Life & Living
Boost your mood naturally: Foods that make you happy
Popularly known as the happy hormone, dopamine enhances feelings of well-being and pleasure. Although it has been widely acknowledged that indulging oneself or engaging in various activities can trigger a surge of dopamine, scientific findings reveal that certain food items can elicit a similar response!
Table manners 101: Dining etiquettes explained
Table manners are important because in a civilised society, poor dining etiquette can create a poor impression of you at social gatherings and social business situations. Even when you are eating at a restaurant surrounded by strangers, table manners are important, because you do not want to irritate others with your poor manners or invite stares from patrons sitting at the next table.
Flight operation at Saidpur airport resumes after five hours
Flight operations at Nilphamari's Saidpur Airport have resumed after five hours pause due to poor visibility caused by dense fog
#Perspective / How clothing can hurt our children
As parents or guardians of new-borns to 14-year-olds, it is our partial responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. One aspect that often goes unnoticed is the clothes we choose to buy for them. While outside or local clothing options may seem convenient, they can pose certain dangers which are hardly taken seriously.
Rangamati's culinary canvas: Where simplicity meets sophistication
In Rangamati, the culinary approach takes a gentle detour from Dhaka's romance with robust spices. Here, the kitchen's philosophy is about understatement – where freshly sourced ingredients' natural flavours are spotlighted. It's a refreshing departure from the spice-intense culinary narrative that Dhaka so proudly narrates.
Checkmate: The revival of checks in fashion
They have been around for the longest time but checks were never this exciting! Once relegated to office shirts and school uniforms before they were reimagined and reinvented in the best way possible, nowadays checks are anything but boring and plain.
Ramen: Ultimate comfort food in a bowl
The little joys of winter include chilly nights, cosying up in a blanket and slurping away one of our favourite comfort foods — ramen. It is an immensely versatile dish and can be cooked in so many different ways: try it with vegetables, try it with an abundance of protein, and the options for broth are endless. Here are some ramen recipes for you to try and complement the weather that has settled in.
Looking back at eye makeup trends for 2023
Last year, we have seen several impressive eye makeup trends, mostly going for that soft glam and nude vibe. With 2023 now over, let's check out some of the hottest trends that have made tonnes of eyes pop last year.
Arts & Entertainment
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.
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.
Offbeat / You did not know these Bengali adaptations of popular films existed
In a world where Hollywood's gloss and grandeur dominate the silver screen, there lies a cinematic treasure trove in Bangladesh that dances to its own beat. Far from the well-trodden paths of blockbuster narratives, Bangladeshi filmmakers have embraced the art of adaptation with a twist so unique it could only be born in the cultural kaleidoscope of South Asia. From singing superheroes to dancing apes, here's a whimsical journey through the Bangladeshi film industry's most audacious, hilarious, and unapologetically tacky takes on popular pop-culture icons.
I am called ‘Dhallywood Queen’ because of Shakib Khan: Apu Biswas
Apu Biswas, who is acclaimed for her portrayals in the silver screen, recently said that as Shakib Khan is called the king of Bengali mainstream cinema, as his co-star,she is too referred to as ‘Dhallywood Queen’.
‘Mike’ bags Best Feature Film Award at Singapore
The movie, financed by the Bangladesh government, is built around the premise of commemorating Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March 7 speech and was released on August 11.
‘Neel Joler Kabbyo’ trailer to release this week
After the immense success of the web-film "Redrum", the Afran Nisho and Mehazabien Chowdhury duo were not seen in any OTT content together. They will however come together for this web-film by Shihab Shaheen.
Showbiz
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.
What makes Karnival stand out?
Karnival started as a passion project between friends Tinu, Sabbir, Tonmoy and Sunny in 2006. Together, they made their debut album, “Indraloy.”
The grandest OTT extravaganza hosts its second iteration
The awards will be handed out tonight at a lavish event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), in the Hall of Fame, from 5 pm onwards.
Bobby electrifies
Eamin Haque Bobby is gearing up for a return soon. She was last seen in “Paap”, where her role as an ACP officer was embraced well, despite the outcome of the film. As a producer, she has an assortment of genres under her belt, including the superhero film “Bizli”.
Xefer remastered
Xefer first broke into the scene with her soulful covers, capturing hearts with her deep melodic voice. Over the years, she not only continued her musical journey but also emerged as a style and youth icon.
