Ashif Ahmed Rudro

Top 5 boat tours in Bangladesh you should not miss

Travelling is demanding, but it’s equally addictive and enjoyable. That being said, there are so many ways to travel and so many places to see, it’s quite natural to feel overwhelmed at times. With so many rivers flowing through Bangladesh, there are plenty of naval routes available for travelling. Sometimes, just the boat ride itself can be your objective.

1w ago

The ridiculousness of our curiosity: Tourists braving cyclone Mocha for ‘fun’

Cyclone Mocha has been the topic of discussion for the last few days. We all expected to find information about the cyclone all over the news portals and social media, but the news that people are defying ‘great danger signal’ to witness the rough weather and seas was not something I expected. However, maybe it should not come as too big of a surprise.

2w ago

Is living in a joint family better?

Family is where we feel safe, family is what we love, and family is what makes a house a home. While every family is unique in its own dynamic, it can still be categorised into two joint family and nuclear family. And along with the category comes the big question, is it better to live in a joint family or a nuclear family?

3w ago

Buying new banknotes: An Eid tradition

What’s your earliest memory of Eid as a child? Waking up, taking a bath, saying the Eid prayer, and then collecting your salami from the elders? Surely you remember the salami being in the form of new banknotes? After all these years, new taka for Eid is still a thing. To cater to this need, there is a buoyant market where new banknotes are sold, a makeshift bazaar where new takas are the commodity!

The beauty of Bangla calligraphy

What comes to mind when you hear the word calligraphy? Probably, the fluid artistic representation of the Arabic alphabets, the oriental delight that is the Chinese script, or English letters in Gothic font with extravagant curves.

The evolution of BaishakhI celebrations

As the first day of the Bangla calendar, Pahela Baishakh is celebrated with festivity, enthusiasm, and interest. The Baishakhi celebration is colourful and has become a significant part of our culture, so much so that it has transcended borders. Like all things, Nababarsha too has a history and it has influenced how the event is celebrated.

Rich history and tradition of our sweets

Taking a sweet voyage across our country would unveil so many hidden gems within our culinary trove. Starting with the central hub,

Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi, guerrilla fighter, Liberation War of Bangladesh, 1971, Shaheed Rumi, remembrance

Remembering shaheed Rumi

His name was Shafi Imam Rumi. Born on 29 March, 1951 Rumi was barely 20 years of age in 1971. This larger-than-life character is one of many who embraced martyrdom in their attempt to gift our precious freedom. Rumi had secured third position in the matriculation exam under the national education board in 1968. In 1971, he just got admitted to BUET (Engineering College at that time) and was already enrolled into IIT (Illinois Institute of Technology). Just one flight and he could have been away from the war, but Shafi Imam Rumi chose not to.

5 books about 25th March genocide and the aftermath

Genocide Day is an important day in our national history; the day ‘Operation Searchlight’ was executed. Here are 5 books about the massacre of 25th March and the aftermath that every Bengali should read.

5 chars to visit in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is a riverine country and where there is river, there are often chars (shoals). Chars are essentially shallow lands in the river that rise when the water level decreases. Sometimes a char rises and stays visible for years before fading back into the river. Leaving aside the definition, chars can be great places to travel.

A man’s perception on menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is something that a woman has to experience for the majority of her life. There is no reason why it should still be taboo even in 2023, but in Bangladeshi society, the topic remains as such. What’s even more appalling is the lack of knowledge about it among men.

Lessons to learn from Bangabandhu’s speeches

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman left us valuable teaching on freedom and unity. His speeches have transcended boundaries and today the 7th March speech is considered part of the World's Documentary Heritage by UNESCO. Bangabandhu is a role model in the political sphere but even on a personal level, many lessons can be learned from his speeches.

Pathaan released in Bangladesh: Audience reaction

Pathaan release in Bangladesh: Audience reactions

After much speculation, it has been confirmed that Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan will be released in Bangladesh. On 19 February, the Ministry of Information confirmed that the film has been given the green light to be released in the country. Following the announcement, King Khan himself recognised the initiative on Twitter.

4 Lesser-known facts about Ekushey February

Here are facts you probably did not know about Ekushey February.

The spice trade: A Bangladeshi perspective

Many argue that it was the beginning of the spice trade that paved the way for modern trade and economy.

The economics of shutki trade

Drying is a common method of food preservation and has been part of human civilisation since ancient times. In many cases,

Coke Studio Bangla Season 2: Expectations and the start

After a memorable run last year, Coke Studio Bangla is once again back for its second season. The premier track was released on 14 February with a song called ‘Murir Tin’ and if the first piece is anything to set a standard, we can expect Season 2 to be explosive.

A tribute to Akhtaruzzaman Elias on his 80th birthday

Born on 12 February 1943 Akhtaruzzaman Elias was much like a firework.Khoabnama and Chilekothar Sepai, the literateur's two novels, are often mentioned with admiration amongst ardent readers.

HSC Graduates, welcome to the best time of your life!

