Weekend Tribune Vol 2 Issue 42

Dhaka Tribune | vo l 2 I ssu e 42 | F R I D AY, M arch 6, 2015

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Holi

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Keeping it small

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Yamin Khan

CONTENTS

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Volume 2 | Issue 42 | March 6, 2015 News 2 News 3 Meanwhile

Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features

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

4 Feature World Women Leadership Congress 2015

6 Cover Story

5 Success Story Surviving blindness 8 Origin Story Holi 12 Architecture Keeping it small

Surfer Girls

15 Digital Bangladesh CodersTrust 17 Reflections Small is better

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

20 Funnybone Yamin Khan

Regulars

Contributors Jennifer Ashraf Syed Zakir Hossain Reema Islam Allison Joyce Saqib Sarkar Dina Sobhan Graphic Md Mahbub Alam 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 16 Tough Love 18 Stay In 19 Go Out

9 Photo story

About the cover

Colours & Crafts

Editor’s note

Dear Readers, Bangalees have a saying “Jibon theme thake na”, which roughly translates to “life doesn’t wait for anyone”. Never have these words rung truer than recently, when we’ve found ways to adapt to the continued political turmoil, and find occasions and reasons to live, work, and even celebrate.

Speaking of colours, it’s almost time for holi. Take a stroll back down the annals of history to discover the origins of the Festival of Colours.

We’ve also got a lovely photo story on a recently concluded crafts fair for you to enjoy.

As another International Women’s Day rolls nearer, we look to our women to see how far we’ve come this year.

Meet the awardees of the World Women Leadership Congress. Our uplifting story about the surf girls is sure to warm the cockles of your heart.

In fast-paced times like these, and a crowded city like ours, space is at a premium, and it’s often wiser to go small. No one gets it better than the award-winning architects we talked to about space-savvy buildings.

With so many different flavours to choose from, we hope your week ahead is a good one.

-Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Surf’s up!

Bangladeshi surfer girls at Cox’s Bazar.

Photo: Allison Joyce

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2 News | This week

The world at a glance

Father says no proof his son is ‘Jihadi John’

Weekend Tribune Desk

US-Venezuela diplomacy row deepens over embassy staffing The United States said on Tuesday it would respond through diplomatic channels to Venezuela’s demand for a cut in US Embassy staff in Caracas, but added that Caracas had drastically underestimated its own diplomatic presence in the United States.

Venezuela on Monday ordered the US Embassy in Caracas to come up with a plan within 15 days to reduce staff to 17 from 100 amid the worst diplomatic flare-up between the two ideological foes since socialist President Nicolas Maduro was elected in 2013.

Maduro said there were 17 staffers at his country’s embassy in

Washington, a figure disputed by the United States during a brief meeting on Monday between Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez and US Charge d’Affaires Lee McClenny.

“We noted that the numbers the Venezuelan government has offered regarding its mission in the United States dramatically understate the number of Venezuelan diplomats in the United States,” State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said.

In addition to its embassy, Venezuela has eight consulates in the United States, as well as missions at the United Nations and Organization of American States.

Michelle Obama heads to Asia to promote girls’ education

First Lady Michelle Obama will travel to Japan and Cambodia this month as part of a U.S. global effort to support education for girls, the White House said on Tuesday.

She will visit Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan from March 18 to March 20, and the Cambodian city of Siem Reap from March 21 to 22, it said in a statement.

The initiative aims to reduce the number of girls - 62 million worldwide - who do not attend school in an effort to improve their financial stability, health and well-being, according to the administration.

The effort, launched last summer through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will utilize the Peace Corps volunteer program to help expand access for schooling for girls, especially for teenagers.

Senior Obama Adviser Valerie Jarrett on Tuesday said corps volunteers will recruit and train other local volunteers and push other community efforts in nearly a dozen countries.

Photo: AFP

World’s oldest person celebrates a day before turning 117 The world’s oldest person says 117 years doesn’t seem like such a long time.

Misao Okawa, the daughter of a kimono maker, made the comment Wednesday, at a celebration a day before her 117th birthday.

Appropriately, she was wearing a pink kimono decorated with cherry blossom prints.

Okawa, born in Osaka on March 5, 1898, was recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records in 2013.

“It seemed rather short,” she said after Osaka government official Takehiro Ogura, who brought her a big bouquet, asked how she felt about living for 117 years.

Okawa, her hair decorated with a

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pink daisy pin, looked up from her wheelchair and said she was “very happy” to be that age.

Asked for the secret of her longevity, she responded nonchalantly, “I wonder about that too.”

Photo: Reuters

The father of “Jihadi John” said in an interview published Wednesday that there was no proof that his son was the Islamic State executioner, adding there were a number of “false rumours” circulating.

“There is nothing that proves what is being circulated in the media, especially through video clips and footage, that the accused is my son

Mohammed, who is being referred to as the alleged executioner of Daesh (Islamic State),” Jassem Emwazi told the Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Qabas.

The daily said it spoke to the father of Kuwait-born Mohammed Emwazi at a secret location in his first media interview following accusations that his son is the jihadist who killed several Western hostages.

“I have a message to the Kuwaiti people that many of the rumours are false,” he told the daily.

“Because I felt that some people have believed it, I have assigned a lawyer to defend me and to prove ... that what is being said is untrue,” he said.

Photo: AP

Prince William meets elephants on final day of China tour Britain’s Prince William highlighted his interest in wildlife conservation on the final stop of his China tour Wednesday, feeding baskets of carrots to an elephant in the country’s southwest.

The second in line to the British throne visited an elephant sanctuary, where he met Ran Ran, a 13-year-old female elephant who was discovered in 2005 with a leg wound caused by an iron clamp trap. Handed carrots by the animal’s keeper, William passed them to Ran Ran, who reached for more with her trunk even while her mouth was crammed full.

The visit to Yunnan province, a tropical region bordering Myanmar and Laos that has been the focus of government efforts to stop poaching and reduce conflicts between people and elephants who eat their crops,

was organized for William to learn how Asian elephants are surviving in the wild in China.

There are about 250 wild Asian elephants in China, all in Yunnan, according to the province’s forestry administration.

The prince, who is patron and president of British charities that campaign against the illegal trade in ivory, also met villagers in Xishuangbanna prefecture to hear how they are adapting to living in close proximity to wild elephants.

William, who regularly speaks out against wildlife trafficking, was expected to bring up the plight of African elephants, tens of thousands of which have been slaughtered in recent years to meet a surging appetite for ivory in Asia, primarily China.

Khaleda’s arrest warrant upheld A Dhaka court has upheld the arrest warrant issued against BNP chief Khaleda Zia in two graft cases.

Judge Abu Ahmed Jamadar of the Special Judge’s Court 3 of Dhaka passed the order in absence of Khaleda on Wednesday afternoon.

The court fixed April 5 for the next hearing in the cases. It also refused to entertain the petitions filed seeking withdrawal of Khaleda’s arrest warrants.

“No one is allowed to file such petitions on behalf of a fugitive accused. The court will consider their pleas if they appear before it in person.” the court told Khaleda’s lawyers.

However, it has permitted the lawyers to participate in the trial proceeding on behalf of Khaleda’s son Tarique Rahman, who is also an accused in one of the cases.

