Life & Living

Life & Living

Pitha season in Dhaka: Stories of Dhaka’s female pitha-makers

Bhapa pitha, patishapta, chitoi - how often do we ask about the hands that made them?

21h ago

Wedding Season / Of lehengas and ghararas

Chosen for weddings and other celebrations these outfits offer a welcome variation as variety is the spice of life!

20h ago

Creating the perfect Christmas atmosphere at home

The season of joy, warmth, and togetherness is upon us.

20h ago

Humour / 50/50 marriage? More like 90/10 in disguise

Meet Runi, a 33-year-old woman living in the metropolitan of Dhaka.

1d ago

How the nativity scene became a global tradition  

Like the events it symbolises, the story of the nativity scene itself is one steeped in history.

21h ago

Table for two (or more)! A guide to arranging your first dining space

When setting up your first home together, one of the most cherished spaces you will design is the dining room.

19h ago

Kundalini Rising / Unlocking the secrets to a longer health span

By improving health span, individuals can enjoy an extended period of productivity, independence, and joy.

1d ago
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

‘Bangladesh first concert’: Artistes vow to stay united for country

The capital’s Manik Mia Avenue was teeming with people from all walks of life since yesterday afternoon, as they waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes.

1w ago

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.

6m 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)

1m 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.

3m 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

6m 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

7m 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.

7m 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.

3w 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.

2m 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.

2m 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.

3m 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.”

4m ago
Star Health

Star Health

Health cadre exclusion proposal rejected

The BCS Health Cadre Association organised the press conference protesting the recommendation of Public Administration Reform Commission.

2h ago

Mental health disorders should not be stigmatised or seen as a curse

Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood aspects of human health.

2d ago

Alternative treatments for anxiety

Anxiety disorders are common worldwide. While therapy and medication are traditional treatments, alternative therapies can be a valuable addition for managing mild anxiety. These methods aim to reduce anxiety symptoms with fewer side effects and can complement standard treatments when approved by a healthcare professional.

2d ago

Combating oral diseases through tobacco harm reduction

Leading international health experts unveiled a pioneering four-point plan to address the global crisis of oral diseases, which afflict more than 3.5 billion people worldwide.

2d ago

Stops: A revolutionary treatment for low back pain

Over 80% of people worldwide experience low back pain (LBP) at some point in their lives.

2d ago

Understanding high arches: causes, symptoms, and treatment options

High arches, or cavus foot, occur when the arch of your foot is raised more than normal, creating a structural issue that can lead to foot pain and discomfort. Unlike flat feet, where the arch is low, high arches cause the middle part of the foot to be excessively elevated.

2d ago

Early surgery vs. endoscopy for painful chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis, marked by persistent abdominal pain and compromised quality of life, is commonly treated with surgery or endoscopy.

2d ago

T-BOOSTER / A revolutionary step in immunity enhancement

The journey to restore immunity and reverse age-related decline has taken an exciting leap with the development of T-BOOSTER. This groundbreaking natural food supplement is poised to address a critical issue: thymic involution, a process where the thymus gland shrinks with age, leading to a decline in T-cell production and a weakened immune system.

2d 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.

2m 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”.

3m ago

Satire / ‘Natok Kom Koro Pio’

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

3m 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.

3m 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.

3m 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

Birth centenary of Prof AF Salahuddin Ahmed / Growth of National Consciousness

Although the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state is a fact of recent history, this country has been the home of an ancient civilization.

1d ago

Wartime treatment: The heroes who saved lives, silently 

While the armed freedom fighters fought valiantly on the battlefield during the 1971 war, a quieter yet equally crucial battle was being waged on the medical front.

1w ago

Gender and Genocide in Bangladesh

History is complicated; simplifying it is the work of politicians. My research on Bangladesh challenges the national memory of the 1971 war, as represented at the Liberation War Museum.

2w ago

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.

2w 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.

4w 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.

1m 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.

1m 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
Star Youth

Star Youth

Doomscrolling done right

Even if staying up-to-date with these occurrences takes a toll on our mental health, can we turn a blind eye to it when the world is burning?

15h ago

Challenges women face when trying to play in public spaces

For women, safety is a prerequisite for participation but even then, it is rarely if ever ensured.  

15h ago

MajhaMajhi’s performance art exploring wellness and the concept of shadow work

MajhaMajhi’s art performance at Dhaka Flow wasn’t just for entertainment. It was a call to action – a chance to confront our shadows and embark on a journey of self-empowerment.

2d ago

A master procrastinator’s guide on how not to procrastinate

Procrastinating may be a guilty pleasure or even a coping mechanism for many of us. However, it is undeniable that the guilt of procrastination devours us from within and is detrimental to our mental well-being. If so, how exactly can we untangle ourselves from its sticky threads?

2w ago

Female youth voices from Bangladesh at COP29

The voices of young women from Bangladesh resonated powerfully at COP29. Representing diverse communities and experiences, Saila Sobnom Richi, Farzana Farak Jhumu, and Fariha Aumi embodied the spirit of youth leadership in addressing climate justice.

