M H Haider

1863 vs 2024: Comparing 2 visuals of a Mughal mosque in Dhaka

Fabeck made a number of artworks depicting Dhaka, such as a beautiful watercolour of Buriganga, which we have featured earlier.

3w ago

Neglected heritage: A historic gate in ruins

You may have visited Ahsan Manzil — or at least know of it — but did you ever encounter this dilapidated gateway? 

1m ago

Pirates, forts, and no crowds: The ultimate history geek’s dream spot

Located in Munshiganj, the 17th century river fort is beyond the hustle and bustle of the more common tourist spots, and gives a rather different experience compared to the grander Mughal edifices that are spread all over the Indian subcontinent.

1m ago

How did Motijheel get its name?

Another etymology that somewhat resonates with the aforementioned one is that Motijheel was the name of a canal or rivulet that flowed in or around the area; then, the label was referred to a particular pond, and eventually, an overall locality adopted the name. 

1m ago

The beautiful gate of Dhaka Christian Cemetery

After all, we are talking about a graveyard that is very old. According to Perween Hasan's chapter in the book "Dhaka Past, Present, Future," the oldest grave in the compound dates back to 1774!

2m ago

Hussaini Dalan and the story of a lost mausoleum

The building has ceased to exist, but the graves are still there, along with a few graves of their family and acquaintances.

2m ago

Which annoying office chat group character are you? Find out here!

Discover the quirky characters in your office chat groups: the Pioneer, Mime Artist, Podcaster, Alien, Ghost, and Boss. From endless GIFs to unwelcome voice notes, identify and laugh at these familiar faces!

2m ago

The former name of DU's Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall

When we refer to the very familiar Shahidullah Hall, our minds do not often register the legendary maestro of a man after whom this student residence is named, let alone the fact that it was once referred to as Dacca Hall. 

2m ago
September 10, 2022
September 10, 2022

Chanchal Chowdhury on his fame, acting, and projects

Chanchal Chowdhury's stellar performance in Taqdeer shows just how magnificent he can be in convincing the audience about his character. The result is a thoroughly gripping web series on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. This performance earned him the Best Actor (male) award in the popular category, in the Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2021. 

August 21, 2022
August 21, 2022

Would you put your elderly parents in a retirement home?

The concept of old age homes or retirement homes is commonplace in many countries. But in our society, the idea is still frowned upon, to say the least. It is almost a taboo; the social stigma is deeply rooted. On the other hand, though, is it not high time that we embrace this idea?

August 8, 2022
August 8, 2022

The man who gave the world Nasek Nasek: In conversation with Animes Roy

Nasek Nasek! The beat rarely fails to stir up happiness, lift spirits, or make feet dance. Not long ago, the phrase did not mean much to a lot of people. But Animes Roy changed all that – Animes and team Coke Studio Bangla. The song took the nation by storm almost overnight, catapulting Animes into stardom.

August 7, 2022
August 7, 2022

Historic graves at Old Dhaka's Hussaini Dalan that often go unnoticed

Hussaini Dalan is not just a Shiite centre in Dhaka; it is also a Dhaka landmark, spanning centuries of history. While its religious programmes, especially during Muharram and more particularly Ashura are unparalleled, Hussaini Dalan as a Dhaka heritage is extraordinary as well.

July 25, 2022
July 25, 2022

A guide to kalai ruti of Chapai Nawabganj: Recipe, accompaniments, and where to eat

If you are going to Chapai Nawabganj, you must try out kalai ruti. That's what everyone said when I was planning a trip there. And so, I did, and I didn't regret it. The question of regret comes from the premise that kalai ruti is, after all, a ruti. I mean, how magically delicious can ruti be? My expectations were not that high. With that almost arrogant low expectation, I tried out this Chapai Nawabganj specialty, but it left me pleasantly surprised.

July 19, 2022
July 19, 2022

Paying tribute to Humayun Ahmed and some of his iconic characters

We share a heartfelt tribute to the maestro, Humayun Ahmed penned many years ago. The tribute, still as relevant as it was back then, points out the immensity of love and affection that we hold for the 'magician of words.' Rest in peace, sir.

June 16, 2022
June 16, 2022

Sights and sounds of Chapai Nawabganj: the mango capital of Bangladesh

It is not that the claim of being the mango capital goes undisputed, especially in recent times, with places like Naogaon seriously contending and challenging its position. But arguably, Chapai Nawabganj has still managed to hold its fort, and for good reasons. To start with, let's be clear that it's not Rajshahi we are talking about. Chapai Nawabganj indeed falls under the Rajshahi division, but the people of the mango capital have made a clear distinction between the two — the mango pride of Chapai Nawabganj is solely theirs alone, as it becomes apparent when you experience its sights and sounds.

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

Satyajit Ray, Tagore and the timeless Charulata

A generation or two has passed since its release. Here’s why we, as the current generation, ought to go back to this classic.

March 22, 2022
March 22, 2022

The Tajuddin Ahmad persona: Tales of a Liberation War leader

Without him, the history of the birth of Bangladesh would be incomplete. After all, Tajuddin Ahmad was the prime minister during the wartime Mujibnagar Government, leading and navigating through the numerous harrowing challenges the Liberation War threw during those fateful months of 1971.

February 22, 2022
February 22, 2022

That beautiful (but often ignored) dedication page in books

When you start reading a book, don’t start from chapter one, because, if you skip past the dedication page, you may miss the small but heartfelt/hilarious/uplifting note written by the author.