Jessia in action
"The character of agent Rupa drew me to the script. Her unbreakable spirit and her fight against crime captivated me," said Jessia Islam on her debut film "MR-9: Do or Die".
The enigmatic Tawsif
While Tawsif Mahbub does look forward to exploring streaming platforms and dreams of making it to the global stage, his current focus is solely on tele-productions.
Star Health
2023: the year of dengue devastation
The year 2023 is marked by the worst outbreak of dengue since the disease’s first official appearance in 2000. The country witnessed 1,705 dengue-related deaths and a total of 321,179 reported cases this year.
Country records 1st death from dengue this year
One person died due to dengue today. This is the first death of this year related to the disease, according to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
2023: The year of dengue devastation
Experts urge for early steps to prevent similar outbreak
World AIDS Day 2023
The world can end AIDS, with communities leading the way. Organisations of communities living with, at risk of, or affected by HIV are the frontline of progress in the HIV response.
Health centres to remain open 24/7 to curb maternal mortality rate: minister
Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said the government will keep the more than 4,500 health and family welfare centres in the country open round the clock to reduce the maternal mortality rate
Threat of Nipah virus looms large
In winter, people love to indulge in the season’s delicacies, raw date juice being one of those.
266 died from AIDS this year, 1,276 identified: DGHS
The number HIV/AIDS infections and deaths is increasing in Bangladesh, a DGHS study said.
Satireday
Lessons hardly learnt
In the summer just gone by, in the days of sweating in 40 degrees Celsius, I was extremely comfortable that finally we have started bathing regularly, wearing clean clothes and possibly using some sort of deodorant.
Dhaka bikers block entrance/exit to city roads as symbol of protest
Yesterday, an ambulance could not get onto the expressway ramp near Tejgaon because motorcyclists were blocking the road on the left as traffic came to a slow crawl.
Assistant manager who threatened to resign 7 times made assistant deputy manager
An assistant manager in a local corporation has broken records by threatening to quit his position seven times in one day if he wasn’t given a promotion.
Keep sports clean of politics
When we were young, that for some of us is a long time ago; so long ago that you may need binoculars to see the 1960s. A magazine was published then, from most probably Karachi, Sports Times, I am trying to recollect. It was so long ago that today’s net search has zero relevant hits for that title and era. Unfaded in human memory, however, for the last over sixty years is the mast slogan of that very popular publication, “Keep sports clean of politics”.
HR manager upset that workers are actually productive while working from home
Local PR and content creation agency The Starmakers recently hosted a seminar on why employees should be back full time now that Covid is really over and we have bigger things to worry about like majority-approved genocide, air quality depletion, more Kardashian shows and lengthy run-on sentences.
Mirpur’s pitch made with climate change in mind: high source
The pitch in Mirpur on which Bangladesh are about to beat New Zealand today in the second Test today, or New Zealand are about to beat Bangladesh today, has become the topic of heavy discussion.
Managers rejoice as study shows Artificial Intelligence can’t replace Genuine Idiocy™
A study has come out from the University of Where the Sun Don’t Shine, proclaiming that Artificial Intelligence will never be able to replace Genuine Idiocy™.
Bureaucracy marathon receives great response
Chapasthan’s capital witnessed the Bureaucracy Marathon this Friday, an event designed to showcase the bureaucratic madness ingrained in daily life.
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
121st Birth Anniversary of Poet Jasim Uddin / Jasim Uddin’s 1971
There has not been much research on to what extent the shadow of 1971 has been reflected in Bangla literature.
Climate change and unplanned development are creating a new set of damaging risks
The Daily Star (TDS): Congratulations on being honored with the prestigious 2023 AXA IM Research Award. We are eager to learn more about the specific accomplishments that led to this recognition and the impactful work for which you are being celebrated.
Remembering 1971
Indians in general are by and large unabashedly proud of India’s role in, and contribution to Bangladesh’s Independence, which came about at the end of 1971.
A Tribute to My Martyr Teachers
The Pakistani occupation army wrote a black chapter in the history of our War of Liberation on the 14th-15th December, 1971 by killing intellectuals in Dhaka city in a planned way.
Haraprasad Shastri: An Unusual Pundit
Haraprasad Shastri (1853-1931, Bhattacharya was the original family name) was a Sanskrit scholar, commonly referred to as a ‘pundit.
How did the U.S. and Bangladesh come to be at the same negotiating table on climate change?
