Weekend Tribune Vol 2 Issue 40

Dhaka Tribune | vo l 2 I ssu e 40 | F R I D AY, F e b rUA RY 20, 2015

12

travel Egypt

16

opinion

20

funny bone

CONTENTS

1

Volume 2 | Issue 40 | February 20, 2015 News 2 News

Editor Zafar Sobhan

3 Meanwhile

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Asst Magazine Editor Farina Noireet Weekend Tribune Team Farhana Urmee Faisal Mahmud Tausif Sanzum Sakib Mridha

Features 4 Listology Banned books in BD

6 Tea with WT

5 Feature A letter from a book-lover 8 Post-riposte Hartals 12 Travel Egypt 16 Opinion Get real

Shahidul Alam

17 Rant Technology takeover

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

20 Funnybone Yamin Khan

Regulars

Contributors Saudia Afrin Shoaib Alam Jennifer Ashraf Dilshad Fayeza Haque Mahmud Hasan Syed Zakir Hossain Yamin Khan Dina Sobhan Graphic Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal Advertisement Zia Ur Rahman Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com

14 Legalese 15 Tough Love 18 Stay In 19 Go Out

9 Photo story

About the cover

Ekushey

Editor’s note Dear Readers, Amidst all the political turmoil, another Ekushay is upon us, the climax to the buildup that began with the Boimela that kicked off at the start of the month. This issue is for the booklovers and artists.

Let’s begin with a list of books banned in Bangladesh (page 4). We travel to Chittagong to visit a most special bookstore (page 5). Speaking of travel, we’re also taking a walk through Egypt with a travelogue sent in from Sweden (page12).

Our special photo feature flashes back to last year’s Ekushay (page 9). We’ve also got an interview with the incomparable Shahidul Alam as he reminisces about his life and photography (page 6).

Finally, Yamin Khan is back with his observations on press freedom and the liberties taken by the press (page 20).

We hope you have a happy weekend.

-Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Amar EKushey Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

2 News | This week

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

Pedophile priest victims urge action from pope

Victims of sexually abusive priests from across the Americas joined forces Monday to urge Pope Francis to allow civilian justice to punish pedophiles and those who covered up their crimes.

From the United States to Argentina, Chile, Mexico and other nations, victims issued a letter made public in Mexico City telling the Argentine pontiff that “words are not enough.”

The letter said that only civilian

trials and Church reform will put an end to the “great holocaust of thousands of boys and girls who were sacrificed to avoid scandal and salvage the image and prestige of the Catholic Church’s representatives in the world.”

The victims said the pope’s recent admonishments of sex abuse in the Church are “ambiguous and contradictory” because they do not lead to any “institutional process toward truth and justice.”

The letter was read by Jose Barba, one of the victims of Marcial Maciel, the Mexican founder of the ultraconservative Legion of Christ order who died in 2008.

Photo: AFP

Canada hits Moscow with more sanctions over Ukraine Canada announced Tuesday new sanctions against Moscow and its sympathisers, including the state oil giant Rosneft, as pro-Russian separatists defied a ceasefire and stormed a flashpoint town in eastern Ukraine.

Two months after sanctions took aim at Russian interests in its vital oil and gas sectors, Canada targeted a flagship of the Russian economy in Rosneft.

The new economic sanctions

and travel bans target 37 Russian and Ukrainian individuals, as well as economic sanctions against 17 Russian and Ukrainian entities, including Rosneft.

“Our Government remains steadfast in its commitment to stand with the people of Ukraine in the face of the Putin regime’s ongoing military aggression, which has already cost the lives of more than 5,300 people,” Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said.

India seals nuclear energy pact with Sri Lanka

India sealed a nuclear energy agreement with Sri Lanka on Monday, its first breakthrough with the new government of the tiny Indian Ocean island where China has been building ports and highways in a diplomatic push in recent years.

Under the deal, India will help

Sri Lanka build its nuclear energy infrastructure, including training of personnel, the Indian foreign ministry said.

Later, India could also sell light smallscale nuclear reactors to Sri Lanka which wants to establish 600 MW of nuclear capacity by 2030, a Sri Lankan official and an Indian analyst said.

The deal came as Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena went on a visit to India, his first trip abroad since he came to power in January, which has provided New Delhi with an opening to repair ties that had become tense under his predecessor.

Photo: AFP

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Egypt strikes Libya jihadists after beheadings video Cairo has carried out air strikes against Islamic State group targets in Libya after the jihadists posted a video showing the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.

Egypt said a “tough intervention” was needed and with France called on the UN Security Council on Monday to “take new measures” against the jihadists in neighbouring Libya.

With the air strikes, Egypt opened a new front against the jihadists.

Cairo is already battling militants in the Sinai Peninsula where scores of troops have been killed since the army toppled Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who overthrew

Morsi and has been criticised for a deadly crackdown on dissent, has presented Egypt as a crucial partner in international efforts against the jihadists.

The air strikes hit IS camps and weapons depots, the military said, hours after jihadists released gruesome footage of the beheadings that provoked outrage in Egypt.

Photo: Reuters

India baby survives birth through train toilet

An Indian baby survived a shocking birth when he slipped down a train toilet and landed on railway tracks just moments after his mother delivered him, police said Tuesday.

The 22-year-old woman fainted in the tiny toilet cubicle on Monday after giving birth on the train, which had briefly halted before reaching Hanumangarh station in western Rajasthan state.

“The woman... felt acute labour pain, so she went to the toilet to relieve herself and gave birth to a

baby boy who slipped down through the toilet bowl and fell on the tracks,” senior railway police official Subhash Vishnoi told AFP by phone.

Most Indian trains have westernstyle and squat toilets with filthy chutes that empty directly onto the tracks.

The train had already left for Hanumangarh by the time the woman’s family members found her unconscious in the toilet.

A local guard spotted the newborn crying on the tracks and informed the police, who admitted the baby to a nearby hospital.

“When the woman and her husband found their newborn alive and safe, they were very happy,” another police official Ram Singh said.

“They had not expected that the newborn would be alive.”

Photo: AP

Constitutional recognition to Mahale language demanded in Rajshahi “We have our own culture and language, we even have our own alphabets, but the government is yet to recognise our language constitutionally,” claimed the leaders of Mahale, a minority group of Rajshahi, at a human chain organised by Mahale Language and Development Committee (MLDC) at Shaheb Bazar intersection in Rajshahi city this week.

The speakers demanded constitutional recognition of the Mahale language and urged the government to take steps to ensure primary education for the Mahale children in their own language.

