4__

vol 4 Issue 1 | FRIDAY, April 22, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

12

Interview Architecture

15

Musings Relationships

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 1 | April 22, 2016 News

Editor Zafar Sobhan

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Features 4 Tailored

Asst Magazine Editor Farina Noireet Weekend Tribune Team Saudia Afrin Moumita Ahmed N Anita Amreen Sakib Mridha Saqib Sarker Syeda Samira Sadeque Mahmood Sadi Shuprova Tasneem

Men’s grooming

5 Trending Styling by Marium Mir

6

12 Interview

Review

Architecture

Restaurant

14 Musings Youth

15 Musings Relationships

Regulars

Contributors G M Shoeb Ahmed Minu Ahmed Jennifer Ashraf Amer A Habib Jyoti Rahman Dina Sobhan Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo 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

16 Legalese 17 Tough Love 18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

9

Photo Story Resilience

Editor’s note Dear readers, There’s a time for reflection, and then there’s a time for looking ahead. This week, we bring you a good mix of moods to give you a well-rounded weekend.

Meet a hot new stylist, and pick a hairstyle for the summer in our fashion and grooming sections.

Foodies have both a new Chinese joint in town to discover and a coffee place to chase down the meal with in our expanded food section.

An interview takes us into the fascinating world of bamboo architecture, and a discussion on the future of sustainable constructions. And speaking of the future, we’re discussing on the best way to harness the power of youth to promote peace.

The earthquakes of the past

week have left us all unsettled, particularly in the wake of predictions of stronger tremors to come. We bring you a lovely photo story to show you how people bounce back from even the worst disasters.

As the world around us changes, so do relationships, and taking a long hard look at courtship and marriage is perhaps in order.

We have Jyoti Rahman’s gentle musings and Dina Sobhan’s Tough Love taking two different approaches to the matters of the heart.

Finally, the Bong Momma discusses how the Jellybean prepares for school.

Here’s wishing you stability in the ground beneath your feet this week - Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

About the cover

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

2 News | This week Earthquake kills 272 in Ecuador

Trump, Clinton win big in NY, push closer to nominations Tuesday, with Ohio Gov. John Kasich winning at least three and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in danger of getting shut out.

A confident Trump insisted it was impossible for his rivals to catch him. Indeed, Cruz’s poor showing in New York left him without any

An earthquake of magnitude-7.8

mathematical chance of

The problem is Ecuador doesn’t

clinching the nomination

struck coastal Ecuador, killing 507

have the extra money. Prices for its

people last week on Saturday. That

commodities have been falling of late

Front-runners Donald Trump and

before the Republican convention in

number is expected to rise as rescue

on lower demand from China.

Hillary Clinton swept to resounding

July, though Trump could still end

victories in Tuesday’s New York

up short of the 1,237 needed to seal

was stagnant. And even before

primary, with Trump bouncing

victory before the gathering.

the earthquake, the International

back convincingly from a difficult

Pedernales, a tourist destination, saw

Monetary Fund was forecasting its

stretch in his Republican campaign

delegate lead over rival Bernie

the most devastation but damage was

economy would shrink by around

and Clinton pushing tantalisingly

Sanders and put her 80 percent of

widespread throughout the country.

4.5 percent in 2016. Oil is Ecuador’s

close to locking up the Democratic

the way to clinching the Democratic

largest export and cover 35 percent of

nomination.

nomination that eluded her eight

teams are still digging through the rubble.

The cities of Manta, Portoviejo and

While the human tragedy of

Ecuador’s growth last year

Ecuador’s most-powerful earthquake

the government budget but the global

in decades is still sinking in, the

oil price is falling.

government is just beginning to

told reporters on

rebuilding.

Tuesday that “It’s

President Rafael Correa says it

percent of the vote in New York

President Rafael Correa

evaluate the monumental task of

going to be a long

could cost as much as $3 billion to

battle.”

rebuild. That’s about 3 percent of

Photo: AP

Ecuador’s gross domestic product.

Dutch court overturns $50 billion Yukos award against Russia

Trump captured more than 50 and was headed toward a big delegate haul in his home

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

entitled to seize Russian state assets to compensate them for the loss of

state, a commanding showing that keeps him on a

years ago. In a shift toward the general election, she made a direct appeal to Sanders’ loyal supporters, telling them she believes “there is more that unites us than divides us.”

Exit polls suggested Democrats were ready to rally around whoever

path to the GOP

the party nominates. Nearly 7 in

nomination if he

10 Sanders supporters in New York

continues to win.

said that they would definitely or

He claimed at

probably vote for Clinton if she is the

least 89 of the 95

party’s pick.

delegates at stake

Photo: Reuters

DB picks up Shafik Rehman

the oil giant.

a case filed with Paltan Police Station,

Once controlled by Mikhail

BNP Joint Secretary General Rizvi

Khodorkovsky, then one of Russia’s

Ahmed told reporters.

richest men, Yukos was bankrupted

The law enforcers entered the

after Khodorkovsky fell out with

house identifying themselves as

Russian leader Vladimir Putin and

Boishakhi television reporters but

the government began demanding

before leaving with Rehman they

payment of huge sums in back taxes.

informed the family members that

State oil company Rosneft got most of its assets.

In a victory for Moscow, a Dutch

Clinton’s triumph padded her

In July 2014, the Permanent Court

they were detectives, Rizvi claimed.

Detectives picked up Shafik Rehman,

BNP condemned Rehman’s

an adviser to BNP Chairperson

detention and demanded his immediate release.

court on Wednesday, last week

of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague

Khaleda Zia, from his Eskaton

overturned an order that Russia pay

ruled that the four plaintiffs – not

residence in Dhaka on Saturday

$50 billion (35 billion pounds) to

including Khodorkovsky – were

morning last week.

shareholders in defunct oil company

entitled to compensation for the loss

Yukos, saying that the Hague-based

of the company, entitling them to

has been taken to the Detective

Later detective branch’s Dhaka

Permanent Court of Arbitration had

seize Russian state assets.

Branch headquarters on Minto

south division deputy commissioner

no jurisdiction.

took away Shafik at around 8:00am.

Road, Maruf Hossain Sardar, deputy

Mashrukur Rahman Khaled said

district court in The Hague said

commissioner (media) of Dhaka

Shafik has been arrested in a case

they would appeal the surprise

Russia had never ratified the treaty

Metropolitan Police.

filed with Paltan police station over

decision, which could impact earlier

under which the PCA had claimed

rulings in Belgium and France that

jurisdiction in the affair.

policemen detained Rehman, 80,

minister’s son Sajeeb Wazed Joy.

four former shareholders were

Photo: Reuters

from his residence around 8:15am in

Source: Dhaka Tribune

Former Yukos shareholders said

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

But in Wednesday’s ruling, the

An eminent journalist, Rehman

Shafik’s wife Taleya Rahman said the people came to their home and

A team of plain-clothes

conspiracies to abduct the prime

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

10 year old Rizvi, who works with his family in making handfans, may be unable to speak, but his enchanting eyes express it all.

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

China warns of foreign spies with ‘Dangerous Love’

say what?

China is marking National Security Education Day with a poster warning young female government workers about dating handsome foreigners, who could turn out to have secret agendas.

Titled ‘Dangerous Love,’ the 16-panel, comic book-like poster tells the story of an attractive young Chinese civil servant nicknamed Xiao Li, or Little Li, who meets a redheaded foreign man at a dinner party and starts a relationship.

The man, David, claims to be a visiting scholar, but is actually a foreign spy who butters Xiao Li up with compliments on her beauty, bouquets of roses, fancy dinners, and romantic walks in the park.

After Xiao Li provides David with secret internal documents from her job at a government propaganda office, the two are arrested. In one of the poster’s final panels, Xiao Li is shown sitting handcuffed before two policemen, who tell her that she has a “shallow understanding of secrecy for a state employee.”

