vo l 3 I ssu e 26 | F R I D AY, OCT 23, 2015
Dhaka Tribune
6
Online shopping
8 City life
12
Security in the city
CONTENTS
Volume 3 | Issue 26 | Oct 23, 2015 News
Editor Zafar Sobhan
2 News 3 Meanwhile
Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Features
4 Women’s Fashion
Asst Magazine Editor Farina Noireet
Trend report
9 Photo story
Weekend Tribune Team Saudia Afrin Moumita Ahmed N Anita Amreen Faisal Mahmud Sakib Mridha Saqib Sarker Syeda Samira Sadeque Shuprova Tasneem
Durga Puja
Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com
Comfort and style
6 Digital Bangladesh Online shopping
8 Musing City life
12 Focus
Security in the city
16 Focus
Literacy
17 Top 10
Contributors Minu Ahmed Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi Dina Sobhan Sabrina Munni Munzereen Shahid Cartoonist Priyo
5 Men’s Fashion
Studying at DU
Regulars
20
The Bong Momma
14 Legalese 15 Drama Mama 18 Stay In 19 Go Out
Tales from a first-time mom
Editor’s note Dear Readers, We at Weekend Tribune believe reading is one of life’s great pleasures. Especially with the long weekend this time, we at Weekend Tribune have tried to provide a good mix of pieces for your perusal. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to read, or to have access to reading materials. Our profile of Room to Read explores one organisation that’s working tirelessly to reduce the inequality and to bring the light of literacy into places where they’re most needed. We also took advantage of the week’s scheduled holiday to talk to the expat community in Dhaka about their concerns regarding the recent murders of
About the cover foreign nationals. What do you do to reduce cabin fever when you’re housebound? Many turn to retail therapy. Check out our discussion on the rise and rise of e-commerce in Bangladesh. One of the most popular categories for shopping is fashion, and we’ve got not one, but two fashion columns for you to check out. Finally, kick back with our regular columnists. From Jenny Ashraf’s legal advice to the indomitable Dina Sobhan’s pearls of parenting wisdom, to the Bong Momma’s reveries, there’s something for everyone. Happy Weekend! -Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
1
2 News | This week Vatican denies Italian media report that pope has brain tumour
Nazi crime researchers probing IS over Yazidi ‘genocide’
T
A
he Vatican on Wednesday denied
pope had secretly flown by helicopter
an Italian media report that Pope
to a small Tuscan town “some time
Francis has a benign brain tumour.
ago” to see a Japanese doctor.
“The pope is carrying out his
The paper reported that the
activity with his usual high level
Argentine pontiff was diagnosed with
of intensity. Spreading unfounded
“a small dark spot on the brain” but
news is gravely irresponsible and is
that it was curable.
not worthy of attention,” spokesman
The pope has appeared to be in
group that documented Nazi
up the claim of genocide,” Andrej
war crimes is now investigating
Umansky, criminal law specialist at
whether massacres committed by Islamic State jihadists against Iraq’s Yazidi minority amount to genocide. Three European researchers have
Cologne University, told AFP. The Yazidis are neither Arabs nor Muslims and have a unique faith which IS jihadists consider to
embarked on the gargantuan task
be heretical and polytheistic. The
of establishing that the IS crimes
Kurdish-speaking minority is mostly
Father Federico Lombardi said in a
good health in recent months apart
aimed to systematically wipe out
based around Sinjar mountain in
statement.
from some leg pain due to the fact
an ethnic group, in a bid to push the
northern Iraq.
that he suffers from sciatica, for
international community to halt the
Nazionale, a national paper based in
which he undergoes regular physical
brutal crimes.
central Italy, reported on its front page
therapy in the Vatican.
on Wednesday that the 78-year-old
Source: Reuters
The newspaper Quotidiano
Syria’s Assad flies to Moscow to thank Russia’s Putin for air strikes
P
Russian Federation for the help they are giving Syria,” Assad told Putin, according to a Kremlin transcript.
President Vladimir Putin for
“If it was not for your actions and
Kurdish control, the Yazidis were the worst hit, with many massacred and
each category of the Yazidi – men,
abducted.
women, children – in order to back
Source: AP
Biometric SIM registration system inaugurated
The trial run
of biometric SIM registration system has
Tarana Halim issued directives to all mobile phone operators to start the
to the prime minister, inaugurated
process of SIM re-registration from
the new SIM registration process at
September 13.
the Posts and Telecommunications
militants in Syria.
is spreading in the region would
Division at the Secretariat. Tarana Halim, state minister
of the visit public a day later, on
area and spread over an even greater
for Post and Telecommunications
Wednesday. It did not say whether
area.”
Ministry, while speaking at a press
the Syrian leader was still in Moscow
After meeting with all mobile operator CEOs on September 10,
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, ICT adviser
your decisions the terrorism which have swallowed up a much greater
junior minister also said.
begun in the capital on Wednesday.
launching air strikes against Islamist The Kremlin made the details
into parts of northern Iraq under
stages of the criminal process for
Weekend Tribune Desk
a surprise visit to Moscow on
Tuesday evening to thank Russia’s
“We are not seeking to be sensational but to establish the
The world at a glance
resident Bashar al-Assad made
When the jihadists made an unexpected push in August last year
The state minister added that users would get three months’ time to reregister their SIM cards, after which all unregistered SIMs would be blocked. She said the Telecommunications
conference at her ministry Tuesday,
Division is monitoring the update of
standing up to the militants “almost
said: “After completion of the
the SIM registration process every
on their own,” saying the Syrian army
trial SIM registration, the original
day.
first foreign trip since the outbreak
had notched up serious battle field
SIM registration with biometric
Source: Dhaka Tribune
of the Syrian crisis in 2011 and comes
success in recent times.
identification will begin on
three weeks after Russia launched
Source: Reuters
December 16 this year.”
or had returned home. The visit is believed to be Assad’s
Putin hailed the Syrian people for
a campaign of air
Earlier, the trial SIM
strikes against
registration was expected to
Islamist militants in
start on November 1.
Syria on Sept. 30.
“All biometric SIM
“First of all I
registration processes are to be
wanted to express
completed by March next year;
my huge gratitude
otherwise, mobile operators
to the whole
must face a $50 penalty for
leadership of the
each unverified SIM,” the
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
. . . Meanwhile
3
Photo of the week
Ferrying people in Sodor Ghat. Photo: Martin Hannan
Say what?
Dead man plays dominos at his own wake
I
n a tribute to her son who died in a shooting, a woman hired a company to prop him up in front of a table of dominos, giving him one last party to celebrate his send-off to the great beyond, The Mirror reports. Jomar Aguayo Collazo was shot a
few days after his 23rd birthday. Forgoing a traditional wake, Collazo’s body went on display at his mother’s bar in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Pictures show him propped up at a table next to a jukebox, seeming to enjoy one last session of the
game that he was known to enjoy playing. Donning a blue tracksuit, he sat surrounded by dominos while friends and family took turns sitting next to him. Source: Huffington Post
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
4 Trend report | Women’s fashion
Flowers of the Fall
Decoding this season’s most wearable trend Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
T
he global fascination with
denim and sneakers, they’re also a
floral prints continues going
great vintage find if you can unearth
from strength to strength,
some of the gorgeous printed
carrying us well into Fall/
chiffon and georgette saris from
Winter 2015. This is no less true for Dhaka, particularly with the wedding/ party season coming up. If spring florals are all about airy,
the 60’s and 70’s.
