Life & Living
The Bohemian look is back with a twist
Have you always been called a free-spirited human being for your style and fashion statement? Then you are probably the right person to read this article. Your fashion statement is to be the most natural, making zero compromises on functionality or even comfort.
Styling ideas for a glamorous summer
Summer is all about the heat waves, non-stop perspirations and the daunting task of finding the perfect dress to beat all the negativities. As difficult as it may be, we must think outside the usual dazzle and shine if we do not want to be looking like a hot mess. Spring and summer are the ultimate feminine fashion seasons with breezy breathable fabrics and a soothing colour palette that says “summertime.” Do not worry too much because there are many ways you can style yourself and beat the heat this year, without breaking a sweat.
Make a statement with Carat World by Amisheé
Introducing Carat World by Amisheé — the new pret line of exquisite jewellery that perfectly blends quality, craftsmanship, and affordability. Being the recent masterwork by Amisheé, the "Carat World," is the pinnacle of superb craftsmanship and alluring elegance.
Essential ideas for arranging your dining table during Ramadan
Ramadan is here and many families look forward to the special meals that they will share in the dining room. These meals bring together family members, friends, and members of the community to connect with one another. Whether you have a large family or are hosting an iftar party, finding a table that can accommodate everyone is important.
5 savoury recipes for Ramadan
Here are some delicious savoury recipes that you can cook up to spice up your iftar table spread.
B2’s upcoming trendy and stylish Eid collection
When it comes to fashion, we all want to look good, feel comfortable, and remain trendy. That is where B2, a fashion store, comes in with their promise to deliver quality and trendsetting clothing that combines modern styles with traditional touches. With Eid around the corner, B2 is gearing up to showcase their fashion ideas to the world.
Your Eid wardrobe with Anjan's fashionable designs
Anjan's is a well-known fashion and lifestyle brand in Bangladesh, offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products. The brand has become synonymous with quality, style, and innovation, and is a popular choice for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Styling ideas for Ramadan family get-togethers
The month of Ramadan is widely celebrated with social gatherings and get-togethers for friends and family. If you have been invited to such a social event, and are unsure about what to wear, continue reading to find out! These simple but useful suggestions will guarantee that you are not only ready but also elegantly prepared for your get-together with friends and family.
Arts & Entertainment
Kamal Ahmed’s 27th album released on Independent Day
Kamal Ahmed’s 27th audio album, “Desher Mati”, was released on Independence Day, March 26, under the banner of Music of Bengal. The album features 10 patriotic Tagore songs.
Group exhibition ‘Wings of Art’ commences
10-days long group exhibition titled “Wings of Art”, jointly initiated by Wings of Wind and Shilpangan is being held at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital.
How Netflix’s ‘Shadow and Bone’ adaptation can be improved
Season 2 of 'Shadow and Bone' will be out on Netflix on March 16—how can it do better justice to the texts than Season 1?
‘Shadow and Bone’: new member of the "poor book adaptation club"
This season tries to cover too much ground and misplaces its focus in the process.
Love the Oscars winners? Here’s what you should read
The book behind the Oscar-winning adaptations, and books about the history of the award
Of ‘BONOBIBI’ and music as a form of storytelling
The verses remind us that a withering, war-torn Earth can still birth new life and hopes of freedom.
Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh attacked during a performance
After Sonu Nigam, famed Bhojpuri singer and actor Pawan Singh gets attacked during a concert in India's Balia district.
‘Daisy Jones & the Six’ adaptation hits all the right notes
The streaming adaptation retains the flash-forward tell-all interview framing device through an on-screen documentary.
Showbiz
Sadia aims for the stars
Sadia’s charm flared as she appeared on the screen with some of the romantic projects, including Mizanur Rahman Aryan’s “Phooler Namey Naam”, which was the first big break in her career.
The Siam sensation continues
His dedication brought him national level recognition, further elevating his career with one after another remarkable projects.
Barshon exudes brilliance
Apart from acting, Barshon is also the member of the newly formed band, Halley’r Dhumketu. “We have a few songs including a Tagore rendition, which were released under the banner of G-series. We are working on our original numbers, which we plan to release soon.”
Not just a public figure
Growing up in the industry, Aisha was eventually enamoured with anchoring and working simultaneously on OTTs. Her debut was in the ZEE5 Global web project “Contract”, sharing the screen with Arifin Shuvoo and Shamol Mawla.
Stellar Sadia
The "Mission Extreme" and "Black War" starrer actress Sadia Nabila opens up about her journey into the showbiz.
Black War: Better than Mission Xtreme?
