Weekend 114

Dhaka Tribune

6

COOK YOUR OWN WAY

VOL 4 ISSUE 11 | FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016

12

RAMADAN REFLECTIONS

20

THE BONG MOMMA

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 11 | July 1, 2016 NEWS 2 3 Editor Zafar Sobhan

FEATURES 4 Tailored

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Men’s fashion

5 Tempt

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

Make-up

8 Offers

6

Coupons

COOK YOUR OWN WAY KITCHEN CHRONICLES

Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com

Spirituality Musings

15 Initiative Social welfare

16 Initiative Social welfare

17 Travel Rajkandi

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

12 Ramadan reflections 14 Ramadan reflections

Contributors Minu Ahmed Shireen Pasha Karishma Rahman Farzana Romine Noor-E-Shahrin

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin

News Meanwhile

REGULARS

9

18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

PHOTO STORY

COMMUNAL HARMONY

On the cover

Editor’s note Dear readers, As we put this issue to bed, the world is still reeling from a fresh attack on Istanbul. The Internet is still ablaze with the racist motivations behind Brexit, Donald Trump is still putting his foot in his mouth whenever he speaks, and all of this happening smack in the middle of Ramadan is enough to make one despair of ever seeing sanity prevail.

Which is why this week we devote our final issue before Eid, to focusing on stories that help maintain faith in humanity. Start with our photo of the week, which gives us a quick look at a group of expats investing in an educated future generation, sponsoring one child at a time.

We have two pieces of Ramadan reflections, one that talks about the point of this holy month, and the other a

celebration of faith in the face of terrible hopelessness.

We also bring you some heartwarming true stories of ordinary people coming together to help those in need, be it through social media, or fundraisers.

Our photo story this week is of particular interest.

Finally, Bong Momma this week talks about how we may dream of one kind of life and find ourselves in another that works out in ways we never imagined.

The Weekend Tribune team wishes you and yours peace and harmony this Eid.

Artwork by Liza Hasan

Eid Mubarak!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

2 NEWS | THIS WEEK Trans people can now legally get married in Pakistan — with a few key exceptions

Suicide bombs kill 36 at Istanbul airport

T

fire then blew themselves up in

Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the explosives, a Turkish official said.

“It became clear with this incident again that terrorism is a global threat.

airport on Tuesday, killing 36 people

This attack, targeting innocent people

and wounding close to 150, in what

is a vile, planned terrorist act,” Prime

Turkey’s prime minister said appeared

Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters at

to have been an attack by Islamic State

the airport.

“There is initial evidence that each

One attacker opened fire in the

A

militants in its southeast.

Istanbul’s main international

militants.

transgender-born individuals of the

and battling an insurgency by Kurdish

arrivals hall, but they detonated their

hree suicide bombers opened

congregation of 50 religious

from neighbouring Syria’s civil war,

of the three suicide bombers blew

departures hall with an automatic rifle,

themselves up after opening fire,” he

sending passengers diving for cover

said, adding that they had come to the

and trying to flee, before all three blew

airport by taxi and that preliminary

themselves up in or around the arrivals

findings pointed to Islamic State

hall a floor below, witnesses and

responsibility.

officials said.

The vast majority of those killed

The attack on Europe’s third-busiest

were Turkish nationals but foreigners

airport is one of the deadliest in a series

were also among the dead, the official

marry such transgender people as

of suicide bombings in Turkey, which

said.

is permissible under Islamic law on

have clear indications on their body,”

is struggling to contain the spillover

Photo: Reuters

Monday, last week.

it states.

leaders, or Islamic clerics, in Pakistan declared that

marrying transgender individuals

The religious leaders also

opposite sex.

“Normal men and women can also

Despite the change in marriage

announced that transgender people

laws in Pakistan, same-sex coupling

have full rights when it comes to

remains illegal in the country due to

Muslim burial ceremonies and Islamic

anti-sodomy laws.

inheritance law.

But here’s the catch: You have to have been ‘born’ trans.

The fatwa — a ruling on Islamic law

Transgender people are one of the most marginalised communities in Pakistan. Due to discrimination against the trans

— declared by the Tanzeem Ittehad-

community, they are

i-Ummat Pakistan said that, only a

often forced into

“female-born transgender person

sex work and

having ‘visible signs of being a male’

subjected to

may marry a woman or a male-born

sexual violence.

transgender with ‘visible signs of

Photo: Reuters

The world at a glance

being a female,’ and vice versa.”

The document refers to cisgender

Weekend Tribune Toyota recalls 482,000 Prius and Desk Lexus vehicles for safety issue

men and women as ‘normal’ people when detailing their right to marry

Passport sector most corrupted – TIB finds

T

T

oyota on Tuesday

passenger is in the car at the time of

last week said that

such an event, Toyota said, there is an

it is conducting

increased risk of injury.

a recall of 482,000 vehicles due to a safety issue.

The recall includes model year 2010

Toyota said it will be notifying all known owners by mail and will install retention brackets, which would

to 2012 Prius vehicles, including 2010

prevent the air bags from entering the

ransparency International

2015” report on Wednesday at its

and 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrids, plus

vehicle interior, at no cost to customers.

Bangladesh (TIB) has found

Dhanmondi office in Dhaka.

2011 and 2012 Lexus CT 200h vehicles.

Photo: AP

passport sector as the

According to the report, 67.8%

The automaker

country’s most corrupted sector in

households were victims of

said that the

2015.

corruption while 58.1% households

affected cars are

were required to provide bribes

equipped with

during seeking their service.

air-bag inflators

The law and enforcement agencies and government and MPO education sector ranked second and

71% households identified the

that may have a

third position respectively in this

reason for providing bribes as

small crack that

regard.

‘Service could not be reached if

could grow over

bribes were not given’, the report

time, which could

releasing its “Corruption in Service

said.

ultimately lead

Sectors: National Household Survey

Source: Dhaka Tribune

to the air bags

TIB made the disclosure while

inflating. If a

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

. . . MEANWHILE

3

Photo of the week

Heartwarmer Sadia Afrin Mahi studies in class seven.

She lives in Chandpur with her parents and two siblings. Her father Hanif Sheikh is an NGO worker. With his meagre income they barely make ends meet. Hanif was unable to afford the schooling of his children and Sadia’s education nearly came to an end.

