Lifestyle
'Sisimpur' nominated for International Kidscreen Awards
Children’s TV show Sisimpur has been nominated for the prestigious Kidscreen awards under the category of Best mixed media series.
Learning through play, helping others and thus getting to know that we get happier for being able to help each other are emphasized in the episodes, which is important for children’s development. Attention is also given on empathy, science, environment, literacy, math etc. in each episode of season-13.
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Kidscreen awards rewards in different categories including best series, animated film and live action programs developed for kids and family audiences around the world. Winners’ names for the year 2022 will be announced in February through a grand event.
In expressing his excitement for being nominated for the prestigious Kidscreen awards the Executive Director of Sisimpur Mohammad Shah Alam said, this is undoubtedly a very delightful moment. Kidscreen awards is a very prestigious award for children's programmes worldwide.
Our Sisimpur has been nominated among the best three children friendly programmes across the globe. I believe this is a matter of great pride for us which will tremendously encourage our future works, he said.
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Sisimpur was earlier awarded as the best children’s programmes in a survey conducted by BBC World Service Trust in 2010 and was nominated as the third most popular program in overall categories. A longitudinal study conducted by ACPR found that the children who watch the Sisimpur programs regularly show more competencies in language-letters, math and socio-cultural fields in comparison to the one-year older children who don’t watch Sisimpur.
Visit Sundarbans: World's Largest Mangrove Forest in Bangladesh
The Sundarbans is one of the world's coastal mangrove forests with diverse wildlife. Tourists come from all over Bangladesh to enjoy the beauty of the Sundarbans. The presence of tourists from different countries of the world is not less either. Most of the Sundarbans tours start from Khulna. However, some tours are starting from Dhaka lately. The advantage of traveling from Dhaka is that you do not have to go to Khulna by bus separately, but you can start your journey by ship from Dhaka. This article will enlighten you about visiting Sundarbans from Dhaka, including things to do in Sundarbans.
The naming of Sundarbans, Area, and Location
The literal meaning of the word Sundarbans is the beautiful forest or beautiful jungle. But many may wonder why this forest wrapped in green got its name as Sundarbans?
There is an idea that the Sundarbans might have been named due to the wide availability of Sundari tree in the forest. Again, many people think that it may have got its name from the ancient tribes called "Samudra Ban" or "Chandra-bandhe." Many people think that it can be named because of its natural beauty. It is generally believed that the Sundarbans are named after the abundance of a species of tree called the Sundari tree.
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The Sundarbans are covered by a network of small archipelagos with marine currents, mud, and salinity of mangrove forests. The Sundarbans, which covers an area of 10,000 sq km, has 6,016 sq km in Bangladesh and the rest in India. The other portion of Sundarbans falls on the southeastern border of West Bengal in India. The Sundarbans of India consist of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas of West Bengal. Satkhira, Khulna, Bagerhat, Patuakhali areas are covered in Bangladesh.
Top 10 Buffet Restaurants in Dhaka City
The concept of buffet in restaurants was first introduced in Bangladesh in early 2010. Back then Steak House used to serve oriental cuisines in the buffet, a first in the country. While the nostalgic revisitation of Steak House is not possible anymore, several similar buffet restaurants have cropped up since then. Whether it’s the unlimited choice or infinite refills, a buffet is certainly akin to heaven for a foodie. Here is a list of the top 10 buffet restaurants in Dhaka city that are sure to be worth the bucks.
Best Buffet Restaurants in Dhaka city
The Buffet Stories
The name makes it obvious for this restaurant. Situated at the heart of Dhanmondi, this restaurant specializes in over 90 buffet items. That’s a stunning number considering their price range. What makes The Buffet Stories unique is their service and food quality. They serve every type of cuisine from Chinese, Thai, Indian and local delicacies.
In addition to that, the restaurant also serves some of the best desserts. And all of this can be had at just 699 BDT. Be sure to visit their Facebook Page to get an idea about the menu.
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Garlic ‘N Ginger
When it comes to the buffet in the upper mid-range price bracket, Garlic ‘N Ginger easily tops the list. The restaurant serves up some of the best oriental, continental and pan Asian dishes available in Dhaka, that too in a buffet.