With the results published, HSC Graduates have entered a crucial stage of their lives. Some have achieved the results they have wanted, whilst some have not, either way, a new journey awaits — university life! These will perhaps be the best four years of their lives.

World Cancer Day-2023: A Journey to “Close the Care Gap”

. To battle cancer and the fear it brings with the name, World Cancer Day is observed every year on the 4 February.

HC ruling acknowledges mothers as legal guardian

In a historic verdict, the High Court of Bangladesh has ruled that a mother can now be the sole legal guardian of her children. On 24 January 2023, the HC delivered the verdict on a writ petition saying all citizens have the right to get an education and job under the constitution. It will be sufficient if students mention their mothers' names when filling out a student information form (SIF) for examinations, and they cannot be forced to mention their father's names against their will. The High Court ruled saying that forms with the name of the student's mother or any legal guardian instead of the father must be accepted.

Is Mbappé the Next GOAT?

The era of Messi and Ronaldo has almost ended. It is unlikely that we will see either of them in the next World Cup and it is looking more and more likely that they will retire from football sooner than we can bear. That being said, it is time for the next GOAT to step up and claim his position, whoever that may be. As things stand, Kylian Mbappé just might be that GOAT we are looking for.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in Football: Blessing or Curse?

Football has always been a passionate game. The concept, rules, and the game itself have remained the same over the decades inspiring thousands of people, but with the addition of modern technology, there have been a few changes and additions. Changes that have affected the game visibly, and were very conspicuous this World Cup season.

Things you didn’t know about the jersey exchange tradition in football

The jersey exchange tradition is one such tradition that is seen regularly and often becomes the topic of conversation amongst fans.

Facts about Moroccan player Hakim Ziyech all fans should know

Here are 4 facts that you may not know about Hakim Ziyech.

5 inspirational quotes from French players

Here are 5 inspiring quotes from five different players of Les Bleus, the French football team.

5 reasons why Croatia are unstoppable at the World Cup 2022

Win and you have a seat at the finals. Lose and you go home. In this high-risk and high-reward situation, we have only four teams left at the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Croatia amongst them have earned our respect a while ago. They have dismantled some big teams on their way to the road to the final. Here are 5 reasons why Croatia is a force to be reckoned with.

5 facts you (probably) didn’t know about Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé is one of the most popular athletes on the planet. Only 23 years old, he is already one of the most recognised French footballers and a world champion. Still very young and already the second most expensive player in football, Mbappé has already bagged a number of trophies that many players hunt for their entire life. When Messi and Ronaldo are gone, we will be focused on Mbappé that is for sure.

Messi vs Ronaldo: A generation-defining rivalry

Brazil vs Argentina is a hot debate in Bangladesh for sure, but another debate outweighs every other — Messi or Ronaldo? Whether you are just a seasonal football fan enjoying the matches after your four-year hiatus or a regular fan that burns the midnight oil to follow the domestic leagues, Messi vs Ronaldo debate is one that is prevalent in both.

Leadership lessons from Croatian footballer Luka Modric

Adored by football fans all over the world, rivals and supporters alike — Luka Modric is one of the most revered names in modern football. Easily up there amongst the all-time great midfielders, this Croatian is a shining example of a true leader. He may not look like much from the outside but on and off the pitch, he demonstrates all the qualities of a true leader.

5 ways football players celebrate victories

You might be a great fan of football. A lot of people are; it’s the most popular sport on the planet for a reason, but players are even more ardent fans of the game and it’s no shocker. For us it’s a game, a thing to love. For them, it’s so much more. For the players, it’s a lifestyle. So, it’s no wonder that players love to celebrate their victories. Here are a few ways that players celebrate their victories and achievements.

Football superstitions, rituals, and curses

Football is an exciting sport. It is intense, physical, and loved all over the world. Modern football has seen many changes and modern technology is being used more and more to improve the game experience but even something as grand as football has its fair share of superstitions. Football has some interesting superstitions and even some ‘curses’ as well. Are the curses true? We don’t know for sure. Are the superstitions valid and does the ritual leave an impact on the result? Once again, we cannot say with absolute certainty. But then again, if we could, they would not be called superstitions. Either way, they might seem illogical to many but they sure make football more interesting than it already is.

Brazil vs Argentina: A rivalry we can’t get enough of?

With flags flying everywhere and people putting on football shirts, it’s a magical time. But nobody makes the most of this time like Argentina or Brazil fans. It is said often that Bengalis are a passionate lot and it certainly shows when the World Cup begins.

Brazilian Samba Dance Celebration

I do not remember there being a World Cup where the Brazilian team was not one of the favourites. Even on their worst days they were expected to win and this World Cup season they have got a great team, and certainly are one of the favourites. Without a doubt, the samba dance is one of the most popular dances in Brazil and has become a symbol of its cultural identity. The dance transcends colour and class and is a representation of Brazilian culture. With Brazil under the spotlight, we focus on the samba dance.

