Life & Living
Aydha Mehnaz: The first Bangladeshi on Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2024
Aydha Mehnaz joins the rank of Forbes 30 under 30 Class of 2024 Europe for her distinguished achievements in international media and marketing — marking her as the first Bangladeshi to have been listed for Forbes 30 under 30 Europe.
Breath-taking Bangladesh: Top 5 motorbike journeys across Bangladesh
While our beloved nation is not exactly celebrated for its pristine highways, it surprisingly hosts several spectacular routes for motorcycle enthusiasts to uncover. So, this Eid, buckle up and fire up your engine as we explore 5 of the most beautiful roads in Bangladesh for a memorable motorbike adventure, courtesy of moto vlogger Mirza Abidur Rahman!
Safety first! Swimming pool safety tips everyone should know
Just before you hop into the pool, have you checked if everything is safe or not? To most people, swimming pool safety precautions are an annoyance and a hassle to deal with; just get to the fun instead, right? But even things as jovial as a refreshing pool party can turn fatal if you are not careful.
5 interesting things you did not know about Atif Aslam
Best known for his songs written for Pakistani and Indian cinemas, Atif Aslam's distinctive smoky voice and vocal belting style are enough to make us swoon and tug at our heartstrings.
Eid & Chill? 5 Binge-worthy comedy shows to keep you laughing
This Eid, you can ditch the post-meal awkwardness in the living room by embracing the glorious world of OTT platforms. So, settle into your spots on the couch before someone else takes it, and get ready to binge-watch these 7 hilarious shows and movies that will have you snorting laughter.
Seaside adventure: Safety tips for Cox's Bazar travellers
Amidst the allure of this coastal gem, safety becomes a special issue during peak seasons like Eid, when this popular tourist destination usually swells with crowds.
7 ways to enjoy Eid at your ancestral home as a grownup
Eid is a time to break free, to an extent, and to grab the opportunities of sheer fun and amusement your gram er bari offers.
A tale of two polaos: Ilish and Kaju polao recipes
Dive into a culinary adventure that’s as rich in tradition as it is in taste, just in time for your Eid meal prep! First up, we’ve got the Ilish Polao, a dish that’s a love letter to the monsoon-fed rivers of Bangladesh, where the silver hilsa fish turns a simple meal into a feast for the senses. Then, we switch gears to the regal Kaju Polao, where each bite is a crunchy, nutty surprise that promises to add a dash of opulence to your dining table.
Arts & Entertainment
'Squid Game' star found guilty of sexual misconduct
South Korea's "Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, a local court said Friday, after he was charged with assaulting a woman in 2017
Now, you can have Trump sneakers
Donald Trump has launched his own sneaker brand, a day after a New York judge ordered him to pay $354.9m in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders.
Being a woman is just such a war, forever: Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated artiste, has recently opened up about the relentless challenges she faces as a woman, particularly as a young woman in the public eye.
A new thriller arrives in ‘Shyama Kabya’, stars hopeful
The much-anticipated psychological thriller, Badrul Anam Saud’s “Shyama Kabya” is set to release in the theaters of Bangladesh on November 24.
Tisha and Farooki’s daughter debuts in ‘Autobigraphy’s’ song ‘Jochonar Phool’
The song, titled “Jochonar Phool”, is written by Chirkutt frontline Sharmin Sultana Sumi and she jointly tuned and composed it with the songwriter and Chirkutt member Pavel Areen. The latter also produced the song. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki himself released the song on Wednesday through his Facebook profile.
21 personalities to get Ekushey Padak 2024
The government yesterday announced the recipients of Ekushey Padak 2024 upon 21 distinguished citizens in recognition of their momentous contributions in various fields of the nation.
Sharmila Tagore calls on PM
A delegation of artistes led by eminent Indian film actress Sharmila Tagore today paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official Gono Bhaban residence in Dhaka this afternoon marking the Dhaka International Film Festival
I aspire to become an actor for whom directors will eagerly line up: Ashna Habib Bhabna
Ashna Habib Bhabna, a popular actress, is gearing up for the grand releases of two of her films, “Japito Jibon”, directed by Habibul Islam Habib, and “Daam Para”, directed by Shuddhyaman Chaitan. The actress, known for captivating television audiences, hasn't worked in TV dramas for over three years, fully immersing herself in her movie roles.
