Nafisa Faruque

Tips for submitting tax returns

Paying taxes is considered a civic duty and doing so, is a stringent requirement of the law of every country as well. In Bangladesh, the National Board of Revenue or NBR is the governing body that oversees the collection of taxes and revenues. Every year, 30 November is commemorated as National Income Tax Day and it also marks the last date by which you have to report your earnings to the NBR by submitting your tax return memos to them.

Break the Silence, Eliminate the Violence: 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence

Gender-based violence, unfortunately, is not a concept we are unfamiliar with. In fact, according to UNICEF, gender-based violence is the most pervasive yet least visible human rights violation in the world.

Weak in the Joints: Addressing arthritis from causes to care

To put it simply, arthritis is a kind of inflammation and can happen at one or more joints of the body at the same time.

Understanding the process of Menopause

In contrast to the myths that foster the misconception that menopause is a tumultuous time, if embraced and dealt with in the right manner, it can certainly be a positive time of life too.

The New Normal through My Eyes: Celebrating World Photography Day 2021

Like every year, World Photography Day has been celebrated across the globe on 19 August. It has been taken up a notch by KrayonMag, which organised a two-week-long photography exhibition, “New Normal Through My Eyes”, from 1 September 2021.

A purr-fect evening at Capawcino Cat Cafe

In a homey and almost secluded corner of Eastern Housing at Mirpur, you can spot one of the most unique cafes in town.

The age of ‘Pastryarchy’

The local food scene has changed completely in the last one decade. Food, especially desserts, have been revamped. The 21st century mass is constantly roving on a quest to explore the array of new flavours and are tantalised by the possibilities of contemporary, complex, yet delectable cuisines.

A walk down Jessore Road

I still remember when I was a child; I would sit next to my father every Friday evening while he rested on the armchair and read something from our home's library, or told me stories about his childhood.

Refugees across the World

A home is one's sanctuary — somewhere where they can feel safe, loved, and secure. But when one is faced by the perils of invasion, imprisonment, rape, murder and/or mass persecution, there is no other way than escaping from the place they call home. And when they do so, they become what the world knows them as — refugees.

Once upon a time

Over the decades, children's fairy tales and stories have evolved significantly. From Hans Christian Anderson's classics to the Grimm's

Thakurma's stories: Bengali lit for children

The origin and development of Bengali literature for children can be dated back to the times when colonial modernity began to

Ayush-Naksha Biye Utshob A Wedding Festival for All

This year, for the fifth time, Prothom Alo - Naksha organised its annual special event “Ayush-Naksha Biye Utshob” at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.

Stunning in silver

For several decades, gold jewellery has remained the revered czar of the jewellery scene in Bangladesh. Starting from the proposal token, to the ring and the final wedding ornaments, gold has been the preferred pick for almost all social classes.

Those 'paan-chini' days

Almost everyone dreams of having the most perfect wedding, with the most perfect better half. And when it's time, your loved ones go all out to make your special day perfect.

Fall essentials for when you're on the move

The weather nowadays seems to be erratic and moody as the citizens of this city, changing without notice. As the nights get longer and you turn down your ceiling fans' speed a notch, you realise that the humidity and heat of summer are long gone. But as pleasant as the chilly breezes may feel at first, they do bear a bleak reminder for you to buckle up and start preparing for fall.

When Dhakeshwari arrives

Occurring annually, Durga Puja has always been one of the largest and most colourful festivals in Bangladesh. It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, after ten days and nine nights of battling him.

Decoding the frozen food culture

Whether it's a quick morning breakfast or a midnight snack, who doesn't love to find a bunch of ready-to-heat/fry/frozen goodies in their refrigerator.

'Decorate'-It-Yourself everyday!

‘Less is more' is the motto for modern day home décor. As a matter of fact, the idealised 21st century home is clutter-free and decorated with minimalist furniture.

Is reading becoming redundant?

I remember summer holidays during my middle-school years. On most days, I would be lazing around on the carpeted floor at one corner of the British Council library, with just a Roald Dahl classic in my hand.

A Guide to Geriatric Home Care at SAJIDA Foundation

A large portion of elderly people (defined by the World Health Organisation as 65 years old and above) in Bangladesh who are aged below 75 years are still capable of leading healthy and independent lives, as long as they are not already subject to any serious physical or mental illness. Many from the current older generation were

The Indigo Trail

The tropical climate, riverine lands and lush soils were the most suitable conditions for indigo plants to grow in this deltaic part of the world. In Bengal, indigo farming began as early as the 18th century during the British colonial rule. Owing to the Industrial Revolution in the west that kicked off around 1750, the demand for indigo

The revival of Indigo

Even today, the story entailing indigo farming in the region of Bengal is one of indomitable tyranny and ruthless oppression. When the British rule collapsed, the cash crop almost vanished, leaving behind numerous dilapidated 'Neel Kuthis' (indigo extraction centres). However, the raw potency of indigo was what made its extinction far from possible in this region.

