Life & Living

Life & Living

Pinon hadi: Crafting tradition with a modern twist

Pinon hadi, a traditional cultural attire, has evolved from a single-piece garment to include modern elements like embroidery. Woven manually using back strap looms, it blends heritage, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics, gaining popularity as bridal wear.

22h ago

#Perspective / Eid shopping just got more expensive thanks to this new VAT

The recent VAT hike on clothing in Bangladesh strains businesses, consumers, and designers, especially with Eid approaching. Alternative measures like taxing luxury items or offering subsidies could have balanced revenue generation and economic sustainability more effectively.

3d ago

Shutki chronicles: Our love-hate affair with dried fish

Shutki (dried fish) is a beloved yet divisive food in Bengal, with varieties like chepa, lakkha, and nona ilish. From necessity to culinary tradition, it’s a staple across regions, valued for its preservation, flavours, and cultural significance.

3d ago

#Perspective / Dhaka’s winter personas: Which one are you?

Winter is more than simply a season in Dhaka; it's the big unmasking. When the temperature drops and the city sheds its constant sheen of humidity, people start to change, leaving their summer survival modes to expose their most genuine — and frequently ridiculous — winter selves.

3d ago

Is it love or love bombing? Spot the difference before impact

Love bombing is an overwhelming display of affection designed to manipulate, control, and validate the bomber. It exploits low self-esteem, creating a false sense of connection. Healthy love prioritises boundaries, consistency, and genuine self-worth.

3d ago

#Perspective / Why Dhakaites feel richer in winter?

If you live in Dhaka, you have probably noticed the change in the city's mood. Dhakaites experience a remarkable metamorphosis when the temperature drops. Individuals seem, or at least feel, more fashionable, more active, and, strangely enough, wealthier suddenly.

5d ago

Bangladeshi fashion: No longer the underdog in bridal couture

Bangladeshi fashion has evolved from Bollywood-influenced styles to a thriving industry showcasing heritage fabrics like jamdani and muslin. Brides now embrace local designs, personalised couture, and cultural pride, spotlighting Bangladeshi fashion on the global stage.

1w ago

#Decor / Modernise your dining area with these 2025 décor ideas

The 2025 kitchen-dining trends highlight minimalistic open kitchens, rustic lounge-style dining, and semi-open breakfast bars for space optimization. Formal dining rooms return, emphasizing grand tables, personal touches, and elegant accents for functional, stylish living spaces.

1w ago
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment

JU observes Selim Al Deen’s death anniv

The drama and dramatics department at Jahangirnagar University yesterday organised a daylong programme at their campus, marking the 17th death anniversary of renowned thespian and former teacher Selim Al Deen.

5d ago

‘Bangladesh first concert’: Artistes vow to stay united for country

The capital’s Manik Mia Avenue was teeming with people from all walks of life since yesterday afternoon, as they waited to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes.

1m ago

Metallica to hold virtual concert in Fortnite

Metallica, the world-renowned rock band, is set to hold a virtual concert in the popular video game Fortnite. Named 'Metallica: Fuel Fire Fury', Fortnite players can tune in to the virtual concert on two set dates: June 22 at 2 pm, 5 pm, and 11 pm ET, and June 23 at 10 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm ET.

7m ago

BTS’ RM sets new record with his latest No. 1 single

BTS’ leader RM returns to the US charts, only weeks after releasing his latest solo album. The global star made a comeback as a featured artiste on Megan Thee Stallion's new single "Neva Play," which has quickly become a success for both artistes.

3m ago

No Bangladeshi films in 30th Kolkata Int'l Film Festival

Bangladeshi film "Dear Maloti" could not be included as its Asian premiere is scheduled for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

1m ago

Indian news agency ANI sues Netflix for using its content in hijack drama

The series, called "IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack" - a fictionalised version of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 from Kathmandu - has been embroiled in controversy since its release last month.