A World Cup of Underdogs: Enjoyable but upsetting

The first upset was of course, Qatar losing the opening game as the host country. This is a first in the history of FIFA World cup (although we can’t really say we were surprised). The next one was not far behind when Argentina were beaten by Saudi Arabia. Instantly creating the buzz of ‘Harjentina’ (portmanteau of the words har as in loser, and Argentina).

Top 6 places to visit in Rajshahi city

One of the oldest cities of Bangladesh and seeped in history, Rajshahi is a metropolis known for its unbearable heat during summer, and the abundance of mangoes during the full season. However, Rajshahi can also be a treat for all you travel aficionados out there. The best thing about Rajshahi is that the city itself is calm, and most of the points of interest are in such spots that you can probably fit most of them in a day’s itinerary if you plan your timetable carefully. Here are the top 6 places in Rajshahi city that you should not miss.

Top 5 places to visit in Sitakunda

Well known for its natural beauty, Sitakunda has always been one of the major tourist spots in Bangladesh. Sitakunda is an upazila in Chattogram district hosting the first eco-park of the country. The name of the place itself — Sitakunda is rather intriguing and there are multiple myths behind the origin of the name, but that’s another story! For now, let’s discuss the top 5 places you should visit if you are in Sitakunda.

Farm to Fork: A responsible way of production by Nestlé

The largest food and beverage company in the world — Nestlé — has been practicing a sustainable approach to production that is beneficial to the organisation, society, the environment as well as the consumers.

Farm to Fork: A responsible way of production by Nestlé

The largest food and beverage company in the world — Nestlé — has been practicing a sustainable approach to production that is beneficial to the organisation, society, the environment as well as the consumers. With their wide variety of Nestlé products, you probably come across at least one every day. To ensure that these products are of standard quality, sustainable, and leave as less carbon footprint as possible, Nestlé globally has an impactful approach, “Farm to Fork” and Nestlé Bangladesh also opted for the approach for their food products.

Inside the mind of a person suffering from OCD

I was diagnosed as having obsessive-compulsive behaviour (OCD) when I was 22 years old, but I have had OCD all my life. Looking back, it was so obvious, yet how I never got diagnosed earlier is beyond me. Better late than never; at least now I know why I am ‘compelled’ to do the things that I do.

7 tips to decorate a living room

A living room has had many names. Lounge, sitting room, drawing room — whatever you want to call it, the appeal and importance of a living room in a home remains the same. While you might not actually live in the room, as the name suggests, a house or apartment just does not seem right without one. Here are a few ideas and tips to decorate your living room and make it more appealing.

BiyeBari Restaurant at Mirpur

Have you ever had one of those days when you just craved ‘biye bari food’? You just want the familiar food, but in the particular taste that can only be found at weddings. As unlikely as it sounds, one does not have to wait for a wedding anymore for such a treat. BiyeBari Restaurant now offers those dishes whenever you want them.

6 roads in Bangladesh worthy of a memorable drive

Travelling can be addictive, in a good way. Once you start to appreciate it, you will start looking for different ways to spice it up. And how you travel definitely changes your experience. Travelling to a destination by bus will be very different if you were driving yourself and driving yourself to a place that has a certain appeal to it. It comes with a sense of accomplishment (you know what I’m talking about). Although there are not many roads in Bangladesh that are suitable for long drives, here’s a list to consider on your next itinerary.

What’s in a Name?

Do you remember that line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? “What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That’s another way of saying that names are arbitrary tags that we assign and have no effect on reality itself. It’s a nice sentiment yet reality is different. We don’t know for sure if Akhteruzzaman Elias would still have written Khoabnama if he had a different name; what we know is that names have an effect in our everyday life; whether we like it or not.

Guide to a Memorable Trip to Pabna

One of the most well-known districts in Rajshahi Division is Pabna. Presently known for the Rooppur Nuclear Powerplant, Pabna district is historical, beautiful and easily accessible, making it a great place to visit. If you have a small vacation, Pabna could be your next destination for a quick gateway.

How to not be always late

What a way to start the day! The meeting was scheduled to start at 9. You rush into the conference room and the boss gives you a frown. The clock on the wall says 9:20. Sound familiar? As unfortunate as it is, you are not the only one called Late Lateef by their colleagues. A lot of people struggle with the same awkward problem – ‘being on time.’ Here are few of our tips to avoid such ineptness.

From field to plate: A mango’s journey

During summer, mangoes take over every household in Bangladesh. Sometimes in the form of snacks, sometimes in the form of substitute for a meal, and sometimes just because…why not? But ever wonder how the mangoes come to your table from the field? We are about to take a look into that journey that a mango has to go through to reach your table.

Varendra Museum: A Review of the First Museum of Bangladesh

Museums are interesting points of attractions for travellers who like to know about history. If you are not a history buff, the artifacts draw attention of even the most unimpressed travellers. That being said, if you are visiting Rajshahi, you should drop by and visit the Varendra Museum.