The poster has appeared on local governments’ public bulletin boards, targeting mainly rank-and-file state employees. n News and Photo: AP

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

4 Tailored | Men’s grooming

Hair care with a choice Not everyone is created equal, different face shapes mean a different hairstyle Mahmood Hossain Round Main focus for this shape is to elongate

• Straight hair – Remember to

the face and take away the overall width.

keep everything balanced. If you

Keep the back and sides short and a quick

need a haircut, get three inches

quiff up top and front. And whatever you

all over, keeping room for a lot of

do, stay away from fringes. Cringe.

texture. Going too short will look unflattering.

• Straight hair – With short back and sides, keep around three to five inches in length flowing to the front.

Some height is needed so ask your hairdryer to give it a little more if

with no hassle whatsoever.

This shape is almost as same as the

fortunate, as your natural waves can

oval, but don’t go too short on the

give you the proper length that can

sides. Why you ask? It will simply make

easily take you to five to six inches

an already elongated shape more, well, elongated.

However, it has a long face shape

long. Get yourself some sea salt

trends or completely

and angular features, along with a

spray to inject some more volume

believing there is no

defined chin.

Oblong

than an actual cut. Consider yourself

any men will follow disregard their hair,

Again, texturise the hair all over.

• Curly hair – Clean sides and a little length up top, keep things simple

you want.

M

sides soft, and let the rest grow out.

barber for a neat quiff, and use a

• Wavy hair – This is more about style

Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

• Wavy hair – Keep the back and

and texture up front.

• Straight hair – Let it grow out up top to about an inch and sides. Then,

• Triangular – A bit more straight-

• Curly hair – If you have tight, curly

significance behind a perfect cut.

forward, the angular features

hair, ask your barber for an easy

Seasons change, you get older, but the

and jaw line are wider than your

clean fade on the sides and keep the

shape of your face determines the best

cheekbones, which makes it wider

top as long as possible.

hairstyle. And even when you like to

than your forehead. Picture the face

believe we are all the same, brown and

as an upside-down triangle.

short (how dare you?!), our faces tell it

Now that you’ve gotten down the

Fortunate is one thing, being blessed

your hair fall naturally, there’s no

all. We take a look at which haircuts are

basics, now for the best haircuts for

is another. An oval face shape means

need to add texture because it’ll end

best for a given face shape.

your face shape:

all sides seem to be evenly balanced

Oval

and you can rock any hairstyle. Really,

ask the barber to add some texture to it.

• Wavy hair – Give those natural waves some shine and let it grow to about four to five inches all over. Let

up being difficult to control.

• Curly hair – Keep things close to the

The shapes

Square

• Square – The width of your face is

The square shape orders for a clean and

your steps, that doesn’t excuse you

almost the same as your length.

close cut, keeping things classic on all

from a horrible haircut that will haunt

Diamond

Your face has a very defined, angular

sides. You’re going to want to highlight

you for ages.

You’ll have to go plenty up top to create

jaw-line and the sides of your face

that beautiful and strong jawline.

are straight.

• Round – This is pretty much the

you’ve got it that good. However, mind

a more balanced look. Diamond faces • Straight hair – Pay attention to where

• Straight hair – With some length up

head, the length should be really short.

have strong cheekbones and narrow

your hair naturally grows and in

heads, which means something longer on the top will do just fine.

same as the square, except without

top, the back and sides of your hair

which direction. You can go for a safer

the angular features. Here, the sides

should be short. You want to keep

shorter crop all around or leave some

of your face are rounded off and

the top long enough so that there’s

your cheekbones seem to be the

visible weight up top. More volume

• Wavy hair – There’s no need to trim

widest points of your face.

up top, while the sides are cut close.

the sides down too much, just let

texture for that higher volume.

your natural waves grow out and

• Wavy hair – Here is where you lose

• Oval – Your jawline looks soft, they

• Wavy hair – There should be clean

curve and happen to look smaller

lines around your hairline, leaving

than your forehead. Hard to picture?

a few inches up top to play around

Think of an upside-down egg.

• Oblong – Sometimes this is referred to as a rectangular shape. Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all

length up top and sweep it back.

have fun with it.

• Straight hair – Five to six inches will be best up top, and add some

some weight in your hair and create

• Curly hair – Sharp details around

some texture with curls. You’ll have

with. There’s an advantage of styling

your hairline, shorter crop up top

to grow out plenty of hair in order to

it various ways; you’ll never get

and a near skin fade.

pull this off. The sides should also be

bored.

• Curly hair – A tight fade at the back

Triangular

grown out, while the back should be at least an inch or so.

a similar size but your face is longer

and sides, keep it simple. You can

More volume on the top and sides are

• Curly – Grow your hair all around,

than it is wide.

crop the top down a little too but

needed because of your wide jawline

but not too short on the sides. You

don’t go too far.

and narrow forehead. You don’t want to

want to achieve a softer look and

the widest part of your face, as

make it look too soft either because this

let the facial features highlight your

your forehead and jawline follow.

will accentuate the jawline.

overall look. n

• Diamond – The cheekbones are

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

Styling by Marium Mir | Trending

5

10 questions with Marium Mir A quick chat with a bright, upcoming stylist in Dhaka’s fashion scene

“B

N Anita Amreen

y using my talent,

on the hottest summer trends and much

wardrobe designers, but they are more

skills and education I

more.

popularly or colloquially known as

preferences.

“choreographers” in the media scene.

Name three designers you’d love to have

What’s the best thing about LA’s fashion

When it comes to TV shows or dramas or

dinner with.

and enhance their own beauty and walk

scene?

even talk shows, actors and sometimes

I’m inspired by so many designers but

a little taller,” says Marium Mir, fashion

The best thing is how environmentally

guests at talk shows don’t have personal

if I had to choose, I’d say Aneela Hoque,

stylist and LA based designer who is

friendly the city is. The trends and

wardrobe designers. Actors and stars

Humaira Khan and Reena Latif. I’ve

currently based in Dhaka.

styles are inspired by the city and what’s

complain about spending too much on

known Humaira for a very long time and

around you. I love how vibrant the city

grooming themselves prior to a shoot or

she’s been my wardrobe designer for

new stylists, a go-to expert for all things

is, and how anything is possible. As a

an acting gig, spending a lot on hair and

years now – I’ve grown up wearing her

fashion related. As someone who’s

city, it’s very receptive to new ideas and

make-up.

designs. As for Reena Latif, I’ve always

always been passionate about fashion,

trends and I love that.

will assist and inspire my guests to realise

Marium is one of Dhaka’s budding

she grew up in a household where her parents too were very “fashion forward.”

“I grew up watching my parents

What inspires your designs and styles?

been inspired by her. She’s someone Your favourite summer fashion trends?

who’s had original design sense that is

Flares, flowers, fruits and pastels.

timeless.

I think mainly, when it comes to styling

always dressed in the best designer-wear

a person, I’m inspired by them. I look at

What’s the best part of being a stylist?

Your favourite make-up trends?

and branded products,” she shares. Her

their attitude, career, their personality.

I love the fact that it’s a profession that

Sheer make-up is my favourite.

first venture into the world of fashion

Then I come up with a style that I think

is versatile and independent. I love how

Personally, when it comes to hair and

began right after she finished her O

will go with their tastes and physique.

I can work with people and style them

make-up I like to tie up my hair on

levels. With the help of her father,

Something that’s also weather and

according to their taste. And I love how

regular days and for night time I like to

she launched her very own boutique

occasion-friendly. I try to bring together

I can cater to such a large audience – I

keep it loose. I don’t really like over-the-

called Muslin. Although the boutique

my fashion education, the skills I’ve

can style anyone before a big event, I

top looks that look artificial.

was well-received, she was was not

gained and style the person according to

can style actors, I can even help style

satisfied merely being someone who was

their liking.

designers for trips – if the designer is

Favourite colours this season?

busy, I can go abroad and shop for her.