An organisation called ‘The Optimists’ came forward to help and they provided Sadia’s tuition. The organisation is an initiative by expatriate Bangladeshis in USA. One of these expats, Vaila Selina from New York, has been sponsoring education fees for two children. She reaches the children through The Optimists. During her recent visit she came to the office of The Optimists in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. She was exhilarated to meet Sadia. She took her for Eid Shopping and bought her new clothes.

The selfless work of these expat Bangladeshis will inspire others and will live on as examples of compassion and love.

Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain

Man allegedly throws bucket of water over the Olympic torch the Olympic torch by throwing a bucket of

A

not immediately respond to a request for comment.

water over it as it passed through his farming

The video, available on YouTube, showed a heavy

town of Maracaju in central Brazil, an officer at the

spray of water thrown indiscriminately over the group

local police station said last Monday.

around the torch bearer by someone out of view.

man has been arrested for trying to extinguish

Police arrested the 27-year-old at the scene, on

Local Olympic organising committee Rio 2016 did

The man was freed on bail after paying 1,000

Sunday for damaging public property, the officer said.

reais ($294.74). The incident comes a week after a

The Olympic flame continued to burn, video footage

rare jaguar was shot and killed after performing in an

showed.

Olympic torch ceremony, leading to an outcry from

The crime can carry a sentence of between six months and three years in prison. “He said it was

say what?

animal rights activists around the world.

The torch is on a 20,000 km (12,400 mile) voyage

a joke, a dare on Facebook,” the officer in the state

through about 300 Brazilian cities, before arriving in

of Mato Grosso do Sul informed by telephone. He

Rio de Janeiro for the Games’ opening ceremony on

declined to give his name as he is not permitted to

August 5.

talk publicly.

News and photo: Huffington Post

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

4 TAILORED | MEN’S FASHION

It’s getting hot in here Here’s how to pull off the no sleeve look Mahmood Hossain Dust off your shoulders

little corner of your body, it’s not about

In a more ideal life, you’d get to have

questioning your manhood. It’s about

body hair exactly where you want

being absolutely hygienic so no one

them. Some of us have trouble growing

gets grossed out by the unruly hair

a beard, while others have to shave

populating your pits. In other words,

every other day just because your five

do yourselves a solid and keep those

o’clock shadow arrives at noon. But of

pits clean.

course, nothing is perfect and we’re dealt with pesky single strands of hair

From front to back

that grow darker and longer than the

Not too many people will give this

others. We’re talking about those long,

particular portion of your body too

single strands on your shoulders that

much attention. The back of your head

poke out unfavourably, drawing too

also needs to be trimmed and lined.

much attention. Do yourselves a favour

We’re talking about the neck hair the

and a get tweezers to pluck out those

connects your head to your upper back.

stray hairs. From your shoulder to your

Back hair can be a big nuisance too.

upper arms, you want to make sure all

While it’s always good to get a nice trim

your body hair is of the same length

every other two weeks, don’t forget the

and same colour.

hair growing in the lower part of your

Chesticles

will look unfavourably uneven, no

This should be a given. No one wants

matter how well groomed you are

the sequel to Jumanji creeping out of

regarding your hair and face.

your chest, spilling over your t-shirt’s neckline. Look, it’s bad enough

Summer tips for the weekend

that we’re beaten senseless by the

With those lazy Fridays and Saturdays

unforgiven heat, it’s even worse if

aside, here are a couple of tips to go by

W

you’re a hairy son of a gun. No one’s

this sizzling summer. If you put on your

telling you to get a full on “manscape”,

diva hat or have nothing to wear, you

hy does it feel like

just keep those bad boys tamed. There’s

can always stick to a single and simple

every day is hotter

nothing wrong or unmanly about

outfit. Find yourself a vintage printed

than the one before?

trimming your body hair, especially

shirt (short sleeves), some natural

We’re pretty sure there

your chest hair. Pick those trimmers up

coloured denim and comfy, lux-leather

are times where you’d rather walk

and work some magic, so that wearing

loafers. They could be a nice throw

around completely nude. No, that’s

a v-neck or a tank-top doesn’t look

back to the 50s in Miami or smaller

haram. However, that doesn’t mean

unflattering.

modern prints for the shirts. As for the

Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

you have to suffer the summer heat

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

neck and upper back. The transition

jeans, well, these will look nothing like

every single day. Wearing tank-tops

In the pits

may not be a foreign concept, but

Okay, we’re giving a complete pass to

Think about bright white, off-white,

most likely, some people might find it

not only trim your armpit hair, but to

or even tan denim. The loafers have to

to be inappropriate. If you do decide

shave them off completely. Wax them

be comfortable but also have plenty of

on wearing a tank-top or super-short

if you like, but keeping those suckers

elegance wrapped around those pretty

sleeved t-shirts, there’s a few things to

out so your friend feels tempted to

toes of yours. n

check off the list before you head out.

braid them is a huge turn-off. In this

the more common blue washed denim.

MAKE-UP | TEMPT

5

Festival faces Karishma Rahman

E

Bronze smokey halo eyes

id is something we all

Try the halo eyes this Eid for

anticipate with full force

more depth and definition on

every year! It has become a

your eyes. The bright centre pops

ritual for me to wakeup early

and looks gorgeous while the

in the morning and dress up to my

smokey inner and outer edges

heart’s content. Since I get out in the

give it a lot of dimension. Pair

morning and have to stay out till late at

it with a nice bright lip to pull

night, I’ll usually do something neutral

everything together and you’re

to last me the entire day and simply

good to go.

amp it up to look more glamorous/

Pop some glitters onto the centre

suitable for the night events.

of the lid for more oomph, smoke out the inner and outer edges with darker colours, add heavier

Photos: Courtesy

TIP: Remember to bake your

lashes and switch to a darker

Charlotte Tilburry Cheek to

under eyes and t-zone for a

colour for your lips to look more

bullet-proof make-up that lasts

glamorous in the night.

you the entire day since it’s going

I’m wearing:

Champagne Pop

I love adding a pop of colour in

to be pretty hot and humid this

Eyes: ColourPop ‘Where The

Lips: Ofra x Kathleen Lights –

my inner corners. When I do opt

year. Keep the lips subtle and

Night Is’ eyeshadows

Miami Fever

for this eye look, I always pair it

focus more attention to your eyes,

Face: NARS All Day Luminous

Lashes: JANDS Mink Lashes in

with a subtle nude lip to balance

experimenting is always fun!

