Hasan Meer

The writer is a journalist at The Daily Star.

Zap potbellies with potholes

Getting tired of your potbelly? 

2y ago

DMCH’s ‘dirty’ laundry

People from across the country flock to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment. According to hospital authorities, around 4,000 patients remain admitted to this 2,600-bed public hospital on a regular basis.  

3y ago

Female Tea Garden Workers: Workplace sanitation still a far cry for them

For the last 20 years, Chinami Madraji has been working at a tea garden in Moulvibazar. Rain or shine, the 35-year-old mother of five works for eight to 10 hours a day.

3y ago

‘All about ensuring services to people’

With 13 districts, 42 circles and 96 police stations under its jurisdiction, Dhaka range is one of the most important institutions of police that not only ensures safety and security of people but also oversees and monitors services provided by law enforcers.

3y ago

Tea Workers’ Day: 100 years of a forgotten tragedy

These days, Shamnarayan Goor doesn’t do much other than sitting on the porch of his hut and watching the day go by, over the hilly terrain of Lungla Tea Garden in Sylhet.

3y ago

It’s a risky job; we do it to ensure citizens’ safety

Since its inception in 2006, Bomb Disposal Unit -- a specialised force of police trained to disarm bombs and other explosives devices -- has been

3y ago

Half a century with a shrapnel in her skull

Young Nurjahan Begum and Nuru Mia got married in early 1971.

3y ago

‘We try to ensure no one is denied justice’

Formed in 2012, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) has earned a reputation for solving the seemingly unsolvable, “sensational” and difficult cases. This specialised unit conducts criminal investigations and digital forensic services by the order of court and Police Headquarters (PHQ). In an interview with The Daily Star, PBI chief, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Banaj Kumar Majumder spoke about the organisation’s work process, achievements, challenges, constraints and future plans.

3y ago
April 5, 2021
April 5, 2021

Century-old botanical wonder lies in neglect

Baldha Garden no longer bustles with life, as it used to in the past with a delightful array of exotic plants and trees.

March 31, 2021
March 31, 2021

Bahadur Shah Park in Capital: Renovation gone to waste?

“Can we go now?” the disappointment was evident in Arman’s voice. His father, Rashidul Hasan tried one last time. “Look, this obelisk is over 100 years old,” the Laxmibazar resident told his 10-year-old son.The father and son were visiting Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka on a Friday afternoon recently.

February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021

A decade’s history hidden in plain sight

The walls are stacked with rare photographs of the Language Movement, as are shelves with books; some have become a bit dusty, but no less significant for it.

February 27, 2020
February 27, 2020

Undying allure of homegrown classics

Stuck in an inescapable situation or pitted against a ruthless maniac determined to destroy the stability of the free world, what will our protagonist do, how far will he or she travel to save us -- these are the nail-biting cliffhangers that compel us to turn the pages of a thriller and finish it in one sitting.

February 22, 2020
February 22, 2020

Abul Barkat Memorial Museum: Of pride and inspiration

“Did you know, like me Abul Barkat was a graduate of Dhaka University?”

February 20, 2020
February 20, 2020

The unrecognisable epicentre of EKUSHEY

Vendors encroaching footpaths, garbage lying around, self-promoting posters on the wall and haphazard parking -- residents of Dhaka are all too used to these sights, and to a large extent have accepted these nuisances and eyesores.

February 1, 2020
February 1, 2020

Did I cast my vote? Does it matter?

Inside the centre, eager polling agents were waiting to help people find the room to vote. They did not seem to want anything except reminding people to vote for “boat”

January 25, 2020
January 25, 2020

Sharing heritage over a meal

Good food is personal and far reaching at the same time. It creates a bond, sheds light on values that are important to us, and reveals the perspective and way of life.

January 11, 2020
January 11, 2020

Need chakri? Rent a tukri!

This is pretty much what Shahin Alam heard, when he arrived at Karwan Bazar in search of work.

December 21, 2019
December 21, 2019

The parrot card readers of Mirpur

“Mithu! Hey Mithu!” calls reverberate along the length of the road in front of Shah Ali Mazar on a cool winter midday.