Dhaka. The city where honking is the language of the roads, and the heat is a constant companion like that one clingy friend we all have. So, what happens when five Dhakaites decide to swap this chaos for the tropical allure of Thailand? Let's just say, it involves more than our usual dose of adrenaline and an unexpected culinary plot twist.
Summer in Dhaka is not merely a “mean” sun; it can be characterised as part of a survival game. With the mercury at times rising to 43 degrees Celsius, the sun often appears to have taken our dear city for a giant tandoori oven. As an experienced veteran of Dhaka's ruthless summers, one can give you some cheeky yet highly effective advice for keeping your cool when the city decides to turn up the heat.
As the calendar pages flutter closer to Eid, a familiar tune whispers through the air, nudging our hearts towards home — Shopno Jabe Bari. This melody is not just a song; it's a journey back to where our stories began, wrapped in the warm embrace of family and memories of Eid celebrations.
Imagine a bowl of those perfectly spicy, raving with the flavour of Kimchi, garnished with your favourite treats. Ready to make this lip-smacking bowl? Come on, let's cook!
Cashless in Dhaka: Navigating pre-Eid expenses with a tap
Eid in Dhaka unfolds a tale that every millennial can narrate with a mix of nostalgia and a slight grimace. It’s that time of year when our roles shift dramatically from the eager hands once extended for Eid salamis to the ones reluctantly opening our physical or digital wallets.
By now, many have already spent a good chunk of their time shopping for friends and families. After all, can you put a price on the smile of your loved ones after gifting them their Eid dress?
Back in the day, discussing the health issues of women was nothing short of a taboo. A serial offender would have an easier time getting a break than someone who openly discusses topics ranging from menstrual cramps to pregnancy woes. This phenomenon was not only confided within your household; it was a global one, and unfortunately, remnants of this taboo still linger in our society today.
Chef Zohra Maliha's story is not just about culinary excellence; it's about passion, innovation, and the power of connecting people through food.
Picture this: a '90s kid in Dhaka, wide-eyed, and getting lost in the digital world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Vice City or San Andreas. That kid was me. Fast forward to now, married and in my thirties, and here I am, still as giddy as a schoolboy in a candy store, eagerly awaiting the GTA 6 release, which is due in 2025. Some loves never die; they just respawn.
In the heart of Dhaka, amidst the everyday whirl of life, Aarong Earth brings a touch of nature's tranquillity with its newly launched essential oils. Imagine turning your home into a sanctuary of peace and wellness, a few drops at a time.
What stops men from opening up? One has to dive deeper, like a diver exploring the depths of the ocean. Externally, societal norms play their part. The expectation of being stoic, the fear of judgement, and the stereotype of manliness being synonymous with emotional fortitude create an invisible barrier. It's like donning an armour 24/7 that's supposed to keep you safe from anything and everything unwelcome, but instead, paradoxically, it becomes a cage.
Post-marriage men often find themselves carrying a different kind of backpack — filled not with snacks and maps, but with responsibilities, familial expectations, and a never-ending list of to-dos. Gone are the days of impromptu trips to Cox’s Bazar. Now, it's more about family planning, budgeting for groceries, or attending in-laws' get-togethers.
In the whirlwind of today's ultra-modern society, where Tinder and Bumble have replaced courtly love and emojis substitute for heartfelt conversation, the art of etiquette, particularly for men, seems to be on a leisurely stroll towards obscurity. This begs the question; in our pursuit of all things modern, are we inadvertently side-lining the refined grace of good manners?
Tashnuva's journey began amidst the conservative fabric of Bangladeshi society, where her identity as a transgender woman overshadowed her talents and skills. "I have always been identified as transgender, but not as an individual with skills or qualifications," she reflects on her early career struggles. Despite her competence, Tashnuva faced relentless discrimination, watching less experienced individuals surpass her as she tirelessly knocked on the doors of opportunity.
In my case, reminiscing about standing thousands of feet above and breathing the freshest air this planet has to offer, while the thick exhaust of the 27-number bus blows on my face, does it for me. This is where I can’t help but draw parallels between navigating through Dhaka's unending traffic jams and a Himalayan trek in itself.
With winter whispering on the horizon, let's delve into this transitional period with outfits that offer a seamless blend of comfort and style. Long tops are the unsung heroes of Fall fashion line-up. Versatile enough for any occasion, pair them with slim-fit trousers or high-waisted jeans to balance out their length. Opt for earth tones like burnt sienna or forest green to keep your style seasonal yet sophisticated.
The Sundarbans, a land of mangroves, tigers, and... well, mosquitoes, but let's focus on the romantic part, shall we? This time, we swapped Dhaka's ever-present rickshaws and eternal traffic jams for the mysterious lure of the great Sundarbans.