. Scary clowns encroaching on your personal space no more.

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4 | Tech troubleshooting

Why wait later, when you can do it now

gadgets

Sharp as a knife All style and no substance?

| Mahmood Hossain

| Mahmood Hossain Google Now can be a very effective tool for Android users if used properly. Many may not know the various ways this little app can help you in your daily routine.

Here’s a list of ways of taking full advantage of Google Now. • Relationships - You can actually use shortcuts for names in your contact list. Rather than using your mother’s full name you can start off by saying, “Text my mom,” or “E-mail my boss.”

You’ll first have to set up those relationships through the Now app.

• Pinpoint - The app can take really specific commands from you. The personal assistant can notify you, by location, when you say things like, “Remind me to pay the bills tomorrow morning before I get to the office.”

• Skip Shazam - There’s a similar feature in Google Now like Shazam. By asking, “What am I listening to?” the app will be able to identify the song that is being played. This can also work for TV by saying, “Listen to TV.” • Wake up - Alarms are one of the most basic functions in a phone. A simple, “Wake me up tomorrow morning at 8am,” will set the alarm. No pressing or swiping, no fuss.

• Apps galore - If you’re a heavy app user, this little feature will be your best friend. All you have to say is, “launch Facebook,” and the Facebook app will launch at command. It’s more convenient than going through your apps library.

• Tweet - Sometimes we feel incredibly lazy, so typing is out of the question. Now lets you post on Twitter after you say, “Post to Twitter.”

• Tweaks - The best thing about Google Now is its customising options. You can teach it new commands like lowering your ringtone or read unread Gmail.

Remember to also switch up the Google Now cards and receive the notifications that you actually want.

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

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The new Sharp Aquos Crystal and Crystal X are brilliantly stunning. The bezel-less smartphone is something out of an old sci-fi flick. The mobile devices we used to imagine in our youth are here today. What we need to keep in mind is that these models wouldn’t be considered to be in the premium stage. The design is luscious, the front display is nearly all screen. But is that all? As crazy as it sounds, there are plenty who would seek to snatch one of these at first sight. Before we make any rash decisions let’s take a look under the hood.

The 5-inch Aquos Crystal has a 1280x720 edge-to-edge display with 1.5GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage.

With the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat, it also possesses the 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor and a 2,040mAh battery. The Harman Kardon audio is definitely something to highlight. At least they’ve kept the entertainment bit of it up-to-par. This sneaks into its 8-megapixel rear camera, paired with a front facing 1.2-megapixel. Its sibling takes things up a notch.

The Crystal X is a 5.5-inch with a 1080p display. But you’ll have to wait a little longer for its Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and 2,610mAh battery. Better specs also mean higher price tags. This model actually can be considered as a premium sell. The idea, of course, is to make this Sharp phone available for both the mid-range

and premium markets. How the phone operates on regular use is yet to be seen. The aesthetics aren’t a gimmick, the design is authentic and the addition of Harman Kardon will only help the overall performance of the phone. There is no knocking on build quality, that’s for sure. Look for the Crystals to hit the market soon.

apps

A bit of

the old in the new Old school way of typing is still around

| Mahmood Hossain

Tom Hanks is known all over the world as a successful Hollywood actor. What most of you may not know about is his new iPad app, Hanx Writer. The actor has patterned up with Hitcents to produce an app that recreates the experience of a manual typewriter, with the speed and precision of an iPad of course.

What they have presented is the entire look, feel and sound of an

old typewriter, with the addition of modern updates like the DELETE key. God knows we can’t live without that vital button.

In a way, Hanx Writer brings back the old school charm, bringing new life to personal letters or rough drafts of a story. Sure, this may not be for the masses, but for writers, it’s pure joy. The design of the app is refreshing. Again, you really don’t see too much of the vintage look in today’s app world. The Hitcents team got together to create three different styles of typewriters from Mr Hanks’ own collection. We tend to forget

how many different designs and colours typewriters came in.

They even went on to produce three unique fonts, having to recreate the typefaces. It’s all been personalised to Tom Hank’s desires on creating a genuine vintage touch to modern day word processing.

For now, Hanx Writer is exclusively for the iPad and it’s completely free. There are also in-app purchases if you wish to customise your experience further. Hopefully, this app becomes available on other platforms soon, in order to share the fun and reach out to more tablet users.

Tires | wheels

Yamaha SZ-R

Road rage

An all-around performer that will make you weak at the knees

| Tausif Sanzum

The great freak show

| Tahsin Momin For years Yamaha has been the manufacturer who commands respect in the hearts of all avid bikers. And with its Liberty and Libero models falling short of expectations, their commuter series sales have gone down drastically. Rather than getting disappointed and disappearing into the oblivion, they came back with something that made us look up and take real notice!

Design

On the styling front, the SZ‘s design cues are similar to its big brother, the FZ, such as the angle of the headlamp and the side covers. However the headlamp has been shaped differently. On the other hand the fuel tank has been nicely sculpted keeping the rider’s thigh position in consideration. It features dualtone sports fairings on the side that are attached to the Yamaha logo with SZ-R written on it, which look pretty damn cool.

The tail lights are also shaped to match the aesthetics of the bike with a black plastic line splitting them in two. The SZ also sports a long rear mud guard unlike the FZ series. All in all its attire is quite fashionable, considering the fact that it’s a commuter at the end of the day.

