Life & Living

Life & Living

Pristine beaches and emerald Waters: Top 5 destinations for island hopping in Asia

Here, you can find the best of Asia in terms of island hopping that you don’t want to miss in your next tour.

36m ago

Brain rot: How to beat it!

But what exactly is brain rot?

1d ago

Grey divorce: Navigating life, love, and mental health after 50

What are “grey divorces” and why are they suddenly trending?

1d ago

Tourist ships resume service on Cox’s Bazar-Saint Martin’s route

The ship is expected to reach Saint Martin around 4:00pm.

3d ago

16 days of Activism / Celebrating the Women Who Redefined Bangladesh Sports

Star Lifestyle caught up with four such female sportspersons who have had their impacts on Bangladesh’s upward journey in global sports.

3d ago

16 Days of Activism / Breaking Barriers: Women athletes leading the fight for change

Star Lifestyle speaks to some of the women athletes of Bangladesh who are role models for countless young girls across the country.

3d ago

Interview / Hitting all the right notes!

A singer, fitness enthusiast, sports model, and teacher – Wahida Hussain has carved a unique niche for herself

4d ago

Painting the world in pink

Pink is an interesting shade and artist, Antora Mehrukh Azad has made it her signature

4d ago
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

Metallica to hold virtual concert in Fortnite

Metallica, the world-renowned rock band, is set to hold a virtual concert in the popular video game Fortnite. Named 'Metallica: Fuel Fire Fury', Fortnite players can tune in to the virtual concert on two set dates: June 22 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 11 pm ET, and June 23 at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm ET.

5m ago

BTS’ RM sets new record with his latest No. 1 single

BTS’ leader RM returns to the US charts, only weeks after releasing his latest solo album. The global star made a comeback as a featured artiste on Megan Thee Stallion's new single "Neva Play," which has quickly become a success for both artistes.

2m ago

No Bangladeshi films in 30th Kolkata Int'l Film Festival

Bangladeshi film "Dear Maloti" could not be included as its Asian premiere is scheduled for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

1w ago

Indian news agency ANI sues Netflix for using its content in hijack drama

The series, called "IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack" - a fictionalised version of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 from Kathmandu - has been embroiled in controversy since its release last month.

2m ago

Actor Donald Sutherland dies at 88

The tall actor with a deep voice, piercing blue eyes and mischievous smile managed to switch effortlessly from character roles to romantic leads, opposite the likes of Jane Fonda and Julie Christie

5m ago

In pictures: Red carpet arrivals at Cannes

The 77th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Out of competition - Red Carpet Arrivals

6m ago

Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world

As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.

6m ago

'Baby Reindeer' inspiration sues Netflix for $170 mn

A British woman who claims she was the inspiration for the stalker in the smash Netflix hit "Baby Reindeer" sued the streamer Thursday, demanding $170 million in damages.

6m ago
Showbiz

Showbiz

Hilarious Kaarina, serious Kaarina

From working as a content creator to making her debut on the silver screen with “36-24-36”, Kaarina Kaisar’s transition happened by chance. Nevertheless, she confidently stepped into the role of Syra, using it to highlight an important message of body positivity.

4d ago

The Nishat Priom phenomenon

With nearly a decade in the industry, Nishat Priom has captivated audiences on both television and OTT platforms. As one of the earliest talents in the OTT space, she consistently takes on diverse roles, pushing boundaries and exploring new dimensions in her craft.

1m ago

Serene Sarika

A spontaneous girl, who entered showbiz in 2006 as a model while still in school, quickly made her mark in the industry with grace and charm. Sarika Subrin, a household name for her roles in small-screen dramas, is now making waves on OTT platforms. She has also been the host of the longest-running celebrity show, “Amar Ami”, for four years now.

1m ago

The blissful sounds of Puja

While much of the attention during the Puja season is drawn to the artistry of the idols or the grandeur of the festivities, the role of traditional music and instruments remains a deeply rooted, often overlooked aspect.

1m ago

The artivist

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

2m ago

Steadfast Siam, valiant Siam

“Everyone is free to use their words as they wish, but it’s disheartening to see behaviour that doesn’t sit right with me,” shared Siam Ahmed. The actor is equally as shocked as his other colleagues in the fraternity after the exposé of the WhatsApp group ‘Alo Ashbei’, which became the talk of the town as some of its members are veteran actors of the industry.

2m ago

We need time to heal: Toya

Toya and her husband, Sayed Zaman Shawon, who is also an artiste, both joined the movement. They have also sent aid and volunteered to support flood victims.

