Weekend Read

Weekend Read

Durga Puja, a festival of faith and togetherness

As dawn breaks and the first rays of sunlight  streams through your window, you hear the rhythmic beat of drums and the joyful clanging of cymbals coming from a nearby temple.

3d ago

From earth to elegance: The allure of artisanal terracotta

A charcoal black druid’s bowl with a rough and aged look, caught my attention while surfing social media. Initially, I thought it must be an antique piece of medieval pottery up for sale on some transcontinental site, but instead, I found it to be a local product from the brand Boho Bangladesh, promoting a sustainable natural lifestyle; it blew my mind.

1w ago

How Bangladeshi freelancers are rebuilding after July’s internet shutdown

Sudiptta Apu, a graphic designer based in Khulna, was on the verge of completing a $600 project when everything went dark -- literally.

2w ago

A photographer’s chronicle / Capturing the avian wonders of northern Bangladesh

If journalism is my profession, wildlife photography is my passion. For me, it’s not just about snapping a picture -- it’s a form of meditation, a way to escape from the everyday noise and stress.

3w ago

From Wholesale Wonders to Pop-UP Shops / The thriving world of Bangladeshi ceramics

Bangladesh’s booming ceramic industry is as thriving as our readymade garment (RMG) sector, which I say from my many shopping exploits.

1m ago

A battleground of change: Role of DU in social movements

The pulsating energy of Dhaka University campus works as a catalyst to inspire students and shape their conscience.

1m ago

When floods came, students rose to challenge

Hundreds of students from Dhaka, Chattogram and districts in between were seen marching towards Feni on August 22. They travelled in trucks, with speedboats and life jackets, on a mission to rescue those stranded by the unprecedented floods that swept through the region.

1m ago

Graffiti vs Regime

The early stages of the quota reform movement in Bangladesh saw the use of a subtle yet powerful language of protest: graffiti.

1m ago

FROM RESISTANCE TO REVOLUTION / Women’s role in toppling the govt

A female student, her face streaked with blood, pleads with Chhatra League activists to stop the relentless beatings.

‘We will safeguard our freedom’

“Shadhinata orjoner cheye rokkha kora kathin”

In Dhaka’s secret alleys, lone arcades hint at a bygone era

Dhaka's fading gaming arcades struggle against modern technology and economic challenges, yet remain nostalgic escapes for many.

Moshar Machine promising a solution to mosquito menace

When the entire country is grappling with mosquito menace, a Bangladeshi entrepreneur and his team have come up with an ingenious solution that promises to be an effective tool in mosquito control.

4m ago

Is it a forest? Is it a garden? No, it’s a factory!

From a distance, it appears as a forest. But as one gets closer, it becomes evident that it’s in fact a seven-story factory building covered with vines and leaves. After entering the premises, one will see a 30-foot-tall white sculpture of a woman.

4m ago

From fringe hobby to national pride

For years, gaming in Bangladesh was seen as a waste of time -- often dismissed as a frivolous activity or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits. Traditional societal norms placed little value on gaming, perceiving it as an endeavour devoid of any real-world benefits.

5m ago

A love affair with tea

I wonder what it is in a cup of tea that makes it so invigorating. The obvious answer would be the stimulant, caffeine, or the particular flavour of the leaves seeping into the hot water and the aroma that takes over your senses.

5m ago

Hats off to our green heroes!

The first time I fell in love with plants was when I saw my mother’s glossy green pothos arranged in old porcelain bowls that were slightly chipped off.

5m ago

How a rickshaw-puller changed the course of Dr Zafrullah’s life

“Should I go back to the UK? If I can’t serve my countrymen, I might as well go back.”

5m ago

Mangoes and litchis taking a hit from the heat

It’s painful for Tajul Islam to see what has happened to his beloved mango orchard in Rajshahi city’s Borobongram Namopara.

5m ago

For the love of computers

Buying a computer, for most people, is a fairly mundane activity. It involves going to a vendor with a budget, a list of requirements, and the hope that the salespeople are trustworthy and knowledgeable enough about the products to find the best possible deal.

6m ago

The dying art of Qasida

This is a loose translation of a melodious Urdu poem that once used to reverberate through the empty lanes of old Dhaka deep into the Ramadan night.

6m ago

Launch owners struggling to stay afloat

“If you seek comfort, no journey is better than a journey by launch. You book a room and you arrive at your destination well-rested. The sightseeing is a bonus,” says Mehedi Hasan, a resident of Borguna’s Bamna.

6m ago