With over 100 plus items across their lunch and dinner menu, diners are going to have some sweet trouble choosing between items. However, their seafood BBQ and Mughlai items are a must-try for first-timers. Lunch at Garlic ‘N Ginger will cost 1150 BDT whereas dinner costs 1299 BDT.
The Great Kabab Factory
The Great kabab Factory provides one of a kind buffet experience to the diners. While most restaurants serve up all types of multinational cuisines, this restaurant heavily focuses on pan Indian and Mughlai items. Their buffet system is also unique considering the table dining system. The diners get a table and their maître d' will assist through the quizzical buffet items.
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Each item gets served straight from the kitchen, sizzling and gushing with aroma. Get ready to be lost in the flavors of Bombay Halwa, Lucknowi Paya Beef Nehari, Gatta Curry, Mahi Gilafi Seekh Kabab, and over 75 other items. A buffet at The Great Kabab Factory will cost the diner 1200+ BDT.
Le Méridien Dhaka
The list wouldn’t be complete without a 5-star buffet. And that is exactly what Le Méridien Dhaka brings to the table, an all-around 5-star buffet dining experience. The restaurant offers some of the best high-end dining experiences available in Dhaka.
Interestingly, there isn’t any set menu for their buffet. Rather it comprises of a theme like a pan Asian, Continental, Fusion, and others. Each theme brings unique dishes that are exclusive to the diners at Le Méridien Dhaka. The cost is on the upper side as the restaurant charges up to 5590 BDT per person. But there are buy one get one offers on selected cards year-round.
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The Café Rio
Looking for the buffet on a budget? The Café Rio can be a perfect choice. The restaurant offers a comprehensive choice of over 60 items in their Jigatola branch and over 100 in their Uttara branch.
The menu mainly comprises local and Chinese cuisines. They even have unlimited Kacchi Biriyani in their buffet menu. The service and the food quality are impeccable here. Considering budget options, this restaurant easily ranks among the top. Lunch at their Jigatola and Uttara branches will cost 550 BDT and 650 BDT all-inclusive respectively.
The Buffet King
The Buffet King is situated in Bashundhara R/A. Like others, this restaurant also specializes in local and Indian dishes to cater to the greater Bengali tastebud. The appetizer includes classic Chinese items like a spring roll, wonton, different types of soups, etc.
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The main course is a combination of Indian and Chinese cuisines like fried rice, dum biriyani, different types of Chinese curries among others. The restaurant even has a good assortment of dessert items to top off a heavy meal nicely. Overall, this is also a very good budget option considering the 600 BDT price.
Platinum Club
Situated in Dhanmondi, Platinum Club is another great budget buffet place. Their 60 plus items are complemented well with beautiful interior décor. The items mainly comprise Bengali, Chinese, and pan-Indian cuisines.
The staff is very well behaved and the items get refilled almost instantly. Diners can feast on their mutton rezala and shrimp curry which are among the top-rated items. The Chinese starters and assortment of desserts are also a must-try item on their buffet. The lunch buffet at the Platinum Club will cost the diner 550 BDT.
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Taj e Nawab
Here’s another pan-Indian Mughlai buffet place for the foodies out there. Taj e Nawab, as the name already gives hints, specializes in everything that is part of the traditional festive foods of Bangladesh.
Whether it is the Karahi gosht, or Hyderabadi biriyani, or delectable shahi tukra, diners will be left choosing one over the other among their 40 plus item list. The interior of the restaurant will also bring a Mughal era feels for that royal experience. The buffet at Taj e nawab costs 750 BDT each which is reasonable considering the array of cuisines.
The Great Eatery
The Great Eatery is a new buffet restaurant situated in Uttara. The restaurant brought a mix of everything in their buffet menu. from Bengali to Chinese to Thai, Indian, and Continental, they have it all.
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What is more fascinating is that they stayed true to each type of cuisine making it one of the best places to try out all the different regional delicacies. The restaurant serves over 75 plus items at a reasonable price of 750 BDT.
