Opinion / How Battery-Run Rickshaws Are Risky for You
Behind the quiet hum and swift pace of battery-run rickshaws lie a deeply unsettling reality
Fashion & Beauty
Travel
Why solo travel in Pokhara will change your life (even your views on solo travel)!
Solo travel in Pokhara revealed stunning views, adventure, and self-discovery. From paragliding over mountains to exploring caves and temples, the journey fostered connections with locals, spiritual moments, and lasting memories, enhancing the solo travel experience.
Move over, city life – Jahangirnagar University is the new bird hotspot this winter!
Imagine standing in a place where a gentle, cold breeze touches the soul, a grassy smell hits you with nostalgia, the silence of a fog-covered lake whispers louder than words, and the melodic chorus of birds fills the air. This is the experience awaiting you at Jahangirnagar University, the campus that has once again come alive with the chirping of migratory birds as the winter season approaches.
Mass Murder Reported in East Pakistan / The Milwaukee Journal
Mass Murder Reported in East Pakistan
Food & Recipes
Are Mirpur’s Kallu and Shawkat kebabs worth the hype? Here’s the real deal
My overdue visit to Selim Kabab Ghor at Mohammadpur caused quite a stir amongst my known associates. While I tend to ignore the uninformative “I have had better,” or “They aren’t the same anymore,” there were some who came up with actual recommendations for places that they maintain taste better than the popular Mohammadpur store.
Do you hate peanuts in shingara?
Shingara, the beloved pyramid-shaped teatime snack, is an emotion itself for most of us Bangalis. Be it beside a bustling roadside tea stall in the morning or at home with family in the evening, the act of unfolding a neatly packed shingara with a steaming cup of milk tea is almost a ritual.
Plant-based dining that even meat-lovers will love: Inside Faiza Ahmed’s Sanchayita
Faiza Ahmed, a Bangladeshi fashion designer and culinary innovator, combines her artistic background with traditional plant-based cuisine through Sanchayita. This venture celebrates Bangladesh's heritage and sustainability, offering intimate dining experiences that reconnect diners to their roots.
Why I gave Selim’s Kabab Ghor my heart — and half my stomach
A food lover finally visits Selim Kabab Ghor, discovering its authentic charcoal-cooked beef kebabs, chicken chaaps, and brain fry that redefine his culinary expectations. He celebrates savouring every bite amid an unexpectedly vibrant late-night crowd.
Gulshan’s secret: Street food so good, it puts your fancy fusion to shame
In Gulshan-2, Dhaka, a hidden street food paradise offers authentic flavours that evoke nostalgia. Discover vibrant stalls serving crispy fuchka, hearty halim, and late-night kebabs, reminding you of the true essence of comfort food.
Health & Fitness
Want to be stronger, smarter, and safer? Try kickboxing
To explore the benefits of kickboxing and the reason for its growing popularity in Bangladesh, we recently spoke with Minhaz Remo – a certified strength and sports nutrition coach, a 2nd-degree black belt in ITF Taekwondo, and the Founder and Head Coach at Functional Performance.
Frequent bathroom breaks? It’s not just the coffee, it might be diabetes
Diabetes is one of those health conditions that often sneaks up on you silently. Many people can have early symptoms without realising what is going on. Picking the signs early can help you manage blood sugar levels and potentially delay or even prevent it from progressing into full-blown diabetes.
The good, the bad, and the sour truth about apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar offers real benefits, like aiding digestion, managing blood sugar, and supporting weight loss, but beware of exaggerated claims. It’s not a miracle detox, nor a teeth whitener—just a healthy addition when used wisely.
Sick of pills? Try baking soda for these 5 health problems
We all know that baking soda makes cakes, breads, muffins, and cookies light and fluffy. Yet, this ingredient has many other uses beyond cooking. It has potential medicinal properties and may help with a variety of ailments. So, keep reading because we are going to share with you some great health benefits of baking soda!
How to trick your body into being a morning person (yes, it’s possible!)
Waking up early is a boon for morning people, giving them extra hours in the day to get things done and more. This does not necessarily come easy to everyone, especially those whose energy levels peak towards the end of the day, rather than in the beginning.
Yoga, dance moves, and a healthier mind: Sonia Hossain’s wellness secrets
Sonia Hossain, dancer and Zumba instructor, transformed her love of movement into a wellness journey blending dance, yoga, and mental health. She encourages people of all ages to embrace dance for physical and emotional well-being.
Panic attack or just really stressed? Knowing when it’s more than just ‘stress'
Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear or discomfort that can strike without warning, often leaving people feeling overwhelmed and out of control. Unlike “panic”, which we usually feel when something is making us anxious, panic attacks come on abruptly, peaking within minutes.
8 glasses a day = model physique? Let’s dive into this myth
The idea that simply drinking more water will magically melt away extra pounds is nothing more than a popular myth. While staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, water is far from being the secret weapon to weight loss.
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>
Saving an ancient craft in the age of plastic decor – Are we ready to go green with shola?
Shola, a delicate, eco-friendly material crafted from the Aeschynomene aspera plant, is vital to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Artisans face challenges from shrinking wetlands and limited local demand, yet newer generations strive to preserve this traditional art.
Skincare in your 30s: Because ‘just soap and water’ isn’t cutting it anymore!