The court later included the

petitions in the case documents and kept it pending.

BNP chief Khaleda Zia, who is facing arrest warrant in two graft cases, did not appear before the court during the hearing.

Her lawyer said Khaleda has decide not to leave her Gulshan office due to security reasons.

Leader of the main political opposition, Khaleda earlier skipped court hearings several times, citing lack of security when activists of her own alliance enforced countrywide shutdowns or blockades.

Speculations have been rife that the BNP chief might be arrested anytime since the court issued arrest warrants against her.

The warrant, however, did not find its way to the Gulshan police station as of Wednesday.

News: Dhaka Tribune

meanwhile ... | News

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Say what?

Event

Scientists Create Music For Cats, And Fur A Good Reason

D Devotees at Jagannath Jiur Mandir located in Puran Dhaka’s famous Tanti Bazar, celebrating the Gopal Uthshob, last Friday, as they carry idols of Lord Krishna as a baby in his cradle.

Photo: Dhaka Tribune

You’re welcome Five easy ways to manage stress

Stress occurs when you perceive that demands placed on you — such as work, school or relationships — exceed your ability to cope.

Some stress can be beneficial at times, producing a boost that provides the drive and energy to help people get through situations like exams or work deadlines. However, an extreme amount of stress can have health consequences, affecting the immune, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine and central nervous systems, and take a severe emotional toll.

Take a break from the stressor: It may seem difficult to get away from a big work project, a crying baby or a growing credit card bill. But when you give yourself permission to step away from it, you let yourself have time to do something else, which can help you have a new perspective or practice techniques to feel less overwhelmed. It’s important to not avoid your stress (those bills have to be paid sometime), but even just 20-minutes to take care of yourself is helpful.

Exercise: The research keeps growing — exercise benefits your mind just as well as your body. We keep hearing about the long-term benefits of a regular exercise routine. But even a 20-minute walk, run, swim or dance session in the midst of a stressful time can give an immediate effect that can

last for several hours.

Smile and laugh: Our brains are interconnected with our emotions and facial expressions. When people are stressed, they often hold a lot of the stress in their face. So laughter or smiles can help relieve some of that tension and improve the situation.

Get social support: Call a friend, send an email.

When you share your concerns or feelings with another person, it does help relieve stress. But it’s important that the person whom you talk to is someone whom you trust and whom you feel can understand and validate you. If your family is a stressor, for example, it may not alleviate your stress if you share your works woes with one of them.

Meditate: Meditation and mindful prayer help the mind and body to relax and focus. Mindfulness can help people see new perspectives, develop self-compassion and forgiveness. When practicing a form of mindfulness, people can release emotions that may have been causing the body physical stress. Much like exercise, research has shown that even meditating briefly can reap immediate benefits.

Source: Business Insider

r. Charles Snowdon, a psychologist at the University of WisconsinMadison is on a quirky mission to create music for cats.

“We were motivated to make music for cats for two reasons,” he told The Huffington Post in an email. “First, many pet owners told us that they play radio music for their pets while they are at work and we wondered if this had any value. Second, we have developed a theory that suggests that species other than humans can enjoy music but that the music has to be in the frequency range that the species uses to communicate and with tempos that they would normally use.”

To create the cat music, Snowdon and his colleagues tried to mimic natural cat sounds, using sliding notes and high pitches--cat calls tend to be an octave or more above human voices. The researchers based the tempo of the songs on purring and suckling sounds.

Then came the moment of truth: the researchers tested their compositions on 47 male and female domestic cats in their homes. The kitties heard “Cozmo’s Air” and “Rusty’s Ballad,” along with two human music pieces for comparison: Gabriel Fauré’s “Elegie” and Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air on a G String.”

What happened? When the cat music was playing, the felines were significantly more likely to orient their heads toward it, walk toward it, and even rub up against the speaker.

“We interpret this as indicating that the cats showed a preference,” Snowdon said.

News and photo: Huffington Post

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4

Feature | World Women Leadership Congress 2015

Women on top

Bangladeshi women are fast becoming front-runners in the international arena Weekend Tribune Desk

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he World Women Leadership Congress 2015, held on Feb 14-15 in Mumbai, is a platform where a total of 120 woman leaders from 83 countries came together. The prestigious congress honours women who have taken up influential roles in the society in a variety

of sectors including technology, administration, advancement in business and governance. The award is given annually in recognition of the achievement by women for outstanding innovations and initiatives taken by them in both public and private sectors.

Dr Shririn Sharmin Choudhury

Speaker, Parliament of Bangladesh The first female speaker of Bangladesh has a strong political and academic background.

Previously she was the state minister of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs. In recognition of her role as a leader in advocating the elimination of violence against women and main-streaming women’s empowerment and employment in Bangladesh she was honoured with Asia Socity’s Humanitarian Award in 2010.

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She studied law at Dhaka University; later she received her PhD from the University of Essex in UK. Shirin Sharmin Choudhury also served as editor of Bangladesh Legal Decisions (BLD), Law Report Series published every month by the Bangladesh Bar Council from 2003 to 2008. She developed several dialogue and concept papers with various relevant NGO’s and Human Rights organisations on human rights issues

Samira Zuberi Himika

Founder and Director, Team Engine and the Director of BASIS This entrepreneur, development sector and communications specialist, campaigner and vocalist works for deals with problems from the entire country and not just from the capital.

Her company, Team Engine Ltd is a for-profit social good company working since 2010. Team Engine works on entrepreneurship development with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in providing support, public health, preservation of culture, as well as with socially excluded groups.

Team Engine ensures profit value and social value to target groups, its strategy covers awareness, campaigning, quality service, training, and resources and tools. The demand for a bridge between social responsibility and entrepreneurs

approach towards the society was the beginning of Team Engine.

It has become a home-driven sustainable solution for bridging entrepreneurship, activism and social work. Not only are its team members a driving force, but it is now a conjunction and platform for active groups, developing bodies, companies, the government and NGOs with common goals.

Romina Dewan

Luna Shamsuddoha

Founder and Executive director, Livelihood Education and Development Services (LEADS) Her experience of over 20 years in the education sector was one of the main forces that led her to start her own NGO – LEADS. Through LEADS she was able to support under privileged school-going poor children. She is a consultant and a regular columnist in newspapers. She also takes a keen interest in the development of the environment and health sector too.

She has presented papers on school development planning in China and developed a handbook – “Learning by Reflecting” – for the school teachers as a fellow of SIDA’s Education for Sustainable Development. She has also developed three modules for the Department of Women Affairs and a monitoring indicator for health projects under the Population Council, UNFPA, ICDDRB, and RTM International.

President, BWIT, Chairman Dohatec New Media

She is a woman entrepreneur in technology who is working with innovative programmes and projects to help and empower woman in the country. Earlier she was awarded with the Honourary Special Recognition at the Global Women Inventors & Innovators Network (GWIIN), 4th Bi-Annual International European Women Inventors & Innovators Network Exhibition, Conference & Awards 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden.