We hear a lot about the COP meetings in the media. Most of what we hear is generally around the time when these meetings of high-ranking officials from most of the countries of the world are held, usually late November or early December.
George Abraham Grierson’s The Linguistic Survey of India (1894-1928) / The mountains and hills of South Asia’s languages and dialects
South Asia is one of the most intensely multilingual regions in the world. It covers over 5 million square kilometres, has a population of approximately 1.9 billion (around 25% of the world’s population), and is home to five families of languages (the Indo-European, Iranian, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic or Munda, and Tibeto-Burman).
Bengal’s Fishermen: Through War, Famine and Partition
The fishermen communities of Bengal were diverse with regional variations. Apart from Malos, Kaibartas, Bagdis, and Pods, the numerically significant fishermen sub-castes, there were many other smaller and localized communities involved in fishing.
Star Youth
How social media validation throttles an artist’s growth
Receiving a constant stream of praise can be quite validating, but it can be harmful for an individual looking to improve at their craft.
Put a Period: How the youth is addressing menstrual equity
Founded by four high schoolers from Viqarunnisa Noon School and College (VNSC), Put a Period is a non-profit organisation working to eliminate taboos surrounding menstruation.
The need for teachers to maintain a positive outlook during classes
Students like to be noticed by their teacher in a positive light. By appreciating them, teachers build a healthy, competitive environment which helps coax out students’ creativity.
The unhealthy side of academic competition
While competitiveness amongst students can encourage more academic diligence, its darker side warrants more discussion.
Are your 20s for the panic or the glory?
While there are certainly exhilarating and growing moments, they are frequently intermingled with hurdles and panic.
Why we find it difficult to accept love at times
Some of us are afraid of becoming stuck because we owe too much to our relationships. We make an effort to give more than we receive to avoid feeling compelled or indebted.
The curious case of study-with-me videos
Study-with-me videos are an interesting substitute that provide all the benefits of group study and none of the harm.
Coming to terms with the fact that nothing lasts forever
The transience of things might be disturbing and extremely overwhelming.
Shift
Xiaomi launches its first electric car, the SU7
Xiaomi has unveiled its inaugural electric car, the SU7, marking a significant expansion into the automotive sector. The company's Chief Executive, Lei Jun, revealed the vehicle on Thursday, setting forth Xiaomi's vision to rank among the top five global automakers within the next two decades.
Electric vehicles are reducing global oil consumption: reports
Increasing electric vehicle sales in recent years have prompted forecasters to revise their estimates for the global peak in oil consumption. Public subsidies and advancements in technology are aiding consumers in overcoming the occasionally high upfront costs associated with battery-powered cars, as noted by industry experts.
BMW i7 launched in Bangladesh
Executive Motors Limited has recently launched the BMW i7 eDrive 50 in Bangladesh. The EV, the latest addition to BMW's i-series, will be locally available at a starting price of BDT 3 crore.
SUST students develop wireless charging electric vehicle
Students from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) have recently developed a prototype of a light-duty electric vehicle that is capable of being charged wirelessly.
The Xiaomi car is real, and BAIC is making it
Xiaomi is making a bold move into the electric vehicle (EV) industry with its Xiaomi SU7 car series. The consumer tech company, diversifying from its traditional product range, has now applied for a sales license in China for this ambitious venture.
SHIFT / Avik Anwar 3rd in Gulf ProCar Round 2; dedicates win to Palestine
In an emotionally charged Round 2 of the Gulf ProCar Series at Dubai Autodrome Circuit, Avik Anwar, the noted Bangladeshi racer, clinched two remarkable third-place finishes. Avik Anwar dedicated both his podium finishes to the people enduring hardships in Palestine and his late colleague, Ashfaq from Maven Autos.
Uber launches subscription package for moto drivers in Bangladesh
Uber, the popular ridesharing app, has recently announced a subscription package option for Uber Moto drivers, which will include being able to choose from a range of plans that suit their needs. As per Uber, this method is being introduced to change how Uber Moto drivers are compensated to improve reliability for riders and reduce trips taken off the platform.
Tesla cars worth US$26k to be made in Germany: reports
Tesla cars worth 25,000 euros (about $26,838) are planned to be built at a factory in Berlin, Germany, as per a source close to the international EV maker Tesla. According to autos research firm JATO Dynamics, the average retail price of an EV in Europe in the first half of 2023 was over 65,000 euros, compared to just over 31,000 euros in China.