The perks of being a wallflower
light pastels and floaty fabrics, the
Think vintage florals, Victorian
prints of the colder months take a
roses, basically the kind
different, more Romantic note.
of prints you’d find on the
Welcome to the dark side
wallpaper of a charmingly quaint English home. This
As the days grow shorter, the print
trend, better known as
palette gets darker. Think of a garden
“interior florals” is all
in midnight. Pale, rosy decals against
the rage right now, with
a backdrop of navy, chocolate, or
everyone from Marc by Marc
charcoal. While these motifs are
Jacobs to Thakoon featuring lush
coming up a lot in this season’s printed
blooms in their outfits.
Brands like Cat’s Eye, Yellow, and Urban Truth have all run with variations of this print. From the gorgeous asymmetrical Cat’s Eye tops, to Yellow’s blouses and lawn kameezes, to Urban Truth’s athletic-inspired casual wear, get a big dose of blooming beautiful this Autumn. 3 ways to wear this season’s florals * Add some autumnal edge to your breezy spring florals by layering them with cold weather touches like a leather jacket or a dark chambray shirt. * If you’re going the print-mixing route, remember that stripes love flowers. * Don’t like prints? Harness the flower power with a floral crown/ headband, buttons or jewellery
I feel it in my fingers When talking florals, it’s limited to think only in 2D. Textural florals are also huge this year. From plush velvet blossoms, to appliqué, to rustic weaves and jacquards, the prints are getting a tactile upgrade. Garden wedding, anyone? n
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
Photos: Zia Uddin
Model: Jarifa Purna
Wardrobe: 9am by Nahida
Comfort and style | Men’s Fashion
5
Comfort first It’s time to get those priorities in check, when it comes to style Mahmood Hossain
Y
ou don’t need to ask the most stylish men you see
The way to fix this little issue is to,
our list, good quality denim can stand
look sharp and ready for a cover shoot.
what we call, stretch your shoes. Find
a few washes without breaking its
You will have some downtime on
inserts or very thick socks to roll up
original silhouette. This is possibly the
your days off or the weekends. And in
and shove them into your shoes. This
easiest of the bunch. Cold rinse and
order to keep things sophisticated but
process not only keeps the original
flat-dry (or air dry by hanging them up
crazy comfortable is to invest in more
shape of the shoe intact, but also eases
on your balcony or backyard) every
unstructured blazers. The reason for
up the tension within the materials.
six weeks. This is the perfect balance
this is completely in plain sight. During
After you’ve had the inserts or socks in
between keep the fabric as rich as
the colder months, you’ll need to layer.
your shoes for a couple of days or so,
possible and as clean as possible. Even
And layering clothes with a perfect-fit
your first outing with your new pairs
if you have a strict routine in which pair
tailored blazer can get a little tricky.
won’t feel as bad.
of jeans you choose to wear during the
on the streets; you just
At least one undershirt
need to see how amazingly
Most men we see do wear undershirts,
This is where the unstructured
week, it’s a good habit to keep if you
blazers come in. These jackets have
don’t want to fall into the disgusting
softer fabrics with a slightly slouchier
department. Wash your jeans!
cut. Just keep the sleeve length in
effortless they make it look. The
yet they are unflattering. A proper
number one reason for that would
undershirt is slim cut, with a V-neck
Unstructured, get used to it
be how comfortable they are in their
and 100% cotton. Actually wearing an
The first thing on your mind about
alterations, like shortening the length,
outfit, and more importantly, in their
undershirt is very practical, especially
blazers, sport coats and suit jacket is
with your trusted tailor after you’ve
own skin. Confidence may be key to
in a warm climate like ours. You might
how it should be tailored to perfection.
tried one or two of them on. n
your overall approach to your look and
be wondering, wait a minute, wouldn’t
Sure, but you don’t always want to
personal style, but the fashion aspect
that make things hotter? Sure, and
relies mainly on the comfort level. The
that doesn’t mean you always have to
ultimate message to take from this is to
wear one. The important thing is to
simply take things easy. If you’ve got
actually have an undershirt on hand,
the correct steps down, that nonchalant
even if you’re not wearing one. Keeping
(what the Italians call sprezzatura),
a spare undershirt in your bag, while
stylish attitude will come easier as the
on your way to the office in a tiresome
days go by.
commute, can come in handy.
We always want to keep things simple for you, gentlemen. Not only
Never forget the sizing
do you want to avoid unnecessary
You should be aware by now of how
confusion, it’s always good to go back
different brands or labels produce
to the basics. Here’s how to keep things
different sizes in their ready to wear
simple and comfortable before you go
collections. A 30-waist pair of trousers
rummaging through your closets.
at Yellow will not have the same fitting
Kick back with new shoes
Artisti. Never trust the sizes on labels, you must always try them out to make
why we might love shoes as much as
your final decision. Some buyers will
they do, but sometimes they tend to
fall into the habit of buying the same
sacrifice comfort with those stiletto
size without trying them out because
heels. Fortunately, we have it much
they are from the same brand. Again,
easier than the sexiest of women.
not all is equal. There will always be a slight
especially when you have the perfect
alteration on most items, regardless
occasion or event for them to wear. It’s
if it’s from the same store or not. We
tempting, we know, but it’s best if you
would always say go get your trousers
hold back on that. The problem is your
tailored or made from scratch, but
brand-new shoes haven’t been worn
we also know that may not always be
in yet.
available. Keep things honest, and
Wearing them straight away may cause you blisters and overall discomfort for your feet. And after a
to worry, you can always do small
as the same size pair of trousers at
The ladies might not understand
Buying new shoes can be exciting,
check, and you’ll be good to go. Not
please try everything on before you salsa your way to the counter.
few hours on your feet, well, you might
Denim needs to be washed too
regret wearing them in the first place.
As mentioned in the shoes portion of
Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
6 Digital Bangladesh | Online shopping
From click to cart How we shop is changing N Anita Amreen
S
aad Anam just moved into
in a practical corner, large files, stray
was bought from Daraz, a marketplace
a two bedroom apartment
papers and odd coffee stains making
specialising in high end branded
in Bashundhara, one he’s
it impossible to find the surface. One
electronics and fashion products,
sharing with his colleague
look at this space, and you know this
the couch from bikroy.com and the
Baizid. His favourite part of his home
is the ultimate man cave, replete with
action figures from ekhanei.com, a
isn’t his room, but rather, the living
controllers and the casually placed
marketplace for locals to buy and sell
area. On one side, there’s a large chaise
ipad. Interestingly, the PlayStation is
their products.
lounger flagged by a sleek shelf housing
not a matter of pride for him, neither
sports memorablia, action figures and
is the 32” flat screen TV. In fact, it’s not
online shopping, buying everything
collectibles. On the opposing wall,
the furnishings he’s proud of, but rather
from electronics to beauty products
there’s a large flat screen TV, complete
how he acquired them.
to cars and even pets from online
with a PlayStation and surround system
Anam, has brought almost
Many like Anam have taken to
stores. Bangladesh now has over 40
speakers. In the centre of the room
everything for his man cave from the
million internet users, a majority of
lies a foot stool, dented with constant
internet, scrounging through numerous
whom are active online shoppers
use. On the floor there’s an odd shoe,
websites for a period of three months
purchasing a whole range of products
probably kicked off in a hurried frenzy.
before carefully selecting items he
from the internet. Lured by companies
A traditional styled oak desk is placed
got delivered to his doorstep. The TV
and websites offering slashed prices
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
7 and an extensive product list, some
were the ones who are most inclined
of their offers are better than those
towards technology and its usage.
made at actual retail chains. Together
“I bought my OnePlus 2 mobile
they’ve spearheaded the boom in the
from Daraz.com. It’s the first phone
e-commerce industry, giving way to
I’ve purchased online, but now that
exponential growth in online shopping
I have, I realise just how much more
culture.