3m ago

Staying silent is never an option: Safa Kabir

At the outset of the anti-discrimination student movement, only a few artistes voiced their support. Among those who did was actress Safa Kabir, who felt a sense of duty and stepped out of her comfort zone to ask, “Why are these kids being beaten on the roads?” She also suggested that these students are young and need to be dealt with love, not aggression, leaving her message to the protestors, “Dear students, I’m with you all.”

3m ago
Star Health

Star Health

Dengue death toll crosses 500-mark

7 die, 629 hospitalised till this morning

19h ago

3 die of dengue in 24 hours, 705 hospitalised

The death toll rose to 497, while the total number of cases rose to 93,056.

1d ago

3 die of dengue, 675 get hospitalised

At least three dengue patients died in the last 24 hours while 675 patients were hospitalised till yesterday morning.

3d ago

Three more die of dengue, 354 get hospitalised

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till yesterday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 461 this year.

4d ago

7 die of dengue

837 hospitalised in 24 hours

5d ago

4 die of dengue in 24 hours, 888 hospitalised

At least four dengue patients died in the last 24 hours while 888 patients were hospitalised till this morning

6d ago

Chattogram city: Multidrug-resistant organisms found in drinking water

A recent study has confirmed the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in the drinking water at various restaurants, tea stalls, food carts, and diagnostic centres across Chattogram city, posing serious public health concerns.

1w ago

2 die of dengue

934 hospitalised till this morning

1w ago
Satireday

Satireday

Satire / BBA student gets married, calls it the best networking experience of his life

Nothing is impossible – if you believe in your ability to make the right connections, that is.

1m ago

Satire / iPhone 16 users claim biggest feature is a scam

The iPhone 16 series launched a couple of weeks ago, coinciding with a sudden rise in online ads by people selling human kidneys.

2m ago

Government losing ‘Aandar’ control trying to bring it under control

In an unprecedented twist, the government keeps losing Aandar control while attempting to bring it under control. Aanda, or egg -- whatever people choose to call it doesn’t matter anymore as they are having breakfast without eggs.

2m ago

Holy League unveils new leftist wing

“We represent the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the majority of Bangladesh. Our policies, philosophies and ideals are all BLESSED. You must understand this,” he yelled at the crowd.

2m ago

A tale from the future: Ordinary students celebrate lynching 100th person

The year is 2028. Ordinary students have done something extraordinary yet again. Yesterday, they organised “Lunch for Lynching” to celebrate beating a hundred people to death since the “lucky seventh independence”.

2m ago

Satire / ‘Natok Kom Koro Pio’

“Natok kom koro Pio,” the man said, his white beard shaking with fury.

2m ago

Altruistic prisoners demand work-from-jail permission

When the world is busy inventing and discovering new things, the people of Chapasthan 2.0 are busy coming up with new demands with every passing hour.

2m ago

Satire / Nation struggles with newfound freedom of speech

Who would have thought? From the yoke of authoritarianism, where everything you said had to be checked for the presence of words that could anger the powers that be, today, Bangladeshis can say whatever they want to.

2m ago
TOGGLE

TOGGLE

The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer

The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.

1y ago

Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable

And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!

1y ago

So long, goodbye

The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

1y ago

Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra

Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.

1y ago

Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning

To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.

1y ago

Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh

Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support. 

1y ago

Safeguarding workspaces from escalating cyber attacks: A comprehensive guide

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.

1y ago

The setting sun

With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner. 

1y ago
In Focus

In Focus

Dreaming about Ladyland

More than a century ago, revered Bengali writer Begum Rokeya in her short story Sultana’s Dream had visualized futuristic inventions like solar cookers, atmospheric water generators and flying air-cars. She dreamt of Ladyland as a feminist utopia without crime, the death penalty and epidemics. Here men were shut indoors and responsible for childcare and household chores, while women with “quicker” brains pursued science and shaped inventions.

14h ago

The Faces behind ‘Made in Bangladesh’

In a conversation with Lamia Karim, professor of anthropology at the University of Oregon, Eugene, about her research on Bangladesh's RMG workers.

1w ago

BREAKING BARRIERS / The Journey of British-Bengali Women in Higher Education

In recent years, British-Bengali women have made significant strides in higher education, challenging stereotypes and overcoming systemic barriers. Drawing on in-depth interviews, this article delves into their journey, highlighting the challenges and achievements of these young women as they navigate their way through university and beyond.

2w ago

BIRTH CENTENARY OF KHAN SARWAR MURSHID / The Last Romantic

In 1961, the Arts Faculty of the University of Dhaka was still located at the southern end of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. It was there, under the high-ceilinged rooms with their antique benches that Dr Khan Sarwar Murshid taught the MA English Preliminary students.

3w ago

Blood on the Barred Walls: The 1975 Jail Killing Revisited

In 1975, Bangladesh’s political landscape was irrevocably altered by the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and almost his entire family (except for his two daughters, who were abroad) at their Dhanmondi 32 residence.