They also put forth a few other demand to preserve their

culture in the country including the government’s allocation to protect their bamboo industry, the only source of livelihood for them, a separate land commission for indigenous groups and reservation of a seat in the parliament for each indigenous group of the country.

Professor Jagendranath Soren, president of Adibashi Mukti Morcha, Jakaria Dumuri, deputy director of Mahale Adibashi Artho-Unnayan Sangstha and Maikel Mandri, general secretary of MLDC spoke among others in the human chain.

Merina Hasda, president of MLDC presided over the event.

Source: Dhak Tribune

meanwhile ... | News

Event

UPL gathers prominent writers

Prominent publishing house – University Press Limited (UPL) – arranged a gathering of some of the country’s esteemed authors inlcluding Dr. Rizwanul Islam and Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed in its pavilion in the ongoing Ekushey Boimela on February 14 During the occasion, Dr Rizwanul Islam’s new book, Unnoyon Bhabnay – Kormoshongsthan O Sromobajar was launched. This is the follow-up of his previous book from UPL Unnoyoner Orthoniti, published in 2010.

The launch was followed by a discussion. Toufiqul Islam Khan, Research Fellow, CPD who explained that there is a dearth of Bengali publications on popular economics written with the general audience in mind.

The author DR Rizwanul Islam explained that the book focuses on the difference in nature of employment and labour market between developed and developing countries.

Human Rights in Bangladesh- Past, Present and Future, published in 2014 from UPL, edited by Imtiaz Ahmed was also featured in the event. Some of the editors of this volume were present in the function, including Ms. Hameeda Hossain, and Prof Amena Mohsin.

Photo: Courtesy

Say what?

Illegal Pot Growers Foiled by Snow-Free Roofs

P

olice near Amsterdam had an easy time of it zeroing in on a suspected marijuana grow house—it was the only one on the block whose roof was clear of snow, reports the Telegraph.

Inside the home in Haarlem, cops found the expected heat lamps and pot plants.

The trick worked so well that police tweeted out a photo of the telltale roof and asked residents to report any more they see. It’s just one of several similar busts, reports the Independent, including one in Amersfoort this week that yielded 500 cannabis plants.

“Officers were investigating because the house was completely obscured and the roof was remarkably dry compared to other roofs in the street,” says a police spokesperson. The Netherlands may have relatively liberal marijuana laws when it comes to personal use, but not so much on the cultivation part. It’s illegal to have more than five plants per house.

News and Photo: Huffington Post

3

You’re welcome

How to Spot a Liar: 7 Clues Anyone Can Use 1. Is TheIr face giving it away?

You may think a smile can easily disguise your true feelings, but the expressions that flash across a liar’s face will give away what she’s really thinking—whether she knows it or not.

2. Does the body language follow the story?

It’s more important to examine a person’s entire demeanor, as there’s no one feature that’s apt to give away a liar.

3. How is the person smiling?

A smile can sometimes mask a person’s true feelings. Pay close attention to how a person smiles as well as other facial movements.

4. How is the person speaking?

Although a change in voice can be the tip-off to spot a liar, experts say that to be sure, you should also pay attention to a person’s speech rate and breathing pattern—if either speeds up or slows down, chances are you’re not hearing the whole truth.

5. What is the person saying?

Liars tend to avoid exclusionary words like “but,” “nor,” “except,” and “whereas,” because they have trouble with complex thought processes.

6. Is your subject behaving uncharacteristically?

Experts believe changes in a person’s baseline—how she generally conducts himself—are worthy of your attention. You should weigh rate of speech, tone of voice, posture, and hand gestures against what you know, along with the context of the situation.

7. Is the question simple or embarrassing?

It’s normal for someone to look away when asked a difficult question. But when someone avoids your gaze when asked a simple question, you should be suspicious.

Source: Reader’s digest

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

4

Listology | Banned books in BD

Ban-demonium The shutting down of the Rodela stall over its publication of Twenty Three Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad at the Boi Mela this year makes it the perfect time for us to look at some of the major literary bans in Bangladesh Tausif Sanzum Twenty Three Years: A Study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad Ali Dashti This year the Bangla Academy shut down a stall for publishing and selling a translated version of this book which is a biography of Prophet Mohammad. The book written by Iranian Writer, Dashti “chooses reason over blind faith, strongly denies the miracles ascribed to Mohammad by the Islamic tradition and rejects the Muslim view that the Qur’an is the word of God Himself.”

Naari Humayun Azad The book which garnered Azad fame as a writer but also attracted enough controversies to get it banned by the Government of Bangladesh in 1995.

Azad was able to uplift the ban in 2000 after a lengthy legal battle. The book tackled issues relating to women in various spheres of life – a subject which did not settle well with the conservative section of the society.

The book has since then gained cult status and has become a best seller.

Kalo Shurjer, Kalo Jotsnai Kalo Bonnai” Daud Haider The poetry written

by Daud Haider and published in Daily Sangbad in 1975 led to protests in front of Baitul Mukarrom mosque and fatwa was declared against him.

Since then he has been on self exile living in Berlin, Germany. The poem supposedly compared the Kaaba Shareef to a courtesan’s home.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Lajja, Amar Meyebela, Utal Hawa, Dwikhondito, Ko, Sei Sob Ondhokar Taslima Nasreen One of the most controversial writers of modern times, Nasreen seems to create news every time her pen touches paper. Starting with the communal subject tackling Lajja

in 1993, to the autobiographical Meyebela in 1998 where she pointed out subjects such as rape within the family and in all her subsequent works, Taslima Nasreen has voiced her opinion on feminist issues and has been critical of religion. The author has been living in exile since 1994.

The Satanic Verses Salman Rushdie The controversial title, the use of the name “Mahound” and also assigning names of the Prophet’s wives to sex

workers, the book was bound to create a turmoil amongst the Muslim community around the world. The book has been banned in Bangladesh since 1988.

Bhanga Math Salam Azad The book explores pre-1947 and the present political and social atmosphere in Bangladesh. The main criticism of the book was how the author through his writing patronises India and also shows Bangladesh in a negative light when it comes to dealing

with minority communities. The book was banned in 2004 and the author subsequently took asylum in New Delhi. Extracts from interviews given by him in 2006 to leading newspapers in India shows how the author claims that his passport is not being renewed by the Bangladeshi High Commission. n

A letter from a book-lover | Feature

Photos: Courtesy

House of light For the love of books Saudia Afrin

O

ver the past few years, a number of bookstores have shut down in many places across Bangladesh.

