Life & Living
Red Meat Roadmap of Bangladesh
Here are some of the most popular and unique red meat dishes that Bangladesh has to offer
The changing narratives of Korail
Whenever “Korail” comes to mind, the word that follows next is “bosti” (urban slum). However, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Choose deshi, be deshi
This Eid, let's celebrate Bangladesh’s rich heritage by choosing deshi fabrics and supporting local designers.
Musing / Battle for the cattle
If you think buying a cattle is difficult, try bringing it home from the market!
Beef Beyond Borders
Our love of red meat in Bangladesh is more than simply food; it celebrates tradition, community, and culinary creativity.
“Duck” in cricket: The quirky origins of a zero run
When a batter is dismissed without scoring a single run, it is called a “duck egg” in cricket, later shortened to ‘duck’. Now, where did the word ‘come from in cricket? Simple — the name originated from the shape of the number "0", similar to a duck's egg!
A dive into LUBNAN & Richman’s Eid-Summer Collection 2024
Richman and LUBNAN have prepared their men's summer and Eid collections to assist you in following the newest trends of the season!
Arts & Entertainment
In pictures: Red carpet arrivals at Cannes
The 77th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Out of competition - Red Carpet Arrivals
Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world
As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.
'Baby Reindeer' inspiration sues Netflix for $170 mn
A British woman who claims she was the inspiration for the stalker in the smash Netflix hit "Baby Reindeer" sued the streamer Thursday, demanding $170 million in damages.
Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac to pair in new vampire thriller movie
A new vampire thriller movie called "Flesh of the Gods" is about to step into the flashy, sybaritic world of 1980s Los Angeles.
SC clears way for Dipjol to serve as BFAA secretary
The Supreme Court chamber judge today cleared the way for film actor Monwar Hossain Dipjol to perform as general secretary of Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA)
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
New York's highest court on Thursday overturned disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction on sex crime charges, a shock reversal in one of the defining cases of the #MeToo movement
BFAA secretary post: Dipjol moves SC over HC injunction
A petition was filed with the Supreme Court today seeking a stay on a High Court order that issued an injunction restraining Monwar Hossain Dipjol from performing as general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA) for six months
'Squid Game' star found guilty of sexual misconduct
South Korea's "Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, a local court said Friday, after he was charged with assaulting a woman in 2017
Showbiz
‘Toofani’ Nabila
She earned immense popularity after portraying Hridi in the much-acclaimed film “Aynabaji”, in 2016. Masuma Rahman Nabila is now set to grace the screens after a long time, with Raihan Rafi’s film “Toofan” where the actress has paired up with Shakib Khan, for the first time. She also shared the screen with Chanchal Chowdhury in this project, who was her debut film co-actor.
Bhabna ‘Cannes’ do it
The usual scenario of attending any film festival is that artistes go to showcase their films. An unusual scenario took place when Bangladeshi actress Ashna Habib Bhabna returned from the 77th Cannes International Film Festival, after scoring a Malaysian movie.
Ananta-Barsha’s unconditional love
The atmosphere at The Daily Star office brightened as the couple complimented each other's attire for the photo shoot, blending Western and Eastern styles. While Barsha opted for a Pakistani suit in blue and red, Ananta Jalil, the dashing action star, looked striking in a white suit and brown-golden Gucci shirt and grey pants.
Neel on the reel
You know her as an anchor who has made her mark by hosting cricket shows in particular. Notably, Neel Hurerzahan began her journey in showbiz a decade ago as a radio jockey. Slowly she stepped into the world of acting, and also worked in the popular OTT platform Chorki, as a partnership officer.
Partho’s cricketing dreams transform into a filmy one
During an exclusive photoshoot and adda with The Daily Star, Partho talked about his acting and directorial journey while also spilling some beans on upcoming projects.
The ‘bad guy’ emerges as ‘hero’
Recently, he shed his ‘greyish demeanour’ to penetrate into the role of a love-torn groom in Zahid Pritom’s “Buk Poketer Golpo”. The actor shared an interesting story as to how his own phobia was incorporated into the hyper-linked web-film.
Pavel brings globality to your ‘living room’
You might know him as the drummer for Chirkutt, but Pavel has been especially prominent in the music industry as a music producer, dominating the ad film market and lending his talents to films like “Saturday Afternoon”, “Television”, “Doob”, “Piprabidya” and more.
Nawshaba undeterred, Nawshaba undeniable
Nawshaba's journey has not been devoid of challenges. Despite her talent and dedication, she has often found herself being overlooked by the media and industry insiders. “How many times do I have to prove myself?" she mused, highlighting the uphill battle faced by many artistes striving to carve out their niche in the industry.