4m ago

Actor Donald Sutherland dies at 88

The tall actor with a deep voice, piercing blue eyes and mischievous smile managed to switch effortlessly from character roles to romantic leads, opposite the likes of Jane Fonda and Julie Christie

7m ago

In pictures: Red carpet arrivals at Cannes

The 77th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Out of competition - Red Carpet Arrivals

8m ago
Showbiz

Showbiz

From Bailey Road to ‘Miss North America’: Zarin’s inspiring journey

When NSU graduate Zarin Mahmood landed in Canada in 2017, she had left behind a life of relative certainty to enter the grind of a life far away. Discarding her desire to pursue business, which was her major in university, she jumped on the opportunity to complete a Master’s in Technology Innovation Management at Ottawa’s Carlton University.

1w ago

Packing Dhaka, Down Under

The band took inspiration from a local act called ‘Bowling in Japan’ while using Samin’s heritage as an inspiration. It is fitting, too, as the incredibly tight group comes together with Samin’s outspoken personality and Dhaka-ite soul. As the evening dawned, people from all over Sydney started gathering to see Packing Dhaka and its opener, Apocalypseboyo.

2w ago

Hilarious Kaarina, serious Kaarina

From working as a content creator to making her debut on the silver screen with “36-24-36”, Kaarina Kaisar’s transition happened by chance. Nevertheless, she confidently stepped into the role of Syra, using it to highlight an important message of body positivity.

1m ago

The Nishat Priom phenomenon

With nearly a decade in the industry, Nishat Priom has captivated audiences on both television and OTT platforms. As one of the earliest talents in the OTT space, she consistently takes on diverse roles, pushing boundaries and exploring new dimensions in her craft.

2m ago

Serene Sarika

A spontaneous girl, who entered showbiz in 2006 as a model while still in school, quickly made her mark in the industry with grace and charm. Sarika Subrin, a household name for her roles in small-screen dramas, is now making waves on OTT platforms. She has also been the host of the longest-running celebrity show, “Amar Ami”, for four years now.

3m ago

The blissful sounds of Puja

While much of the attention during the Puja season is drawn to the artistry of the idols or the grandeur of the festivities, the role of traditional music and instruments remains a deeply rooted, often overlooked aspect.

3m ago

The artivist

Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.

3m ago

Steadfast Siam, valiant Siam

“Everyone is free to use their words as they wish, but it’s disheartening to see behaviour that doesn’t sit right with me,” shared Siam Ahmed. The actor is equally as shocked as his other colleagues in the fraternity after the exposé of the WhatsApp group ‘Alo Ashbei’, which became the talk of the town as some of its members are veteran actors of the industry.

4m ago
Star Health

Star Health

Seasonal trends in respiratory infections: A global perspective

As winter takes hold in many parts of the world, there is a predictable rise in acute respiratory infections (ARIs).

1d ago

Knee osteoarthritis / Managing pain and moving freely

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease where bone erosion occurs, leading to rough joint surfaces and reduced joint space due to osteophyte formation.

1d ago

Small steps, big changes: Your guide to achieving weight loss goals

Losing weight and improving your health often require lifestyle changes, and setting clear, realistic goals can make a big difference in your success. Effective weight loss goals include a long-term objective—like shedding 10 pounds in six months—supported by smaller, actionable steps, such as daily 20-minute walks after dinner.

1d ago

One health, one fight / Addressing the Nipah virus threat in Bangladesh

One Health is an integrated approach that recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

1d ago

Winter migraine: A curse

Winter, otherwise known for its crisp air and merriment, is quite a difficult time for migraine-prone people.

1d ago

Winter immunity boost: Eat right, stay strong

As winter sets in, strengthening your immune system is essential, especially in Bangladesh, where cold weather can make people more vulnerable to respiratory infections like the flu and common colds.

1d ago

Caring for your liver: Key steps to stay healthy

Your liver is a vital organ that supports digestion, cleans toxins from your blood, produces bile to break down fats, and stores glucose for energy. Protecting it is essential for long-term health.

1d ago

65pc of suicide victims among students are teens: survey

Teenagers accounted for 65.7 percent of 310 student suicides in 2024, according to a survey by the Aachol Foundation.

1d ago
Satireday

Satireday

Satire / Justice for Sale: Case Files Found at Tk 16 per Kg

Who knew justice could be 'that' quick, or cheap?

1w ago

Satire / BBA student gets married, calls it the best networking experience of his life

Nothing is impossible – if you believe in your ability to make the right connections, that is.

3m ago

Satire / iPhone 16 users claim biggest feature is a scam

The iPhone 16 series launched a couple of weeks ago, coinciding with a sudden rise in online ads by people selling human kidneys.

