Lifestyle
Shopping in Dubai: What to Buy, Where to Buy from
Dubai, known as the City of Gold, is strategically located at the crossroads of continents, making it a melting pot of diverse cultures. Known for its iconic skyline and extravagant lifestyle, Dubai is a paradise for avid shoppers seeking the finest goods on earth. Let's delve into the most renowned shopping destinations and uncover the treasures that make Dubai a shopper's dream.
What to Buy from Dubai
Gold and Diamond Jewellery
Dive into Dubai's opulence as the "City of Gold" lives up to its name. You may explore the Gold Souk and esteemed jewellery stores for a dazzling array of exquisite gold, diamond, and platinum jewellery at tax-friendly prices. Do not miss the chance to bring home a beautifully designed and reasonably priced gold piece, a quintessential Dubai souvenir.
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Boi Mela extended by two days
Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024 has been extended by two days beyond the scheduled time.
Director general of Bangla Academy, Muhammad Nurul Huda announced this on Tuesday evening.
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He said, "The Book Fair has been extended by two days following the the kind consent of the prime minister."
Earlier, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Khalil Ahmad told media, "Today the prime minister has approved the extension of the fair by two days. We are informing the fair management committee about it now. They will make an announcement on the mike of the fair and the official notification will be issued tomorrow."
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As per the declaration, the fair will be wrapped up on March 2.
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D's Bistro unveils 'Golper Provat' in celebration of International Mother Language Day
In a captivating celebration of language, literature, and community spirit, D's Bistro, an innovative café in the heart of the capital’s Uttara, teamed up with JCI Dhaka Sparks to curate a month-long Bangla book recitation event titled 'Golper Provat.'
The event, held every Saturday morning on February 10, 17, and 24, has not just been a literary concern but also a meeting of minds and stories, aimed at connecting passionate readers with veteran authors, according to its initiators.
Supported by Cosmos Foundation and JCI Dhaka Sparks, 'Golper Provat' opened its pages with an inaugural session featuring three distinguished writers. SM Niaz Mowla, a polymath and fiction genius renowned for mythology, history, and historical fiction, engaged the audience with a sneak peek into his latest work, "Puraner Somantorale." The writer is also the visionary behind the Pencil Foundation, a Facebook-based haven for emerging talents in literature, poetry, music, photography, recitation, and art.
Poet Nizamul Huda Khan followed, sharing insights not only as an educator but also as a backpacker and keen observer of shifting reading habits in society. His recitations knit a poetic narrative, setting the stage for Mehedi Hassan Rifat, the wordsmith behind the first Bangla book on artificial intelligence, 'ChatGPT and AI Millionaire,' showcased at this year's Ekushey Book Fair.
On February 17, the spotlight turned to the dynamic duo of literary fiction - Kingkor Ahsan and Kizzy Tahnin, whose popularity among the youth resonates with their distinctive storytelling prowess. Their journeys as writers intertwined with readings from their works, captivating the audience.
The event wrapped up on February 24 and unfolded with a lineup of well-known speakers, inaugurated by Engr Saumitra Kumar Mutsuddi, Chairman of the Civil Engineering Division, emphasising the significance of such literary activities. The 2024 local president of JCI Dhaka Sparks Sumaya Mahmud Sharna commended the organizers for nurturing literary growth in Bangladesh, steering towards a 'Smart Bangladesh.'
The stage was then graced by accomplished writers, each sharing unique insights. Mahbubur Rahman highlighted the importance of entertaining communication for writers, presenting his work "Leta Semoya."
Popular social media personality Sakib Bin Rashid shared sketches of his writing journey, emphasizing the value of maintaining everyday relationships, while Zabed Amin and Naser Mohammad Mohsin shared their literary journeys respectively.
Notable figures such as Shampa Reza and Azmeri Haque Badhon engaged the audience on not only books but also many of society’s norms, beliefs, myths, and more. Moreover, each guest was bestowed with a plant, symbolizing growth and nurturing creativity.