I love pastel shades. I particularly love

interested in fashion. “I wanted to be good at it also from a technical point-

Do you think Bangladesh has a market

I can design for a product line. As a

Tiffany blue and dirty pink, but if I had

of-view,” she explained. Soon after, she

for stylists?

stylist, the options are endless. I have

to choose timeless favourites that’d be

went to the American Intercontinental

I believe we really do have a market

no competition and I feel like I can work

navy, black and grey.

University in Los Angeles to further her

for stylists. Currently there are a few

well with other people’s tastes and

fashion education and gain the technical

Your favourite designers?

know-how required to excel as a stylist.

Donatella Versace, YSL and Dolce &

Many years down the line, she has

Gabbana.

returned to Bangladesh, holding her first exhibition on March 19. Her goal, as a

Any advice for young fashion stylists

stylist, is simple: “I want to be someone

that want to make it big?

who can help women bring out the best

It is a vast industry with many different

in themselves, and yet I want to be able

genres and it is extremely subjective

to do this without changing who they are

to each individual’s personal taste in

as human beings,” she says.

fashion. However, I would like to say

From a design perspective, usually,

this much: one should be prepared

Marium doesn’t have any particular

with as much skills and knowledge that

fashion icon in mind. Instead, she makes

could possibly be needed in the fashion

what she personally finds “beautiful.”

industry, in terms of not just clothes,

“I believe my work speaks for itself.

but also shoes, accessories, and all other

I’m confident that they will appeal

components in fashion, including at least

to the right audience – women who

a slight knowledge about the history

don’t dress-up just to please others,

of the fashion industry. One of my best

but women who are driven, fashion-

research papers in university was based

conscious individuals who like to wear

on: “Fashion & Jewellery from the Stone

beautiful clothing because they feel

Age to recent industry.” My basic advice

naturally beautiful when they do.”

is to educate oneself as much as possible

The Weekend Tribune had a quick

regarding the industry.

chat with Marium Mir to find out the

Marium Mir can be reached at

scope for stylists in Bangladesh, her take

+8801756424303 for business inquiries n Photos: courtesy

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

6 Review | Restaurant

Flavors The verdict is in Amreen Rahman

Y

ou can’t deny it. We love our Chinese food – be it the sauce-rich “Bangla-Chinese” or the habit of popping

dim-sum after dim-sum from any one of the new authentic Chinese joints that have sprouted around the capital, our love affair with Chinese food is never ending. Flavors, a lesser known haunt that’s commonly confused with Flavors of China (another Chinese restaurant located in Banani) recently opened its door, promising to offer authentic Chinese at it’s finest. and sparsely decorated, you’ll find

using small bowls, this little touch is

they’ve got a hearty spread of dishes

of Platinum Grand, nestled on the

Flavors is inside the premises

a smattering of large red Chinese

appreciated, until you actually begin

– not too many that you struggle to

third floor. A quick walk through the

lanterns and bright red napkins that

to go for the main course and realise

choose your order, and not too little

restaurant itself and the marble floors,

line the tables, giving the restaurant a

that not only is this uncomfortable,

to leave you spoilt for choice. Mostly

long buffet table and upholstered

bright, oriental touch.

it’s also an inconvenience. To really

consisting of light appetisers and

be able to enjoy your meal, request a

main course dishes, interestingly,

larger dinner plate at the get go.

they don’t have any dim-sums on the

brown leather seats remind you of

What’s interesting to note are

just about any other average hotel

the tiny bowls that take the place of

restaurant. Nothing too over-the-top,

your dinner plates. Following the

nor is it too underdone. Brightly lit

authentic Chinese dining tradition of

With the menu consisting of Chinese, Sichuan and Hunan cuisine,

menu but they do have a handful of great dishes worthy of at least one try.

Devour it A few favourites that deserve to be devoured time and again

Jam beef Tk500

Fried shrimp with shredded potato Tk700

Boiled beef in chilli sauce Tk700

(Rating: 4/5)

(Rating: 3.5/5)

(Rating: 5/5)

Tender slices of beef braised in a sweet sauce,

This appetiser is an absolute sight to behold. Plated

The real star of the restaurant is easily, without a

making it an easy, safe option to try. Easily one of

beautifully, fluffy, delicate balls of fried shredded

doubt, the boiled beef in chilli sauce. Served in a large

the better items on the menu, this one will surely

potato is carefully placed on a large white dish.

bowl of oil drenched in chilli sauce, if there’s any

not disappoint. It can be treated as a standalone dish

One bite and you’ve got a multitude of flavours and

dish that packs an intense, slow burning punch, it’s

or you may pair it with white rice to really allow the

textures – there’s the crispy coating of shredded

definitely this. Beef strips soaked in an oily, hot sauce,

flavours of the beef to shine through. It’s such a light

potato one minute and next there’s a soft inner ball

laid on a bed of cabbage. The beauty of this lies in

dish, you can easily chow down one plate on your

of shrimp melting in your mouth. Add to that a slight

the secret heat – it’s not the kind of heat that hits you

own.

wasabi like flavour and you’ve got an interesting dish

instantly on the first bite, rather, it builds and grows,

at hand. It’s crispy, slightly sweet and packs quite a

softly surprising you. A must try.

punch.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

7 Try it The ultimate middle ground for all things worthy of at least one tasting session Sauted diced lamb with red chili Tk700 (Rating: 3.5/5) The diced lamb is served on a bed of chopped onions, mixed with peanuts and dried red chilli. The lamb itself is cooked very well and is more flavourful than any other meat dish on their menu. This can easily be the perfect accompaniment to white rice.

Steamed fish in soy sauce Tk1,300 (Rating: 3/5) It’s very hard to go wrong with a steamed fish, and that’s what’s proved with this dish. Be warned, the dish is meant to be very light, airy and easy on the palette so don’t expect a lot of flavour. For Tk1,300, we’d definitely love a bit more flavour, but if you’re looking for something extremely light, this can be your go-to dish.

Bi Feng Tang Fried Prawn Tk650 (Rating: 2.5/5)

Papaya milk Tk370

Another gorgeous dish, the Bi Feng Tang Fried Prawn, on first glance, looks like a

(Rating: 3/5)

fancier version of prawn Balachau. A vibrant dish, bright orange prawns are fried

If you want the perfect finish to your meal, look no further than the Papaya

and then mixed with fried carrot shavings. Taste wise, it’s not as fulfilling as it

milk. Sliced papaya is covered in a jello concoction that is milky but so light

looks but if you have mediocre expectations, the dish will suffice as a no-nonsense

you can’t help but go for seconds, and perhaps even thirds.

fried prawn dish, because it really is just that – fried prawns.

Brave it Dishes that often hit the spot and then sometimes don’t

Pineapple fried rice with prawn Tk580 (Rating: 2.5/5) Another delight to look at, their pineapple fried rice is served on a large dish, with the fluffy rice streaming down the plate. Definitely not for those of you who don’t like mixing savoury and sweet, the rice is slightly on the chewy side, with bits of

Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu

Visit at:

Flavors

Platinum Grande

pineapple, cashews and raisins in each bite. If you’re not a fan of raisins, perhaps,

H# 52, R# 11, Block- F, Banani Model Town

this isn’t the dish for you. But if you are brave enough to try an unconventional

Open from 11am to 3pm and 6pm to 12am

tasting rice dish, you may just enjoy it.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

8 Review | Cafe

From Ethiopia with love Rad Sharar Bin Kamal Ethiopia, Dhaka Dough even held “The Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony” where they showed visitors how they did things.