3m ago

Government losing ‘Aandar’ control trying to bring it under control

In an unprecedented twist, the government keeps losing Aandar control while attempting to bring it under control. Aanda, or egg -- whatever people choose to call it doesn’t matter anymore as they are having breakfast without eggs.

3m ago

Holy League unveils new leftist wing

“We represent the thoughts, feelings and experiences of the majority of Bangladesh. Our policies, philosophies and ideals are all BLESSED. You must understand this,” he yelled at the crowd.

3m ago

A tale from the future: Ordinary students celebrate lynching 100th person

The year is 2028. Ordinary students have done something extraordinary yet again. Yesterday, they organised “Lunch for Lynching” to celebrate beating a hundred people to death since the “lucky seventh independence”.

4m ago

Satire / ‘Natok Kom Koro Pio’

“Natok kom koro Pio,” the man said, his white beard shaking with fury.

4m ago

Altruistic prisoners demand work-from-jail permission

When the world is busy inventing and discovering new things, the people of Chapasthan 2.0 are busy coming up with new demands with every passing hour.

4m ago
TOGGLE

TOGGLE

The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer

The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.

1y ago

Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable

And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!

1y ago

So long, goodbye

The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!

1y ago

Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra

Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.

1y ago

Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning

To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.

1y ago

Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh

Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support. 

1y ago

Safeguarding workspaces from escalating cyber attacks: A comprehensive guide

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.

1y ago

The setting sun

With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner. 

1y ago
In Focus

In Focus

Sacrificed for Development

After the creation of Pakistan, the nascent state embarked on vigorous projects to industrialise both parts of the country.

18h ago

An Untold History of Bengali Migrants in Malaya and Singapore

During the 1980s and 1990s, a new wave of Bangladeshi migrants, comprising mainly unskilled workers, led to a widespread perception of Bengali migrants as itinerant labourers and temporary workers in the Malay Peninsula.

1w ago

GALLOPING THROUGH HISTORY / The Tale of Ramna Racecourse

In 1825, Charles Dowes, the then Magistrate of Dhaka, initiated the clearing of the Ramna jungle using prison labour. He enclosed an oval-shaped area with wooden railings and introduced horse racing competitions. From that time, the white colonial officials and residents of Dhaka found a source of recreation at the racecourse.

2w ago

Brains before bridges: Prioritising human capital over infrastructure

A glance at the recent history of the world’s most developed nations reveals a compelling truth: no country has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education and research.

3w ago

Birth centenary of Prof AF Salahuddin Ahmed / Growth of National Consciousness

Although the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state is a fact of recent history, this country has been the home of an ancient civilization.

4w ago

Wartime treatment: The heroes who saved lives, silently 

While the armed freedom fighters fought valiantly on the battlefield during the 1971 war, a quieter yet equally crucial battle was being waged on the medical front.

1m ago

Gender and Genocide in Bangladesh

History is complicated; simplifying it is the work of politicians. My research on Bangladesh challenges the national memory of the 1971 war, as represented at the Liberation War Museum.

1m ago

Dreaming about Ladyland

More than a century ago, revered Bengali writer Begum Rokeya in her short story Sultana’s Dream had visualized futuristic inventions like solar cookers, atmospheric water generators and flying air-cars. She dreamt of Ladyland as a feminist utopia without crime, the death penalty and epidemics. Here men were shut indoors and responsible for childcare and household chores, while women with “quicker” brains pursued science and shaped inventions.

1m ago
Star Youth

Star Youth

Shared spaces, shared lives

Sharing a room with your sibling is undoubtedly arduous yet rewarding in several ways.

2w ago

Empathy fatigue: A troubling reality plaguing our society

Despite my best efforts to practice empathy – to offer a kind word, to share what I have – it often feels futile in an environment that seems to reward apathy.

2w ago

Doomscrolling done right

Even if staying up-to-date with these occurrences takes a toll on our mental health, can we turn a blind eye to it when the world is burning?

3w ago

Challenges women face when trying to play in public spaces

For women, safety is a prerequisite for participation but even then, it is rarely if ever ensured.  