Foundation – ‘Barcelona’

‘Moulvibazaar’

it out and keep the attention

Chic Blush – Love Glow Becca X Jaclyn Hill –

Bright pop of colour

on my eyes. You can go for turquoise, lime green, yellow or

Neutral day to night makeover

Summer colours

any colour of your choice!

I’m wearing:

I always

Face – YSL Fusion Ink

love a

Foundation

bright pop

Eyes - Too Faced Sugar Pop

of colour

Palette

and this is

Lips – ColourPop Lippie Stix

one of my

‘Brink’ & ColourPop Ultra Matte

favourite

‘Solow’

looks.

Sweep

Here’s to a gorgeous and very

a nice

joyous Eid this year. Happy

transition

dressing up ladies!n

shade/ bronzer along the crease line and outer corners and apply a nice shimmery gold/green or bright colour of your choice to match your outfit. For ladies who love bold lips no matter what the time This particular look has always

Anastasia Beverly Hills

of the day is, you can pull this off

been my go to every Eid. Soft

Contour Kit and Glow Kit

throughout the day and night

neutral tones for a subtle

Lips – ColourPop Ultra Matte

I’m wearing:

cut crease, not too vivid or

Liquid Lipstick – ‘Solow’

Face - NARS – All Day Luminous

outrageous for day time. It also

Lashes – JANDS Mink Lashes in

Foundation NARS Velvet Pressed

goes with almost any outfit in

‘Sylhet’ (Switch to something

Powder

case I’m changing to a second

heavier for the night)

Eyes – Morphe 35O Palette and

one in the middle of the day.

I’ll usually define the crease a

ColourPop Super Shock Shadow

I’m wearing:

bit more, add some shimmer or

in ‘Telepathy’ JANDS Mink

Eyes – Morphe 35O Palette

glitter and maybe switch to a

Lashes in ‘Dhaka’

Face – Estee Lauder Double Wear

brighter/darker lipstick for the

Lips – ColourPop ‘Tulle’

Foundation

night.

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

6 COOK YOUR OWN WAY | KITCHEN CHRONICLES

Make your first post-Ramadan meal memorable After a month of fasting, you’ve earned it Farzana Romine

R

amadan is coming to an end soon, so why not indulge yourself with these great breakfasts recipes? This could be a very special Eid breakfast for your family, or maybe for the day after if you’d rather stick to tradition on the big day. Most of the ingredients in these recipes are widely available, and you probably already have

some of them in your pantry.

Eggs Benedict

Eggs Benedict is a very indulgent

Directions:

once all the butter is incorporated.

first. Once you get the hang of it, you

breakfast and once you learn a few

To make the hollandaise sauce, mix

Take it off the heat. Add salt and

can poach several eggs at the same

techniques, you can make it at home

the egg yolks and vinegar with a whisk

pepper. Keep it aside.

time. I also started with one egg at a

easily. You can serve it on a thick toast

in a heavy bottomed bowl. Put the egg

or make your own English muffin. This

bowl over simmering water and keep

of water to the boil and add 1/4 cup

To assemble, toast the bread or

recipe will make four portions.

whisking for one minute to warm up

vinegar. Lower the heat so that the

english muffin. Put the poached egg

the egg mixture. Make sure that the

water is simmering gently.

on top and then spoon over some

To poach the eggs, bring a large pan

Ingredients:

water doesn’t touch the bowl. The

3 egg yolks

water and bowl should not get too hot.

whirlpool. Break the eggs in small

1/2 cup melted butter

Keep the heat very low, else your egg

cups and then slide in the eggs one

2 tsp vinegar

will become scrambled.

by one. Cook each for about four

Tip: If your hollandise sauce starts to

minutes, then remove with a slotted

set before you serve, just add a few

one tablespoon at a time and keep

spoon. You can poach one egg at a

teaspoons of warm water to loosen it.

whisking. The mixture will thicken

time if you are not sure how to do it

Salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs to poach

Now start adding the butter

Stir the water so you have a slight

time.

hollandaise sauce and garnish with some dill or a dash of paprika.

Photos: Farzana Romine

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

7

English Muffin Ingredients: For the starter: 3/4 cup flour 1/2+1/4 cup water 1/4 tsp yeast For the dough: 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup water 1 egg 1 tsp yeast 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp salt 3+1/4 cup flour Corn meal for dusting. If you can’t find corn meal use semolina or suji.

Fluffy and crispy waffles This recipe makes four large waffles

Add one cup batter or as much as your waffle iron can hold. Cook until its light

Directions:

floured surface. Roll about one inch

Ingredients:

brown on both side. Repeat with rest of

Mix the starter ingredients together.

thick and cut out rounds with a round

1+ 3/4 cups flour

the batter. Best served fresh.

Cover and keep it overnight in room

cookie cutter.

1+ 3/4 milk

Tip: These waffles freeze very well.

3 eggs (white and yolk separated)

You can freeze them in ziplock bags

or semolina and put the muffins on it.

2 tbsp sugar

and when you want to eat, just toast

milk, sugar and yeast together. Let it sit

To dust the top side, brush the muffins

2 tsp baking powder

them in the toaster over low heat for

for five minutes. Then add this to the

with a little bit of water and then dust

1/2 tsp salt

few minutes. It will taste just like fresh

previous night’s starter mixture and mix

it with corn meal. Press gently so that it

1/3 cup oil

waffles. n

well. Add the egg. Now add the flour and

sticks well.

2 tbsp melted butter

temperature.

The next day, mix water, warm

salt. Mix well. If it’s too sticky then add

Dust a baking sheet with corn meal

Let your muffin rise for about one

1 tsp vanilla extract

some more flour and keep mixing until

and a half to two hours. Preheat you

everything is well combined.

oven to 325°F/160°C degree. Warm an

Directions:

iron skillet or heavy bottom frying pan

Heat your waffle iron over medium

as needed. Melt the butter and add it

over medium heat. Put your muffins

heat. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Set

a little at a time to the dough and keep

on it, leaving enough space between

it aside. Mix the flour, baking powder,

kneading for five to six minutes.

each to expand. Cook for three to four

salt and sugar in a bowl. In a separate

minutes or until they have a nice light

bowl mix the egg yolk, milk, oil, butter

Farzana Romine is a food lover

brown colour.

and vanilla.

and travel enthusiast whose

Now add the liquid mixture into the

mission is recreating restaurant

Now start kneading. Flour lightly

Once the dough is smooth, put it in an oiled bowl and cover. You can keep it in the fridge overnight or you can let

Flip it and cook on the other side for

it sit for two hours at room temperature

another three to four minutes. Once it’s

flour mixture. Mix it gently. Don’t over

quality dishes at home and she

and make it the same day.

cooked, then put them in the oven for

beat it. Gently fold the beaten egg white

invites you to come along for the

ten minutes. Your English muffins will

with the batter. It will make the batter

ride

be ready.

fluffy. Now oil your waffle iron lightly.