Performance and handling

On the performance end, the SZ features the same 153cc singlecylinder air-cooled engine that powers the FZ lot. But much to our amusement the engine has been detuned to 12.1HP from 14HP. The truth is that it has been detuned for a better economy, but sadly there are other players in the same segment who offer more power with the same sort of economy figures. On the bright side you do get a lot of thrust at a lower rpm band, which is quite handy when stuck in traffic. The five speed constant mesh gearbox on the SZ is silky smooth and it shifts like a cake walk. The gear ratios are well engineered keeping in mind the whole “commuterised” driving.

Technology

This is one aspect that Yamaha engineers impressed us with the most. The SZ features a 245mm ventilated disc brake in the front,

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Available at : Karnaphuli HR Bhaban, 26/1, Kakrail Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Phone: +880-2-8315043

followed by a drum brake at the back for confident braking power. This is one big, necessary welcome change as a safety measure. The vibrations are taken care by telescopic front and dual spring-damper at the rear. On the other hand the diamond type tubular space frame and thigh hugging tank alcoves ensure that you remain firmly grounded to the bike while cornering. In the meantime, the tires also do a decent job of gluing the bike to the road.

Overall, the SZ does put up a good fight. With a mileage of 55kmpl in mixed riding conditions, it is a good bargain for class, reliability, economy and performance. This whole new segment, “sport commuter” is competitive with more and more players in it. And looking at Yamaha’s bet, it undoubtedly wins your heart!

If you have been complaining about the lack of any good circus show in Dhaka, then look around.

A great freak show takes place on the roads every day. It starts with the honking of vehicles in the morning and continues throughout the day with varied intensities. The rickshaw pullers with their great innovation of abusive language is no less of a problem.

Photo: Big Stock

Oh, there are also various tricks being played to entertain you. Suddenly a hand comes out of nowhere from the top of the CNGs and your phone disappears into thin air. You are walking on the road and suddenly a group surrounds you with knives and from a prince you are left as a pauper. Finally, you find a safe resort on the footpaths from the maddening vehicle rush. Just when you are about to praise the Lord, a bike honks, almost running you over dead on the pavement.

Business is on full swing not in the commercial areas but on the footpaths where the vendors are selling products ranging from hairpins to fruits obstructing the traffic as people crowd around them.

AUTO CORRECT

Should the cables, levers and pivots be greased?

Cables, stand, levers and pivots are exposed to the elements and can take a serious beating. To avoid any unnecessary situation, they must be greased regularly to ensure proper and smooth operation.

Apply a few drops of light oil or an aerosol lubricant to the exposed ends of cables, the handlebar lever pivots, gear-change and brake pedal, and the stand pivots. Make sure you don’t use any thick lubricant to grease those points.

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at avenuet@dhakatribune.com, or post it on our Facebook wall.

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6 | Tell letters to Mars

When looks matter | Agony Aunt

Q

My wife has breast cancer and our doctor has recommended that she removes them as soon as possible. I’ve been in a childless marriage for the past six years, and although I love my wife very much, I do not know if being with her is worth making the sacrifice for. I’ve always wanted a real family, and after her surgery it would not be safe for her to have children. However, she’s going through a very difficult time right now and after holding her hand through a time like this, I think it kind of seals the deal for us. I know there’s the option of adopting and I could always divorce my wife, but I believe I am more responsible than that. Should I go through with it?

A

Let me understand the situation first: you would leave your wife because sexually she would be less attractive, and you need a child of your own flesh; but you love her. I find this is a situation that can be easily solved - breast reconstruction and find a surrogate - another woman who carries and delivers the baby with your sperm and your wife’s eggs. What is love if not being there for the person you love, especially in times of need. You love her, so make it work; you will benefit from it, not only will she remember that, she’ll always be grateful to you!

Photo: Big Stock

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and see her clients Write us your problems and send them to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

drama mama

Liar liar | Avenue T desk

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19) Your personal life seems busy this time of the month; you can neither part from your freedom nor resist a certain someone’s charm.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) You should make a good amount of effort to maintain a positive front with company you’d rather do without. Any conflict that might otherwise arise may add to your long list of difficulties you’ll soon face.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) This week is all about being happy and amazing for you. Just make sure to avoid being stubborn and pushy at all costs.

My five -year-old son has a habit of continuously lying to me. Whether it’s about him brushing his teeth or if he’s feeling sick, he’s constantly lying. It has gotten so bad now that he has turned into a compulsive liar. I have tried sitting him down and talking to him, but that didn’t work. I’ve tried scolding him for it but it seems that he is immune to all my efforts to discipline him. How do I make him stop?

Some children don’t lie with the intention to harm or with an ulterior motive.

For them it is a type of developmental milestone that they’ve experienced.

Carefully study how you respond to your child’s mistakes and lying habits. If you’re habituated to shouting at your child, he/she will be afraid to come to you with the truth, especially if they’ve actually made a mistake. Always keep your calm and talk to them softly, yet sternly. Secondly, instead of using a reproachful tone when questioning your child about something he/she has done wrong, try to suggest solutions instead. Start your conversations gently and appreciate your child emphatically when he is honest with you.

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Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) Make sure you get along with all your family members as they are the ones who will be helping you fight your way through all the problems you’ll be facing this week.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) Your week is filled with surprises good and bad. Your politeness and natural way of always impressing your contacts will be of dire use as you will struggle to make new friends in strange places.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) You’re probably going to have trouble keeping a steady hold on your finances. This is not the time to splurge or buy expensive gifts for others.

Horos

scope

Tell |

7

letters to Venus

Mad about him | Agony Aunt

Q

My husband and I have been married for 12 years.