The ceremony The Ethiopian coffee ceremony was meant to recreate this age old tradition of the Ethiopians where they all sit together (families, friends etc) and as a ritual, enjoy coffee in three stages: Abol, Tona and Baraqa. The first cup is made the strongest (Abol), leading up to the third cup as the weakest brew (Baraqa). Traditionally, popcorn and bread is consumed with the coffee as well.

In the ceremony, the guests arrived and were given a small introduction on the process of the ceremony itself. In Ethiopia these are the steps that ensue in a typical ceremony: • Roasting the coffee beans • Letting the guests inhale the smell of the roasting beans • Pounding the beans in a mortar and pestle

N

Photo: Dhaka Dough

o signs, banners or boards

The joint was created from the

Packaging

• Adding coffee with hot water and letting it sit for 4 to 5 minutes.

• Pouring coffee and drinking it,

were hung for us to

collective minds and passion of four

The honey is stored in beeswax coated

recognise the place when

friends, whose bond and amity are

jars made out of solid mahogany

we got there. From the

just as true as the products they offer,

wood, which is a leftover and sold as

roasted in the Dhaka Dough kitchen

which includes:

firewood.

then they were all given a chance to

door leading into a small, squishy

Honey and beeswax

Peanut butter

pestle, and finally drank the coffee in

apartment. Dhaka Dough, somehow,

The honey sold here is collected

Among oil crops grown in Bangladesh,

mason jars (conventional cups were not

gave off an immediate impression

straight from the Sundarbans. Honey

peanuts (groundnut) rank third

provided as the store likes to use easily

of home. The strong, sweet scent of

hunting takes place once a year in the

position both in area and production

available, eco-friendly products and

coffee, fresh cookies and honey caught

largest mangrove forest in the world,

and volume. Sourced fresh from

reuse or upcycle things).

us off guard, and what came after was

from April to June, which is the most

known lands, these nuts are as good as

even more surprising.

lucrative of all the forest’s products,

they get.

outside, it seemed like just a regular building, till we spotted a fancy

From grains to oils, with

repeating the three stages The guests watched the beans being

crush the beans in the mortar and

and the most dangerous to gather.

The guests waited for their second serving of coffee as they munched on the food, and the most exciting part

biodegradable and refillable packaging,

Sundarban’s honey is renowned as

Coffee

was adding salt to their coffee. Salt has

Dhaka Dough is as transparent with

being purely organic.

Their hot mugs of coffee are freshly

a special significance in this ceremony

roasted and ground in small batches

and they all added their part to get a different taste.

their authenticity of sources as it can get. In simple words, everything they

Single flower

for only five servings each. The shots

sell is fresh. The cosy environment

A second type of honey is also

are pulled manually from an espresso

demands a cup of the freshly roasted

available, and is carefully collected just

machine and pressed, poured, dripped

and ground famous Ethiopian Guji

after the blooming period during the

and vacuumed into a pot to brew. The

Zone Akrabi Coffee, made to your

month of April each year from Black

mix is kept intentionally clean without

Visit at:

liking. The cherry on top? It’s pretty

Mangrove, River Mangrove or Khalsi

milk and sugar to let out the floral

Dhaka Dough

affordable as well.

flower. That’s why this honey is only

aroma and showcase the near sparkling

Ground Floor

available once in a year when the

acidity.

House 1/A, Road 2/A, Block J,

Few actually recognise Ethiopia as the true birthplace of coffee, and Dhaka

honey hunting session officially starts

Dough’s cuppa boasts more than just

in the Sundarbans.

a label.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

In order to show how beautiful and original the process is, which is kept similar to the true process followed in

The result? Try it for yourself. From our side, we only saw smiles. n

Baridhara, Dhaka

Resilience | Photo Story

9

Kathmandu, Nepal: life after earthquake Photos: Fahad Bin Sakhawat

Almost an entire year after the devastating earthquake in Nepal, life goes on in this picturesque country nestled among the mountains of the Himalayas. The destruction that occurred during and following the fateful calamity that struck on April 25 last year, left thousands of people dead, injured and missing. The entire nation had come to a halt.

However, with time, as is the norm with everything, the gaping wound that the earthquake left at its wake has also healed, somewhat. Life in the capital, as well as the rest of the nation, has managed to clamber out of the debris and resume its course.

Remnants of the earthquake’s destruction can be seen everywhere throughout country, alongside which, a more or less regularity of life has come out – alongside the praying and lamenting over countless loved ones lost. But the resolve of the Nepalese people is as indomitable as the mountains they live among.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Resilience

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

11

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

12 Interview | Architecture

Green steel: An interview with architect Vo Trong Nghia On creating structures that endure Amer A Habib elaborate on that?

Yes, I think it is. For example, in Bangladesh you have a lot of bamboo.

A bamboo structure is light, so it is really good for the soft foundation you have in Bangladesh. You can make restaurants, cafés, and schools with bamboo, I think it’s the best material for Bangladesh, especially for rural areas.

We do have a lot of bamboo, but in Bangladesh, people don’t consider it a long term material.

It depends on the treatment. If you give it good treatment, it can have a long life. For example, if you submerge it into the river three to four months then smoke it to black, then it can be used like timber. It lasts 30 to 50 years, like timber.

How do you smoke the bamboo black?

With the outer cover of the rice, the husk. We burn that, and then use that

O

smoke for the process.

ften referred to as ‘the

problems like mentality illness or

Now, I find that architecture and an

If we want to change people’s minds

bamboo architect,’ Vo Trong

inactive children.

architect can make human beings more

about bamboo, how can we convince

connected to nature, like when I was a

them that it can be cost-effective or

child.

beautiful?

Nghia is a Vietnamese architect and a champion of

What was it like growing up in

sustainability. Having founded his firm

Vietnam? What are the influences of

not long ago in 2006, Vo Trong Nghia

Vietnam in your architecture?

You have called bamboo the green

much. You just start to build some

Architects is the recipient of several

I was in a small village in the centre of

steel for the 21st century. Could you

small things, and they start to like that

awards such as that of the World

Vietnam with a lot of nature around.

Architecture Festival (2014), ARCASIA

I like that life, surrounded by nature,

Building of the Year (2012) and many

with a lot of greenery, farms, cows,

others.

and forests. Then you feel happy. Even

I had a chance to chat with him

though we didn’t have electricity back

while he was in Dhaka recently

then, it was more relaxed. In more

for Bengal Institute’s ‘Now! Next’

developed places, people have to work

symposiums. Despite his renown, I

hard, and deal with a lot of stressful

found him extremely down-to-earth,

things.

passionately discussing his philosophy while maintaining a continuous smile.

How did you decide to become an architect?

What do you think about Dhaka?

I thought, if I become an architect, I

Really high density like in Vietnam,

will be rich. But I was wrong. To be an

and a lot of people in the city. Also it

architect, you have to love architecture,

has the same problems, like lack of

then work unlimited hours, but the

greenery and overpopulation. With

payment is not very big.

the development of the economy, you will be facing urbanism problems,

Was there anything more than the

architecture problems, and also societal

wanting to become rich?

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

You don’t have to convince them too

13 really high standard quality and design,

To change the law is very difficult. We

but it is also low cost. I think architects

aim our projects with the intention

usually focus on rich people and tend

of increasing the greenery of the city,

to forget like 60% of the population.

but what’s more important is that the

That’s why we wish to offer them good

government release the regulation to

things, good products, but at a low cost.

push everybody to do it.

I think the market in Bangladesh is big for that. People can buy the frame for

There is a concern about globalisation,

around $1500, and can have the base

and designs are now often starting

structure for an entire house without

to look all the same. The same

any maintenance for 50 years.

building from Dubai is being put up in Tokyo and there is no connection

very quickly. For example, you have a

In Aljazeera’s series ‘Rebel

to the context or the culture. What

Architecture,’ they showed your work,

should young architects do to protect

and in it there was a scene where you

themselves from that, or how can they

present a design for a green housing

change it?

project. It looked like you were having

They need to clean up their minds. For

a very stressful meeting to convince

example, Dhaka has the context of high

the client.

density, the weather, and the materials

Luckily its successful now. They sold all

here. If they know that very well, they

2,550 of the houses within 6 months.

will know how to deal with it.

lot of clients for restaurants or cafes,

Are there are any similarities between

you just build it with bamboo and later

his library project and our national

they will like that.

parliament?