Showbiz
Ananta-Barsha’s unconditional love
The atmosphere at The Daily Star office brightened as the couple complimented each other's attire for the photo shoot, blending Western and Eastern styles. While Barsha opted for a Pakistani suit in blue and red, Ananta Jalil, the dashing action star, looked striking in a white suit and brown-golden Gucci shirt and grey pants.
Neel on the reel
You know her as an anchor who has made her mark by hosting cricket shows in particular. Notably, Neel Hurerzahan began her journey in showbiz a decade ago as a radio jockey. Slowly she stepped into the world of acting, and also worked in the popular OTT platform Chorki, as a partnership officer.
Partho’s cricketing dreams transform into a filmy one
During an exclusive photoshoot and adda with The Daily Star, Partho talked about his acting and directorial journey while also spilling some beans on upcoming projects.
The ‘bad guy’ emerges as ‘hero’
Recently, he shed his ‘greyish demeanour’ to penetrate into the role of a love-torn groom in Zahid Pritom’s “Buk Poketer Golpo”. The actor shared an interesting story as to how his own phobia was incorporated into the hyper-linked web-film.
Pavel brings globality to your ‘living room’
You might know him as the drummer for Chirkutt, but Pavel has been especially prominent in the music industry as a music producer, dominating the ad film market and lending his talents to films like “Saturday Afternoon”, “Television”, “Doob”, “Piprabidya” and more.
Nawshaba undeterred, Nawshaba undeniable
Nawshaba's journey has not been devoid of challenges. Despite her talent and dedication, she has often found herself being overlooked by the media and industry insiders. “How many times do I have to prove myself?" she mused, highlighting the uphill battle faced by many artistes striving to carve out their niche in the industry.
When a boy from Azimpur carries Bangladeshi rap
In the world of Bangla rap, few names carry as much weight and influence as Black Zang. His journey, intricately entwined with the rise of Bangla rap culture, is a testament to artistic evolution, cultural amalgamation, and the power of storytelling through music. In the vibrant and ever-evolving realm of hip-hop music, Black Zang stands out as a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
The team that made ‘Ashomvob’ possible
Yesterday (November 3), Aruna Biswas’s debut directorial film, "Ashomvob", was released nationwide. In this multi-starrer project, the veteran actress not only directed the film but also played a pivotal role. The cast includes outstanding performances by Sohana Saba, Gazi Nur, and Swagata, amongst many others.
Star Health
ADB forecasts 6.1% GDP growth for Bangladesh in FY24, higher than World Bank’s
The ADB’s projection comes days after the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics said economic growth in the October-December quarter of fiscal 2023-24 halved to 3.78 percent, the slowest pace in three quarters, as manufacturing output growth declined sharply owing to reduced domestic consumption.
Bangladesh among nations with highest burden of viral hepatitis B, C
Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan are among the 10 countries, which collectively shoulder nearly two-thirds of the global burden of hepatitis B and C, says the World Health Organization’s latest report on the viral infection
5 more dengue patients hospitalised
No fresh death due to dengue was reported in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till last morning, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Chicken prices soar by up to Tk 40 per kg
Much to the frustration of people from low-income groups, the price of chicken, one of the most common sources of animal protein, has shot up by Tk 30 to Tk 40 per kg over the last couple of days in the capital’s kitchen markets.
Diarrhoea situation in Patuakhali alarming
The number of diarrhoea patients admitted to different hospitals in Patuakhali has seen a sudden rise in the last couple of days.
15 new Covid-19 cases reported
Bangladesh reported 15 Covid-19 cases in 24 hours till yesterday morning. With the new numbers, the country’s total Covid-19 caseload rose to 2,049,626, according to the DGHS.
Chicken prices soar by up to Tk 40 per kg
Traders in city’s kitchen markets blame sudden rise in demand ahead of Eid
Combatting dengue: DNCC to buy 'discarded items' from people
DNCC to buy 100 packets of chips or similar packets at Tk 100, 10 pieces of ice cream cups or disposable glasses/cups at Tk 100, unused polyethene (per kg) at Tk 50, and each green coconut shell at Tk 2
Satireday
Man escapes Dhaka after attending fire safety workshop
An employee of a paper company in the capital’s Farmgate has been absent without official leave ever since he attended a fire safety workshop at work.
