Weekend Tribune July 22nd 2016

vol 4 Issue 13 | FRIDAY, July 22, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

5

Aydha Mehnaz

6

Origin Story

13

The Architect’s Apprentice

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 13 | July 22, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Features

Editor Zafar Sobhan

4 Event

Fashion in cotton

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

5 Interview Aydha Mehnaz

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

6 Origin Story Turkish influences in Bengal

7 Origin Story

6

Sufism and spirituality

Origin Story

Turkish influences in Bengal

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

12 Global issues 13 Book Review The Architect’s Apprentice

14 Perspective Why I took off the hijab

15 Perspective Taking up the veil

16 Show Review Sultan Suleiman

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

Humour Democracy

Contributors Promiti Prova Chowdhury Shehtaz Haque Reema Islam Hasan Mansoor Chatak Max Mystel Tasnia Rashid

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain

8 Musings

17 Reflections TV favourites

20 Animal instincts Persian cats

9

Regulars

Photo Story Monsoon

18 Stay In 19 Go Out

Editor’s note Dear readers, While the world watches the developments in Turkey, this week, we explore the many ways in which Turkish history and culture are relevant to Bangladeshis today.

We explore Turkish architecture and how it influenced us. We try to find out just what is so addicting about everyone’s favourite Turkish drama serial.

We discuss the rising popularity of Islamic fashion, and review two perspectives about the hijab.

On the cover We talk Sufism, and spirituality and cats. We jump into the pages of fiction and travel back centuries to discover Istanbul at the peak of the Ottoman empire.

If that’s too much Turkey for you, come right back to Dhaka for a discussion on cotton, dive into the rainy season with our lovely photostory on monsoon, and kick back with some light laughter with our new columnist Max Mystel.

Stay safe!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Photo: Sciccoso Model: Naushin Farnaz

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

2 News | This week 84 killed in France in terrorist attack crime, but he was

Failed coup in Turkey to topple Erdogan government

not on the watch list

gunshots were heard at

of radicalised young

the presidential palace

men.

-- the Turkish National

Witnesses say the

Intelligence unit claimed

lorry swerved in an

the coup was over. But not

apparent attempt to

before 290 people were

hit more people.

killed and more than 1,400

Guns and a

people were injured.

grenade found

According to

inside the lorry were

various reports, the

t least 84 people have been

reported to be fakes.

coup happened as the

killed, including more than

President Francois Hollande, who

A

10 children, after a lorry slammed

is in Nice, said the attack was of “an

through a crowd celebrating Bastille

undeniable terrorist nature”.

Day in the southern French city of Nice in July 14.

The driver, one Mohamed

After the attack, a state of

overthrow the incumbent president

November’s Paris attacks

They were stopped as people

‘soldier of Islam’ ploughed on for

from the so-called

2km (1.2 miles) on the Promenade des

Islamic State

Anglais at about 23:00 local time on

group, in which

last Thursday, before being shot dead

130 people

by police.

died, has been

with the police in the past for petty

of Turkey’s military tried to

Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.

carried out by militants

Turin in Nice and had been in trouble

O

emergency, in place since

Lahouaiej Bouhlel, a self claimed

He reportedly lived on the Route de

government has made

n Friday last week, a portion

extended by three months.

Photo: Reuters

flooded onto the streets

The world at a glance

in support of the

Weekend Tribune Desk

leader, who was democratically elected.

Within a

enemies with the military over religion.

The military in Turkey sees itself as the defender of the country’s secular traditions, and generals have been critical of Mr Erdogan.

His AK Party, with roots in Islamism, has long had a strained relationship with the military and nationalists in a state that was founded on secularist principles after World War One.

few hours --

Photo: AP

during which

5 Ansarullah men indicted in blogger Oyasiqur murder case

A

Dhaka court has framed charges against five members

Gopalganj district.

On March 30, 2015, travel agency

of outlawed Islamist militant

executive Oyasiqur, 27, was hacked

outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team in

to death by three assailants on

the secular blogger Md Oyasiqur

Dipika Mosque Lane of Begunbari,

Rahman Babu murder case.

close to Tejgaon Textile Engineering

Third Additional Metropolitan Session Judge SM Ziaur Rahman gave the order on Wednesday, last

University, when he was going to office in Motijheel.

While fleeing, two of the killers

week. Earlier, police produced three

– Zikrullah, a student of Hefazat-

Ansarullah members before the

e-Islam’s Hathazari Madrasa in

court from the Dhaka jail while the

Chittagong, and Ariful, student of

other two remained absconding.

Mirpur Darul Uloom Madrasa – were

The court also fixed August 4 to

held by two transgendered persons

Indonesia’s most wanted Islamist militant killed

I

ndonesia’s most wanted Muslim

forces and was known for training

extremist has been killed in a firefight

militants from around the archipelago.

start the case formally through the

as locals remained reluctant to

with troops, authorities said Tuesday,

In 2014 he pledged allegiance to IS

witness hearing.

chase the killers.

ending a years-long hunt for the Islamic

and earlier this year was placed by

State (IS) group supporter.

the United States on a list of global

The arrested three are Zikrullah

The other member of the team,

alias Hasan, 19, from Raipura

Abu Taher, escaped. The duo was

upazila under Narsingdi district,

handed over to police who later

Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot

Md Ariful Islam alias Arif alias Erfan

recovered the machetes from the

dead on Monday on the mountainous

now that we have got the leader,”

alias Mushfique, 19, from Titas

crime scene.

Sulawesi island, where he had been

national police chief Tito Karnavian

hiding out in the jungle with a small

told reporters, as he confirmed the

band of followers.

militant’s death.

upazila under Comilla district, Md

The incident took place only a

Saiful Islam alias Mansur, 23, from

month after secular blogger and

Manoharganj upazila under Comilla.

former Buet teacher Avijit Roy

Santoso, the leader of the Eastern

His death is a major victory for

terrorists.

“The group is obviously weakened

He said the country’s extremists

The wanted two are Zoned

and his wife Rafida Ahmed Bonya

authorities in the world’s most

had wanted to transform Sulawesi’s

Ahmed alias Zonayed alias Taher,

came under attack by extremists.

populous Muslim-majority country

Poso district, where Santoso and his

24, from Nabiganj upazila under

Avijit succumbed to his injuries at a

who had pursued the extremist for five

followers were based, into a “safe

Habiganj district, and Abdullah

hospital.

years, sending thousands of security

haven” and a regional power base.

alias Md Akram Hossain alias Baro Bhai, 28, from Kotalipara upazila of

News: Dhaka Tribune

forces to hunt for him.

His group carried out a string of deadly attacks on domestic security

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

“With this group broken, their hope for a base there is gone,” he added.

Photo: AP

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

A balloon seller near the airport runway.

Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu

Burglary suspect allegedly used human brain to get high A

Pennsylvania man in jail on burglary charges is now accused of using a human brain to get high.

Joshua Long, 26, was charged Friday with abuse

of a corpse after his aunt found the brain underneath the front porch of a vacant trailer in Penn Township.

The brain was in a display container the kind you

by Cumberlink.com.

Police claim Long and his smoking buddy had given the brain the nickname of “Freddy.”

Long allegedly told investigators he knew it was illegal to have the human brain, according to the Associated Press.

might see in a museum and stuffed into a Walmart bag.

Long is currently being held in Cumberland

The trailer is the former home of Robby Zoller

County Prison being in lieu of $100,000 bail for his

and Angela Micklo, two robbery suspects currently wanted by police. Micklo is Long’s aunt.

Police said the brain was found last month. A

alleged role in a string of burglaries.

Smoking “wet” marijuana is an emerging trend according to the DEA. Users soak joints in

family member subsequently contacted Long at

embalming fluid before drying them to get an added

Cumberland County Prison to find out why there was

hallucinogenic effect. These joints are extremely

a brain in a Walmart bag at the house.

carcinogenic and can cause long-term health

Long allegedly said that he and Zoller had used

say what?

problems, including brain damage.

the formaldehyde that preserved the brain to smoke “wet” marijuana, according to an affidavit obtained

News and photo: Huffington Post

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

4 Event | fashion in cotton

Cotton USA visits Bangladesh Sabiha Akond Rupa

A

delegation from Cotton

mentioned that he came along with his

USA was introduced

team to Bangladesh to share his sorrow

to Bangladesh textile

and grief on the tragedy that struck

and apparel industry

Bangladesh earlier this month.

through the US and Global Cotton

Five of the top leading textile groups

Outlook seminar where they met

and designers participated in the

with Bangladesh industry leaders

fashion show, where they introduced

at a fashion show and seminar that

100% US cotton and cotton made

took place at Le Meridien on July 18.

garments, highlighting Bangladesh’s

The delegation members were Keith

rich cotton heritage. Amber Group,

Lucas, president of Cotton Council

New Asia Group, Square fashion Ltd,

International (CCI) and leader of the

Beximco, and Almira showcased a

delegation; Marc Lewkowitz, CEO

selection of western clothing and

and president of Supima; and Bruce

traditional Bangladeshi outfits.

Atherley, Executive Director of Cotton Council International (CCI).

The delegates at the seminar made

Cotton USA recognises the important role Bangladesh textile and apparel industry has been playing for

a presentation on world cotton supply,

the growth of Bangladesh, and they

US cotton growth, contamination, bale,

hosted a dinner honouring the success

and packaging that would help cotton

and achievements of the Bangladeshi

consumers, mills and importers to

industry. Tapan Chowdhury, the

better understand cotton while they

president of Bangladesh Textile Mills

make raw cotton sourcing decisions.

Association (BTMA) and M Siddiqur

In the beginning of the fashion

Rahman, the president of Bangladesh

show, the president of CCI, Keith Lucas

Garment Manufacturers & Exporters

addressed his concerns regarding the

Association (BGMEA), were the guests

recent events in Bangladesh. He also

of honour at the dinner. n

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

Aydha Mehnaz | Interview

5

A modest fashion blog Sabiha Akond Rupa

A

ydha Mehnaz is a gorgeous

ethnicity or country we live in. Modest

fashion blogger specialising

fashion simply provides options and

in ‘modest fashion’,

diversity in fashion for women, and

and uses her own blog

caters to a worlwide market worth

Minazification to demonstrate her

over $500 million. Renowned fashion

great eye to details and styles. This

brands like Uniqlo collaborating with

week, she spoke to Weekend Tribune

Hana Tajima is a great example of

about the growth of the latest modest

how mainstream fashion names are

fashion trends in Bangladesh and her

starting to recognise the potential of

experiences in the modest fashion

this market. But the biggest challenge

industry.

of creating any type of digital content is the number of hours it takes to

Tell us about your blog Minazification.

create it. It might seem easy on the

What inspired you to start it?

outside because all you can see are just

Minazification is a fashion site where I

photos with some typed out words on a

document my interests about fashion,

website, but there’s a lot that goes into

beauty and style, and also feature

creating that.

people I admire so that my followers can get to know more about their lives.

Tell us about your journey with Islamic

I always had a fascination towards

Fashion and Design Council (UAE) and

is - the people I started admiring years

style, ever since I was a child. My aunt

Aquila Style (Singapore).

ago when I first started out, now I can

used to dress me up in different attires

I used to be one of the fashion writers

call some of them my closest friends.

and take photos of me when digital

for Aquila Style for about a year in

cameras first came in. So I started

2015, and worked as the head of global

Who does your amazing blog

Minazification as an outlet where I

development for Islamic Fashion and

photography, and did you create the

document my own style interests, but

Design Council for a brief period of time

blog yourself?

now it’s like we have our own small

earlier this year. Working in both of

A lot of my friends and family help me

community where my internet family

these spaces has been an enlightening

out with taking the photos, especially

and I explore fashion and personal

experience. I’ve had the opportunity

the ones where I have to be in them.

styles, one post at a time.

to meet many inspiring people, who

My brother helped me out with the

I might not have met otherwise. I am

technical stuff of the blog, such as

Is it difficult to be a modest fashion

not affiliated with Islamic Fashion and

coding and designing. Everything else

blogger in Bangladesh?

Design Council anymore as I intend to

is created and curated by yours truly.

The concept of digital style influencer

focus more on developing my expertise

is very new for Bangladesh, but local

in this genre, and contributing to

Do you have any fashion rules when

are a great way to document your

brands and labels are slowly starting to

multiple spaces at the same time limits

putting an outfit together?

hobby and a variety of interests such

explore the unique opportunities they

your own time and space to think of

There has to be one idea or statement

as cooking, beauty, travel, lifestyle,

get when they market their products

anything creative.

piece that should be on focus, and

gaming etc.

what you say or do. As we live in the digital era, I think website and blogs

the rest of the styling should revolve

via an influencer, especially in targeting Who inspires your fashion?

around that to highlight it. Style and

What opportunities have presented

The women in my family have a great

comfort should go hand in hand when

themselves since you started

community, and we require authentic

taste in fashion, if I say so myself. In

pairing a look together.

Minazification?

voices to represent it.

fact, I think they have a better sense of

niche audiences. However, we need more time to develop this into a proper

I have had the opportunity to meet

style than I do! My mum and all of my

Where do you see your blog in five

many creative individuals ever since

How would you describe your own

aunts, - I grew up watching them all as

years?

I started Minazification. Having the

personal style?

my inspiration.

I would love to see my blog grow not

honour to be invited to fashion weeks

only as a fashion website, but as a

across the world and witness some of

Tell us about your experience at the

medium on it’s own that celebrates

the greatest creations by legendary

Muslim Fashion Festival at Jakarta,

women and motivates them to reach

modest fashion designers is something

Why modest fashion, and what is the

Indonesia.

their goals.

that I always feel lucky to be a part of.

biggest challenge in fashion blogging?

It was my second time in Jakarta this

Every influencer out there has their

year attending a fashion event. Last

What’s the biggest tip you have for

digitally and trying to perfect it is not

own genre that they like to blog about.

year I attended the Indonesia Fashion

anyone wanting to start a fashion blog

only what you can do to feed your

Conservative wear, or modest fashion

Week where I spoke on a panel about

or website?

passion, but can also serve as a résumé

as we like to call it, enables any women

how to connect the modest fashion

It’s very important to have an authentic

for finding work in the industry of your

to dress modestly without showing a

worldwide. I have been blessed to meet

voice when starting your own thing.

choice.

lot of skin, which is a universal idea

many creative individuals along my

The more authentic it is, the more

that is not bounded by any religion,

journey as an influencer. The best part

people will be able to resonate with

Laid-back yet edgy, easy to adapt and play around with.

