Weekend Tribune 20th May 2016

vol 4 Issue 5 | FRIDAY, May 20, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

6

French Classics

8

Startup Cha-Walah

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 5 | May 20, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

4 Tailored Men’s fashion 5 Tempt Make-up 8 Startup Cha-Walah 12 Musings

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

6

Food

French Classics

Relationships

14 Finance

Contributors Minu Ahmed Sarah Sayeed Gazi Farzana Romine Torsten Bünning Karishma Rahman Mohammad Amjad Hossain

16 Issue Bakushah Market evictions 17 Origin Story Shelaidaha Kuthibari

Regulars

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

Protect yourself

18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

9

Photo Story

Street Photography About the cover

Editor’s note Dear readers, Over the last couple of months, we’ve been moving in the direction of diversity in our pieces, to give you a well-rounded, restful read on Fridays. This week, we feel like we’ve hit our stride, with an eclectic roundup of contributors.

Start with a flawless face with make-up tips from our guest beauty guru. They go pretty well with our summer colour recommendations from our Style editor. Whip up some surprisingly easy French dishes, courtesy of our new food columnist.

Chase it with some fancy tea, delivered straight to your door with a click of a mouse.

See the streets of Bengal through the eyes of an outsider, as we bring you a photographic meditation on serendipity by a Berlin-based photographer. Travel back in time to trace the origins of a historic building and its connection to Tagore.

Join us as we reflect on relationships, and learn how to protect yourself when one goes sour. Finally, settle down with Bong Momma, as she muses about the struggles of being a first-time mom with a sick baby.

Wishing you a flavourful week Sabrina Fatma Ahmad Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

2 News | This week US Senate passes legislation allowing families of 9/11 victims to sue Saudi Arabia

Deadly violence in Iraq claims 70 more lives blast in the al-Shaab neighbourhood of Baghdad on Tuesday that killed 38

The US Senate has adopted a bill that

attacks on the World Trade Center

people and wounded more than 70. A

would allow families of 9/11 victims

and the Pentagon, and has threatened

car bomb in nearby Sadr City killed at

to sue Saudi Arabia’s government

to sell the kingdom’s $750bn worth

least 28 people and wounded another

for damages, despite the threat of

of assets in the US if the legislation

57. Another automobile explosion

a veto from the White House. The

becomes law.

in the al-Rasheed neighbourhood in

legislation, named the Justice Against

the south of the capital killed six and

According to Adel al-Jubeir,

wounded 21.

Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA),

the Saudi foreign minister, “What

was passed unanimously on Tuesday.

[Congress is] doing is stripping the

It has to now be taken up by the US

principle of sovereign immunities

House of Representatives, where no

which would turn the world of

At least 70 people were killed and

people last week - the highest death

vote has yet been scheduled.

international law into the law of the

more than 140 wounded by three

toll in such a short span so far this year.

jungle.”

bomb attacks in Baghdad, continuing

This has led to anger and street protests

Photo: Independent

the deadliest spate of violence in the

over the government’s failure to ensure

Iraqi capital this year.

security in the city.

Saudi Arabia has denied involvement in the September 11, 2001

Other attacks claimed by ISIL in and around Baghdad killed more than 100

ISIS claimed responsibility for a

Photo: Al Jazeera

Brazil interim president unveils all-male, white cabinet Last week, Brazil’s first female

restore Brazil’s credibility and attract

president Dilma Rousseff was

investment.

suspended from office after a vote by the Brazilian senate to launch an impeachment trial

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

against her. Following her suspension, her ex-deputy Michel

“Trust me,” he said in his inaugural speech at the Planalto presidential palace. “Trust the values of our people and our ability to recuperate the economy.”

In the meantime, he has unveiled

Temer was sworn

an all-male, conspicuously white

in as interim

cabinet to run one of the world’s most

president, and

ethnically diverse nations. Rousseff

said his primary

now faces trial by the Senate on charges

task was to form

of doctoring government accounts

a government of “national salvation” that could

to give an unrealistically healthy impression ahead of the 2014 election.

Photo: Guardian

Humiliated headmaster suspended amid outrage The management committee of Piyar Sattar Latif High School has suspended Shyamal Kanti Bhakta, the school’s headmaster who was publicly humiliated by local lawmaker Selim Osman, last Friday.

A suspension letter signed by committee president Faruqul Islam was served to Shyamal at Narayanganj 300-Bed Hospital, where he is

around the country.

The school committee letter

activities. Hence, the committee at its

from the Jatiya Party, at the school on

May 13 [Friday] meeting has decided

Friday for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.

currently undergoing treatment,

listed four reasons for suspending

to suspend you from your duties,” the

Shyamal told the Dhaka Tribune.

Shyamal. They are: that he physically

letter read.

Shyamal has gone on record to

tortured students, that he took bribes

Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune,

Interestingly, although the letter is

Shyamal claimed that the entire

say that MP Selim had in fact saved

promising to secure jobs at the school,

dated May 13 in the top right corner of

incident had been staged by the

him from an angry mob by appeasing

that he made derogatory comments

the document, the date that appears

school management committee which

it in part, but reiterated that his ill-

about Islam and finally, that he

under the committee president’s

had been trying to remove him from

treatment had been orchestrated by

frequently took unauthorised leave

signature is May 16.

the headmaster’s post for the past

the school committee.

and came late to work.

Outrage at the public humiliation

“You have been warned several

The headmaster was initially

few months in order to put Faruqul

beaten up. He was then seen being

Islam’s sister Parveen Akhter, who

of the headmaster and support for

times regarding the complaints

made to do squats while holding

is also the school’s assistant head

him have flooded the social media,

against you, yet you have failed to

his ears on the instruction of Selim

teacher, in his place.

while protests have been taking place

refrain from such illegal and immoral

Osman, a Narayanganj lawmaker

Source: Dhaka Tribune

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

Propellers under construction in a blacksmith workshop at Kaliganj’s ship building yard.

Photo: Mehedi Hasan

Weird skeletons discovered in the basement of an old home in London

say what?

In 2006, a sealed basement was uncovered beneath a London old home. Inside were hundreds of large crates that collectively contained thousands of nightmarish artifacts, otherworldly specimens and mysterious diaries. The items ranged from strange to disturbing.

The items are now known as the Merrylin Cryptid Collection.

The name comes from the man to whom they belonged – a Cryptonaturalist, Fringe Zoologist and Xeno-Archeologist, named Thomas Theodore Merrylin.

Born in Hellinhshire, England in 1782, to a rich aristocrat and biologist, Merrylin dedicated his life to the collection and study of these weird and wonderful specimens.

Turns out these creepy artifacts are actually the creations of Alex CF, a London-based illustrator, writer, and sculptor.

Source: Boredpanda

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

4 Tailored | Men’s fashion

Too darn hot Summer trends for your check list Mahmood Hossain

W

ell It’s difficult at

Traditionally, you’ll see a waterfall

times to understand

of colours in summer. This time

what the heck is

around, there’s a subtle hue to make

going in the fashion

an appearance. Instead of popping

scene, especially when you find

in a single item, combining different

yourself lost in a confusing schedule.

shades of grey, all in one outfit, is the

Summer 2016’s trends can be found

look to go after. The varying shades

in the runways of last summer’s 2015

will keep you from looking boring, and

collection. Don’t get it? It’s okay, you

bring a lot more intrigue to the mix.

may not be the only one. Whatever

Do consider your skin tone though.

you saw on the runways in 2015, was

While, most greys work perfectly

the exact trends of this summer’s

fine with all skin tones, there will be

fashion. Hence, ‘fashion forward.’

shades of grey that hit the right notes

Now that we’ve cleared that little

regarding your complexion.

fashion information out of the way, let’s take a look at the list.