convenient it is,” said 26-year-old
According to a research report on
Irad Mustafa currently working in
e-commerce trends in Bangladesh
the publication industry. With the
undertaken by Kaymu, the internet
convenience of home delivery along
penetration rate in our country stands
with cash on delivery, there has been a
at 25%. While this may seem like a
staggering shift in shopping trends.
small number in comparison to the
The research also found that from
Europe Union’s staggering 76.15%, it
all online browsers and Internet users,
actually is a strong indicator of the
83% were men and only 17% women.
move towards a more digitally enabled
However, when it came to conversion
Bangladesh.
rate (the percentage of website visitors
“In terms of population, emerging
that actually buy from a certain website
markets like Bangladesh are extremely
after browsing through it), women and
big. It may not be as successful as
men were almost at par. Clearly, when
other first world countries in Europe
it comes to purchase decisions, women
or even like the US, but they really
browse with an intention to purchase
are catching up quickly. In terms of
- one that they go through with, while
population, Bangladesh is on the list
men browse for the sake of browsing,
of top 10 countries with the highest
buying fewer items than their female
population and we really feel that
counterparts.
this is where we need to be. Although
According to a research by Carmudi
Photos: Bigstock
It has come to a point where each and every one of your needs, some that you don’t even know you had, are being taken care of and catered to
the retail landscape is nothing like
on the booming automotive industry
developed markets where you have
in emerging markets, e-commerce has
chain store such as Tesco or Best Buy,
grown at a rate where 80% of new cars
there is still potential here. The growth
and almost 100% of used car customers
rate in Europe and the US maybe 1-2%
begin their car shopping experience
a year, but in this region right here, the
online. “We see a clearly increasing
growth rate is increasing at breakneck
trend in online vehicle selection in
speed and we want to catch this wave,”
Bangladesh. Particularly with how
stated Christian Shroeder, co-founder
hectic traffic, heat and other factors
and managing director at Kaymu Asia,
turn the experience of physically
one of the largest and fastest growing
going to Automobile Showrooms in
marketplaces.
Bangladesh, people are massively
cook up a snazzy dinner, but don’t
offers to drop off a specially wrapped,
One quick look through ekhanei.
resorting to online platforms to make
have the time or the ingredients for it,
beautiful care package consisting of
com showed homepage results of an
a pre-selection of their shortlisted 2-3
there’s Chaldal.com coming to your
sanitary napkins, chocolates as well as
interesting range of items being sold.
vehicles which they then physically
rescue. An online grocery store, they
hot water bags to keep the ladies from
A second hand copy of the Penal Code
check. Carmudi alone generated over
sell veggies, meat, fish and also offer
screaming “bloody mary!”
book was being offered for Tk1,000, a
170,000 leads (phone calls + messages)
you a dessert line by Premium Sweets
second hand, two-month-old Samsung
from interested vehicle buyers so far in
to give you a delicious finish to your
is expected to achieve more than 72%
charger for Tk1,600 and tuition by a
2015 alone,” said João Pedro Príncipe,
shopping spree.
growth in transactions in the near
student of Dhaka Commerce College
country manager at Carmudi.
was priced at Tk2,000. There was also
Cars, electronics and beauty
women’s period needs, Meenuapa.com
If you’re feeling like you want to
Bangladesh’s e-commerce market
“I am based in the US and wanted to
future. This statistic is based off the
send back some love to my parents at
10% exponential growth experienced in
a black pigeon going for Tk6,000, with
products are the more generic products
home! I was easily able to do that with
each passing quarter found by Kaymu’s
the listing wedged between a pocket
available on the Internet. Today, you
Direct Fresh Services. I could choose
report. At the rate at which we’re
router and a second hand steel bed.
can sit at one spot and get products
from a huge range of groceries and
going, malls may as well be replaced
from around the world brought to
was able to create a lovely gift basket!
with online stores as more interactive
part of Bangladesh’s retail market,
your fingertip, merely with one click.
Easy to use and time saving!,” reads
experiences are offered to shoppers.
according to Kaymu’s study, it is an
Whether you want a chicken butter
a testimonial written by Md Sadrul
industry that is rapidly responding to
masala from Lucknow or a gourmet
Amin on the Direct Fresh website.
e-commerce, especially given
the country’s tech savvy population.
burger from Takeout, you can have it
Direct Fresh now caters groceries and
Bangladesh’s growth potential, this
all delivered for lunch within an hour
premium imported items from the UK
is ideally the country meant for this.
population is more tech-savvy, and
thanks to websites such as hungrynaki.
and France.
There is absolutely enormous potential
might presumably be more prone to
com and foodpanda.com. Even when it
making online purchases. However, the
comes to buying qurbaani cows, we no
and every one of your needs, some
is very convenient, especially given
report found that the highest number
longer have to make the exhausting trip
that you don’t even know you had, are
the traffic situation in Bangladesh
of internet users weren’t young, school
to haats - bikroy.com and clickbd have
being taken care of and catered to. For
where it can take hours to get to a
going teens or fresh graduates, rather
their very own listing. Last qurbani Eid,
the ladies, there is a fascinating website
place, the convenience of shopping
they were those who fell between the
Carmudi also set up a service where
that make sure their time of the month
online is unbeatable,” said Schroeder,
25-34 age bracket. Young professionals,
they transported qurbani cows to and
is as sweet and headache free as
co-founder and managing director at
or those with more disposable income
from gorur haats.
possible. As a one stop location for all
Kaymu Asia. n
Although e-commerce just a small
We usually assume that the younger
“The future of retail lies in
in Bangladesh. I think what we offer
It has come to a point where each
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
8 Musing | City life
Gotham Unhinged:
Dhaka Edition Shuprova Tasneem
A
city of tall buildings and dark alleys, where poverty and wealth exist side by side. Rife with crime, grime
and corruption – but filled with a crazy and often wonderful mix of people who can surprise you when you least expect it, be it the commuters madly rushing to work in the morning, the homeless people in the corners of the streets or the policemen on their beat.
manufacturing and shipping industries
Bangladesh is strategically
on bloggers might be even more
– something that we can claim to have
important as a transit route for
disconcerting than criminal activities
as well.
narotics, and only last month, three
in Gotham. Batman fans have for ages
people were held with over 300,000
argued that Batman and Commissioner
yaba pills worth over Taka six crore. It
Gordon’s crusade against criminals has
Gotham city is known for its insanely
is estimated that over 100,000 people
paved the path to a new generation of
high levels of crime, and similar to the
are involved in the drug industry, and
super villains involved in psychological
real world, crime in Gotham can spiral
it is closely tied with organised crime
warfare. We may not have Batman
out of control very quickly. One of the
in the city. Although we thankfully do
or Gordon, but are Shaheed Hamza
most famous incidents in Gotham is
not have a Romanesque mob in the
Brigade and Ansarullah Bangla Team
the murder of its two most prominent
city (or maybe we just don’t know of
our new super villains?