It was an arranged marriage and we have two children aged eight and five. For the past six years I have struggled with his mental illnesses. At first it was a mild case of being bipolar but after his mother passed away three years ago, he has become schizophrenic. He is so severely schizophrenic, he can no longer work or contribute to our family. I work and take help from my parents to raise my kids.

His illness has gotten so bad I don’t think I can deal with this anymore. This has become a burden I can no longer bear – both emotionally and financially.

Should I get a divorce?

Write us your problems and send them to agony.aunt@dhakatribune.com

A

It seems that it has been a while that you have been coping with Photo: Big Stock this difficult situation. Have you tried consulting a specialist and discussing your options? If you haven’t it’s high time that you do, so that you can decide on your next course of action. It is clear that his illness is not under control and is taking a toll on your patience and your family’s stability. These are things you cannot ignore. Seek a counsellor who you can share your worries with in detail and be honest about your concerns. If his illness is getting in the way of your family’s stability and wellness, then it needs to be addressed soon. Furthermore, your kids future is at stake here. Do you want to break free from these bindings and start fresh or do you want to work it out with him? Really think about how you feel and then make a decision that is best not only for you, but for both of your children.

tease Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) This week looks favourable for you, so go ahead and make the most out of whatever life throws at you.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) This is not the time for you to experiment with new things; try to steer clear of any conflict you might find yourself up against.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) This week is the time when you lose all the self-control you’ve ever had. You’re vulnerable to the idea of any upcoming adventure and might find yourself in quite a bit of a mess.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) Unexpected surprises await you this week. Don’t work yourself over on it though; if it seems genuine, sit back and enjoy.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 19) A sudden change in plans might work to your advantage and pique your interest in things you were beginning to think were getting old.

Pisces (Feb 20-Mar 20) This week you’ll once again face difficulties trying to avoid a new challenge or adventure. This is a very lucky week for you, but still, try to keep your mind clear.

Clowning around | Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Ever get the feeling you’re not taken seriously enough? You might be sabotaging your image with these four common mistakes because what you’re thinking of as “fun It’s not you, it’s me and casual” might well be screaming A little bit of narcissism is actually a good thing. It makes you confident, and “desperate” to the rest of the world. if you’re self-aware enough, you know Potty mouth what to do to project There’s nothing wrong the version of yourself with a little toilet humour, that will get you the and most people will laugh most positive reviews. If at a well-timed fart joke. this self-awareness goes However, with humour overboard and becomes that runs to the off-colour self-obsession, it can be or the scatological, must a huge turn-off. There’s be used with caution. no bigger bore than Even if you’re in a casual someone who only talks environment, and with about himself. And if “cool” people who laugh at you’re stretching your the jokes, it’s always better hand out to someone for to tread lightly, because a handshake, only to see one too many and you her raise her own to take become the class clown. a selfie, you know the Photo: Homayra Adiba person has a problem.

Fry me away A recent trend, perhaps inspired by Lookin’ so fly the likes of naturally raspy celebrities If, at 30, you can still fit into the clothes like Rani Mukherjee and Mila Kunis is you wore when you were a teen, give to deliberately speak in a low, husky yourself a pat on the back for keeping drawl in an attempt to sound “sexy,” fit. Then go and take those clothes off and funnily enough, men and women and hand them over to an actual teen, alike seem to be jumping onto this and find yourself something more trend-wagon. Whether or not their age-appropriate to wear. While a basic goal of attracting the opposite gender jeans and tee combo is great to lounge is achieved, it definitely hurts their job around in at home, if you find yourself prospects as employers associate this doing all your shopping at the same trend, officially known as “vocal fry” place that your kids go to, you might with laziness and dishonesty. need to rethink your wardrobe choices,

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8 | Tucked in Digs & Finds

Sitting proudly TV stands from Akhtar Furniture

decor

Highwire act 3 steps to finding balance in the living room

Mirpur flagship showroom 51 West Shawrapara, Rokeya Sharani, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216 Phone:+88029027659, +88029027701, +88029027704, +8801847004723 Email:spsr@akhtargroup.com.bd

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Shangshad Avenue showroom 5/3 Monipuripara, Shangshad Avenue, Tejgaon, Dhaka-1215 Phone:+88029144235-6, +8801847004719 Email:sasr@akhtargroup.com.bd

Whether you’re setting up your home for the first time, or looking to give your existing pad a makeover, starting from scratch can be a little daunting. Here are three

Create interest Whether it’s an accent wall, or a dramatic painting, or even just an unexpected pop of colour in your otherwise neutral room, a living room needs a strong point of visual interest to draw someone in. This is your focal point, and ideally, it should be the first thing one sees when walking in, so arrange it so that it faces the common entry point for the room.

Another thing to remember is that it’s best to have no more than two of such focal points in a room, otherwise it gets too busy.

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Running in circles In a hot climate like ours, seating arrangements depend on the position and number of the ceiling fans. Traditionally, this is smack dab at the centre of the room, with one centre table and a sofa set. Larger and longer drawing rooms allow for more than one seating circle, which allows for greater versatility.

The power of three Studies have shown that groupings of three, set in diagonal lines, create a pleasant effect on the senses, so that’s one thing to aim for. Be it two single seaters at an angle with an end table between them, or a long bookcase with two bean bags set before it, you can have as many such triangular arrangements as you can fit into the space without cramming it.

Take care |

9

health

Anxiety, stress and you It may seem to you that there’s nothing you can do to stop stress - or the various other conditions it strings along.

You actually have more control over it than you allow yourself to think. It is all about taking responsibility

| Adila Hoque Stress is the body’s defense mechanism against possible danger in your future. However, make sure you keep it in check as it is related to elevated blood pressure, damaged cardiac health, stomach upset, headaches and diabetes.