What would you like to see in

Do you think globalisation is a

Yes. That’s what brought me here to

Bangladesh in terms of architecture?

problem?

Dhaka, to see the Louis Khan building.

I think this place is facing the same

No. That is the trend. We either follow

problem as Vietnam, with a big

it or we don’t. It depends on you. With

Since you’ve worked with bamboo in Vietnam for a long time, has the price changed because it’s becoming more

Of all your projects, which is your

population in a small area. We need

globalisation you can learn things very

popular?

favourite?

to do the same thing to bring back

fast. We can look up anything on the

No, not like that, but one time they cut

My team and I spend a lot of energy on

greenery to the city. I work with the

internet, but we also need to learn to

down all bamboo forests for rubber

each project, so it’s hard to say which

government in Vietnam, but it’s very

be at the place, to know the weather,

plantations, which led to a fall in the

one is the best of us. Every one of them

hard to convince them to change the

to know the culture, to know relevant

number of available bamboo. But now

is very close to me.

law. But here, if you work with the

details, and then you translate it all in

government and convince them about

the work you do.

the rubber plantations have been taken down and they have started to plant

Who funds your low-cost housing

ensuring that every house or building

bamboo again.

project, S1, which cost approximately

has a green roof, then the situation can

What advice would you give to a young

$4000?

change for the better in just 3 to 5 years.

architect like me?

I read that your thesis at the University

We do it by ourselves. I think this really

of Tokyo was on passive ventilation.

fits with Bangladesh because of your

Since governments are hard to

How important is that in your design

soft foundation. The S1 house will be

convince, is this something you think

approach?

really good for low-income people. It’s a

should come from the private sector?

[Laughs] I think you should work with your heart, body and soul.n

That’s the most important thing to deal with in tropical climates. Because we use the shadow system of the trees, and play with the sunlight and air ventilation for cooling, we can create really perfect natural air-conditioning.

In Bangladesh, many clients want mechanical ventilation and airconditioning. How do you convince your clients in Vietnam to accept passive cooling?

They can turn on the air-conditioning, and can also open the windows for natural ventilation. Once they get used to the natural ventilation, they become more comfortable with it and then never turn on the air-conditioning.

Of the many buildings you have seen around the world, which is your favourite?

I like the Prada building in Tokyo by Herzog De Meuron, and also the library building by Louis Kahn in the US. Photos: Courtesy

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

14 Musings | Youth advancement of peace building.

Similarly, the Lighter Foundation, a youth based platform, started its journey in 2014. Formed out of a social media campaign, it currently has 210 members. Each member donates Tk101 per month to facilitate various programmes that aim to link peacebuilding with social welfare.

Their activities help marginalised people, provide financial aid to those in need and help the victims of natural disasters. They believe that societal welfare can support peacebuilding and ultimately a serene society.

Youth in peacebuilding

Prejudice towards the young?

Youth engagement in peacebuilding is a powerful tool, but there are two sides to every coin. Young people are not well integrated into the NGO scene in Bangladesh. They are looked down on by sponsors and sometimes by

A storehouse of unfulfilled potential?

political leaders, who traditionally see them as being inferior to their elders.

G M Shoeb Ahmed

Despite many achievements, this social

T

perspective remains unchanged.

Another downside is the mindset

he youth of this country

of the youth. My personal perspective

are and will be key actors in

is that young people are filled with

Bangladeshi development

vigour, but they need to use this

and peacebuilding. They

properly, which is difficult with the

have had an important role in the

present lack of guidance. Sometimes

history of Bangladesh, contributing at

they pick the wrong road to establish

key points and extending their hands to

peacebuilding and eventually end up

build and keep peace.

with failure. Therefore, initiatives that

For example, during the fall of the

aim to support the youth in getting

military dictatorship in 1990, students

the best out of them will be key. The

roared against the military powers

government does have a National

so that democratic practice could be

Youth Policy, but the implementation

re-established, a prerequisite for an

of that policy needs to take place in

effective peacebuilding environment.

a more pragmatic way. This includes

Indeed, young people are deeply

providing clear opportunities for young

concerned with and support local

people to explain their demands and

development, and over the decades

expectations.

they have engaged in various types of peacebuilding activities, with the knowledge that quality

Along with this, a coalition of youthinitiatives.

For example, the British Council’s

newsletter with appropriate training,

based NGOs should be developed to

which in turn helped weave harmony

provide a base and support youth

leadership, organised efforts and the

Active Citizens programme works with

between indigenous people and

peacebuilding. Local groups should

implementation of effective strategies

participants who discuss and engage

Bengalis by allowing them to showcase

actively engage young people in all

can contribute to peacebuilding and

with several social issues, including

their respective literary cultures

their research and activities. They are

development.

sexual harassment.

through the newsletter.

a source of motivation, and we should

Action Aid Bangladesh also runs an

Key contributions

integrated programme for adolescents,

Education for the future

According to the National Youth Policy

enabling them to contribute their

However, it is not only through direct

of Bangladesh, youth are those aged 15

services to the slum areas of Dhaka

efforts at peacebuilding that young

to 35, or a third of the total population

and Chittagong. This has supported

people can engage in such issues.

in Bangladesh. They are willing to

tremendous work in diminishing

Mojar School, or ‘School of Fun’, is a

volunteer and donate their time and

conflicts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

social media based organisation that

expertise without expecting profit, but

between indigenous populations and

supports education for street children.

they lack a key platform to give them

Bengalis.

Education efforts like these clear the

the chance.

These adolescents have also taken

way for ensuring public rights. The

However, the youth of today

part in a number of other programmes

children who are provided with the

are now rising up and facing these

to help resolve conflict issues around

chance to study are able to learn about

obstacles, with the help of established

combatting violence against women.

their rights, and they in turn can grow

organisations or through their own

For example, they developed a key

to be the youth who contribute to the

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

help fuel their aspirations to build a peaceful society in Bangladesh.n

G M Shoeb Ahmed is currently working in safety, security and peacebuilding issues in the Bangladesh development sector.

Email: gmshoeb.ahmed@ gmail.com

Relationships | Musings

15

The case for arranged marriage Is there really a formula for making love last?

Jyoti Rahman

T

each other?

heirs was the stuff of fairy

Well, isn’t courting and choosing

tale romance. The son of a Supreme Court judge

your own mate a relatively recent

and a charismatic English

phenomenon? Might we learn

professor, he was brought up to be

something from the older generations?

a proper gentleman. She came from

What if parents and family networks

the wrong side of the poorest of

played a bigger role in setting these kids

backwater towns, first in the family

up for the baby-venture? On balance,

to make it to university, relying on

arranged marriages like this might be

nothing but her grit. They were white

quite good at matching people with

collar professionals, colleagues who

compatible and complimentary needs.

fell in love in their late 20s. I was

I’d contend that this would actually

there – it happened in my living room

be much more efficient than the

actually. They moved in, and then

alternative of liquid or haze induced

moved overseas together for greater

evenings that lead to usual couplings.

Let me pause here and stress that I

opportunities, for both. Careers progressed, and love deepened. About

do not by any means call for a return to

ten years ago, they got married in a

patriarchy. If anything, I’d have thought

picturesque island. Couple of years

that if arranged marriages were to become norm, it would have to involve

later they returned to a large wooden house with a big backyard to raise a

Scarily, I joked recently with a friend

path, and rarer ones who seem to have

a great deal of gender equity. And why

little girl, and then a boy. Financially

that I am more likely now to attend

a happy conjugal life – but then again,

not? The institution itself doesn’t lead

secure – they benefited from the asset

a social shindig marking the end of

who knows the truth behind a closed

to patriarchy. Nothing stops a girl’s

booms of that decade – it was a time for

someone’s marriage than a wedding!

door! In any case, we are likely to live

family to seek a guy who will do his

a reasonably healthy and active life for

share of chores, and at the right age

She joined politics. He decided to

hard to navigate the demands of

another two or three decades, so the

stay at home and look after the baby.

pursue his passion for writing.

modern life – finances needed for

current blue will likely pass. We see a

If babies are out of the way in

the standard of living we aspire to,

few older ones picking up their lives

our 20s, we can start career or self-

turning 40, she finds that politics is

but also the expectations of personal

already. Even the complications around

fulfilment in our 30s or later. For one

hard work, and merely willing isn’t

achievements we set ourselves, and

kids aren’t insurmountable.

thing, this would be better for gender

enough. He is in deep blue funk, with

then there is the social rat race that

writing going nowhere. Kids are alright,

none of us are really immune from. All

have an efficient life trajectory? Is this

behind because of child bearing. For

I guess. But the parents most definitely

that before we throw in the curve ball

the standard path the best one for life

either gender, parenthood would make

aren’t.

of raising kids and the emotional and

satisfaction or personal fulfilment? Can

us more resilient and mature for career

physical tolls that entail.

we do better?

or similar challenges in life.

career change, to follow their hearts.

Then the fairy tale ended. While

How about a more conventional couple? Both from straight forward

What happens? In short, life. It’s

Of course, there are local variations.

But one has to wonder whether we

Imagine an alternative trajectory

equity as women won’t be falling

And what about those experiences

middle class families. Met in their 20s

But whether in Dhaka or London,

where we focus our 20s on child

and experiments? Well, why not have

through friends, and started seeing

for the globalised modern folks, the

rearing. After all, evolution has made

some fun in our 40s?

each other frequently, and then

standard life trajectory is to spend our

us ready for baby making well before

exclusively. He had an opportunity to

20s and early 30s establishing ourselves

that age. We are certainly better

baby-venture partner might be the one

move overseas for work. Marriage was

professionally. In the younger years,

prepared for the grueling acts of baby

you would be having such fun with.

the only way for them to be together,

this is interspersed with experiences

raising in our 20s than 30s, at least as

But even if you arrive at a stagnant

even though this meant an end to her

and experimentations – travel, hobbies,

far as the physical aspects of the tasks

point as you turn 40, with kids well into

career. A decade and three daughters

intoxicants, and of course, coupling. As

are concerned.

their teens, pulling up the stumps and

later, she is mostly tired and bitter.

we end our 20s, we look for a mate. The

Meanwhile, he wonders what might

conventional wisdom is to experience

and financial dimensions. Raising a kid

Particularly so, if there is a large pool of

have been had they never met.

and experiment before settling with

solo would be pretty hard I’d imagine at

40ish newly single people out there.

someone – FOMO leads to resentment,

any age. But who is proposing solo?

And therein lies the problem.

Imagine you have a mate – not

Arguably the trajectory I describe is

These are not isolated incidences.

Of course, there are also emotional

If you should be so lucky, your

beginning afresh would be much easier.

Whether in desh or in the west, I see

after all. Then we spend our 30s into

couples of my age and socioeconomic

the 40s consolidating career, taking on

soul, but one who is compatible for all

better for personal and social well-

background, regardless of ethnicity or

debt, and making baby – you know, the

the baby stuff, surrounded by a social

being. But how do we go from our

culture, in stale, unexciting marriages

stuff of life. And when life happens,

network that is more real than virtual.

sociocultural norms to that?

where no one is really at fault, where

love ends.

A young couple with ample support,

the fire of passion is buried in repressed

That seems to be the dominant

memories and forced indifference. And

story of people like me. Sure, there is

these are the marriages that survive.

a rare few who have not chosen that

might that not be better than a middle

I haven’t a foggiest clue. Instead, let’s listen to some music. n

aged one on their own?

But how do these young people find

- Jyoti Rahman is an infrequent blogger

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

16 LEGALESE | Jennifer Ashraf

Unwarranted incursion Q

I own a factory in Tongi,

and inspections. If the authorities are

counterfeiting coins or stamps. The

being wrongfully confined in any

and recently there have

in possession of a valid search warrant,

same applies for the deposit, sale,

specific premises. Such warrants will

been quite a few raids

and they are either prevented from

manufacture or production of any

give the bearer of the warrant the right

in my office by the

entering the premises or the staff

obscene objects.

to conduct they search for the person(s)

police. These raids have

would behave uncooperatively, it may

Warrants are also granted for the

allegedly confined. If the said person(s)

happened in the past – sometimes the

be viewed as an ‘obstruction of justice,’

seizure of any publication which is

is found during the event of the search,

police officers have search warrants,

and is therefore inadvisable.

grossly indecent, scurrilous or obscene;

he/she should not be kept in detention

or may contain defamatory content

but be immediately brought forward

sometimes they don’t. Once they

If suspicion exists about whether a

claimed that I was hiring foreigners

place is being use for the deposit or sale

against the President of Bangladesh,

in front of a Magistrate who shall make

(expats) without valid work permits

of stolen property, a District Magistrate

the Prime Minister of the Government,

the appropriate order as deemed proper

and that they needed to check the

or a Government empowered Executive

the Speaker of Parliament or the

by the circumstances of the case.

premises to verify it. I am getting a little

Magistrate may authorise search and

Chief Justice of Bangladesh; or which

concerned now. Can my premises really

inspection of such a place by issuing

may contain any words or visible

authorised Police Officer to enter the

be invaded without a search warrant?

a warrant, which can be executed by

representations which incite, or which

place specified in the warrant in or to

On what basis is a search warrant

any police-officer above the rank of

are likely to incite, any person or class

search and inspect it in the manner

granted?

constable. Such a warrant can also

of persons to commit any cognisable

specified in the warrant. The Officer

be issued upon suspicion of a place

offence.

will also be able to take possession

being used for deposit or sale of

A

Dear Reader,

Warrants are also granted in

Such a warrant will enable the

or seize any property, documents,

any forged documents, false seals,

the event that any Metropolitan or

seals, stamps or any other materials

counterfeit stamps and coins, or for

Executive Magistrate has reason to

which he believes to be stolen, forged,

any instruments or materials for

believe that a person or persons are

false or counterfeit, or obscene.

Wow. It really does feel

Such documents will be inspected

like someone has it in for

and placed by the Officer before a

you and is determined

Magistrate. Alternatively, the Officer

to make your life a little

may also guard the same on the spot

difficult. Maybe they could be calling in

until the offender is taken before a

anonymously and giving false reports.

Magistrate or dispose of the documents

Or perhaps, the local people have

in some place of safety. Traditionally,

had their suspicions aroused by your

the latter is more commonly followed,

factory’s activities. Human nature often

as the documents can be inspected

makes us susceptible to wild theories,

leisurely to determine whether their

so it is worth investigating if that is the

presentation before a Magistrate will be

case here. Now, let me answer your

justified.

queries and try to explain your legal

However, it is worth noting that

position in this instance.

these powers are only applicable

The legal authorities in Bangladesh

in instances where stolen property,

have powers to conduct raids and

forged documents, etc, is suspected

spot inspections on grounds of

to be involved. As per case law, if the

industrial factories and offices, if they

Magistrate does not mention the place

suspect illegal activities or generally

to be searched for stolen property,

to ensure that the appropriate laws

then the search warrant is illegal. I

and regulations are being followed in

hope I have been able to give you a

the proper manner. However, for this

comprehensive view of the situation.

purpose, the authorities are required to

Please do not hesitate to get in touch

obtain a search warrant to conduct such

if you require further assistance in this

raids. With regard to the spot checks/

matter.n

inspections pertaining to immigration, the authorities are empowered to conduct regular inspections and deport any foreigner who is not holding a valid visa. Therefore, it is the company’s duty to ensure that any employed foreigners or expatriates hold a valid Bangladeshi working visa while being employed by the company There are no such provisions in Bangladesh law which would allow leverage of local laws and regulations in order to avoid or postpone spot checks

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales.