Crime central
Is this an ode to Dhaka city? No
citizens, Thomas and Martha Wayne,
it yet?), we all know of political goons
actually, I was talking about Gotham
and their murderer was never caught.
and their criminal activities all over
Corruption in all the ranks
city, one of the most notorious cities in
This soon came to be known as a
the city. During the pre-election spats
Another common theme in Gotham
the DC universe, and home to one of
symbol of failure of the Gotham justice
of violence we tend to have, there
is rampant and recurring corruption,
the world’s best loved heroes – Batman.
especially within the Gotham City
However, one can’t help but notice
Police Department. Corruption is also
some of the parallels between this
embedded in the city’s infrastructure
fictional city and our very own Dhaka.
and civil authorities and there are
Here are a few noteworthy ones.
enough corrupt politicians, such as Mayor Hamilton Hill and his even
Grim, grimey and once colonised
more corrupt commissioner Peter
In Swamp Thing #53, Alan Moore
Pauling, although they no longer
wrote of how a Norwegian mercenary
exist in the Post-Crisis DC Universe.
founded Gotham City in 1635 and the
Corrupt officials also have a close
British later took it over. During the
working relationship with the heads of
American Revolutionary War, Gotham
organised crime in Gotham, such as the
was the site of a major battle where
relationship between Commissioner
the Brits were defeated. Although this
Loeb and Carmine Falcone that we see
mirrors the history of basically every
in Batman: Year One.
major American city, this Empire was
Again, this is something that
a far-reaching one. We didn’t have any
rings very true in our beloved city.
Norwegian mercenaries, but Dhaka was
Transparency International has always
initially more under the Portuguese
ranked us very highly in the Corruption
influence until the British came
Perception Index, where we topped
around, and we all know what a long
the list from 2001 to 2005. Almost
and bloody history followed until we
every Bangladeshi can relate a story
were able to kick them out.
of having to bribe a policeman or a
Aesthetically, Dhaka has certain
government officer for something or
other similarities with Gotham as well.
system, and over the years, drug
have been more than enough evidence
the other. In 2014, we fell to number 14
Old Gotham and Old Dhaka have both
trafficking, prostitution and corruption
of parties using hired hands to carry
on the Index, showing there has been a
managed to preserve a bit of their old
skyrocketed. Organised crime also got
out bomb attacks – in one sense that
relative drop in corrupt activities, with
architectural heritage, whereas the
embedded into the system, led by the
might be actually worse than having
or without a Commissioner Gordon
central parts of the city have turned
notorious Carmine Falcone aka The
a Falcone tribe that influences the
of our own. In recent years, the Anti
into a concrete jungle. We can also
Roman. Sound familiar?
politicians, since we seem to have
Corruption Commission in Dhaka has
politicians turned Falcones where we
taken on quite a few corruption cases
come from.
against notable politicians.
Money laundering, extortion,
claim to have our own versions of Crime Alley and The Bowery (Gotham’s
contract killing, fraud, human
worst neighbourhood), and the
trafficking, robbery, corruption, black
slums in the Narrows of Gotham’s
marketeering and abduction are listed
profile murders as well, and not just
of impunity that makes this a difficult
East End can often mirror the many
as the crimes that occur the most in our
in back alleys, but at public events,
battle to win – in both Dhaka and
squatter settlements we have in the
country. The murder rate is around 2.6
on crowded streets and even in their
Gotham. Let’s hope both of these cities
city. Gotham City is also a pretty
per 100,000 inhabitants in the country,
own homes. In a way, the recent spate
will see better days ahead. n
major economic centre, with its own
but with a much higher rate in the city.
of ideologically influenced attacks
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
Dhaka has seen its cases of high
However, there still exists a culture
Durga Puja | Photo story
9
Worshipping the warrior goddess Photos: Sabrina Munni The festive season is upon us yet again, and this time the residents of Dhaka prepare to worship the nine incarnations of Durga, and celebrate her victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura in battle. Join us as we pay homage to the goddess of creation, preservation and annihilation, and the triumph of good over evil. WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
10 Photo story | Durga Puja
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
11
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
12 Focus | Security in the city
Fear street Expat community still in fear of attacks N Anita Amreen
T
wo foreign nationals in
of the “high risk of attacks from
on my way to celebrate Eid,” Tara, a
Bangladesh were murdered
militants.” The American, British and
Dutch national currently completing her
unsafe in the diplomatic area. After
in the span of one week,
Italian embassies have also issued
master’s thesis in the capital, stated.
hearing about the shooting, I was sad
raising alarm bells
warnings, asking foreign nationals to
“At the time, I felt safe for the first
“Before the shooting, I never felt
and a bit shocked. I was pained to hear
amongst both the expat community
stay on alert and also limiting their
time on a rickshaw because there was
someone was killed but also pained
and Bangladeshi nationals. Cesare
attendance in expat gatherings.
no traffic,” she added. “Risk perception
for Bangladesh, these kind of events
is very relative. Statistically, I have
always end up hurting a country’s
Tavella, a 50 year old NGO worker was
In 2015 alone, four secular bloggers
gunned down by unknown assailants
were killed by suspected militants. The
much more chance of dying in a traffic
economic progress,” Julie*, a French
in Gulshan 2 – an area that is often
nation watched as Avijit Roy, Oyasiqur
accident than getting shot. Yet this
national working for an international
considered to be the capital’s safe,
Rahman, Ananta Bijoy Das and Niladri
murder that happened right on my
intergovernmental organisation, stated.
diplomatic zone.
Chatterjee were hacked to death, with
street does impact my sense of safety.”
“My embassy, as others embassies,
“Since the shooting I don’t go out
warned us of the current terrorist threat
Five days later, despite the state
various extremist groups claiming
of alert being considerably high, a
responsibility through tweets. In the
by myself for walks anymore and I no
on white people after it happened.
Japanese national was shot dead in the
case of Tavella and Kunio Hoshi, the
longer take rickshaws. I limit my time
We have been asked to avoid public
Kawnia upazila of Rangpur. Receiving
Islamic State claimed responsibility
on the streets to the minimum and
transportation such as rickshaws, CNGs
three bullet wounds, 65 year old Kunio
for the killings on Twitter, as reported
travel only by car with least visibility,
or buses, and have been told to avoid
Hoshi was shot by three masked men
by SITE Intelligence Group, a US
as recommended by the Netherlands
walking on the street, especially after
who followed him on a motorcycle
monitoring organisation. These claims
Embassy,” she said.
dark,” she added. “Also, we were told
before using a pistol. Home Minister
came as a chilling reminder of the lack
Asaduzzaman Khan has told Reuters
of security in Bangladesh, as well as the
only stopped travelling alone, but have
have changed my habits since receiving
that the motives behind both murders
rise of violent extremism.
stopped stepping out of their houses
the warnings. I’ve even started going to
“At the time of the shooting I
to jog or walk. Karina*, a Swiss NGO
Unimart (an expat supermarket) less.”
was living and working on road 90,
worker, used to jog at Gulshan park
the Australian cricket team postponed
Gulshan-2. We had no warning. Just
four times a week, but now only leaves
the last murder, the tristate periphery
their arrival in Bangladesh after being
an hour before the shooting I was on a
the house for work, returning before
(Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara) has
warned by the Australian government
rickshaw in the street of the accident,
dark.
witnessed a larger deployment of
“may be same.” Tavella was murdered shortly after
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 123, 6 , 201 5
Other expats such as Tara have not
not to go to big Western meetings. I
With almost a month gone since
13 here,” he said. None of his belongings
caution,” as reported in an article by the
were taken, and while trying to
Dhaka Tribune. The US embassy too has
make his way back in a CNG after the
asked citizens to remain vigilant, urging
worked in several countries, Pauline
incident, the CNG driver also tried to
them to exercise caution. Canadian
considered this genuine concern to
take a detour away from his house.
and Australian citizens have also been
be an amazing quality found only in
Residing in Niketan with his German
given warnings. In light of these alerts,
Bangladeshis.
wife, the couple feels that just about
there has been widespread controversy,
anything can happen in Dhaka.
with some ministers claiming it’s only
than a decade, no Western citizen
meant to give way to panic and give
was killed or even targeted, until the
Bangladesh a bad reputation.
spree of murders that took place last
Fillipo, an Italian national residing in Gulshan, said he isn’t afraid of attacks, but he does feel a sense of unease travelling alone.
French Ambassador Sophie Aubert
appreciate,” she added. As someone who has travelled and
It has to be noted that for more
month. As stated by Shafqat Munir,
after a meeting with Civil Aviation
a security analyst at the Bangladesh
Minister Rashed Khan Menon said: “If I
Institute of Peace and Security Studies
going to public places and there really
did not feel safe, I would not be here. I
in a report in The Guardian, the last
is a strong fear of being targeted,” he
am working like everybody else. If I am
time such an incident took place was
said. “I go to my brother’s workplace,
in Paris, I will be careful and when I am
when Anwar Choudhury, the British
and then maybe to the International
in Bangladesh, it’s the same. We know
high commissioner in Bangladesh, was
Club at night – if and when I have a car
that we are not in a peaceful world,
targeted by Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami,
to take me. I don’t travel anywhere
there are terrorists everywhere.
an extremist organisation.
“My friends have warned me against
unless I have a car, and I make sure the
“We adopt our way of living to
“What is extremely alarming is they
cars drop us inside the garage instead
this risk which is not specific to any
are able to pull off these attacks despite
of outside the main gate.”
country,” she added, as reported in an
a supposedly high level of security,”
article in the Dhaka Tribune.
Munir said. “After the murder of Cesare
Despite the extra measures taken by the government, the fear of attacks
“There has been a lot of tension
Tavella, there was a warning. We would
is still fresh and ever present. This
among expats, but there is a sense
like to believe that the state of alert is
reporter found several expats unwilling
of solidarity present,” Pauline*, a
quite high. My fear is that this is not
to share their thoughts on the matter,
volunteer for an aid organisation,
going to stop. It will continue and it
with some even finding it suspicious,
mentioned when asked if she feels
might escalate.”
and refusing to comment at all.
unsafe around Bangladeshis.
Over the past two weeks, embassies
With the grapevine buzzing with
“There have been days when I am
rumors of the high potential of future
have issued travel alerts, warning
very scared to go to places, scared of
threats, most foreign nationals share
citizens about the likelihood of terror
those around me but there are days
a common fear, one that is pulsating
threats and creating a new wave of panic
when I’ve gone to malls or places where
and ever present. Whether or not these
among expats. The Australian travel
Bangladeshis come up to me and tell
fears will turn into reality, is something
alert stated that there is a high threat
me not to worry. Many Bangladeshi
that only time can tell. For now, we can
of terrorist attacks in Bangladesh and
friends even offer to escort me to
only speculate.
the Australian government asked its
places, taking a genuine interest in my
nationals to “exercise a high degree of
safety and that is something I truly
Names with an * have been changed to maintain anonymity n
police, with check posts set up in Niketan, Gulshan 2, Hathirjheel and Gulshan 1. Rickshaw pullers too have been asked to only go around their designated areas, with commuters who want to go from Banani to Gulshan having to switch rickshaws. Not only has this made commuting between the areas more difficult, it has even led to traffic tailbacks as cars and rickshaws are stopped and being subjected to random checks. “Two days before last Eid, I was travelling in a rickshaw around 10pm when I was attacked by five muggers,” a British national, seeking anonymity, expressed while describing a seemingly mindless attack he faced a few weeks before the shooting. “The first thing they did is hit me with a cane, with all of them beating me before even giving me a chance to give them my belongings. I fought back, but I was left with a broken nose, bleeding as bystanders just looked on, not doing anything. I don’t blame them though, because I know no one is safe
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
14 LEGALESE | Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi
Safety first Q
My maid has two sisters
floor is liable to become wet in the
who are currently
course of any manufacturing process,
working in the garments
to such extent that is is capable of being
industry. Every few days,
drained, effective means of drainage
I get to hear these horror stories from
shall be provided and maintained. All
her about what her sisters are facing at
inside walls and partitions, all ceilings,
their place of work. The workers are all
or tops of rooms, and walls, side
crammed together in several rooms,
and tops or passages and staircases
all sweaty and crowded. The working
should be repainted or re-varnished as
conditions are disgusting – people are
applicable. Effective and suitable provisions
sweating, spitting everywhere, there is barely space to breath. I am appalled
should be made in every establishment
by the stories I hear and cannot believe
for securing and maintaining in every
something like this is still being
work-room. Adequate ventilation is
allowed, especially after the Rana
required through circulating fresh air
Plaza incident. Why are we not doing
while temperatures are required to
anything about this? These people
maintain conditions of comfort and
deserve to be protected by law!
prevent injury to health. No workroom in any establishment should be overcrowded to an extent that is injurious to the health of the workers employed. There should also be posted, in each work-room, a notice specifying the maximum number of workers who may be employed in the room. In every part of an establishment where workers are working or passing, there should be sufficient and suitable lighting available, natural or artificial, or both. I am shocked by what you have mentioned about people spitting everywhere. Just reading about it makes my skin crawl; I dread to Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune
A
the workers are being subject to. The
Dear Reader,
maid and ask her to reconfirm if these
labour laws of Bangladesh also contain
Thank you for writing to
legal provisions are being violated.
provisions regarding this matter. In
me. I am equally appalled
The applicable law in this instance
every establishment there should
is the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 and
be provided, at convenient places,
mentioned. The garments industry is
the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment)
sufficient number of trashcans and
the most prominent one in Bangladesh,
Act 2013. The Government has recently
spittoons that shall be maintained
creating hundreds of thousands
also passed the Labour Rules this year.
in a clean and hygienic condition.
of jobs in the labour market and
The laws have very strict and clearly
No person should throw any dirt
bringing in millions in revenue for the
defined provisions referring to the
or spit within the premises of an
country. Essentially, it is what has put
health and hygiene requirements that
establishment except in the dust beans
Bangladesh on the map of the global
are applicable to factories. All factories
and spittoons provided for the purpose.
market. Workers, like your maid’s
need to maintain basic cleanliness as
A notice containing this provision
sisters, are the people who play a vital
specified by law. As the bare minimum:
and the penalty for its violation shall
role in this industry. You are correct –
accumulation of dirt and refuge should
be prominently displayed at suitable
these people deserve to be protected by
be removed daily by sweeping or by any
places in the premises.
law, and they are! What is shocking is
other effective method from the floors
that the factory owners often appear to
and benches of work-rooms and from
information to your maid and her
be shamelessly flaunting their disregard
staircases and passage and disposed off
sisters and cross check to determine if
of the law. I am going to advise you of
in a suitable manner. The floor of every
these provisions are not being adhered
the bare minimum, which is required
work-room should be cleaned at least
to. If the answer is negative, the factory
by the factory owners to comply with.
once every week by washing, using
owner has a lot to answer for, and legal
Once you have an idea of the necessary
disinfectant or some other effective
action should be taken against him/ her
legal provisions, you can advise your
method when necessary. Where the
immediately! n
by what you have just
Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales. She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate
think about the kind of conditions
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
I advise that you pass on this
Dina Sobhan | Drama Mama
15
Boundaries please! Q
Yesterday was my daughter’s 16th birthday and I took her and her
friends to a café for a treat. Despite my apprehensions, I sat next to her table to chaperone her. Children these days can get up to a number of notorious shenanigans, and if I don’t watch out for her as her mother, then who will? However, when I came home and told my husband and son about this, they berated me as though I had done something wrong. Am I wrong to love my daughter and look out for her?
A
Loving your daughter and wanting to look out for her is admirable, but
you could afford to do it at a greater distance. Teenagers are supposed to get up to “notorious shenanigans”; it is their right, as well as a rite of
Photos: Bigstock
passage. No amount of chaperoning
right decisions for herself, and she
responsible adult that you would like
will prevent your daughter from doing
will merely become more adept at
her to be. Moreover, if you show her
what she wants, whether it meets with
deception and doing things behind your
you trust her by giving her some space,
your approval or not. The more you
back. Let her be young, make mistakes,
she is much more likely to come to you
watch over her, the louder the message
and learn from those mistakes. Only
for help and advice when she needs it.
that you don’t trust her to make the
then will she mature and become the
Q
I’ve known my current husband for the past twenty-five years, as he was a close friend of my ex-husband and I. As a result, our children have also become very close over the years. I assumed they were
inseparable like siblings and best friends, but I just found out my son wants to marry my step-daughter. I just married my current husband six months ago. How should I deal with this?
A
While this is certainly an awkward situation, the fact is their relationship seems to precede yours. It’s unfortunate that you did not know about the dynamic sooner, although it probably would not
have changed anything. You must accept that their feelings are legitimate, as they are not related in any way despite your recent marriage, and allow them to carry on their relationship. n
Dina Sobhan is a freelance writer, a parttime counsellor and a full-time mom
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
16 Focus | Literacy
Room to Read
Operations Director, Room to Read. In the primary schools, they
programs. Over the years, they have faced a
consider the two objectives – reading
lot of hurdles, but one issue that they
habits and fluency in it. “We think that
are concerned about is that in Dhaka
Envisioning a world in which all children can pursue a quality education
fluency in Bangla is very crucial, as all
because of the migrant population,
the subjects are being taught in Bangla,
there are many uneducated children.
except English language. It has been
And as they support the children and
seen that most of the time, children do
the schools for the long haul, they
Moumita Ahmed
not understand the other lessons for
are puzzled about how they are going
not being fluent in bangla. So we try
to continue their education. What is
to work with the teachers and show
more is the community is still not open
them how they can teach the students
to so many children being educated.
H
aving its humble origins
Room for improvement
in Nepal in 2000, Room to
However, their work does not stop
in a better way. And we distribute a
Hence, the organisation provides
Read, a non-governmental
there, they even spend a lot of time
lot of books to these schools, and the
social mobilizers who are constantly
organisation (NGO) started
training the teachers, hoping that
difficulty of the books are according to
convincing parents in the rural areas to
its journey in Bangladesh more than
when they walk out of the schools,
the different grades,” added Rakhi.
send their children to schools.
seven years ago, in 2008, launching
the teachers will continue to use their
program operations one year later.
teaching techniques which have been
them to follow the phonics method,
study was the first of its kind in
Initially, their operations included
taught by Room to Read.
which is adopted from the Northern
Bangladesh and proved that their
countries which isn’t as popular yet
method for teaching, reading and
school libraries, building schools, girls’
“We have lots of achievements
They train teachers and ask
Room to Read’s national fluency
education and publishing children’s
when it comes to primary schools,
in Bangladesh. Moreover, teachers
writing in Bangla is producing better
books in Bangla. Since then, they have
as there are many enrolments. But
are equipped with helpful materials
readers compared to the government
been training teachers on literacy
if you think about the quality of the
apart from the books provided by the
methods. Thus they have shown
education and supporting girls to
education system in Bangladesh, it’s
government.
overwhelming success over the years.
complete secondary school with the life
a big concern for the community and
skills necessary to succeed in school
the government, so we’re in a way
The Focus
and beyond, believing that all children,
trying to support the government
As Room to Read mainly focuses
per minute than students in the control
regardless of gender or background,
school system,” stated Rakhi Sarkar, the
on the rural areas, they ensure
gap. Their Girls’ Education Program,
have a right to education.
country director of Room to Read.
that the children are provided with
which has been known for its long-term
transportation as it gets difficult for
commitment to ensuring that girls
As they specifically work on teaching
In 2013, 2nd grade students in the Literacy Program read 32 more words
A vision
Bangla language, increasing their
them to go to schools, they provide
complete secondary school and have
Primarily, Room to Read established
reading fluency, and encouraging the
school uniforms for the children who
the skills necessary to negotiate key life
their curriculum by building
habit of reading, they set up small
cannot afford them, and even extra
decisions, showed visible results that
government schools in Sirajganj and
libraries in all the classrooms where
guidance is given to students who are
girls under the program are staying in
Brahmanbaria with two goals. The first
most of the books are produced and
weak.
school and graduating.
is literacy, for which they work on the
written by them. They also work with
government primary schools. Secondly,
communities to construct, repair
are in touch with the parents, which
they concentrate on formal secondary
and renovate government schools to
comes under the life skills training
schools for girls’ education. They
make them safer and better learning
program. As there are lots of cases
benefited from Room to Read’s work
rooted with 75 schools, 50 in Sirajganj
environments. “If a school needs a new
of early child marriages, they try to
in Bangladesh. And in 2014, 96% of
and 25 in Brahmanbaria. Making them
block or 2/3 new classrooms, we help
motivate and convince the parents and
the girls on their program passed the
one of the few organisations focused on
in building them. Or if a school has two
the communities, and encourage them
Secondary School Certificate Exam
literacy and girls’ education, working in
buildings, and if one is out of order,
to send their children to schools for a
which is higher than the Bangladesh
collaboration with the government to
we renovate/reconstruct it for them,”
better and healthy life,” added Rakhi
national rate of 91%. n
improve education for children across
explained Md Matiur Rahaman, Program
when talking about their different
“There are social mobilisers, who
Dropout rates average is less than 1% year over year. To date, 1,730 girls have been
Bangladesh. “From 2010 to 2013, we have managed to establish 100 schools each year, and in 2014, one more district, Natore was added where 80 schools were installed along with the secondary schools. In 2015, we further included Dhaka, where children from the slums and lower economic group are taught,” said Shah Alam, the Director of the Literacy Program. Subsequently, more schools were added and up till now they have around 600 primary schools and 11 secondary schools, and has benefited nearly 177,000 children. But every three years, the community takes over the responsibilities of the programs, and they move on to other regions.
Khoromkuri Government Primary School, Natore, renovated by Room to Read
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
Photo: Courtesy
Studying at DU | Top 10
10 Reasons to get into Dhaka University (The ultimate non nerdy guide)
17
8. You love all things traditional This multiplied by 5 is how colorful Pahela Baishakh in DU is.
9. Because DU has been at the forefront of every historical movement of Bangladesh
3. FOOTBALL!
Munzereen Shahid
T
here is no doubt that the University of Dhaka is one of the most prestigious institutions in Bangladesh. Ranging from stellar academics to prominent alumni to brilliant faculty, this university
Name any significant person in the
boasts very highly of excellence in every field. Be it the sciences, or the businesses or the arts, DU has been producing exemplary
history of Bangladesh and that person Does this look like a place you could
was most likely a part of DU at some
students regardless of whichever field it is. Being consistently considered one of
be playing football in for the next
point in his life. If you’re a student of
the best universities in Bangladesh, the academics of DU speak for themselves-
four years? And to all you current
DU, it means you’re walking the same
which is exactly why this post will deal with every non nerdy reason as to why DU
students, remember those innumerable
corridors in Curzon Hall as Humayun
will be the best thing that happens to you after school.
moments of glory you shared with
Ahmed. If you are a student having
your teammates in this very field?
a debate over changing the course of
*nostalgia*
history of Bangladesh, you’re probably
4. To all of you who think Michael Phelps is gorgeo-I mean-a great swimmer!
having it in the same Modhur Canteen as did countless rebellious students in ’52 and ’71. Let us also take a moment and stare in
Want to learn how to swim? We also
awe at the beauty that is the ceiling of
happen to be a pretty cool university
Modhur Canteen
with a sexy swimming pool of our own.