Her company, Dohatec New Media, is an ISV (independent software vendor) operating since 1992 out of Bangladesh with clients in North America and Europe. It provides services to discerning corporations, institutions and government agencies. n

Surviving blindness | Success Story

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Through the darkness, light The story of a strong woman who didn’t allow her life’s trauma to pull her down Farhana Urmee

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he entered the room after finishing her Zohr prayers, the unease in her steps while walking hinted towards physical discomfort. One look at her face, and one would know what the difficulty is. Beneath the headcovering is a pair of dark glasses -an instant indicator of blindness.

Shahida Begum, 58, was not always blind. She used to be a full-time service holder until she had to take an early retirement when she lost her sight. This was the result of an allergic reaction to medicine.

“People who are visually impaired from childhood have other senses that are sharper and are at least used to their life in such a way that they can be confident and fight their disability. For me, I had spent half of my life seeing the world with no complaints and I taught in government colleges after getting Masters degree in political science from Dhaka University,” says Shahida while describing her transition from

being a full time service holder to a complete home maker.

“Yes, it was a shock to my husband and my nine year old son when we finally realised that there was no way I could get back my sight. Initially, my first struggle was to get used to the new life of darkness where I had to take my husband’s hand to walk and feel terrified when outside,” Shahida said, adding that the same allergic reaction also took away her ability to cry.

When she lost her sight her son was nine, now he is 25, having recently graduated and got a good job. She pointed to a shelf at the corner of the room and said: “See all those awards, medals, crests?

These are all my son’s academic and extracurricular achievements in his studies and extracurricular activities.”

The chest of shelves have overflowed with crest s and trophies and some are strewn all over the room. Shahida has never seen these crests but she is very proud of the fact that they are all

results of her son’s hard work.

“I have always tried to look after my son’s education. I remember I regularly communicated with his teachers in college, learned about his progress and took care of things where he needed more attention. Since I could not teach him directly due to my disability, I always tried to find out a way to be more attached to what he was doing at school and what he loved to do at leisure,” says Shahida.

“I am more used to this life now than I was before. I had spent half of my life working and the remainder is passing through this darkness. I should not feel bad about it and I no longer do. Now that I have my son raised well, my husband still working, and my domestic help also being sent to school and trained for better work, I am content with my life.”

Shahida is one of those unfortunate women of this country who are forced to say to give up their careers due to unfortunate health issues or out of the growing need of

family and children that need to be looked after. However, strong women such as Shahida have found their own ways of contributing to society, be it as homemakers or something else.

Large gaps in wages between male and female workers are fast decreasing. Women today are widely recruited in public and private sectors. Women are making strides in enterpreneurship as well with financial success too. Above all, the vast contribution of women in the apparel industry of the country has changed the entire economic scenario and raised the empowerment of woman beyond class and education.

Despite all these achievements, a large portion of women who labour at home for family in care giving, nursing, and home management, lack the deserved social recognition.

Women are lauded for breaking the convention and achieving success in civil service and business. But women like Shahida, who contribute to the family’s welfare, despite her health difficulty, often remained unnoticed.

With the International Women’s Day approaching, life of all woman out there should be celebrated – not only their achievements in big platforms – but also the sacrifices and contribution that women make everyday in order to see their loved ones smile. Let’s thank them all. n

Photos: Courtesy

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6 cover story | Surfer Girls

Surfer girls In a patriarchal society where women from all walks of life have to constantly fight for freedom, these group of bright young girls are braving to dream big Allison Joyce

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he Bangladeshi surf girls are a group of eight outgoing and spunky girls ranging in age from ten to thirteen years old, living and working in Cox’s Bazar. Poverty is forcing them into an early adulthood, as they are obligated to shoulder the responsibility of earning money to help feed their families. Early each morning, rain or shine, they leave their homes, some of which are perched on the side of steep inclines, and make their way to the beach where they work selling jewelry and eggs until late into the night before returning home. Their families are unable to survive without the girls’ income.

Most children who have been conscripted into the role of wage earners have little joy in their lives, but the surf girls have been learning to surf and skateboard thanks to the efforts of 25-year old surfer, lifeguard

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and beach worker Rashed Alam, his wife, American expat Venessa Rude, and the Cox’s Bazar Lifesaving and Surfing club.

Rashed, who comes from the same background as they, has assumed the role of big brother to them, looking out for the girls, making sure that they are safe on the beach while they work, and teaching them to surf in the afternoons. Venessa tutors the surf girls six days a week. The local surf community, the Cox’s Bazar Lifesaving and Surfing club, looks out for them and encourages them.

Surfing and skating empowers them, giving them an outlet to be children.

As the surf girls are getting “older,” men frequently harass them on the street or on the beach while they work. Their parents have been pushing them to wed, or get more “appropriate” work as domestic workers, which can put them in an

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Photos: Allison Joyce

unsafe environment.

In a conservative Muslim country it is uncommon to see these very vivacious, spirited, confident girls learning to surf and skateboard. They know that there is an alternative to the patriarchal, conservative lifestyle that they see imposed on women around them in their villages and communities. They’re up against so much, but rather than despair, they have dreams. The Surfer Girls all want something good for their lives: safe, stable and dignified jobs, an education, and the ability to choose to delay marriage until they are adults. One aspires to be a doctor, others dream of being professional surfers, and still others plan to work as lifeguards on the beach.

There is currently a fundraiser set up for them at http://www.gofundme. com/thesurfgirls The money that is raised will guarantee 10 year old Johanara, 10 year old Aisha, 11 year old Sumi, 12 year old Suma, 12 year old Rifa, 12 year old Shobe Majaraz, 12 year old Mayasha, and 13 year old Nargis one healthy meal per day and safe transportation to and from work for two years.

These girls deserve a chance to learn how to be themselves before they are forced to become someone’s wife or mother. With knowledge and confidence these girls have the strength to forge their own path.

They will be the ones who have the power to begin to change the face of a society that is very cruel to young girls and women. This money will take the pressure off the girls and their families. All they need is a chance to breathe. n

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8 Origin Story | Holi

Festival of colours The full moon, an intoxicating drink, a story of good winning over evil, colours raining down from everywhere and the license to have as much fun as possible: these are a few of my favourite Holi things. As Hindus the world over prepare to wash off the colours of Holi from their clothes, streets and houses, we look at some of the origins of this well-loved festival Reema Islam Photos: Faisal Kabir

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n ancient India lived a king who heavily supported the arts and culture and wrote several plays including Ratnavali. King Harshvardhana thus lays claim to the first written reference of the Festival of colours, known as Holikotsav in the 7th century CE. It is about a beautiful princess Ratnavali and a great King Uddayana. Today, Holi welcomes spring and all the colours that it arrives with along with being the festival that breaks barriers and transcends caste and creed as everyone celebrates with joy and laughter and much mischief.

The history

Holi goes back to Holika, the evil sister of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was blinded by his powers and proclaimed himself the greatest of all. His son Prahalada however meekly opposed and continued worshipping Lord Vishnu, so Holika one day tricked him into

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sitting on a pyre with the intention of burning him and protected herself with a cloak. Lord Vishnu however intervened and the cloak flew onto Prahalada instead, burning Holika. Her brother Hiranyakashipu was also vanquished, allowing good to triumph over evil.