Just take a deep breath and know that all your worries are temporary.

Worrying can be helpful when it helps you solve problems, but usually it does more harm than good. If you have been preoccupied with “possibilities” and worst-case scenarios, then you’ve been over-dosing on it and it must stop immediately.

Most people subconsciously think worrying is a good thing because they believe it’ll help them find a solution to their problems, as it has in the past. Or maybe they think they want to be responsible and don’t want to overlook minor pesky details. They believe if they keep at it a little longer, they’ll figure it out.

You will not be able to be productive in any endeavour as long as you have these things clouding your attention.

The first step to dealing with stress is getting to the root of the problem. Find out what bothers you. Look closely at your habits, excuses and attitude. Have you been trying to avoid something that has been secretly gnawing at the back of your brain? Figure it out and fight it.

The next step is to stop blaming others for things that are out of everyone’s control. Learn to forgive them and move on.

Start writing a journal. Thoughts you didn’t even know were inside you will come pouring out and hopefully unclog the holes that have cobwebs all over it.

Now, there are two kinds of worries people usually have to deal with: solvable and unsolvable tension. If your worries are about things that can be dealt with (preferably immediately), then go do it. If it is something that you cannot handle then let it go. Embrace the fact that you cannot control everything and that there will always be something amiss no matter what you do or where you go.

Other than these things the following ways should help you get rid of anxiety too: 1. Give up smoking or drinking if you have a habit 2. Exercise daily. 30 minutes a day is a must 3. Find a mate to walk with every evening; it takes away some of the burden you might experience while walking 4. Make sure your meals are well-balanced 5. Get enough sleep 6. Follow a very strict sleeping schedule 7. Avoid caffeine like the plague 8. Retain a positive attitude. It should help you get through any obstacle in your day 9. Keep busy with things you find enjoyable

A lot of people have adopted the habit of coming up with their own “worry-period.” They find a time in the day - not longer than 20 minutes, where they will do all their worrying. If anything else comes to mind on any other time of the day, jot it down on your to-do list and save it for that time.

Make sure it is not right before bed time as that can have devastating effects on you.

Lastly, cheer up. You don’t own all the problems in the world.

Photos: Big Stock

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10 | Trial room

Event favours The multifaceted dynamic duo of Infinity Management shares their expertise in event planning

| N Anita Amreen Behind every grand, luxurious event, there’s always a mastermind. Ali Faiyaz Shoumo and Karishma Khan, the dynamic duo behind Infinity Management have been hosting the fashion world’s most anticipated event, the Lustrous Runway for over three years now. Like the coveted ringmasters in a circus, they find meaning in chaos, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Their vivid imagination and artistic vision have got a stunning celebrity clientele to their name. Speaking about their last few events, Karishma and Shoumo give us a low down on their creative genius.

Q

Instead of joining any of the leading event management companies, you decided to create Infinity Management. What inspired both of your entrepreneurial spirits and led you to enter the maddening world of event planning?

Initially, our plan was not to get into the world of event management. It all started with one specific idea.

Shoumo and I were discussing Dhaka’s fashion industry and noticed how it has a lot of potential. There are young and creative minds in the fashion industry but they are lacking in proper exposure to their target market. We wanted to take this idea forward and create a platform for the fashion designers of Bangladesh, be it with established designers or upcoming designers. That’s what really got us going and we decided to create Infinity Management.

Photos: Courtesy

AVEN U E T SATU R DAY, septe m b er 6 , 2014

While we’ve had our share of odd requests, you’d be surprised to know that when it came to the big names in the industry, be it Libasse of Neha Dhupia or even Soha Ali Khan, we never got a request that was out of the ordinary. They were so unbelievably professional, and just so nice it was nothing but an absolute pleasure working with them

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Trial room |

Q

As an event manager for elaborate, large scale events such as the Lustrous Runway, you’re constantly juggling several roles, how do you deal with the chaos of it all?

For us it’s difficult because Infinity Management is not our only focus.

Both of us have other jobs - Shoumo works at Brac Bank and I look after my father’s business, Khan Brothers. However, when it comes to the events we manage at Infinity, we are both dealing with every minute detail – one minute we’re working on our stage fixtures, the next we’re dealing with sponsors.

At Infinity Management, we’re managing infinite roles - it’s mad chaos, especially since it’s just the two of us making every decision but we enjoy it so much, that somehow we manage to pull it off. When it came to the Lustrous Runway in particular, it was a major challenge.

But after the success of the last few shows, we look back at it as an accomplishment.

Q

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when planning the Lustrous Runway series? Give us a low down on the behind-the-scenes action and how you dealt with last-minute mishaps.

Managing the Lustrous Runway is crazy when only the two of us are working throughout but we’re addicted to it; this has become our passion. However, when we started off, it was a different chaos as we struggled to find sponsors and designers. We invested the minimum amount from our own savings and started planning the first show. We knew that no matter what we had, we had to go ahead with it. Back then it was normal for sponsors and designers to hesitate before putting their faith in us.

However, we went through all those stages and managed to get hold of multinational companies such as Unilever, BMW, MasterCard, Gitanjali as sponsors and we are blessed to be guided by the woman who has proudly been representing Bangladesh in the international fashion arena for decades, the inspirational Bibi Russell.

Q

From Bollywood celebrities such as Soha Ali Khan to leading national brands like Libasse, you’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the business. What is the craziest request you’ve dealt with so far?