Amid such an unfortunate transition, however, Batighar, a bookstore based in Chittagong, has arrived with the oath of serving the readers with an empire of books.

Batighar is bangla for “Lighthouse” and is therefore a perfect reflection of what it is doing now – spreading the light of knowledge in the society.

Dipankar Das, the initiator was keen about discovering and enlightening his inner self through reading from an early age. To satisfy his hunger for knowledge he was actively involved with organisations

like Bishwo Shahitto Kendro and many more. He felt crushed every time he craved for a specific book and was unable to track it down.

Dipankar says: “I have faced this situation many times, where I was dying to read a book that I just couldn’t get a hold of. So I started Batighar in Chittagong. Locals, as well as people from all over Bangladesh have dropped by the shop asking for new books.” Through such positive response from his clientèle, Dipankar’s optimism grew.

According to Dipankar, the current library system in the country could use some refurbishing in order to reach an efficient level. He said: “Because of insufficient focusing and nurturing in this particular area, we are failing, despite the rising numbers of readers and school-goers in the country.”

He claims that the number

5

with a bright, yet relaxing interior ambience. The store also includes a coffee corner, along with a collection of 70,000 books.

According to Dipankar: “The moment you enter the shop, take a tour of the various corners and niches for readers of all ages and interest. We have a children’s’ corner, as well as sections for Bangla Academy, Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, and a special corner on the history of Chittagong and many more.”

Dipankar explains his philosophy: “If you want to excel at something you have to take a risk and make a unique change. Under the traditional market concept today, where everything is turned into malls, I believe my strategy is one that will be on par with the current rise in readers in the nation. Perhaps it is this change that all the other bookstores needed to make in the first place in order to stay in business.”

At the moment, readers can contact Batighar about their books through their Facebook page, but Dipankar says that an official webpage is not far off in the making.

Since its inception in 2005, Batighar, from from its initial tiny shop of only 100 square feet has now expanded to a 12000 square feet haven for book-lovers of all ages as well a hub for writers and cultural activists.

Dipankar has big plans for Batighar – of having branches in every divisional city one day. n

of books, the environment and attention of the library authorities have not developed over the years and that we have an unsteady library system under the government. He says: “Its high time we get active a make changes to our library system, particularly if we want to meet the expectations of readers and intellectuals.”

Many prominent writers and poets visit Batighar and sometimes hold sessions where they talk about their books.

As an owner and an avid reader, Dipankar claims that once you get into the habit of reading, easy access to good books becomes a necessity, and the country is lagging behind in this area. He thinks that the concept of bookstores has changed. Now people want a place where they can roam around, and check out books at ease. Batighar is such a place,

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

6 Tea with WT | Shahidul Alam

The witness

Shahidul Alam, photographer, writer, founder of Pathshala South Asian Institute of Photography and Drik Picture library and director of Chobi Mela, Asia’s largest photography festival shares his journey of becoming a photographer, his tool of activism and what photography means to him Farhana Urmee

H

is welcoming smile lights up the room. Even as he offers a cup of tea, he is bringing out his phone to show a photograph he had taken of another cup of tea, taken that very morning at a tea stall. This bearded man in his red panjabi and fanny pack is none other than Shahidul Alam, the iconic Bangladeshi photographer, whose invaluable contributions to photography and journalism in Bangladesh cannot be denied.

His journey into photography started when he ended up owning the camera gear he had originally bought for a friend. He had taken numerous photographs while hitch-hiking across Canada and America, and upon his return to London, UK, he taught himself how to develop the shots at the university darkroom. And that is how a lifelong passion was born.

The early year

I was in London, working as a freelancer and documenting political movements, occasionally contributing stories to the university magazine. What really helped me grow as a photographer was the tremendous amount of reading I did on the subject.

One day I saw a newspaper advertisement that Young Rascals, a photographic studio was looking for a photographer to take pictures of

children. The job included standing by the street and soliciting parents and children to allow us to use them as subjects. Later we sold the prints to the parents.

That was a huge lesson for me; taking the photo is the easiest part of the job. What is hard is building communication and trust with the subject. The technology and techniques of taking pictures can easily be learnt; building a relationship with other people, making them comfortable, needs to be built slowly, through trial and error.

While I was working for that studio I used to earn 350 pounds a week. I learned the business end of it, and also developed my people skills. At that point when I was doing really well as a professional photographer I thought I could go back to my country and do the same. My country did not need another chemist I assumed, but photographers were still few and far between. So I flew back.

In Dhaka

A studio in Elephant Road, Dhaka, was looking for a professional photographer. I went there and we started a company named “Photo World.” I started to run the studio as director, and I took pictures of famous and renowned people.

At a point I realised, I didn’t enjoy

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Shahidul Alam

Photo: Quamrul Abedin

What is photography?

A moment becomes a photograph because of its significance, or the play of lights on it, or merely for its sudden appearance. But the moment I frame it, if it cannot move me or make me think of it while I am sleeping or being unmindful, it is not the photograph I want. I need to feel connected with that moment, and when I feel that I capture it. And there the photograph is

7 working only to someone else’s specifications, and it wasn’t profitable either. Having the studio, however, allowed me room to experiment and work during my spare time. I borrowed the bust sculpture from sculptor Hamiduzzaman and practiced my craft during my spare time.

Eventually, I left the company and worked free lance, on all kinds of advertising, industrial and fashion related projects. The money was good, but there was something missing.

A study in contrasts

It was during the anti-autocracy movement against Ershad’s tenure.

My photography merged with my activism against political tyranny.

Newspapers were being shut down but photographers and professionals like us were continuing our work.

The great floods of I988 brought a lot of suffering to many. And yet, a certain political figure was throwing lavish weddings for his daughter at the Abahani Field in Dhanmondi.

I took pictures of the elaborate arrangements alongside photographs of the flood and all the misery around me. I planned an exhibition of the juxtaposition of these two realities for Shahid Noor Hossain Day on November 10, 1889.

Upon seeing the contents of my exhibition, no gallery was willing to host it. I finally managed the National Press Club, but the photographs from the wedding were removed shortly after the opening. I had become hugely unpopular because of the nature of my work. One thing I learned over the course of time is that artists are expected to do creative and beautiful things without any political stand or consciousness.