3w ago

MajhaMajhi’s performance art exploring wellness and the concept of shadow work

MajhaMajhi’s art performance at Dhaka Flow wasn’t just for entertainment. It was a call to action – a chance to confront our shadows and embark on a journey of self-empowerment.

4w ago

A master procrastinator’s guide on how not to procrastinate

Procrastinating may be a guilty pleasure or even a coping mechanism for many of us. However, it is undeniable that the guilt of procrastination devours us from within and is detrimental to our mental well-being. If so, how exactly can we untangle ourselves from its sticky threads?

1m ago

Female youth voices from Bangladesh at COP29

The voices of young women from Bangladesh resonated powerfully at COP29. Representing diverse communities and experiences, Saila Sobnom Richi, Farzana Farak Jhumu, and Fariha Aumi embodied the spirit of youth leadership in addressing climate justice.

1m ago

We should rethink our approach to online political discussions

Political discussions today often devolve into verbal battlegrounds, where the goal seems less about understanding and more about winning. Social media, creating echo chambers and shrinking attention spans, amplifies this by rewarding outrage and oversimplification over nuance and depth.

2m ago
Shift

Shift

Motorcycle maintenance tips for winter

Winter in Bangladesh, while not as severe as in many parts of the world, still poses unique challenges for motorcyclists. Here are six essential motorcycle maintenance tips for winter, each with practical advice for keeping your ride in top shape.

6d ago

CES 2025: BMW unveils panoramic iDrive HUD

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, BMW has recently revealed a futuristic update to its iDrive operating system, featuring a fully customisable panoramic heads-up display (HUD) that spans the width of the windshield from pillar to pillar.

1w ago

Volkswagen data leak exposed movements of 800,000 electric cars: report

A major data leak has exposed the movements and contact details of 800,000 electric vehicles (EVs) from Volkswagen and its affiliated brands, according to an investigation by German news outlet Der Spiegel. The breach reportedly allowed detailed tracking of drivers, raising significant privacy concerns.

2w ago

Toyota production drops 6.2% in November amid rising sales: Report

Toyota Motor Corporation reported a 6.2% decline in global production for November, marking the 10th consecutive monthly drop, despite achieving a second straight month of increased global sales driven by strong demand in the United States and China, according to a recent report by Reuters.

3w ago

CFMOTO officially launches 6 bikes in Bangladesh

CFMOTO, a Chinese motorcycle brand, has officially launched six bikes including its flagship models the 300SR, 250NK, and 250SR, along with the 150SC, 250CL-C, and 230 DUAL on December 19 at Capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

1m ago

Honda and Nissan discuss potential merger

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan have confirmed preliminary discussions about a possible merger, a move that could reshape the global automotive landscape.

1m ago

Amazon officially begins selling cars online

Amazon has officially entered the online car sales market with the launch of Amazon Autos, an e-commerce platform enabling customers to search for, order, and purchase new vehicles directly from dealerships.

1m ago

General Motors to stop making Cruise robotaxis

General Motors (GM) has decided to stop developing robotaxis at its Cruise division, citing high costs, lengthy timelines, and increased competition in the autonomous vehicle market.

1m ago
Daily Star Books

Daily Star Books

BOOK REVIEW: GRAPHIC NOVEL / 'Deadly Class': A raw, rebellious dive into the chaos of youth

Review of ‘Deadly Class’ (first published in 2014 by Image Comic), created and written by Rick Remender

2d ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Shards of clarity

Beginning to read Fine Gråbøl’s What Kingdom, translated from the Danish by Martin Aitkin, is like sitting in a silent room, alone, and a voice begins to speak as though from beside you.

3d ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Accounts of a joyless life

Izumi Suzuki was little known outside of Japan during her short lifetime. The Japanese author and actress had remained a cult figure most of her life.

3d ago

EVENT REPORT / ‘A tested language of time’: Mozid Mahmud’s Memorial Club sees virtual launch

On January 11, 2025, the online book launch of writer and poet Mozid Mahmud’s first novel, 'Memorial Club', was held

4d ago

EVENT REPORT / ‘Trigger Warning: Dark Romance’: Exploring the world of dark tropes and taboo with Sister Library

On January 11, Sister Library with Bookworm Bangladesh, organised the event with the intent of fostering discussions around dark romance, erotic literature, and everything in between

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / The apocalypse is already here

From A Handmaid’s Tale (McClelland and Stewart, 1985) to The Hunger Games (Scholastic, 2008),

1w ago

BOOK REVIEW: NONFICTION / Behind the screens: Unpacking the power of Bangladeshi TV ads

Consuming advertisements on television is a fixture of modern life—we are constantly aware when watching TV that we can buy more things, be better looking, have more fun, and treat ourselves to more.