Co-founder and CEO of D's Bistro, Sabnin Sababa, expressed her commitment to utilizing the space for enlightenment and fostering a love for literature among the youth. D's Bistro looks forward to extending its impact by launching a 'Book Club,' envisioned as a thriving platform to connect and promote readers and writers across languages and genres.
Photography exhibition 'Contemplation' opens at AFD
'Contemplation', an exhibition by students of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD)'s photography workshop coordinated by Abir Abdullah, has opened at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.
The opening of the exhibition was held on Saturday, February 24 in the presence of Manzarehassin Murad, filmmaker; Saif Ul Haque, Principal, Saif Ul Haque Sthapati; Tushar Abdullah, Editor, Ekhon TV and Shabnam Ferdousi, filmmaker.
A group of 15 participants from diverse backgrounds attended a photography course conducted by internationally renowned photographer, Abir Abdullah, at the Alliance Francaise de Dhaka.
Art exhibition titled 'Life with Canvas' begins at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro
Upon completing the course, they are ready to showcase their 15 photo stories (150 photos) titled 'Contemplation’- on various topics, including contemporary social issues, stories of marginalized communities, self-reflection, climate issues, and more.
Each photographer has chosen a personally significant topic to them and will display their unique abilities in capturing images.
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The participant are Md Ala Uddin, Prashanta Hridoy, Asif Iqbal Swopneel, Pathanjada Sher E Zulfiker, Asif Musaddeque, Raiyan Islam (Kaiko), Iqbal Hossain, Rubel Karmaker, Jahid Apu, Saiful Islam, Jayanta Saha Joy, Suvro Paul, Kazi Tanvir Ahmed, Silvia Rovelli and Asfaque Ahmed.
The exhibition will be open to all till Wednesday, February 28, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Mouthwatering Sweet and Savoury Recipes for Holy Shab-e-Barat
Shab-e-Barat, a night of forgiveness and blessings, is a significant occasion for Muslims worldwide. As the night approaches, families gather to pray and share joyous moments. What better way to enhance the celebration than indulging in sweet and savoury delights? Here, we present exclusive recipes for a delectable Shab-e-Barat feast.
10 Delicious Shab-e-Barat Special Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Chickpeas Barfi (Cholar Dal-er Barfi)
Ingredients
1/2 cup chickpeas (cholar dal), 1 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 teaspoon powdered cardamom, 2 cups thick milk, 1 tablespoon condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons mixed, dry fruits (as desired, for garnishing, preferably cashews for decoration)
Instructions
First, soak chickpeas (cholar dal) for 2 hours, and grind. Then mix the paste in thick milk with cardamom and a tablespoon of ghee. Cook on low heat, stirring to avoid sticking.
Now, gradually add the rest of the ghee. Once thickened, transfer to a greased plate, let it set for 30 minutes, then cut into square shapes. You can garnish with cashews or preferred dry fruits before serving.
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Shahi Carrot Halwa (Gajar-er Shahi Malai Halwa)
Ingredients
500 grams carrots, 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon fresh cream (malai), 2 tablespoons ghee, 1/2 cup sugar or as needed, 1 pinch salt, 10-12 cashew nuts (chopped), 12 raisins, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder, 250 ml full cream milk, 6 tablespoon powder milk, and 1 tablespoon date palm jaggery
Instructions
First, peel and grate carrots. Boil milk, add milk powder and date palm jaggery for malai. Simmer until semi-thick. Next, fry grated carrots in ghee, sweeten them with sugar, and cook in milk. Then, combine with malai, stirring constantly.
After that, roast cashews, raisins, and cardamom powder in ghee, mix with halwa, set in a mould, and garnish with cashews. Serve Shahi Malai Gajar Halwa warm for a delectable sweet dessert with a twist.