When you are ready to make your muffin, take the dough out on a lightly

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

8 OFFERS | COUPONS

Special Deals This Ramadan, there’s another reason to love Weekend Tribune. Take this page with you to the outlets mentioned below for exciting offers.

Till Chand Raat

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

COMMUNAL HARMONY | PHOTO STORY

9

Courage under fire Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu Every day during Ramadan, hundreds of men, women and children would queue from 3pm onwards in front of Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery in Dhaka. The monastery in the city’s Bashabo area is known for its generous gesture of serving iftar to the poor and the destitute during this holy month. This heartwarming initiative is a rare example of social harmony that is being practiced by the monks here for the last six years.

However, even this act of kindness comes with its risks – the high priest of the monastery recently received a death threat by mail.

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

10 PHOTO STORY | COMMUNAL HARMONY

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

11

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

12 RAMADAN REFLECTIONS | SPIRITUALITY

Ramadan: Like a Bird We fly out of the Darkness into the hall Shireen Pasha We are poor students who stay after school to study joy.

We are like those birds in the India mountains.

I am a widow whose child is her only joy.

The only thing I hold in my ant-like head Is the builder’s plan of the castle of sugar.

Just to steal one grain of sugar is a joy!

W

hen the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, I was between the ages of 24 and 26,

working as an Import Policy Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce. My work entailed reading trade policies of foreign governments and highlighting hidden subsidy potential earmarked for a particular industry so that my boss could address it at various World Trade Organisation meetings. I can go

Muslims praying in Bangladesh

Photos: Courtesy

into the details of paper shredding and my naiveté about how governments

and the shock of the 9/11 attacks -- led

Imam. I wanted to talk with him about

where at a concert in an Eucalyptus

should operate and how they actually

me to lose my faith in life. I ran to my

life, the war, the pain swirling around

Grove, a man by the name of Rafique

operated but I think you know enough

personal physician and cried my heart

us. The archaic Imam was so caught

Keshavjee offered me a reed basket of

about that.

out. I told him how unjust it was for all

up in Sunna that he could not listen to

cherries with a manner of such grace

The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,

the innocent people on both sides to

me, really engage in any conversation.

and deep kindness that my blunted

the changing geography of Washington,

die, lose their homes, limbs, lives as a

He kept his eyes glued to the ground

senses began to throb with life. His

DC (a place I warmly called home until

result of a war that was really thuggery

and sent me off saying “don’t worry,

mannerisms reminded me of a Muslim

familiar places were blocked off in

disguised.

everything will be fine. Just stay with

world that was vanishing. The Muslim

your husband.” Fine, I will stay with

world where water is an inalienable

crazy. He immediately prescribed me a

my husband but I want to talk with

right, people love to share their food,

set of anti-depressants. I didn’t know

you about my conscience and how to

and the harshest words can be said

how to manage the duality of seeing the

reconcile the Shirk (the separateness)

with the gentlest of humor. Where

injustice and then having to pretend

that I must live with when my heart

did this man, Rafique Keshavjee come

that it was not there and instead to

yearns for Tawheed (oneness).

from? It was exactly what I needed, not

the name of Homeland Security), my government job, sedentary life-style

The doctor looked at me as if I was

consume my heart (which I did). Maybe

Like many of us, I just had to suffer

anti-depressants or blind folds.

a Jetta (Volkswagon four seater) with bun warmers or a television on top of the stove (for Bollywood songs while I

Like a bird, we fly out of darkness into the hall,

cooked) or that table from Theodore’s

Which is lit with singing, then fly out again.

would make all the anxiety go away.

Being shut out of the warm hall is also a joy.

To survive, I took the antidepressants. The first set didn’t work

I am a laggard, a loafer, and an idiot. But I love

well. The doctor changed the brand.

To read about those who caught one glimpse

I wasn’t keeping track of what I was

Of the Face, and died twenty years later in joy.

really taking, I just wanted the pain to stop. Consumerism kept me occupied,

Syrian father and son

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

while my marriage to my first husband

through this period for at least half a

fell apart. I was too young and didn’t

decade until I met some friends who

walks, full belly laughter, I began to

With many talks, cooking sessions,

know how to be responsible for my

nursed me back to Tawheed. It started

heal. What I learned from Rafique was

emotions. I went to the Islamic Centre

with a basket of cherries. I had moved

to focus on the eternal quality of joy,

in Washington, DC to talk with the

to San Francisco (after my divorce),

love and light - all that is Allah and

13 to light candles instead of cursing the darkness.

Like a moth to a candle, I linger around joy but the healing is incomplete.

In oneness we must heal together. I look at the state of the world: the war in Syria; conflicts in Iraq; suppression of Kurds; mass displacement of peoples due to war, climate or economic stagnation; I look at how Muslims are taught to hate themselves; how others are taught to hate Muslims; how much hate there is in general for minority communities; the invisible Rohingyas; how Muslims practice Islam not really knowing the essence of their heritage; the occupation of our minds, time and space - an occupation that we cannot fully grasp; the lack of leadership whether one is in the West or in the East; the increasing inability of an average human being to

Eid festival in Afghanistan

make ends meet; the massive decline

(Oneness).

after brother. Other after brother. The

divide.

of biological and cultural diversity -- a

Can we first stop hating ourselves?

Jewish community was chased down

partial list which does not even begin

Let us be humbly proud of being Allah’s

in the 20th century. If you ask me, the

into the generous softness of our

The only way we can resurge

to include the world outside of our

sentient being and for being a Muslim.

Jews are our best friends. Believe me,

spiritual heritage is to relax. Relax

immediate knowing -- those worlds

Can we stop the witch hunt? We are the

they are. That which pursues us is that

into everything. Relax into the pain,

are also a part of the same Tawheed

bogey man of the 21st century. Brother

which pursued them and continues to

the joy, the forgiveness, the inability to forgive because you will forgive in time - just give yourself time. Relax into rebuilding our communities. The onus is upon us. Relax into your Namaz, your meditation, your awareness without wanting anything in return. I came across a video on social media(shared

by Bangladeshis), in which a Mullah was demanding that one must pray in order to rid oneself of sin. Stop there. There is no doctrine of man being a sinner in Islam. No way. Man is peaceful. Man is a lover. Why else would Beloved Mohammad go to such pains to offer us a practice that reminds us of our joyful symbiosis? n

I don’t mind your saying I will die soon.

Even in the sound of the word soon, I hear The word you which begins every sentence of joy.

“You’re a thief!” the judge said. “Let’s see Your hands!” I showed my callused hands in court.

My sentence was a thousand years of joy.

-Stealing Sugar from the Castle by Robert Bly

Eid prayers in India

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

14 RAMADAN REFLECTIONS | MUSINGS

Looking back on Ramadan Tasneem Chow constraint can mean many things to

range from feeding the poor in your

many of us.

locality or giving to an underprivileged

In others’ shoes

C

income, or give education to the future

For many of us, the prolonged period

generations. If you do not have the

of fasting has primarily made us think

means to alleviate others’ suffering, use

more about those less fortunate than

this month of introspection to think

us. Going without food and water all

deeply of how you contribute to the

day is bound to give most people a new

system that creates it.

perspective on their lives. No matter

Photo: Bigstock

family so they can invest in a source of

how fleeting the thought - when you’re

Toning down the excesses

typing away at work, grocery shopping

However for many of us, Ramadan

in the heat or taking a rickshaw

can easily spiral into a month of upset

to university - when that parched

schedules and feasting at meal times,

sensation tickles your throat and your

while the swelling of our potbellies

stomach groans, you are bound to

becomes proportional to the rate at

think of those who feel like this but

which holes are burnt in our pockets.

continue to do backbreaking work

Of course, there is nothing wrong with

everyday. This looking outward to put

socialising in Ramadan, a meal with

yourself in other people’s shoes, while

family and friends is a positive and

hances are, you are reading

uplifting thing in all cultures. But there

this while making mental

is no denying that Ramadan, and the

lists of your last minute

Eid shopping frenzy it involves, has led

chores, vainly attempting

to a degree of commercialisation that

to assess which roads will not be deadlocked and which stores will not be buzzing with equally frantic last minute shoppers, while trying to cook, clean, pack, organise, categorise, and so much more all at the same time. It’s that time of the year again - the last week of Ramadan when the countdown to Eid officially begins and you are

Ramadan doesn’t need to be the only time you are nice to the hired help, drivers, security guards, office help, rubbish collectors, and all the people who make your life so much easier with their silent service in the background

can blight the spirituality of Ramadan.

If looking back, you feel guilty of these excesses, use this as a lesson for the coming months. Ramadan may be over, but there is still no reason why you and your family shouldn’t have healthy, home-cooked meals instead of buffets stuffed with oily dishes. Next time you shop for your loved ones,

overcome with feelings of anticipation

remember that it is the thought that

and apprehension alike. But once you

counts, and not the extravagance your

get past the last minute panic that is as

gift displays. And Ramadan doesn’t

integral to the last week of Ramadan

need to be the only time you are nice to

as haleem is to iftar, now would be the

whatever you aspire to, at work and in

at the same time looking inward to

the hired help, drivers, security guards,

best time to ask yourself, what did this

your private lives, or just leave you with

limit your excesses and scrutinise your

office help, rubbish collectors, and all

Ramadan mean for you?

a calmness of spirit that can help you

contribution to society, is to me the

the people who make your life so much

through the rest of the year.

most significant part of Ramadan.

easier with their silent service in the

Month of prayer and reflection

Even if you have not been able

So it makes all the sense in the

background.

to regularly pray or fast, there is no

world that this is also the month for

These last few days of Ramadan are

denying that the month of Ramadan

giving zakaath. But while this time

can continue to learn the lessons of

extra special to many of us - the last

does make people consider questions

makes you more aware of the suffering

constraint, introspection and kindness.

few days of prayer and fasting. For

of spirituality. I am sure by now you

in the world, it is also important to

And most importantly, let us remember

many, this month of relative quiet

may have come across people who are

make yourself more aware of how you

that lessons of Ramadan should not

and reflection can have an overall

not as faithful about practicing their

can alleviate it. Research is crucial,

only influence our behaviour towards

positive psychological effect. Almost all

religion the rest of the year as they

and a lot is lost if your contribution is

our Muslim brethren, but to all the

believers will tell you of the inner peace

are in Ramadan. Don’t mock them if

charity for the sake of religious duty.

people of the world, regardless of their

that comes through prayer, and this can

you practice your faith all year round,

Make sure how you can contribute to

faith. n

give you renewed resolve to do better at

because a month of introspection and

a cause that you believe in, which can

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

While the holy month is over, we

SOCIAL WELFARE | INITIATIVE

15

Imagine.Nation Giving social networking a whole new perspective

Moumita Ahmed Their Ramadan initiatives include a venture where they hand out Iftar packages to the needy. “We chose to distribute these to a number of children and their families who attend a school in Mirpur. We gave the packages to these children because we wanted to encourage them to regularly attend school,” said Shahtaj Mahmud, one of “The biggest of battles can be won, only

the founders. In addition to handing

if we fight it together,” says Asif Azam,

out meal packs to the needy, they

one of the six founders of Imagine.

also handed out some of the packs to

Nation, a recently opened Facebook

old rickshaw pullers. A portion of the

group of independent social workers

proceeds were donated to Utsho, a

with 1,382 members. Essentially, the

two and a half year cancer patient who

group acts as a platform or middle

cannot afford treatment.

ground that makes both people in need,

Utsho’s case was brought to light by a

and people who want to donate to

Facebook post made to the group. The

those in need find a common ground.

post read: “Utsho, a 2.5 years old boy,

With a platform as large as Facebook,

suffering from first stage leukaemia,

the admins facilitate this process by

is now under chemo therapy in

either finding donors for those in need

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical

or finding causes that really matter and

University (commonly known as PG

bring it to the attention of those who

Hospital). Mr. Palash, his unfortunate

can and want to donate. With a simple

father, is knocking every single door

mission to contribute to the society,

for financial support to continue

in any way possible, no matter how

this boy’s treatment. Doctors said

miniscule, they are taking baby steps

Utsho will need 8 course of chemo

towards achieving their goals, one

for now and the treatment will take

project at a time.

5 years to help the kid get rid of the cancerous cells completely (if that

possible, I personally always wanted

miracle really happens).” The group

to contribute to the society. This idea

propelled members to share the post,

has grew over time as I observed and

raising awareness. It also funds Utsho’s

learned more about life. Luckily, when

treatment helping his father to partially

I shared the idea with my friends I

bear the expenses.

was surprised to find that they felt the

“We are providing our services

same way.” Soon after the idea took the

to the ones in real need, mostly by

form of a real project and the Imagine.

connecting to different NGOs and help

Nation team was born. With just a

them a little in what they do on regular

little bit of planning and a whole lot

basis. Our services are backed by the

of initiative, Azam, Tahrina, Shahtaj,

people, whoever feels the connection

Mustafa, Saiful, Rubayet and Sadi

to the initiative. We have been able to

opened the public group and began

connect to some wonderful human

to take matters into their hands. With

beings through this process,” says

six core members, they “rotate” their

Shahtaj.

responsibilities with each founder

What sets Imagine.Nation apart

Photos: Courtesy

“Even if it’s in the tiniest way

Although they are only in the

“Imagine.Nation is nothing but

beginning stage of social work, they

a group of people who imagine a

know they have a long way to go.

better world. All we want to do is

taking turns to facilitate the groups

from other private initiatives is their

“We do intend to work on bigger

make the world a better place for

demands. While they manage the

ability to be able to connect so many

causes, but for now we only intend

everyone. It doesn’t necessarily have

group’s activities as a whole, Azam says

individuals and initiatives on one single

to keep the motivation alive,” said

to be poor people but currently they

that there has been immense response

platform. “Anybody can be a part of

Shahtaj. However, they also believe

are the ones in need. We dream of

from independent volunteers. “People

Imagine.Nation and we are always open

that the future initiatives would only

a united world where there is no

come forward to volunteer on various

to different ideas which are connected

be possible if we keep receiving our

discrimination between the rich and

projects and that’s really something

to contributing to the society,” Asif

people’s help, which we have so far

poor. We want to help the helpless,”

that makes me proud,” he added.

shared.

been blessed with.

Shahtaj said. n

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

16 INITIATIVE | SOCIAL WELFARE “Things could’ve gone a lot smoother if our A Level exams hadn’t intervened,” said both Aulinur and Lutfur.

The team was finally prepared with money at hand, and instantly threw themselves into their work. “After a week of fund-raising, we ended up with 20000 BDT for the iftaar,” informed the CEO. Packets of food were bought using this money for 350 under-privileged children and their families.

Only the beginning The Helpmate Foundation still has a long journey ahead. Another iftaar give-away is being planned on 29 June, 2016. Mahi Fayed said, “Help from us comes in the form of education,

A spoon for hungry mouths

food, clothes and shelter or medical

Helpmate Foundation organises iftar for 350 underprivileged children

employment opportunities for the

Noor-E-Shahrin

assistance. We have big dreams for the future.”

And the giving doesn’t stop there.

“Our social work aims to provide extreme poor and basic literacy programmes,” said Aaqid.

Volunteering for social work is probably the best investment of someone’s time, and the volunteers

ordinary people like you

T

For a greater cause

and me, who decided to

Initially this Iftaar give-

to make new friends, develop

reach out to some other

away was simply “to

communication skills and

ordinary people just like us, except

give the slum people the

build self confidence by

less fortunate. The Co-Founders of

experience of the iftar we

giving you a new sense of

Helpmate Foundation wanted to help

have every day” as Mahi

purpose.

those who aren’t as blessed as we all

Fayed puts it. “Exactly

are, and decided to bring together

three days before the event,

a group of dreamers with the same

I was walking in the slum and

determination and charisma to

noticed a piece of unused land

materialise their thoughts. And what

right beside the jheel. An idea

better time to spread merriment and

struck me,” he said. The

well-being than the holy month of

idea of establishing an

Ramadan?

education institution

his is a story of a group of

“We planned to arrange Iftar meals

at Helpmate Foundation sincerely

children on that

families, so we organised Iftar for

very place jumped

350 people of the slum at Sector 12 of

into his head, and

the city’s Uttara area. We personally

this iftaar turned

selected the recipients and made

into a milaad for the

sure they were all people who were

school. When this

desperately in need of food,” said Mahi

news spread across

Fayed Haque, a Co-Founder and CEO of

the area, the children’s

Helpmate Foundation.

excitement and enthusiasm

aided by a team of young and dedicated volunteers – Ankon Rahman, Raihan

Volunteering can also help you

Accordign to

for the area’s

for underprivileged children and their

Mahi Fayed’s companions were

urge others to try it out.

could be felt as they kept asking,

Photos: Courtesy

“Bhaiya, when will the school open?”

Their plan was as simple as two

about what we are trying to do.”

Sharif Rafi, a private candidate for

plus two. First, sell the idea to the

This led them to the second stage

Mashruk, “A true giver doesn’t give to

IAL, Mashruk Amin, Anan Zaman and

targeted group of people. On asking

- the collection of capital, which was

get known.” There are so many NGOs

Shajidul Islam Amoy, all students of

how they got started, Mahi Fayed said,

all the more difficult because they

and individuals all over the country

Scholastica, his Co-Founders Borshon

“Thanks to Asian radio, we were able

had to convince people that the funds

who dedicate their lives to social

Uz Zaman of NSU, Lutfur Rahman

to broadcast the whole event.” But

would be utilised effectively and put to

services; their ventures could be bigger

Shifat, Aulinur Ahmed of BIT, Aaqid

what sounds simple might not be so in

good use. For this reason, Lutfur said

or smaller than this one. But the key

Mohammad and his driver turned well-

reality. According to Aaqid, their first

their biggest struggle was to “raise the

ingredient is the intention.” n

wisher Biplob.

struggle was to “convince the people

funds.”

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

RAJKANDI | TRAVEL

17

the trail and that’s why he brought three kulis (worker) from the nearby Champaroi tea-estate to guide us up to Hammam.

In the first hour of our hike through the forest, we followed a trail that was otherwise hidden among think foliage, amidst the background sound of jungle fowls cooing somewhere in the deep, breaking the muted silence of the forest. Occasionally we spotted monkeys, jumping from one tree branch to another.

The trail led us to a charra (hilly canyon river), the dark surface of which was strewn with floating leaves. We waded through its knee-deep water and gradually reached the heart of the canyon. The canyon wall was getting narrower and the water in the stream was getting deeper. We had to use the 4-5 inches slippery trail by the side of the stream, and this is where Mifta bhai met with his little water accident!

