Weekend Tribune July 29th 2016

vol 4 Issue 14 | FRIDAY, July 29, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

8

A day in the life of

12

International Tiger Day

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 14 | July 29, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Features

Editor Zafar Sobhan

4 Tailored

Men’s fashion

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

5 Habits Literacy

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

8 A day in the life of A waiter

12 Conservation

6

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

Conversation Relationships

16 Humour Commentary

20 The Bong Momma Tales from a first-time mom

Regulars 17 Legalese 18 Stay In 19 Go Out

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

14 Musings 15 Perspective

Contributors Minu Ahmed Jennifer Ashraf Max Mystel Farzana Romine Noor-E-Shahrin Saleh Uz Zaman

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain

International Tiger Day

9

Photo Story

On the cover

Sri Lanka diaries

Editor’s note

Dear readers, This week, we’re talking social evolution, and its impact on our lives, and the lives of other.

July 29 is International Tiger Day, an observance that holds particular significance this year in the face of the ratification of the Rampal power plant.

Our special piece on the plight of the Royal Bengal Tiger sheds light on how this magnificent species is affected.

July 30 is International Friendship day, and we could have gone on about the timeless bonds of friendship, but we decided to take a good hard look at how we communicate with the family we are allowed to choose. We dissect the decline of the traditional adda, in the face of the rise and rise of social media. We see how friends organically bleed out of our lives with age.

When people walk out on your life,

how do you fill the hours? For many of us the answer to that used to be “reading”, but that too, is beginning to change. We investigate.

For Dhakaites, the most popular form of entertainment is dining out, but how often do we spare a thought to those who help make these experiences a good one? This week, we step into the shoes of a waiter to see what his life is like.

Our photostory this week hails from Sri Lanka, so pack your bags and join us on the journey. If you’d rather veg out at home, we’ve got some quick and easy recipes to keep you feeling satisfied. Finally, Max shows us why life isn’t all bad, and the Bong Momma tackles rumours.

Wishing you a week filled with the warmth of friendship Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Photo: Shahed Ibrahim Nahid Model: Baizid Haque Joarder

Moumita Ahmed

Luba Khalil

Nuhash Humayun

Saraf Nawar Special thanks to Crimson Cup Coffee for the venue

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

2 News | This week Knife attacker in Japan kills 19 in their sleep at disabled centre

Suicide bombers hit peacekeeping base in Somali capital, 13 dead

Satoshi Uematsu, said

and exploded at the

in letters he wrote in

gate.

“At least 13

February that he could “obliterate 470 disabled

people, mostly

people”, Kyodo news

security forces, died

agency reported.

in the two car bomb blasts,” and 12 others

He said he would kill

A

knife-wielding man broke into a facility for the disabled in a small

town near Tokyo early on Tuesday last week and killed 19 patients as they slept, according to authorities, who have described this as Japan’s worst mass killing since World War Two. At least 25 other residents were wounded in the attack at the Tsukui Yamayuri-En facility for mentally and physically disabled in Sagamihara town, about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Tokyo.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later told a gathering in Tokyo, “The lives of many innocent people were taken away and I am greatly shocked. We

260 severely disabled

were wounded,

people at two areas in

Abdiqadir Omar, a

the facility during a night

police officer told

shift, and would not hurt

Reuters.

employees.

“My goal is a world in which the severely disabled can be euthanized,

people at the gates of the African

as they escorted U.N. personnel into

with their guardians’ consent, if they

the base, which is known as Halane, he

are unable to live at home and be

Somali capital Mogadishu on Tuesday,

added.

active in society,” Uematsu wrote in

police said, in an attack claimed by the

the two letters given to the speaker of

Islamist militants of al Shabaab.

the lower house of parliament, Kyodo reported.

Uematsu was committed to

The force of the explosions

government, said it set off two car bombs.

“willingness to kill severely disabled

flights, police and witnesses said.

Police said the first attacker

people”, an official in Sagamihara

detonated a car bomb and

told Reuters. He was freed

the second tried to

on March 2 after a

facts and prevent a reoccurance.”

official said.

Photo: Reuters

former employee of the facility who gave himself up to police. The man,

Nine suspected militants killed in Kalyanpur

to topple Somalia’s Western-backed

airport, showered arriving passengers

hospital after he expressed a

doctor deemed he

Al Shabaab, an Islamist militant group linked to al Qaeda and fighting

shattered windows at the nearby with glass and forced the suspension of

had improved, the

B

S

caught in the blast

Union’s main peacekeeping base in the

will make every effort to discover the The suspect was a 26-year-old

The guards were

uicide bombers killed at least 13

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

storm the base on

The African Union’s AMISOM force said on Twitter it condemned the “senseless attacks that aim to disrupt and cripple the lives of ordinary Somalis.” There was no immediate comment from the United Nations.

foot, but was shot

Photo: Reuters

Democrat Clinton makes history, wins U.S. presidential nomination Capping nearly a quarter century in public life, Clinton will

angladeshi police stormed a

(“God is the Greatest”) as the

become the party’s

militant hideout in a Dhaka

neighbourhood was sealed off by

standard-bearer

neighbourhood and killed nine

hundreds of heavily armed police

against Republican

suspected Islamist extremists after

and the elite security force Rapid

nominee Donald

a gunbattle on Tuesday morning,

Action Battalion, police said.

Trump in the Nov.

officials said.

“Nine Islamist militants

“This morning police launched operation Storm 26 and was able to

8 election when

H

she accepts the

were killed after a two hour-

destroy the militants. We’re now

long gunfight,” said deputy

sweeping the place,” said Dhaka

commissioner of Dhaka

additional police commissioner

nomination, coming back from a

Metropolitan Police (DMP) Masud

Sheikh Maruf Hasan, who led the

stinging defeat in her first presidential

who stayed up late to watch, let me

Ahmed, adding another extremist

raid.

run in 2008 and surviving a bitter

just say: I may become the first woman

primary fight to become the first

president, but one of you is next,”

Islamist extremist group but did not

woman to head the ticket of a major

Clinton told the convention via a video

say which group they belonged to.

party in U.S. history.

satellite link.

was shot and arrested during the raid in Kalyanpur neighbourhood.

Police said they cordoned off an apartment building after suspects

He said all 9 were members of an

“Their dress and their slogans

illary Clinton secured the Democratic Party’s White House

In a symbolic show of party unity,

nomination on Thursday.

“If there are any little girls out there

In nominating Clinton, delegates

threw a small hand bomb at officers

before and after the attack all

Clinton’s former rival, U.S. Senator

made the point that the selection of a

who were conducting a “block raid”

proved that they are members of

Bernie Sanders of Vermont, told the

woman was a milestone in America’s

in the area after midnight.