Pride in Bengal's Blue

Recently named one of the 'Cool Crusaders of Conscious Clothing' by Vogue India, Living Blue is one of the frontlining revivalists of indigo as a natural dye in Bangladesh. Besides cultivation, it focuses on producing a range of unique products involving quilting and hand embroidery.

A Healthy Guide to Deshi Iftar

Admit it. We all just adore an elaborate spread of chhola, peyaju, beguni and kebabs galore, the top traditional items that we simply cannot imagine having an iftar without. But before you prepare to feast upon all these foods in all their delectable oily glory, here's some food for thought:

Nail care norms for summer

We spend a great deal of time and money behind taking care of our skin; doing everything we can to treat it the best way possible. Most of the time, however, we tend to overlook our nails, which are often the most neglected part of our body.

A CALL TO WAR HOW THE CRACK PLATOON WAS FORMED

Fateh Ali Chowdhury (decorated member of the Crack Platoon, freedom fighter of the 1971 Liberation War and currently working as the Director of Consolidated Services Limited) was a bright young student of the English department of Dhaka University then. “In my youth, I was quite jovial and carefree,” Chowdhury admits. While he was well aware of the tense situation in the East Pakistan region in March then, the thought of an imminent war had not occurred to him yet.

January-March 1971: The Dawning of a Fearless Fight for Freedom

In the wake of the year of 1971, a silent uprising was surging in the agitated hearts of thousands of Bangalis residing in what was then East Pakistan. At that time, Dhaka was an indispensable (yet deemed abominable by West Pakistan) part of Pakistan. The epic win in the 1970 elections by the Awami League had ignited emotions of strength and unanimity but peace and independence were yet to be realized.

An ode to loss and victory

Nine months, which undeniably felt much longer than they were, had passed and thousands of lives had been lost. The lionhearted freedom fighters who had been in constant battle for days and nights persevered with every ounce of strength and courage they had left in them. Their resilience and unity had managed to weaken the nerves of the enemy to a significant extent and when the Indian forces joined

Women in art - the muse and the maker

Too often, women are maligned by endless criticism, spiteful looks and aggressive jabs of a dysfunctional society. At the same time, on multiple occasions, they are revered as goddesses, mother, sister, wife and a friend you can always count on.

The Motive Behind Motif

Motifs —decorative images used to unify an elaborate design or even an idea— have probably existed since the dawn of civilisation. They can be found in people's everyday lives and activities. In fact, if you look closely, you will notice that there are motifs in every object, starting from the basic clovers on your bedroom curtains to the clay planters sold on the roadside. Paisleys, a common and popular form of

Fridays at the Bangladesh farmer's market

Fridays at the farmer's market

At least once in your life, you must have been to a grocery store or a modern convenience store to check off household shopping from your chores list. But shopping regularly from the store next-door can get monotonous easily, as well as expensive.

Winter road trips

Whether you are in a mood to discover unexplored sites in close proximity to the city, or you simply want to escape the stress, pollution and restlessness of the busy capital, a long drive could be the most relaxing getaway for you, if you know just where to go. So, check up on your ride's nitty-gritty, fill up the tank and get set to hit the open roads!

Winter work wear

When you think of an office outfit, you have to make sure it is simple yet formal enough to make your 9 to 5 day more comfortable. With the temperatures dropping rapidly outside, sometimes it can be a pain in the neck to come up with the best outfit combinations for the fashion conscious working women.

Surviving in a fish market

‘Maach-bazaar' or fish markets can be found in almost every small and big locality of this lush riverine land.

Skin hydration: The doctor's regime

“Skin and hair care, for men and women, are quite similar when it comes to the basics,” Dr Chowdhury began. “The key distinctions that separate a man's skin from a woman's are the thickness, texture and facial hair.

Donation for a smile in return

For a massive proportion of the population, winter means enduring a series of hardships and miseries.

Skin hydration: The salon story

Despite its relative short lifespan in Bangladesh, winter is perhaps the most lovable season of the year. The chilly breezes call forth a series of winter weddings and parties that go on as long as this pleasant weather lasts.

Handy tools for better health

Medical treatment and healthcare in today's fast-paced world is costly.

Owning the gift-exchange game

A big bouquet of flowers, a lovable stuffed toy, a card with a wish full of blessings — these are often the elements that instantly pop in one's mind when thinking of Eid gifts, of course apart from the obvious clothes and shoes. There are also the options of stationery, cosmetics, bags and little knick knacks.