Thus the night before Holi, a bonfire is lit to symbolise the burning of evil and in some places, effigies of Holika are also burned. As spring burns off the grey of winter, Holi celebrates the new colours of the season, more popularly known as the Festival of Colours. The inclusion of colours which are so abundantly used in Holi leads to Lord Krishna, who despaired when it came to comparing his complexion to that of the fair Radha’s.

To mark her as an equal, he smeared colour on her face so she could resemble his blueish complexion, a curse that a she-demon had left him with when she fed him her milk as a baby.

The tradition

Lord Krishna however plays a large part in the festivities as his popular antics that have left us with an image of an impish prankster have transcended centuries of Holi revellers. In Gujarat, earthen pots are hung high above the ground and men climb on top of each other to reach it and break the pot which releases

the stored buttermilk that Krishna so loved stealing. Once the task is done, the men run amok warning everyone to hide from Krishna who will come to steal their stocks of butter. A personal favourite of mine, however, remains the ritual that glorifies the power of a woman in the Barsana, called Lathmaar Holi which starts a few days before Holi.

Women beef up for the D-day as the ritual commemorates how Krishna initially offended the women of Barsana, including Radha and was sent off scampering. Men sing provocative songs and in response the women charge them with a round beating of sticks! The men then totter over to the drinks corner, guzzle down thandaai or the cold milk drink laced with cannabis and return for more bruises.

The Pichkari or syringe, made all the more famous through Bollywood, used to squirt out coloured water is a staple for any Holi party while water pistols, balloons or simply a large bucket to dunk people with all come in handy. A truly messy affair, experts always advise to wear your most disposable clothes as the colours of Holi known as gulal can mostly never be washed off. Yet a lot of organic colours are now in vogue and one of the most ancient flowers that provided the Holi colours was the Flame of the forest or the Polash flower, which has been immortalised in Tagore’s poems as the flower of spring. For the other colours there was always henna, turmeric, indigo for a vibrant blue, dried tea leaves and even beetroot.

The feasting

Holi essentially brings everyone together and old animosities are forgotten and what better way than to start off spring with sweets. Gujias, or dough patties filled with coconut and molasses and fried to a mouthwatering perfection are a popular dish as is the pancake dish malpua and milk based desserts. Rice cooked with saffron and assorted dried fruits is also popular in welcoming spring. Thandaai is a milk drink mixed with cardamoms, poppy seeds, almonds, peppercorns and mostly has an intoxicant mixed as this is the only festival where people can openly drink and react in any way your body responds to the cannabis.

Therefore be highly suspicious next time you visit India during Holi and are offered a cold, white drink!

The festival in Bengal

In Bengal, Holi was a simpler, quieter affair until Rabindranath Thakur revived the welcoming of spring in Shantiniketan and it is now celebrated with the aplomb and gusto that this colourful festival deserves. Known as Dol Jatra or the Swing fest, figurines of Krishna and Radha are lovingly placed on a swing and people take turns to pull the string and make them sway while songs are sung and colour is sprayed on them.

Also known as the Basanta Utsav, Holi primarily brings everyone together in a riot of colours, good food and festivities which are always the ideal ingredients to bring people together.

Here’s to more celebrations that bring us closer to one another, regardless of religion, caste or nationality. Holi hai! n

Colours & Crafts | Photo story

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KaruShilpo Mela Photos by Syed Zakir Hossain The National Museum at Shahbagh, in commemoration of the International Mother Language day, recently hosted the Karu-Shilpo Mela, from Feb 20-24. The event was a grand affair which brought in artisans of handicrafts from all corners of the country, featuring their unique creations with corners for the artisans where they could be observed while at work.

This week’s photo story features colourful moments from the from the event.

Turn for more photographs

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10 PHoto story | Colours & Crafts

Nakshi Kantha: Nakshi kantha, a type of embroidered quilt, is a centuries-old Bengali art tradition.

The basic material used is thread and old cloth. Kanthas are made throughout Bangladesh, but the greater Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Faridpur and Jessore areas are most famous for this craft

Shokher Hari: Painting on clay pot and turning the daily cookeries into artistic and colour interior decorative pieces

Rickshaw art: The form of street art reflects its aura in vibrant colours, loud human characters, alluring scenic beauty of nature often accompanied with words written as the part of the painting. Rickshaw, auto rickshaw, truck use this sort of popular art to adorn the vehicle

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11 Wood carving: Wood carving has been one of the oldest and indigenous form of art in crafts. Larger carving blocks are carved into desired shapes and given appropriate motifs. Carpenters in this land do this as a family business

Pattachitra: Pattachitra, scroll painting is a form of traditional clothbased painting using natural colours. The subject matter of pattachitra ranges from traditional folk-tales to elements of day to day life

Brass: The art of brass sculpturing has been preserved and nurtured by Bangladeshi craftsman over two hundred years

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12 Architecture | Keeping it small

Small Transformation of space is everything in the world of architecture, where ‘small’ can sometimes be used to create wonders Faisal Mahmud

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e’d all like to have a place to call our own, a spot in the world where we can say, “I am king of this spot.” But space – or the lack of it – is fast becoming an issue, particularly in major cities. If you don’t intend to have the traditional home design, the kind you fill up with big furniture, and fantasy-themed bedrooms, then perhaps the cleverly constructed home over a small land is your idea of a dream home.

After all, architects across the world have proven that with brilliant ideas and design concepts, functional buildings can be erected on a small piece of land without compromising ventilation or the exposure to light.

In Bangladesh brilliant architects like Rafique Azam, Kashef Chowdhury, BKS Inan and Mahfujul Haque also inspire others to maximise the utilisation of space by constructing buildings over a small piece of land.

Turning a small piece of land into an architectural wonder

Photos: Courtesy

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Renowned architect Rafique Azam is a master in utilising space. He not only creates designs but also brings philosophical aspects into his projects. Azam pioneered the way of utilising space through proper choice of building materials and methodologies.

One of his first designs, the Khazedewan Apartments in Lalbagh, for which he won the 2004 Cityscape Architectural Review Commendation Award, was on a small plot of 2800 square feet. On this tiny land, he had managed to include a garden in each apartment. This project has been considered as an example of best space utilisation in the academic arena of architecture.

Old Dhaka is being mercilessly transformed into an uninhabitable place thanks to the increasing

13

wonder! population and lack of proper building construction rules and vision. “Plots are increasingly getting divided into smaller units as traditional cluster families are breaking down into nucleus families and using building spaces at an optimum for both their livelihood and revenue,” said Rafique Azam.

He said the wonderful, historical old Dhaka, which was once one of the more expensive areas, is getting crammed, disarrayed and fast loosing its cultural ambiance, and traditional morphology. “Also, most new houses lack a sensitive plan for providing space for greenery, daylight and wind that are basic requirements for a healthy lifestyle,” he adds.

Against this backdrop, Azam said, Khazedewan, a small multifamily apartment building located at the dense Noor Fatah lane, was developed for the low-income groups to live in a healthy environment at an affordable rent. This also provided a means of livelihood to the landowner. Though the current trend of living in apartments induces isolation, the effort here was to revive the warmth of collective living and sharing of the old Dhaka lifestyle.

An architectural element of old Dhaka – Mer (a friendly threshold

space between building and street) has been repurposed by a patch of greenery. The traditional courtyard has been transformed into its extreme dimension with the alliance of air, rain, sunlight and green.