(Islamist) militant force,” Hasan

chairwoman from the convention floor

240-year-old history. Women got the

said, adding that they were wearing

that Clinton, 68, should be selected as

right to vote in 1920 after ratification

black tunics.

the party’s nominee at the dramatic

of the 19th Amendment to the U.S.

climax of a state-by-state roll call at the

Constitution.

The Islamist gunmen exchanged fire intermittently throughout the night and shouted “Allahu Akbar”

Source: Dhaka Tribune

Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

Photo: Reuters

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

A boy holds up his wares at a top-making factory in Old Dhaka.

Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu

Pokemon Go player calls 999 for missing pokemon!

A

say what?

Pokemon Go player sparked outrage after she called 999 to tell police that someone had stolen one of her virtual monsters.

The gaming fan decided to contact officers at

Gloucestershire Police on the emergency number while using the hugely popular app the day after its UK launch.

In an audio clip recording of the conversation the woman says: ‘Someone has stolen my Pokemon!’ to which the operator replies: ‘Right, so why is that a 999 call?’

The woman says: ‘Because that’s really bad,’ and appears to try arguing before the operator cuts her off and replies: ‘You do realise you’re stopping someone with a life and death emergency about a pokemon?’

The force say they gave the player ‘words of advice’ on when it is appropriate to call 999.

The craze, which has reached fever pitch in the US, has sparked a string of incidents in the UK in the past week.

News and Photo: Huffington Post

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

4 Tailored | Men’s Fashion

Steal the style:

Idris Elba

He might or might not be the next 007, but you can sure as heck steal his suave wardrobe Mahmood Hossain

I

dris Elba is now a legitimate

for the suede sneakers, a pair of quality,

courage if this is not your usual cup

back on his dome, the pristine body

style icon. Not only is this man

strapped leather sandals will do just

of tea. Combine a simple t-shirt like

hugging polo, the slim-fit sweats and

tall, dark and handsome, his

fine.

this with some regular or slim-fit

the sweetest pair of the classic, black

jeans, some all-white sneakers and

and white Nike Cortez shoes. At first

you’ll be as cool as this handsome

glance, this may seem a bit too simple,

acting skills are simply brilliant.

You wouldn’t be wrong to say he’s the

Colour correction

perfect package because his style, both

Our second look of Elba’s is the ever-so-

bloke. We shouldn’t have to remind

with no glam whatsoever. However

on and off the screen, is like no other.

cool salmon-pink tee-shirt. In fact, it’s

you, but make sure everything fits to

in menswear, it’s all about the smaller

This man owns the screen and red

more of a shade in between salmon and

your figure. The t-shirt shouldn’t be

details.

carpet events flawlessly. He strikes the

thulian pink. Well, who cares, you get

squeezing your torso and the sleeves

perfect balance between being bold and

the idea. What most men aren’t aware

should wrap midway around your

style, it’s also about the versatility and

sophisticated. And that’s something

of is how flattering these colourful

biceps. Well, that would be the ideal

function. Apart from the drawstring

most men shy away from. We take a

yet soothing shades look on darker

way to wear it.

hanging out carelessly, if you look close

look at some of the more notable looks

toned men. Bangladeshi men, for the

he’s pulled off as of late. These same

most part, are brown in skin tones of

Everyday gym combo

looks you can pull off yourself, with a

different shades. Men of colour look

Whether you actually workout or not,

kneepads. Little yet significant details

few tweaks of course.

exceptionally well with colours that

it won’t hurt to try out some fitted

like this does just enough to put some

pop. The look you should be going for

athletic wear that can bring versatility

character in the entire look. And of

doesn’t necessarily have to have this

throughout our unpredictable weather.

course, the Cortez kicks aren’t playing

Just recently, Mr Elba showed up to

exact colour in it, but it does help if you

Seen here, Idris all in black, is a cross

second fiddle either. With details in

the Star Trek Beyond premiere in San

try out a similar shade that you usually

between hopping off the treadmill and

check, this one is more about looking

Diego wearing shorts! He wore shorts at

don’t wear.

onto the tennis court. There’s the fresh

sporty in the face of harsh winds and

promotional The Dark Tower snap-

pouring rain. However, we recommend

Get comfy

the red carpet, for goodness sake. Even

You’ll have to muster up some

It’s not just about comfort and

enough, these sweats or joggers have grooves around the knees, serving as

though it was perfectly appropriate for

you wear the proper footwear regarding

an event like Comic-Con, most men

our current monsoon season. In order

wouldn’t dare or even imagine wearing

to not completely ruin your fresh

such an outfit. He also showed up in

Cortez-esque shoes, opt for canvas

his best pair of Ray-Ban shades with a

sneakers instead. The latter handles

white, collarless, fitted shirt and some

wet environments better without

grey shorts, rounded off with blue

sacrificing the good looks.

suede kicks. Can you get any cooler?

This is how you do smart-casual right.

You could steal the entire outfit,

The takeaway Most of us are afraid to take on the

which is perfectly fine, or get a little

styles of some celebrities because we

creative and show up with a personal

feel as if we don’t have the proper

touch. The cut and fitting of his

resources. But here we are, making

collarless shirt is very similar to the

the best of what we’ve got. And Idris

more modern panjabi or kurta. Keep

Elba is the perfect example of not

things as simple as possible when it

splashing cash everywhere in order to

comes to design but make sure it fits,

look incredibly stylish. It’s all about

as if its almost hugging your body. The

the confident attitude, care-free nature

grey shorts can easily be swapped out

and determination to be at your best.

for some grey casual, slim-fit trousers

The tags, brand name and logos don’t

or chinos. This subtle contrast between

matter, but it’s how you carry yourself

the top and bottom is surprisingly

in those outfits that matter most. Dress

suave for a summer look on a Friday. As

smart, gentlemen. Dress sharp.n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

Literacy | Habits

5

The evolution of reading habits Is it true that smart phones and other gadgets are impacting reading habits and essentially decreasing number of people that read?

Saudia Afrin writer, makes the point that instead of going through a book, how people of any age now tend to scroll through the pages in social media. “People measure happiness by the number of ‘likes’”, she said. But the real meaning of preserving literature is not in updating a status and getting an immediate ‘like’.

It’s about writing for many generations, and not simply the present population.

From my point of view, the number of writers for fiction as well as poetry is dwindling,” Falguni added.

Al Nahian, a young writer, believes that writing is an exploration: “exploring thyself”. “Actually writing is not about dreams. It’s a journey without an ending. Daily experiences are your companions on this journey. I desire my writing to be my companion for the journey of my life. Do you know

W

Photo: Bigstock

why? It comes from a belief that my writings can keep me alive even after my death. Writing is my best friend, for

hen was the last time

Akhtaruzzaman Elias, Muhammad

you finished a book,

Zafar Iqbal, and so many others. Even

writer, said “like the children of my

for no particular reason

every year, despite all the problems,

age, I used to write and play football. I

of their writing, not by age, said

other than the fact that

Anisul Hoque, a renowned Bengali

infinity,” expressed Nahian.