Star Health
Hospital washrooms in appalling state: icddr,b
Only 68 percent of government hospitals have functional toilets, of which, only 33 percent are clean, as per a new study
Food safety prepare for the unexpected
On June 7, 2024, World Food Safety Day brought attention to food safety incidents. The theme for this year emphasised the significance of preparedness for food safety incidents, regardless of their severity.
Impact of household cleaning products on asthma
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology recently published a study that examined the effects of various household cleaning products on asthma. Previous research had already shown a connection between uncontrolled asthma and the use of harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach and ammonia. Now, researchers wanted to see if “green” cleaning products and disinfecting wipes had similar effects.
Have a nice Day / The impact of nitpicking
A nitpicker is a person who finds faults, however small or unimportant, everywhere they look. After meeting someone, a nitpicker lists every tiny thing s/he did not like about the encounter. When discussing people, they often focus on seemingly minor flaws, even if they are insignificant.
Empowering lives / The importance of menstrual hygiene management
Menstrual hygiene management is one of the most important saviours for women in this century. Saving lives by preventing infection and reducing the cost of hospital stays and medicine expenses, thus reducing mortality rates.
Contribution of AI in diagnosing and treating cancer
Cancer of unknown primary sites often causes pleural and peritoneal effusions, and cytological analysis by pathologists using traditional methods can be inaccurate. Researchers in China used advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods to study 57,000 cases of fluid buildup in the chest and abdomen, where the origin of the cancer was initially unknown but later identified.
Don't talk to journos without permission, DMCH tells employees
The Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) authorities have asked its officials and employees not to talk with journalists without prior permission from the hospital authorities
Onion price jumps by Tk 10 in a week
The price of the kitchen staple went up by Tk 20 per kg since last month
Satireday
Satire / Visa aspirants buying air coolers to get quick approvals
Economists, as well as those who don’t bother to understand economics, have been baffled by the findings of a recent market research which showed a sharp rise in people buying air coolers even before the heatwave started..They were shocked, more mercilessly than the shock Real Madrid gave
Athletes stop learning new skills at age 28
Shattering conventional wisdom, a Bangladeshi sports scientist claimed that his new research proves that athletes stop learning as soon as they turn 28.
Low salary and poor increment actually beneficial to employees: study
Money apparently is not the root of all evil. Neither is it the ticket to happiness. In fact, money ceases to matter at all now that watermelon in Dhaka costs more than the monthly food cost of a family of chickens.
‘My husband isn’t husbanding right’
I had an arranged marriage. My parents picked out the best suitor for me and I trusted them.
Man escapes Dhaka after attending fire safety workshop
An employee of a paper company in the capital’s Farmgate has been absent without official leave ever since he attended a fire safety workshop at work.
Employer refuses to give workers raises because they will get mugged if they have money
A car company has stunned industry insiders with a revolutionary new approach that improves workers’ quality of life and reduces the pressure on company coffers all at once. By refusing to give employees their scheduled raises and keeping them dangerously close to the edge of poverty, Stellar Motors -- Dhaka’s largest automobile importer -- is confident it can reduce the risk of employees being robbed in the streets and losing the little wealth they might still possess.
When Readers Write / Families with less than 3 members to merge
The government has recently announced its plan to address the problem of small families.
Organisations tackle inflation squeeze by introducing ‘Pay-To-Work’ policy
February has passed but employees at several major business firms have still not received any yearly increment or contract renewal. Employees are having difficulty making ends meet, what with rice and essentials doubling in price. Transport costs have gone up even though diesel price has been reduced by Tk 0.75.
TOGGLE
The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer
The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.
Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable
And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!
So long, goodbye
The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.
Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning
To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.
Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh
Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support.
Safeguarding workspaces from escalating cyber attacks: A comprehensive guide
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.
The setting sun
With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner.
In Focus
Bengali and Non-Bengali Riots at Karnaphuli Paper Mills
When writing a confidential report on the Bengali workers of Karnaphuli Paper Mills to the Superintendent of Police, D.I.B Rangamati, Sub-Inspector of Police Md. Nurul Islam noted with disgust and frustration:
125th Birth Anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam / Symbolic and Imaginary in Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam, according to Kazi Abdul Wadud (1895-1970), perhaps the first formidable critic who took him seriously, “was the first writer among Bengali Muslims of the modern era who was able to conquer the hearts of Hindus and Muslims alike of Bengal.”
Steam Power and Scientific Knowledge in Early British Bengal
In Europe, steam power evolved gradually and uncertainly over the course of the eighteenth century, with innovative peaks and long plateaus, from Thomas Savery’s steam pump (1698) via Thomas Newcomen’s reciprocating atmospheric engine (1712) to James Watt and Matthew Boulton’s double-acting rotative steam engine with a separate condenser (1765-90).