While we’ve had our share of odd requests, you’d be surprised to know that when it came to the big names in the industry, be it Libasse of Neha Dhupia or even Soha Ali Khan, we never got any request that was out of the ordinary. They were unbelievably professional, and just so nice. It was nothing but an absolute pleasure working with them. There were times when we did get completely exasperated, when guests refused to budge from reserved front row seats or models put up childish fits but we took it all in our stride because we know it’s part and parcel of the package of working in a business like ours.

So overall, I’d say we’ve been lucky since there hasn’t been any request that was too crazy for us to handle.

Not yet, at least!

Q

Already having the Lustrous Runway under your belt, what is next on the cards?

Well this year, we have a very special edition of the Lustrous Runway scheduled to be held early November, right in time for the winter festivities.

This edition is called the festive edition where we’ll be featuring four established and four very promising upcoming designers. As for this year’s showstopper, she’s bold, glamourous and has been the unbeaten queen of the runway. While we don’t want to give out too many secrets, let’s just say this year’s Lustrous Runway is going be bigger, grander and more exciting than any of the previous editions!

Q

Finally, what do you believe are the top five qualities one needs to survive and thrive in an industry as demanding as yours?

The most important quality to have is to be a man of your word.

In an industry like ours, if you fail to keep your word even just once, that’s it for you. One false promise and you ruin your chance of ever gaining anyone’s trust. Secondly, you must be confident about your vision, your team and your decisions. It’s like having a 24-hour job, you’ll be called out by many people at odd hours of the day but what’s most important is for you to believe in yourself. If you’re not confident, it will show and people will not trust your judgment.

Thirdly, I think you just absolutely need to have a hands-on approach to your work. Event management means you are invariably involved with every stage and every little detail. You have to be able to keep calm and deal with problems then and there. Time management too, is a quality that is often overlooked.

But once you start working you’ll realise the importance of maintaining time and being punctual. Finally, it’s vital that you enjoy your work, that you are passionate about what you do. Our work is madness, but we can’t live without it - we love what we do and are addicted to it. I think that’s what drives us to continue in this line of work and strive for the best.

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12 | Trending Beauty Session

With Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

3 ways to spice up a button-down A basic button-down shirt is a wardrobe must-have. It is so versatile, and can be dressed up or down and worn with just about anything, anywhere, and look fab. Last week, we even turned one into a sar blouse!

This week. We talk about three ways in which we can jazz up a bland basic and take it to town.

fashion

Big top

beautiful This year’s hottest trends have gone to the circus

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad When we think “circus” we think about clowns and elephants and high-wire acts. Rarely does the idea of fashion come into mind. And yet the circus theme seems to have hit the collective consciousness of fashion houses around the world, giving rise to global trends inspired by the weird and wonderful world of the circus.

A matter of print-ciple

The preppy option If you’ve ever lusted after bold statement necklaces and bought them and then not known what to do with them, worry no more. Button your shirt collar all the way up to the top and then wear your chunky necklace over your shirt. Slip the chain under the collar, so that just a hint of sparkle shows. You can finish the look with a jacket, or a light scarf thrown over your shoulders, or simply roll up you shirt sleeves and put on a flouncy skirt and you’re good to go.

A little bling bling Is your costume jewellery box filled with single stud earrings with missing mates? Give them a second life by pinning them to the corners of your shirt collar.

This adds just a little sparkle to a monochromatic button-down and takes it from office chic to party-perfect.

Layering Another, more warm-weather friendly option is to think of your button-down as a summer jacket. People have been doing this with chambray shirts for ages, but there’s no reason not to branch out into other shirts. Just wear it open over an opaque tank or sleeveless blouse and accessorise with a bold scarf and it’s a perfect vacay look.

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Along with the ever popular nautical stripes, we’re seeing more of the thicker, bolder “Beetlejuice” stripes that one associates more with the circus.

We’re also seeing a resurgence of harlequin prints in kameezes and tops alike. And let’s not even get started on print mixing.

We’ve been doing it in the desh for years before the rest of the world caught up.

• When mixing prints, try keeping the colours in the same family, otherwise you go from ringleader to clown.

• Try to place the different prints together; breaking them up with a solid piece in the middle might make the look fall apart.

• If your outfit is a riot of prints, keep your accessories neutral.

Photo: Abu Naser

Playing with proportions

Boxy, cropped jackets, bustiers and wide-legged pants. We’ve seen plenty of them on the runways, and they all have more than a little bit of the ringleader in them. Pant legs and sleeves have widened to exaggerated proportions, and hemlines are either sky-high or down to earth; there is no middle ground.

• High-waisted wide-legged trousers are this fall’s biggest office-appropriate trend. Pair one with a poet-sleeve blouse, and you’re ready to rock the boardroom.

• The season’s hottest palazzo pants are also a cute option. As the temperature dips, heat up the scene with a pair in bright colours.

• Cropped jackets are the best way to add a more hourglass effect to a straight figure.

13

Tailored| his style

style session

Watch that step

with mahmood Hossain

Q

I like to keep fit with morning runs, but recently my wife called me out on one little detail. When I go out for a run I go shirtless, is this a serious style foul?

Our feet need love too

| Mahmood Hossain As men, we are baffled when encountering drop dead gorgeous women walking around in high heels. Walking on heels takes serious skills, we don’t need to remind you of that. What you do need to remember is how to properly take care of your feet.

mean bruises and terrible chafing with blisters. Try out each pair, a good while in them will give you the right feeling. You should also air out your shoes when you take them off. Give one pair a rest one day, then choose a different pair for the next day and so on.