1m ago

From Sultanate to Mughal: The Architectural Legacy of Bengal

In conversation with Professor Perween Hasan, distinguished historian and expert on architecture of the Indian subcontinent

1m ago

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Muslim Renaissance in South Asia

This year marks the 207th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was born into a prominent family with ties to the Mughal court in Delhi on 17 October 1817, and passed away on 27 March 1898.

1m ago

From Controversy to Classic: Lal Shalu After 75 Years

Syed Waliullah’s (1922-1971) debut novel Lal Shalu drew significant attention upon its release but faced mixed reviews, including outright rejection. Since then, it has been translated into multiple languages, adapted for the stage, and made into a film. Today, it is regarded as the first major modern novel by a Bengali Muslim writer.

1m ago
Star Youth

Star Youth

We should rethink our approach to online political discussions

Political discussions today often devolve into verbal battlegrounds, where the goal seems less about understanding and more about winning. Social media, creating echo chambers and shrinking attention spans, amplifies this by rewarding outrage and oversimplification over nuance and depth.

1m ago

Navigating life as an only child

The absence of siblings did not make me lonely. Instead, it taught me to value deep, meaningful connections with those I allow in my life.

1m ago

Being nice is underrated

While we continuously chase compliments on our looks, success, skills, and abilities, we often overlook the impact of being nice or kind on people, including ourselves. We fail to realise the weight of what it truly means to be kind and nice.

1m ago

Violence against stray animals has to stop

Cruelty against cats and dogs has long persisted. These poor creatures remain vulnerable and often go unfed, kicked, or even beaten to death on the streets. Such acts of violence are a blatant destruction of human law. Nevertheless, it is disturbingly accepted as a common occurrence when it comes to strays.

1m ago

Dealing with PCOS at an early age

PCOS is associated with significant health risks, including infertility, increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It can also impact the psychological well-being of women, particularly those dealing with hirsutism (excessive hair growth) and menstrual irregularities, which may lead to depression or anxiety.

1m ago

Debunking dark mode myths

Dark mode isn’t really a recent technological invention and those who are into programming know that it's been around since the digital revolution started.

2m ago

Adopt, don’t shop: The case against buying pets

Stray cats and dogs live a life marred by abuse and normalised cruelty, often passing away from extreme starvation and malnutrition. One adoption is one more animal saved from a short life and a painful death.

2m ago

Are you thinking of getting into volunteering?

Many students have opted for volunteering as an activity to enhance their CVs and better equip themselves for securing future opportunities. Universities and employers value volunteer experience as it demonstrates commitment and a willingness to help others. However, many often jump at the first opportunity without considering whether it aligns with their goals and values.

2m ago
Shift

Shift

Shift / Avik Anwar shines at Renault Clio Cup Middle East

Avik Anwar, along with his all-Bangladeshi team, has delivered a stellar performance at the Renault Clio Cup Middle East.

2d ago

Hyundai recalls over 145,000 Ioniq and Genesis EVs over power defect

Hyundai is recalling more than 145,000 Ioniq and Genesis electric vehicles (EVs) due to a fault in the 12-volt battery charging system that could result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of accidents.

1w ago

Hyundai unveils new electric SUV, Ioniq 9

Hyundai has recently unveiled the Ioniq 9, the company's new three-row electric SUV. Based on Hyundai's 'Seven' concept revealed in 2021, the Ioniq 9 is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the same architecture used for its other electric models, including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.

1w ago

Shift / Jaguar rebrands itself in shift to electric vehicles

Jaguar, the storied British automaker, has unveiled a reimagined brand identity as it accelerates its transition to an all-electric lineup.

1w ago

Batmobile from 'The Dark Knight' now on sale for $2.99 million

Warner Bros. Discovery is offering a highly exclusive, screen-accurate replica of the Batmobile used by Christian Bale’s Batman for a staggering $2.99 million, in honour of Batman’s 85th anniversary.

2w ago

Tesla to recall 2,400 Cybertrucks over safety issues

Tesla has announced a recall of 2,431 of its recently launched Cybertruck pickups in the US, citing a potential risk of drive power loss which could heighten the chance of crashes.

2w ago

Electric air taxi test flight successfully conducted in Japan

Joby Aviation, Inc., a company specialising in electric air taxis, has successfully completed its first international exhibition flight in Japan. The flight recently took place at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka.

4w ago

Toyota and NTT to invest $3.26 bln in autonomous driving research

Toyota Motor Corp. and the Japanese telecom company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. (NTT) are investing 500 billion yen ($3.26 billion) in artificial intelligence research and development to create advanced software aimed at making autonomous driving safer.