1w ago

THE SHELF / 5 books to read while you’re sick

With cold waves sweeping the country, many of us have already succumbed to illnesses. For this list, we’ve compiled 5 books you could curl up with while on a sickbed

1w ago
Star Holiday

Star Holiday

Madhya Pradesh: A journey into ancient India

Nestled in the very heart of India, Madhya Pradesh is a treasure trove of history, spirituality, and nature. With its rich heritage, the state offers a unique window into ancient India. It hosts three Unesco World Heritage sites, 11 natural parks, 24 wildlife sanctuaries and six tiger reserves. However, the state, with all its archaeological sites, turned out to be a treasure trove to me, a traveller drawn to history.

1m ago

The Pamir Highway: A road trip to remember

Our journey began with the dream of exploring Central Asia in a motorhome, but time constraints and border challenges reshaped our plans.

3m ago

Visiting four African nations in 12 days

Time is the one thing we all want but can never get enough of. No matter how hard we try to hold onto it, it always slips away.

3m ago

A Day in Jaipur: A city of splendid forts, mahals and people

Since childhood, my imagination of Rajasthan was shaped by Satyajit Ray's classic detective film Sonar Kella -- a thrilling tale that masterfully captured the beauty, tradition, and history of this land of kings and forts.

4m ago

Overlanding in Africa Touring 10 countries in 93 days

“Overlanding”, might be more familiar to Westerners, but it’s a concept anyone can embrace. It isn’t a typical vacation or guided tour. It’s a self-sufficient adventure travel style where one can conquer long distances, exploring for weeks, months, or even years.

4m ago

Scaling Mount Whitney

“My God! How can a mountain change so much in just a month?”

5m ago

Khiva: a Central Asian gem on Silk Road

The destination was Khiva, one of Uzbekistan’s most well-preserved ancient cities on the Silk Road.

7m ago

A couple’s Eurotrip in 20 days

This little blue bubble that we call our home is enormous. It is not humanely possible to get a sense of how big and diverse this world is by travelling in a lifetime.

8m ago
Weekend Read

Weekend Read

Reimagining Dhaka’s parks: Rasulbagh shows the way

Tucked into the narrow confusing lanes of Lalbagh is Rasulbagh Children’s Park -- a rare slice of serenity in a city that often forgets to breathe.

2d ago

Shopping in Dhaka: A trip down memory lane

I heard a friend say that no matter where she goes shopping, be it on 5th Avenue in New York, in old Delhi, or even at Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok, nothing beats the pleasure she finds shopping in Dhaka’s shopping districts: Chandni Chawk, Hawker’s, and New Market.

1w ago

Affordable audiophilia - a growing love for high-fidelity audio

For decades, Bangladesh has been home to a devoted group of people passionate about high-fidelity sound reproduction.

2w ago

Pitha: the heart of winter celebrations

In Bangladesh, winter is more than a season -- it’s a celebration. It’s the time for weddings, marked by steaming plates of biryani, fragrant with ghee and tender, flavourful potatoes.

3w ago

Madhur Canteen: The story of an eatery and Bangladesh

If one says Madhur Canteen and Bangladesh’s history is inextricably interlinked, will it be an exaggeration?

1m ago

History of Madhur Canteen

The canteen was founded in 1921 by Aditya Chandra Dey, Madhuda’s father, who received permission from the university authorities to open a food business on the university grounds when Dhaka University was established.

1m ago

Crown jewels of Bengal

Scattered across Bangladesh are countless archaeological treasures that reveal its prosperous past. While time has erased some, many remain hidden beneath the earth, awaiting discovery. Among the surviving remnants are ancient fortresses, temples, mosques, monasteries and so on -- testaments to the region’s rich history and cultural legacy.

1m ago

A dignified welcome

Dhaka airport finally opens lounges dedicated to migrant workers and their families

1m ago