A writer is judged by the quality

we see so many new writers publishing

preferred writing on a regular basis more

Farid Ahmed, a publisher at Somoy

you actually wanted to read it? If you

their brilliant books. The inevitable

than my peers did. I even circulated a

Prakashony publications. He said that

can’t remember, there are scapegoats

question that one has to ask is that will

hand-written newspaper, when I was

it is a mistake to think that one has to

aplenty in your favour: not getting

continue to see great writers emerging

in class six. That is just one example

be old to be a good writer. A “grown

enough time after classes, homework,

from our future generations. What is

of many writing ventures I undertook

up” writer may have been writing for

bucket load of coaching classes.

the current situation of our potentials

in my youth. I decided to be a full time

decades but that does not guarantee

However, there’s always time to update

writers?

writer during my first year of university.

in and of itself that he will produce

Now, there are many branches through

something worth reading. For attaining

your status on Facebook. Busy fingers

Weekend Tribune surveyed 50

typing responses to that Whatsapp

people from different age groups

which one can approach publishing

that quality, to be able to write well, an

message, and the mind invests cells

to discover their reading habits.

their writings. The easiest way to

essential prerequisite is reading,” he

in thinking of a good place to hangout

The survey showed that 30% of the

express anything these days is through

said.

with hashtags, such as #whatshisface.

respondents are very likely to continue

Facebook, and for this, one doesn’t need

Let’s accept it, our lives are packed

reading books, writng notes and secret

to have the soul of a writer.”

“In fact I will say a good deal of young people write really well as they

with numerous virtual activities every

diaries. Most teenagers never finished

second. Since there are lots of things to

reading a book outside of their school

an interest in writing. When one gets

is that quality writing depends on

do, we get less time to read and write.

curriculum (65% of respondents). Given

published and achieves a certain

knowing the world deeply enough

Yes, you heard it right. Reading and

that there is an apparent detachment

amount of renown at a very early age,

to reflect on it. Yes, there are plenty

writing. As a result there may well be a

to reading, it is quite surprising that

it is easy to get caught up in the hype

of self-proclaimed writers who write

scarcity of exceptional writers.

40% of our respondents said that they

and lose track. Alternatively, one can

novels, but that isn’t writing in the true

Rabindranath Tagore wrote his

enjoy writing fiction. Whether they can

keep contributing pieces to different

sense of the word. So, if we really want

Bhanusingha Thakurer Padabali in his

produce something readable, however,

papers and reading more to discover

a change, we need to read not because

late twenties. From that golden era to

is another story. 40% stated that they

the world. When these people bring out

reading is good, but to know and refine

the recent times, the torch has been

don’t like reading anything outside

their books, those would be good books

the inner human until our last breath,”

carried by phenomenal writers such

of their curriculum. A mere 10%

and will be appreciated by the readers,”

he adds. n

as Kazi Nazrul Islam, Jibanananda

mentioned that their favourite pastime

he adds.

Das, Ahmed Sofa, Humayun Ahmed,

is reading and writing.

“Yet, there are so many who express

study the craft. The important fact

Aditi Falguni, a renowned fiction

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

6 Cook your own way | Kitchen chronicles

Fast favourites Farzana Romine I like to do new experiments with food all the time, but there are a few recipes which I love so much that I repeat them whenever I get the chance. These two are my family’s favourite recipes and I have cooked them countless times. These are very fast and easy to cook too.

Chinese five spiced duck You need only four main ingredients to make this dish and it takes only 20 minutes to cook.

Ingredients: • 2 duck breasts • 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder • 1/2 tsp Salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper • 3 tbsp soya sauce • 1 tbsp honey Directions: Score the duck on the skin side lightly and pat dry with a paper towel. While scoring, make sure to not go all the way in to the meat. Scoring the skin helps the fat to render out fast when cooking.

Sprinkle the salt, pepper and five spice powder generously on both sides of the duck.

Put the duck in a cold pan (skin side down) and sear over medium heat. Let all the fat render out slowly. With a spoon keep skimming the fat from the pan. (Don’t throw away the fat. It is great for roasting potatoes. You can store the fat in the freezer). It will take about 6 to 8 minutes for all the fat to render out.

The skin will become dark brown and crispy.

Once it turns dark brown, flip the duck over and add the soy sauce and honey. Glaze the duck well. Cook for one minute on the flesh side. The glaze will get sticky.

Take the duck off the pan and put it on a dish. Pour the glaze over it. Let it rest skin side up for 15 minutes.

Lots of juice will be released from the duck. Slice the duck thinly. Place the slices on your serving dish and pour all the juice and sauce over it.

Serve with noodles, steamed or fried rice.n

Tip: Duck breasts should be cooked rare. It must

stay nice and pink in the middle, or else it will get really rubbery. Never put duck on a hot pan.

When you put it on a hot pan, it sears the skin immediately and the fat doesn’t render out.

You can find Chinese five spice powder in the spice sections of the superstores.

Photos: Farzana Romine

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 24 , 201 6

7

Perfect fried rice Everyone can make fried rice but there are some small tricks that takes a simple fried rice to a restaurant quality fried rice. Today I am sharing some tips with this recipe which you might find useful. This is my fool-proof fried rice recipe.

Ingredients: • 3 cups of boiled rice • 2 eggs • 1/2 cup carrot finely sliced • 1/2 cup green beans or broccoli finely chopped • 2 tbsp minced onion • 1 tbsp minced garlic • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/3 cup oil • Black pepper and salt to taste Directions: Beat the eggs with a little salt. Heat oil in a wok. Add the eggs and scramble it until cooked. Once done take it out of the wok.

Heat a little bit of the oil again in the wok. Add the onion, garlic and fry for one minute over high heat. Add the vegetables and fry for two minutes. Add a little salt and pepper. Mix it well. Add the scrambled egg.

Now add the rice and sprinkle the soy over it. Mix it well and serve hot.

Note: • If you wish to make chicken or shrimp fried rice, then put them after the onion and garlic. Fry them until cooked and then add the vegetables. This will prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy with the water relesed from the meat.

• Try to chop the vegetables almost the same size as the rice.

• Well separated rice is crucial for a good fried rice.

Nothing is worse than mushy rice. Boil the rice with just enough water to cook it through and add a little oil when cooking. Take the rice out after its cooked and spread on a wide dish. Fluff it up with a fork and cool it in the fridge. This makes the rice fluffy and well separated. Cold rice is much easier to use for stir frying.

• Do not over cook the vegetables. Keep them crunchy and vibrant. Cook them as fast as possible over high heat.

Never boil the vegetables for fried rice.