Employer refuses to give workers raises because they will get mugged if they have money
A car company has stunned industry insiders with a revolutionary new approach that improves workers’ quality of life and reduces the pressure on company coffers all at once. By refusing to give employees their scheduled raises and keeping them dangerously close to the edge of poverty, Stellar Motors -- Dhaka’s largest automobile importer -- is confident it can reduce the risk of employees being robbed in the streets and losing the little wealth they might still possess.
When Readers Write / Families with less than 3 members to merge
The government has recently announced its plan to address the problem of small families.
Organisations tackle inflation squeeze by introducing ‘Pay-To-Work’ policy
February has passed but employees at several major business firms have still not received any yearly increment or contract renewal. Employees are having difficulty making ends meet, what with rice and essentials doubling in price. Transport costs have gone up even though diesel price has been reduced by Tk 0.75.
Seeking affordable dates, Bangladeshi opens Tinder account
A man from Basabo has opened a Tinder account after he learned from one of his friends that dates on Tinder and Bumble were more attainable than in the current market.
Chintito since 1995 / Truth shall prevail
And so now the Pope is wrong because he is calling for peace and trying to save lives. He advised Ukraine to show the “white flag”, which other than meaning surrender is also a symbol of peace.
Twisted thoughts, warped words, and despicable deeds
You have all been invited for “daal-bhaat to a gorib’s house” by (surprise, surprise) a well-to-do host. Obviously, he is far from being poor. Or else, he would not have invited you.
Things you can do when the internet is down
Due to maintenance work going on today on a submarine cable that brings us internet, connectivity will be disrupted for 12 hours between 7:00am and 7:00pm.
TOGGLE
The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer
The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.
Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable
And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!
So long, goodbye
The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.
Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning
To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.
Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh
Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support.
Safeguarding workspaces from escalating cyber attacks: A comprehensive guide
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.
The setting sun
With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner.
In Focus
A freedom fighter’s journey to Mujibnagar
The necessity that was felt a few days after the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was that of a Government which could take upon itself the burden of directing the liberation struggle.
'We must reject religious majoritarianism to ride the wave of Asian resurgence'
The Daily Star (TDS): Your family was closely involved with the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Could you please provide some insights into this historical involvement?
Silencing the subaltern voice
Historian Willem van Schendel divides the historiography of the War of 1971 into two broad categories: i) first-generation historiographies and ii) second-generation historiographies.
45th Death Anniversary of Abul Mansur Ahmad / The enduring impact of Abul Mansur Ahmad’s journalism
The year 2023 marked the centennial of Abul Mansur Ahmad’s journalism—a milestone that holds not only significance but also relevance in understanding his enduring impact.
In the Name of Lalon
In a jungle by a wide river bank, a small group is sitting amongst the dangling roots of a luscious banyan tree. The single-stringed ektara, four-stringed dotara, wood-bead necklace mala, hand-spunned bright-coloured cotton gamccha and white outfits identify the members as Bauls, the traditional mystic musicians of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh and 1971
Listen, from one Mujibur/ A thousand Mujib’s voices rise/ The sounds and echoes of those voices/ Ring out through the wind and the sky/ Bangladesh, my Bangladesh….
Sharing of Ganges water: What looms after 2026?
In 1976, a mass procession led by a nearly 80-year-old peasant leader, Maulana Bhasani, from Dhaka to the Indo-Bangladesh Border drew huge attention from national and international media.
Vangiya Sahitya Parishat, the first Bengal Academy of Literature
‘Academy’, as many of us know, is a word that comes from the French word ‘academie’, evolving from Latin ‘academia’—the ultimate ancestor of both being Greek ‘akademeia’.
Star Youth
Catching a break shouldn’t be this hard
There are times in life when you just need to sit down, take a break, and have a KitKat.
Experiencing spiritual guilt in Ramadan
It is as if my spirituality is on a deadline every Ramadan.