Distressed and not depressed

Mean green The same can be said about the booming colour of the new season.

This season, jeans have never been so

Although grey is more suited

darn distressed. Tattered and ripped

throughout the day, you should

artistically, the denim of choice this

reserve the shades of green (mainly

summer will be of punk rock variety.

in the darker shade) for the more

With the addition to the former, you’ll

evening oriented occasions. Keep in

see patches and bleached denim in

mind, the darker shades of green can

varieties of washes. Buying them off

be easily pulled off by men with a

the rack is one thing but styling is a

slightly darker complexion. Doesn’t

tad different. The whole idea behind

matter if it’s camo, forest, or olive

this look is to make it seem the jeans

green, etc, you’ll have no problems

have been lived in for quite some

matching these greens up with

time.

complimenting contrasts.

Check ya neck

Feet cleanse

Sure, it isn’t winter but that doesn’t

The runways of Europe will have you

mean certain accessories have to be

believe that socks with sandals is an

limited to a certain period of the year.

okay thing. No matter how expensive

Scarves in the light-cotton and linen

the socks and sandals are separately,

fabrics will be waved like colourful

this look is not something you should

flags in the battlefield. However, this

risk pulling yourself. Remember, not

season, it’s all about the bourgeois

everything off the runway is a literal

handkerchief. Think, Amitabh

style move you should steal or try.

Bachchan’s cross between Coolie

Although, the high-street fashion

and Don. Even though this can be

scene did give us something we can

used in casual look, you’ll see a more

use after all. Sandals are no longer the

sophisticated styles for the semi-

bastard cousins of the shoe family.

formal and formal looks for the even.

Flip-flops are one thing, but to slip on

Whether it’s loosely tied or tucked

a quality leather pair of sandals with

underneath a light-weight jacket or

your polo and chinos or even your

dress shirt, it’s a suave addition to

crispiest panjabi is a sight to behold.

your overall look.

Cross-leather strapped sandals, for

Hey grey

one, is a fine example of opened-toed shoes gone right. It’s comfortable,

Another unexpected trend for the new

sure, but even better is its feel and

summer are the shades of cool grey.

elegant characteristics. n Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

Make-up | Trending

5

Eat cake; don’t wear it

A step by step guide on making sure your foundation base is as flawless as it gets Karishma Rahman motion for more coverage first. It covers most blemishes and helps me better understand how much concealer I need next. After stamping, I use a damp beauty blender in a dabbing motion (do NOT rub) to push the product into the skin for a flawless finish.

Another pro tip for applying corrector, foundation and concealer is to always use the damp sponge to blend between each stage so that it takes on a more flawless finish. This also takes away any excess product leaving you with a full coverage base that is flawless and non-cakey. Only use as much concealer as you need to cover the blemishes and don’t go overboard with the product. Remember, less is more.

Build your way to your desired finish.

4. Set your base Use a good translucent powder and Photo: Bigstock

push in a thick layer under the eyes to bake the areas for bullet proof finish

O

my imaginations run wild. I’ve always

1. Give your skin some lovin’

loved art and colours hence my intense

Taking care of your skin is of UTMOST

2.Prime and prep

love and passion for make-up. I’m

importance. I always say that no

While a lot of people find primers to

obsessed about making the skin look

matter how good or expensive the

be of no use, I feel that primers are

bring back the warmth and colour to

bright, glowy and absolutely flawless.

product is, without good skin to work

very essential. It helps make-up stay

your face, your favourite eye make-up,

Even if the eyes and lips are kept

on, the make-up will never sit nicely.

on longer, glide on smoother and sit

lipstick and your killer highlighter.

neutral, I love a flawless, radiant face.

Therefore, let’s get started with the

on the skin much better. Silicon based

Finish off with a good setting spray.

I always feel that it makes every other

exfoliating, toners and moisturisers.

primers are best for filling in pores to

I am currently amazed at how good

aspect of a makeover look beautifully

First things first, hydrating your skin

give a smoother canvas to work on

the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting

kept together. Imagine going to a

and using night creams is something I’d

while glycerin based ones help hydrate

Spray is. I went an entire day without

wedding where you have a gorgeous

recommend everyone to do. At night,

skin and are good for ensuring a perfect

touching up my make-up at all and this

pair of glittery eyes, lip colour and

always ensure that every bit of your

finish. It creates a smoother barrier

was during one of the hottest summer

yet your foundation looks immensely

make-up is removed, your skin is fed

between the layer of make-up and your

days.

patchy and cakey. Not very appealing,

properly (weekly face masks), don’t

skin.

eh?

leave your skin thirsty (moisturizers)

that lasts all day. For oily skin I use

ne of my favourite aspects

to ensure that. Here’s my step-by-step

Favourites: AC Clearing Foam Cleanser

some setting powder on the t-zone to

about any makeover is the

guide to making sure your base is

(I look bright and my skin feels like

bake and set the areas better. Leave the

skin. Every face for me is

flawless, smooth and as real as it gets.

heaven), Bioderma White Objective

rest of the face to set it with a thin layer

Moussant

of powder and nothing more. After a

a blank canvas where I let

The misconception that full

few minutes, remember to lightly dust off all the excess powder.

Apply a bit of bronzer and blush to

Voila! Before you know it, you can say hello to beautiful, radiant and

and PLEASE don’t sleep with make-up

Favourites: NIVEA Post Shave Balm

flawless skin. Make-up? Nope, we just

coverage make-up has to be intensely

on. It’s one of the worst things you can

(it’s MAGIC), Too Faced Primed

woke up looking like this! n

caked up and horrible upfront is an

ever do to your skin.

And Poreless (for pores), Hourglass

absolute misconception! Leave all that cake for the dessert table woman!

We can have a radiant, full coverage

One pro-tip I’d suggest is to

Mineral Veil, MAC Fix+ Prep + Prime or

moisturise your skin prior to make-

Smashbox Primer Water (recommended

up application. Remember to let the

for dry skin)

base without looking like we’re wearing

moisturiser sink into your skin for a

a mud mask. I love a base that looks

few minutes before going in with your

3. Foundation and concealer 101

like second skin without all the dark

foundation. I have combination/oily

Brush or sponge, whichever you are

circles and blemishes. Throughout my

skin and I’m currently loving my Green

comfortable with, remember to BLEND

years of experimentation, research

Snail Healing Gel Cream. It leaves my

like there’s no tomorrow. I personally

and experience with so many different

skin feeling supple and smooth.

love stippling the foundation (only a

kinds of skin textures, I’ve learnt how

The author is the face behind Zuri, an independent hair and make-up artist that caters to special bridal, party and glamour needs.

few drops) onto the skin in a stamping

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

6 Food | French classics

Gallic Gastronomy Photos and text: Farzana Romine

C

ooking French food at home might sound daunting, but not all French recipes are complicated. With some easy techniques, you can make delicious French food at home. I cooked this three course French menu for my husband’s birthday, which you can easily make at home.

Duck a l’orange

Ingredients

Directions

2 duck breasts

Preheat the oven to 390°F/200°C.