The birth of Drik

In 1993 I wrote World Press Photo a letter complaining that the organisation should rename itself to “Western Press Photo” because of the under-representation of the

Shahidul Alam at a glance

Photo: Shahidul Alam

• That’s “Dr” for you: The maestro of the lens actually has a background in science. Dr Shahidul Alam has a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of London • First camera: A Nikon FM, with a tripod, flashgun and lenses, originally bought from New York

third world which I prefer to call the “majority world”. I got a phone call from their president, saying that they already had sent me a letter inviting me as a judge before I had written to them. And we were lucky that they had a cancellation at that time so that we could get an exhibition here.

And over 17 days I made our Dhanmondi residence over into a gallery with the help of architect Rafiq Azad. I remember the walls were wet when I hung the pictures.

programme in Bangladesh. Many students of Pathshala have gone on to achieve acclaim in their chosen specialisations.

Although our country has become a reputed name in photography and we have good hands with amazing photo features done by so many, we still lack a number of things. We don’t have any proper photo desk in newspapers even though photographers are way more conscious now than any given time.

Pathshala

Chobi Mela

Drik organised workshop based training for photographers. The workshops were good, but we faced difficulties with the followthrough. The long gaps between two workshops hindered the flow of learning. By then we had a relationship with World Press Photo, and that contact led me to consider expanding operations into a fullfledged programme for aspiring photographers in the country.

In 1998 World Press Photo organised their first workshop for advanced learners in Bangladesh.

They followed with two more over the next two years, the beginning of a regular series. I ended up opening Pathshala, which, at the time was the only institution offering a comprehensive photography degree

for a friend.

• Making news: His early photographs were first featured in a profile piece in The Observer (UK) in 1980.

• Won his first awards at a local art council when he was 28.

Photo: Shahidul Alam

All the reputed photographic libraries are in London, New York and Paris. In the early 90’s we thought to have one of our own, near our photographers.

To stay connected to the international market we started an e-mail network in Bangladesh.

In 1994, I had an art exhibition in France and two of our photographers accompanied me. I saw an amazing shift in their thinking after the exposure, which inspired me to bring an international platform here.

I almost managed an exhibition in 1995 but it was postponed due to consecutive hartals. It took me another five years to arrange Chobi Mela which finally took off in 2000.

Before that, in 1996 we published a calender on the 25 years since the Liberation War. We learned that reputed photo journalists from around the world had worked during the war. Their works were never archived, and they were never further contacted. We got on the search, and five years later, when we were finally able to launch Chobi Mela, our central exhibition included the photographs of liberation war. It started on a very small scale, but now this has become one of the best festivals around the world.n

Photo: Shahidul Alam

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

8 Post-Riposte | hartals

Does the opposition party have the right to enforce blockades?

Yes Its just a legitimate practice Faisal Mahmud Enforcing a blockade in a democracy is a political right to participate in the exercise of power, and a political party can surely do that. The 20 party alliance led by BNP is a political entity and “technically” there is nothing wrong with its blockade – especially when the reason that the BNP led alliance had cited enforcing the blockade couldn’t be flushed out “logically.”

The AL led grand alliance came to power through a one-sided election in January 5, 2014. That election, which had disenfranchised more than half of the electorate, failed to gain the required political legitimacy which only an inclusive process can confer.

It is viewed by many – especially by the 20 party alliance led by BNP and their supporters – as devoid of moral legitimacy, although it might well be legally and constitutionally legitimate as AL thought of it.

Under the circumstances, a year later, the ruling grand alliance led by AL wanted to make this a day (January 5) of festivity for everyone, and celebrate Democracy Revival Day. On the same day, the 20 party alliance led

by BNP wanted to conduct a massive rally protesting the “unethical” election, for which it was denied the permission. Incidentally, the BNP chairperson had given a seven-point proposal a week ago where she had suggested a dialogue but the AL led grand alliance government refused it.

In a democracy, there has to be space for dialogues and difference of opinions. Now if the ruling party said that there will be no dialogue till 2019, what does it signal? If you refuse to talk, then disallow rallies or movement of leaders, what other options are available but to go for more violent methods like blockades?

After all, blockade is a legitimate practice under democracy.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

NO

Economic devastation can not be a legitimate right Farhana Urmee We are a developing country and if the wheels of industry or vehicles remain stopped, how can we move on? Hartal and blockades for weeks is making the lives of citizen uncertain and static.

If this had been any peaceful political demonstration without harming citizens’ lives and rights to mobility, it could probably have been respected as a regular political activity in a democratic country.

But we have to see what are we actually facing in the name of hartals.

The petrol bomb attacks on running vehicles and the killing and injuring of innocent people with no political affiliations are making this political act an illegal one. What about the education system of the country?

Schools and colleges are remaining

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

closed, but as time passes by and the respective authorities will have to conduct examinations without even covering the syllabus. This kind of practice will have both long term and short term affects in our education.

Moreover, the public examinations are getting postponed every week which is making their future uncertain.

And about the regular consumer, price of daily necessities like vegetables, fish and meat are suddenly spiking up, putting stress on our economy and the market situation. International trades and business orders are getting cancelled due to the political unrest in the country.

How fair is it to have such political demonstrations at the cost of lives, property and prosperity? n

Ekushey | Photo story

9

Amar Ekushey Photos by Syed Zakir Hossain

In light of the International Mother Language Day, this week’s photo story features highlights from the past year’s “Amar Ekushey” celebrations.

Turn for more photographs

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

10 PHoto story | Ekushey

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

11

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

12 Travel | Egypt

Alexandria

city of King Al Sikander Revisiting an old empire Mahmud Hasan

A

Qaitbay Fort

few years ago we made a week-long trip to Cairo in Egypt to see the Pyramids and the other ancient monuments as well as the renowned Cairo museum. Cairo is a huge crowded city with almost unmanageable traffic. Like Dhaka, Cairo residents have to spend many hours stuck in traffic, even for short distances. After visiting the key ancient monuments, we decided to travel to Alexandria, the most fascinating city in Egypt on the Mediterranean coast.

Alexandria, founded by the Greek warrior Alexander or in Arabic, Al Sikander the great, is located about 230 km north of Cairo. The Egyptian railway is the most comfortable and safe transportation to travel to Alexandria. The views from the train are wonderful, especially along the Nile amongst the fields and palm trees on the Cairo-Alexandria route.

Besides, the train journey gives an insight into the country.

So we went to Cairo’s main railway station, Ramses Station, named the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II. In Egypt the luxury train services are generally operated by foreign companies

Photos: Courtesy

from Europe. We bought tickets to a French train for the four of us: my wife, our two children and myself.