Eid shopping remorse over consumerism
In this economy, consumer guilt tends to sour the happy experience that Eid shopping should be.
Why on earth would someone drink black coffee?
A personal hypothesis of mine is that black coffee drinkers possess, to an extent, a latent self-loathing that manifests in the form of gustatory masochism.
Why we want to stay sad and how to move past it
The memes are great, and they help us cope. But we need to move forward.
Two Bangladeshis honoured at The Diana Award
Bangladesh's Nafira Nayeem Ahmad and Shamim Ahmed Mridha were honoured with the Legacy Award.
Proper nutrition and exercise: The uncanny super-weapons for academic excellence
Allow me to tell you who the villains in your life are.
Is Gen-Z really ageing faster than earlier generations?
Companies quickly multiplied this awareness and fear, packaged it, and sold it back to us.
Shift
Avik Anwar 1st in the final rounds of Gulf Pro Car Championship
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh has won first place in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the final instalment of the 2023-2024 Gulf Pro Car Championship. The international racing competition was held in Dubai Autodrome on March 30, 2024, where Avik competed against drivers from UAE, UK, France, Italy, India, and Russia, to win both rounds.
E-licence on smartphone is enough: BRTA
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has authorised the use of electronic driving licences (e-licences) in addition to the physical driving licence card
Xiaomi's first EV to be priced under $70k
Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, the SU7, will be priced under $70,000, according to Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, in a recent statement. Jun added that the Xiaomi SU7 aims to be "the best looking, easiest to drive and smartest car" available in the market under the 500,000 yuan ($69,424) price tag.
Chinese company launches commercial flying taxis
EHang, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has introduced its EH216-S model flying taxi for commercial sale on Taobao, an online shopping platform owned by Alibaba. Priced at 2.39 million yuan ($332,060), the EH216-S is being advertised as "an innovative solution for urban transportation".
Lamborghini designer Marcello Gandini dies at 85
Marcello Gandini, the legendary Italian designer known for his work on numerous exotic cars, has died at the age of 85, according to RaiNews, Italy's state-owned news agency.
Vehicle insurance to be made mandatory
The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has today approved the draft Road Transport Amendment Act, 2024, reinstating mandatory insurance for all types of vehicles operating on the roads, including motorcycles, private cars, buses, and trucks. The decision revises the Road Transport Act of 2018, which had made vehicle insurance optional.
Meet the flying car prototype
Alef Aeronautics, a California-based automotive company, has recently unveiled a prototype for what they claim to be 'the world's first true flying car'. The company took a working scale model of this innovative prototype to the recently held Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, capturing the attention of the public and industry enthusiasts alike.
BYD launches electric cars in Bangladesh; opens showroom
BYD, the multinational tech company, officially opened its showroom in Bangladesh on March 2, 2024. According to a press release, CG Runner Bangladesh Ltd. has taken the initiative to introduce BYD in the country.
Daily Star Books
THE SHELF / 5 short books you can read and finish on Eid day
Here is a list of 5 short and swift books for fellow bookworms (people who would much rather stay in than socialise) to nestle in with on this Eid day.
THE SHELF / 5 of your favourite iftar items as books
The youthful adventurers in the story spare no effort in unravelling a mystery that proves as elusive as the unyielding strands of jilapi, while also exploring deeper, sweeter themes such as friendship.
INTERVIEW / "It's the start of a conversation": Journalist Kavita Puri on producing a podcast series on the Bengal famine
In the latest documentary podcast series “Three Million”, journalist Kavita Puri seeks to answer this haunting question: “How do three million people just disappear?” by talking to some of the last surviving witnesses, including Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.
EVENT REPORT / Sheikh Zayed Book Award announces winners for the 18th edition
The winners were announced on 4 April, 2024, with the ceremony being hosted by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the SZBA Board of Trustees
BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / A peripatetic poet’s pleasing musings
The title of this book suggests that it is based in Bengal but it really meanders deftly across time and space, more often than not in “mazy motion”.