1

3

You have to have the proper socks. The socks you wear with sneakers shouldn’t be the same pair as you slip into your dress shoes. Dress socks and dress shoes go together like white on rice. Don’t break the cardinal rule either - no white socks with dress shoes. Ever. Sneakers and athletic kicks should have sports socks.

2

It’s about the fit not the size. It sounds weird at first but it’s the wise thing to do. Different brand has a certain style and sizing, regardless of what number is on the shoe box. The wrong fit can

Groom those suckers. Trim your nails and address foot infections. Never neglect these so called tiny issues, they can grow to something frighteningly undesirable. Make sure you clip those nails regularly, go for a pedicure if you can. Yes, it’s totally manly. If you do a lot of walking or play sports, it’s recommended that you also soak your feet often. Soaking your feet in salt water, and products with similar ingredients, will reduce inflammation and soften the skin.

When the day is over, remember to moisturise the bottom of your

A

Even if it’s six in the morning, when no one is around, it’s best to keep at least a cut off T-shirt on. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got yourself a Greek god physique. Generally, we encourage you to take your shirt off if you’re at the beach or hanging at the pool. If you’re indoors, like your home, that’s perfectly fine. Heck, do suicides across the living room naked if you want. The point is you must dress for the occasion. There’s plenty of athletic wear at your disposal. No matter how good or fit you look, some people will be offended. It’s better to avoid such occurrences.

Photo: Big Stock

Photo: Big Stock

feet starting from your heels. After you’ve washed them, of course.

in fashion

Fever pitch prints The most complicated can be simplified

| Mahmood Hossain During summer, you’ll see plenty of nautical prints. Now that autumn is right around the corner, you’ll see more than just seaworthy stripes and prints. There will be more colourful casual shirts with various kinds of prints. Think polka dots or floral.

While many can pull off the dots, the floral and other particular styles maybe more difficult.

You’ll see several patterns and prints on shirts and trousers in the coming season. You have your polka dots and floral, followed by smaller ones like dot-prints, Elvis, star and marble prints. There will be countless objects and shapes that are going to be slapped onto your everyday menswear items. The tricky part is to pull this look off without looking like a clown at the circus. Worse yet, at some kid’s birthday party.

This style is loud no matter the colour so you have to be careful not to dive into the deep end without proper instruction. Something as simple as a printed cotton-chambray

shirt works fine with a pair of jeans.

It’s all about balance, one item at a time. Make sure to bury these words into your head. If you choose a printed shirt, the trousers must be a solid contrasting colour. If you’re a beginner to this print-game, it’s wise to choose shirts and trousers with smaller prints rather than larger ones.

It’s not just a cautionary step, it also opens up room for more choices in your outfits. This style can also be

Q

During my school days it was never a big deal, but recently I’ve been insecure about what I should be wearing underneath my football shorts. Are boxers suitable?

A

Boxers are suitable in every other event apart from playing sports. Look at it this way, why would you put the family jewels in jeopardy by wearing boxers out on the pitch? If old school underwear isn’t comfortable for you, there are always boxer-briefs. In this case, it’s about functionality rather than style. Look at professional athletes, not one of them are frolicking around with boxers within those 90 minutes.

It’s about easy manoeuvrability, and well, keeping things intact. It gets physical out there so wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry? Most of the time, you should be wearing what makes you feel comfortable, but playing sports means you’ll be constantly moving - there is no room for comfort.

found in accessories so that you can ease your way into the latest trend.

Happy printing, gentlemen.

Send in your style inquiries to avenuet@dhakatribune.com

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14 | Tempt Beauty session

With Sabah Rahman

Eyebrows gone wrong A man’s point of view

beauty

Drama queen Dramatic strokes of shades

Photo: Big Stock

While most women go over the top with grooming their eyebrows, do we ever stop to think what guys think about them? We spoke to a man with exceptionally good taste, who prefers staying anonymous and here is what he had to say: 1. When that is the first thing a man notices about you, your eyebrows have probably gone wrong.

2. When they remind you of Jason Biggs’ dad from the movie American Pie, they surely have gone wrong 3. If they remind him of a furry animal, there is definitely some threading or plucking that needs to be done.

4. If they make him not want your number, even though they think you are nice, your brows have gone terribly wrong.

5. If they make him think of Spock, you need to consult some modern beauty manuals.

6. When birds start mistaking your brows for their nest, lady, you need to get yourself to a salon.

7. Fear not, ladies. Above is an illustrated guide on what kind of brows will suit the shape of your face.

This column is usually dedicated on keeping things real, simple and as natural as possible. Let’s have some fun and step far away from all that this week. Sometimes we get stuck in a beauty rut and that’s no good. Let’s talk about dramatic make-up and how to make it work for you.

| Sabah Rahman Get an undercut. Colour your hair hot pink if you dare to go there. Faux hawks do indeed look beautiful on ladies with killer bone structure. Too over the top for you? No problem. Accessorise. Use feathers, bows or flowers.

All about eyes The eyes are the easiest way to attain that bolder look. Look at some of the faces on runways for inspiration. There are a ton of ways to play up your peepers. In case you didn’t know, smoky eyes aren’t the only way to go. There’s the double winged liner trick that looks amazing when done with neon colours. If you go with that, keep the base eye shadow one colour so the lines pop. Let’s not forget about the mesmerising array of falsies out there at the moment.

Feathered ones in kicking colours, glitter dipped, florals and the much crazier ones that look like butterflies have landed on your eyes. You can always stick to the classics and pull off a Clockwork Orange look.

Ombre lips Remember the ombre hair trend?