Farzana Romine is a food lover and travel enthusiast whose mission is recreating restaurant quality dishes at home and she invites you to come along for the ride

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

8 A day in the life of | A waiter

Real life Diner Dash Noor-E-Shahrin ecently, we have come

R

Rashed mainly has two means of

from the tales of the customers who are

to Dhaka. I must say I am well-off and

across the privilege of

transport: his bicycle or a rickshaw. “It’s

done with the meal.” Of course other

grateful for it.”

sneaking a peek through

a huge advantage having my workplace

waiters have jobs like supervising the

the lifestyle of a true public

so near; my colleagues often remind

serving line.

As he doesn’t have any different future plans yet, it looks like this sector

servant residing among us. His kind is

me how they envy me for this reason.”

Apparently, this process goes on and

as selfless and hospitable as they come.

Surely, the hectic traffic of Dhaka gives

on until 3pm. But the job isn’t as simple

too has blended into his job just fine. So

Yes, a waiter of an eatery in the capital.

us all road rage.

as it sounds; rather arduous. “The

far, Rashed feels like this job will be his

worst kind of customers is those who

source of income till retirement.

Here’s how he introduces himself to us.

Name? “I am Rashed Kalam.” Age?

If it isn’t clear enough how much

of work has grown on Rashed and he

the recent terrorist attacks in the

take more food on their plate than they

“24 years old.” Family? “My parents

nation has affected the citizens of

can digest. All that food goes to waste.”

please remind yourselves to thank your

live in my homeland, Natore. I live

Dhaka, Rashed is here to tell us, “Every

Rashed’s disappointment is totally

waiter politely and tip generously next

alone here, for now.” Address? “Badda.”

morning since the beginning of this

justified as there is a huge clear display

time you have a meal in a restaurant.

Rashed is clearly a man of very few

month, we have been searched from

message reading “Please do not waste

One word of appreciation can make a

words.

the inside of our shoes to the tip of our

food”, both in English and Bangla.

waiter’s day.

Rashed narrates the story of a day

hair for weapons and bombs.” Even

in his life starting from the top of the

the ID card isn’t enough now. But of

2pm. As soon as the clock strikes three,

morning to the peek time of night.

course we all understand the severity

Rashed goes for his three hour

of the situation and how important the

break. “I have my lunch here in

restaurant works in a two-shift

security checks are. So no waiters are

the restaurants’ staff room and

mechanism) which starts at 10am.

seen complaining.

leave for home.” On asking

He works in the first shift (the

“I wake up as late as possible”, said

“We are not allowed to use our

A second batch of staff comes in at

cell-phones during work which is why

said, “A siesta is most often

of minimum tasks; showering and

we deposit our cell phones in the staff

opted for as my legs hurt due

other hygiene related tasks when

room.” Duty calls!

to standing up for so long.

Soon as the clock strikes ten, the

name kept anonymous by the request of the restaurant’s manager. n

Sometimes my colleagues stay

uniform and is out to make the town

waiters are on their mark. Customers

over as my house is so nearby;

right.

start streaming in at accelerating

those days we simply talk over

numbers. “Since the restaurant follows

some light card games.”

The restaurant is generous enough

*A different name for the waiter has been used and the restaurant’s

how he spends his leisure he

Rashed. “My morning routine consists

there is water available.” He wears his

An after-thought: Dear Readers,

to provide its entire staff with food

buffet system, we don’t have as much

when they arrive. “But, I always have

work as the waiters in other order-

Again resumes the old “looking

my morning tea at a nearby stall to get

based places”, says Rashed. “Our first

for empty plates” and getting

me started for the day”, added Rashed.

job is to make sure all the serve entrees,

customers drinks or extra

“I read the headlines and captions on

spoons and name plates of food are

napkins. This goes on until

the newspaper which I borrow from the

placed in order. Then, all we do the rest

9pm when he again goes

stall’s owner.”

of the working period is remove plates

to the staff room for

His shift starts again at 6pm.

dinner. He takes his cell phone from the guard and heads straight home.

After that brief account of an average working day, when asked if the salary he earns is enough for him and his family (he sends a portion of it to his parents), he said, “It’s much more than I hoped for before I came Photo: Bigstock

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

Sri Lanka diaries | Photo Story

9

Memoirs of Sri Lanka Photos: Saleh Uz Zaman From pristine sandy beaches to wide mountain ranges, Sri Lanka is a land full of surprises. A country full of peace loving, kind and patient people, this island nation has created a paradise of its own. Serene landscapes, wonderful food and heart melting smiles can become a muse for every wandering soul.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Sri Lanka diaries

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 24 , 201 6

11

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

12 Conservation | International Tiger Day

The declining Royals of the Sundarbans This might be our last chance to save our tiger population

Mahmood Sadi have not only seen tigers but have been

Conservation Society (WCS) discussed

attacked.

how canine distemper virus (CDV) has

The declining tiger population in Bangladesh Last year, the Forest Department of

pushing the tigers towards extinction.

While CDV has recently been shown

Bangladesh had officially announced

to lead to the deaths of individual

that the number of royal Bengal tigers

tigers, its long-term impacts on tiger

is 106 in the Bangladesh territory of the

populations had never before been

Sundarbans, as per the Tiger Census of

studied, research added.

2015.

Meanwhile, India found that there

The renowned tiger specialist also said that tigers decline in numbers

were 76 tigers in the Sundarbans of

because of habitat loss and prey

India, which made the total number

depletion rather than being killed

of tigers 182 in the largest mangrove

directly.

forest in the world, of which 60% is in Bangladesh and 40% in India.

Bangladesh Sundarbans has tiger

“Big cats need secure and disturbance-free habitats to maintain a viable population. But haphazard

occupancy on 4832 square kilometres

development activities in the landscape

of forest, and has an estimated

of the protected areas (PAs) like

population of 83 to 130 tigers, with a

Sundarban pose a big threat to tigers.”

midpoint of 106.

This was the first time the tiger

“A tiger needs to eat about 50 deersized animals or 6,600 pounds of living

census was conducted through modern

prey every year. Prey species itself

camera trapping technology using GPS.

depend on conditions of the habitat.

The last tiger census was conducting

As Sundarban has lost a huge amount

in 2004 using tiger pawmarks, which

of land over the years, the prey for the

found 440 tigers in Bangladesh

tiger, which in this case is deer, has also

Sundarbans and 350 in India.

declined significantly.”