Black War is the second instalment in the Mission Extreme series. The story takes off from where Mission Extreme ends. The film is made on even a larger scale, as the story extends to Dubai.
12 months, 5 films, one Shuvoo
Arifin Shuvoo often talks about his ‘Made in Bangladesh’ six-pack – and it is true that he has worked incredibly hard for his body transformation over the years, especially for “Black War”, which was released yesterday.
Promising faces of Showbiz
2022, in a sense, was a year of discovery for the showbiz arena. While many found their footing and solidified their careers, it was a breakout year for many. Here are some young talents that we think you definitely should look out for in 2023.
Star Health
Tips for taking them safely
If you are taking a blood thinner prescribed by your doctor to prevent blood clots, it is important to take some precautions:
You could reverse your diabetes!
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease occurring when the body does not process blood sugar correctly. It either does not produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin. Millions of adults in the world are at high risk for developing this condition. The best way to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes is through diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Nutritional effects on pregnancy
During pregnancy, nutrition is more important than ever. Because a pregnant woman needs more of many important nutrients than a normal, non-pregnant woman. It should be noted that a lactating woman requires additional nutritional support. Therefore, the selection and consumption of healthy foods will help to give birth to healthy babies, i.e., babies with proper body weight and proper physiological functions. This also helps to maintain the health of pregnant women.
World TB Day 2023
World TB Day 2023, with the theme ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, aims to inspire hope and encourage high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO), adoption of innovations, accelerated action, and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.
1 Covid-19 death in 24hrs, current positivity rate 0.37%
One person died from Covid-19 in 24 hours till 8:00 am today, said a press release issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The psychology behind social media
Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web (www) talked about its first 30 years, the rise of the toxic internet, and whether Facebook needs to be broken up.
Chicken prices fall
The price of broiler chicken has started falling at the retail level in Bangladesh as four major poultry companies are now selling the meat for a maximum of Tk 195 per kg directly from their farms
Early pregnancy linked to low income
Pregnancy before the age of 18 is prevalent among those with low per capita household income, revealed a survey.
Satireday
Juniors massaged student leader’s legs because he was preparing for the Olympics
The country erupted in joy at news that a student leader from Bangladesh Mountains University is going to partake in running events of the Paris Olympics next year.
Not such a good boy after all
What this correspondent is about to break to you is a story of betrayal, heartbreak and of course, utter and complete disappointment.
What to do if you like Nahubo
There have been few songs in the history of this country that united as many people as Coke Studio Bangla’s Nahubo has.
Team can only win if board officials are shown on TV during matches: study
Chapasthan’s national cricket team has recently gone on an unexpected winning streak, romping to victory in matches against opposition no one expected them to beat.
PARKOUR!
The city corporation has started a noble initiative to improve the fitness and wherewithal of the city dwellers. “Mission Parkour!” will encourage residents to jump over central reservations, dodge buses, trucks, rickshaws, private cars, CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other pedestrians as they go about their daily business in the city.
Content creator rules her own universe of 5
A content creator recently declared that she had made her own social media universe where everything revolves around the number 5.
Scientists have discovered a new parasite and it could be your lab project partner
Like a parasite sucking on its host, Rafsan Plasmodium feasted on all his groupmates' intellect.
TOGGLE
3rd edition of Bangabandhu Innovation Grant 2023 gets underway
The opening ceremony of the Bangabandhu Innovation Grant (BIG) 2023 was recently held at the BCC Auditorium, Agargaon, Dhaka.
10 important skills you should put in your CV
Those new to job hunting often find it difficult to decide exactly which skills to mention in their CV. Here are 10 important skills you definitely should put in your CV.
2 Bangladeshi World Champion teams participate in the NASA program
The champion teams, Team Olik (2018) and Team Mohakash (2021) participated in the NASA program on 15th and 16 March 2023 at the NASA headquarters in Washington DC, USA.
7 hidden Facebook features you didn't know about
Aside from the most basic functions such as posting, commenting and reacting, Facebook has a myriad of hidden features that most active users don't know about. Here are some of the more helpful ones.
10 tips to beat fatigue and manage work stress during Ramadan
With the arrival of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world, office hours can become a challenge for many who are observing the tradition.
Waqt Al Salaah: An essential app for all muslims worldwide
During the sacred month of Ramadan, Waqt Al Salaah provides the daily timings for suhoor and iftar.
Nagad now a billion dollar venture: ICT State Minister Palak
The ICT State Minister mentioned this during the official inauguration of the ‘Meghna Pay’ banking service at The Westin Dhaka recently.