The thirties are the new twenties! Your mind might accept this, but your skin will end up showing the signs. Your skin experiences subtle changes as your 20s come to an end, necessitating a more thorough approach to skincare. Let’s explore essential skincare elements that will help you shine with confidence throughout this eventful decade of your life.
Is the petni getting outdone by Hollywood CGI? A cultural horror showdown
Bengali folklore's ghosts, from the haunting shakchunni to the enigmatic Brahmadaitya, offer subtle chills Hollywood’s loud, predictable horrors can't match. While CGI thrills prevail today, Bengali spirits’ unpredictable nature still uniquely terrifies.
Career stuck? 5 self-help books with advice you didn’t know you needed
Navigating one's career path can often feel overwhelming with countless decisions to make and challenges to overcome. Whether you are just starting, looking for a change, or aiming to take your career to the next level, guidance can make a world of difference. Here are 5 popular self-help books that can be a life-changing read.
Can rice really make you fat, or are we just looking for excuses?
Rice, primarily composed of carbohydrates, provides about 200 calories per cooked cup, with white rice offering around 45 grams of carbs and very little fat. It is a quick source of energy but is often criticised for its high glycaemic index (GI), particularly in its white form, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.
Empty nest? More like an empty heart: How one family turned loneliness into love
A woman facing an empty nest found renewed purpose by taking in her house-help's daughter. Despite restrictive adoption laws in Bangladesh, her family secured guardianship, focusing on emotional support and building a fulfilling bond.
Skipping your mammogram? Here’s why that’s a terrible idea
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The significance of this month varies from person to person — for some, the pink ribbon is a memory of a disease that changed their lives, while for others, it is an opportunity to rally behind almost two million women who get cancer diagnoses annually throughout the globe.
Pink Power: How TishCAN is helping women turn their breast cancer pain into power
Many people think of pink as the hue that represents femininity. When a woman wears her pink heart on sleeve proudly, her struggles and triumphs may inspire countless others. Such is the story of Nuzhat Tarannum Tishna, founder of TishCAN, a charitable organisation for breast cancer, and a breast cancer survivor herself.
Lost in thought? You might be one of the many facing ADHD
You cannot easily concentrate on long conversations, and cannot remember roads, people's names, or other detailed information. People misunderstand you for being irresponsible and inattentive but in reality, no matter how much you try, it’s very difficult for you to focus on anything! You might be one of 2 to 37.45 per cent of the Bangladeshi youth who experience symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Cut the stress, fold the paper: The surprising power of origami
This age-old Japanese art of paper folding has fascinated cultures around the world with its simplicity and endless creative potential. While originally from Japan, this craft has been adopted — and adapted — by many, making it one of the most globally influential paper crafts.
Can combo packs ease grocery costs? Hear what customers have to say
While traditionally, grocery shopping in Bangladesh has involved haggling over individual items in local markets, these combo packages offer a convenient, budget-conscious alternative that aligns well with the financial realities of many families today. But what do customers think?
Your backyard birds deserve better than stale seeds: Feed them right this winter!
Birds are beautiful creatures, and whether you keep them as pets or enjoy watching them flock to your balcony for a quick snack, providing the right food is essential. However, how much do you really know about bird food?
Ready to lounge, work, and play? Living room trends that do it all
Some might prefer using a living room as a cosy family lounge to unwind after a hectic day. Others may want to transform it into a vibrant entertainment centre to enjoy a Champions League game night! Whether you want to use your living room as a private space or a family gathering hotspot, here are some ideas for designing a living room according to your specific needs.
Can Dhaka handle speed dating? Let’s find out, one awkward chat at a time!
Dhaka’s first major speed dating event blends traditional matchmaker culture with modern dating, embracing anonymity and real conversations. Attendees, known only by numbers, enjoyed icebreakers, casual chats, and newfound connections in a refreshing setting.
How parenting changed, and why 'respect' looks different
In the last decades, children were inevitably taught to respect authority figures such as parents, teachers, and law enforcement. Terms such as saying "please" and "thank you" and addressing adults formally were introduced early, with no questions asked.
Generations of style: Bashir Uddin Tailors’ heritage of hand-sewn elegance
For many of us, New Market, as popular as it is to retailers, has a lot of fond memories. In our attempt to sail through nostalgia and history, we found an interesting shop at New Market, Bashir Uddin Tailors and Fabrics — this is the story of a sartorial pedigree.
When neither option feels right: Bangladeshi Americans and the 2024 US election dilemma
Bangladeshi Americans face a dilemma in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, torn between dissatisfaction with major parties over issues like Gaza, inflation, and healthcare. Many now consider third-party options, hoping to spotlight overlooked concerns.
Forget pearls! Seashells are the affordable trend your jewellery box needs
Nature's beauty shines through seashells, treasured for their intricate designs and eco-importance. Coastal crafts, home decor, and fashion in Bangladesh embrace shells, offering boho-chic blouses, jewellery, and sarees for unique, affordable styles perfect for weddings and celebrations.
Boss kept saying "We Are Family," intern now demands property share
In an unexpected twist of events at OverLoad National Company, Intern Milon Chaos has taken his boss' constant "We Are Family" mantra to heart and is now demanding a share of the company's property.
Saving an ancient craft in the age of plastic decor – Are we ready to go green with shola?
Shola, a delicate, eco-friendly material crafted from the Aeschynomene aspera plant, is vital to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Artisans face challenges from shrinking wetlands and limited local demand, yet newer generations strive to preserve this traditional art.