RBR

Dhaka weekend goals: Birds, fritters, and campus life at JU

In a thicket of Mahagony, Segun, and Raintrees, the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus is a rolling 697.56 acres of topographical beauty. A few kilometres from the main city on the Dhaka-Aricha highway, the JU campus can be your next weekend outing.

1w ago

Shinni: A ‘new-age’ twist on Bangladeshi communal healing

My grandmother, whom I fondly called Bubu, used to bring us batashas -- a sugar candy -- from her visits to her homeland in Pirojpur, Barishal. She would tell us it was a tabarak or shinni, which is a sweet gift or grace from her visits to Holy places.

2w ago

Pickles, memories and November’s magic

November in the tropics has its own weather mix. From a storm brewing at the Bay to roaring gusty wind, to a scorching sunny day, dewy evening, and foggy dawn -- Dhaka’s weather in this month cannot be explained.

2w ago

Why wait for winter? Dive into Dhaka’s dazzling duck delights!

It is duck season, period. Even if winter is nowhere to be seen or felt, the local kitchen markets are quacking up a fat duck show to tease our cravings.

1m ago

More than just pink: it’s about saving lives

Pink is often considered the colour that defines femininity. Thus, in October, which marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a pink ribbon is often used to raise awareness about breast cancer. This practice has been in place since the 90s.

1m ago

From earth to elegance: The allure of artisanal terracotta

A charcoal black druid’s bowl with a rough and aged look, caught my attention while surfing social media. Initially, I thought it must be an antique piece of medieval pottery up for sale on some transcontinental site, but instead, I found it to be a local product from the brand Boho Bangladesh, promoting a sustainable natural lifestyle; it blew my mind.

1m ago

Sharat Ritu: The perfect excuse for a lotus pond boat ride

What is the best thing about Sharat, you ask? For me, it is the change in the city’s breeze, in the soft, golden rays of the sun, and yes, the clear azure sky, with floating white fluffy clouds.

1m ago

Planter shopping: The quest for the perfect terracotta pot

For the gardeners of urban Dhaka, it’s time to prepare for winter flowers. One might say it’s too early, but October is when you need to prune your roses and feed them with compost, besides preparing beds and soil for other winter blooms.

1m ago
March 17, 2023
March 17, 2023

A treat for art aficionados

The historical background of “Bloody 21st” is passionate and nationalistic. Baseer was one of the protestors of February 21, 1952.

March 12, 2023
March 12, 2023

The season for shimul blossoms

This tree is almost invisible to us throughout the year until early spring, when its glorious red crown of showy flowers captures our souls.

March 12, 2023
March 12, 2023

Cleanliness should be your mantra

Cleanliness is next to godliness is a cliched saying we have all heard since childhood but have miserably failed to take heed of this unoriginal saying. Though it means that we must keep ourselves clean, our homes spick and span and our communities unpolluted and dirt-free, sadly, we all know that is not the case.

March 5, 2023
March 5, 2023

Dos and don’ts of menstrual health and hygiene

Many women nowadays have to work outside of their homes for extended periods of time, often without access to appropriate washroom facilities. This can be difficult to manage when it comes to menstruation. This challenging scenario demands a sanitary napkin that can provide reliable protection for at least 12 hours, allowing them to go about their daily lives without worrying about leakage or discomfort. Finding an appropriate product can be essential to ensure that women can be productive and confident at work.

March 5, 2023
March 5, 2023

Rising above adversity: In conversation with Nazrul Islam Ritu

Nazrul Islam Ritu is the first transgender elected union parishad chairperson in Bangladesh. The 44-year-old activist and politician was born on 15 June, 1979, and lives in Trilochanpur, Jhenaidah District, where she is the chairman of Union 6.

March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023

A safe working environment for domestic workers

A child of seven or eight is sent to work because the economic strength of the parents is in dire straits and they cannot afford to feed the child. The sting in this act is so scarred that only a parent can understand the helplessness and void of it all

February 5, 2023
February 5, 2023

Why I love the season of spring

Spring or boshonto is the last of the six Bangla seasons and happens to fall between winter and summer, spreading over the Bangla months of Falgun and Chaitra (mid-February to mid-April).

January 15, 2023
January 15, 2023

Cheat code recipe for chowder

Traditionally, seafood did not suit the deshi palate. We were more accustomed to having freshwater delicacies. Time, however, is changing and we now enjoy delightful, seafood dishes. The following is a recipe of a popular seafood dish, with added cheat codes that make it easier to make.

December 25, 2022
December 25, 2022

Winter tea parties to warm up the soul

If you have a veranda decked out with plants and ferns, place two garden chairs and the setting is perfect for a tea. Simply spread the tea table for your spouse and yourself, with just two cups of steaming milk tea and ghee toast, and it is party enough. In this busy metro-life of yours, you two do not have the luxury to spend quality time together let alone enjoy a cup of tea in silence.

December 19, 2022
December 19, 2022

Complicated recipes made easy

In this day and age, it’s very difficult to find time to do just about anything, meaning much less time in the kitchen, save for the weekends. But if the mood demands something scrumptious, lack of time is the last thing that will work as an excuse! These recipes are dedicated for those express situations where time is short but craving is not.