Amazon to lay off 9,000 more employees
“Given the uncertain economy and the uncertainty that exists in the near future, we have chosen to be more streamlined in our costs and headcount,” Jassy said in a memo to staff.
In Focus
The Liberation War Museum narrating collective trauma
Liberation War Museum (LWM) in Dhaka tells the story not only of the Liberation War but also of the long struggles of breaking the fetters that, over the decades, led to the ultimate formation of Bangladesh.
Writing the Good Fight: Women, War, and Jahanara Imam’s Ekattorer Dinguli
In 1938, as Hitler marched across Europe, Virginia Woolf, in Three Guineas, urged women to “maintain an attitude of complete indifference” to war. She took a clear position on whether or not women have a stake in politics and war.
Snippets from our history & heritage
In this write-up, I shall briefly touch upon a few eminent personalities of the past who have enriched the lives of generations through their varied contributions to society in the fields of education, arts, sport and culture.
“Bangladesh needs to put forward the ‘transit in exchange for rivers’ formula as the framework for Indo-Bangladesh negotiations”
I have been writing about water development issues since the 1988 flood and, over time, developed a conceptual framework for discussing these issues.
Language Controversies in 19th Century Bengal
The very fact that a language identifies and defines a specific human group often leads to controversies and conflicts.
Kabar at 70
Born in a respectable middle-class Muslim family and holder of an Intermediate of Science degree from the Aligarh Muslim University, Munier Chowdhury (1925–1971) was growing up as a fashionable young gentleman with an Islamic worldview till his involvement with Anti-Fascist Writers and Artists Union in 1943,
Rethinking the linear genealogy of Bangla
As Darwin said, the linguistic system of modern humans has the “power of associating together the most diversified sounds and ideas” to produce an infinite number of sentences.
Revitalizing Delhi’s school system: A triumphant journey
When Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal hit the streets in India’s national capital on January 16 this year to protest the alleged non-approval by the Lt Governor Saxena to his government’s proposal to send school teachers abroad for training,
Star Youth
Cambridge Majlis celebrates South Asians and Anti-Colonial history
The Cambridge Majlis is a student society at Cambridge founded in 1891 as a platform for discussion of social and political issues in South Asia.
A definitive guide to the digital SAT
The very first digital SAT was administered internationally on March 11, 2023.
Navigating the world with a poker face
A poker face can be both an asset and a liability, and it all depends on the timing and place.
How overly involved parents at schools affect students’ wellbeing
The over-involvement of parents or even other guardians in a child's education or overall life is common in our country
A guide to applying for undergraduate programs in the United States
Applying to universities in the United States is a confusing, exhausting, and painful experience.
BMSS organises ABC of Surgery workshop
On March 10, the Standing Committee on Medical Education (SCOME) of Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society (BMSS) organised the event “ABC of Surgery” at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital and Research Institute
Grow Your Reader Foundation raises the 'Flag of Peace'
Grow Your Reader Foundation instals mobile, street, and online library stations in different corners of Bangladesh, and has been providing teacher training facilities since 2016.
Shift
Dhaka Motor Show 2023: A glimpse into the future of local automobile scene
One of the most celebrated automotive shows of the country returned for its 16th instalment, where, like every year, local automotive manufacturers showcased the latest cars, bikes and other aftermarket supporting parts for vehicles. Besides the new releases, there have also been a few tuner cars to look for as well.
Dhaka Motor Show 2023 kicks off
The 3-day international exhibition will remain open from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM and continue till Saturday, March 18.
30 km/h speed limit for motorcycles: how logical is it?
A new road policy was proposed recently, which limits the maximum speed of motorcycles below 126cc inside Dhaka.
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh wins Gulf ProCar Championship
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh recently won the final race of the UAE Gulf ProCar Championship as well as the Race 1 of Round 5 of the same championship event, making him the first Bangladeshi to win two consecutive Formula-1 track races.
Audi launches Electric Vehicle charging station in Tejgaon
Located in the Audi service cente in Tejgaon, Audi Bangladesh recently introduced the first electric charging station for electric vehicles in the country.
Dhaka Motor Show 2023 begins March 16
The Dhaka Motor Show annually features a large international exhibition of automobiles and is a much-anticipated event for local motor enthusiasts.
The Audi Activesphere concept: Unorthodox in automation
With the immense versatility of the body design and cutting-edge technology packed inside, Audi seems to spew new competition-bending traditional car designs.
Inside Runner’s three-wheeler factory
Local manufacturing company Runner Automobiles PLC has recently announced a three-wheeler manufacturing plant in association with Bajaj - the first of its kind in Bangladesh.