Nowadays, documenting your hobby

For more on this fascinating blog, visit www.minazification.com n

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

6 Origin Story | Turkish influences in Bengal

From Istanbul to Dhaka From the Sufi saints of Bengal to the Sultanate, the Turks have had a long list of influences on our history. As Babur established the Mughal Empire with his obvious Turkish roots, he set into motion a merry exchange of cultures that makes the Turkish language, their cuisine and their culture all the more familiar to our senses.

Reema Islam

T

estimony to an old allegiance of Bangladesh

established Islamic rule with an iron hand. He is

with the people of Turkey lies on one of

buried in Lakhnauti or the Gour region of West Bengal

the busiest roads of Dhaka. Kemal Ataturk

(bordering Bangladesh and Kolkata) and the Turks

road in Banani pays homage to the respect

thus remained in India, Bengal and our history.

we have had for the Turkish people and in more

Thankfully though, one of our most influential

recent times the roots certainly lay in Nazrul’s open

Turks was the least blood thirsty of them all and

admiration for Kamal Pasha and his liberal ways of

spread the word of peace, love and devotion to

seeing a new Turkey. The poem ‘Kamal Pasha’ was

mankind. The Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Jalal is said

composed by Kazi Nazrul Islam towards the end

to have moved to Sylhet to spread Islam. Born in

of 1921, which emphasizes the influence Mostafa

1271 CE, in Konya, Turkey, ancient texts have often

Kamal Pasha’s leadership, who had overthrown the

mentioned his birth in Turkestan, or the land of the

feudal sultanate and turned Turkey into a secular and

Turks. Shah Jalal’s father was a poet, contemporary to

modern republic, had on the rebel poet. Nazrul was

Jalal al-din Rumi and Shah Jalal being a student of this

particularly impressed by the way Kamal Pasha had

great Sufi philosopher, chose to spread the concept

pulled out fundamentalism from the Turkish society

of Sufism, making his base in Eastern Bengal. The

while encouraging the women to give up their veils.

famous traveler Ibn Battuta met this docile saint and

He wondered why such reforms in Turkey could

noted how he lived in a cave with a goat that provided

not be replicated in India and Bengal. The Turks

him with milk, for cheese and yoghurt. Tall, slender

however lay claim to a much older association with

and fair skinned, Hazrat Shah Jalal was possibly our

our cultures and have been infiltrating the Indian

first Turk to be eventually naturalised a Bangladeshi!

subcontinent for as long ago as the 1st century BCE (before common era).

The Shakas were a famous clan in Ancient India

Interestingly enough, the Turks were great at integrating into any new culture as they wanted to spread their claim over more land and its people. This

and have been generously mentioned in many

meant that they adopted the language of the locals,

writings including the Mahabharata. Many people

making additions to it by interjecting some of their

tend to forget that these were the Scythians who

own words, a practice that has lead to embellishment

settled in the Western parts of India, after driving

of the Hindustani spoken today. The reference to

out the last of the Greeks, from the middle of the

Hindustani is the conglomeration of languages Hindi-

2nd century BCE till 4th century CE. The Scythians

Urdu, with many other local influences. This language

are thought to have originated from Anatolia around

was mainly shaped during the rule of the Turko-

the 7th century BCE, a region that also includes a

Mongol Mughals and took over from vernacular

religious event or in food to make it more fragrant

large part of modern day Turkey. The Shakas were

Sanskrit and the Khariboli spoken in Delhi at the

was also an Ottoman ritual. It is possible that they

eventually defeated by the Gupta Dynasty, which also

time. The syntax of Turkish and Hindustani is similar

did the same in Persia, but it is hard to define whether

ruled a part of our modern day Bangladesh. Thus the

and towards the end of the Mughal rule in the 18th

we were more influenced by the Turks in these cases.

Turks have somehow been a part of the fabric of our

century, this took over as the standard court language

history for a longer period, a fact often overlooked.

from Persian. The Turks of course did not have much

A part of the poem written by Kazi Nazrul Islam is

of an influence on Bengali save for the remnants of

an insightful look at the impact the Turks had on the

an entry through Bakhtiar Khilji who rang in the

their presence in words like halwa, badam, maidan,

winds of change India was experiencing at a time

arrival of the Islamic Sultanate period of Bengal

tava, to name a few.

when revolution was around the corner:

The Turks eventually struck back and truly made

and a new era of rule. Defeating the Sena Dynasty

Many credit the Persians for culinary influences

in 1203-1204 CE, Khilji took over most of Western

like the samosa, pulao and even the zarda but the

Brother Kemal, the desperate son of a frenzied mother

Bengal, as the Eastern parts remained with the Deva

heavy Turkish-Persian influence is sidelined as most

Has gone furious; so the devils’ dens are full of hue and cry

dynasty. They were the last Hindu dynasty to rule

people tend to associate the Mughals more with the

Looking for self-protection everywhere;

over Bengal and eventually their exit is not clearly

Persians and their Turkish roots are often overlooked.

Kemal, what a wonder you’ve worked!

documented, as Balban, another Turk took over and

Minor practices like our use of rose water to purify a

Ho Ho Kemal, what a wonder you’ve worked! n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

Sufism and spirituality | Origin story

7

Sufi mysticism Man is a mirror which, when polished, reflects God

Moumita Ahmed

of reality, meansing we arise from God

student relationships, formalised with

and return to God, and this truth can be

the finding of the orders, originating

experienced and known. Sufis search

from a different Sufi saint.

for their inner soul to communicate with the divine.

History and origins The first historical traces of Sufism go back to the time of Prophet

T

message of Sufism is to

serve humanity.

Unity is a core principle of Islam,

connect with God. Although musical expression in Islam is often seen as debatable, Sufi musical performances have played an important role in

was a profound mystic,

creative literature and poetry, as well

and it’s said that he taught

as in spreading the message of Islam throughout the world.

techniques and inner truths of

Sufi practices including chanting,

this mysticism. Thus, almost all Sufi

singing, dancing, and meditation all of

schools represent Prophet Mohammad

which are intended to lead followers

(PBUH) and Hazrat Ali, as a door to

towards the experience of annihilation

spiritualism.

or Fanaa of the ego in God.

The earliest known Sufis were

he essential

Sufis often use music as a source to

Mohammad (PBUH). He

his son-in-law, Hazrat Ali the

Photos: Bigstock

Practices and teachings

Sufism teaches that the ideal state of

solitary mystics, who attracted

realisation is in subsistence, where a

followers on the strength of their

mystic is conscious of both this unity

personal piety. They taught their

and of his own individual identity. The

students the techniques they had

Sufis quest is to experience God within oneself, this is often called Marifah.

remember God and serve

which refers to the oneness of God or

used to become friends of God. Those

others. Like all forms of

the intimate relationship between God

students who attained spiritual

mysticism, it is above all, the search for

and creation at all levels. However, for

realisation in turn, taught others.

