Spotlight
Jahangirnagar University crisis - mired in a stalemate
Amidst all the commotion at Jahangirnagar University, this issue of the Star Weekend attempts to discern the trajectory of the disaster by sieving it through a chronological timeline, collated from reports published in The Daily Star and other major national newspapers. We start from the reappointment of the VC and take the reader through all that has happened till date, all that has brought this renowned academic institution to a standstill.This timeline is certainly not exhaustive. What it demands of the reader is discernment, analysis and conscious awareness of the ever-persistent, wider issues that these events represent. Where does it all begin, and where does it end? Why should a public university be in such a place to begin with?
East Jurain: Worst place to live in Dhaka?
Ashraful Islam, a retired government official, built a two-story house in Dhaka’s east Jurain neighbourhood in 1996. He spent his forty years of savings and even exhausted his wife’s fixed deposit to build this dwelling.
Stone- Crushers Dying of silicosis, failed by courts
Burimari union, a border village nestling in a nook of the Indian district of Cooch Behar, is a village of stones and stone-crushing yards.
Jamdani: A fabric of then and now
Along the banks of the Sitalakhya river in Narayanganj, some 20 villages in Sonargaon, Rupganj, and Siddhirganj in particular, women villagers starch yarn in lime and toasted rice to make warp yarn—the vertical, lengthwise weaves that make up a fabric.
TERROR RISING
The latest, but probably not the last, victim of this culture of impunity is Abrar Fahad, a second-year student of the electrical and electronic engineering department of Bangladesh University of Science and Technology (BUET).
A long, hard look at our teachers
For months, our public universities have been erupting in protests, with students demanding some very basic things: vice-chancellors who are not corrupt, teachers who cannot bribe their way into the university, student political wings who do not extort or oppress (or murder), effective sexual harassment policies, and freedom of expression.
Youth against fear and injustice
The public universities, old and new, are in quite a sorry state. It seems that these institutions exist only to offer support for the government’s misrule.
The story of Teesta
The story of Teesta begins 23,386 ft above the sea-level at the Pahunri glacier nestled between the Tibet and India border.
Menacing Our Society
Md Al Amin, an examinee of the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) 2017 was baffled by an unusual offer from one of his friends.
Where have all the stories gone?
The children's corner at the Boi mela, filled with books, is always a friendly, fun and happening area. In fact, this is the nook where you
The True Treasure Trove
Bangladesh Bank (BB) had a small currency museum in its Motijheel office, which was initially not for public viewing. To launch it to the public, an initiative was taken by Dr Atiur Rahman, the then Governor of Bangladesh Bank, where he allotted the 2nd floor of Bangladesh Bank Training Academy in Mirpur to use as the currency museum. Along with the BB authority, eminent artist Hashem Khan, historian Muntassir Mamoon and architect Robin Hossain jointly worked on the project. Finally, the expanded museum was inaugurated by Speaker of the National Parliament Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on October 5, 2013. Currently, the museum has a collection of 9000 local and foreign currencies, but displays only 2000.
The Festival Prepares
“The global photography spotlight is on Bangladesh. The stars are arriving at our doorstep. It is now up to Bangladeshis to step up the podium. The world of photography beckons.” – Shahidul Alam
Prodigies of Celluloid
Sayeda Abrar Toha Draha, currently a student of class ten at Viqarunnesa Noon School first heard about Children Film Society through her friends and siblings.
Sailing on Antiques
When the Rocket Steamers service was introduced almost a century ago, it was used mostly by the elite classes and considered the fastest mode of water transport; thus, many believe that it is the reason behind the name.
The Debatable Draft Law
Very recently, a law drafted by the Ministry for Women and Children's Affairs stated that if a 16-year-old female gets married with the consent of her parents or the court for justified reasons or under special circumstances, she would not be considered underage or a minor.
Roses, Everywhere!
A mixed bouquet of lilies with fern leaves or a colourful assortment of orchids are undoubtedly magnificent. But let's face it, roses are classic! Who can ever underestimate the power of a bunch of red roses?
10 stories to look back at
As we all try our best to look forward to the New Year – make lists of things to do (better!), to read more, lose weight – in a nutshell, be a better person – we can't help but take a sneak peak at the past. Turn to pages 7-9 and take a look at 10 Star Weekend stories published in the last one year, that we believe have changed us for the better. On a brighter note, the Star Weekend team would like to wish you a happy new 2017!
Christmas for all
Duriya Ismat Jahan Usha is a nine-year-old student at Cordova School. Like every year, her excitement grows as December 25