The Aristocrat Lounge
The Aristocrat Lounge combines the best of everything when it comes to food and aesthetics. The interior is so well decorated that it will give any 5-star hotel a run for its money. Like most other places, this restaurant also combines Bengali cuisines with Indian and Chinese flavors.
There are over 100 items to choose from, each unique from the other. The Aristocrat Lounge can be a perfect choice for a family outing or office lunch meeting considering their setup and pricing. The 100 plus buffet items can be availed at just 700 BDT.
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Final Thoughts
Though buffet is a relatively new concept in Bangladesh, its adaptation in the Bengali food culture has been fairly fast. Considering the inner foodie of every Bengali, these buffet places are undoubtedly the perfect place to get some quality food fix.
Ancient Temples of Bangladesh: Remembering Their Past Glory
The ancient temples resemble the unique history and tradition of Bangladesh. Some temples are renowned as sages, and monks meditated in those places, while some temples may resemble ancient traditions and ways of life. Old temples have become one of the major tourist attractions in the world due to their remarkable architectural style, traditional and historical significance. The temples of our country are no exception. Due to the diversity of architecture and uniqueness of history, the ancient temples of Bangladesh have become archaeological specimens. Both Hindu and Buddhists have their own temples. Let's take a look at some of the top ancient temples of Bangladesh.
A Short Guide to the Top Ancient Hindu Temples of Bangladesh
Bangladesh is the third-largest country in the world in terms of the population of Hindus or traditional religions. After India and Nepal, Bangladesh has the largest population of traditional religions. Although the Hindu population in Bangladesh has been declining day by day for different reasons there are still many ancient Hindu temples in our country.
Dhakeshwari Temple, Dhaka
Dhakeshwari Temple, located in Dhaka, is the national temple of Bangladesh as well as the oldest temple in Dhaka. Built-in the 12th century by Ballal Sen, a king of the Sena dynasty, Dhakeshwari was named the Goddess of Defense of Dhaka city. This bright yellow and red temple is located at the southwest corner of Dhaka University Salimullah Hall. There are four Shiva temples in the northwest corner of this temple. There is a metal statue of Goddess Durga. Although Dhakeshwari is 800 years old it is still in excellent condition.
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Kantajew Temple, Dinajpur
The temple of Kantajew is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is named Kantjiu, Kanji, or Kantjir for the placement of Kaliakanta Jiu or Lord Krishna. Due to the temple, the area is known as Kantnagar. The temple of Kantnagar later became another name for him.
Perks of being a Miss Universe: Rewards for the Excellence in ‘Beauty with Brain’
The flame of Miss Universe 2021 is still burning, as its 70th edition has just made its way to the iridescent stage on December 13, 2021. Harnaaz Sandhu, an Indian girl, wore the most anticipated crown in the gala round. She won the next entire year’s sponsorship of Miss Universe Organization which comes with a lot of benefits. Let's get to know what perks of the new Miss Universe 2021 will get.
What are the perks of being a Miss Universe
The most expensive crown
This time the crown of Miss Universe is worth 5 million US dollars, which is more than BDT 429.2 million. This is so far the most expensive crown of Miss Universe events. Prior to Harnaaz, Jojibini Tunji from South Africa, Miss Universe 2019, and Andrea Meja of Mexico, Miss Universe 2020 wore this crown.
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With the slogan 'Power of Unity', Mouawad, a multinational ornaments manufacturing company made the crown for Miss Universe 2021 in 2019. The combination of 18-carat gold and 1725 white diamonds in the shape of petals, leaves, and vines reflects the bonding and leadership of women across seven continents. The three gold canary-colored diamonds in the center carry the symbol of the aspiring woman. The center stone alone weighs 62.83 carats.
Although the smallest in terms of size, 2021’s Miss Universe crown is the heaviest crown ever.
Prize Money
The Miss Universe 2021 money prize will be two and a half million US dollars, which is more than BDT 21.4 million.
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Accommodation facilities
Miss Universe can live in a luxurious apartment in New York City for an entire year. Miss USA also shares this apartment with her. During this tenure, the Miss Universe Organization would be responsible for the overall cost of living in New York.