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / A mesmerising journey of life’s twists and turn
The Covenant of Water by physician and author Abraham Verghese tells the story of three generations of an Orthodox Saint Thomas Christian family in Kerala. Through suffering and loss, triumphs and victories, the importance of familial ties is examined and supported. In the Kerala of the 1940s, blood ties were sacred, but “family” also meant helpers who worked for you. Members of the three-generational family seem to be under a curse which causes its members to drown in water. The mystical power of water in our lives is explored with precision and sensitivity in the novel.
BOOK REVIEW: POETRY IN TRANSLATION / ‘Temple Lamp’: A view of Ghalib’s rich cultural Persian inheritance
A review of ‘Temple Lamp: Verses on Banaras’ (India Penguin Classics, 2023) by Mirza Ghalib, translated by Maaz Bin Bilal
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Meditations on sanity in ‘Hospital’
Though on its surface Sanya Rushdi’s Hospital, translated into English by Arunava Sinha and recently longlisted for the 2024 Stella Prize, looks to be a breezy, short read—it is anything but. With her rather flattened, sparse prose, Rushdi has managed to write an enduring piece of autofiction, a compelling account of psychosis that neither sensationalises nor withers away any sentimentality from the struggles of mental health.
Star Holiday
Marvellous Madrid
After the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown, in September 2021, my husband and I visited Madrid, a city pulsating with history, art and energy.
Thailand’s highlands: A place for adventure and fun
In January of this year, my husband and I decided to embark on a trip to the Kanchanaburi and Phitsanulok provinces of Thailand. When you hear of Thailand,
Al Ula: A hidden gem in Saudi Arabia
When we think of Saudi Arabia, we often imagine Makkah, Medina, and the annual pilgrimage. But beyond these, there are plenty of amazing spots that have been attracting travellers since the kingdom opened up to foreign visitors in 2019.
Skywalk on Dhampus
As the clock struck 4:00pm, I caught sight of two tiny figures descending from the rocky slopes of the Tukuche massif. With each passing minute, the figures gradually grew more recognizable: Samiur and Arif were returning after scaling Little Tukuche (5879m), one of the formidable peaks of the Dhaulagiri range.
Pondicherry: A charming former French colony
I boarded the Koromondol Express from Kolkata to Chennai at 3.20pm for a long journey. On my way, I met Anupam, an old friend from the Sandakfu-Phalut trek. It had been ten years since we last met.
Rema-kalenga wildlife forest: A sanctuary of souls
Recently, I went on a trip to the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary: a hidden gem often overlooked even by seasoned travellers. This is the story of my solo trip there.
Scaling Mount Saramati
We reached Pungro, a small town in northern Nagaland’s Kiphire district, late at night after covering about three and a half hundred kilometres on a dusty, winding mountain road. With no lodges available, the car driver took us to a government rest house. However, as foreigners from Bangladesh, we were told we needed permission from the zone’s additional district commissioner.
Weekend Read
For the love of computers
Buying a computer, for most people, is a fairly mundane activity. It involves going to a vendor with a budget, a list of requirements, and the hope that the salespeople are trustworthy and knowledgeable enough about the products to find the best possible deal.
The dying art of Qasida
This is a loose translation of a melodious Urdu poem that once used to reverberate through the empty lanes of old Dhaka deep into the Ramadan night.
Sadarghat launch terminal / A bustling riverport gone quieter
It is hard to describe a place when its glory days are over.
Launch owners struggling to stay afloat
“If you seek comfort, no journey is better than a journey by launch. You book a room and you arrive at your destination well-rested. The sightseeing is a bonus,” says Mehedi Hasan, a resident of Borguna’s Bamna.
Life takes place in Dhaka’s cafes
How humans discovered coffee and how, after centuries of innovation, it became the elixir it is now is a fascinating tale itself.
Islampur: a business hub with centuries-old vibe
If listened carefully, amid the maddening hustle and bustle, cacophony of sounds, one might find a strange harmony in the chaos -- a thing that links this place to a bygone era.
Rediscovering Traditions: Putting folk arts, crafts at the forefront
Wooden dolls painted in a crimson-red or saffron-yellow sari with a black hair bun are a traditional craft of Bangladesh and an integral part of every rural fair.
To be able to dream again
At first glance it looks like a happy gathering of women and girls spanning ages from 15 to 50 years. We are greeted by this group of 30 and they welcome us with a song and dance routine.