Most of the signs and information at the huge platforms were in Arabic so we mistakenly boarded a train bound for Luxor, a city in the south. The Egyptians are extremely tourist-friendly and at least half a dozen passengers on the platform came forward to help us to take the right train after they discovered our mistake.

The train took around three hours to reach Alexandria. It was definitely one of the most superb train journeys of my life. Massive fruit gardens in the villages on both sides of the train line and green countryside made the route a picturesque site. After arriving at Alexandria railway station we took a taxi to our hotel on El Gaish road, the most spectacular marine drive way in the city. Our taxi driver offered us the use of his taxi during our entire stay in Alexandria. I was sceptical about accepting his offer as I knew this might be very expensive.

In an attempt to persuade us the taxi driver revealed that he was a part-time taxi driver, and in fact, he was a police officer. Unlike other

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Middle Eastern countries, Egypt is a poverty stricken country, where many of its citizens are compelled to have two jobs to support their families. Anyway I courteously turned down his proposition. Our hotel was gorgeous and the sea site room offered us a dazzling view of the Mediterranean Sea. We felt excited being welcomed by the hotel manager personally at the lobby.

In the evening we all went out to take a walk alongside the marine driveway on the Mediterranean coast. Both Cyprus and Greece are not far away from this city. While walking we were greeted by the local residents and they were very inquisitive to know where we came from originally. At first they though that we were Indian. The next enquiry was if we were Muslims.

These are very common questions the Asian tourists usually face in Egypt. If someone is Muslim the person is always greeted with the Arabic word “Alhamdulillah.”

We happened to meet a gentleman on our walk who stayed in Dhaka in the early 70s. This gentleman, a retired army officer, went to Dhaka to provide training to our military personnel when Egypt donated armoured vehicles to the Bangladesh Army. He mentioned how he missed the Bangladeshi countryside with its spectacular yellow fields of mustard crop. We felt utterly secured and comfortable talking to the local residents.

Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt extending about 20 miles along the Mediterranean Sea. It was the second most powerful city after Rome in the ancient days.

Prophet Muhammad (SA) sent a letter to the ruler of Alexandria asking him to embrace Islam. In 641 the Arab Muslims under General Amar Ibn Alas captured Alexandria during the Muslim conquest of Egypt. Alexandria hosts many ancient places to visit including the site of the light house, one of the seven Wonders of the World and the

library of Alexander the great. We decided to start with the library.

Next day morning we went to the library or museum of Alexander, a library of classical antiquity. Most of the books at that time were written on papyrus rolls. Although Alexander’s library has suffered several fires over many hundred years, it has still preserved an outstanding collection of books from the Greek and Roman era. The entry tickets to see the library were pretty expensive.

The exterior architecture of this medieval library disappointed me somewhat. The recently built main building combines a feature of both modernity and fortification. The design was based on a medieval structure in a modern style. To me, it failed to create a sense that would take us back to the time of Alexander the great. Nevertheless, it was great to visit a renowned library from the ancient world. After spending around three hours in the library we went to down town Alexandria.

Alexandria is a clean city with a well maintained traffic system. The city has an old section known as Turkish quarter as Alexandria was also under the Ottoman Empire for several hundred years. We took a slow walk through the main streets.

We checked a few small boutiques to buy a couple of paintings on papyrus, the most common tourist item in Egypt. Some of the street vendors were quite aggressive and we tried to keep them away but it was not always easy. We never felt insecure, just bothered. Then we went to see the most beautiful and ancient mosque in Alexandria, Abu Abbas mosque. Abu Abbas was a Spanish Islamic scholar in the 13th century. There is also a large Egyptian Christian community know as Coptic, living in Alexandria.

Alexandria even had a flourishing Jewish population before the creation of Israel in 1948.

Abu Abbas Mosque

13

O

n the third day of our stay in Alexandria we decided to visit two key tourist spots, Fort Qaitbay and the site of the missing lighthouse. The Citadel of Qaitbay, a huge stone fortress from the 15th century, is on the Mediterranean Sea coast. It was built by Egyptian emperors to defend the city against the advancing Turkish army.

Egyptologists claim that the famous lighthouse of Alexandria used to stand on the exact site of today’s Qaitbay fortress. In the 11th century a devastating earthquake took the lighthouse completely under the sea.

We reached the citadel and queued at the entrance line. I noticed we were the only foreigners in the line. One of the citadel guards approached us and

offered very politely to follow him for a tour inside the fort. After a moment of hesitation we decided to accept his offer. This gentle and extremely polite policeman spent more than two hours with us and showed us the entire fort, narrating the story behind this stunning ancient castle. After finishing our tour he asked me to pay for the service. I had no idea that we would need to pay him as he was an employee at the palace. Anyway I paid him a few Egyptian pounds.

Honestly speaking, I felt obliged to pay him.

We visited Alexandria in December. Usually the city has a hot, desert climate, but the neighbouring Mediterranean Sea moderates its harsh climate during winter. We only

stayed three days in Alexandria. It was not nearly enough time to see all the important places of this beautiful city. We missed two significant tourist sites due to time constraints: Alexandria museum and the King Farouk’s palace.

When we checked out from the hotel the manager almost begged us to come back to Alexandria and stay at his hotel. During our stay the hotel guest occupancy was extremely low. Nowadays foreign tourists have turned away from Egypt due to the political instability of this beautiful country. Right now Egypt is facing almost insurgency-like situation in Sinai Peninsula. Egypt has always been ruled by the kings, dictators and military generals. A few years ago,

Egyptians had a golden opportunity to transform their country from an autocratic rule to a democratic one.

Unfortunately the generals were back in power after removing a democratically elected president. It remains to be seen how the present ruler General Sisi brings back his country’s pride and restores the economy which is almost on the verge of collapse. n

Mahmud Hasan completed his MBA from IBA, Dhaka University in 1974 and is currently working as an ITspecialist in Stockholm, Sweden

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

14 Legalese | Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi Got a problem?

Write to Jennifer at weekend@ dhakatribune.com

show me the money

Q

I have a few queries about Access to Financial Services in Bangladesh. A group of us are currently considering “agent banking,� ie the delivery of financial services through partnership with a retail agent (or correspondent) in order to extend financial services to locations where bank branches would be uneconomical. I would therefore appreciate some guidance in this matter. Is there an agent banking law in Bangladesh?

Can commercial banks hire a third party as their agent to provide financial services on their behalf?

