Life & Living
7 Summer Essentials you must have in your bag
7 things you should have in your bag to make summer days a bit more bearable.
Beat the heat: AC shopping demystified
You will be stuck with your purchase for at least a decade, so it is best to do your research before you take the plunge.
5 ways to keep the house cool without an AC
Don’t have an air conditioner at home? Beat the ongoing heatwave following these simple tips — from clever use of curtains to including homemade coolers and roof modifications for heat reduction, and more
Please explain Slow Fashion
Slow fashion is about prioritising quality over quantity, sustainability, and making ethical choices
Ways to help birds beat the summer heat
Just as much as the summer heat exhausts us, our feathered friends are just as tired too.
From dance to cultural diplomacy: Sadia Islam’s inspiring journey
The Bangladesh Embassy in Portugal recently celebrated Pahela Baishakh for the first time in many years. Sadia Islam, planned the entire event along with H E Rezina Ahmed andalso choreographed an entire set of performances to show the intricacies and finesse of Bengali culture and traditions.
#Decor / Stress-free bedroom makeover using furniture sets
Here are three reasons why investing in furniture sets, instead of going for individual pieces, can make your bedroom interior designing project smoother.
Arts & Entertainment
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
New York's highest court on Thursday overturned disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction on sex crime charges, a shock reversal in one of the defining cases of the #MeToo movement
'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
Songs of Pahela Baishakh
The soul-stirring melodies of Bangla songs resonate with the essence of the largely agrarian Bangalee people, weaving tales of joy, hope, aspiration, and the story of our journey as a nation.
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.
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
Vaccines saved at least 154 million lives in 50 years: WHO
Global immunisation efforts have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years, the World Health Organization said Wednesday, adding that most of those to benefit were infants
Heatwave: icddr,b, DGHS issue health guidelines
The DGHS has urged to call 16263 to take telemedicine service within 24 hours if anyone experiences any symptoms
Heatwave: Hospitals asked to be prepared, says health minister
The authorities concerned of the hospitals across the country have been instructed to be prepared to deal with adverse conditions amid a severe heatwave, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Samanta Lal Sen today
Air pollution and the risk of diabetes
The world is facing a very rapid rise in diabetes prevalence. Low- and middle-income countries are the worst sufferers. Among several other established risk factors for diabetes,
Bagerhat 250-bed Hospital: Biochemistry analyser machine left unused for a year
An automatic biochemistry analyser machine procured at the Bagerhat 250-bed Hospital has been lying unused for over a year. No allocation has yet been made to procure the reagents for conducting diagnostic tests using the machine.
Diagnose dengue with ease at home
People who suspect that they have dengue may soon breathe a little easier as they will not have to take on the hassle of a hospital visit to confirm or dispel the fear.
Pneumonia, associated symptoms: 89 children die in 17 days at Shishu Hospital
With a cannula in her right hand, three-and-half-year-old Madeya Momtaz was receiving treatment while lying on a bed in the pneumonia ward of Dhaka Shishu Hospital.
Tobacco cultivation: 30,000 northern families at health risk
Widespread cultivation of tobacco leaf in northern Bangladesh has raised concerns about occupational health hazards.
Satireday
Athletes stop learning new skills at age 28
Shattering conventional wisdom, a Bangladeshi sports scientist claimed that his new research proves that athletes stop learning as soon as they turn 28.
Low salary and poor increment actually beneficial to employees: study
Money apparently is not the root of all evil. Neither is it the ticket to happiness. In fact, money ceases to matter at all now that watermelon in Dhaka costs more than the monthly food cost of a family of chickens.
‘My husband isn’t husbanding right’
I had an arranged marriage. My parents picked out the best suitor for me and I trusted them.
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.
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
The Baropakhya Christians: A forgotten incidence of peasant repression in colonial Bengal
The Blue or Indigo Mutiny of 1861, was an outpouring of anger by Indian peasants coerced into cultivating the unprofitable indigo crop by British planters.
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.
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
How to stop your car engine from overheating
An overheating engine is one of the most concerning issues a car owner can face – right up there with having your vehicle totalled in an accident. When an engine overheats, it can lead to catastrophic damage like warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, or blown head gaskets.
Beat the heat: Your basic guide to summer car maintenance
As the heat waves roll in, the importance of proper car care escalates. Let's take a look at some of the most essential elements of summer car care to ease your seasonal woes.
Tesla reduces prices of Model Y, X and S EVs in US
Tesla has officially reduced the pricing of three of its EVs: Model Y, Model X, and Model S, in the US. Each model will now cost US$2,000 each, as per an official announcement by the EV company.
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.
Daily Star Books
INTERVIEW / The stories we want to tell: In conversation with Gemini Wahhaj
In Gemini Wahhaj’s debut novel, The Children of This Madness (7.13 Books, 2023), the follow the lives of engineering professor Nasir Uddin and his daughter Beena, an aspiring PhD candidate living in the US.
THE SHELF / 6 Books to add to your summer reading list
As summer rolls around and our lifestyle changes to adjust to the heat, so do a lot of our books! So here are a few books that might make a good addition to this year’s summer reading list.
REFLECTION / The endless scream
A reflection on Mahmoud Darwish’s 'A River Dies of Thirst: Diaries' (first published by Archipelago in 2009)
INTERVIEW / Uncovering history through storytelling
In conversation with Reem Bassiouney on the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, 'Al Halwani', and bridging the cultural gap
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / The strange library of Haruki Murakami
Review of the Bangla translation of ‘A Strange Library’ (Knopf, 2014) by Haruki Murakami
EVENT REPORT / PublishHer Excellence Awards winners announced at Bologna Children’s Book Fair
Mitia Osman, CEO and publisher of Mayurpankhi and the executive director at Agamee Prakashani, won the Emerging Leader Award
ESSAY / ‘The day begins wrong’: Mastering tension and suspense in fiction
In my creative writing classes, whether at the University of Toronto or the Hermitage Residency in Bangladesh, I emphasise that any student of fiction must first master suspense
EVENT REPORT / Unveiling voices: Ananke’s Women in Literature Festival 2024
Featuring a diverse lineup of 38 authors from 9 countries—including UAE, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and Scotland—the festival promises three days of engaging panel discussions,
Star Holiday
Irresistable Antarctica
Mohua Rouf is one of the few Bangladeshis who have ever set foot on the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica. She spent six days in the icy abode of penguins, seals and whales which is arguably the least-trodden place on earth by humans.
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.
Weekend Read
How a rickshaw-puller changed the course of Dr Zafrullah’s life
“Should I go back to the UK? If I can’t serve my countrymen, I might as well go back.”
Mangoes and litchis taking a hit from the heat
It’s painful for Tajul Islam to see what has happened to his beloved mango orchard in Rajshahi city’s Borobongram Namopara.
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.
