International Women's Day celebration Inspiring change

NANDO'S Bangladesh has arranged an event on the occasion of International Women's Day on 8 March, 2014. As we all know, contribution of women in our economy is colossal like in many other countries. Contribution to our economy from lower segment itself accounts to 60 per cent; 80 per cent of which is the sole contribution from women. Moreover, females from the top tiers (top business executives, media personalities) also play a vital role in our economy and society.
On this note, Nando's wanted to thank the 'the two tiers': the lower (garments workers) and the upper (top business executives, media personalities) for their relentless efforts for inspiring change.
On the morning of the day, Nando's organised a bicycle ride with the BDCyclists from Gulshan-1 to Tejgaon -- to a garment manufacturing company (Prince Group), where it distributed snacks among 1000 workers and shared the joy of food with them as a small token of utter respect for their unyielding effort for contributing to the economy of our country.
Furthermore, as part of the celebration of Women's Day, Nando's invited some of the 'the toppers' from various backgrounds in our society for a treat and to express gratitude for their devotion and contribution in making people believe in change.
Maheen Khan, Abida Sultana, Zobera Rahman Nilu, Sara Zaker, Aupee Karim, Dr. Jahanara Khan, Dr. Aliya Naheed, Salma Ali were the celebrities present in the ceremony.
After the 'Peri-licious' lunch, the restaurant commemorated the International Women's Day by cutting a cake. As a gesture of love and respect from Nando's, the 'toppers' were given a gift hamper, a certificate of appreciation, the restaurant's signature Peri Peri Bottled Sauce and a special Privilege Card.
The co-partner of this event was Barrista. PR partner was Wide Angle Communications; event partner was Butterfly Events. Activation partner was BDCyclists, communication partner was Life Style and TV partner was Independent TV.
Also, on the occasion of International Women's Day, Nando's ran a Facebook contest, from where it selected 5 winners. The winners each received a gift hamper along with a meal for 4 at Nando's and a special souvenir from Independent TV.

DU Observes Int'l Women's Day and Honors Prof. Dr. Niaz Zaman

On 9 March this year, Dhaka University's Department of English organised an event at the R.C. Majumdar Auditorium on campus to observe International Women's Day and to felicitate Prof. Dr Niaz Zaman for her outstanding contribution to the department and to the overall literary scene in Bangladesh.
Prof. Dr Nasreen Ahmad, Dhaka University's Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) presided the event as Chief Guest; Prof. Emeritus Dr Anisuzzaman addressed the audience as special guest; and Prof. Emeritus Dr Serajul Islam Choudhury chaired the occasion.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Zaman holds postgraduate degrees from USA and has published extensively in Bangladesh and abroad on the genre of folk art, which includes 'The Art of Kantha Embroidery,' the first book on the 'Nakshi Kantha.' She has worked in the capacity of an editor for the Bangladesh Journal of American Studies, Banglapedia, and New Age. She has been the recipient of the National Archives Award and the Atwar Hussain Award of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. Her creative works include 'A Different Sita,' 'The Crooked Neem Tree,' and 'Strong Backs Magic Fingers' (which she co-authored).
The highlight of the occasion was the felicitation of Prof. Dr. Niaz Zaman followed by the Q/A session that provided a better glimpse of her life and her beliefs. When asked if she was an activist or a feminist, she boldly described herself as the latter but was quick to point out that the concept of feminism did not translate into hatred for men. “I have three boys who are excellent 'mothers'. They know how to sew and cook. Feminism is about training men to be more sensitive,” she said.
As the session progressed, at one point, she was asked about the changes she would like to see in Dhaka University's Department of English. She responded that she looked forward to more “real scholarships.” Explaining her stance, she added that currently there is a “tremendous vacuum” because of young teachers who do not read and write enough and who only publish their work because they have to and not because they want to.
The venue was packed with renowned litterateurs as well as young students who remained immersed in hours of literary treats, such as readings from popular work of Mary Wollstonecraft and Isabel Allende, presentation on 'Women in Education and Literature in Bangladesh,' dramatic presentation of Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice,' and addresses by noted academicians.
By Monica Islam