She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate

Dina Sobhan | Tough Love

17

All by my lonesome

Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy/Dhaka Tribune

Dear Dina,

Dear Blah blah blah,

I don’t know what is wrong

A more sensitive person

Dear Dina,

Dear GED,

with me. I have a good life – a

might be concerned that

I am a man in my 30’s,

While you are certainly

sweet, supportive husband

you are suffering from

hailing from a fairly

eloquent in the description

entirely devoted to me, a cute and

depression and are not responsible for

comfortable house, a job pretty much

your present feelings. I, however, am

to certain exigent circumstances,

fail to mention what circumstances

made for me, and wonderful friends. I

not that person and am compelled to

I was never able to complete my

led to it. I mean, were you otherwise

should be grateful – and I am, at least on

tell you to snap out of your middle-

formal education beyond high

occupied – say, in prison – when you

a theoretical level. And yet, most days I

class melancholia. This inability to

school. I educated myself through

should have been finishing your

feel...the opposite of feeling. When I’m

appreciate the bounty that surrounds

extensive reading, watching movies

college degree? Were you detained

in bed, it takes a tremendous amount

you is merely symptomatic of a spoiled

and television, and travel. I have a

on a drug run from Amsterdam, or

of willpower to get out and face the day,

princess who is used to the good things

job that pays decent wages, which

smuggling diamonds out of Sierra

even though I’m wide awake. When I’m

in life. Maybe what you need is a hefty

I got on my own, without needing

Leone? Or were you saving the

at work, I find myself looking for excuses

hoof applied to your ample backside in

references from my family. All in all,

Amazonian rainforest or rescuing

to put off going home. It’s not like I’m

the form of some hardship. Say, your

I am grateful at how well things have

beached whales off the coast of New

unhappy – in fact, just looking at me, or

husband cheating on you with your

turned out, all things considering.

Zealand? Your failure to elaborate

talking to me, one wouldn’t guess there’s

best friend. Or your boss to suddenly

Recently, my family has been

what else you have to ‘bring to the

anything wrong. And if you asked me

realise that you’re overpaid and under-

trying to find a match for me, and

table’ is what is worrisome. Your

what I want instead, I wouldn’t really

skilled and relieve you of your duties.

somehow they always make a point

degree shouldn’t matter but only if

have an answer. So why does everything

You’ll suddenly wake up one day, alone

of mentioning my lack of a degree.

you have something more impressive

feel like a drag?

in your empty bed with unwashed hair

Should a piece of paper carry so much

and remarkable to contribute to the

Sincerely,

and nowhere to go, and spend your

weight as to negate everything else

world than yet another South Asian

Blah

days eating mishti on the sofa while

that I have to bring to the table?

with an Economics degree vying for

Dina Sobhan is a freelance writer, a part-time counsellor and a fulltime mom

well-off background. Due

of your predicament, you

watching reruns of Saas bhi kabhi bahu

a plum position at the World Bank.

thi. Just visualize your life in the latter

Your role in all of this is to prove

scenario, and then fall on the floor in

that your character isn’t defined by

gratitude for the life you do have. n

that third-rate degree you would have otherwise slogged to obtain at NSU. n

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 He tans anew in Greece (6) 6 Phone software and the French fruit (5) 7 Profession of confused Croat (5) 8 Country road first in refusal (6)

DOWN DOWN 2 Gadget ordered at store (7) 3 Rope I am untangling for shops (7) 4 Observe the show of hidden anger (6) 5 Get boat refurbished at home (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

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) - Ideas that are generally hard to find and hard to invent or design will be popping in your head this week.

Taurus (Apr 20-May20) - Dreams are dreamt to make impossibilities a part of reality. So keep dreaming and keep going until you reach the point where you’ve realised you’ve reached your goal.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) - The balance that has taken over your dual life will bring you prosperity, good luck and confidence to move forward with things in life.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22) - Put on some nice clothes and sexy perfume to greet the movers and shakers in your work life.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - It’s time to do some soul searching on your part and find out what makes you tick and what makes you roar.

Last week’s solutions

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

Last week’s sudoku solutions

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) - All your secret desires and fantasies come pouring out of your never written novel or your daily journal.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22) - Relationships will be tricky this week, as it will depend on the stability of your mood. Try working on that and stay as cool as you possibly can be without getting into much conflict.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21) - Since it is spring

ACROSS 1 Discover fat free contains raisin first (5) 5 One card (3) 6 Act unconcerned about quiet carpet (5) 8 Painful sound after final gift (5) 10 It writes notes in blue initially (3) 11 Turn left in mix together (5)

DOWN 1 Takes heed of tangled tinsels (7) 2 The appearance of ether (3) 3 Badger horse (3) 4 Revitalised Frenchman married (7) 7 Uruguay’s first Royal Navy vessel (3) 8 Go out with Emma’s big brother initially (3) 9 Deer act before end of June (3)

we suggest you start by de-cluttering some people out of your life. Especially those that annoy the living bejesus out of you: keep in mind some of these people may be very close to you but may not always want what’s best for you.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21) - As far as you are concerned this week you are eye candy to all and feel free to flirt carelessly.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19) - The question for you this week is whether or not your home is where your heart resides.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) - Who’s a social butterfly with wings to spare this week?

It’s you, it’s you and the praises are all for you!

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - A little bit of shopping never hurt anyone. Especially when you’ve been wearing clothes from the 16th century.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner Apr 22-23

Apr 23

Workshop | Water Colour Workshop by Liza’s Brushes 2

and also cover the short history of water colour.

Age: 16+. The charge for the 3 day workshop is Tk5000. You are requested to pay on the 20th. Those who want to attend will have to register at

When 10:30pm Where Leela, 3rd Floor. 60E Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka 1213 Dhaka What LEELA is happy to bring you the second of the monthly workshops with Liza.

The schedule: April 22nd: 10:30am - 12:30pm April 23rd: 7:00pm - 9:00pm April 24th: 7:00pm - 9:00pm Everything in this workshop is about water colour.

Liza will work on the techniques

leelabangladesh@gmail.com, and they will send you a confirmation mail. Send your name and phone number.

Liza will provide the colours, brushes, papers, boards and palettes for everyone. She will also teach the attendees about different kinds of paper and different kinds of brushes. She will be bringing tools for the technique with her to class.

Seats are limited, only 15 participants. So book your place by sending them an email.

Concert | Jazz in Charukola When 7pm Where Bokul Tola, Faculty Of Fine Arts, University Of Dhaka, 1205 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Not too long ago, three individuals merged to jointly explore their common passion together, forming Mohai’s Trio - a trio dedicated to this genre known as Jazz.

The band will be performing a set of originals and jazz standards.

The trio will be leading the evening with Mohaimin Karim’s bass lines accompanied by Imran Ahmed’s crafty guitar works and Arjo Shrestho’s melodic drum playing.

It’s the perfect kind of night for anyone who knows that he/she is going to be feeling bored on a Saturday night. It’s free for all.

About the Trio Mohaimin Karim picked up the bass because of its unique sound and possibilities. He was able to grow as a musician by playing with some of the finest musicians in Dhaka, and is known as the bass player of the well-acclaimed jazz fusion band

Apr 22 Education | Meet MQU Australia When 3:30pm

Where Executive Trade International Office, Concord Royal Court (3rd floor), House 40, Road 27(old), Dhanmondi, Dhaka.