Are there any minimum standards in order to qualify and operate as an agent? I have a few friends and associates working in banks, so I also want to know about their potential liabilities or lack thereof, so that I can make an informed decision. are commercial banks liable for the acts of commission and omission of agents providing financial services on their behalf?

Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales. She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate.

A

Dear Reader: Thank you for your queries. it is encouraging to find out that young entrepreneurs are now thinking of expanding in new territories and being adventurous instead of sticking to the old methods of delving into various commercial business strategies ie retail. There is no specific agent banking law in Bangladesh, but this concept is covered and regulated through other legislations. According to the Bank Companies Act 1991, Bangladesh Bank has the power to give directions, in the public interest, any amendments to monetary and banking policy or management of banking companies, by issuing directives or regulations, if it deems necessary.

The Bangladesh Bank Order 1972 dictates the functioning of Bangladesh Bank, which explicitly states that, ensuring and promoting a secure and efficient payment system is one of the main functions of Bangladesh Bank. In effect to that, Bangladesh Bank has published Guidelines on Agent Banking for Banks which comprises of rules and

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

regulations that set out the basic formation and functioning of agent banking system.

Additionally, it is also correct that commercial banks hire a third party as their agent to provide financial services on their behalf. According to the Guidelines on Mobile Financial Services (MFS) for the Banks 2011 all banks must submit agreements or memorandum of understanding containing Service Level Agreement (SLA) signed between banks and their partners/agents before launching the product. The Cash Points/Agents shall have to be selected by the bank and a list of the Cash Points/ Agents with their names and addresses shall have to be submitted to the Department of Currency Management and Payment System (DCMPS), Bangladesh Bank and will be updated on monthly basis.

There are also minimum standards in order to qualify and operate as an agent. According to the Bangladesh Bank Guidelines on Agent Banking for Banks, the selection criteria of an agent include, but are not limited to: Competence to implement and support the proposed activities; Financial soundness and cash handling capability; Ability to meet commitments under adverse

Cartoon: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

conditions; Business reputation; Ability to offer technology based financial services; Guidelines on Agent Banking for the banks; Security and internal control, audit coverage, reporting and monitoring capacity; Loan defaulter or the convicted person cannot apply for agency-ship, amongst other selection criteria.

It is also true that commercial banks liable for the acts of commission and omission of agents providing financial services on their behalf. According to the Bangladesh Bank Guidelines on Agent Banking for Banks, Banks shall be responsible for mitigation of all kinds of risks such as liquidity, operational, fraud, cheating, including money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Technical risks should be covered by the solution provider. It further states, that the banks must bear all the liabilities that arise from any improper action on the part of their engaged agents.

I trust the information provided above is helpful. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to send in any further queries. Till next time, take care and best wishes for your new venture!

.

DINA SOBHAN | TOUGH LOVE

every new beginning

15

Got a problem?

Write to Dina at

weekend@dhakatribune. com

Q

Dear Dina, What started out as a rebound thing between me and a friend who had also undergone a bad breakup soon blossomed into a beautiful, supportive relationship that lasted three years. We managed to weather a lot of difficulties – long distance, my prolonged illness, opposition from her family; you name it. Then we both finished our studies abroad and came back to Bangladesh.

We had been talking about marriage, and the preliminary talks between our parents had even been initiated.

Within a month of our return, however, she suddenly announced that she was no longer feeling as sure about our relationship, and we’d probably be better off as friends.

We ended on an amicable note, and it’s been six months since. She isn’t seeing anyone else yet, and neither am I, but she doesn’t seem to want to get back together. I want to move on as well, but I feel like I haven’t found closure. How do I do this without ruining the friendship?

A

While I’m sure it truly sucks to be dumped without sufficient explanation, I’m afraid you’re going to have to just learn to deal.

Things happen, feelings change, people move on. Maybe she realised that she no longer wanted a relationship that was so much work, and yours sounded like a Dostoevsky novel. If anything, you should be breathing a sigh of relief that its over.

And frankly, there’s nothing more off-putting than a guy who wants to discuss a relationship to death, especially after it’s dead. Anyway, I’ve never heard of a guy wanting “closure.” they usually jump into bed and/or marry the next available woman that comes along without a second thought. As they say, the best way to get over someone is to get someone new. I suggest you do just that, and let your past relationship remain amicable by not ranking it over the coals unnecessarily.

Cartoon: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

Q

Dear Dina, I’m in love with my best friend. I think he like me too, but neither of us have made an initiative.

I really want to approach him about it, but I don’t know how to. I’m also terrified that it might all blow up in my face. I’ll be too embarrassed to face him then. What do you advise?

A

Is there such an acute shortage of human beings in Bangladesh that you can’t find anyone to fall in love with other than your best friend? Since I seem to address this question almost every other week, let me end this discussion once and for all. There is nothing more pathetic than mistaking the love and affection that exists in friendship for something more. A friendship is based on an intimacy and trust that is almost violated by someone trying to

project something sexual or romantic onto it. I can’t count the number of male friends I’ve had to jettison for trying to make a platonic relationship into something more. Are you willing to risk humiliation AND the loss of a good friend just to have someone to call your “boyfriend?” if he doesn’t feel the same way you do, you do realise that there will be no way to salvage the relationship. How would you go back to hanging out together without feeling acutely awkward?

In any case, a best friend is far more valuable than a boyfriend.

.

Dina Sobhan is a freelance writer, and cautions readers not to take her ‘advice’ here too seriously!

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

16 opinion | Get real

The Holud shindig

Holuds are supposed to be fun, right?

Shoaib Alam

W

edding season is practically over in Dhaka and now is a good time to take stock and really consider what we’ve been through. Somewhere in the Bollywood-izing of traditions, the parody skit of old has morphed into dancey-things, often performed by dull teenagers, at gaye-holuds. The problem is the self-indulgence.

Sure, the first few minutes are cute. The energy is high. Something is happening, people are moving.

There are whoops and cheers. Then it drags on. One performer follows another, quickly becoming repetitive if the cousins and friends of the couple can’t actually dance and don’t compensate by being unfairly attractive people.

Hopefully a plate of phuchka or a pile of jilapi is at hand in this time of need.

The ready-for-YouTube holud shindig manages to borrow the blueprint from Bollywood – the stage, the songs, the choreography – but fails at entertainment. The secret of every prolonged Bollywood performance is that everything you see is, at its core, about the audience.

Shah Rukh Khan can headline a three hour show because during all three of those hours his chief concern is the people who paid to be there.

