#Perspective / Are battery-run rickshaws Dhaka’s newest traffic menace? Hear what city dwellers think!
Dhaka's battery-run rickshaws spark debate over efficiency versus safety. Critics cite accidents, recklessness, and safety concerns, while supporters highlight cost-effectiveness. A High Court ban fuels tensions, affecting livelihoods and intensifying calls for regulation over elimination.
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>
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.
Level up your photography skills—5 YouTube channels to follow now
YouTube has now become a platform that offers countless channels to learn and develop skills. From simple tips and tricks, tutorials, and proper camera settings, to advanced-level colour grading and much more — YouTube has it all for newbies and advanced-level photographers. So, here are 5 YouTube channels to learn and improve your photography skills.
Is your wardrobe sabotaging your career? Time for a style intervention!
When trying to select the perfect attire for a business meeting, you must consider three factors — fabric, fit, and comfort. An attire may look stunning, but it will truly shine only if it fits well.
Is CocoMelon bad for your children?
Cute characters, lively hues, and catchy music — all combine to create CoComelon. Both parents and toddlers find it difficult to resist. However, a growing number of parents are sharing personal accounts lately which raises the question: Is CoComelon causing more harm than good?
Need a good cry? Here are 5 films that will leave you sobbing
Whether you are someone who bottles things up or simply love the relief felt from shedding tears over a heart-warming story, these movies are made to wreck you in the best possible way. From animated masterpieces to tender love stories and family dramas, the following 5 films will pull at your heartstrings like a violinist playing a sad melody on a rainy day.
Forget gourmet, Shahjadpur’s muri bhorta is the real explosion of flavours
Shahjadpur Jheel Par brims with many food carts. Here, you can find everything from crispy fuchka to steaming hot momos making it a vibrant hub. However, the muri bhorta stands out for its uniqueness among all the delicious offerings.
No gym, no problem: How Mariya from Rangpur became Bangladesh's first female Ironman 70.3
In October 2024, Mariya stood at the starting line of the Ironman 70.3 Malaysia, her heart pounding with anticipation. The 1.2-mile ocean swim, the 56-mile bike ride, and the 13.1-mile run ahead were daunting, but Mariya was ready. Her journey is not only remarkable for her personal achievement but also for how she has defied societal expectations and broken through barriers, particularly as a young woman coming from a conservative family.
Want plants? Try these low-maintenance greens that are hard to kill!
Craving the beauty of nature without the burden of constant care? Low-maintenance plants offer the perfect solution. These 7 dauntless greens thrive with less attention, making them the best for those with busy lifestyles, or who simply prefer a more relaxed approach to gardening.
Up for a feast? Here’s how to get started with these easy recipes
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these delicacies, each with a unique twist! Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a comforting meal, these dishes will impress with their delightful textures and bold flavours. So, let’s dive into the details and start cooking up a storm!
Baggy jeans are back, and millennials are still in denial
In recent times, we have seen a rising popularity in loose-fit denim jeans. Whether they are flared, or mom jeans, it is clear that for a lot of people, especially younger folk, skinny jeans are a thing of the past!
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.