If your frying pan has a metal

First, you need to prepare the

handle, turn the duck over (skin

1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper

For the sauce:

heat.

duck. Pat the duck dry with a paper

side should be down) and place the

Let it come to a bubble and

towel. Score the duck’s skin and

pan inside the oven. Bake for seven

simmer for a few minutes, until it

make sure not to cut all the way to

minutes.

thickens a bit. While the duck is

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

the meat. Sprinkle salt and pepper

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

generously on both sides.

2 tbsp sugar

pan (apart from butter) over medium

Now, take a cold pan and put the

If your oven is not big enough to

resting, lots of juice will come out

put the pan in, then place a baking

of the duck. Mix that juice with the

tray inside the oven while preheating

sauce. Just before taking the sauce

1/2 chicken or beef boullion cube

duck on the pan (skin side down).

and place the duck on it. After seven

off the heat, add the butter and mix

1/2 cup water

Keep the heat on medium. Let all the

minutes, take the duck out and let

well. Once the duck has cooled down,

2 teaspoon orange zest

fat render out for about ten minutes.

it rest on a plate to cool down skin

slice it into 4 to 5 pieces and pour the

side up.

sauce over it.

1 tsp black pepper 1 tbsp butter

Once the color becomes golden brown, turn it over and keep it on high heat to sear the meat.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients for the sauce in a small

Serve with mashed potatoes or boiled vegetables of your choice. n

7

Chocolate Souffle (This recipe makes 3 standard size soufflés)

Directions

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C.

2 tbsp butter

Butter the inside of the ramekins

2 tbsp flour

well and sprinkle powdered sugar.

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Mix the flour, butter and salt. The

2 large eggs, yolk and white separated

consistency will be like hard dough.

1/2 tsp salt

Heat the milk and half of the sugar.

1/2 cup milk (don’t fill it all the way.

Let it come to a boil. Reduce the heat

Take one tablespoon less than half cup)

and stir in the flour mixture. Mix

1/2 cup chocolate chips. (I used

well until the flour mixture is well

Ghirardelli 60% cocoa chips)

incorporated into the milk. Cook until

Extra powdered sugar and butter (for

thickened, like a custard.

the ramekins)

Reduce the stove temperature to low. Add the chocolate, mix well, and add egg yolks. Mix well. Make sure the temperature is on low heat, or else the mixture will start to stick to the bottom.

Remove from heat and cool down.

Beat the egg whites. Gradually add rest of the sugar and beat until stiff peak is formed.

Add one-third of the egg whites

Tip: You can prepare the custard and chocolate mix ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to make souffle, just take it out of the fridge and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

to the chocolate mixture and mix thoroughly, then add rest of the egg white and gently fold and incorporate it.

Now fill your ramekins all the way to the top. Make sure to wipe up the sides well. Tap the ramekins a few times to remove air bubbles.

Bake for 17 to 18 minutes. Serve immediately. n

Beet and cheese salad Ingredients

Directions

1 small beet root

Boil the beet until tender. Not

1 small cucumber

too soft, it should retain it’s

1 radish

firmness.

1 orange

Mix the pickling liquid

A few pecan or walnuts

ingredients. Slice the radish

Some baby spinach for garnish

and submerge it in the pickling

For the dressings:

liquid for one hour.

In a small pan, mix the

Balsamic reduction:

balsamic vinegar and honey and

3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

reduce over low hear until it

2 tsp honey

thickens.

Dill vinaigrette:

ingredients and place aside.

2 tbsp finely chopped dill 1 tsp vinegar 2 tbsp olive oil

Mix the dill dressing Slice the cucumber and orange.

When you are ready to

Pinch of salt

serve, assemble everything on

Dash of black pepper

a plate in an arrangement of

Pickling liquid:

your choosing. This is the time to practice your plating skills.

1/2 cup water

Crumble the goat cheese and

1 tbsp vinegar

place evenly around the plate.

2 tsp sugar

Drizzle the dressing on top.

1/2 tsp salt

Serve immediately. n

Note: You can use any vegetables you want. This is a recipe that works well with any seasonal vegetables.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

8 Startup | Cha-walah

Tea at your doorstep

You can’t buy happiness but you can buy great tea and that’s kind of the same thing

Moumita Ahmed

A

rolling, fermentation, and drying. For

used in making the herbal tea. Even

the special ‘souchong black tea,’ two

though its called a tea, it rarely includes

extra procedures are needed: hot pot

any part of the tea plant.

frying and steam baking.

Oolong tea is a unique tea and

White Tea is considered to have been the least processed amid the

is rarely found outside of Fujian,

diverse tea, taking its name from

Guangdong, and Taiwan. It falls

the white hair on its surface. The

iming to give Bangladeshi

communication of Cha-walah has

in between black and green tea,

processing procedure is rather simple

tea connoisseurs an

been digital media. They sell tea and

respectively, in that it has the richness

as it goes through only two procedures:

extraordinary experience

tea accessories through the internet,

and freshness of black tea and the

withering and drying, withering being

through tasting the finest

via their own website and a page on

fragrance of green tea. However the

the main part. The tender bud and

varieties of global loose leaf tea, Cha-

Facebook, for people who are familiar

bitter taste of the green tea and the raw

tender leaves are often noted for their

walah believes that every Bangladeshi

with or interested in whole leaf tea.

taste of the green tea is left out.

subtleness. The finished product has

household should have the chance

Their website also provides collected

to taste a great variety of exotic teas,

knowledge on tea, which are available

natural flavour, and health benefits.

with white hairs. The brewed tea leaves

delivered to their doorsteps.

in their digital pages.

It can reduce cholesterol and fix any

open up fully underwater and the tea

digestion problems, thus making it a

soup has a subtle aroma with a light color.

It all started when the owners were

Being the first online tea buying

Pu-erh is commended for its rich,

green leaves and red veins covered

considering starting a small business

platform in the country, Cha-walah

great reliever for after a big meal. Piling

in Bangladesh, and when it came to

provides six major categories of tea –

is a key procedure in the processing

choosing a product, they followed their

green tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong

procedure in which the sunned semi-

health benefits, it improves brain

heart and chose tea as their passion.

tea, scented tea, and blooming tea.

processed tea is piled up, watered,

function, fat loss, and there is a lower

Moreover, there are varieties of the

and stored in an environment with

risk of cancer. It is also the earliest

there is an alternative in the ways we

different categories. They have twelve

a temperature exceeding 25 degrees

unfermented tea processed by humans.

used to know and drink tea, induced

varieties of green tea, eight varieties

Celsius and a humidity level of 85

The dry tea leaves are green and the

them to explore more on this issue.

of white tea, three varieties of yellow

percent in order for the fermentation to

brewed tea leaves are fresh green.

And they discovered that people in

tea, five varieties of oolong tea, and five

take place rapidly.

In the production of green tea, three

Bangladesh would want to know

varieties of blooming/flower tea. They

Blooming tea or Herbal tea is

and taste more of this much-loved

even sell scented green, white, yellow,

made up of a bundle of dried tea

rolling, fixation, and drying. Fixation

beverage.

and oolong tea with jasmine or other

leaves wrapped around one or more

decides the color of the green tea.

flavoured tea. These cannot be grown

dried flowers. These bundles are set

Like all other unfermented teas,

established online tea stores around the

in Bangladesh and are imported from

to dry. After the process of steeping,

green tea retains much of the natural

world, which worked as an inspiration

all over the world.

the bundles expand in a manner

components of the tea leaves.

Debate and research on whether

They came across numerous

and hence they started the business in the beginning of March this year.

The primary source of

Black Tea is a fully fermented tea.

similar to that of a blooming flower.

processing procedures are required:

Yellow Tea is also an unfermented

Contrary to its name, it has a red tea

The tea leaves are obtained mainly

tea featuring yellow leaves and yellow

soup. Black tea requires withering,

from the Yunnan province of China.

tea soup. Similar to white tea, it has

Serving blooming tea in a container

a pleasant aroma. The unique process

that is transparent allows drinkers to

of yellow tea results in a tea that is

behold the beautiful and captivating

good for fixing indigestion and helping

‘blooming’ effect of the leaves making

with weight loss. Yellow tea is also

it one of the more elegant teas to sip on.

considered to be healthier than green

Herbal tea, the name probably gives you an idea of what this tea has to offer.

Made purely from Chinese medicinal

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

Green Tea is known for its incredible

tea by some as it doesn’t cause any stomach problems.

In the future, they hope to create the

herbs, this tea has many health

most trusted and loved online tea store

benefits. Amongst these, the most

in the country, and plan to introduce

notable are that it helps to fight colds,

new categories of tea. They wish to

indigestion, and infection. It usually

proliferate the number of tea drinkers,

has a bitter or slightly sweet taste. The

and want people to consider tea as a

colour depends on the type of herbs

token of appreciation. n

Street Photography | Photo Story

9

Serendipitous Photos and text: Torsten Bünning

Serendipity is the aptitude to make desirable discoveries by accident.

The “photo subjects” will emerge anywhere, anytime in the streets, thus they are captured serendipitously.

As a photographer of the human condition focusing on social documentary in the right moment, I am roaming the streets and take photographs of people on my way to other photo locations.

I am involved in three ongoing projects, samples of which can also be seen at: http://streetfotografie.tumblr.com

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Street Photography Roma People Portraiture The most recent and least of my serendipitous project is about Roma People, who are living widely dispersed in Eastern Europe, i.e. in the Balkans. Their living conditions for the vast majority are just unbearable, a life that non-gypsies can hardly imagine, nor sympathize with their economic or mental situation. The kids liked to be portrayed as the proud horse owner, still a traditional craft for rural Roma people. It takes much more than serendipidity to successfully approach them and win their confidence, though.

Streetwise Bengal In the streets of Bengal many men and minors have will do anything to make a living. The fragility of the Bengali people portrayed evokes empathy in the beholder. They are existentialists by birth and I became intrigued by the strong mental perseverance to live against all odds, which our Western eyes might perceive as an inexplicable will to survive.

The photographs were taken across the streets of “Bengal� (not refering to a political, but to the cultural region areas of India and in Bangladesh, where Bengali-speaking people are the majority.)

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

11

Street Spirit of Berlin Sometimes coming home from random walks in Berlin with little gems, happy to always being able capture what is I see as the Street Spirit of Berlin. Berliners can perceive their home town with different eyes than outsiders, who are interested in the famous Karaoke or the Potsdamer Platz.

Many ignore that one fifth of its inhabitants depend on the Basic Social Assistance (aka Hartz4), although these people give distinction to the townscape in many streets of central Berlin.

The woman who is digging deep into the dustbin to collect deposit bottles near to the election poster, which campaigning in favor of a minimum wage.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

12 Musings | Relationships

Friendships and expiry dates Sarah Sayeed Gazi

E

xplosive laughs- we’re

made is still okay because the most

lucky if we might have

creative people flourish in clutter.

experienced them with a

Here’s what’s worrying – although

certain friend. They are like

this friend had witnessed you at your

fireworks – igniting, loud and can burn

clumsiest, meeting up with them now

if you get too much exposure. They

puts you on the edge. Your meet-ups

happen when forty-three muscles in

are ridden with gawky greetings and

your face stretch and scrunch to bring

awkward hugs. Smooth flowing banter

them out. The laugh lines come to

is reduced to odd silences. You might

life, the cheeks flush red, the nostrils

find yourself grasping at straws to

flare and the facial distortions become

make conversation with them. Sure, at

more happening than the over-hyped

one point they’ve been your barrel of

snap-chat filters. I’m referring to the

laughs, your jar of secrets and ears to

kind of laughs that are stomach-aching

your quarter life crisis at 3am, but then

and lung-exploding and make you slide

stuff happens (or they don’t) and they

off the couch and roll on the floor. With

become guest characters in your story.

so much science kicking, you have a

Think about that friend you one-

gut feeling that this friend should be a

day stumble across in your old profile

keeper. But what if, a couple of years

pictures. If you tip-toe around their old

later you meet him\her and you find

photos, you remember you had your

that the fireworks have fizzled out.

time in theirs too. But when you meet

Maybe you ran out of gunpowder?

them now, there’s something so foreign

Maybe your lighter fluid has dried

about it. You simply cannot trace the

up? Whatever the reason, you two

fault lines along which your friendship

can no longer propel fire-works to the

has changed tune. It’s somewhat like

sky. In other words, you’ve stopped

the unnoticed cracks in a building

connecting like the old times; you’ve

prior to a tumble down. When these

stopped making magic.

are not mended, the cracks spread and

Imagine a friend you had a near

widen and the entire thing collapses

baking disaster with. The cake broke

on its own debris. You cannot find out

into half and you dared not to taste

the origins of these cracks once you’re

the rock that came out of the oven

in its wrecks. Because maybe they

so you both blasted it with icing and

were the small things, something said,

Tada! It looked like it was straight

something assumed, yet big enough to

out of a bakery. Or, perhaps when

leave open wounds in your friendship.

you made cake frosting but it turned

Or worse, maybe NOTHING HAPPENED

into a gooey mess. Everything was

for you two to part ways. But you want

going great till you started to doubt

there to some kind of explosive reason.

it so you abandoned the recipe and

Had there been that you-un-friended-

employed your own fixes like the

me-from-face-book brawl or you-dated-

little rebel you are. By the end of the

my-boyfriend debacle it would have

day, you had frosting EVERYWHERE

been easier on you to write off that

(some on your cat, too) and the

friendship. It would have been lighter

kitchen looked like a crime scene. It

on you to digest the loss. It would have

was so bad you could see tomorrow’s

certified that you drew the curtains

headlines saying “disaster at the

under valid grounds. But know that

bakery” and do-not-cross-tapes all-

some friendships hit the fizzle factor

over your kitchen. The mess you’ve

without any such grounds. You do not

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

13 gather a troop of girls and attack your

and give our friends the benefit of the

friend over a misunderstanding; they do

doubt. Maybe we shouldn’t get overtly

not handpick insults off the thesaurus

defensive when a valued friendship

to get back at you, and there’s really no

is at stake. Because if our egos can

discord in the air about anything. They

be bigger than our friendships, the

sink without definitive causes.

odds are that we are extinguishing a

And then we have friendships with all sorts of reasons to be thrown into

friendship full of possibilities.

It’s always sad to see that a

jeopardy. I’m talking about that friend

friendship so important to you has

you know you’d help out in a heartbeat.

gone downhill. With the fast pacing

The friend you can read like an open

world we’re in today, losing touch

book. And although you two have

with a friend is routine, and drifting

more experiences than SpongeBob and

apart, an inescapable reality. It’s no

Patrick, your clashes are more regular

one’s fault. Relationships are really

than Mr. Krab’s and Plankton’s Krabby

about survival of the fittest where

patty fights. When you two fight it

some make it and others don’t. We

brings a whole set of attitudes and

have to be smarter about what kind

conditioned reactions which go in line

of friendships we’d want to invest in

with the argument. Your conversations

and what we can let slide as fleeting.

start to revolve around who wins and

If you are the only one buckling down

who loses and everything else gets

to rekindle a dormant friendship and

the backseat. It’s just like that camera

the other person does not reciprocate

Because the real friends really don’t come with expiry dates, they transcend boundaries of space and time

Photo: Bigstock

filter that zooms in on the subject

on the same wavelength, walk away

(winning and losing) and blurs out the

knowing friendship is really a two

background (the hurt sentiments). You

way street. Know that two parties

lay off conversations before someone

have to be equally invested to revive

decides to break the ice. You appear

a friendship and the loss here isn’t on

apathetic throughout the ordeal

your end. Understand some friendships

because you want the other person

aren’t meant to be rekindled and they

to know you’re not too invested. You

live in the still frames of yesterdays,

become careful to send back laconic

in un-ticked bucket lists, in letters

replies to show you’re wounded from

promised to have opened 10 years later,

the fight. Guilt-tripping your friend is

in overdue sleepovers and in old boxes

the idea. And although mostly there’s

of school memoirs lying yonder. But

still more love than war to it, know

the most amazing take-away from this

how corrosive to your friendship these

ordeal, is that it leaves you stronger

fights are. Sure, winning arguments

than you know, and more appreciative

give you an ego boost but it really is

of the people who have been there for

a messy business when you take it

you through thick and thin. Because

overboard. The only thing guaranteed,

the real friends really don’t come

is hurt feelings. Maybe we should know

with expiry dates, they transcend

when to leave our egos at the door

boundaries of space and time. n

Photo: Bigstock

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

14 Finance | Protect Yourself

The freedom fund Are we really making our dreams a financial reality?

N Anita Amreen

I

(55 per cent) feel justified in hitting or

account to ensure that “whether the

Farzana was an Honours second

- a sort of financial self defense if she is

beating their wives. In the Bangladesh

system protects or fails you, you will

year student at Dhaka University.

forced to leave it all behind in the face

Demographic and Health survey 2004,

be able to take care of yourself.” The

With her father passing away

of an emergency. “In 2009, I made a

nearly one in two said if their wife

question arises - how many of the

a few months earlier, the unlikely

DPS account as an emergency savings

went out without telling them, it would

country’s urban youth - the women

burden of shouldering the family’s

account and I’ve touched it only once

justify violence.

hailing from upper and upper-middle

financial responsibilities fell on her

since - to invest in a plot of land. This

young shoulders. At 21, as the youngest

fund is for my comfort and mine alone.

middle class women - proactively

among three siblings, this was an

It’s not even for the safety of my child. I

saving money whenever and however

uncomfortable curveball life had

know if I’m financially and emotionally

they can is often their only means

began saving. Coming from a fairly

thrown her way - but one she took in

sound and stable my child will be too,”

to break free from these kinds of

well off family and pursuing a degree at

her stride. Working at Impress Telefilms

she adds.

situations. However, truth be told, the

North South University, Nawsheen felt

reality of the matter is - they almost

that putting money aside for rainy days

never save for their emergencies.

was something that “came naturally” to

t was the year 2004. Rumpa

alongside pursuing her studies, she

She would build a “Freedom fund”

For the lower middle class and

class echelons of society actually have a security fund?

Nabila Nawsheen was 18 when she

prevented this financial emergency

But that will never happen to me!

from becoming a crisis. Despite being

Many women find themselves in

the breadwinner of the family, constant

similar situations - the job that

took the internet by storm by

I had a stash of money I could use, if

conflict with other members made

promised you a promotion suddenly

introducing the concept of a “f****

and when I required,” she said. Given

her realise she had to get away from

disappears, your child suddenly has a

off fund” - a stock of emergency

Tk4,000 pocket money per month,

them and fend for herself. But for a

medical emergency, or you’re trapped

savings that women may fall back on

she saved half of that for a period of 18

young single woman from Shyamoli to

in an abusive marriage - the scenarios

in the face of a crisis. She stressed on

months. Interestingly, she invested that

leave home was blasphemous. Where

are real and endless. According to a

the importance of women making

money into making gold rings.

would she live? Where would she go?

UNICEF report titled “Women and

a proactive effort to start a savings

How would she fund herself? These

Girls in Bangladesh,” women are “more

questions remained unanswered but

vulnerable to trafficking, sexual abuse,

she went her own way nevertheless.

rape, acid throwing and other forms

Renting out a sublet at Azimpur

her. “I somehow just felt good knowing

“I didn’t know or feel that

of exploitation, including child labour

colony, she stayed there for two

and child prostitution.” The report also

months, falling back on her meagre

states how many are married by age 15.

savings. Slowly her funds began to run

Dowry violence, such as murder and

low and work no longer gave her the

induced suicide, still poses real threats

security net she thought she could fall

to girls. What’s interesting to note is

back on. She went back home, made

that, women are also less likely to go

amends but also made a new promise

to university and if they do go, their

to herself - this would never happen

dowry increases. Statistics also show

again.

that more than half of married men

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

Writer Paulette Perhach recently

Often we overlook our expenses as we’re unaware of where our money’s actually being spent

15 comfortable about making a bank

save to be able to have the financial

currently holds a culinary degree from

it affords me: I know that I’ll never

account so I just bought gold. My

independence to pay for extra goods

Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s largest

have to rely on anyone else,” says

mother always taught me about the

they want to buy but Reema feels that

hospitality education institution. This

Rohini Alamgir, Business development

unfailing value of gold and somehow

it’s critical to have a survival fund -

wasn’t the result of sole funding from

specialist, P1, Bashundhara Group.

that felt like wise investment,” she

money to survive on just in case you

her parents or support from her family,

Beginning to save from the young

explained. When asked if she ever had

have to leave your job, relationship or

rather she worked to build her own

age of 15, Alamgir now has an FDR

to fall back on those savings, she said

life behind.

Freedom Fund. Starting saving at the

connected to her savings account, with

age of 18, she launched Silver Lining, an

interest getting placed every day.

she hadn’t but that never stopped her.

“Society already takes power

As a 26 year old mother of a two year

away from girls. If you are financially

online bakery that sells novelty cakes

old son, Nawsheen still converts her

independent, you get a lot of power back

and dessert. Saving her earnings, she

You can do it too

savings into gold although she has

- you don’t have to explain where and

also pursued an undergraduate degree

No matter where a woman starts from,

never needed to touch her ever growing

how you spend money to your parents/

in the country before finally having

be it in bank accounts or an old school

Freedom Fund.

in-laws. They can’t force you into

enough to pursue her dreams.

piggy-bank, it is vital in being able to

One for the girls

wedlock. Say your husband is abusive,

“I know you can’t just leave matters

handle financial contingencies. “It’s

you’re far more likely to stand up for

in your hands if you really want

very important to know your financial

“As a girl, it would be far more

yourself,” she adds. While Reema’s

something,” she shared. For women

limit and to stay within it. This is

important to save since you’re sort of

motivation to save are different (she’s

like Nusrat, making your dreams a

applicable to every decision you take

at the mercy of your parents and after

saving for her MBA), Reema stresses on

financial reality has been possible only

in your life. In financial decisions,

marriage, your in-laws,” says Reema

the importance of saving for situations

because she has religiously contributed

have a clear idea about how much of

Siddique*, a 24 year old working

you cannot predict.

to an emergency fund each month until

your monthly income will be spent

she could meet her financial goals.

and in which sectors, and how much

as a consultant to an international

While some save for rainy days,

development finance institution. For

others secure their Freedom Fund

“I try to put away at least 10% of

Reema, saving money is great but

and actually use it to chase dreams

my income into savings every month.

you will keep aside for savings. Save the budgeted amount beforehand,

having an actual “freedom fund” is

that would have otherwise seemed

I save for rainy days. I save because I

not after spending,” advises Ibne Md

crucial. Many save for vacations, or

unattainable. Nusrat Tabassum

like the freedom and independence

Shamsuzzaman, Vice President and Head of Branch of Bank Asia. He claims that tracking your expenses, avoiding impulse buys, considering low cost entertainment alternatives and setting up realistic monthly budgets is the way forward. “Often we overlook our expenses as we’re unaware of where our money’s actually being spent,” he shares. By scrutinising bank statements frequently and using cash instead of cards, he says a sound yet steady fund can be easily built.

“Waking up everyday at 7am and then working till 8pm doesn’t feel like the ideal life. Many of us give up, look for easier options or for shortcuts,” shares G Sumdany Don, Chief Inspirational Officer, Don Sumdany Facilitations. According to Don, there really are no shortcuts behind success and success is the result of being able to find financial stability and confidence in your independence. “My advice to the youth of this country is to start working from an early age. Build up that corporate network and see how difficult it is to earn money. Understand what our parents have gone through to earn enough money for our education and lifestyle. This would also make you more mature, more realistic and practical. It would enable you to know more people, understand corporate culture and etiquette - why would you make mistakes after graduation? Make them before! And above all, it puts money in your hands. Buying things on your own, investing behind your passion like music or painting - it all becomes easy,” he adds. n

Photos: Bigstock

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

16 Issue | Bakushah Market evictions

Bringing down bookstores Does a better future await the vendors?

Saudia Afrin

E

However, the association for

shops were evicted, unfortunately my

financially capable shops immediately

bookshops were evicted at

the tenant vendors and the general

shop was one of them. Because of the

shifted to nearer markets by paying

Bakushah Hawkers market in

secretary of Friend and Friend Multi-

sudden demolition the owner didn’t

higher rents and advances. However,

Nilkhet, under the pretext of

Purpose Business Association’s Sayed

get time to relocate the shop-materials

many small business owners are still

building a 15-storeys building. Vendors

Al Mahmud said: “We don’t oppose

to somewhere else. I am now jobless,”

looking for new shops.

of the market are agitated and rushing

building a high-rise facility. We just

Shohidul informed the Dhaka Tribune

to set up their businesses in areas near

wanted more time to vacate the place.

over the phone.

to the old market. The second phase of

But without sending any letters and

demolition is planned to take place at

pre-announcement the electricity was

It’s been close to a month and I still

the next phase, said, “After the incident

the end of Ramadan.

cut off. And then suddenly on May 2

don’t have a job. As far as I know this

the markets around the area almost

the eviction started. Most of the shops

is the case for most of the workers in

doubled their rents and advances. So,

Hawkers market is a well-known

had equipments inside during the

other shops,” he added.

it is getting even harder for us to rent a

place for selling of all kinds of books,

eviction. We want at least six months

Shohidul got back to his village to

stationery and printing, binding,

extension or the vendors will suffer.”

his family and he can’t come back to

A young worker in a photocopy

the city. Now his son Junayed, who

among the tenant vendors: “If they

arlier this month, around 300

With around 1200 shops, Bakushah

photocopying, typing and a whole

“It’s very difficult to find a new job.

The second stage of eviction will start by the end of Ramadan. Arif, a vendor, whose shop will be evicted in

new place.”

Abdul Alim blames the disunity

range of related services. Because of its

shop, named Mukul said, “We were

works in a bookshop near the Bakusha

had come to us earlier for consultation

close proximity to the Dhaka University

informed several times before about

market is the only source of income

we would have helped them in getting

campus area the market is very popular

the eviction. But it never happened.

and hope for the entire family.

a new location at affordable price,

among students. It is also very popular

So nobody took it seriously and didn’t

among customers all around the city

bother to relocate their shops this time

the building, we served notice to the

rate, through negotiation with the

for availability of pirated and original

well, thinking the decision wouldn’t

owners and tenants to vacate their

market owners. However, at this

academic and non-academic books at

be implemented. But, this time it

places by December 2015. Due to

moment market owners are not going

affordable prices.

happened.”

inconvenience in finding new shops,

to listen to anything from us.”

The Director of Bakushah Hawkers

Due to the incident, a huge number

“In order to start construction of

the time was extended for three

perhaps even lower than the regular

Abdul Alim says that this building

Shomobay Shomiti’s Abdul Alim said:

of employees like Shohidul Islam

months. And finally on May 2 we

is a dream project of the members of

“Since eviction notices were given a

and many others have lost their jobs.

started the eviction,” said Abdul Alim,

the association. He said: “With this

number of times in the past but never

Shohidul was a worker in a shop

the director of Bakushah hawkers co-

project the surrounding area will be

enforced, the vendors did not take it

named Janata Book Binding in Bakusha

operative Association.

benefited as well. Since the building

seriously this time.”

Market. “That day when more than 300

After the eviction of 300 shops, the

plan includes a huge parking system, it will also help to reduce the traffic jam in the Nilkhet area.” He hopes that the members will get their shops back in the new building within four and a half years. If not, payment will be provided for each shop after that time.

One of the shop-owners, Tushar, is happy about this upcoming project: “Who wants a tin-shed shop if there is a possibility for something better?”

Tushar, a member of Hazrat Bakushah Hawkers Shomobay Shomiti confirmed Dhaka Tribune about getting initial stage money from the developer company. Like him, many other members have already picked up their money from the office. However, a good number of owners still haven’t collected the money. The owner of three shops, Mohammad Jashimuddin, is one of them. As a member of the Shomiti he said: “I didn’t pick up the money because of some irregularities in the procedure. I don’t disagree with the 5-storeys project but my objection is with the irregularities.” n

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

Shelaidaha Kuthibari | Origin Story

17

Rabindranath and Shelaidaha Mohammad Amjad Hossain Gaganay, garajay megh gano barasha Kulay eka bosay aachhi nahi bharosa (Roaring thunder in the sky—deep monsoon murk Alone at the bank I am, by the river dark).

T

Tori,” written by Bengali

Shelaidaha as part of Tagore zamindary

polymath and Nobel laureate

Dwarkanath

hese lines are from the famous poem “Sonar

of literature Rabindranath Tagore.

Tagore, one of

Rabindranath spent a lot of his time

the first Indian

in Shelaidaha, situated in present day

industralists and

Kumarkhali in the Kushtia District of

grandfather of

Bangladesh, and its name has been

Rabindranath

associated with numerous poems,

Tagore, purchased

songs, short stories and dramas by the

the zamindary of

famous writer.

Natore Raj in an

History of the region

auction in 1800. In 1891, Rabindranath

During the Mughal period, Shelaidaha

Tagore was sent to

was a part of the vast zamindary of

manage the Tagore

The Tagore estate was sold as a

of his zamindary, Rabindranath used to

the Raja Bahadur Krishnagar of Nadia,

estate, with the headquarters being at

result of financial crisis at an aunction

travel by boats known as Daccai bajra to

Bhabananda Majumdar. Titles such

Shelaidaha. At the time, different issues

in 1937, by Babu Nandalal Roy and Babu

inspect lands in Shahzadpur in Pabna

as the Raja Bahadur, Maharajas, Roy

of discontent were piling up amongst

Pulin Krishna Roy. The estate remained

and Patisar in Rajshahi.

Bahadur and Khan Bahadur were

the tenants, which drew severe

with the Roy family until the zamindari

bestowed by the Mughal empire on

criticism in Grambarta Prakashika, a

system was abolished under the East

writer of international repute, but

those persons who were, by and large,

weekly publication from Kumarkhali

Bengal state acquisition and tenancy

also a successful businessman. He

loyal aristocrat landlords of India. In

by poet and Baul singer Kangal

act of 1950. During the times of East

had set up a firm under the name of

Bengal (present-day Bangladesh and

Harinath Majumdar. It was a really

Pakistan, then Chief Minister Khan

Tagore and company in Kushtia town

parts of India), there were a few Muslim

difficult assignment for Rabindranath

Ataur Rahman declared the present

for jute bailing and storing food grain.

zamindars, but zamindary belonged

to manage. There are letters still

Kuthibari as a national monument

This company also acted as supplier

mostly to the Hindu elite.

preserved that show his father giving

under the Ancient Monument act of

of sugarcane crushers to the growers

him very specific instructions on taxes

1904.

at the Tagore estate. This was set up

However, there were rebellions

Tagore was not only a poet and

against Mughal rule by zamindars

and expenditure, who was a real hard

of North Bengal, such as Raja

taskmaster as far as the zamindary was

Tagore’s life at Kutibari

Uddaynarayan, Sitaram Roy and others,

concerned.

The elegant three storied building

sugarcane crushers of the British firm,

Kutibari stands in the middle of a large

M/S Renwick and Company, were offering prices that were too low.

and the capital was transferred from

On the entire estate, Kutibari of

for the satisfaction of his tenants, after having received complaints the

Jahangirnagar (present day Dhaka)

Shelaidaha was the only brick house

courtyard which includes two water

to Murshidabad. The new capital

in those days. The existing Kutibari of

tanks, a mango orchard and a host of

Murshidabad was named after its

Shelaidaha was rebuilt by Rabindranath

other blossoming trees. It has 17 rooms.

the fact that Shelaidaha, Kushtia and

founder Murshid Quli Khan, who

after he dismantled the one built by

During his time in Shelaidaha, many

literary people of Kumarkhali like Lalan

became the first Nawab of Bengal.

the indigo planter, back when the old

stalwarts of Bengal paid visits to the

Shah, Gagan Harkara (a postal peon)

Although Sitaram Roy had succeeded

Kutibari was about to be eroded by the

legendary poet. Among those was the

and Harinah Majumdar contributed

initially, he was defeated and executed

mighty waves of the Padma.With the

great scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra

to the enrichment of Rabindranath

in 1719.

rebuilding of Kutibari, the last vestige

Bose and renowned poet Mohitlal

Tagore’s literary bent. Because of

of the English indigo planters—whose

Majumdar. Rabindranath used a room

its great importance in Tagore’s life,

to be the subahdar of Bengal under

ruthless acts and oppression had left

on the third floor for his creative

Shelaidaha could be turned into a

Mughal rule. On successful suppression

indelible marks in the minds of the

writings. From this room, he would

historical point of interest, similar to

of the rebellion of the zamindars of

people of Shelaidaha---disappeared.

have had a clear view of the Padma

Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon. n

Nawab Murshid Quli Khan used

North Bengal, the extensive zamindary

In 1922, the Shelaidaha estate

There are hardly two opinions on

and Gorai, by which Kushtia town was situated.

of what constitutes as present-day

was divided between Tagore family

Rajshahi was presented by then Nawab

members, but Rabindranath continued

Murshid Quli Khan to his favorite

to visit Shelaidaha even after the

inspiration for the poet and his great

Raghunandan.This Raghunanda was

division. It is known that his decision to

contribution to Bengali literature, but

the founder of the Natore Raj family,

stay at Jorasanko in Kolkata was mired

are now practically dead. It has now

and Shelaidaha became part of the

with sadness at having separated from

become a folk tale to say that steamers

Natore Raj estate for quite sometime.

Shelaidaha.Following his last visit, he

plied between Shelaidaha and Pabna in

wrote that the Padma had divorced him.

those old days. But during the period

The rivers were great sources of

The writer is a retired diplomat from Bangladesh and former President of prestigious Toastmasters International club of America

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 Cheater rearranged land area (7) 4 Arranged seminar for military unit (7) 6 Best to choose sorted mail (7) 7 Galley equipment revolutionary and new (7)

DOWN 1 Poke fun after bad actor made cloth bed (7) 2 Barrow holds a measure of gemstones (5) 3 One slip changed Greek letter (7) 5 New York speed of woodland spirit (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

Aries (Mar21-Apr19) - A sensuous blend of energies encourages you to indulge and enjoy life. You’ll find that work and career would begin to look more promising.

Taurus (Apr20-May20) - You’re moving through a time when creative ideas and lively opportunities encourage you to leave your comfort zone.

Gemini (May21-June20) - With a major focus on the more secluded sectors of your chart, you’ve been enjoying a respite. You’ll be less exposed to unexpected delays and frustrations.

Cancer (June21-Jul22) - You’ll continue to enjoy a hectic social scene, with opportunities for romance, fun, and relaxation.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - Life continues onward and upward for you, with renewed determination to reach goals, enhance your income, and improve your work situation.

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

Virgo (Aug23-Sep22) - You’re getting into

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

your stride now and beginning to feel more adventurous regarding key ideas.

Libra (Sep23-Oct22) -There’s potential for change showing up in your chart, but you must really want it if you’re to embrace it. Whether you traverse inner or outer landscapes, you may be seeking your life’s deeper meaning.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21) - Things could get more intense as the Sun eases into your sector of transformation and intimacy.

Be sure that your head and heart are

ACROSS 1 Fix in place new pleats (6) 6 Queen back to a ration (5) 7 The spanish tie refreshed the best (5) 8 Picked up, ran and let go crazy (6)

DOWN 2 LA quiet after change of drink (7) 3 Pine rot new dietary component (7) 4 The spanish keep title of hard substance (6) 5 Lure of a further court case (6)

in agreement before you make any important decisions.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21) - Although you might find it hard to stir yourself when it comes to diet or exercise routines, you could benefit from making a little bit of an effort.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19) - The continuing focus on your pleasure sector could hasten the development of a budding romance.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) – This can be good time to host your friends and entertain at your place. But if you indulge too much, you might find yourself putting on a few pounds.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - After a great time meeting with friends, closing deals, and networking in new situations, the Sun shifts into your home and family sector.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner May 21

May 20

Exhibition | Eid Exhibition 2016 by Fariha

Workshop | Glamorous Party Makeup and Hijab Tutorial Workshop When 12pm Where Kabab Factory, Road 53, House 9, Gulshan-2, 1230 Dhaka, Bangladesh What ‘Makeover and Henna

by Tabassum’ is organising a Glamorous party makeup and hijab tutorial workshop.

Workshop syllabus/schedule: skin preparation before makeup, makeup items/brushes introduction, correcting and concealing, full coverage base, contouring, bronzing, highlighting, strobing, glamorous glitter based eye makeup and smokey eyes, false lash application, perfect lipstick application, skin care routine, three hijab styles for different occasions (accessories application), personal

consultation regarding any makeup queries, question and answer session, photo session, raffle draw and lots of other surprises!

The makeup class would be a one day course of 4.5 hours.

The fees for the workshop will be Tk3,500.