The problem of the big mammals

in what scientists call meta-populations

“Interestingly, at present, the only

— a source population with breeding

stable population of tigers is found in

females living in dense patches of

the Sundarbans, and they are isolated

forests — surrounded by dispersing

from the nearest human populations by

tigers making their way into not so well

about 300km of agricultural and urban

kept nearby forests. “Now when both

land,” said Dr Monirul H Khan.

core and buffer zones of Sundarban are

The Tiger Status Report 2015,

H

the potential to be a significant driver in

prepared by the Forest Department with support of the World Bank,

He said that tigers typically survive

under pressure, the tiger is hardly likely to be unaffected.”

ow many people do you

that the tiger population is declining in

also showed that though the tiger

Tourism hurts too

know who have actually

Sundarban. However, not seeing a tiger

population estimate in the Sundarbans

Dr Khan said that tourism is a factor for

spotted a royal Bengal

with your own eyes is not an indicator

is much lower than previously believed,

decline in tiger numbers. As the flow of

tiger in the Sundarbans,

of the declining tiger population.

it still forms one of the top five largest

tourists increase in Sundarban, demand

with his/her own eyes? I personally

The tiger is an exclusively reclusive

tiger populations in the world.

for more accommodation, roads,

have travelled to our famous mangrove

animal and it loves to live deep inside

forest twice and have never seen

the jungle, and seeing one involves

species like tigers naturally exist

anything, not even a paw mark.

trespassing on their natural habitat.”

at low densities, which make them

According to Dr Monirul H Khan,

The problem is that large carnivore

highways, electricity and water supply also increases.

“This results in cutting down of

Dr Khan had lived in the area for

particularly susceptible to extirpation

trees, fragmenting the forest tracts and

professor of Zoology at Jahangirnagar

five years while doing his research,

and extinction. According to Dr Khan,

forest corridors, and restricting the free

University who specialised on Royal

but had never had an encounter with

a new threat to wild tiger populations

movement of animals from one forest

Bengal tigers while earning his Phd

a tiger either. However, he knew some

has surfaced in the form of a deadly

area to another. Corridors between

from Cambridge University - “It is a fact

local people in the Sundarbans, who

virus. A 2014 study from the Wildlife

tiger reserves are important for genetic

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 24 , 201 6

13

exchange and long-term survival.”

Besides, he said since the breeding

“In order to reduce the conflict between tigers and humans, local

peak of tigers is probably in winter, the

people should be motivated and

Climate change: another fear factor for the tiger

season should remain uninterrupted.

educated. Alternative livelihoods

Unfortunately, winter is also the main

should be made available and existing

harvest and tourist season when

anti-poaching regulations should be

human disturbance is intense, he

implemented properly.”

A World Wildlife Fund-led study published in the journal Climatic Change said that an expected sea level rise of 11 inches above 2000 levels may cause the remaining tiger habitat in the Sundarbans to decline by 96 percent, pushing the total population to fewer than 20 breeding tigers.

Unless immediate action is taken, the Sundarbans, its wildlife and the natural resources that sustain millions of people may disappear within 50 to 90 years.

added.

“I suggest that some zones should

The Zoology Professor said that politicians driven by vote bank politics

be demarcated, and tourists should be

and ignorance regarding importance

allowed in only those areas. Controlled

of forests and wildlife often take wild

ecotourism should be developed so

decisions. “The government’s tenacity

The NGO dilemma

that both the government and the local

to go ahead with the Rampal power

people benefit financially.”

plant near the Sundarbans, despite

Funds amounting to millions of dollars are being pumped in the field of tiger conservation. This has caused mushrooming of NGOs and conservationists locally and globally who claim to be the biggest fighters for conservation. These organisations often struggle among themselves to get a bigger piece of the tiger conservation pie, and they end up working at cross purposes. There are some NGOs who have been accused of harbouring their own business interests, like building forest lodges and hotels near tiger reserves.

Man-animal conflict is another major factor that affects the big cats, he said. As humans move deeper into the

protest from environmentalists and experts, is an example of that.”

“They do not want to understand

territory of tigers, chances of conflict

the basic fact that the health of

between both sides increase many fold.

predators determine the health of the

Men and livestock often become the

ecosystem which also sustains human

victim of tiger attacks. This infuriates

beings. They look for immediate gains

villagers who resort to revenge killing.

rather than the nation as a whole.” n

Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

14 Musings | Conversation

A case for adda Saqib Sarker

W

of the moderns.”

henever a topic of

of the story is that an extremely miserly

discussion involves

father Jawggonath refused to pay for

comparison between

the medical treatment of his son’s

people of the olden days would actually

the “these days”,

wife and the wife consequently died.

gather together for “adda” (hang out)

For platforms like Facebook the appeal

i.e. the current time, and the “good

Brindaban, the son, then had a heated

instead of clinging onto the virtual

is not merely the personalised “news”

old days”, i.e. the bygone era of the

row with his father and announced that

world, there is certainly an element

feed. It is the relentless nature that

previous generation(s), it generates

he would leave. “If expensive medicines

of nostalgia. But that argument is not

drag people towards it. Psychologists

divided opinions. The proponents of

could save people from dying then how

without its merits.

have found this studying consumer

good old days speak from the point of

was it possible for kings to die?,” was

view of nostalgia. The perspectives

Jawggonath’s justification.

So, when we make the point that

“Adda” is defined in the Bengali dictionary as a congregation or a

behaviours. If there is a constant supply of new products then people will keep coming back and will remain interested. Even though in reality the “new” products are not really new in the sense that they provide something fundamentally different from the old products. They are often a simple repackaging of the earlier version.

This is why the life blood of modern marketing depends on constantly re-introducing the same product with ‘exciting’ updates. ‘There was this one little update that makes it worthwhile to buy the same phone again’ - this is not an unfamiliar justification for getting a new phone every year; not for a lot of people.

In may ways, quality time with friends and family is the opposite of virtual interactions. It’s humanizing and it creates real connections. You can laugh over absolutely nothing and be in the moment. The “plugged” existence in the virtual universe also mean that we are prey to endless marketing and vulnerable to being forced into slave consumer behaviours. Like all mythical elixirs of life it comes with a heavy price too. From actual physical effects like altering appetite to making people addictive to the constant updates, computer reality does not merely usher in a new way of being but it

Photos: Bigstock

are very much informed by personal

Rabindranath then writes: “Actually,

meeting of family and/or friends

may actually deprive us of developing important human qualities.

This has impacted everyone, old

experiences and associations rather

had Brindaban thought about this more

where people have fun. People still get

or young. But may be we are also

than objective assessment. The

calmly he might have found some

together and have fun but the meetings

gaining a consciousness of sorts

younger people refer to a different time

solace from this argument. Neither

are permeated with and punctuated by

about where this is leading us. May

as their “good old days”. The perpetual

his mother or his grandmother was

constant notifications from hand held

be the commotion and chaos during

clash regarding which generation

treated with modern medicine before

devices. The phones act like electronic

late night board games, the retelling

upheld the best values, among other

their deaths. Their household was just

portals that connect us to an alternative

of old stories, and simply being with

things, is often simply a reflection of

stubbornly orthodox. But the moderns

world in the virtual space. And we live a

each other will triumph. May be one

each individual’s point of view.

don’t even want to die in the old

dual existence. We try to defy the laws

day people will just get tired of their

fashioned way. The time of our story is

of physics and be present in two places

phones blurting out update noises and

Shomorpon (fortune offering)

set when the English had only started

at the same time.

