Mathews Chiran

How many Indigenous authors can you name?

There is a lack of recognition for Indigenous writers and publishers at national events like the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

7m ago

Eid shopping a priority above health safety?

The government has directed all supermarkets, malls and shops of Dhaka city to adopt precautionary measures to stop the spread of Covid-19. However, the markets are struggling to maintain proper health and safety measures as there are large crowds of people shopping before Eid-ul-Fitr.

3y ago

Filing complaints now easier than ever

It was quite a pleasant surprise for Kawser Alam when he found Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) workers clearing the dumped waste in front of his house, a day after he lodged a complaint through an app called “Sobar Dhaka”.

3y ago

Footpath, road blocked by DNCC’s structure

Dhaka residents usually come across footpaths and roads being blocked by vendors and parked vehicles. As a result, they may have to jaywalk or manoeuvre their vehicles through the obstacles, hoping that one day authorities will clear the path.

3y ago

Here’s hoping next year’s book fair is Covid-19 free

Yesterday was the last day of this year’s Ekushey Boimela. Marked by a delayed start and a lockdown announcement midway, the book fair -- originally scheduled to end on April 14 -- ended two days earlier due to the surge in Covid-19 cases across the country.

3y ago

(Mist) cannons to fight pollution!

To control dust pollution in the capital and maintain air quality, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) have begun operating two truck-mounted

3y ago

Ekushey Book Fair : ‘Better promotion would have drawn more visitors’

As soon as the gate of Amar Ekushey book fair opened at 3pm yesterday, visitors started coming in. Among lone visitors and groups, there were students, couples, families university students, couples and families joining in the festivity of the fair.

3y ago

Ekushey Book Fair : Young readers thrilled to meet favourite writer

On the fifth day of the book fair, the crowd was a little relaxed at the Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday.

3y ago

December 1, 2018

Know your status

Shirajul Islam was trying hard to stay awake. In between yawning, he was scratching his scruffy beard, not knowing what to say. It was Wednesday; 2:00pm to be exact. He looked tired.

November 24, 2018

Preserving heritage

At the break of dawn yesterday, a group of youths gathered in front of a field in the capital. Wearing “dakmanda” and “daksharee” (colourful attires made from raw cotton fabric traditionally worn like sarong), they offered prayers for a bountiful harvest.

November 17, 2018

The miracle of a mother's touch

When Shanta became pregnant for the second time, her family was elated.

October 16, 2018

Where no one is refused lunch

As the sun beat down on the capital at around 1:00pm yesterday, sexagenarian Khijir Ahmed was seen looking for a spot to sit under the shade of a tree inside the High Court mazar (shrine), waiting for Zuhr prayers to be over.

October 9, 2018

Only on signboard

A worn-out signboard stands on 4.16 acres of land on the west side of the National Parliament, reading “Playground open only to disabled persons”. There's no entrance to the ground, which looks practically abandoned -- full of thickets and not remotely resembling a playground of any sort.

September 17, 2018