5. You are going to lose count of our libraries If you’re not really the sports kind and you maybe like books more than you like people, then that is how big our central library is. (Most of it is not even in the picture) *not bragging*
10. And lastly, you like it when relatives look at you with endless admiration for your achievements. Who doesn’t?
And just to make it a bit cooler, the
1. Curzon Hall
e-library of the Faculty of Business
Those of us who have dreamt of going to Hogwarts, Curzon Hall is the best
Studies of DU looks like somebody
architectural answer to that dream we’ll find in Bangladesh. It also happens
picked it straight out of Google
to be the center of most things science in DU. Built in 1904, Curzon Hall is a
headquarters.
UNESCO heritage site and is also where many significant scientific innovations of Bangladesh have been spearheaded since 1921.
2. Eternally broke but forever hungry- Is this your current state?
The instant khatir from all chacha-
Also, apart from all the above, each
chachis, mama-mamis (the list goes on)
department has a library of its own,
when they hear that you are studying
because “One library is enough.”- said
in DU, and they ask you to advice your
no one ever.
cousins on how to study for DU and get in too. WIN!
6. You live and breathe art and other deep stuff
Let’s face it, despite the half-truths regarding session jams and political
If you’re the deep and artsy kind, then
activities, DU has been part of the
prepare yourself for thought-provoking
legends for generations. Brilliant
sculptures like the above at almost
teachers, influential alumni, rich
every turn in Charukola.
history and a stunning campus (again,
7. You are a jonmogoto addabaj
not bragging)- we have it all. There’s a famous saying here: Take a stroll
Because this
And this plate of
Because..
Foodgasmic
Ah the long addas in TSC drinking the
throughout Dhaka University, and you
is pretty much
absolute yum is
summer!
enough for you?
ek takar cha!
are taking a stroll throughout history.
summer heaven
just 40 taka!
Rightfully said. n
in DU This article was originally published on
Munzereen Shahid is a writer, food enthusiast and an avid shower singer. A college student with big dreams, a love for pandas and a major case of wanderlust
October 10, 2015 in 10minuteschool.com
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
18 stay in Mini cryptics Clues harder and give it
will flourish and spend most of
your best shot.
it’s time in the kitchen, trying to concoct new recipes. Who knows,
Cancer (June
perhaps this may even give you
21-Jul22): ‘No’, is
an idea to open up your new
not a word you’ll
restaurant, in the distant or near
be hearing as of
future.
ACROSS 1 Great pain causes complaint (6) 6 Boy the French used to serve soup (5) 7 Surprise caused by hedge labyrinth (5) 8 Wrinkle where batsman stands (6) DOWN 2 Let go about rent (7) 3 Strip of United Nations uniform (7) 4 Repaired shoe and followed closely (6) 5 CIA so mean at first up for tiling (6)
horoscopes
this week. So start using that to your
Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21): You may
advantage and
be visited by an old friend from
make the most of
the past whom you haven’t seen in
it and start asking
a very long while.
friends to take you out for more treats.
Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21): Sometimes doing absolutely nothing can be a lot more fulfilling
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19): This week’s
Sounds like someone needs to
than spending days working on a
theme song for you is James
give themselves a well deserved
particular mundane job.
Brown’s “I feel Good’’. Yes that’s
break and just relax and take it
right a great time for you to spruce
easy. Seriously my dear leo, you’ve
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19): It might
up that sex appeal of yours and try
been working too hard lately and
be a good idea for you to start
all sorts of different things, ‘cause
if you keep going at this rate, you
hanging out with your friends as
you are the bomb!
will soon collapse. So from all of
the lot of you have been busy with
us here at the weekend we suggest
your lives and need to catch up.
Taurus (Apr 20-May20):
you give yourself a break and “just
Responsibilities pile on you this
fall apart in your backyard…and
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18): If there’s
week as you are the one everyone
then the bare necessities of life
a party this week and you don’t
leans on for guidance and support.
will come to you”.
consider yourself a party person,
Lead wisely and be calm, try your
perhaps you should try going
best to not let your emotions get
Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22): Self-
to one and redefine yourself.
the best of you.
criticism is often a great tool to
Remember change is the only
improve upon the deficits of the
constant in life and parties are a
Gemini (May 21-June 20): Keep
qualities that you have. However
hell of a lot of fun.
your eyes peeled for a chance to
sometimes it can lead to self-
snag an opportunity from a co-
loathing, so you may want to draw
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20): Fancy a
worker that’s best suited for you.
a fine line between the two.
holiday? Well this might just be the
Competition will heat up intensely
time for one, book it in advance for
but don’t let that slow you down,
Libra (Sep 23-Oct22): Ah aren’t
make that your motivation to work
you lucky ‘cause the foodie in you
a great getaway.
Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune. com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.
Last week’s solutions
Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22):
ACROSS 1 Elegant wolf returns mixed gin (7) 4 A crime confused a country (7) 6 Journeys of various varlets (7) 7 Nullifies entrances to the North East (7) DOWN 1 Destroy apartment X (7) 2 Ovid’s first big Greek letter (5) 3 For looking, and drinking (7) 5 New nitre has no 6 Across (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, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
Go out
19
Weekly Planner Oct 24
or send a message to the Longitude
miss what will be another fascinating
(Opposite from the US Embassy
Lifestyle | Mati O Manush: Workshop with Clay by Nazmul Haque
Latitude 6 Facebook page. Payment
literary discussion. Copies of the
Dhaka)
is on the spot on the day of the
book will be available for sale, and
What Any special musical talents are
When 10:30am-1:30pm
workshop.
signed by the author.
invited to this event. The American
Where Longitude Latitude 6, Bay’s
LL6 partners are Jetechao.com,
Enjoy a special menu for Tk200
Center presents Music Buzz, a music
Bellavista, Road 11, Block C, Banani
Dhaka Tribune, iCan Foundation,
or a full brunch for Tk500. Please
club offered in the American Center
What LL6 in partnership with iCan
Bay developments Ltd.
specify your choice on entry.
library welcoming all vocalists,
for Fun for children from 6-14 years
Oct 24
Oct 25-27
of age. This workshop is designed
Literature | Literary Brunch
to bring out creativity using fun
When 11am
Photography | Group Photography Exhibition “Right to Water”
art mediums. Ingenuity and some
Where Red Shift Coffee Lounge
When 10am-6pm
Oct 26
simple techniques will be at the
What Zeeshan Khan will introduce
Where Drik Gallery, House 58, Road
Education | English Speaking Club
heart of our workshop.
his photo essay This Old World.
15A (New), Dhanmondi R/A
When 3:30pm
What DORP and Advance &
Where EMK Center, MIDAS
Foundation brings art workshop Art
Clay is an art medium that
Zeeshan Khan is an author and
musicians and anybody who just feels like jamming to good music. The program is free and open for all.
kindles growth and skills in children.
journalist, and between September
Professional Photographers
Center, House 5, Road 27(new 16),
Working with clay nourishes sensory
and December 2011 he travelled from
Bangladesh (APPB) – Creative
Dhanmondi R/A
development, self esteem, self
Southern Asia to Western Europe to
Photography is arranging a group
What Are you struggling to find
expression, problem solving skills,
experience the thrill of unrestrained
photography exhibition titled Right
a place to practice your English
discipline and pride. Clay also has
movement and the continuity of
to Water, from October 25th to 27th.
Speaking skills? Come to EMK
a unique therapeutic quality that
cultures. He consciously traced a
settles and calms children, enhances
line through historical places that
is water. Sole judge of selecting
Club makes speaking and learning
their attention and helps them focus
are connected to each other, and to
the final photographs is Anwar
English fun, with games, debates
on their work and create something
himself.