God and this search may be expressed

the Sufi, unity or tawheed (in Arabic)

By the ninth century, what had

in many different ways, taking various

is a fundamental mystical experience

originally been in formal teacher-

What is most essential to Sufis cannot be learned, but can only be reached through personal experience and inner transformation. n

forms. On the other hand, by reason of its esoteric aspects ; it introduces secret practices, initiation rites that vary depending on the masters who teach them.

A Sufi’s way of life is to love and be of service to people, deserting the ego or false self and all illusion so that one can reach maturity and perfection, and finally reach God. Sufis have no country, and they do not live in any geographic pages. They exist throughout the Islamic world as both, Shia and Sunni. Sufis represent the spiritual or mystical dimension of Islam. Sufism is known as the way of the heart, the way of the pure. It is the path that takes the secret to the divined presence. The term Sufi appears to be derived from the Arabic word “suf” meaning “wool” in the sense of “cloak,” referring to the simple cloaks the original Sufis wore. Some initiates are given a specially designed, coloured wool vest which is symbolic of the woolen robes of poverty worn by ancient dervishes, and signifies the loving commitment of the dervish to

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

8 Musing | Humour

A seriously laidback column Max Mystel

I

t seems that lately there is a lot

after death and a smiling tree? Holy

‘Hey, is this real, or is this just a ride?’

of hate regarding Muslims, in

cow! That’s extremist ideology right

And other people have remembered,

general. And with the rise of

there; must be a terrorist, even worse,

and they come back to us and say:

militant attacks it really doesn’t

a well-read terrorist. All I am saying

‘Hey, don’t worry; don’t be afraid, ever,

help Islam’s image on a global forum.

is educate yourselves regarding not

because this is just a ride.’ And we …

However, on a brighter note I would

just Islam but every religion possible.

kill those people. ‘Shut him up! I’ve got

like to forward my utmost gratitude to

What this does in retrospect is prevent

a lot invested in this ride, shut him up!

the new British Prime Minister Theresa

us from falling prey to any sort of

May. She read out a verse from the

propaganda, not to mention help us

Qur’an and sent a message to Muslims

create a more educated, unbiased and

in Britain and around the world that

aware society.

Islam is a religion of peace and that she

feeding and clothing and educating the poor of the world, which it would pay for many times over, not one human being excluded, and we could explore space, together, both inner and outer, forever, in peace.”

Lastly, I would like to leave you

will not stand for atrocities caused in

with a quote from one of the funniest

Without further ado let’s move

Islam’s name. That being said, there

man to have ever lived, the late Bill

on to the ‘Laidback’ part of this

are plenty of haters out there that

Hicks. A comedian, a poet and a social

column, basically jokes:

love to tarnish our religion, calling it

critic, Bill says: “The world is like

• Marriage is not a word, it’s a

violent and extreme, no matter what.

a ride in an amusement park, and

sentence. Let’s face it guys, the

To those, this next bit illustrates your

when you choose to go

uninformed point of view.

on it you think it’s

“Recently, a quote from a book lover showed up on my feed. It said: “Each time you open a book, a tree smiles, knowing there is life after death.” Life

anagram for mother-in-law is “Woman Hitler.”

real because

Look at my furrows of worry, look at

that’s

my big bank account, and my family.

brands as a teenager. Told my

This has to be real.’ It’s just a ride. But

mom to get me a T-shirt from their

powerful

we always kill the good guys who try

outlet. When she said she would,

our minds are.

and tell us that, you ever notice that?

I was happy that my mother was

And let the demons run amok … But

progressive. She gets me the t-shirt

it doesn’t matter, because it’s just a

and I realise when it came to the

ride. And we can change it any time we

size, she thought 10 years ahead.

want. It’s only a choice. No effort, no

Not only was she progressive, she

how

The ride goes up and down, around and around, it has thrills and chills, and it’s very brightly coloured, and

• Adidas was one of my favourite

it’s very loud, and it’s fun for a while.

work, no job, no savings of money. Just

Many people have been on the ride a

a simple choice, right now, between

long time, and they begin to wonder,

fear and love. The eyes of fear want you

friend. However, being Bangladeshi

to put bigger locks on your doors, buy

I was smart about it and never got

guns, close yourself off. The eyes of

caught. My friend on the other

love instead see all of us as one. Here’s what we can do to change the world, right now, to a better ride. Take all that money we spend on weapons and defences each year and instead spend it

was a visionary.

• I used to shoplift as a child with my

hand…was Indian.

• Normally I do magic and I do comedy, so if I say something that’s not funny…it’s MAGIC! • When you’re a photographer, everyone greets you with: “Bhai ekta chobi tule den na please!”

• People say I am addicted to desserts.

I am not really; I only have them after meals. I have about 25 meals a day. n

Max Mystel is a standup comedian, magician, a terrible writer and a professional bum Photos: Bigstock

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

Monsoon | Photo Story

9

Tranquil rain Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain

The English word Monsoon came from the Bengali/Hindi word ‘mousum”, which came from the Arabic word mawsim (season). It was first used in the English language in British India (now India, Bangladesh and Pakistan) and neighbouring countries to refer to the big seasonal winds blowing from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Because of the climate change from fossil fuel burning the average temperature of the earth is on the rise. Even though the seasonal winds do not blow like before these pictures capture the aura we often associate with monsoon in Bangladesh – freshness and tranquility.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Monsoon

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

11

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

12 Global issues| Democracy

Divided democracies Do we really have democracies that represent us?

Shuprova Tasneem

O

(literally) with the solution that

are not being heard. In democracies

military coup should be a

Discrimination in democracies

democracy and open markets are the

that depend on majority rule only,

positive thing – a triumph

Whether in the military, government,

panacea to all political ills, but some of

following the first-past-the-post

of democracy in a country

judiciary or educational institutions – it

the biggest democracies in the world

system of voting rather than opting for

that has in the past been thrown into

seems like anyone who dared stand

now govern a large portion of their

proportional representation, there is at

turmoil by similar military coups. On

against the democratically elected

population without truly representing

its very onset a risk of minorities being

July 16, Galip Dalay, senior associate

leader of Turkey will now have to face

them. We have time and again seen

underrepresented in the government.

fellow on Turkey and Kurdish Affairs at

the consequences of their opposition.

that majority rule does not mean fair

Couple with that the increasing

Al Jazeera Center for Studies, wrote “it

This increasingly authoritarian stance

rule, and governments in successive

barriers to freedom of information and

was a dark night but it brought a bright

by Turkey has raised concerns about

terms can often turn to abusing their

ownership of mainstream media by the

new morning for democracy in Turkey,”

the strength of its democracy, with

political power during their time.

ruling elite, and you begin to grasp the

and compared the attempted coup to a

US Secretary of State Kerry warning

There are also many examples of such

extent of the sickness at the heart of so

terrorist operation. At least 290 people

that Turkey may be going against

democratic processes leading to even

many nations today.

died on the night, and around 1,400

NATO’s “requirement with respect

greater divisions within society. This is

were wounded.

to democracy” if it continues to fail

demonstrated perfectly in the much-

is one terrible yet effective way to

to uphold the rule of law after the

discussed Brexit decision in the UK,

ensure that democracies are not fully

attempted coup.

where 52% of the population voted to

functional – the less information there

leave the European Union, leaving 48%

is out there, the more the government

n paper, Turkey’s failed

However, the steps that Turkish president Erdogan has taken to “cleanse the cancer” of those who

This statement is ironic coming from

Regulation and restriction of media

plotted against him are far from

a diplomat from the United States,

of the population feeling angry, ignored

can get away with. But even with

what we can call democratic. Almost

a country where its democracy still

and disenfranchised.

relatively free media and free and

immediately after regaining control,

fails to represent minorities who are

the Turkish government removed or

continuously disenfranchised and

Voices that need to be heard

fully representative without proper

detained 70 admirals and generals,

discriminated against. Police brutality

Yet Brexit was democracy in its purest

opposition parties whose role is not

3,000 soldiers and 2,700 members of

and killing of African-Americans is

form – where every single person

to vilify the people in power, but to

the Turkish judiciary. 8,000 police

commonplace, with the violence now

eligible to vote had a direct voice in

come up with effective alternatives

officers, 30 governors and 52 high

escalating into innocent police officers

national policymaking. However, one

to government policy and shed light

ranking civil servants have also

losing their lives in a recent spate of

has to only dig a little deeper to realise

on any abuses of power. And because

been sacked, and the Turkish higher

revenge killings. Even in the world’s

all the other factors that came into play

there will always be voices that will be

education council recently imposed

largest democracy, Indian forces have

– a nationalist and often-xenophobic

silenced and fall through the cracks of

a travel ban on academics, a day

shot dead 45 people in Kashmir in a

media, deeply divided political parties,

government, law and media, we need

after demanding the resignation of

recent outbreak of violence, and are

simmering resentment within ignored

grassroots movements and civil society

1,577 deans at universities across the

continuing to use “non-lethal” pellets

classes and communities and much

organisations that speak against the

country. 24 TV and radio channels

on protesters, leaving hundreds at the

more. What ultimately matters is

ills the ruling elite would rather ignore.

have had their licenses revoked. There

risk of becoming blind.

the rhetoric that prevails, and the

In a world where nationalist and other

voices that get drowned out, and

extreme ideologies are constantly

is even talk of introducing the death

It is time to admit that democracy

fair elections, a democracy cannot be

penalty for people who have committed

as we know it, has a real problem.

in many functional democracies of

being used to justify undemocratic and

‘traitorous’ acts against the state.

Post 9/11, we have been bombarded

today, there are too many voices that

even violent actions, academics and educational institutions can also play a huge role in creating a more progressive counter-rhetoric.

In every democracy, there is the danger of the loudest voice drowning out the others, and of ruling powers using their achievements to create a nationalist propaganda that cements their increasingly authoritarian rule.

Turkish president Erdogan had at one time used his economic achievements to boost himself to a position of power, and is now using the threat against his government to destroy his opposition.

Yet without proper opposition, freedom of information, debate and dissent, and without representation of people from all walks of life, this kind of democracy will be a democracy by name only – not just in Turkey, but in countries across the world. n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

The Architect’s Apprentice | book review

13

Travelling with the Turks Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

T

he magical city of Istanbul, once a tourist hotspot, always a subject of fascination for everyone

from architects and historians to coffee connoisseurs, has been on our minds a lot lately, for good reasons and bad. On one hand, it’s hard to turn on the news and not find some new distressing political development in the country. On the other, if you nudge the conversation to the entertainment aspect of television, you’re bound to bump into a fan of the hit show Sultan Suleiman.

Suffice to say that there has never been a better time to pick up a nice read that transports you from present reality to the city’s fascinating past. Set towards the end of Sultan Suleiman’s reign, Elif Shafak’s novel The Architect’s Apprentice is just the ticket.

The novel follows the adventures of Jahan, a young Indian boy with a special affinity for his stepfather’s albino elephant calf Chotu, runs away from home, only to be conscripted as Chotu’s mahout when the pachyderm is sold to the Sultan’s menagerie.

Another set of merry misadventures leads to him apprenticing with Mimar Sinan, the Royal Architect. This vantage point makes him the perfect narrator for all the algebra and politics that run through the veins of the ancient city.

Through Jahan’s eyes we witness the communal relations between the Muslims, Jews and Christians of the city, the ways in which the cultures collide and coalesce, the race tensions, the bursts of harmony. We witness the conception and construction of many of the city’s iconic landmarks.

We even take a trip to Italy to meet Michaelangelo, thus putting this piece of Turkish history in the context of the European Renaissance.

We also get a sneak peek at the gender politics fermenting behind the shadowy walls of the royal harem, as well as the royal machinations that have bloody consequences. Peppered with wily princesses, scheming viziers, swashbuckling pirates, and crafty gypsies, the book has not a boring

Shafak’s prose is a perfect

in the way of the narrative. The plot

So if you’re hankering for an exotic,

minute. For a work of fiction (although

complement for the canvas of her

itself threads Jahan’s personal story

multicultural romp of a read, head on

set against a backdrop of real historical

story. Vivid and lively descriptions

into the greater picture involving

down to Pathak Shamabesh and grab

events) it could not be more relevant to

are woven into every line that brings

historical battles and real-life

your copy. n

the present as it is.

the whole story to life without getting

characters.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

14 Perspective | Why I took off the hijab

Girl, unveiled Shehtaz Huq

D

haka, 2004. At thirteen, Death is at my door. I know this because Death claimed my cousin one

autumn morning, brought the family together into my uncle’s Gulshan flat, laid siege to our beings for months and years to follow. I go to bed and worry that I will forget to breathe. I wake up thinking that grief has swallowed up my words, my life. I want to safeguard myself against this entity. I search for answers in the pre-dawn hours before the first call to prayer, on the mat as my forehead bows east. I find it in the hijab.

I am met instantly with the ire of friends, family, passersby. At a wedding, bejeweled and sari-clad women point and hoot. In school, fellow eighth graders stare openly. I am the only one in my year to wear the hijab. Some ask me if I’ve been to the hajj. Some ask me, voices tinged with concern, if my parents had coerced me into taking up this…vocation. I say no,

Photo: Bigstock

and I mean it.

For six years I listen to the ridicule.

At the American Embassy where my

not I had consented to the unveiling.

family presents itself to sit through

I acknowledge my tenuous grasp on

hours of air-conditioned tension, it

faith, the constant negotiation between

is gently suggested that I take off the

my world view and my religion. I

hijab “just this once.” At the studio where I go to get my passport picture taken, the photographer flatly refuses to photograph me with the hijab. I cry as I remove it, feeling denuded. “It’s not fair,” I say. I am told that there are other ways to be “pure,” to have

I do not regret it. In both choosing to wear it and in choosing to let it go, I had exercised my agency, my free will. I am no less a woman. I have not relinquished my identity

realize that I cannot reconcile myself to what wearing the hijab entails anymore.

I give up the hijab in 2010. I am met with sneers, snickers, smugly raised eyebrows. “English medium girl like her—it was never going to happen.”

purdah. “Girls your age,” people say,

People on either side of the Atlantic

and shake their heads. “Girls from your

burrow through their repertoire of tired

background—this just isn’t something

jokes. “We thought this was a case of

you do.”

haji’r ghore paaji—guess not, huh?”

They ask me if it’s a boy, my parents,

I pack my long sleeves and my scarves for the transatlantic journey

Government class, the teacher brings

neck. It is not the sneers, the snickers,

my imminent conversion to some

from Dhaka to Dallas. I am detained

up 9/11 and all eyes turn to me. A

the men in white pick-up trucks who

pagan religion.

at the airport for two hours. My first

rumor starts that I have an explosive

block my way in the parking lot to hurl

I do not regret it. In both choosing

sight of America is the uniformed

device tucked inside my hijab. The

expletives at me. Eight thousand miles

to wear it and in choosing to let it go,

faces of two Immigrations Services

police come. I unravel the folds of

from home, from the mosques and

I had exercised my agency, my free

officers. When I am released into the

fabric to show them that it is only my

azaan and the grudging solidarity of a

will. I am no less a woman. I have not

cold February air, the wind whips my

hair, feeling violated and denuded fifty

Muslim identity, I feel unmoored. I ask

relinquished my identity. I recognise

hijab into my face and I want to say

times over. They do not apologise.

myself questions. I lay out my reasons

the forces that had shaped me in those

and probe at them. I sift through the

nascent years but they do not shape

relationship with my hijab. I roll my

years and pick out the kernels of the

me now. When faces from Dhaka see

My second day of high school, a

hair and tuck it in, pin the fabric to

hows, the whys, the therefores. I come

me now and ask if it was the weather,

self-proclaimed joker runs up behind

my head, and allay the discomfort.

to understand that feeling denuded

the American friends, the wardrobe

me and pulls off my hijab. People

It is not only the heat, the wind, the

had little to do with the amount of skin

choices that compelled me I say no, and

laugh. I say nothing. In my advanced

eyes boring holes into the back of my

shown and more to do with whether or

I meanit. n

something, but I cannot, because this was a choice I had made.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

Over six years I maintain an uneasy

Taking up the veil | Perspective

15

and corruption? How is it possible

Why I took up the hijab Tasnia Rashid

that we might wish to observe hijab so that men do not become indifferent towards their own wives due to seeing the beauties of other women, and so that these men do not turn their families into the scene of a battlefield with excuses and quarrels? Coming from a broken home myself, I have pure faith in the hijab as a means to help fortify the foundation of family, and

E

thus reduce the tally of divorce, single living, and distressed and guardianless

ver since I began wearing the

social standards of beauty. In their

illegitimate children with no guardians,

hijab (veil) countless people

struggle to shape their bodies and

accruement of mental illnesses,

have asked me: “Why?

faces as the media portrayed attractive,

increase of murder, crime, and suicide,

again that: 1) Pride is hard to break,

What made you decide to

some starved themselves while others

escalation of the number of unmarried

2) Peace and prosperity can never be

suddenly start covering your head?”

went under the knife. Some competed

women and men, postponement of the

attained without humility. A society

My reply is always the same: “Rather,

to keep up with the latest fashion

age of marriage, inclination of youths

in which people practice humility will

you should be asking what took me so

trends, while others became visibly

towards various moral corruptions and

always be in the interest of women.

long to finally do what I always knew

depressed with their inability to meet

sexual deviations, upsurge of divorce

This is why I have chosen to overcome

was right.”

the expectations and whims of social

statistics, and the superabundance of

my fear of Western judgement and

fancies.

men and women who must inevitably

Bollywood mentality, and to obey my

live alone and suffer loneliness.

Creator when He orders me to cover

A few weeks ago, during the month of Ramadan, Bangladesh experienced

As I grew, I came to realise that

children.

History has taught us time and

a painful and horrific attack. We lost

this hypocritical freedom came at the

twenty precious lives at the hands

expense of the sacred foundation of

freedom of the West and promote

being. I have decided to become a

of atrocious terrorists. It was a shock

family. Freedom to consort as they

the oppression of Islam? What kind

trendsetter rather than a slave to the

that shook the nation, and me along

pleased resulted in indifference of

of society would we live in if women

system, and I will strive to fulfil my

with it. The fact that I was a regular at

men and women toward the home

accepted the restrictions of hijab

potential as a professional and an

Holey Artisan Bakery, where the attack

and family, suspicion of spouses

selflessly and in good will, in order that

intellectual in society. And I answer

occurred, made me question my own

towards one another, family conflicts,

their environment is free of deviation

only to Allah. n

But who was I to criticise the

my head and body for my own well

existence and realise that my death was not only inevitable, but also imminent.

As a Muslim, I believe in the Day of Resurrection, and that I will have to answer for my actions. So how will I answer Allah when He asks me why I disobeyed His order to wear hijab?

The truth is, I had been contemplating wearing a hijab for years before I finally mustered enough courage to go through with it. My main hindrance had always been society’s judgemental opinion of the hijab as a backward, oppressive practice associated with “Islamic extremism,” a term conveniently coined by enemies of the faith.

But what weight did these judgements bare compared to my Lord’s judgement? Following their idle indulgences would not save me from His wrath and the raging hellfire.

Unfortunately, the society I was raised in resulted in the delay of this transparent realisation.

Growing up in the West, I was witness to countless heated arguments against the hijab, including points on how it oppresses women, shames them, and limits their potential. I even had a high school teacher preach that hijab was never ordained in the Qur’an.

Needless to say, a bit of reading refuted those claims (24:30-31; 33:59; 33:32-33.)

I also witnessed how in practising “freedom” women became slaves of

Photo: Bigstock

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

16 Show review | Sultan Suleiman

The hype with Sultan Suleiman Promiti Prova Chowdhury and Hasan Mansoor Chatak “For some reason, programs like this appeal to people. Historical pieces like Alif Laila were hugely successful.

Audiences have a certain attraction towards Sultan Suleiman, maybe because of the era or because they want to know what happened to Muslims in the Ottoman empire. There is also romance, intrigue and action – all of these make it a good drama,” says Qazi Urfi Ahmad, the chief operating officer of Deepto TV. “People get hooked to the TV set if they see pretty people and Sultan Suleiman has that appeal. I have even read one comment on Facebook that one fan began studying the Ottoman empire after he started watching the show,” Urfi told the Dhaka Tribune.

Some other viewers have also voiced their distaste for the show’s dubbing.

Regarding this, the production team

viral on the internet. The

R

used the medium of television to find

it is the storyline which got him

original Turkish script to Bangla to

meme reads “Game of

respite from reality. It is a mode for

hooked to the TV show. “The show’s

set up a team of voice artists for the

Thrones for sons, Sultan

relaxation as well as a way to delve into

mindblowing storyline will give you

production. Jill Anjuman, another fan,

Suleiman for ammus.” Apparently,

the world of fantasies. To cater to that

space to think about it later when you

said, “This show is actually quite good

this meme resonates with the true

need, historical dramas have certainly

are not even watching the show,” he

if you ignore the terrible dubbing.”

picture of reality as Sultan Suleyman,

played massive roles. Proof? Shows

said.

a Turkish TV show dubbed in Bangla,

like Alif Laila, Sindbad and Robin Hood

has successfully been able to bring the

that were broadcast on BTV (dubbed

the series is probably the glamour

fiction television is based on the

interest of large, family audiences,

in Bangla), were extremely popular,

and glitz - something hardly found on

life of Ottoman Sultan Süleiman the

most of whom were previously more

making them favourites among many

local TV. Ijaj Mehboob, another avid

Magnificent, the longest reigning Sultan

inclined towards Indian daily soaps

in 90’s Bangladesh, across social-

fan, compared its glamour to GoT

of the Ottoman Empire, and his wife

back to local TV channels.

economic spectrums.

saying, “I’m a Game of Thrones fan and

Hürrem Sultan, a slave girl who became

I freaking love this show. The ladies

Sultana. It was originally broadcast on

of the House are so damn pretty and

Show TV and then transferred to Star

beguiling.”

TV. n

ecently, a meme has gone

revealed that there were several Over the last few years, people have

Shows like Alif Laila, Sindbad and Robin Hood that were broadcast on BTV (dubbed in Bangla), were extremely popular, making them favourites among many in 90’s Bangladesh, across social-economic spectrums

Though the context of Deepto TV’s

Within two months of its inception,

historical drama differs from HBO’s

Sultan Suleiman has reached its

hit fantasy Game of Thrones (GoT),

peak as far as TV program ratings are

the hype generated by the saga on the

concerned, according to Television

longest-reigning Great Sultan of the

Rating Points.

Ottoman Empire is quite new here. It’s

On attempting to find out what

also quite different from what people

people love about this show, it was

experienced in the last two decades of

quite sanguine considering Bangladeshi

Bangladeshi TV.

TV’s recent fall with viewers. Romeo

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

Rafi, a Sultan Suleiman fan mentioned

challenges when translating the

The next interesting thing about

Written by Meral Okay and Yılmaz Şahin, the Turkish historical

TV favourites | Reflections

17

The golden era of BTV:

the time of dubbed TV series Saqib Sarker when watching the

Archive). The Bengali dub made it

of Mohishur) was slaughtered by the

tele any time you want

Salma, but that’s alright because they

English.

wasn’t an option.

didn’t have Wikipedia then.

The prime time

Time Trax wasn’t for everyone

entertainment had

though. The general public was

would watch along with the whole

been local short dramas

mostly unimpressed by controlled

family. It was more to do with the

and vastly popular

manipulation in the space time

absence of TV channel epidemic than

drama series. The

continuum. The real storm in the

the strength of the programmes. But,

Bengali drama series

timeline was created when Zen Gesner

whatever the reason, it was quite

Shongshoptok created a

materialised on his ship, piercing both

something when the whole family

huge impact and showed

high waves and young women’s hearts.

would gather around a small screen,

what TV can really do,

The Adventures of Sinbad was massive.

laugh and be thrilled together, and may

in terms of reaching the

The Bengali dub made it accessible and

be talk about it at the dinner table. n

broad public. During

even more enjoyable for all.

the late 80s and 90s

It’s difficult to say if the tales

Bengali drama series

of the English outlaw trumped

by Imdadul Huq Milon

the adventures of the dreamy

and Humayun Ahmed

sailor from the Arabian Nights.

dominated the prime

But Robin Hood was massive

time.

too. People really did root for the

While all of that was

folk hero. Already in use in the

going on, there was a

English speaking world, the term

growing want for foreign

Robin Hood truly entered into

television series. With

Bengali usage.

shows like Miami Vice,

The Indian series Alif Laila

Knight Rider winning

proved that colourful stories of

a niche audience, BTV

magic and jinns never get old.

decided to broadcast

Despite its wacky visual effects

more and more foreign

and acting, the series genuinely

TV series. MacGyver, a

drew in a large audience. In a

hit almost everywhere

way, it replicated the story telling

here was a time not so

in the world already, struck gold with

events of old when people would

long ago, even though it

its broadcast in BTV. Every child and

gather around in someone’s yard

feels like the distant past,

teenager was mesmerised. Children

in the evening to listen to Puthi

when assortments of

would spend restless times at school

Literature being recited.

T

digital entertainment were delivered

anticipating getting their weekly fix of

through television and there was

MacGyver on Wednesdays.

only one television channel. The local

In the 90s, BTV started to air shows

The show that had the most cultural impact was probably The Sword of Tipu Sultan. It may be

corporations hadn’t yet figured out

dubbed in Bengali. The mid 90s saw

hard to comprehend now but the

how to milk the airwaves for optimum

the ultimate upsurge and popularity

sense of witnessing real historic

exposure of their brands, and viewers

of the dubbed TV series. Science

events played out was utterly

were content without hundreds of

fiction fans were overjoyed when BTV

a unique experience for a vast

different channels beaming away

decided to dub the time travelling

number of people. The audience

endless entertainment.

crime drama series Time Trax. The

truly rooted for Tipu Sultan.

show had already been showing in the

The tragic hero represented

popularly known as the ‘dish’,

original language and gathered a cult

everything that is right with

started to spring up everywhere. The

following. But the Bengali dubbing

this world. Tipu Sultan was the

unrelenting programming were quite

made it more interesting to the locals.

historic superhero who will stand

astounding to the general public, who,

The holographic figure of Darien’s (the

up against foreign aggression

by the way, had only been getting used

protagonist) computer looked surreal.

and defend his country until

to BTV broadcasting from 3am instead

The computer was a real character

his death. A lot of people wept

of the usual start at 5pm. It’s difficult

and it was called SELMA (Specified

after the final episode when

to imagine now that there was a time

Encapsulated Limitless Memory

the ‘Sher e Mohishur’ (the Tiger

The satellite TV receiver antenna,

These TV series were also the last television entertainment that people

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 5 Desert a pop group, no return (7) 6 Look for a lift problem (5) 9 I retain strange ability to stay still (7)

DOWN 1 Straw loses good man without cooking (3) 2 Astronomer girl has one star sign (7) 3 Ace duet moved to teach (7) 4 Insect initially after National Theatre (3) 7 Number nine follows first of scores (3) 8 Observed tool (3)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- In theory, you have the ability to channel your attention and get ahead of the game, but you may find that when it comes right down to it, you feel restless and can’t quite concentrate

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

as much as you’d like.

Taurus (Apr 20-May20)- A purchasing decision may be in the cards this week, especially if you’re considering making changes to your home, or holding a celebration.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)- Working constructively with others could mean you accomplish much more than usual, and this week looks helpful for doing just that. Think before purchasing any big-ticket items.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22)-Time management could be of the utmost importance this week, enabling you to get much more done than you might normally. If you and another are currently dealing with an issue, this is when it could come to a head.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)-This could be a very constructive week for you, particularly if you’re working on a creative project or

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

want to get a business idea off to a great

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

start.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)-A little quiet time may be all that’s needed to enable you to resolve an issue linked with home or family matters.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- Plans and projects will involve teamwork, perhaps when a group you belong to convenes this week, even though you may have your doubts.

Much can be achieved with some focus.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- If you’ve been feeling emotional, you might upset someone. Adopting a tactful approach could sidestep this. In addition, an

ACROSS 1 Half a dozen use chair or guest (7) 4 Vegas resident Dave held back by relative (7) 6 Grant title to none about odd ballet (7) 7 99 in game returning to warmer climes (7)

DOWN 1 He makes French wine for a penny (7) 2 Spotted holding five, or a couple more (5) 3 Don’t hurry so much to have duck (7) 5 Call top notch city on the Arabian Gulf (5)

opportunity to help boost your finances may show up.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- Don’t refrain from doing anything that could expand your horizons. It’s natural to be cautious when embracing change. If you’re nervous, think baby steps.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- This could be a week when you feel naturally inclined to resolve an issue that has bugged you for some time. Perhaps it’s been subtly holding you back and you may not have had much opportunity to deal with that.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- If you can take some time out, you’ll find that relaxing and recharging leave you feeling more energised and upbeat. Avoid tackling complex tasks if you can.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- The more creative and communicative you are this week, the more you’ll impress those in high places. You may find that you can forge ahead with a plan in a way that is very pleasing.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner July 23 July 24

Seminar | Higher Studies In North America and Europe

Concert | RockNation 2016: SummerStorm When 2:00pm Where Gulnoksha - Bashundhara Convention City 1, Dhaka, Bangladesh What This summer, the winds are gathering to stir up a storm featuring your favourite bands in the most unusual forms presenting unforeseen surprises! And here’s the beauty of it all – no telecasts,

no repeats – this is indeed a live experience in the truest form.

Performing bands include: Warfaze, Aurthohin, Vikings, Shironamhin, Nemesis, Arbovirus, Cryptic_Fate, Avoidrafa, Powersurge, Indalo, and Minerva. Tickets are Tk900 only.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/276542176029985/

July 22

When 2:00pm Where IEEE Student Branch DU, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh IEEESBDU is organising a seminar on higher studies in North America, jointly with the Electrical and Electronics Club (EEC), EEE DU. The seminar will focus on study and preparation for higher studies and approach for admission in North America and Europe for current prospective students. The seminar is open for all.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/497124713819643/

July 25

Exhibition | Marketer’s Market 2016 When 10:00pm Where United International University, House # 80, Dhaka, Bangladesh What Marketers Market is a INTER-UNIVERSITY Entrepreneurship Exhibition & Marketing Contest where, firstly, students & young entrepreneurs can exhibit & branding their own products & service, secondly, students, without product or service, can develop business & marketing skills through competition.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1398210093526274/

July 27

Workshop | GMAT workshop

Education | Excelerious 2016 When 10am Where Dhaka, Bangladesh What Excelerious 2016 is an initiative to inspire thousands of students and young professionals through a competition to learn the professional facets of Microsoft Excel. The competition contains training, workshop and counselling sessions on professional insides of using Microsoft Excel application.

In Excelerious 2016, one can participate in workshop, seminar, boot-camp [3 days for the high scorers only] career counselling, and a chance to win Tk50,000.

The program is expanding through partnerships with academia, industry and media. It is expecting some exciting engagements with Silicon Valley for keynote speakers in seminars and boot camp.

Find detail and necessary information about the competition at: www.excelerious.com Registration Link: https://goo.gl/ a0JrPG For any inquiry, please email: Asif Yeasin Kabir | Project Coordinator| Enliven Bangladesh Email: asif.ykabir@gmail.com

When 5:00pm Where EMK Center, Midas Center Building (9th Floor) House 5, Road 27 (old) Dhanmondi Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh.

What #EducationUSA at the EMK Center is hosting a free two-Day GMAT tips and strategies workshop. No registration is required to attend.

July 29

Festival | Green Film Festival When 8:00am Where Islamic University of Technology, Board Bazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh What Green Film Festival organised by Cennovation 2016. It is a festival to promote and inspire the work of University going film makers. The festival focuses on the environment sector with the slogan ‘Filming the green.”

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1201720143179760/

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 22, 20 1 6

20 Animal Instincts | Persian Cats

Cat Chat Saudia Afrin

D

espite its luxurious coat, open pansy like

appear even larger. The Himalayan requires high

gold, copper, green, and blue coloured eyes. With long

faces and large excessive eyes, the Persian

level of grooming. It loves playing with its parents

and silky coats they are found in all the same colours

cat’s sweet and gentle personalities make

when young. The owners biggest challenge would be

and patterns as the Traditional.

them one of the most desired pets around

making a balance between nutrition and exercise to

the world. It has been an avidly sought after breed

keep them healthy. These don’t have wide variation

since it was first brought into Italy in 1620 by Pietro

in eye colours like the Traditional. Generally these

della Valle from Persia (contemporary Iran).

cats will have blue, copper or green eyes. They do not

Here is a quick glance on the different types of

need a lot of social attention. They are very friendly

Persian cats - from the traditional to most popular

and easily adaptable. Their colours range from

cross-breeds to the similarly featured Turkish cat.

chocolate, seal, lilac, blue, black, flame, red, cream, tortoiseshell, frost, silver, golden, brown, fawn, and cinnamon.

Chinchilla Cat Ethereal and fairy-like Chinchillas, a variety of the Persian cat is one of the oldest ‘man breed.’ Beginning of the breed happened in 1882 with a cat by the name of “Chinnie.” Some enthusiasts claim that

Traditional Persian cat

the Chinchilla Persiana is considered to be the most

Flowing coat, sweet face and calm personality - these

beautiful of all Persian cats. Although the Kittens are

three words truly describe a traditional Persian cat.

born almost black with heavy tabby markings, that

However, they require rigorous maintenance in

disappears over time with age and metamorphosing

order to preserve the long and silky coat. This sweet

in silver and gold. They have a similar personality to

cat has a bit of a weight issue. The owner must pay

Persian Traditionals and no potential owner should

great attention to weight management. These cats

proceed without committing to daily grooming. Males

generally have blue, copper, green, hazel coloured

weigh 12 lbs and females 8 to 12 lbs. They live for 12 to

eyes. The Traditional has a life span of 8 to 11 years.

15 years. They have a beautiful lengthy and silky coat.

Their long and silky coats come in a wide range of colours including white, red, black, blue, chocolate, lilac, silver, golden, cameo, tortoiseshell, blue-cream, brown, calico and seal.

Exotic Shorthair cat The Exotic Shorthair cat is a Persian with short coat. The Exotic is nicknamed as “the lazy man’s Persian.” This breed is a cross among American

Himalayan Cat The Himalayan, is a colourpoint version of the

Shorthair, Burmese or British Shorthair. Exotics are

Turkish Angora

prone to breathing problems, due to their flat faces,

Through various sources from the cat breed history,

and are sensitive to heat. To keep them healthy

Angoras and Persians appear to be connected to

the carer needs to keep them in an air-conditioned

this breed. In her book titled The Book Of The Cat,

environment as well protect them from any place

F Simpson wrote that in the 19th century Persians

with high temperatures.

and Angoras were identical. An active and sweet cat,

Males weigh around 12 lbs and females from 8 to

the Turkish angora is children friendly. They have

Persian. Himalayan is a cross between Persian cat and

12 lbs. They live up to 15 years or longer. They are

blue, copper, green, and gold eye colours. They are

pointed pattern of the Siamese. Despite being heavily

excellent lap cats, meaning, of course, they are happy

currently an endangered breed. n

boned, its masses of straight and long fur makes it

to sit on the owner’s lap and do nothing. They hace

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 22, 201 6