We found ourselves stranded on a 5-6 inches wide trail with our backs to a

In search of Hummum

rocky wall.

We hadn’t thought to bring rope with us, but

Hunt for waterfalls in Rajkandi reserve

at that point, we silently cursed ourselves for not

Mahmood Sadi

having though of it before.

which mostly was blocked

I

before, while he was in the midst of

due to long bamboo trees that

illegally cutting bamboo in the forest.

us in our quest of ‘Hammam.’ We

back and we, with the skill of Mifta

guarded both sides of the narrow

Initially, our appearance gave him

decided to trust in him and discharged

bhai’s engineering knowledge built a

canyons, amid the gentle soft breeze

quite a scare as he thought we were a

Momtaz Mia from his duty. Though,

temporary bridge to cross the rest of

that whispered through the ancient

group of armed rebels from across the

as per our itinerary, we were supposed

the narrow but deep and treacherous

rock faces, Mifta Bhai created a massive

border who frequented that area. The

to leave that area after dark, we

water.

wave as his 108 kilo body slipped and

Indian border was not far and in that

boldly decided to spend the night in

fell into the water. I was right behind

deep jungle there is no ‘white flag’ rule.

a spooky old boarding in Vanugach,

finally made it to Hummum, and as we

him, tried hard not to burst out in

Some rebel armed groups from India

a small bazaar, about an hour’s travel

emerged into the almost amphitheatre-

laughter, but I too was struggling

make regular visits there to cut down

from the Rajkandi reserve forest, and

like clearing around the waterfall, we

to balance my body on a four-inch

trees and bamboos and they beat and

planned to start fresh early in the next

decided that our arduous journey had

slippery rock trail, at the stream’s bank.

sometimes kill lone bamboo cutters like

morning.

been well worth it!

n the shadow of summer sunlight,

Fortunately, Mifta knew how to

Finding no other way, we sent We had come upon Rohit the day

Rohit if found.

two of our guides back to cut down bamboo from the forest. They came

After a few more hurdles, we

We discovered, much to our

We were surprised to come upon

frustration, that Rohit pretty much

another group who we had seen lagging

swim and wasn’t injured, which was

By the time we met him, we were

every bit of a possibility as the water

quite frustrated with our ‘progress’.

had no idea what he was doing. In

behind us in the jungle, was already

hid several sharp rock faces under its

After seven hours of hiking through

the morning we found that Rohit had

there. They said that their guide took

serene surface. But his iPhone (I didn’t

the somewhat monotonous landscapes

brought three other people along

them through the shoulder of the hills,

know why he brought that along with

of tea-gardens, deep jungle with

with him to guide us in the trail and

not through the canyons. We then

him since there was no network inside

intermittent bamboo forests and a long

we thought that it was some sort of

realised that the risky canyon path that

the jungle) was ruined and he was all

sandy water stream, we stood in front

a practical joke. Four guides for five

we had gone through was not even a

soaked with muddy water. He shot an

of what was no more than a pitiful

people!

short-cut. (Prior to that we thought it

angry look at Rohit, our guide, who was

trickle of water. We didn’t have much

in front of us and was supposed to warn

to do then as the guide named Momtaz

the four would rob us once we were

have been no reason for the guide to

us about the slippery sections in the

Mia that we hired for that day, guided

in the deep forest, Rony and I were

bring us through that way).

path. For a few days now, we had been

us through the wrong trail.

worried about the payment of three

On our return to the village, we

extra guides, Roman, ‘the reticent’,

rebuked Rohit and his three guides

guided by the wrong guys in our search

Once Rohit’s initial fear passed, he

Shumon Bhai was convinced that

was a short cut, otherwise there would

for the waterfall named ‘Hummum’ for

quicky warmed up to us and gave us

didn’t say anything as usual while Mifta

for taking us through the dangerous

which we had, by then spent two days

quite the impression of himself and

bhai began to berate the newcomers in

canyon trail, but we later confessed to

in the reserve forest of Rajkandi, in

his knowledge on the local geography

his native Sylheti accent. Soon enough

each other that it all turned out to be a

Srimongol.

and promised that he would guide

we realised that Rohit didn’t know

good adventure! n

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

18 STAY IN Clues ACROSS 1 Rodent in pastry for buccaneer (6) 6 Fashion own goal in two thirds of revue (5) 7 Motorist loses five when less wet (5) 8 Diamond headwear found in Antarctic (6)

DOWN 2 Bill ready to sing well (7) 3 Rail age changed country (7) 4 The Spanish aren’t odd cricket side (6) 5 Hand GI new great leader (6)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- Head or heart?

Head’s a rational bore while your heart’s a kid in a candy store. A little control over both and a little sit down with the contenders isn’t a bad idea.

Taurus (Apr 20-May20)- Focus on your

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

health this week, eat very carefully and pay attention to what you force down your gullet. Even if digestion doesn’t play it’s tricks against you, you may get the chills from not getting enough nutrition.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)- Faith is a two way street, much like the personality you hone. You can’t expect someone to have faith in you if you don’t have faith in them or show them you believe in them. matters linked with family or relatives.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22)- his may sound like a lesson in how to follow through a cosmic journey in your mind. But be sure to pay attention to your dreams from now on and get a better picture on what you want to see.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)-The sun’s rays reflected through your eyes need to be spread around the horizon. Take it one

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

step at a time and you will find joy in

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

what you do.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)-Patience my dear pays off for those who wait, a lifetime of stress if about to be lifted off your shoulders this week for a certain amount of time. Rejoice in this moment!

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- It is time for you to heed with caution, no matter where you go. Trust the very few around you and if possible not even them, only yourself, even the air you breathe is conspiring against you and laughing behind your back. A change of company is surely needed.