call their old friends to come in for a

Rabindranath humorously described

to arrive in this country. But even then

how older generations derisively view the younger generations. The context

In the short story Shompotti

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

We cannot talk about the virtual

good old fashioned ‘adda’, where no

the old fashioned people of that time

world without trying to understand

wifi network is needed for liking and

would be flabbergasted by the conducts

what keeps people glued to the screen.

sharing the stories of our lives. n

Relationships | Perspective

both men and women, the age of 25 is

when you start working, as you have

when most of us start losing friends.

more time for your family, romantic

Researchers call this a “peak” point,

relationships, and your hobbies. He

and as we get older, our group of

says, “The ‘cut-off’ age of 25 may vary

contacts begin to drop. Both men and

from person to person, and what we

women continue to make lots of friends

expect is that you will have a gradual

until the age of 25, but it’s claimed that

withdrawal from casual relationships,

after this, friendships begin to fall away

simply because you have to balance

rapidly, and this decline in our friends

work and family life. You’ll have a

continue for the rest of our lives. It has

fewer number of friends and focus on

also been found that women lose them

somewhere else.”

at an initially faster rate than men,

30, a banker by profession and recently

once they entered their late 20s. The

married says, “Life gets difficult when

average 25-year-old woman contacts

you’re married and working more than

about 17.5 people per month, while a

40 hours a week. Especially when you

man contacts 19 people.

don’t have that many friends to hang out with during the weekends, and

working for a year now, thinks that

the only best friend you have lives in

maintaining friendships when you

another country thousand miles away

no longer work in close proximity is

from you. At times when you feel like

difficult. “It also depends on how much

talking about the hardships in life, the

time you dedicate to those you want to

only mode of communicating with that

keep in touch with, and to keep your

friend is through those Skype calls.

friendships alive. Once you graduate

Hence one needs to keep in touch with

and start working, it’s hard to maintain

their friends from home and abroad, in

your friendships as everyone gets busy

order to maintain a healthy life.”

with their lives and goes off in different directions,” says Hridi.

It’s when you are in your 20s, that

Last friendships or friendships that last?

On the other hand, Bijoya Hasan,

though it was downhill for both sexes

Hridi Haque, 26, who has been

15

Unfortunately, this is the reality for many of us in our late 20s or early 30s, where we want to be around the

you start to focus more on the quality

friends that mean the most of us, but

of friendships than the quantity. As

work and other responsibilities get

a teenager in our early 20s, we enjoy

in the way. You may have some good

being surrounded by a large group

times, and you may be lucky enough to

of people, but as we get older our

find colleagues who eventually become

priorities change. However, keeping a

your friends, making it easier to grab

smaller group of friends can actually

dinner or have a heart-to-heart over a

be better.

cup of coffee after work. But at the end

It only gives you more time for things

of the day you need those friends who

like travelling, eating out, and those

understand you like nobody else can,

face-to-face intense conversations with

and who can give you that emotional

the people you actually care about.

support when you need it the most, regardless of whether they live right

Healthy balance in your life

around the corner or thousands of

Entrepreneur Rafat Jahan, 28, thinks

miles away. n

it’s not a bad thing to lose your friends

Losing friends in your late 20s

Moumita Ahmed

A

friend can be viewed as a

of the friends who meant everything

mirror to yourself. They

to you in your school and college

assure us that we are never

years, seem to disappear as we get

truly alone, and tend

older? By the time we’re 25, we tend

to act like a support system in our

to get so busy with our new jobs and

lives. Unlike any other relationship,

new relationships that unfortunately,

friendship is unparalleled in its own

we often put our friends on the back

way as we choose the people we want

burner, and even start making fewer

to be friends with, and it is up to us

friends.

how much their presence will impact and change our lives. Our friends

Quality over quantity?

sum up our whole world when we are

A recent study published by the Aalto

young.

University School of Science in Finland

But did you notice how so many

and Oxford University, found that for

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

16 Humour | Commentary

A seriously positive Bangladesh Max Mystel interview with a Bangla daily, whose name escapes my mind, to have said: “Shakib Khan without a beard looks very much like a woman.” To this, I would like to ask you: “It’s very rude to ask a woman her age. So my question is…how much do you weigh?”

July 2 marked a tragic day in the history of Bangladesh. However, on the very same day we also got ourselves the Dhaka to Chittagong 4-lane highway.

Now, I haven’t been on the highway myself but we all know how dangerous these journeys have been; vehicles zooming in opposite directions, while being inches away from each other.

With this, I can’t help but believe that many deaths and injuries will be prevented.

Despite my terrible childhood and my shaky relationship with my dad; with me choosing to be a comedian and all my life has always been really…sorry, wrong column.

Anyway, my dad would always tell me stories about our national resources. He always seemed to be very proud when talking about one of them.

He called it shonali aansh aka ‘the golden fibre of Bangladesh jute.’

Rajshahi is a city in the north where jute is farmed. This year, jute farmers have had an amazing yield. Not only that, but according to farmers, besides the yield, its – jute – market prices have also seen an improvement; from last year’s Tk1,400 – Tk1,500 per mound to this year’s Tk1,700 – Tk1,900 per mound. As a result, farmers all over the region have been overall very keen to

T

cultivate more of this fibre.

Photo: Bigstock

There you go, I am glad that I

here’s a lot of boom, doom

over many hearts, at home and in

bandwagon; “What did Nazmul say to

stumbled across these bits of positivity

and gloom looming – that’s a

England. However, due to a recent

his mother, when she wouldn’t buy him

in these arduous times.

lot of ‘ooms;’ around because

shoulder injury, he has had to miss the

an iPhone? Pris ma, amake kiney dao.”

More importantly, I am glad I got

of what happened on July

Gloucesterhire game.

If you’re an android user then time

to share it with you, the reader. On a

2. However, among all this chaos, let’s

I can’t help but do this really

to call up your friends who own an

closing note, I would like to leave you

try and switch our minds to the more

corny joke here: “What did the doctor

iPhone. Make them understand the

with a Bill Hicks joke: “If you have

positive things that have happened

say to him about playing in the

true meaning of friendship, which is: “A

a problem with me expressing my

since then. Allow me to bring these

Gloucestershire game? I am sorry mate.

friend in need, is a pain in the butt.”

opinion, I suggest you look around the

things to your attention, completely

You’re Fizzycally unfit.” Jokes aside,

ignoring any chronological order:

I wish his recovery is as fast as his

its release during Eid. The film is a

bowling pace.

collaboration between an Indian and

since his visit to England. Playing for

In a world saturated by smartphone

a Bangladeshi director. According to

team Sussex, his team after winning

users and developers competing for

Wikipedia, in 14 days since release,

against team Essex, praised him and

high number downloads, a new app has

it has grossed over Tk60m and is the

also posted the timings for their next

taken iPhone users by storm; Prisma.

highest grossing film of the year.

Mustafiz has been praised plenty

match in Bangla.

