The story of us
December 1990 saw Bangladesh go through political upheavals. For almost a decade the whole nation was held captive by a dictatorial regime. Facing stern challenges from the very beginning, mass opposition to topple the tenure of tyranny took years to crystalise. By winter 1990, the uprising had gained sufficient momentum and had reached a pinnacle. The pledge for democracy was stronger than ever and a familiar chant 'down with autocracy' echoed in every alley of Dhaka.
The whole nation was on fire!
For Smita Jalal, then a recent graduate from the University of Dhaka, the experience was overwhelming. The contribution of fellow students in the agitation was a vivid memory of her recent past. The fireworks that lit up the wintery Dhaka sky in celebration gave her hope that our lives as Bangladeshis would now change forever.
In those evolving times, Monday, January 14 saw the publication of the very first issue of The Daily Star. After the downfall of autocracy, the infectious positive vibe caught upon the young generation and once again it was the dawn of free thinking. The nationalistic verve that shook the foundations of tyranny also fuelled a spark in our urban lives. And the publication of The Daily Star was a direct result of that craving for a revolution.
Thus, three seemingly unrelated entities – our new found political identity, a new born daily and a carefree university graduate, embarked upon a journey - a companionship that has now lasted 25 years.
Celebrating its silver jubilee this year, The Daily Star has moulded the minds of its readers and shaped the way we have perceived freedom of thought in the last two and a half decades. It has been an exhilarating experience to serve the nation through journalism that is 'without fear or favour.'
Although our taste of democracy has been a bittersweet one, the nation has made progress in all frontiers and it is with this positive attitude that The Daily Star has brought the news to the nation's forefront.
From achievements in the field of business to arts and culture, and lifestyle in general, they have presented a positive image of Bangladesh, not only to the people of the country but to the global readers.
Through in-depth news analysis, robust opinion pieces, and sincere journalism, Star prompted the Generation Z to think for themselves. Like all media should be, The Daily Star, has been the ears and the eyes of our society and our ever changing present.
This has also been the case with Smita and most of her peers - all witnesses to changing times.
In the course of the years, Smita, now 46, took feeble steps in her metamorphosis from a young adult to a middle aged woman - a representative of the cross-section of people. She carved her identity in the youth workforce and soon enough Smita Jalal was not only able to support herself but also her family, and indulge in selective extravagance. Shattering the gender barrier, her job gives her an opportunity to give back to society what she has to offer, giving her another identity as a global citizen.
The Daily Star disseminated information and fuelled Smita's repertoire. She is an enlightened Dhakaiite and a proud Bangladeshi. As time moved on her identities evolved, from the daughter of a retired military man, to the mistress of the house, to a loving wife to a compassionate husband and a wonderful mother to a child, Sushmit. She was comfortable in all shoes that society expected her to wear and more. Her life grew in many directions.
On a broader perspective of time, 25 years may seem like a speck of dust. In the long history of Bangladesh that spans millennia, the last two and a half decades have been significant. As a nation we now feel proud of our identity. Bangaliana is not only trendy but also significant in our lives.
mita, as an ambassador of her generation, cherishes the freedom that comes with her multiple identities. Her whole lifestyle has taken a U-turn in the past two and a half decades and documenting, even prompting at times, that change The Daily Star has played a vital role.
In the beginning what was 'Living' a page devoted to matters related to the changes in our lifestyles, became a tabloid, Star Lifestyle. It is not only a trendsetter in its field but also a chronicle of how Dhakaiites have moulded themselves bombarded with ideas, concepts, fashion, style and trends.
From the way we cook our Friday lunch to the way we dress for that picture perfect, wedding extravagance our lives are no longer, mundane and monochrome. The cosmopolitan character of Dhaka becomes more apparent, the colours take over our lives.
We have rediscovered the varied palate of Bangladeshi cuisine. We devour continental breakfasts with the same enthusiasm as we consume our grandest 'Mejbans.' We are equally comfortable flaunting a Jamdani sari or an Aarong taaga, complemented with a M-A-C lipstick.
In this world where the 'East meets West' vibe is ever dominant, we have somehow made our identity as a Bangladeshi stand out, yet blend in with global trends at a certain level.
For the past twenty-five years The Daily Star has been Smita's companion for her early morning tea, a reading on the way to Sushmit's school or a small detour while running her chores. At the age of 46, she still remains loyal to her source of information. Her 21 year old son now lives in a world that was beyond imagination even a decade ago.
Smita's association with The Daily Star has been a long one. Sometimes when she and her son head out for a drive, they both turn to their companion TDS for a quick read. The only difference, Smita flips the pages while Sushmit logs in.
– LS Desk
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Model: Mashiat and Isha
Wardrobe, Jewellery, Styling: Tenzing Chakma, LS
Make-up, hair: Farzana Shakil
Location: The Daily Star – Bengal Arts Precinct, Pan Pacific Sonargaon
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