2w ago

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
Shift

Shift

CFMOTO officially launches 6 bikes in Bangladesh

CFMOTO, a Chinese motorcycle brand, has officially launched six bikes including its flagship models the 300SR, 250NK, and 250SR, along with the 150SC, 250CL-C, and 230 DUAL on December 19 at Capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

4d ago

Honda and Nissan discuss potential merger

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have confirmed preliminary discussions about a possible merger, a move that could reshape the global automotive landscape.

4d ago

Amazon officially begins selling cars online

Amazon has officially entered the online car sales market with the launch of Amazon Autos, an e-commerce platform enabling customers to search for, order, and purchase new vehicles directly from dealerships.

1w ago

General Motors to stop making Cruise robotaxis

General Motors (GM) has decided to stop developing robotaxis at its Cruise division, citing high costs, lengthy timelines, and increased competition in the autonomous vehicle market.

1w ago

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.

3w 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.

1m 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.

1m 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.

1m ago
Daily Star Books

Daily Star Books

FROM PAGES TO PIXELS / Fascism, propaganda, and resistance: ‘Wicked’ as a mirror to our times

The basic premise is a powerful one: What if the Wicked Witch of the West wasn't so bad after all, and what if the Wizard and the seemingly perfect society he oversaw were the real threats?

3d ago

EVENT REPORT / ‘Catfish and Avatars’: Discussions on cyber lives and cyber safety

The phrases “cyber safety” and “cyber lives” may seem vague and not very well understood among Bangladesh’s netizens.

5d ago

EVENT REPORT / UPL marks its 49th anniversary with book fair celebration

The University Press Limited (UPL) celebrated its anniversary with readers, writers and well-wishers. The exchange of greetings was held from 4 PM to 8 PM at the UPL central office, located at Green Road in Farmgate area of Dhaka, on December 13 (Friday).

5d ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Redefining aviation safety culture

Research on Aviation Safety: Safety is a Mindset by Air Commodore Munim Khan Majlish is a fresh look at the concept of aviation safety challenging standard ideas about safety.

5d ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Confronting cultural silence on IPV in Bangladeshi communities

Proverbs, short and profound, often sum up wisdom passed down through generations. Bangla, one of the world’s most spoken languages, is rich with such gems. One such saying in the language—”manush ki bolbe?”—is central to Intimacies of Violence, a debut book by Dr Nadine Shaanta Murshid, an associate professor at the University at Buffalo.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / A tale of survival, dominance, and self-discovery in colonial Bengal

Obayed Haq’s Bangla novel, Arkathi, is almost a bildungsroman tale filled with adventure and self-reflection. In true bildungsroman fashion, where the protagonist progresses into adulthood with room for growth and change, a bulk of Haq’s novel talks about the spiritual journey that an orphan, Naren, takes through a forest in order to mature, and comes out on the other side to realise a community’s deep, hidden truth.

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / I love you; it’s ruining my life

Someone in a chat group somewhere called Sally Rooney the ‘Taylor Swift’ of the literary world, and now I cannot unsee it.

2w ago

ALT LIT / How to make incendiary literature

Zines are a new name for an old thing. They are the revolutionary pamphlets of the 1930s, and the underground student manifestos of the ‘50-’60s. They are a distant relative of the tattered choti mags. There are many other examples from around the world of self-published, self-distributed, and often dangerous reading material.

2w ago
Star Holiday

Star Holiday

Madhya Pradesh: A journey into ancient India

Nestled in the very heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and nature. With its rich heritage, the state offers a unique window into ancient India. It hosts three Unesco World Heritage sites, 11 natural parks, 24 wildlife sanctuaries and six tiger reserves. However, the state, with all its archaeological sites, turned out to be a treasure trove to me, a traveller drawn to history.

1w ago

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.

2m 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.

3m 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?”

4m 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.

6m 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.

7m ago
Weekend Read

Weekend Read

Madhur Canteen: The story of an eatery and Bangladesh

If one says Madhur Canteen and Bangladesh’s history is inextricably interlinked, will it be an exaggeration?

3d ago

History of Madhur Canteen

The canteen was founded in 1921 by Aditya Chandra Dey, Madhuda’s father, who received permission from the university authorities to open a food business on the university grounds when Dhaka University was established.

3d ago

Crown jewels of Bengal

Scattered across Bangladesh are countless archaeological treasures that reveal its prosperous past. While time has erased some, many remain hidden beneath the earth, awaiting discovery. Among the surviving remnants are ancient fortresses, temples, mosques, monasteries and so on -- testaments to the region’s rich history and cultural legacy.

1w ago

A dignified welcome

Dhaka airport finally opens lounges dedicated to migrant workers and their families

2w ago

The Impact of Remittance Warriors

Remittances remain a lifeline for Bangladesh’s economy, contributing around 6-7 percent to GDP, according to financial reports.

2w ago

Rethinking your weekend plans

“What do I do during the weekend?”

3w ago

Lease land, grow your own veggies, grains

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

1m ago

‘Sidelined and forgotten’

Female activists of the July uprising fight for recognition

1m ago