Thanks to the adequate air, sunlight and presence of greenery, the health state of the tenants, particularly the children, has improved. The electricity consumption significantly reduced, as reported by the tenants, eventually leading to a decrease in their cost of living.

Also, designing a garden on the roadside expresses the intention to create communal space where communication can flourish and friendships can grow between nature and community, thus proposing a new paradigm for building in an architecturally impoverished area.

The building is located on a 9 feet wide and 400 feet long alley, too narrow for even a single rickshaw and a car or ambulance to pass through.

This persistent traffic inconvenience was addressed by creating a little indent of seven feet in front of the apartment making the street 16 feet wider.

“This enabled at least two vehicles to pass through from opposite

directions, which is a solace indeed to the neighborhood,” said Azam.

Azam said that the Japanese architecture emphasises the philosophy that “less is more.” He says: “Minimalism is very evident in my work”

It’s not just designing, it’s creating environment

“Designers often aspire to do more than simply create buildings that are new, functional and attractive – they promise that a new environment will change behaviours and attitudes,” said architect Mahfujul Haque.

According to Haque, when people live in a small claustrophobic place, their mentalities also become narrowed. “The sense of space is not only needed for our physical well being, it is also needed for proper mental growth,” he said.

He said that in cities like Dhaka, the price of land has become too expensive these days. The remittance money is being invested in the real estate which makes the land price soar in an abnormal way.

“As the land price is too high now, utilisation of space in an efficient way becomes more important than ever.

This is where architects can play a big role.”

Mahfuj specialises in efficient space utilisation. He has completed two separate residential projects in Bashundhara residential area and Mirpur 11 on two kathas of land. Both buildings are constructed principally with concrete and wood.

Mahfuj is also working on a plan to construct a school building in his village in Gazipur on a very small land of three kathas only.

He has been considering using only clay for the school buiding.

“My architectural philosophy is to maximise the utilisation of space without compromising the inherent characteristics of the environment and materials used.”

He said the behaviours intended and techniques used in his designs range from broad, high-level aspirational strategies such as communal areas “creating the potential for involvement, interaction and knowledge sharing” in a residence and workplace to specific tactics.

When you design on a small piece of land the important thing is to balance a “very confining corridor” with the rooms. It is needed because after having walked through the confining corridor and entering an open space, the openness and light would enhance the experience.

Prominent architect BKS Inan said, the physical arrangement of elements can be broken down into different aspects of positioning and layout to create a sense of space even on a small piece of land.

It’s all about putting elements in particular places to encourage or discourage people’s interaction with them. The technique of creating space lies in breaking down the wall formation on either side of the corridor to channel or direct its residents in a particular way.

“It also depends on people’s nature. Urbanists such as Whyte have catalogued, in colourful, intricate detail the effects that the layouts and features of built environments have on people’s behaviour – why some have given the sense of space while others haven’t,” he explains.

About his award wining residence “Cube house,” Inan said he had designed the building keeping one thing in mind: people’s reaction to the environment. “It’s all about our perception while we see a building.”

He said that we first encounter buildings through our eyes. “We remain outside and separate from the building and observe it at a distance, taking note of some particular details.

We recognize colours and shapes and record the placement of a door or a window. We may allow our eyes to linger upon an ornament or the play of light and shadow. We might associate the door to the mouth and the windows to eyes as we face the building.”

Inan expalins: “Based upon this visual encounter, we are compelled to examine it more closely. “This is how the sense of space is created.

Our senses, though normally trustworthy bearers of information, can sometimes deceive us if we create a harmonious arrangement of light and air. On a small piece of land, these are the facts that an architect should consider if he wants to best utilise the space.” n

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, M A RC H 6, 2 0 1 5

14 Legalese | Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi

Got a problem?

Write to Jennifer at weekend@ dhakatribune.com

Cartoon: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

Real politics

Q

I am a young female who has always had an avid interest in politics. Since I am from a science background and have never had the opportunity to study even basic law, I was wondering whether you could advise me about any existing legal provisions which concerns the involvement of women in politics?

A

Dear Reader: Thank you for writing in to me. It is encouraging to see that the recent political chaos has not deterred you from exploring potential participation in this field. Now, to answer your queries, let us look at the legal and practical considerations involved.

In 1976, the government promulgated the Local Government Ordinance for a three-tier local government system. It was the ever first ordinance regarding the local

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 6 , 2015

government system in the history of independent Bangladesh. In this ordinance the structure of the local government system underwent changes and the provision was made to select two women members in the Union Parishad. Union Parishad is the lowest tier of administrative unit in Bangladesh, and it is also the second tier of rural local government from below. As per the statutes, at present Bangladesh contains a four-tier local government structure. The Union Parishad consists of a chairman, nine members, and three women members.

In 1983, the changes were brought in the structure and composition of Union Parishad by promulgating the Local Government (Union Parishad) Ordinance. This ordinance increased the number of nominated women members to three and each of them represented one ward. In 1993, Local Government (Union Parishad) (Amendment) Act was passed in the Parliament to secure the minimum representation of women in local government. The new order omitted the system of nomination and provision for indirect election created

by the Parishad.

The Local Government (Union Parishad) Second Amendment Act, 1997 is a highlight in the history of political empowerment of women in Bangladesh. In this act the government reserved three seats for women in the Union Parishad where women members were directly elected from each of the three wards.

After the 1997 law, the government increased the number of standing committees set up by the Union Parishad from seven to twelve.

The government also instructed that women members should be presidents of at least 25% of these standing committees.

Local governance and individual laws aside, even our Constitution supports the involvement of women in politics. The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh recognizes basic and fundamental rights of the citizens irrespective of gender, creed, cast, religion and race. Article 9 states that The State shall encourage local government institutions composed of representatives of the areas concerned and in such institutions special representation shall be given, as far as possible, to peasants, workers and women. Article 10 states that steps will be taken to ensure participation of women in all spheres of national life. Article 19 (1) states that The State shall endeavour to ensure equality of opportunity to all citizens; Article 27 determines all citizens are equal before law and are entitled to equal protection of law.

Additionally Article 28 (1), (2) and (4) provides the following respectively: The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth; Women shall have equal rights with men in all spheres of the State and of public life; Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making special provision in favor of women or children or for the advancement of any backward section of citizens.

It is worth keeping in mind that the nation puts no legislative barrier in the way of promoting gender equity in the sphere of social, political, and economic activities. In spite of this, obstacle do exist. There exists a lack of clarity in the constitution on the role of women in local government.

A common complaint regarding women’s reserved seats is that the law does not specify what their roles and responsibilities are to be. Patriarchal attitudes, the malebiased environment within political institutions and lack of education are other factors which are also existing obstacles. And, external obstacles aside, internal family pressure is also something to be considered. Perhaps if we had a few decent role models for women in politics, things and societal attitudes would evolve.

Nevertheless, I encourage you to be a tad active and seek out opportunities in the political arena.

Do remember that whilst there are no legal barriers, how you circumvent the political backwaters will be your first opportunity to test your mettle!

.