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Semolina Halwa (Neshesta Halwa)
Ingredients1 cup fine suji/semolina, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 4 tablespoons ghee, 1 teaspoon rose water, 2 drops red/orange/green food colour, 1/4 cup pistachio (finely chopped), and 1/4 cup almond (thin slices)
Instructions
First, wash suji twice and soak it in 2-3 cups of water overnight. Drain the water, add 2 cups of water, and rub well. Next, strain using a cotton cloth, preserving the strained starch.
Then, in a small vessel, mix the starch with sugar, ghee, lemon juice, and rose water. Cook on medium heat, stirring continuously on low flame until it becomes transparent and absorbs all the ghee. At this stage, add colour, cook until well-mixed, then add pistachio nuts. Freeze, garnish with sliced almonds, cut as desired, and enjoy!
Read more: 7 Exclusive Halwa Ideas, Recipes for holy Shab-e-Barat
Coconut Barfi (Narikel-er Barfi)
Ingredients
2 cups coconut paste, 1 cup thick milk, 2 tablespoons semolina (suji), 1/2 cup ghee, 1 cup sugar, 1 piece cardamom powder, 2 pieces chopped almonds, and 1 tablespoon raisins
Instructions
First, heat ghee in a pan, add semolina, and roast. Add coconut paste, stir until roasted, then add milk, sugar, chopped almonds, and raisins. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens.
Then, sprinkle cardamom powder, mix well, and transfer the mixture to a greased plate. Level it and cut it into desired shapes. Garnish with raisins and almonds. This narikel barfi can be stored for a few days.
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Egg Masub (Dim-er Monsur Pak)
Ingredients
3/4 cup oil or ghee, 3 eggs, 3/4 cup sugar, and crushed cardamom.
Instructions
First, in a deep pan, combine eggs, sugar, and oil. Stir with a whisk, incorporating crushed cardamom. Heat the mixture on the stove, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Use a wooden spatula for even stirring and cook for 10 minutes until the oil separates, and the colour and texture change.
Then, turn off the stove. Transfer the mixture to a deep bowl or tin, press it evenly, tilt it to remove excess oil, and let it cool. Finally, cut into squares or rectangles, garnish with cashews, and enjoy this delectable treat.
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Art exhibition titled 'Life with Canvas' begins at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro
The art exhibition titled "Life with Canvas" began in the capital's Bishwo Shahitto Kendro on Friday.
Organised by the event management firm Black N Orange, renowned cartoonist and writer Ahsan Habib opened the exhibition at 4pm, according to a media statement.
‘My Language My Pride’: Curtain falls on international group art exhibition
Mahfuz Canvas, an art organisation based in Bangladesh, held a three-day international group art exhibition, titled "My Language, My Pride" at Dhanmondi's Safiuddin Shilpalay from February 19 to 21, commemorating the spirit of International Mother Language Day.
The exhibition featured works by 75 Bangladeshi and 16 international artists representing various nationalities, including India, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, the Philippines, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt, Italy, Canada, and Pakistan.
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Professor Mohammad Eunus, artist and Chairman of the Art Bangla Foundation, inaugurated the exhibition on February 19. Md Muniruzzaman, painter and Executive Director of Gallery Chitrak, joined as the special guest, while artist and art critic Zahid Mustafa joined the event as the guest of honour.
"Our mission at Mahfuz Canvas is to empower and uplift self-taught Bangladeshi artists, ensuring they receive equitable opportunities to showcase their talents on a global scale," said Mahfuzur Rahman, founder of Mahfuz Canvas.
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"Through our online community, 'Obscure Artists,' established in 2018, we have cultivated a thriving network of 150,000 dedicated members. With Mahfuz Canvas, we aspire to further foster the growth and development of these exceptionally talented artists,” he added.
Mahfuz Canvas serves as a dedicated platform for underprivileged, self-taught Bangladeshi artists, offering them a unique opportunity to garner national and international acclaim.
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Since its inception, Mahfuz Canvas has organised 15 international exhibitions in UAE, Qatar, India, US along with sponsoring over 15 art exhibitions and events.