What Macquarie University in Sydney is a public University in Australia, with a diverse community of approximately 35,000 students including 12,000 international students from over 114 countries.

It is our great pleasure to announce Macquarie University’s representative is coming to visit Bangladesh during April 2016.

This is a great opportunity to talk about your study opportunities and scholarship options at Macquarie University, and what it is like to live at Sydney, Australia.

Call us today and book your seat to meet Tanveeer Shaheed,

Senior Country Manager (South Asia) of Macquarie University at the following event: Please call for appointment: 01715-441-113, 01711-385-455 Note: Please bring your relevant academic documents (including transcripts / certificates, IELTS results, etc) and a copy of your passport.

Other benefits: * One on one interaction with MQ representative * Application fee waiver * On spot application submission & assessment * Scholarship for qualified students * Application and Visa Process Weblink: http://etibd.com/mquaustralia/

in town - Imran Ahmed Quintet.

Mohaimin started off with funk but is significantly influenced by jazz, fusion, blues, RnB, soul, hip-hop and progressive rock. His ambition is to explore and master these areas of music by evolving in a continuous process.

Imran Ahmed is a composer, guitar player from Bangladesh heavily influenced by jazz and Indian classical music. Having opened for the legendary John McLaughlin and Shai Maestro at last year’s premiere of Jazz and Blues Festival, Imran Ahmed has been mainly performing as part of the self-titled Imran Ahmed Quintet in Dhaka as well as collaborating with other artists.

Arjo Shrestho has been playing drums for a few years. He has been trying to understand the sound that his instrument produces to further enhance his understanding of music.

Musicians such as Peter Erskine and Bill Evans have a significant influence in the way he approaches his kit.

Apr 24

Apr 25-30

Movies | Red Shift Classic Movies: Kramer v Kramer

Food | The Great Taste of China

When 7pm

Where Red Shift Coffee Lounge,

Radius Centre, 5th Floor, Bay’s Galleria, 57 Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan, Dhaka.

What This film is about the tangled aftermath of a divorce. It’s relevant to modern life because the issues it raises have never really gone away, which explains why it’s amazing to watch to this day. Kramer Vs Kramer has also become a textbook example of film technique so that anyone interested in the details of movie making, how to direct, act and write, will find it indispensable.

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander.

When 2pm

Where The Westin Dhaka, Main Gulshan Avenue, Plot-01, Road 45, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Monkey at the Westin Dhaka, with culinary artists - Chef Mingjing Li from St Regis Chengdu, Chef Haiwei Wang, and Chef Qianjin Ding from Beijing. Sizzle your tastebuds for a week with exotic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine from the northern, southern and western provinces of China at the Westin Dhaka!

Venue: Seasonal Tastes Dinner only.

Buffet price: Tk4800 (Net) per person For reservations, call +8801730374871 or +88-02-9891988.

Entry and Popcorn: Tk200

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, APR I L 22, 20 1 6

20 The Bong Momma | Tales from a first-time mom

Photo: Bigstock

Too Cool For School Minu Ahmed

S

o last time, I was talking about how Jellybean started

her own.

Of course I was a weepy mess as to

at her new school. Before she

how my kolija was able to stay without

did, she was home with me

me. That’s the things about kids.

for more than two years and since we

Sometimes they can be the biggest

lived in an apartment building and

pain in the neck, and yet we can’t stay

there weren’t that many little kids her

a single moment without them. When

age, she had become very lonely and

Jellybean isn’t jumping around and

antisocial. Her speech wasn’t fluent

annoying the heck out of us, it feels

yet and she would mostly speak in

unnatural and out of place.

gibberish. It had become essential that

Within a month, Jellybean was in

I could foresee a not-too-distant-future where Jellybean was a dominating drama queen and had us quivering in fear tidal wave of affection!

All the improvements made us

maid who was with us for a long time and used to come in the mornings.

realise as to how deprived she had been

We decided to keep her longer until

all these days. We had tried the best we

3 pm. But I wasn’t too happy leaving

she meet other little kids her age and

love with her school and when there

could do and have fun but the joy she

Jellybean alone with the maid because

learn to interact.

were days when she couldn’t go, she

would have received from kids her own

firstly, she didn’t understand Jellybean

would get really annoyed and cranky.

age was unmatched. We saw how much

and couldn’t communicate with her

school and admitted her, we were very

She had also made friends and we

happier she was after starting school

properly, and secondly, I wasn’t sure if

apprehensive as to how she would

soon found out that despite her skinny

and knew it was all worth it.

she would put in that much effort as a

behave. Jellybean was very used to

frame, she was a big bully. She didn’t

having me around most of the time

So when we did find her new

By now I’m sure you’re wondering

family member would. Coincidentally

take crap from anyone and would give

how we managed to ferry Jellybean to

The Husband’s grandma, our beloved

and was quite clingy. When we did take

boka and shake her little finger at some

and fro from school, right? The funny

Nani, was staying with us at that time

her to school on the day of admission,

poor little kid if they didn’t listen to

thing is, Jellybean’s school timings

and she decided to help us out. For

we saw that she was at least curious to

her. As endearing as that was, I could

were from 10.30 am till 12 pm – right in

a 70-something year old, she is still

go out and explore the rooms with the

foresee a not-too-distant-future where

the middle of the morning! So unless

pretty fit and could communicate with

attendant. Seeing this, we felt confident

Jellybean was a dominating drama

someone was free all morning to take

Jellybean as well.

that the decision we made was positive.

queen and had us quivering in fear.

and bring her, there wasn’t any other

On the official first day, The

Yes, I do exaggerate and over-

Husband and I were excited and

emphasise everything, or else it’s no

nervous at the same time. We woke her

fun! Haha!

up, fed and dressed her, and took her

The best part was how fast Jellybean

way she could go.

For the first two months, I was home, so I used to take and bring her. But in the third month I started

to school. The principal allowed kids to

had learnt new things. We were amazed

work and that was when the real crisis

stay only a half to an hour maximum

at the rhymes she would recite at home,

struck. The Husband offered to take her

during the first week. This was to get

and the small phrases of English she

to school in the morning, and go a little

the child oriented to the environment

would surprise us with from time to

take to work, but then who would bring

and people around her.

time.

her back?

Jellybean saw the toys on the

One day during lunch, she asked my

Luckily, my father-in-law was retired

Playgroup table and was immediately

mother-in-law if she had had lunch,

and working in a consultancy firm. He

transfixed. We stood outside the room’s

and when she received a positive reply,

spoke to the company and adjusted

door, just in view but not too close to

she grinned and said, “Belly goot!”

timings, so that he could go after 12

disturb. She looked around for us from

The morsel of food I was taking up

pm, and that’s how we managed the

time to time, and sometimes she would

to my mouth paused in mid-air and

commute. However, since I was at work

run out. But she didn’t cry or create a

almost fell out of my hand. I could feel

for most of the day, and my mother-in-

fuss. The first few days went by, then a

tears of pride prickling at my eyes as my

law came home at 3 pm, so we needed

week and by the end of two weeks, she

eyes slowly filled up. I decided to finish

someone to look after Jellybean from

was saying bye to us and heading in on

my lunch before smothering her in a

12-3 pm. We already had an elderly

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, AP R I L 22, 201 6

With everyone pitching in and helping, I was able to return to work in peace. I cannot describe how important that is for a new working mom.

More about that next week! n

Minu Ahmed is your not-so-average homemaker, normshirker and abomination of awesomeness, juggling a career in communication, motherhood and a fatter half.

Questions? Send to thebongmomma@gmail. com

09.00 % 10.00 %

03 Months 06 Months

11.00 %

01 Year

11.50 %

02 Years

13.00 % Double

05 Years 07 Years

114 Chandina

th

Comilla

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