Not so in Dhaka, where cousin #17, #18 or #21 is perfectly immune to the death of our patience. By the time the groom’s youngest sibling is starring in a faux Karan Johar film, the novelty of seeing people you know being all

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Bollywood-y for a night is long gone.

For audiences at holuds, this detainment makes for an awkward night. Being held hostage in our seats by basic decency while the last individual on stage has his fill of imaginary stardom is incredibly unpleasant. Where is the humanity?

Holuds should be fun and you should feel like a big-time star if you find yourself on a stage but everyone else shouldn’t be dreaming of a blackout or an alien invasion to end it.

A few simple remedies might help: Keep the cousin less personable than a zucchini away from the solo routine. He only comes to life in the group stuff, as video evidence will later show. A proper mash-up of the track list ensures that you don’t have

to dance through the four minutes of every song ever made. Throw in something funny or unexpected – silliness is recommended. An attempt at SRK- face is not recommended. A decent length – 15 minutes is about right – is a fair compromise between the audience’s attention span and the performer. Ideally, end before you lose the energy with which you started.

Overall, when dancing at a holud, keep things entertaining for both you and the souls sitting in the dark wondering when the lights will come on so they can charge to the buffet.

If you hit an adrenaline rush on stage and want to keep going, there’s always the after-party. n

Technology takeover | Rant

17

OF TECHNOLOGIES AND LOST CONVERSATIONS Is technology really taking over our lives? Or are we merely allowing it?

Dilshad Fayeza Haque

D

o you want an apple or a blackberry? The answer will most likely be yes but let me make your day better by saying that I am talking about the actual ‘’fruits’’ and not Mr Jobs and his creations, that you just thought of. If the ‘’I’s and Mac’s’’ were not there we would have been left with pods, pads and books only and Mac and cheese would be the only Mac In our lives. The iPods, iPads and MacBook’s revolutionised the way we work, play and listen to music.

At this point in our lives we cannot imagine a day without our latest gadgets. Technology has taken us to a whole new level. As much as these technologies have made our lives better in a thousand ways, it has also made things worse in a lot of ways.

Being intrusively in other people's

lives and taking pictures with your popular friends who achieved some sort of success has become a trend these days. But what about us? What have we really done for ourselves other than stalking someone on some social media website or staring at our phones and doing nothing? These gadgets and latest technologies have distracted us in such a mind-numbing way that we often tend to forget reality and start finding reality in the virtual world. We have become so involved with these technologies that we have almost stopped thinking and keep doing things without using our heads.

Such distractions are the curse of modern life. Our lives are all about gadgets that buzz and beep their way into our attention, taking us away from whatever we are doing.

Moreover, we have no privacy and it is not because someone else is trying to intrude in our lives or stalk us but sadly because we are desperate to share our personal information, thoughts, photos and ideas on the internet, because we are cool like that.

The other day I visited my Facebook timeline and I could not believe how much information I gave up on the internet, out in the open for the world to see because back then, I did not realise certain things that I do now.

things we lost

There was a time when friend's would sit and talk for hours and listen to each other and solve each other’s problems. Now that they have their new gadgets such as laptops and smart phones they no longer find it important to talk to the people

who are in front of them. They are always distracted and their eyes are always glued to their phone screens. Therefore, the heart to heart conversations have become rare these days and it makes me very sad. I am not saying I have never done it, but now that I realize that gadgets should not be my priority I no longer let them distract me. I cannot let technology control me. We cannot let something that we have created control us.

When we were young and we did not have so many different gadgets and when technology was not such a huge part of our lives, we used to use our heads and make games of our own and we would run around and play and have a lot of fun. However, kids these days do not have that concept since they are so dependent and involved with the latest in gadgets from their early years. Children no longer have time for the family and studies have shown that most children have become less attentive and are always distracted.

Are gadgets making us dumber?

Two new studies have found that people who are distracted by technology score 20% lower on a standard cognition test. A second revealed that some students, even when on their best behaviour, cannot concentrate on homework for more than two minutes without distracting themselves by using social media or writing an email. Thus, their level of concentration is being hampered.

But then again, is it a drawback of technology only? Perhaps not.

I believe that it is our drawback because we use technology in the wrong way. We can blame the latest technologies all we want but it is also a fact that if we only use them in the right way and set our priorities right, these technologies and gadgets have no power over us. If we use it and not abuse it just because we have easy access to it, we will be able to enjoy the benefits of technology to the fullest. n Photo: Bigstock

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

18 stay in

A book lover’s oasis Faisal Mahmud

What is it?

Mehedi Hasan Rana, head of marketing and branding of Rokomari.com told the Weekend Tribune (WT) that Rokomari.com was launched in January 19, 2012 as an online bookstore. “The initial idea was to sell books thorough online orders. But now as our ventures have succeeded, we decide to increase our selling list. We have recently enlisted music and other CD/DVD’s to our product list and we are interested in diversifying our catalogue.

Clues

ACROSS

1 Churchman uses vehicle after six (5) 5 Employ you and I and initially, everyone (3) 6 President sees nine in French refusal (5) 8 Parasites after a children’s literary heroine (5) 10 Left, for example, limb (3) 11 Correct electricity and repair (5)

DOWN

The website has a search button right at the top of the home page, where a customer can makes enquiry about particular books, he said.

The ordering procedure A customer can get registered with the website by following standard procedure. Once a customer is registered, the website will continue maintaining his information in the database. Every time a registered customer places an order through “buy now” option, his/her information is cross checked with the information stored in the database, then a call is made to him/her from Customer care to ensure the identity and book order. For

About the website Rana said when a customer browses the website, he/she has some options to buy books. “The website categorizes the book lists basing on over 30 subjects. A link to subject wise lists is displayed in the home page for further browsing.”

unregistered user, as soon as he clicks “buy now” button, a standard form will appear, which he/she needs to fill up to get registered.

Delivery and payment method “Though rokomari.com is an e-commerce website but it still operates on cash-on-delivery method. The website is trying to incorporate online payment system through credit card/debit card issued by the DBBL and SCB but the procedure will not be finished up until next year,” said Rana. n

1 2 3 4 7 8 9

Roman house holds an orchid pod (7) A hundred bovine, steer on the water (3) Manage to flee (3) Ginger communist leader (7) Bird takes lid off soup vessel (3) Silver plate’s last years (3) 99 Euro for frozen dessert (3)

Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune. com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.