These initiatives have earned widespread recognition and admiration within the global art community, solidifying Mahfuz Canvas as a prestigious platform for artists to showcase their exceptional talents.
‘Learning from Old Dhaka’: Nasrul Hamid and French Ambassador inaugurate cultural showcase
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid together with French Ambassador to Bangladesh Marie Masdupuy on Wednesday evening opened an exhibition, titled “Learning from Old Dhaka: Exploring the Future of Living Traditions.”
Alliance Francaise de Dhaka and Hamidur Rahman Cultural Centre in Zinzira, Keraniganj jointly hosted the exhibition.
At the beginning, the French Ambassador paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement marking the International Mother Language Day.
She wholeheartedly thanked State Minister Nasrul Hamid for hosting the beautiful exhibition at Hamidur Rahman Cultural Center which she visited for the first time.
Ambassador Masdupuy recalled renowned architect Marina Tabassum who designed the Cultural Centre.
“This exhibition is the result of a yearlong project launched by Alliance Française of Dhaka in cooperation with architecture students coming notably from France (École de la Villette) and Bangladesh (BUET), showcasing the very rich and peculiar history of Puran Dhaka (Old Dhaka) through its architecture and the life and activity around the Buriganga,” she said.
“It's here also that Farashganj is located, the old French merchants’ settlement, and also where the ancestors of the state minister established themselves three hundred years ago," the Ambassador said.
She concluded by applauding the two French artists who showed them an extraordinary performance with a group of Buriganga coolies about all the industrial and handicraft landscape in Zinzira.
Zinzira, nestled on the southern fringes of Dhaka by the Buriganga River, is known for its small industries that serve as the city's backbone. This exhibition not only celebrates the architectural and cultural heritage of Old Dhaka but also fosters a dialogue between the past and the present, showcasing the potential for traditional practices to inform future urban living.
The two-week-long architectural exhibition will continue till March 10 at Hamidur Rahman Cultural Centre of Keraniganj.
State Minister Nasrul Hamid said the topics they explored were the endangered heritage of Old Dhaka, circular economy, urban agriculture, public space allocation systems and the corporate culture of Old Dhaka.
He also said their excellent work will help Bangladeshi architects understand heritage of Dhaka better and use these as reference.
The exhibition is the outcome of a two-week architectural research study by a group of architecture students from the universities of ENSA, Paris la Villette; BUET, Dhaka; BVCOA, Navi Mumbai; C.A.T., Trivandrum; and Mokpo University, South Korea.
They split into several working groups to investigate endangered heritage, circular economy, urban agriculture, innovation as part of traditional activities, informal sectors, public space distribution, and corporate culture in Puran Dhaka (Old Dhaka).
Amid its rapid growth, Dhaka risks losing its architectural and living heritage.
An intricate relationship exists between Puran Dhaka and the river Buriganga, and this field workshop will explore this relationship and highlight the various aspects of living heritage still thriving in the old labyrinths of the city.
A team of 44 students and 12 mentors worked together to map and document these aspects of the old city.
Organisers say the study encompasses various elements, including the evolution of Bara Katra from a residential area in Mughal times to an economic hub for the neighbourhood, albeit losing its original purpose.
It explores the hierarchy of public open spaces in the Armanitola neighbourhood and delves into the traditional craft of Shankhari bangle-making by learning from Shankhari artisans.
Additionally, it examines the preservation of Bangla culture in Tanti Bazar, where the sheen of gold contributes to the swift transformation of the built heritage, they say.
The study also highlights the enduring literary and cultural legacy in Bangla Bazar, the presence of Gol Talab as a rare oasis in densely populated Puran Dhaka, and the changes in the mansions of Zamindars in Mongolabash. Finally, it delves into the wood-to-paper connections in the Farashganj neighbourhood, they say.
The opening was followed by a performance art titled “Gaaner Kuli.”
Enthusiasts can visit the exhibition from 10am to 5pm daily.