Hossain, famous photographer,
and group activities. The instructor,
cinematographer and architect.
Farjana Khan is an internationally
with their hands. Clay is one of
This Old World is a photo essay
the most effective art mediums for
that documents the architecture and
children to discover and develop
spirituality of the places Zeeshan
their creative and learning skills.
encountered during his epic journey
Theme for the whole exhibition
Center, where the English Speaking
For more information:
recognized English Language
01714413103
Training (ELT) professional who has worked for Cambridge as an
across Eurasia documenting the
Oct 26
included. Please dress to get messy
history, architecture and spirituality
Music | American Center Music Buzz
Karachi, Faisalabad, Multan,
(you can bring your own apron)
of the special places encountered
When 4-5pm
Kathmandu and Bangladesh. She has
along the way, such as the fabled
Where The American Center, Plot 1,
also worked for UN police as an ELT
cities of Isfahan and Nalanda. Don’t
Progati Sharani, J-Block, Baridhara
trainer.
Fees: Tk300 with all supplies
Registration Process: email at info.longitude.latitude@gmail.com
Oct 23
Photography | International Exhibition Of D’PhotoCafé
examiner of IELTS in Lahore,
Oct 24
Photography | GH Photo Walk at Ashura Procession 2015
When 9am
Muharram. Muslims mourn for
Where Curzon Hall, University of
the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali,
Dhaka
the grandson of Muhammad at the
When 3-10pm
photographs of 100 local and
What You are invited to join GH
Battle of Karbala on the 10th day
Where Drik Gallery, House 58, Road
international photographers.
Photo Walk at Ashura Procession
of Muharram in the year 61 AH on
2015. Please post your name and
this very day.
15A (New), Dhanmondi R/A
Renowned photographer David Barikder along with litterateur Syed
contact number in their facebook
What D’photoCafe is a group
Manjurul Islam, movie producer
event page, if you want to join this
Applied Physics Department,
of local and international
Mostafa Sarwar Faruqi and the
walk.
Curzon Hall at 8am, the
photographers working together
admin panel of D’photoCafe will
for a long while. D’photoCafe
be there.
is arranging an International Exhibition Of D’photoCafe with
D’photoCafe invites everyone to join their beautiful exhibition. n
The Day of Ashura is on the
After meeting in front of
photowalk will start.
10th day of Muharram in the
Contact Coordinators for more
Islamic calendar and marks
details: 01711080332, 01671362666,
the climax of the Mourning of
01678083255, 01911218419 n
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, O CTOB E R 23 , 20 1 5
20 The Bong Momma | Tales from a first-time mom
The Anniversary Special The Bong Momma waxes nostalgic Minu Ahmed slowly shook his head and clenched his jaws. Before he could blow his top, the kazi asked him to complete the ceremony by repeating “Kobul” three times and sign the marriage registry. After that he was asked to stand up and give everyone a hearty salaam. The greeting, I was informed later, had looked more like a mix between a “heil Hitler” and a Bollywood dance move, than its traditional counterpart! The officiator then approached me in the next room, and the same process followed. For some reason, my sister
I’
had decided to cover me from both sides with the orna, and veil me into a
m taking a slight detour
only. Come night time, the house
if on cue, their cars had arrived at our
glittery cocoon. The elder women had
from our usual track this
looked like an American Christmas
gate, and of course, we weren’t ready!
forbidden me from looking up, and
week, as The Husband and
party in a horror film. There wasn’t any
I celebrated our fourth
point in arguing with the decorators,
was nowhere to be found – he had
for a new bride. The entire time, I was
wedding anniversary a few days ago.
they tried to persuade me that this look
picked exactly that moment to go
fighting down giggles, as I could feel
Anniversaries tend to make me very
was “in”.
find an ATM! Seething with rage and
all the eyes in the room hanging onto
embarrassment, all I could do was sit
every word. I had heard that women
nostalgic, as I am forced to remember
Dismayed but not swayed, I went to
To make matters worse, my father
modesty was key here, as was custom
how sweet and giving The Husband
the parlour with my mum, got ready
in my room and wait for the storm to
usually cry a lot at this stage, but on
was for the first two years, and how
and was home an hour before the
tide over.
the contrary I was very happy to be
it slowly dwindled over time, and
ceremony was scheduled to start. Up
surprises became, “Oh I wanted to do
until then I had been very calm and
Husband and his family were welcomed
“kobuls” I broke into the biggest smile
this/that, but I didn’t have time/money/
collected, but the minute I set foot
in. After everyone had settled down,
ever! The news spread to The Husband
imagination to do it.”
inside my house, I started to unravel.
The Husband was seated in one room
quite quickly at how his new bride had
What The Husband doesn’t
My parents were running around like
with the male members and I was in
unabashedly accepted him into her life.
understand, is that I don’t need to
headless chickens, because they were
another room with the women and
have a ridiculous amount of money
as new to the concept of marriage as I
kids. The kazi, or marriage officiator,
where I was waiting, and we exchanged
to be spent on me, just to show me
was. Having a very small family, I was
first went to the men’s side and sat next
rings and garlands, after which began
how much he loves me. Sometimes,
the first in my generation to get married
to The Husband, who was sitting next
the onslaught of greetings from
a handwritten letter or a handmade
and therefore, no one in my family
to the chief witness, aka the ukil baap.
relatives, old and new. Dinner took
gift means a whole lot more than
knew anything about how to manage a
Apparently it was customary for the ukil
place on the roof, and our first meal
something bought at a store. And no,
wedding.
baap to hold the groom’s hand during
together as husband and wife was
the entire time. Not being used to this,
hilarious as our siblings struggled to serve and feed us.
dear hubby, that does not mean you
There were sandals and shoes
Luckily my father got back and The
will hand me a soft toy made from your
everywhere and the drinking
The Husband’s discomfort was obvious
old socks. I’m not that forgiving!
arrangements hadn’t been made. It was
while the kazi read the Islamic verses.
Today I will tell you about what
a hot day and there was no cold water
As we saw later in the wedding
getting married and after three swift
The Husband was brought over to
The Husband was going to spend the next few days at my place, and the real
went down during my akth, the
anywhere for the guests. I could feel
video, The Husband’s rage-o-meter
icing on the cake was when everyone
ceremonial union of two people, and
the veins in my temples throbbing and
was slowly on the rise as the kazi
came to bid adieu and my new father-
subsequently, their families. Like
before I could control it, I went into
went on and on, and then he did the
in-law asked me to “send back” The
I’ve mentioned before, I had a small
“bridezilla” mode and was screaming
unforgivable – he said The Husband’s
Husband back after a day or two. Sorry
ceremony at home, with family and a
at every Tom, Dick and Harry to get off
name wrong! My mom-in-law piped in
Dad, but I strictly follow a “No Return”
few friends.
their lazy bums and get things in order.
from the background as The Husband
policy! Hah! n
Bangladeshi traditions ask for
We had assumed that the groom’s
the house of a bride or groom to be
party would arrive on Bangladesh
decorated top to bottom in fairy lights,
Standard Time, which was an hour
the flashier and extravagant it is, the
or two after the appointed time.
better. Our house was decked out in
Unfortunately my father-in-law was
white, blue and red fairy lights, when I
one of the innate few that had a
had specifically asked for white lights
remarkable sense of punctuality, and as
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, O CTO B E R 23, 201 5
Minu Ahmed is your not-so-average homemaker, normshirker and abomination of awesomeness, juggling a career in communication, mother- hood and a fatter half. Questions? Send to thebongmomma@gmail.com
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