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

CodersTrust | Digital Bangladesh

15

Freelancing the right way From computer-coding to freelancing, learn and earn your way to the top Faisal Mahmud

F

or those bemoaning the lack of qualified IT personnel, hang tight. A startup called CodersTrust is looking to finance the education of 100,000 IT workers in some of the developing countries in the world over the next three years.

CodersTrust is a microfinancing investment platform that funds techbased education in emerging markets.

The company is helping freelancers who work for Elance-oDesk Inc, an online outsourcing workplace site with eight million freelancers worldwide, in upgrading their skills.

This Denmark based tech organisation has recently launched an initiative to teach computer coding to tech savvy young people under its “Learn and Earn” programme in Bangladesh.

Experts concerned about the local IT industry have been saying that young Bangladeshis fresh out of college and university, are on course to earning about $100 million a year by 2020, working freelance from home. This is five times what the freelancers now earn from jobs outsourced by companies abroad.

Freelance jobs in software development, customer service, data entry, writing, editing, blogging, accounting, mobile apps development, web development, search engine optimisation, graphic design and translations are all there for the taking.

The right way to freelancing

Jan-Cayo Fiebig, Board Chairman and CEO of CodersTrust Bangladesh however said that most of the freelancers here are involved with lower paid jobs such as document editing or data entry.

“If you look at the numbers, you have 500,000 freelancers in just the last four years with a 30 to 40% growth rate each year and that’s amazing! In the freelancing market, Bangladesh is the third largest in the world,” said Fiebig.

“However there is a problem and an opportunity at the same time.

You do the wrong jobs. You’re focusing on data entry, you do simple stuff. Somebody gives you a pdf file and you convert into excel. The only competition here is price, so you underbid each other and in the end you get a meagre $1.50 per hour.

“That’s where CodersTrust comes in. We want to put you into coding where a simple front-end Javascript work can get you around $5-6 per hour! I believe that there’s a strong talent pool here in Bangladesh. With the right guidance and resources they’ll be able to sell their work through online market places like Elance, Odesk and Freelancer and be able to earn a fair income.”

The sky is the limit

Fiebig said that the merger between Elance and oDesk, two of the world’s largest online workplaces, closed in March 2014. The combined company

matches more than 2 million businesses with freelancers in 180 countries. About 57% of the jobs listed on the Elance and oDesk sites, which are still separate, are related to IT and technology.

The majority of employers on these sites are small and medium-sized businesses, but larger companies including Walt Disney Co, Microsoft Corp, Unilever PLC and Panasonic Corp are starting to use the sites to hire or manage freelancers.”

CodersTrust is there to train the Bangladeshi workforce on how to grab these jobs in the online marketplace.

“You have to understand that these are virtual marketplaces and if you bid for a job, at least a hundred others may do the same from different corners of the world.”

He said that CodersTrust also provides training on preparing the right personalised curriculum, oneon-one mentoring and maintaining office hours as per the schedule of the international market along with the training on coding.

“During our program, students perform paid assignments from online freelance marketplaces and build up their profiles. So far, CodersTrust has about 120 students enrolled from Bangladesh under the ‘Learn and Earn programme.”

“For now, our job is to help our first 120 students and get them in the right track. We’ve shown how people from rural areas with no knowledge about coding can be taught basic coding and they’ve already excelled at it.”

.

Freelancing and Bangladesh • In 2014, businesses worldwide spent around $930 million on hiring remote independent workers, going up from the $750 million spent in 2013.

The amount is expected to reach $10 billion by 2020.

• In terms of earnings, Bangladesh is ranked seventh among 186 countries where online jobs are outsourced to.

• Currently, Bangladesh has around 5.5 lakhs freelancers registered with different freelance marketplaces.

Elance-oDesk has 4.5 lakh registered users in Bangladesh.

CodersTrust Bangladesh

• The organisation is backed

by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Muhammad Yunus’s Grameen Bank to supply the funds needed while Bangladeshi candidates learn programming skills.

• Grameen Solutions Ltd signed a deal with Coders Trust. Under the agreement, funds will be raised to arrange focused education for IT graduates and freelancers and secure online jobs for them. More than 50,000 freelancers will be trained in the next two years and 100,000 in the next four years.

Comments from a local freelancer

“Bangladesh is emerging as a leading player in freelancing jobs due to its huge young population base,” said Fida Muntasir, a freelancer.

“I have been making websites for 6Connex, a US based company for the past one year,” the 27-year-old said, adding that more than 100 organisations, including GE, Oracle, Perkin Elmer, Ericsson, Sears, Child Help, and North Central University, rely on 6Connex.

Photo: Bigstock

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, M A RC H 6, 2 0 1 5

16

TOUGH LOVE | DINA SOBHAN

The Moocher and the thief

Got a problem?

Write to Dina at

weekend@dhakatribune. com

Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tonmoy/Dhaka Tribune

Q

I have a friend who I usually love hanging out with except when it comes to going out to eat. Every time we go to dinner, she orders an appetizer or a salad, because she’s ‘watching her weight’.

Then when the food finally arrives, she’ll ask for a ‘bite’ of whatever I’m having on the pretext of tasting it, but ends up eating half of it, if not more.

Even if I offer to order an extra side of fries or something for the table, she insists on ordering rabbit food - and that too in tiny portions - or simply feigns not being hungry, and then eats off my plate! It’s so annoying!

How do I point this out to her without sounding mean?

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 6 , 2015

A

Why is everyone so scared of being mean? Be mean, I say, especially if it serves a purpose! There is nothing more irritating than someone eating off your plate. There are hoards of people out there who cannot abide by anyone picking off their plates, blogs dedicated to the very topic. You must stop being such a ninny and just level with the woman. Tell her you hate sharing your food and are a germaphobe to boot, who cannot eat from a plate that has been tainted by another’s utensils. If she wonders why you never mentioned it before, tell her you just got diagnosed and your therapist says the repercussions of not following a strict hands-off policy could be dire. If she chooses to ignore you and allows her hand to venture towards your plate, you will not be faulted for stabbing her with your fork. She was duly warned.

Q

I think my new sister-in-law is a kleptomaniac. I’ve recently started missing things from my bedroom - my favourite lipstick, a bottle of nail polish, one of my earrings. I’m usually not forgetful about my things and I leave my room quite clean.

Also, I actually found my lipstick on my bhabi’s dressing table and when I asked her about it, she claimed it belonged to her, even though I’m pretty sure its mine because the lid has a small crack on it (as did mine).

I don’t know how to approach this matter. I don’t mean to be petty - I’m all for sharing - but I’m afraid this will keep on happening unless I put a stop to it. How do I do that?

A

Hide a ‘bhabi cam’ in your room somewhere and catch her at the act. Because this is a potentially fraught and awkward situation, you can’t accuse of her anything without adequate proof.

Moreover, even if she is a klepto, your brother will not take kindly to being told that his lovely new bride is a thief. However you choose to handle it, do it discreetly. If it does turn out that she is nimble-fingered and has a preference to pilfer your goods, start locking your door. If she picks the lock, then you need to show her the video evidence you have gathered to stop her once and for all. Done and done.

.

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

last days | Reflections

17

The TIME KEEPER

Sometimes going back in time, brings back beautiful memories Saqib Sarkar that no Marvel or Chacha Chowdhury comics could put in drawings. We both won, every time. Our fingers were noble fighters. Our pretend plays were real and less pretentious than talk shows.