Daily Star Books
THE SHELF / 2023 in Review
Some of these works have inspected the complex lives of modern Bangalis while some have traced the contours of our past often not examined. Here’s your chance to read some of the releases of this year by Bangladeshi authors, if you haven’t read them yet.
FROM PAGES TO PIXELS / Percy Jackson finally gets the adaptation he deserves
The 2010 and 2013 Percy Jackson films, despite Logan Lerman's charismatic lead performance, fell short of expectations, drawing criticism for creative decisions like omitting significant book sequences and ageing Percy prematurely to 16.
STAR BOOK TALK / The changes in our reading habits this year
The changes in our reading habits this year
INTERVIEW / In conversation with Anjali Singh and Arif Anwar
"I think of myself as someone who just really enjoys people, bringing people out, and hearing about what they’re working on": Anjali Singh
BOOK REVIEW / The Continuing Relevance of Munnu
A review of 'Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir' (Fourth Estate, 2015), a stark portrayal of Kashmir, not through the eyes of a foreign individual looking in from the outside, but a Kashmiri living through the Indian occupation
ESSAY / The ethics of ghostwriting in fiction
Ghostwriting is not new, and Millie Bobby Brown is not the first celebrity to hire a ghostwriter. But, soon after she published her book, she came under fire for using one.
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Learning to let go
As the novel progresses, you peel back layers of history between Claire and her grandparents and realise that the Korea issue isn’t as straightforward as our protagonist imagined.
THE SHELF / 5 books you should read before 2023 ends
As 2023 draws to a close, we have compiled a list of books we think you should read that capture the essence of the year and prepare you for another vibrant year of reading.
Star Holiday
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.
Trek to Sandakphu
We had no idea that we slept away the past twelve hours, the whole journey from Kolkata to Siliguri.
Tanguar Haor: A magical place worth revisiting
While chatting with my seniors at a cafe in Purana Paltan, Tipu bhai casually mentioned that he was going to Sunamganj to visit Tanguar Haor with a travel group. Since I had never been there, I asked him to include me in the team. Tipu bhai agreed.
Dzukou Valley / A heaven with lush green, rolling hills
Nestled amidst the lush, rolling hills of Northeast India lays the enigmatic Dzukou Valley, which has been on my bucket list since I came to know about it. We, Dr Mamun, my travel partner and I, had spent the last 3 days of our 5-day tour travelling to Nagaland and then exploring Kohima, the capital city of the Indian state, and the history-laden Khonoma village.
Amazing Nagaland / A trip to Kohima and Khonoma
The mysteries of Nagaland -- the vibrant people, the folklore of the fierce Naga warriors, the mountains, the valleys, and the forests -- have attracted me for a long time.
Heritage homes of Old Dhaka / A link to a bygone era
Would you believe if I say a heritage and architectural wonder of Dhaka is being used as a fire service station and home to dozens of families?
LONG READ / Yunnan province of China
One has to visit China to discover its incredible diversity and breathtaking beauty.
Weekend Read
Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary: So dark the greed of men
Satgar area under Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary in Chattogram used to be a lush green haven for Asian elephants.
Celebrating Christmas / A tapestry of faith, tradition and unity
The mud huts on the foothills of the Garo Pahar are covered with bashor lota (lady’s slipper vine) at this time of the year.
Shining through neglect
In June this year, in what seemed like a step in the right direction, Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) announced a pay bump for the contracted women’s cricketers.
Women cricketers making waves, but is next-gen ship steady?
The vast potential of women’s cricket in Bangladesh has come to the fore again following the national team’s success of late, across formats and conditions this year. But has reality at the grassroots escaped the harsher sides or, at least, on the verge of it?
Plight of Dhaka’s Child Labourers / Toiling away childhood
At a time when he should have been going to school and growing up with all the happiness and blessings life has to offer, Sajjad ended up experiencing the other end of the spectrum.
Hill destroyers go unpunished
Although more than 120 hills have vanished from the port city in four decades, no one has been put behind the bar for the offence in the last 20 years, thanks to legal loopholes.
Gill nets banned but abundant
At least 300 factories continue to make these deadly fishing traps in Munshiganj due to lax monitoring and lenient punishment
In Cumilla, canals run black
Joinul Hossain, a 55-year-old farmer in Cumilla Sadar south upazila, followed in his father’s footsteps to dedicate his entire life to cultivating their small piece of land and fishing in a canal near it.
