Shafin Ahmed: The voice of our youth and the echo of our memories
Shafin Ahmed, the soul of Bangladesh's rock music scene, was not just a singer; he embodied our youth, dreams, and memories. Born on 14 February, 1961, in the heart of Kolkata, Shafin was destined for greatness. His foray into the band Miles truly defined his career and left an indelible...
Travel
Niladri lake: Swap your city blues for nature’s hues this monsoon
For those yearning to break free from the clutches of hectic urban life – especially this monsoon – Niladri Lake, also known as Shaheed Siraj Lake, offers a serene retreat. Tucked away in the lush landscape of Tekerghat village in Tahirpur Upazila in the Sunamganj district – Niladri Lake is a breathtaking natural reservoir that captures the vivid interplay of nature and tranquillity.
5 most popular hill stations in South Asia
As an elevated town from the nearby plain and valley, hill stations offer a stunning retreat. Away from the chaos of urban hustle and bustle, its clean atmosphere and exclusive nature uplifts one’s physical and mental being.
Mass Murder Reported in East Pakistan / The Milwaukee Journal
Mass Murder Reported in East Pakistan
Food & Recipes
Architect by day, baker by passion: Arifa Malik Bristy on crafting delightful cookies
The worlds of architecture and baking are certainly quite different. Yet, both require precision and planning, which architect Arifa Malik Bristy – the CEO of architectural firm, Irenderer – has mastered.
Bored of plain guava? Try these salads and thank us later
Here are four salads you can whip up using guava. And you’ll realise that it isn’t just some average green fruit — it’s as unique as it is sweet, but without too many calories.
Our pick for your pick: Mango recipes for summer
Indulge in the taste of summer with our handpicked mango recipes — a compilation of some of our favourite mango recipes. From delectable salads to luscious desserts and refreshing beverages, these dishes celebrate the season's favourite fruit in deliciously creative ways.
Why judging our taste for red meat is a recipe for disaster
With the rise of trendy diets, technicalities, and jargon from the "plant-based" movement, it's enough to send an average foodie into a spiral of culinary confusion. This is why most veteran meat lovers, who relish their biriyani and beef bhuna, remain unfazed by such diet wars.
Shutki’s trip to Detroit: How shutki pizza is winning American hearts
The story of shutki pizza is one of cultural exchange and culinary innovation, showcasing how traditional flavours can find new expressions and appreciation in diverse contexts.
Health & Fitness
Sip your way to better health: The many benefits of chamomile tea
Whether you are winding down after a long day, seeking relief from a health ailment, or simply enjoying a moment of tranquillity chamomile tea stands out as a timeless and versatile herbal infusion. Here are some of the benefits of chamomile tea that experts frequently highlight.
Why dragon fruit is the best thing to happen to your diet
Once an exotic fruit grown in China and neighbouring countries, it has now become a summer staple in Bangladesh. Farming of pitaya — dragon fruit — is common and the tropical fruit has become popular for its unique external structure, sweet taste, and texture.
Mastering menstrual nutrition for balance and energy
A healthy menstrual cycle involves more than just timing; it's about understanding how hormonal shifts impact our bodies. From mood swings to energy dips and hunger pangs, these fluctuations can disrupt daily life. However, with a planned diet, these symptoms can be managed effectively.
5 menstruation hygiene reminders
On average, the menstrual cycle lasts about a week. In a lifetime, a woman menstruates for about seven years. People would assume we should get used to our regular monthly visitors by the first few years. No matter how uncomfortable these customary visits are, we must remember to properly care for our menstrual hygiene.
Is yoga the secret to enhancing memory and learning?
Emerging research suggests that yoga may serve as a preventive measure against dementia and cognitive degeneration.
Menstrual woes: PMDD and its symptoms, causes, and treatment
PMDD is a clinical disorder, yet, it remains shrouded in misunderstanding and misdiagnosis. To accurately understand and manage PMDD, we talked to renowned psychiatrist Professor Dr Anwara Syed Haq MBBS, FCPS, MRCPsych (London), who offered her valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and effective coping strategies.
Are you eating right this summer? A nutritionist’s guide to healthy diets
In the sweltering heat of a Bangladeshi summer, our bodies crave something different. Rather than sticking to our usual diet, one needs to bring change in their food habits.
Food for thought: Things to eat to improve mental health
It's 2024 and we all know the importance of a healthy diet for physical health. But what about its impact on our mental well-being? Just like the rest of our body, the brain thrives on nourishment and the quality of that nourishment significantly influences our mood, cognitive function, and even our resilience to stress.
Life & Living Multimedia
Navigating Dhaka's Eid shopping scene on a budget
By now, many have already spent a good chunk of their time shopping for friends and families. After all, can you put a price on the smile of your loved ones after gifting them their Eid dress?
My Dhaka / Comrade, give me a cup!
Yet, the tiny, yellow-walled tea stall attracts customers like bees to flowers. “Comrade, give me a cup,” is how they ask for tea.
The colourful cauliflowers of Bangladesh
Instead of the regular old white cauliflowers - you can now have cauliflowers that are red, yellow, pink, or purple.
Shankha Dasgupta: Meet the genius behind Guti
Shankha Dasgupta is the genius behind Guti, and anyone who has followed his work over the years knows precisely how exceptional he is. The much-anticipated show, Guti, came out on Chorki in January, leaving the viewers binging.
Despite charging fees, needs of passengers neglected
<p>Terminal fees are being imposed on passengers travelling to India. However, there are currently no provisions for the use of restrooms at the Benapole International Passenger Terminal. </p><p>Find out more in today's Star Newsbytes</p>
Two monsoons, and counting
Monsoon has always been a joyous season for me. People speak of the monsoon blues but the rains come with a sense of thrill and awe, especially in the brief minutes just before it actually starts pouring.
Work less, do more, and still catch your breaks? That’s the Pomodoro promise
Do you struggle to stay focused on your work? If the answer is yes, don’t throttle yourself with guilt. It’s quite common to lose attention as distractions are a part of life, be it social media reels, texts, phone calls, food cravings, movies, or a friend’s visit. So, how to overcome this barrier when you are on a tight deadline? The Pomodoro Technique may have the answer!
Sofa set ideas for your new home
Moving into a new house as a young married couple can be a daunting experience. There are a hundred to-do lists and you always need to figure out what to start with. One of the crucial decisions is how to decorate the living space.
Confessions of a donkey enthusiast
A casual Google search started it all. Apparently, the number of people “killed” by donkeys is greater than the number of lives claimed in plane accidents annually!
A new school for your child? What parents need to know
Transitions are hard at any stage of life, but for a school-going child, it can be particularly difficult. Children resist change just like adults and feel stressed about unfamiliar surroundings, the challenges of making new friends and missing the comfort of old ones.
Work less and still catch breaks? Productivity hacks for the chronically distracted
You’re all set to start your work. That’s when your phone buzzes. A message notification clinks on the screen! No matter how much you resist, you’re tempted to check it. As you scroll, seconds turn into minutes and minutes into hours! In an instant, you lose track of the time. Frustrating, isn’t it?
Behind the seams: A guide to styling gowns
A gown is not just a mere dress. It is a shining beacon of hope, of wishes that one has held dear in one’s heart since childhood. Most women will agree, the right outfit has a magnificent transforming effect on a person instantly.
Fashion across continents: Fusing traditions of Bangladesh and Senegal
Faiza Ahmed of Manas and Senegalese designer Hadja Sata Seck unite for a unique fashion collaboration. The project features lungi sarees and motifs resonating with both cultures, including ‘car rapide’ minibuses and hilsa fish.
Nike you can actually afford? Sneakerheads rejoice!
Nike's recent announcement to introduce $100-and-under sneakers worldwide has created excitement, especially in Dhaka for sneakerheads. This move not only makes premium footwear accessible to a broader audience, but also promises to uplift the streetwear scene in Bangladesh.
How to conquer mum guilt: A guide to self-compassion and balance
“Mum guilt” usually stems from the belief that they are not doing enough for their children. It can be emotionally exhausting, impacting not only their mental health but also their overall well-being. Fortunately, with the right strategies, it is possible to help mothers eventually overcome this guilt and embrace a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Reliving the golden age of arcade games: A nostalgic journey through Dhaka
The 1990s in Dhaka were a simpler era. The faces of the city's young people were frequently seen crowded around arcade machines, their displays flickering. Video games such as "Super Mario," "Cadillacs and Dinosaurs," and "Roadrash" served as more than simply entertainment; they were portals to otherworldly realms.
Can we take a joke? The struggle of stand-up comedy in Bangladesh
Bangladeshis have a great sense of humour, whether it be witty banters at tea stalls or coming up with the most brilliant memes every time our cricket team loses a match. However, when it comes to stand-up comedy, there seems to be a disconnection.
Football fever: Dhaka’s top spots to catch the Euro 2024 action
Time is ticking until the heavily anticipated finals for the Euro 2024 tournament arrives! In such exciting times, it sounds like a wonderful opportunity to step outside with friends and family and have a great day out, as well as watch some electrifying football.
Visiting in-laws? Here’s How to not make a fool of yourself
The relationship between in-laws and a newly married couple can be a delicate balance. There are some key behaviours to ensure harmonious visits and maintain positive relationships with your in-laws.
Turning coffee habit into a hot career: Train to become a barista
Skilled baristas are in high demand, making a barista training programme a gateway to a successful career. And this is where Awake Coffee Roasters comes in.
Can you fall in love more than once? Asking for a friend
For every person, falling in love might be quite distinct. And the feeling of first love? Some say it is exhilarating. However, love is like a rollercoaster ride, full of unexpected turns, highs, and lows, that may not always be what you hope for. So, will you only ever experience one passionate love? Or can you fall again? And, maybe again?
How to save your sneakers from Dhaka’s rain!
Surviving Dhaka’s rainy season with your sneakers intact is a challenge. Fear not, sneakerheads! With waterproof sprays, quick-dry inserts, stylish rain gear, and a solid cleaning routine, you can protect your kicks from Dhaka’s notorious potholes and puddles.
A perfect finish for Argentina and Spain? Your guide to streaming the Euros and Copa America finals live
The Euros and Copa America football tournaments have reached the last stages and we eagerly await the outcome of the finals. Can Argentina win for the 16th time? Or, will Colombia bask in the glory of beating the world champions?
Stressed? Eat chocolate. It’s practically science!
Whether celebrating a win, consoling a broken heart, or just a “pick-me-up” after a long hectic day, chocolate is a delectable delight we always reach for. From creamy velvety milk chocolates to intense and aromatic dark chocolates — there are endless variations.
Two monsoons, and counting
Monsoon has always been a joyous season for me. People speak of the monsoon blues but the rains come with a sense of thrill and awe, especially in the brief minutes just before it actually starts pouring.