Well this look on your pout can have a stunning effect on your face. Basically meaning a gradual change of colours from light to dark or the opposite, it’s definitely something you should try. Use a bright hue all over your mouth and follow with a darker shade in pencil form to line the edges.

The final step is to blend with a lip brush so it appears that the colours melded flawlessly.

Rock star hair We all have a little bit of rock and roll in us. Embrace it! Sport a pompadour ponytail proudly.

Photo: Homayra Adiba

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15

Ticket|

A divine tease A sweet new spa in town

Perching on House 13-A, Road 108, Gulshan 2 is the new beauty lounge Divine. Opening its doors on August 22, 2014, the quaint little salon offers exquisite treats to its clientele, ranging from special hair treatments and Jacuzzi bath to chocolate facial and bridal make-up. Sangeeta Khan, Bapon Rahman and Tanzira Noor partnered up to steer the gear of this establishment, trying to engrave the concept of a beauty lounge in the city, where you don’t have to go in just to avail yourself of their services. Divine welcomes you for some chitchat and you may even ask your

| Khan N Moushumi and Sabiha Akond Rupa

friends to tag along with you.

The spectacular dĂŠcor will only leave you mesmerised while you marvel at the interior wondering if any architectural mastermind played his cards right. But no, the entrepreneurs designed the lounge all by themselves from scratch, putting in long, relentless hours to maximise both functionality and style. From selecting the right fabric for the cushion covers to making the logo, every bit of every corner has been approached with care.

Divine Beauty Lounge offers as many as 10 different types of hair treatments and 14 kinds of facials

among many other indulgences but it mostly specialises in bridal make-up. Taking into consideration the fact that the wedding prep for a bride is more than just getting dolled up on the big day, the salon offers a weeklong package that grooms up the ladylove helping her ease into the biggest transformation of her life. Besides the make-up room and a mani-pedi chamber, there’s also a spa corner, with soothing apricot walls welcoming you to pamper yourself with a tranquil treat.

Following is a sneak peek into the beauty lounge.

Photos: Sabiha Akond Rupa

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16 | TRAVELOGUE

Flights of fancy

Roving artists, unbelievable stunts and heightened spirits – the moment you enter a circus, you are pulled into a fascinating world of magic, where impossible is nothing. Impressive acrobats, flying trapeze stunts and delicate aerial ballerinas all join hands to give you a show that brings you to the absolute edge of madness. One moment you are gaping in awe, the next you’re breaking out in a sweat in fear. The clandestine world of circuses needs to be experienced to be believed. Here’s a list of the world’s top six circuses that can act as your next escape fantasy

| N Anita Amreen Big Apple, New York

This award winning not-for-profit circus is a contemporary event that showcases an exciting array of high-spirited acts. Combining both modern day and old school acts, the Big Apple Circus has everything from balancing feats to interwoven storytelling to choreographed cavorting performed by artists that dazzle the crowds with both their glittering outfits and their stellar performances. Known for being the city that does not sleep, New York’s Big Apple Circus combines the true feel of a circus within a city, one that is intensely multifaceted and well paced by combining real-world street comedy with teeterboard acrobats. Being kid-friendly, the Big Apple Circus is a must-watch, especially if you have a few kids in tow.

New Shanghai Circus, China

Also known as the Acrobats of China, these extremely talented performers transform the very idea of circus acrobats. Over 40 acrobats from China’s most celebrated acrobatic company, put up stunning performances that include flying trapeze acts, chair stacks, aerial ballet and diabolo. These internationally award winning performances are known for their amazing costumes, innovative lighting and exquisite set design.

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TRAVELOGUE|

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey

Initially known for their tightrope walkers and ostrich races, this circus gained popularity for housing Jombo, a giant elephant weighing six tonnes and measuring about three metres. Under the leadership of James Bailey, the circus gained enormous success. In the early 1900s, five acrobat brothers, Ringlings, travelled around America performing their acrobatic numbers. When Bailey passed away in 1906, the brothers bought the circus and the troupes began to stage shows around America in three arenas. As of today, their shows are a daring combination of jugglers, animal trainers, magicians as well as acrobats who perform on swinging glass platforms.

Cirque d’Hiver, Paris, France

The Cirque d’Hiver takes place in a 150 year old amphitheatre built during the reign of Napolean II. Boasting of Corinthian columns, equestrian statues, stained glass windows as well as intricate murals, a show here will transport you to a world where imagination meets old world glamour and history. A small, yet brilliant cast of magicians, trapeze artists and clowns put up performances that transport you to a grandiose world of Europeanstyle circus art. Their extensive range of acts are highly dramatic but also very intimate. Hemingway referred to the Cirque d’Hiver as “A Moveable Feast.”

Circus Vargas

This family run circus is based in California and is known as one of the world’s biggest travelling circuses that continues to use a big top tent. They’ve steered clear from acts that involve wild animals and have focused on creating astounding human spectacles instead. Their incredible stunts and surrealistic costumes have helped them garner a position as one of the best circuses with extravaganza of magical proportions.

Cirque Du Soleil of Canada

Cirque Du Soleil of Canada is one of the most famous and most extravagant circuses in the world. It is everything you imagine a circus to be AND more – intensely bizarre and absolutely magical. Known for pushing the traditional boundaries of performing arts, one moment you’ll find yourself breaking into a sweat at the ballerina hanging by a thin silk thread as she gracefully dances away, the next moment you’ll be transported to the imaginary world where absolutely anything is possible. This international extravaganza needs to be seen to be believed.

Their acts include dance, acrobatics, daring art forms as well as acting.