Rabindranath Tagore and the creation of national identity
Rabindranath Tagore is perhaps the only poet whose songs were chosen as the national anthems of two countries: India and Bangladesh.
BIRTH CENTENARY OF KALIM SHARAFI / A life dedicated to cultural activism
“I firmly believe in the profound impact of music, dance, and acting on shaping people’s thoughts and emotions.
Thus Spoke Sher-e-Bangla
I deem it a great privilege and pleasure to preside over this Convocation of the University of Dacca; and to join you in offering my blessings and good wishes for the success and prosperity of those graduates who have been admitted to various degrees today.
The Baropakhya Christians: A forgotten incidence of peasant repression in colonial Bengal
The Blue or Indigo Mutiny of 1861, was an outpouring of anger by Indian peasants coerced into cultivating the unprofitable indigo crop by British planters.
Star Youth
Everything in life requires practice
There's a misunderstanding that some things in life require natural skills or a one-time lucky break
The thriving online clothing thrift scene and the youth behind it
These young entrepreneurs are not only proving the do-ability of running a thriving business alongside studies but also inspiring countless other students to dip their toes into the rewarding world of entrepreneurship.
To foster creativity, we must understand its fluidity
Embrace creativity beyond traditional notions; it's not just for geniuses. Cherish everyday innovations to nurture your creative potential.
Why it is important to step out of your comfort circle
Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to personal growth, new experiences, and valuable networking opportunities.
Why do we attach our self-worth to achievements?
Explore overcoming the harmful belief that self-worth is tied to achievements and finding genuine self-acceptance.
The experience of being a woman stand-up comedian in Bangladesh
In conversation with Poushi Razzaque, a young stand-up comedian.
Understanding religious scriptures and finding spirituality
In Muslim households, children are taught to read the Quran from start to finish. But that’s the thing, they are taught to read, not understand it
Maintaining a sense of freedom in a controlling household
Going out with friends, choosing a job, how to spend their time, what to wear, or speaking their minds are just parts of life, not rights to be punished for wanting.
Shift
Preparing your car for a safe Eid-ul-Adha journey
Eid-ul-Adha is approaching, and many of us have already planned to celebrate this occasion with our loved ones. As a result, many car owners will travel outside the major cities to be with family and relatives. To ensure a safe journey, it's crucial to check that your car is in good condition. Sadly, we often hear about accidents during the Eid period. To ensure safety and a smooth trip, car owners should check the following:
Tesla recalls over 125,000 vehicles in US
Tesla is officially recalling 125,227 vehicles in the United States, as per a recent announcement by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The cited reason for this mass recall is a seat belt warning system malfunction, which could potentially increase the risk of injuries in collisions.
Toyota unveils new 'adaptable' engines for both hybrid and biofuel cars
Toyota has recently unveiled a new line of compact 'adaptable' engines that are designed to work with both hybrid cars and those that run on biofuels. According to the company, these new engines are intended to reduce carbon emissions while catering to diverse customer needs.
Global car brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' arrive in Bangladesh
Three new models of cars from the brands ‘Jaecoo’ and ‘Omoda’ have been launched in Bangladesh: JAECOO J7, OMODA C5, and OMODA E5. According to a press release, Asian MotorSpeX Limited, the official distributor of these cars, unveiled them at the recently held 17th Dhaka Motor Show 2024.
How to stop your car engine from overheating
An overheating engine is one of the most concerning issues a car owner can face – right up there with having your vehicle totalled in an accident. When an engine overheats, it can lead to catastrophic damage like warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, or blown head gaskets.
Taking care of your car during heat waves: A quick guide
As the heat waves roll in, the importance of proper car care escalates. Let's take a look at some of the most essential elements of summer car care to ease your seasonal woes.
Tesla reduces prices of Model Y, X and S EVs in US
Tesla has officially reduced the pricing of three of its EVs: Model Y, Model X, and Model S, in the US. Each model will now cost US$2,000 each, as per an official announcement by the EV company.
Avik Anwar 1st in the final rounds of Gulf Pro Car Championship
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh has won first place in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the final instalment of the 2023-2024 Gulf Pro Car Championship. The international racing competition was held in Dubai Autodrome on March 30, 2024, where Avik competed against drivers from UAE, UK, France, Italy, India, and Russia, to win both rounds.
Daily Star Books
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Celebrating the best of Bengali short fiction
Bengali literature has had a rich history of prose, beginning more or less in the early 19th century under the colonial Raj.
BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Rising from the ashes
The literary world was shaken on August 12, 2022, when the news of Salman Rushdie being stabbed on stage in upstate New York started to pour in. Ironically, he was all set to talk about his involvement in a project to create a refuge in the USA for those writers who are not safe in their country.
BOOK REVIEW: GRAPHIC MEMOIR / Understanding generational trauma through 'Feeding Ghosts'
A review of Tessa Hulls' graphic memoir, 'Feeding Ghosts' (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2024)
BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Exploring The Rebel’s call to revolution
Review of ‘Bidrohi Puran’ (Pendulum Books, 2024) by Arif Rahman
INTERVIEW / Speaking with Arunava Sinha about Sanya Rushdi’s ‘Hospital’: A translator extraordinaire
"...it is our responsibility to contribute to ways in which more translators can work well, be compensated fairly and find the work worthwhile enough to continue doing it"
INTERVIEW / Of language and free will
'We are truly prisoners of the mind', says Sanya Rushdi, the author-narrator of Hospital (Giramondo Publishing, 2023)
THE SHELF / Second person narratives: A universe unexplored
You cannot reach the expansive world of literature quick enough
ESSAY / It has to be print
There is something in the tactility of books that even non-readers find themselves admiring, and readers more so.
Star Holiday
A couple’s Eurotrip in 20 days
This little blue bubble that we call our home is enormous. It is not humanely possible to get a sense of how big and diverse this world is by travelling in a lifetime.
Iguazu Falls: Largest waterfall system on Earth
Diego Maradona. As we tread upon its soil for the first time, the richness and intricacy of its history unfolded before us.
Irresistable Antarctica
Mohua Rouf is one of the few Bangladeshis who have ever set foot on the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica. She spent six days in the icy abode of penguins, seals and whales which is arguably the least-trodden place on earth by humans.
Marvellous Madrid
After the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown, in September 2021, my husband and I visited Madrid, a city pulsating with history, art and energy.
Thailand’s highlands: A place for adventure and fun
In January of this year, my husband and I decided to embark on a trip to the Kanchanaburi and Phitsanulok provinces of Thailand. When you hear of Thailand,
Al Ula: A hidden gem in Saudi Arabia
When we think of Saudi Arabia, we often imagine Makkah, Medina, and the annual pilgrimage. But beyond these, there are plenty of amazing spots that have been attracting travellers since the kingdom opened up to foreign visitors in 2019.
Skywalk on Dhampus
As the clock struck 4:00pm, I caught sight of two tiny figures descending from the rocky slopes of the Tukuche massif. With each passing minute, the figures gradually grew more recognizable: Samiur and Arif were returning after scaling Little Tukuche (5879m), one of the formidable peaks of the Dhaulagiri range.
Pondicherry: A charming former French colony
I boarded the Koromondol Express from Kolkata to Chennai at 3.20pm for a long journey. On my way, I met Anupam, an old friend from the Sandakfu-Phalut trek. It had been ten years since we last met.
Weekend Read
The forgotten female footballers of Khulna
Wearing shorts and playing football -- these reasons were enough for some locals to attack under-17 female footballers of Super Queen Football Academy at Tentultala village in Khulna in July last year.
Our dying Chalan beel
Imagine vast, shimmering water reflecting a clear blue sky. Boats glide across the surface, carrying villagers through a network of rivers and canals teeming with life. Schools of fish, like silver flashes, dart beneath the water.
Moshar Machine promising a solution to mosquito menace
When the entire country is grappling with mosquito menace, a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and his team have come up with an ingenious solution that promises to be an effective tool in mosquito control.
Karupanya Rangpur / Is it a forest? Is it a garden? No, it’s a factory!
From a distance, it appears as a forest. But as one gets closer, it becomes evident that it’s in fact a seven-story factory building covered with vines and leaves. After entering the premises, one will see a 30-foot-tall white sculpture of a woman.
Rise of esports in Bangladesh / From fringe hobby to national pride
For years, gaming in Bangladesh was seen as a waste of time -- often dismissed as a frivolous activity or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits. Traditional societal norms placed little value on gaming, perceiving it as an endeavour devoid of any real-world benefits.
A love affair with tea
I wonder what it is in a cup of tea that makes it so invigorating. The obvious answer would be the stimulant, caffeine, or the particular flavour of the leaves seeping into the hot water and the aroma that takes over your senses.
Hats off to our green heroes!
The first time I fell in love with plants was when I saw my mother’s glossy green pothos arranged in old porcelain bowls that were slightly chipped off.
How a rickshaw-puller changed the course of Dr Zafrullah’s life
“Should I go back to the UK? If I can’t serve my countrymen, I might as well go back.”