With his performance, he has won

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

Here’s what I thought would happen in the homes of kids trying to join this

Shakib Khan’s new film Shikari saw

However, his co-star Srabanti Chatterjee has been quoted in an

world we live in and………..shut the hell up!” n

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

Jennifer Ashraf | LEGALESE

17

The curse of the pyramid Q

“My friend and I were thinking about starting a business and decided on starting a multi-level

marketing business together. This seems to be a great opportunity and the thought of the business rapidly expanding is exciting. We are aware that MLM’s have messed up in the past and people are a little suspicious of it, but I think enough time has passed since the Destiny fiasco to allow people to have a fresh perspective. Is there any law about multi-level marketing businesses that could be helpful for me? Kindly advise.”

A

Dear Reader, Thank you for writing in to us. You are correct on one aspect – enough time

has indeed passed since the Destiny fiasco. However, whether people are ready to approach the concept of multilevel marketing with a fresh perspective

Illustration: Priyo

is another issue. We tend to hold on to the bad memories. Also, there is also the slight chance that the legal scenario concerning MLM businesses

of regulatory framework for the

appliances, cosmetics and toiletries,

purchasers/buyers/participants to the

in Bangladesh may not exactly work to

governance of MLM companies which

herbal products, telecommunication

company.

your advantage. Since the Multi-Level

requires the mandatory observances

service or associated products,

Marketing Activities Control Act 2013

of certain practices such as those of

products and services relating to

you must keep in mind. Though

or “MLM Act 2013” came into force,

standard packaging, principled pricing

training and fitness, agricultural and

theoretically and legally possible, the

this arena of business is well regulated

of products, marketing products on the

agro-based products. The government

Government is very reluctant (still!)

and involves several compliance issues.

basis of prescribed and approved terms

has the authority to alter the list of

to issue MLM licences to businesses.

This information is therefore required

and conditions etc.

authorized products although such

I would further advise you and your

There is also another point

for any business intending to begin or

The regulatory framework, at the

authority is yet to be exercised by the

friend to visit some of the offices of

continue to operate a MLM business in

same time, strictly prohibits a number

government and the list of permitted

other MLM businesses who have a

Bangladesh.

of practices such as those of running

products has, so far, remained the

licence application pending, rejected

pyramid scheme, adopting door to

same.

or accepted, to have a better idea of

The MLM Act 2013 requires all multi level marketing companies

door marketing strategy, marketing

to be compliant and hold a valid

of currently non-existent, intangible

MLM companies are not allowed to

the legal aspects. Till next time, au

license, prior to commencement of

and future products, and others. In

rely on any business model which

revoir! n

business. Failure to comply wth this

order to ensure compliance of MLM

is a pyramid scheme or similar to

provision will result in a fine and/

businesses in Bangladesh, the MLM

pyramid scheme. “Pyramid scheme”,

or imprisonment. The registered

Act 2013 classifies breach of many of its

defined by the MLM Act 2013, is any

address of the company needs to be

provisions to be criminal offences.

such marketing strategy or process

the true physical office of the company.

Only products and services, so

Furthermore, under the 2013 Act,

whereby the sellers at different levels,

This is crucial as the Government of

specified in the MLM Act 2013, may

having paid certain membership fees

Bangladesh will physically inspect

be marketed by way of MLM business

in advance, can only participate in the

and investigate the registered

structure. Products and services that

company’s business on condition that

address, prior to issuance of the MLM

are permitted for MLM businesses

specified profit or commission will be

license. Furthermore, the MLM Act

are: house-work products, electric

disbursed to them once they recruit

2013 introduces a special regime

and electronic products, household

geometrically increasing number of

the practical aspects too, alongside

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

She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 Jug of water for baseball player (7) 4 Support beam confused matrons (7) 6 Aim rope around shops (7) 7 Canvas home for free fork (7)

DOWN 1 Person able to wait, for doctor? (7) 2 Walk like Charlie Chapline (5) 3 Sheep role for castle protection (7) 5 Verse about tennis shot (5)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar21-Apr19): The continued focus on your sector of creativity makes this one of the better times of the year to explore your talents. During the week you may decide to choose safety

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

over risk, which could mean you miss an opportunity to go even further with a plan.

Taurus (Apr20-May20): With a major focus on your home and family sector, you may feel that the time has not yet arrived for you to share or do what needs to be done.

Gemini (May21-June20): Your social life could connect you to some fascinating people during in the week.

Cancer (June21-Jul22): Should you enjoy yourself or save the money? If this week’s lineup is anything to go by, there might be a way to do both.

Leo (Jul23-Aug 22): If you have to take time away from your responsibilities to do it, it might prove worthwhile.

Virgo (Aug23-Sep22): Even though it might seem like you’re less productive in certain ways, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that’s important.

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

The focus on a more secluded sector

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

of your chart will encourage you to tap those hidden areas that can inspire and motivate.

Libra (Sep23-Oct22): This is the time to be seen out and about enjoying your social activities. You might even have more invitations than time in the days ahead. Even with the quickening pace, you’ll still enjoy yourself.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21): The early part of the week could see you conflicted about going with other people’s expectations of you. If you’re really excited about an idea, run with it.

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)

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21): The present picture actively encourages you to seek ways to challenge yourself and take your life to the next level. The week could see you eager to focus on what’s best for you rather than what others expect of you.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19): With a focus on your sector of shared resources and business, this is an ideal time to get creative about your money. If you have any new business ideas, this could be an excellent time to work on them.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) : Make time to focus on interests that grab your attention and give you a buzz. Doing so will help you feel recharged on all levels.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20): Health, wellness, work, and lifestyle issues are very much a part of the agenda this week. Also important is developing the right mindset to achieve your goals in these areas.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner July 30 Exhibition | Mohammad Ali – The Legend Lives on When 6pm Where Red Shift Coffee Lounge, Radius Centre, 5th Floor, Bay’s Galleria, 57 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka What A landmark exhibition of works by Proshanta Karmakar Buddha intended as a tribute to the late Muhammad Ali, acknowledged all over the world as one of the greatest human beings, one of the greatest Muslims, and one of the greatest sportsmen of recent times.

July 29

Exhibition | Chitrobita (Solo Poetry and photography Exhibition) When 3pm Where Drik Gallery Dhanmondi, Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka, Bangladesh What The inaugural ceremony of SRF Khan’s solo photography and poetry exhibition, “ChitroBita” will be held at the Drik Gallery. Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam will inaugurate the exhibition with his gracious presence. The photographs will be available for sale at the venue.

For more information, contact: +8801919223583

Aug 1

Food | Shadhu Shom with Anusheh Anadil

July 30

When 8pm Where Jatra Biroti, 60 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Banani, Dhaka.