Joydul Hossain, Rafiqul Islam receive Golam Mustafa Recitation Award 2024
Bangladesh Abritti Samannay Parishad awarded 'Golam Mustafa Recitation Medal 2024' to Jaidul Hossain and Rafiqul Islam, in recognition of their contribution to organizational recitation practice in the country.
On Tuesday evening, the organization handed over the awards to the recipients at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Art Gallery auditorium, celebrating the eve of the International Mother Language Day and awarding the Golam Mustafa Recitation Award 2024 and the Brishti-Dola Memorial Award for the years 2022 and 2023.
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Ahkam Ullah, General Secretary of Bangladesh Abritti Samannay Parishad, said in his welcome speech, "Through the Golam Mustafa Recitation Award, we honour such meritorious persons who have been working tirelessly for the development of organizational recitation practice for a long time; and the Brishti-Dola Memorial Award is mainly given to young promising people, who are the door of possibilities before us.
Bangladesh Abritti Samannay Parishad President and eminent cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor introduced this year’s recipients of the awards and handed the awards to the recipients. "It is now important to work with our children at the grassroots level, to make them understand the value of our independence. We are constantly fighting the opposition forces of the Liberation War, while we move forward in building a non-communal Bangladesh,” he said at the event.
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Ekushey Padak-winner recitation artist Bhashwar Banerjee handed over the cheques to the recipients, while Ghulam Quddus, President of Sammilita Sanskritik Jote, and Ekushey Padak-winning recitation artist Shimul Mustafa were present on the occasion.
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Self-care Tips for Parents of Newborns
Welcoming a newborn into the family is undoubtedly a joyous occasion, but it also comes with its share of challenges and adjustments. New parents often find themselves having sleepless nights, with endless diaper changes, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a tiny, fragile human being. Amid these changes, parents often neglect their equally important well-being. But self-care for parents is essential. Let's take a look into some self-care tips for new mums and dads.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care for parents of newborns involves intentional actions to preserve their physical and emotional well-being amid the challenges of early parenthood. It encompasses activities that promote rest, nutrition, and emotional resilience.
Self-care acts as a protective shield. From prioritising quality sleep to maintaining a balanced diet, self-care is vital for navigating the demanding responsibilities of caring for a newborn.
Read more: 10 Ways to Ensure Emotional Well-being during Pregnancy
Why is it Essential for New Parents to Take Care of Themselves
The physical toll of caring for a newborn is undeniable. Lack of sleep, irregular eating patterns, and constant physical demands can lead to exhaustion and potential health issues. Prioritising self-care ensures parents can maintain the physical stamina needed for the demanding tasks at hand.
Emotional well-being is equally crucial. The rollercoaster of emotions that accompany parenthood, from joy to frustration, can be overwhelming. Taking time for self-care enables parents to recharge emotionally, fostering a healthier mindset to face the challenges with resilience.
Essential Tips for Caring Parents of Newborns
Prioritise Quality Sleep
Ensuring sufficient, quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, especially as new parents grapple with inevitable sleep deprivation. To make a significant difference, one should create a sleep schedule that allows for restful nights.
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Parents may consider taking turns with their partner during nighttime duties to maximise the quality of their rest. This approach not only fosters a supportive partnership but also ensures both parents have opportunities for uninterrupted and rejuvenating sleep amidst the demands of caring for a newborn.
Delegate Responsibilities
Due to traditional mindsets and patriarchal social systems, in many families, the care of a newborn and doing household chores are granted as the mother's sole responsibility. It may deteriorate the mother’s emotional and physical health. As a result, many mothers suffer postpartum depression. Therefore, it is necessary to recognise that the mother of the baby need not shoulder everything alone; seeks the aid of her partner, family, and friends.
The new parents and other family members can share diverse responsibilities like household chores, cooking, cleaning, etc. Delegating responsibilities eases the burden and also grant parents precious moments to concentrate on both nurturing their newborn and tending to their well-being.
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Building a supportive network ensures that the challenges of early parenthood are shared. It fosters a healthier and more balanced environment for both parents and their new addition to the family.