Daily Star Books
Reading for spirituality during Ramadan
A unique opportunity to enhance one's spirituality and reflect on one's faith
Jhumpa Lahiri’s first short story collection in 15 years
The latest bent in Jhumpa Lahiri's decades-long foray into Italian life and literature
What to read to feel the magic of spring
Regardless of the ambience of these part-sunny-part gloomy days, there is always a book to suit to the mood
The Birangona in poetry and conversation
Using a Fulbright fellowship, Tarfia decided to come to Bangladesh to research the war and interview the women whom the Bangladesh government, in 1972, titled Birangona (war heroines). These interviews resulted in 'Seam' (Southern Illinois University Press, 2014).
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.
Everything you need to know about Sehri Tales 2023
Sehri Tales has established itself as a Ramadan tradition for writers in Bangladesh. The rules are simple: each night at midnight, for the entire month leading up to Eid-ul-Fitr, Ahmad shares a prompt, and participants have until 6 AM (sunrise) to write original poetry, flash fiction, or create unique art, and then share it online with the hashtag #sehritales2023.
An invaluable study of Bangladesh's political history
"In Fool’s Paradise" is aptly named as it gives us a glimpse of post-independence Bangladesh, a young nation still struggling to find its identity amidst post-war blows.
A refugee's tale in Calcutta
Unlike many of the war refugees from Bangladesh in Calcutta, he felt no urge to be involved in the war. He had fled the country to save his life, not to participate in the fight.
Star Holiday
Around the world on a Vespa: The ‘no-plan’ nomadic life
For those of us wedded and welded to our routine-ruled existences, there is an almost jealous fascination about people like Vespanda Ilario Lavarra.
The Galapagos: The land of evolution
They say the beauty of the Galapagos can’t be explained. It can only be experienced.
The yellow days in Hanoi
When I visited Hanoi in 2019, I only had a chance to catch a whiff of Vietnam’s capital. I took a glance at all the splotches of yellow architecture in awe and had little to no idea how to navigate myself in a town that hardly communicated in English. But even then, Hanoi found a place of eternal fondness in my heart and gave me a gift of familiarity that I couldn’t make much sense of at the time.
Lobhachhara and the great Nanka
In late October 2021, my quest for documenting tea-planters’ graves around the country brought me to Looba Cherra tea garden.
Dzo Zongo East Mission accomplished
Why do you climb? Why do you risk everything over scaling a summit?
Kang Yatse- II : The journey begins
It was a cold night in mid-September. The thick darkness was so depressing that I switched on the red light of the headlamp.
Debotakhum where tranquillity reigns
Bandarban is the ultimate destination for travel and adventure lovers in Bangladesh. With a relatively unspoiled mountainous landscape, the district offers various trails to trekkers for hiking through tropical jungles and valleys.
Weekend Read
Kushtia’s tale of unimaginable brutality
A dilapidated tin-shed stands precariously at Bittipara area in Kushtia.
‘Like a morning after a nuclear attack’
A World Bank team that visited different areas of war-torn Bangladesh in June 1971 likened Kushtia to a bombed-out “WWII German town”.
Sitakunda’s curse of industrial accidents
In Sonaichhari union alone -- where both BM depot and Sheema Oxygen Plant are located -- there are around 50 shipbreaking yards, several re-rolling mills, oxygen plants and one LP gas plant
The need for proper exposure in ‘herstory’
It seems that culturally we are inclined, as if somewhat programmed, to do the bare minimum in providing deserving attention and a wide-scale media coverage when it comes to women’s sport in the country despite the fact that women athletes have had been giving their all, working just as hard as their male counterparts, day in day out over the years.
‘Encouragement is key’
In conversation with Ashreen Mridha, founder of Deshi Ballers and former shooting guard of the national women’s basketball team, Naziba Basher of The Daily Star delves into some of the deeper questions of why the women are still made to lag behind.
‘It cannot go on like this anymore’
In her field, Bangladesh’s table tennis icon Zobera Rahman Linu remained a cut above the rest during her stellar 24-year playing career between 1977 to 2001, having bagged a whopping 16 national titles from 1977 to 2001
Those turbulent first days of ‘71 March
Things changed when on February 15, Bhutto declared that PPP cannot participate in the assembly unless Awami League compromises on its six-point demand.
The manifesto for independence
Bangladesh is the name of an independent and sovereign state comprising 54,506 square miles of land, which is home to 70 million people. Three under-mentioned goals have to be achieved by forming this state: