Thailand renews contract with VFS Global to process visa applications in Bangladesh
Continuing its partnership with the Thai government, VFS Global, an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, has once again won the contract to process visa applications for Thailand from Bangladesh
#Perspective / Problems of owning a dog in Dhaka
Unfortunately, the ever-present "No Dogs Allowed" policy in a majority of public and private spaces in Dhaka not only hinders residents from having dogs but also deprives those who do have dogs of the opportunity to offer their dogs a fulfilling life.
6 most expensive coffees you wish you could afford!
Here are the 6 most expensive coffees in the world that you can only dream of having.
Travel
7 movies that make you want to pack your bags and travel
If you are looking for your next travel inspiration, here are 7 movies that inspire us to travel.
Dodging death and mischievous monkeys: Ikramul Hasan Shakil’s epic journey
Ikramul Hasan Shakil, a trekker whose love of the outdoors and sense of adventure is only matched by his tenacity. He is the first mountaineer from Bangladesh to leave his mark on the "Great Himalayan Trail," beginning his arduous trek on 1 August, 2022, from Hilsa town, which is located at the northwest border of Nepal and Tibet.
Exploring Bangladesh's rich history: Eliza Binte Elahi’s extraordinary story
Eliza Binte Elahi is a woman with many monikers and identities. She is a travel vlogger with over 28,000 followers on Facebook. She is a travelogue writer who contributes to major news outlets in Bangladesh and has also published two books.
Food & Recipes
Taste the best of Bangladesh: Must-try dishes and destinations
With its rich history and culture, most places in Bangladesh offer something of interest. Not only is there plenty to see, but also there’s plenty to taste. Here is a short list (and in no way comprehensive) of places you can travel while treating your palate.
Celebrate the sweet things in life with ‘Just Desserts’ and ‘Ganachery’
Cakes are known to be the embodiment of joy, a sweet crescendo that amplifies every special occasion. Cake makers have the ability to create a picturesque combination of our favourite flavours with fragments of our most beautiful memories or imagination. One such magician is, Shahzabeen Alam Chowdhury, the creator of ‘Just Desserts.’
5 budget-friendly places for students to eat in Dhaka
We all know the struggle of student life in Dhaka; tuition and tummy rumbles, trying to stretch every Taka to cover it all. But fear not, for we have compiled a list of the ultimate wallet friendly places to eat in Dhaka for you guys so you can save those hard-earned cash for things that really matter.
Discover new dessert delights with these 4 delectable marshmallow recipes
Having marshmallows in your pantry makes it possible to confect some delightful sweet treats, and that too in no time at all. Thus, here are some scrumptious desserts to devour, made with marshmallows being the shining ingredient.
Cheese, please! Irresistible recipes to satisfy your cravings
To satiate your cheese cravings and indulge yourself into a cheesy affair, here are few savoury cheese recipes for you to try out.
Health & Fitness
Yoga's miracle cure: Nauli Kriya and its impact on gut health
Nauli Kriya is a yogic cleansing practice that involves isolating and churning the abdominal muscles and organs. While it's not a direct treatment for medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, or gas problems, some practitioners and yogic traditions believe that it can have a positive impact on digestive health.
High levels of microplastic in salt: Reasons to be concerned
A recent research by Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) has detected high levels of microplastic in the salt collected from 12 salt-producing sites in Cox's Bazar and Chattogram. What makes this even more alarming is the lack of awareness we have regarding this subject matter in Bangladesh.
Building bodies, changing lives: Ruslan Hossain's inspiring journey to success
Currently, Ruslan’s Studio has over 2000 active members. What sets it apart from other gyms is the fact that even after all these years, and the success it has achieved, Ruslan’s stays true to its origin of being a personal studio where people get individual care and attention.
Release, breathe, heal: How yoga can help you cope with grief
Grief can manifest in the body as tension, tightness, and emotional distress, and yoga poses can provide relief and a holistic approach to healing. Here’s how yoga poses can assist in releasing grief.
Steal Akshay Kumar's fitness moves for a Bollywood-worthy body!
If you are looking for inspiration for your fitness routines, here are 5 lessons you can learn from Akshay Kumar.
Understanding the difference between dengue, flu, and COVID-19
With the onset of monsoon, torrential rains, and extreme hot weather, it looks like different viral diseases are making their rounds.
5 apps that can help relax your mind
The following applications, many of which are compatible with both iOS and Android, are designed to help you relax, focus, and feel prepared for any challenges you may face in your professional or personal life.
Life & Living Multimedia
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>
#Perspective / Wasfia Nazreen: Don’t let ageism break your spirit
The mere fact that Wasfia Nazreen, even with her extraordinary achievements and so many accolades to her name, has to face these needless validations should not come as a surprise to the world, because the reality is that ‘below average mentality’ strikes everywhere, is highly deep-rooted, and pays zero respect to any type of accomplishment.
A mother-daughter Euro adventure!
I believe the most beautiful thing in the world is the world itself. I am in love with places I have never been to. The wanderlust in me has grown stronger as the years passed by. The best of my childhood memories are the ones where we travelled to the unknown.
Solo travel: Journey to self-discovery and empowerment
Danny Amin, a businessman by profession and a nomad at heart, has now travelled to a number of countries, across various continents. Among his most notable expeditions lie London, Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Kenya, and Malaysia.
Introducing the MG GT: Bangladesh’s next staple sedan
The MG GT might be classified as a sedan but it reflects every ounce of MG’s sporting heritage in all of its glory. Boasting a futuristic outlook,
Exploring the growing tourism ties between Bangladesh and the Philippines
The booming interest in exploring the Philippines is not just a trend amongst Bangladeshis, but a significant testament to the diversified tourism opportunities offered by this archipelago.
How to accessorise your bedroom if you are an avid traveller
Have you travelled to different destinations around the world? If yes, you are probably always eager to bring something from those locations into your home.
How to accessorise your bedroom if you are an avid traveller
Imagine looking at your beach pictures of Bali or the textured rugs of Morocco in your bedroom. Whatever the case is, these travel-inspired bedroom design ideas are sure to make your space feel just as amazing as your adventures!
Thin wallet but full heart? Here are 5 budget-friendly ideas for an evening date
Take notes, as we present 5 creative date ideas that will not break your wallet, yet leave a lasting impression on your significant other!
5 beautiful forests to visit in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is home to some stunning and diverse forests that are truly enchanting. From the magnificent Sundarbans to the freshwater Ratargul Swamp Forest, the forests that dot the landscape are a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
My tumultuous love-affair with Bangladesh Cricket Team
Not all of us are cricket gurus or analysts. Some of watch the game for purely entertainment purposes. The Bangladesh national cricket team brings a stroke of joy into our otherwise mundane life. However, this iota of joy comes at the cost of our frazzled nerves.
Recognising possible signs of abuse in pre-schoolers
Here are important details that serve as red flags and must not be disregarded by parents or caregivers.
Optimizely Dhaka: A hi-tech wonderland that redefines workplace culture
Welcome to Optimizely's state-of-the-art office in Dhaka, a space that's as intricate as a mural and as dynamic as the city itself. This isn't just an office; it's a canvas that narrates Optimizely's journey from its inception to its current glory.
Forgive, forget, and find peace: 5 timeless lessons from Confucius
Confucius was a famous teacher and philosopher. His ideas have not only influenced the people of China, his birthplace, but people all over the world were and still are inspired by his words. Here are 5 things you can learn from the sayings of Confucius.
Too shy to brand yourself? Here are 4 reasons to build your personal brand
Personal branding is exactly like making sure your digital tools are super sharp. Not everyone has access to these tools; but the real question is: Are yours sharp enough to kill (land the opportunity)?
How to cope with reader’s block
Reading and writing go hand in hand. And perhaps that’s why, just like there’s writer’s block, there’s also readers block. Only reader’s block is probably worse because reading is easier than writing, yet you just can’t do it.
Top 5 tourist attractions in Mymensingh
From the Brahmaputra River and hand-crafted Nakshikantha to the eponymous Maimansingha Gitika, Mymensingh has a rich history and magnificent heritage.
Travello: Your trusted companion for hassle-free travel
High-quality luggage can last years or even decades and offer reliable service. So, it is important to choose a product that is durable, functional, and improves your travel experience.
Healthy and delicious All Time Family Cake for your outings!
All Time Family Cake is the perfect snack solution here! It is tasty, delicious, and healthy, all at the same time. Apart from the large packet, it is also available as single serve cake that costs Tk 30 only.
Taste the best of Bangladesh Must-try dishes and destinations
There are a number of tourist spots in Rajshahi like Choto Sona Masjid, Darasbari Masjid, Bagha Masjid, and Varendra Research Museum. Some are located in the centre while others are scattered around the city or its outskirts. Rajshahi is historically rich and local cuisine is not far behind either.
3 global travel vloggers reveal their stories
They have bragworthy numbers of subscribers and followers; they have those staggering numbers of likes and views — now, for their insights…
A mother-daughter Euro adventure!
I believe the most beautiful thing in the world is the world itself. I am in love with places I have never been to. The wanderlust in me has grown stronger as the years passed by. The best of my childhood memories are the ones where we travelled to the unknown.