Another thing I liked about school was the bell. I remember the big slightly uneven wheel that one of the school staffs would slam with a wooden hammer every 45 minutes.

It ended our periodic sentencing and finally announced the end of all school activities. I liked that sound. It sounded kind of like that alarm clock that will wake me up dutifully on the

T

he alarm clock rang out with a harsh sound. It was truly alarming. I still distinctly remember it’s colour. It was a toxic neon green. The radium hands glowed at night. I was fascinated by them. I quickly got used to them too.

But the analog machine was very precise, particularly when it had to wake me up for school. I think it took joy in doing so. I convinced myself that there was an evil mechanical spirit laughing from behind the plastic exterior. What was inside, I sometimes wondered. I also wished that I could shrink down and go on a tour inside the huge mechanical metropolis that drives those hands, which were directing toward 6:30am.

I had to get up.

As I tried to banish the sleep from my barely-open eyes by splashing cold water, I was called to eat breakfast.

“We aren’t gonna get any rickshaws, come on now, hurry up!” I swallowed my slice of bread almost whole.

People still tell me I eat too fast. As previously suspected, there were no rickshaws that wanted to take us to our destination. That was the state of rickshaw availability in 1993-94, in case the social scientists among the readers wish to take note.

The prospect of being late sent a

next day.

The green clock didn’t have a snooze option. It was upright and honest. It didn’t tell you that you could sleep when you couldn’t.

When I wake up early in the morning I remember the clock. I remember it’s bell ringing out like a jangly Stratocaster guitar. I miss you green alarm clock, you mysterious time keeper of the analog realm! n

Photos: Bigstock

shiver down my spine. Punctuality was among the virtues that my school was disturbingly determined to instil into the pupils. By extension this taught me how to deliver a credible lie that wasn’t too much over the top and yet adequate enough to save me from the shame of being late. Just to be clear, the punishment was the source of my shame, not an overly developed sense of timeliness.

Amid the trepidation of completing all the homework (let’s be honest, no one did all of their homework at home) and keeping up with what’s going on in the study side of things, one aspect of attending school did lift up my spirit. It was the fights and the adventures that involved jumping down from mountains, diving into seas, leaping up into the air.

I’m of course referring to the game my best friend and I played during classes. Our index and middle fingers would pretend to be human figures and they would walk and run and sprint and engage in meticulous and instantaneous adventures. Our bag packs were high mountains and from there we would jump into the ocean (it was the desk, for the uninitiated).

Our stick figure pairs fought too.

Sometimes our finger figures would be superheroes and exhibit powers

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, M A RC H 6, 2 0 1 5

18 stay in

Death of a freethinker Faisal Mahmud

Mini cryptics Clues

ACROSS

1 Float above ground initialy half finished (5) 5 I’m in a right atmosphere (3) 6 Stain changed cloth (5) 8 Sign on right in single return (5) 10 Strange spirit (3) 11 Rugby Union comeback veto in city (5)

DOWN

such a gruesome manner.

He was killed right in front of the Teacher-Student Center (TSC) – he grew up less than half a mile from that very spot – at the Dhaka University quarters since his father Dr Ajay Roy was a professor of Physics at the University.

His wife Rafida Ahmed is still fighting for her life.

Avijit was a fan of scientific methodologies and rationalism from childhood. Being the son of a professor of Physics, he always had the privilege of having a ready mentor in his home whenever he wanted to quell his scientific thirst.

After completing his HSC exam in 1990, Avijit got admitted to BUET in the department of mechanical engineering. After graduation, he joined Otobi and then got into a Phd programme in Singapore while he was still working.

From Singapore, he went to USA to pursue research on GPS technologies. He joined a software company afterwards.

1 2 3 4 7 8 9

Tale of greeting in the past (7) Check credentials of medic (3) Managed and belted (3) Type of sleep left in family citadel (7) Man in a muddle (3) Bird described in dance music (3) Endless probe into hold-up (3)

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

Last week’s solutions

A

vijit Roy, the writer and blogger who was brutally hacked to death in Dhaka on the evening of February 26, had all the comforts of a successful professional life in Atlanta, yet he wrote book after book in Bangla, ranging from the exploration of relations between religion and science to thoughts on Victoria Ocompo and Rabindranath Tagore.

He had best described himself on his Facebook page as an “engineer by profession and a writer by passion.” He had a “profound interest in freethinking, skepticism, philosophy, scientific thoughts and human rights of people.”

Avijit was a rationalist and he had won acclaim within the community of Bangladeshi atheists and bloggers for his thoughts and writing.

Avijit and his wife Rafida Ahmed Banna came to Bangladesh on the occasion of the book fair. Two of Avijit’s books have been published this year. Little did he know that his visit to his homeland would end in

Avijit’s wife Rafida’s father used to be an employee of UNESCO. Due to the nature of her father’s job, Rafida spent her childhood in different countries. Before the family finally settled in the US. She works as an analyst in an IT company in Atlanta.

Avijit and Rafida met each other through Avijit’s blog Muktomona in 2002 where they both wrote on progressive thinking and rationalism.

Avijit founded the blog in the year 2000, with the intention of debating and promoting critical issues that are of the utmost importance in building a progressive, rational and secular society.

On May 26, 2001, Avijit created a Yahoo group under the name Muktomona. A year later, it was developed into a complete web site (www.mukto-mona.com), which, was the first South Asian humanist and rationalist forum on the net.

Since its inception, Mukto-Mona has been able to draw the attention of many like-minded thinkers including distinguished authors, scientists, philosophers and human rights activists from all around the world.

Extremist Islamist groups however, have long been censuring the writings of Muktomona. They have also been demanding laws prohibiting criticism of Islam and have been calling for the execution of atheist bloggers like Roy. That didn’t stop Roy or Rafida from writing what they both believed in. At the end, they had to pay a terribly high price for their progressive thinking and rationalism. n

ACROSS 1 Talk nonsense about pancake (6) 6 Play with sitar for upward advancement (5) 7 First of stops in North Africa is a mountain (5) 8 Marry everyone in a secure area (6) DOWN 2 Weapons at disposal of football team (7) 3 Delicate tool holds piece of cloth (7) 4 Wager I arranged for insect (6) 5 Puzzle of dance understood (6)

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, M ARC H 6 , 2015

Go out

19

Weekly Planner March 6 Festival | Holi Festival 2015

When 9:30am-5:30pm Where Shakhari Bazar Old Dhaka At the famous Shakhari Bazar of Old Dhaka, Holi will be celebrated with massive participation and festivity. Those interested are advised to apply oil to theis skin to avoid extra scrubbing afterwards while attempting to get rid of the colour. Happy holi!

March 8 Education | English Club: American Center

When 2-3pm Where American Center, Plot 1,

Progati Sharani, Block J, Baridhara Join the free English Club to practice the language while learning about American culture. The classes feature interactive discussions led by native English speakers every week at the American Center. No prior registration is required.

Jan 9 Education | English Club: EMK Center

When 3pm Where EMK Center, 9th Floor, Midas Center, 5, Road 27, Dhanmondi EMK Center is organising free classes on English learning with training provided by native English speakers.

