Mannan Mashhur Zarif

Embracing the chaos: The art of creation

Creative blocks mirror nature’s barren phases, yet chaos and stillness birth inspiration. True creativity resists control, flowing from instinct and emotion. In its wild, sacred moments, we connect deeply—with self, soul, and the art of becoming.

1m ago

A wall’s eye-view diary of a neighbourhood

Every locality in this city has stories, and none seem to speak louder than the anecdotes shared by walls! Case in point: Shantinagar! Having lived here for over four decades, I am no stranger to the tales they offer, and curiously, these narratives are ever-changing.

1m ago

Old Dhaka Weddings: Of flavours and traditions

In Old Dhaka, kachchi biriyani has emerged as the quintessential wedding dish

1m ago

Shakrain: Kites and tastes of Old Dhaka

Shakrain is now observed by the entire community of Old Dhaka

2m ago

Rashid Choudhury: Weaving magic into Bangladesh’s art scene

Rashid Choudhury revolutionized Bangladeshi art by pioneering modern tapestry, blending Bengal’s cultural heritage with European techniques. His vibrant, symbolic works redefined artistic boundaries, inspiring generations and transforming textile art into a powerful medium of national identity.

2m ago

An Eid lunch to remember

Kumkum Rahman grew up in Dhaka. As part of the generation of the ’70s, she has recollections of a relatively quaint city, free from the hustle and bustle of the present day. Among her most treasured memories are those of Ramadan in the metropolis, but what remains etched in her heart is the joy of Eid in a bygone era.

3m ago

Abahani vs. Mohammedan: The football rivalry that defined a generation

Back in the day, the Abahani-Mohammedan rivalry was as fierce as Real Madrid-Barcelona

3m ago

Why I will always love the month of Ramadan

Ramadan holds a special place in the heart, rooted in childhood memories of fasting, reading, and spending time with family. The sacred month provides a chance for reflection, reconnecting with loved ones, and appreciating life's simple, meaningful moments.

4m ago
September 19, 2022
September 19, 2022

Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN): Supporting people with disability

The number of people with disability in Bangladesh is high. While most people in this group are yet to be covered under a general education scheme, those who do attain a degree find it difficult to get suitable jobs. To help people with disabilities find employment in the job market, the Bangladesh Business & Disability Network (BBDN) has been working with its member organisations and other stakeholders in the industry since 2016.

June 19, 2022
June 19, 2022

A father’s letter to his unborn daughter

Parenting does not come with a manual or a guide. I am repeatedly being told that every pregnancy is unique, and every child born will be unique.

March 26, 2022
March 26, 2022

London 1971 — A political frontier of the Liberation War

Warzones of the 1971 War were many, and political confrontations were often fought thousands of miles away from the battleground. Case in point, London — the bustling metropolis where expat Bengalis, and people with conscience of all nationalities launched a civil protest, and thus began a diplomatic struggle against the Pakistani military junta.

March 15, 2022
March 15, 2022

Parenting 101: Understanding the need of giving sex education to children

 Recently, there has been much talk about sex education — long considered a social taboo in Bangladesh. Specialists agree that comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) should be an integral part of school curriculum, and that in an ideal setting, it should begin at home.

March 1, 2022
March 1, 2022

Positive discrimination to create a gender balanced society

Unfortunate as it may be, we still do not live in such a world. Gender equality is a far cry under most circumstances, but we are working together in our society to eradicate discrimination at all levels.

February 20, 2022
February 20, 2022

Sewing for the groom: Points to remember before ordering the perfect wedding sherwani

Designers across town will vouch for the fact that although festivities calm down at the end of winter, the proverbial ‘wedding season’ is now a yearlong phenomenon.

February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022

Celebrating Ekushey

It has been 70 years since that fateful February morning.

December 16, 2021
December 16, 2021

Stories of the liberation war, and how we must never forget to pass it on

Fifty years have now passed since that glorious day in December 1971 when we achieved victory after a battle for nine months.

October 19, 2021
October 19, 2021

Golden girls of the silver screen

When Honey Ryder rises from the waters in a daring costume with conch shells in her hands and a dagger by her side, the world took notice.

October 5, 2021
October 5, 2021

The time when social media was out

The impossible has happened. Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp et al — social media, as we know it, was down for some six hours. And, we survived!