ACROSS 5 Rap trio reformed, like JKF? (7) 6 Revises changing tides (5) 9 Go dance about a regular shape (7)

DOWN 1 Sheep found in upper arm (3) 2 Make stick in colour (7) 3 Initially over the top in prison house (7) 4 Sounds like the number consumed (3) 7 Not even strange (3) 8 Sounds like prevailed number (3)

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- Even though most of the time it works out for you when you meddle in a friend’s life; perhaps this time around it may not be a good idea to be a meddler. Try to juggle both sides of the problem and then see if it’s probable to intervene. Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- Logging in long hours at work will definitely earn you bonus points with the boss. However it may lead to some time unnecessary time off from the family.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- The cards are set at your table, it is now your turn to either make a move and lose or stop playing the game and start another.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- A great big change is soon coming your way, so prepare yourself for it and do not be afraid.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- The biggest challenge in life is accepting and dealing with daily rituals. Once you can do that, you become invincible.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

GO OUT

19

Weekly Planner July 1 July 1

Food | Grand opening of Cocktails Café and Restaurant When 10am Where Lalbagh Kella, Dhaka, Bangladesh What The grand opening of Cocktails Café and Restaurant in Lalbagh.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/100677190359274/?active_tab=highlights

Fashion | Nakshi Katha Festival When 1pm Where Krishibid institution of Bangladesh- KIB, Khamarbari Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

What Display of Nakshi Katha hosted by Fashion TV Bangladesh and Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh. Nakshi Katha is mostly perceived as a tourist souvenir.

The festival is an attempt to bring Nakshi Katha to the public eye as a cultural signature. The highlight of the festival is the various patterns and colours of the Nakshi Katha, unique to Bangladesh.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1663531247236110/

July 3

July 3

Exhibition | Kites Eid Exhibition When 11am Where Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh.

What Exhibition of classic, vintage and kites twist sunglasses, elegant perfume oil and trendy capes.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1058771887540884/

Music | Album launch July 3

Fashion | Eid-Ul-Fitr Mehndi Carnival When 9am Where Drik Gallery Dhanmondi, Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka 1209, Bnagladesh.

What It is a ‘Mehndi Utshob’ hosted by Maisha’s Euphoria Mehndi.

Many discount offers and exciting gifts are available.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/591482034351645/

July 3

Workshop | Meditation: Science of the Inner

When 3pm Where Seven Hill restaurant, DK Tower (level-7) 94, Bir Uttam, CR Datta road, old Sonargoan, Bangla Motor, Dhaka-1205 What The launching event of Minar Zohan’s debut album. The album is called ‘Zohan’ and is co-produced

by Raef Al Hasan Rafa and Sajid Sarkar. The album is being released

under Laser Vision Limited. There are nine originally produced songs in the album. The event will be hosted by Minar Zohan, Sarwar Tuhin, Jarjeesh Tanvir, Tanzir Ahmed Suddho, and Afsin Rabbani.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1058771887540884/

When 10am Where OSHO Meditation Centre Bangladesh, House 50, Road 10A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka What If you want to live a more fulfilled life, first you will want to know your potential, who you really are; meditation is the route to that knowing. It is the methodology of the science of awareness.

Throughout the day participants can take part in meditations, sit silently, walk around, read books, or even play with colours.

Sabyachi Mistry will show participants how to gain relaxation from painting and make painting a meditation process.

WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6

20 THE BONG MOMMA | TALES FROM A FIRST-TIME MOM

“Yes I Can!” Minu Ahmed from previous issues, I conceived soon after getting married, and didn’t get the chance to go back to work. I had Jellybean and had zero time to even think about a career of any sort. But I never stopped working in different ways - I taught students and did project based writing work that I could do from home. The money wasn’t much, but at least I had the satisfaction of not letting my brain remain useless and dry up like a forgotten prune.

Then when Jellybean was older, I started my masters, and decided to leave the world of business and venture into communication, because that felt like my true calling. In the middle of all this, the persona of The Bong Momma (which had been hibernating) finally broke through my wall of procrastination and that’s how this column came to be.

I knew I had finally found the right path for myself, after years and years of contemplation of what would become of me. The final strengthening aspect was when I

S

Photo: Bigstock

returned to work, doing what I do best, writing and communication work for a

o what did you want to be

my friends had already found their

sternly and murmured, “Just because

when you grew up? Were you

fortes, some in science, some in math,

you’re good doesn’t give you the right

development organisation.

even asked this question? Did

some in accounting, and some in

to do whatever you want!” I gulped

even the journey ahead, it astounds

you even wonder, or were you

When I think of my journey, and

their parents’ businesses. The only

down humble pie and smiled back

me as to how little we know ourselves

told to do this-and-this and become

thing I was unfailingly good at, was

sheepishly. Needless to say, (and much

and of what we can truly become

a so-and-so and fate was decided for

writing stuff. I dabbled in poetry and

to my teacher’s dismay) I still proclaim

and achieve. That little girl who once

you?

short stories for fun, but the extreme

my love for her in a dramatic manner

wanted to be a computer programmer

pressures of laziness and well “life in

whenever I see her!

is now something, and someone totally

For me, growing up in the 90s, with limited access to a computer at first,

general”, never allowed me to fully

made me marvel at the creation that

pursue it. I had never written for youth

making announcements during

a computer was. In the international

supplements in newspapers, which was

assembly for various events and from

me, and I still dream and one day, I

school I was in, we had one Apple

very popular during my school days,

there I overcame my fear of public

might just be the president...

Macintosh computer. I didn’t really

and my first published work was for our

speaking (one of the reasons why I

know the true applications of a

school yearbook.

could never do well in debates). It

computer back then, I would just play

During A levels, I motivated myself

Also during A levels, I started

enough to study English Literature,

because I ended up earning a business

was the dream. I had learnt the term

although language was the first choice,

degree and one of my majors was

“computer programmer” and I wanted

and surprisingly, as tough as it was,

marketing, which required me to make

to be one. I was under the impression

I quite enjoyed it. I found studying

a lot of presentations. I fell in love with

that computer programmers went

poetry cumbersome, but poured over

presenting and ended up doing a lot of

clickety-click and did fun amazing

the novels.

part time work in advertising agencies,

Many years later, I was awakened

I’ve always had a love or hate

hosting events and for a short while,

relationship with my English teachers

even hosted a fashion-related show on

from this dream when I realised that

- they either loved me or hated me. I

TV (no Google won’t help). I figured

I absolutely hated math and had lost

would stumble in late to my English

the media line was for me, and opted

interest in computer science. By the

Literature class sometimes (because

to work in marketing and advertising

time the awkward teenage years

I was busy playing all sorts of sporty

related jobs after I graduated.

hit, I was still clueless as to what I

goodness during free periods) and

wanted to do with my life. By then,

so one day my teacher looked at me

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6

No, that’s not wholly true. I’m still

Yes I can! n

really helped when I started university,

games and type stuff, and for me, that

things on computers all day.

different.

However, life had different plans for me. As you must already know

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