Last week’s solutions

F

or the bookworms of the country, Rokomari.com has emerged as an oasis.

The very few bookstores of the capital have long been not quenching the thirst of the booklovers of the country especially of the capital. Also, as unbearable traffic clogs the road, Dhakait’s have, to some extent, become reluctant to move forward just for the sake of buying recreational books.

Due to this reason, the bookloving people has long been searching for buying books online.

There comes the Rokomari.com

Mini cryptics

ACROSS 1 Boils madly in front of hotel after a ban (7) 4 Container for hip clothes found in car (7) 6 Dealing after shuffle, and ahead (7) 7 Life force of slender South American (7) DOWN 1 Nice gal confused but heavenly (7) 2 US city surprise after first of Olympic medals (5) 3 Shape of spell put on a ground oddly (7) 5 She finds a groom to break first horse (5)

Sudoku

Use the numbers 1-9 to complete each of the 3x3 square grids such that each horizontal and vertical line also contains all of the digits from 1-9

Last week’s sudoku solutions

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

Go out

19

Weekly Planner Feb 21 Festival | Ekusher Ghuri Utshob When 3-6pm Where Gulshan Youth Club, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2, Beside WonderLand Born To Smile Initiative is presenting the “Ghuri Utshob.”

Colourful kites will be flown with different Bangla words pasted on them. The event will also include a game show and is free for all.

Feb 23 Education | New Jersey Institute of Technology in Dhaka

Where House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old), 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi The Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions of New Jersey Institute of Technology will meet students personally and talk about opportunities for education at the university. He will also provide his contact information for students to communicate with him directly regarding any questions. New Jersey Institute of Technology is located in Newark, New Jersey.

The event is free and open for everyone interested in studying in the US. No prior registration is required to attend this program For more information, visit: http:// www.njit.edu/

When 3pm

Feb 23 Education | Undergraduate Advising on U.S. University Admissions When 3-4pm Where The American Center, Plot No -1, Progati Sharani, J-Block, Baridhara EducationUSA’s is arranging a group advising session on basic information about studying in undergraduate or Bachelor’s programs in the US. No prior registration is required.

Application Center, Rupayan Shelford, 18th Floor 23/6 Mirpur Road, Shyamoli USIAC is hosting a Matinee Show “GUERRILLA” starring: Joya Ahsan, Ferdous Ahmed and others, a movie based on Bangladesh Liberation War. To confirm your seat call 9146181 (between 9am-6pm)

Feb 25 movie | Matinee Show GUERRILLA

When 3:3pm Where USIAC - US Institutions

Send your events to weekend@dhakatribune.com

Feb 21

Feb 22

Celebration | International Mother Language Day

When 6pm Where Goethe-Institut, Road No 9 (new), Dhanmondi R/A

When Dawn onwards Where Ramna Botomul and others

The Language Movement that took place in 1952 has a major cultural impact on Bengali society. It has inspired the development and celebration of the Bengali language, literature and culture. February 21 is celebrated as Language Movement Day or Shohid Dibosh. Bangladesh officially sent a proposal to UNESCO to declare February 21 as “International Mother Language Day.” The proposal was supported unanimously at the 30th General Conference of UNESCO held on 17 November 1999. Now it is celebrated not only in Bangladesh but the whole world.

A rally ‘’Probhatferi’’ is carried out every February 21 where people of different ages and all walks of life come together to join in the festive rally that starts from Ramna Botomul at day break.

Movie | DAS LIED IN MIR/THE DAY I WAS NOT BORN

Goethe-Institut Bangladesh is screening Das Lied in mir (The day I was not born), directed

by Florian Cossen.

The 95 minute movie tells the story of 31-year-old German woman named Maria, who, during a stopover in Buenos Aires on her way to Chile, recognises a nursery melody even though she doesn’t speak any word of Spanish.

On remembering the Spanish lyrics, she decided to interrupt her journey and to went in search of a long-kept family secret whose origins go back to the time of the Argentinean military dictatorship.

Hearing about the incident, her father Anton suddenly turns up at Maria’s hotel in Buenos Aires with a surprising discovery.

“The day I was not born” tells the family story about the deep love of a father.’

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5

20 Funnybone | Yamin Khan

Freedom of the Press All in the good name of journalism...

Yamin Khan

A

ccording to Seth Goddin, an American author and marketer, marketing is a contest for people’s attention. And no one understands this better than our journalist friends. Now when you are a journalist, in other words, part of a public service industry, you cannot go all out with your marketing strategies. The job requires you to be credible and informative, yet attract the attention of the readers.

And hence, you get to see the free flow usage of catchy headlines and stimulating photographs, which, more often than not, have very little to do with the actual news story.

So, after doing a bit of research, I have gathered a collection of newspaper headlines, which are partly misleading, partly exaggerated, but wholeheartedly entertaining:

Photos: Bigstock

Actual news: Jennifer Aniston signed a new film with director Martin Scorsese titled Bed. Headline: “Jennifer Aniston goes to ‘Bed’ with Martin Scorsese”

Actual News: A man got killed by unknown attackers at a “Gentleman’s Club.”

Headline: “Headless Body In Topless Bar”

Headline: “Actress Apu Biswas to do a risky scene” Actual scene: She has to weigh herself on a scale.

Actual News: Cricketer Mohammad Ashraful is going to open a Chinese Restaurant.

Headline: “Ashraful’s obsession with ducks continues”

A B

Actual news: Terminator star and Governor of California, Mr Arnold Schwarzenegger, is planning to set up a construction company.

Headline: “Aat-tala Bish-tala, Baby!”

C

Actual News: Last week, American President Obama attended a conference where he asked to have green salad for lunch.

Headline: “Obama suffering midlife crisis”

D

Actual News: A music teacher got arrested after he allegedly tortured one of his students with a drumstick.

Headline: “Just Beat It”

E

Yamin Khan is a comedian and CEO of Bangladesh Struggling Artist Survivors Foundation

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 20, 2015

F

G

Actual News: There are rumours that Indian film star Sunny Leone married her co-actor Bobby Deol.

Headline: “When Sunny Becomes Sunny Deol”

H

Actual News: Environmentalists protest against President Bush’s decision to turn forestland into a theme park.

Headline: “Good Bush vs Bad Bush”

I

J

Actual News: Renowned composer and musician Habib Wahid celebrates his new album release with a press conference and a grand reception.

Headline: “Release of Laptop feat.

Auto-Tune” n

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UA RY 2 0, 2 0 1 5