EMK English Club offers: watching English movies, reading poems and essays in it English learnig sessions.

March 7-8

Event | Dhaka Comic Fan Fest 2015 When 3-8pm Where Baridhara DOHS Convention Centre

Comic Fan Fest 2015 is bringing together all the fans of animes, movie and cartoons. There will be different types of stalls and opportunities to meet the attendees or cosplayers. Tickets are available at the venue at Tk150 for one day and a special rate of Tk250 for two days.

Programme schedule: Saturday

Cosplay competition: You have to dress as your favourite character.

Registrations will take place at the venue and you can also register online.

Concert: The manager, Circle, Blunderware, Level five, Candle carmine, Connected and Hash will be performing at the programme.

Programmes: Sunday

Artwork: Create your artwork and submit to: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/X-Clamation-Interactive/1392388137677867. The best artworks will be exhibited on the event day.

March 9 Education | Undergraduate University Search Process

When 3:30-4:30pm Where The American Center, Plot 1, Progati Sharani, Block J, Baridhara This is an advising session on searching for US universities and programmes on undergraduate (Bachelor’s) studies. No prior registration is required to attend this program.

USAIC is organising a free film screening of “ Forrest Gump “ starring Tom Hanks, Robin Wright and many more.

To confirm reservations call 9146181 between 9am to 6pm.

March 11 Film | Matinee Show Forrest Gump

When 3:30pm Where USIAC, US Institutions Application Center, Rupayan Shelford, 18th Floor (F & G), 23/6 Mirpur Road

Action Figure Photography Competition: Send your action figure photography to: https://www.facebook. com/pages/X-ClamationInteractive/1392388137677867. The best photos will be exhibited on the event day.

Vendor booths: These will be selling tons of pop culture merchandise. All vendors must book their spots as space is limited. Booth rental charges will apply. All vendors should mail for booking their spot at https://www. facebook.com/pages/X-ClamationInteractive/1392388137677867 or call us at 01676915561 or 01676421107.

Cutouts and banners: Those interested can have their photos taken here.

Anyone can participate as any character. There will be prizes for the top three best-dressed participants: 1st prize is Tk10,000, 2nd prize is Tk5, 000 and 3rd prize is 3,000. There will be other special awards too: Out of the BOX Cosplay Award, Best Superhero Cosplay Award and Best Supervillain Cosplay Award. Winners will be selected by public votes such as Facebook photo “likes” and by the Comic Fan Fest Panel.

The prizes will be distributed among the winners after the Fest within two weeks, the date and venue of which will be announced later.

Send your events to weekend@dhakatribune.com

March 11

Film | Film Screening: I Was Worth 50 Sheep

When 6-8pm Where EMK Center, 9th Floor, Midas Center, Road 27, Dhanmondi

In observance of International Women’s Day, USAID Bangladesh, Women and Girls Lead Global (WGLG), and the EMK Center have jointly organised the screening of “I Was Worth 50 Sheep,” followed by a discussion themed: “Girls’ rights to education and rights to decide when to marry is a human right.”

“I Was Worth 50 Sheep” is the tale of two sisters and their struggle for human dignity and freedom in the war-torn country of Afghanistan caught between ancient traditions and a modern world.

Entry is free, subject to preregistration. Register online at: goo.gl/9IHwlp.

WE E K E N D TR I B U N E | F R I DAY, M A RC H 6, 2 0 1 5

20 Funnybone | Yamin Khan

Photos: Bigstock

Haters Gonna Hate For the love of cricket Yamin Khan

I

was the only kid in my school’s history, to have failed in sports. It had never happened before, and it hadn’t happened since then. In fact, you could see heads turn when my mother went around looking for our sports teacher on the day of our report card.

As for our sports teacher, Lulu sir (his parents had a sense of humour), he was a middle aged man with a grim persona. The man was known for his honesty and zero tolerance for nonsense.

So when my mother enquired about my grades, he had only one thing to say, “Mrs Khan, unfortunately, your son is too thin for Sumo and too fat for every other sport.”

Despite facing rejection from the powers that be, my passion for sports had always been burning, especially when it comes to cricket. To be a bit more specific, Bangladesh’s cricket. And with pride I can tell you that ever since 1997’s ICC trophy victory I did not miss a single televised cricket match of Bangladesh till date (+/- 20). In other words, I have a lot of passion for the sport, and a lot of free time to fuel my passion.

So today’s article is going to be a rant from a fan targeting all those people who had badmouthed our national team on various occasions.

First up I would talk about Mr Ramiz Raja, or more popularly known as “Kaan-

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 6 , 2015

dhaka Ramiz.” Thanks to his long side hair, the existence of his ears remains a topic of discussion for many debates.

I guess someone needs to remind Mr Raja that the 70’s was over four decades ago.

Now I am not sure if many people know this but Mr Raja had even acted in a film after his retirement. But solely because of his presence in the film, it was rejected by the Cannes’ Film Festival authority. Furthermore, he even protested to close down a Bangladeshi helpline offering emotional and psychological support to those in need. And their only fault was the name – “Kaan Pete Roi.” Next up is Mr Harsha Bhogle.

Now I have been watching Mr Bhogle enlighten us with his commentary since I was a child, and kudos to him that he hasn’t allowed age to interfere with the proceedings. And not just that, most people lose hair as they age, whereas Mr Bhogle had gained some in the course of time. I guess that’s why his all time favourite movie is The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. And thanks to this sudden upspring of hair, his daughter enjoyed a pleasure usually experienced by mothers of a new-born, as she proudly declared to her friends that her father was growing fresh hair.

I guess all of you will agree that good cricketers were never big talkers, for example, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Muttiah Muralitharan, etc.

And big talkers were never good cricketers, for example, Mr Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Ever since ICC restricted him from commentating for his derogatory comments towards Bangladesh, he makes a living from laughing at reality shows. In fact, his condition is so severe that people have stopped inviting him to funerals. And not just that, once he was even asked to leave the cinema because he was laughing really loudly.

And that too during, while watching The Schildler’s List.

Then of course he has his infamous catchphrases. Mr Sidhu has a catchphrase for every single moment, be it your second marriage, your child’s first day at school or even your appendicitis operation. Rumour has it that Punjab police uses him during the interrogations to crack open hardened criminals. Till date the longest someone could withstand his catchphrases was 7 minutes and 32 seconds. And then, the poor soul committed suicide.

Following are some of his renowned catchphrases:

• The third umpires should be changed as often as nappies and for the same reason.

• Statistics are like miniskirts, they reveal more than what they hide.

• Indian team without Sachin is like giving a kiss without a squeeze.

• Deep Dasgupta is as confused as a child in a topless bar.

• If Ajit Agarkar is an all rounder, then I am Aishwarya Rai. • He is like a one-legged man in a bum kicking competition.

• Tendulkar played like a dwarf at a urinal.

• Harsha, I went to Geoffrey’s birthday party last week, well, it seemed like as though his candles cost more than his cake.

• Everything coming out of a cow is not milk my friend.

• Parthiv Patel is so innocent that if he is thrown in a sea of breasts, he will come out sucking his own thumb. n Yamin Khan is a comedian and CEO of Bangladesh Struggling Artist Survivors Foundation

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