You need to book your seat/s by advancing Tk1020/- via bkash (non refundable). Last date of registration is May 17th, 2016. Certificates will be issued on completion. Lunch and refreshments are included in the price.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/168977540168130/

May 21

Education | Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit 2016 When 9am Where The Bangla Academy Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh What A unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs to network and more. Young 2016, aims to create a strong interlink amongst startups across the State, networking amongst incubators across the State, and connecting startups with Angel funds. Young entrepreneurs seeking to build an extensive network of young professionals will have the

opportunity to meet with and gain insights from corporate leaders.

Summit agenda: Social business, branding, e-commerce and technology, leadership, career development, and funding.

Web link for the event: https://www.facebook.com/ YOUNG-1488294888140988/ Registration fee: Tk300 To register: Pay registration fees Tk300 to 01816345017 (Bkash) For more information: 01816345017

When 3pm Where Bistro E, Bay’s Edgewater, 1st Floor, NE (N) 12, North Avenue, Gulshan 2, Bangladesh What They are back with an elegant and exclusive Eid collection for 2016. There will be a variety of kameezes, kurtis and capes starting from zardozi and dabka work, to sequence and pearls, to screen prints and floral embroideries. Whether it’s casual or dressy, they have it all. So save the date and mark your calendars.

May 20-21

Exhibition | Pre-Fall/Pre-Eid Exhibition

When 10am Where Six Seasons Hotel, Road 96, House 19, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh What The Dressing Room is ready to showcase their Pre-Eid/Prefall exhibition at the Banquet Hall, Six Seasons Hotel, Gulshan 2.

They’ll be showcasing their Summer 2016 ready-to-wears and a selection of saris. Look for Stall no 1.

For more information, contact: 01610001212.

May 21

Workshop | Brand Yourself - Workshop on Effective Communication When 10am Where Lighthouse Bangladesh, 41 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, 1213 Dhaka, Bangladesh What In order to help those in need of learning about how to represent thyselves, CFYD, Centre For Youth Development, a youth based training institution with the vision to develop positive human skills. Is organising a workshop focusing on “Effective Communication” that will help individuals understand how they can properly convey their intended messages and communicate to create professional networks.

You will learn how people execute effective communication, identify your own core-competency, understand and acknowledge your fears, and how to increase self-confidence.

Registration deadline: May 17th, 2016 Seats available: 45 and registration fee: Tk500 Registration link: http://goo.gl/forms/fgQvbaMmw3 For any further query please call: +8801610887744

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M AY 20, 20 1 6

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

In sickness and in health Minu Ahmed

W

ith the hullabulloo of

bawling endlessly, and everyone

Mother’s Day finally

was visibly distressed. The

swept away into a

Husband and I stayed in the

corner, piled into a box,

cabin overnight, hardly

only to be opened until the next time it

able to sleep. I kept

is required, I can now settle back into

looking at Jellybean’s

life in general.

little body, her mouth

Speaking of hullabulloo, I’ve been going through a messy last few weeks with Jellybean acquiring some form of

agape and drooling away as she slept.

Sometime during

illness or the other. Just when she was

the night, we must

getting over chicken pox, she came

have fallen asleep,

down with fever. The Husband and I

because the next

took turns carrying her in our arms all

thing I remember

night, as she refused to sleep on the

is waking up at the

bed.

crack of dawn. Most

Whenever a child gets sick, it ends

of the red lashes on

up taking a toll on everyone involved

Jellybean’s body had

at home. Some miss work, some get

disappeared and the

worried and stressed, and it’s all just a

swelling had reduced.

big mess.

The doctors came in later,

I remember when I used to get sick

during their rounds, and

when I was much younger – it wasn’t

said that she would be fine. It

often that I did, but it always used to be

was a big scare for us, but a lesson

extreme. I would get high fevers, and

no doubt.

my mother would dunk me into a tub

Photo: Bigstock

The second occasion was when

full of water, just to get the temperature

Jellybean was around two years old.

down.

All of a sudden she started crying at medicine to sleep, but I couldn’t. I

night, and had very disturbed sleep.

down the anal canal

feel whenever I was sick, and so

She was fine during the day, but would

at night when a person sleeps and

must have passed out some time before

whenever Jellybean gets sick it’s

cry at night on and off. We thought she

so it hurt her at night only. We were

dawn, and when I woke up next, the

equally distressing for me as her

had gas, and tried to treat her for that,

surprised why she would have anal

pain was gone. The doctors could only

mom. Thankfully, nothing too drastic

but to no effect. She would also refuse

fissures when she wasn’t suffering from

guess that it must have been a bad case

happened in the last couple of years,

to wear pants and would wince after

constipation at all, and there wasn’t any

of gas, and now it had passed through.

but we did have to take Jellybean to

a poop session. She didn’t do it often

trauma either. The doctor told us that

At first, The Husband was relieved to

the emergency room on two different

enough for us to take seriously, but

sometimes when a child eats too much

hear that I wasn’t in pain anymore, but

occasions.

when the second week started creeping

rich food, it has the same effect. We still

then when he realised that he had to

in, it became too much to handle.

don’t understand it, but since this was

foot the hospital bill just because I had

six months old, and my mother-in-

One night it was so bad, we had to ask

right after Eid, it sort of made sense

bad GAS…well that’s another story all

law was trying to feed her a poached

our doctor neighbor to check her in

to us. We bought all the necessary

together!

egg yolk. Unfortunately, some egg

the middle of the night once. She fell

medicines and ointments and for the

white must have accidentally been

asleep soon after, but woke up crying

first time in two weeks, Jellybean slept

when least expected, and there’s no

consumed, as suddenly Jellybean’s face

uncontrollably. We rushed her to the

through the night.

way to always be prepared. So just

and ears swelled up, and red lashes

emergency room of a nearby hospital,

In the middle of all this, once I

appeared all over. We all rushed to

but the service was so poor, that just

too had to be hospitalised for a night.

a children’s hospital at around 9 pm

while running around looking for a

Suddenly I had terrible abdominal

at night. It wasn’t close to our home,

doctor, Jellybean fell asleep again. We

cramps and the pain just wouldn’t go

but we knew the response would be

took her back home. The same evening,

away, no matter what I did. The doctors

the most prompt there. The doctor in

we showed her to a child specialist,

at the hospital couldn’t diagnose what

the emergency room told us to admit

who found that she had been suffering

was wrong with me, and so told me to

Jellybean and observe her overnight,

from an anal fissure (a thin crack or tear

stay overnight. For the first time, I had

after they administered an anti-allergy

in the anus or anal canal). Never having

to spend the night without Jellybean.

injection. The nurses had to administer

heard of, or having to encounter such a

She was still breastfeeding back then,

a drip, and so had to put in a cannula.

thing, we were stunned. There was no

and I was very worried about her.

The sight of that tiny body with even

way we could have known what was

Somehow my mother-in-law managed

tinier hand, with that gigantic cannula

bothering her. But then it all slowly

to keep her, and The Husband had to

strapped on, broke my heart. I felt so

came back to me - her refusal to wear

stay with me at the hospital. I tossed

sorry and in so much anguish, I can’t

pants, wincing after a poop, the crying

and turned all night, and cried for

even explain it. My mother-in-law was

at night only. Apparently, poop moves

painkillers and they even gave me

I remember how bad it used to

The first was when she was around

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M AY 20, 201 6

In short, stuff happens all the time,

cross your fingers and hope that no bad pitha gives you horrible gas! Hah! 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