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18 | Tantalise review

Fruit trifle A layered beauty of sponge cake, fresh summer fruits and whipped cream

| Md Mahmudullah-Al-Mamun The fruit trifle is probably the most versatile no-bake summer dessert.

Made with layers of sponge cake, fruits and whipped cream, this delicate dessert is so light and refreshing that it can easily turn into your favourite summertime indulgence. You may use a basic store bought sponge cake, or even a plain cake – the choices are endless.

Play with your options and throw in your favourite fruits that will only make it all the more drool-worthy.

Serves: 5-6 people

2

Set the base with the diced sponge cake at the bottom of a clean glass bowl and place the sliced kiwi vertically on the sides and then flatten the rest of the kiwis making a layer on top of the cake.

3

Mix the fruits carefully into another bowl, use sugar syrup if needed.

4

Layer the fruit mixture on the bed of the sponge cake and add a coat of whipped cream on top.

Ingredients: For fruit mixture (Filling): • 1 cup fresh pineapple - medium diced • ½ cup fresh strawberries medium diced • 1 cup fresh mango - medium diced • ½ cup black grapes - medium diced • ½ cup fresh kiwi fruits - medium diced For layering: • ½lb sponge cake diced into medium sized blocks • 2 sachet whipped cream powder (you may also make your own) • 180ml milk

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• ½ cup fresh kiwi fruits - thinly sliced • Sugar syrup (optional) For garnishing: • 5-6tbsp whipped cream • ½ cup black grapes - whole • ½ cup fresh strawberries - whole or halved

Instruction:

1

First make the whipped cream with liquid milk and cream powder, beat well until it forms stiff peaks; set aside. You may also make your own by adding 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 cup of heavy cream into a mixing bowl.

Whisk till the cream reaches stiff peaks.

5

Repeat the first few steps to make a second layer of the sponge cake, fruit mixture and whipped cream.

6

Wrap it up by coating the top layer with whipped cream, whole grapes and whole or halved strawberries as garnish.

7

Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.

Md Mahmudullah-Al-Mamun is a chef course instructor at UCEP-BMET HMCTI, Sylhet

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news |

Kebab Zone launches their lunch buffet Kebab Zone at Banani 11 introduced their lunch buffet amidst much fun fare on August 26. The buffet is reasonably priced and consists of an array of kebab items which the restaurant is famous for. All the kebabs and more come at a price of Tk499. The buffet is available from 12.30pm till 3.30 pm at House 102, Road 11, Block C, Banani, Dhaka. For more details, call 029822220.

“Personage of Egyptian Vision” at Alliance Francaise Alliance Francaise de Dhaka invites you to their La Galerie to witness 18 exquisite works of art by eminent Egyptian artist Dr Walid Jahin at the exhibition titled “Personage of Egyptian Vision.” The exhibition was launched on September 2 and is scheduled to go on till September 13 and it showcases unique artwork of Greek Gods and Goddesses.

Dr Walid Jahin is a professor at the Department of Fine Arts of Alexandria University of Egypt and has received several international awards for his modern art techniques.

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20 | news

DIU chairman at Asia Summer Program-2014 Md Sabur Khan, chairman, Daffodil International University was accorded grand reception at the colourful closing ceremony of the three weeklong Asia Summer Program-2014 hosted by University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) held on August 25, 2014. YB Dato’ Seri Idris Bin Jusoh, honourable minister, Ministry of Education, Malaysia was present at the programme as the chief guest. YB Dato’ Professor Emeritus lr Dr Zainai bin Mohamed, chairperson, Board of Directors, University Malaysia Perlis was present as the special guest. Brig Gen Datuk Professor Dr Kamarudin Hussin, vice chancellor of University Malaysia Perlis presided over the closing ceremony.

Ericsson ConsumerLab

A new research from Ericsson ConsumerLab shows that urbanisation stimulates interest in m-commerce services in emerging Asia, such as sending and receiving money via mobile phones. A report from Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) ConsumerLab has explored the possibilities of widespread m-commerce adoption in emerging Asia. The countries included in the study were Bangladesh, Indonesia and Vietnam. The research reveals that 54-percent of respondents in Indonesia, which is the most advanced of the economies in the study, have used money transfer services (sending and/or receiving money), followed by 45-percent in Vietnam and 34-percent in Bangladesh. The study concluded that there is a high general interest in mobile financial services in emerging Asia, especially in mobile money transfer and bill payment services.

Lotto at Chittagong

Italian brand Lotto has just recently opened their new outlet at Annorkillah in the port city of Chittagong. Chittagong Development Authorities chairman Abdus Salam, NCC Bank Limited director SM Abu Mohshin, Mojaher Group chairman SM Abu Taher, Lotto Bangladesh Ltd. managing director Kazi Jamil Islam formally inaugurated this outlet. Other officials and guests were present on the occasion.

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Spectacular flashmob

by Bikroy.com On August 3, Bikroy.com organised a spectacular flashmob at Dhanmondi Lake Venue to celebrate their success of attaining the largest marketplace in Bangladesh. The quiet afternoon at Rabindra Sarobar turned into a jubilous celebration as people nearby experienced the sudden spurt of joy and energy at the lakeside venue. The flashmob has been posted on YouTube for those who have missed it. About 100 youngsters performed in the three-minute flashmob to the theme music of Bikroy.com. Participants were all students of different public and private universities in Bangladesh.

Bikroy.com became the top-ranked marketplace in Bangladesh after only a year in operations and they are now ranked as the 14th most popular website in Bangladesh according to Alexa ranking.

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