1m ago
Daily Star Books

Daily Star Books

16 Days of Activism / Of homes and the worlds: Women, violence, and the domestic space

November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which goes until December 10, Human Rights Day.

6d ago

THE SHELF / Storytelling, struggles, and reimagining identity

Patriarchy would have you believe that women are inherently complicated—creatures who must be defined, boxed in, or reduced to stereotypes.

6d ago

EVENT REPORT / 7 Sisters in the library: Interpersonal conversations and catharsis found

The event switched gears soon enough, and the final hour saw Shala Gallery turned into a rave.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / An intellectual debt worth remembering

The history of Bangladesh’s conception is incomplete without recognising the multitudes of sacrifices and labour that academics and intellectuals had poured into their aspirations for Bangladesh, often at the cost of their own safety and livelihood.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Regional cooperation and the challenges Bangladesh faces

Bangladesh is currently going through turbulent times as it tries to find its way out from dictatorial political rule towards an uncertain future. During the past decade,  Bangladesh did achieve significant economic progress, but it came with increased economic inequality, unparalleled corruption, and loss of personal freedom.

1w ago

THE SHELF / 5 Postcolonial novels: Voices from the Bengal Province

Here is a short list of her chants in fiction, creating a narrative of Bangali postcolonial resistance

2w ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Taking folk melodies of Bangladesh to the world

Folk Melody of Bangladesh: An Anthology of Bangladesh Folk Music in Standard Notation is a music anthology that compiles 204 carefully chosen folk songs of Bangladesh that date from the 16th century.

2w ago

BOOK REVIEW: GRAPHIC NOVEL / Down the rabbit hole of science and art

The city of Prague, now the capital of the Czech Republic, was once the breeding hotspot of the 20th century’s greatest writers, scientists, scholars, and activists.

2w ago
Star Holiday

Star Holiday

The Pamir Highway: A road trip to remember

Our journey began with the dream of exploring Central Asia in a motorhome, but time constraints and border challenges reshaped our plans.

1m ago

Visiting four African nations in 12 days

Time is the one thing we all want but can never get enough of. No matter how hard we try to hold onto it, it always slips away.

2m ago

A Day in Jaipur: A city of splendid forts, mahals and people

Since childhood, my imagination of Rajasthan was shaped by Satyajit Ray's classic detective film Sonar Kella -- a thrilling tale that masterfully captured the beauty, tradition, and history of this land of kings and forts.

2m ago

Overlanding in Africa Touring 10 countries in 93 days

“Overlanding”, might be more familiar to Westerners, but it’s a concept anyone can embrace. It isn’t a typical vacation or guided tour. It’s a self-sufficient adventure travel style where one can conquer long distances, exploring for weeks, months, or even years.

3m ago

Scaling Mount Whitney

“My God! How can a mountain change so much in just a month?”

3m ago

Khiva: a Central Asian gem on Silk Road

The destination was Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s most well-preserved ancient cities on the Silk Road.

5m ago

A couple’s Eurotrip in 20 days

This little blue bubble that we call our home is enormous. It is not humanely possible to get a sense of how big and diverse this world is by travelling in a lifetime.

6m ago

Iguazu Falls: Largest waterfall system on Earth

Diego Maradona. As we tread upon its soil for the first time, the richness and intricacy of its history unfolded before us.

6m ago
Weekend Read

Weekend Read

Rethinking your weekend plans

“What do I do during the weekend?”

4d ago

Lease land, grow your own veggies, grains

It all began with a surprise addition to lunch -- long bean mash.

1w ago

‘Sidelined and forgotten’

Female activists of the July uprising fight for recognition

2w ago

How Bangladesh can reduce lightning deaths

As the sky darkens and the familiar rumble of thunder echoes across the horizon, farmers and fishermen working in open fields and water bodies sense the imminent danger of lightning. In Bangladesh, lightning is one of the deadliest natural disasters, claiming hundreds of lives each year.

3w ago

The eco-warriors of Bangladesh

Estiak Ahmed Sajit is currently a third-year student at Khulna University. In 2007, his family was forcibly displaced from Rajbari to Keraniganj due to river erosion.

1m ago

Restoring vision, restoring lives

Imagine a world where everything looks faded. The colours around you do not seem as enchanting as they once appeared; your children no longer ask you to sew that hemline or help with the accounts. Memories fade fast along with your eyesight and you slowly begin to feel useless.

1m ago

A compartment of their own

I remember the first time I stepped into the female compartment in the metro, I knew this marked a significant difference in the commute experience of women.

1m ago

Durga Puja, a festival of faith and togetherness

As dawn breaks and the first rays of sunlight  streams through your window, you hear the rhythmic beat of drums and the joyful clanging of cymbals coming from a nearby temple.

1m ago