What Jatra Biroti continues its musical journey on Monday August 1st, with Shadu Shom. The guest chef is Rubaiya Ahmad, and there will be special musical performance by Anusheh Anadil. According to the fakirs and bauls of Bangladesh, everything we see outside is a reflection of our inner world. In a time when the world is going through such external turmoil, they wanted to step inside ourselves for some inner reflection.

The Shadhus will tell you that once the separation inside gets erased, we will be able to see a more unified world.

A compassionate meal and contemplative songs will be there to entertain everyone present there. Price of the tickets are Tk300 each, and gates will open at 6pm.

July 29

Exhibition | Stellar Exhibit

Workshop | Become A Pioneer 3 When 12:30pm Where EMK Center, Midas Center Building (9th Floor), House 5, Road 27 (old), Dhanmondi What The society we live in has always been subjected to constant changes. In the age of globalisation and information technology, the changes are faster and steeper than ever. Due to that, the society currently is similar to a ship in a stormy sea. So to guide the society, the need for strong and able leaders are at its peak.

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. And a proper leader is created through volunteering for the betterment of the society. It helps a person to have self-humility and compassion towards others, qualities highly required in a leader.

So, CFYD has organised a workshop, focusing on social change, volunteerism, and

leadership, which will open the eyes of individuals and help them to become the promised leaders of tomorrow. Centre For Youth Development (CFYD), is a youth based training institution with the vision to develop positive human skills.

You’ll be learning about the changes in the society and why it’s happening, how to identify your own core-competency, the importance of volunteering, and find out what makes a great leader.

Certificates will be given to the participants, and an award for the best participant. This will also give them the opportunity to create their own network, and interact with reputed speakers and trainers.

Registration link:http://goo.gl/ forms/35Vh2TkUJ14pp5gY2 For any further query please call: +8801879800800

When 2pm Where Moar, Genetic Point 11, 8th Floor, H 25, Road 11, Banani, Dhaka What Planning out your summer weekends? Go experience the first ever Stellar exhibition with all stellar goodies, including your favourite cushions, dreamcatchers, bags, also the new launching travel series, fabric notebooks, laptop sleeves, and so much more.

Why StellArt? Because Shafrin Islam, the awesome artist who has been with Stellar from the beginning, will also be having her first ever exhibition. If you’re lucky, you might even catch her doing live painting.

What more?

Food, obviously! Munch on finger snacks and freshly baked goodies while you chill with them at the coolest place in Banani 11, Moar.

July 29

Competition | Calligraphy Competition Turkey-Bangla Cultural Fest 2016 When 8pm Where Bangladesh National Museum, Shahbagh Road, 1000 What Movencare is organising ‘Turkey-Bangla Cultural Fest’ on July 28 and 29, 2016. Calligraphy competition is one of the agendas of this event.

Calligraphers from both Turkey and Bangladesh will participate in the competition. The best 200 calligraphies will be selected for an exhibition, and three out of them will be awarded. All selected calligraphers will be certified. Movencare will provide certificates to all primary selected calligraphers, and the top three calligrapher will be rewarded.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 29, 20 1 6

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

What’s next?

Minu Ahmed

S

o a woman has had her first kid, and after a considerable amount of time has passed, the air is always abuzz with

silent questions and friendly nudges.

And usually the impending question always comes in the form of another (vaguely disguised) question: “Hello dear, so Bunty is in school now, don’t you think it is time that he has a new friend?”

“Hi beta, how are you doing, how is your health? You are still so young, why don’t you have another baby now, Bhutku and the new one will grow up together?”

Or worse, if you hadn’t already managed to lose weight from the first baby, or even had the misfortune to gain more, there will always be someone who gives you a conspiratorial arm squeeze and gush, “Hey! Are we going to hear any good news?”

I always have a response to the last one: “Oh yes! You see this huge bulge here; I call it Bhaat, my food baby.”

Photo: Bigstock

Conspiratorial smiles tend to melt into highly embarrassed expressions and sheepish grins, which I take great

drop hints about how they were

medicines and so on – everything costs

I also have to think about our ability to

pleasure in.

getting old and wanted to take their

quite a few bucks!

have a second kid.

When I had Jellybean, I wasn’t

What will happen to my job? Can we

If the assorted aunties aren’t

grandchild to school while they could

bothering you with their prodding,

still walk around. Ignoring these eye-

working and the entire financial

afford another kid now? Am I mentally

then your mom is probably next on the

roll inducing statements was the only

pressure was on The Husband.

and physically ready to do all that all

list of interrogators. I actually made

thing I could do at those moments, but

Thankfully we had help, from my

over again?

things really easy for my mum – got

life had other plans for me. Instead of

parents and in-laws, so it worked out.

married early, had a kid soon after, so

getting a job, I got knocked up!

But I’m sure not everyone is so lucky.

that I ask myself whenever I think

These are just some of the questions

Plus we also live with my in-laws so I

about it. It’s stressful for me, and so I

grandchild without too much of a fuss.

that job, but it’s not enough. It

had help to take care of Jellybean as

figured that since Jellybean came to us

Well, minimal fuss from my end, but

seems like there is some underlying

well.

without notice, maybe Butterbean will

she had been harassing me since the

competition as to who can “make it in

day I turned 18.

life”. I wasn’t too worried about any

culture and society - we don’t mind

Back then, she would choose all

of that, and I figured when the time

living in joint families and it certainly

these 30+ years old established doctors

was right, things would just happen.

isn’t odd, as it is abroad, where families

(read: uncles) for me. If that wasn’t

Of course in the meantime I read stuff

tend to be more nuclear. But with the

stifling (and humiliating) enough,

online, and had casual discussions

advantages come the expectations,

she was grossly disappointed I didn’t

about when it was the “right time” to

and I know a lot of women who choose

study medicine, or English. Since my

have a second child.

(or maybe didn’t choose) to have kids

she got her charming son-in-law and

business degree was apparently a waste

Couple of years later, I now have

The Internet told me that most

That’s the advantage of Bangladeshi

within a short gap; so that the “hassle”

of time, her main aim in life at that

couples from our generation would

is over at one go, because they have

point in time was to marry me off. I

wait to be more financially viable to

help to raise them.

fought her off day and night, and told

be able to afford two kids. I agreed

her repeatedly, when I found the right

wholeheartedly, because kids are really

wanted to give Jellybean as much

person, I would announce it myself and

expensive! Starting from the pre-

personal contact as possible, and time

get married. And that’s exactly what

delivery costs, doctor appointments,

just flew by. As Jellybean approaches

happened!

ultra sonograms, medicines, tests;

her fourth year, I can see how lonely

and then the delivery itself, and then

she gets, because we aren’t always

were worried about “what’s next”. I

post-delivery care, like vaccines, more

there or able to play with her as much

was looking for work, but they would

doctor appointments, diapers, more

as she wants us to. I feel sad for her, but

After I got married, then my folks

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 29, 201 6

That didn’t happen with me, I

as well?

Who knows! n

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

Questions? Send to thebongmomma@gmail. com