How to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron is an essential mineral that works on producing red blood cells in the body. It also plays a vital role in forming many proteins, including hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to all parts of your body. Iron deficiency can cause Anemia, marked by low levels of red blood cells and reduced energy levels. However, iron-deficiency Anemia often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are vague and nonspecific, so it's important to get tested if you think you might have iron deficiency or be at risk for it. Check out this article on preventing iron deficiency anemia!
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition where there are too few red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. There are many types of Anemia, but typically symptoms can include feeling tired and having trouble breathing after exercising.
There are several possibilities when patients come in with symptoms of Anemia: Iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, B12 deficiency, or because they may have leaky blood vessels that cause RBCs to die before reaching their destination.
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Patients diagnosed with this disease may be given iron supplements, vitamin B injections, folic acid tablets for a short time until the patient feels better. If chronic cases occur, blood transfusions might be necessary because they can cause heart failure if not treated right away.
Causes and Symptoms of Anemia
Anemia is a critical condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry suitable oxygen throughout the body. This lack of oxygen can cause many symptoms, including fatigue and shortness of breath, and other common anemia symptoms. Anemia occurs for a variety of reasons, but it is typically treated using iron or other supplements. While severe cases require medical attention, most people can prevent Anemia by taking steps such as eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise.
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Anemia is caused by a low concentration of hemoglobin in the blood due to either decreased production or increased destruction of red blood cells. However, there are around 400 types of Anemia, three main types of anemias: acute, chronic, and iron deficiency anemia.
Acute Anemia is caused by a sudden loss of red blood cells, often due to bleeding. This can be the result of trauma, surgery, or an illness such as stomach ulcers or cancer. Chronic Anemia is a low level of Anemia that develops slowly over time. This type can be caused by conditions such as kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
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Among all, the iron deficiency anemia is the most common one and occurs if there is not enough iron in the body to produce hemoglobin. This can be due to dietary factors, intestinal problems that prevent absorption of iron, or blood loss.
Symptoms of Anemia vary depending on the and type of Anemia. Generally speaking. However, common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, and a pale complexion. In severe cases, Anemia can lead to heart failure and even death.
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Health Risks of Anemia
Anemia can lead to a number of health risks, including fatigue and weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, pale skin, chest pain, and rapid heart rate. Anemia can also increase the risk of other health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
It is important to get checked for Anemia if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. Treatment may include taking iron supplements and eating foods that are high in iron. If left untreated, Anemia can be dangerous. Hence, seek medical help if you are concerned about your Anemia.
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What to eat when you have iron deficiency Anemia?
There are many different things that you can eat when you have iron deficiency Anemia. Some of the best foods to eat include beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fish, legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.
You can also eat nuts and seeds, but you should avoid eating too many high-fat foods since they can interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron. If you are having a hard time getting enough iron from food alone, you may also need to take an iron supplement. You can also get iron from fortified cereals, bread and pasta, and peas.
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It's also important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water when you have iron-deficiency Anemia. This will help to keep your blood flowing smoothly and help your body absorb the iron from your food.
In addition to eating plenty of iron-rich foods, it is also important to make sure that you are getting enough vitamin C, which helps our body to absorb iron more effectively. So, be sure to include plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet as well.
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However, if you are not a fan of red meat or seafood, there are plenty of other options available. Beans are a great source of protein and iron, and they come in many different varieties. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach are also high in iron. Dried fruit such as raisins and apricots are a good source of iron, as well as other nutrients. And finally, iron-fortified cereals, bread, and pasta are a great way to get your daily dose of iron.
If you are looking for ways to increase your intake of iron, here are a few tips:
- Pair foods that are high in iron with foods that are high in vitamins, which help our body to absorb iron from food.
- Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals. These beverages contain tannins that can reduce your body's ability to absorb iron.
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- Limit the amount of calcium you take in with foods and supplements, as this mineral can lessen the absorption of iron. Instead, try pairing calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products, with non-calcium-rich foods that are high in vitamin C.
This way, your body will have an easier time absorbing both nutrients.
Final words
Iron deficiency is common Anemia that can be prevented with dietary changes. You may not know it, but your diet plays a significant role in preventing iron deficiency. Eating enough lean protein and vegetables will help you avoid this problem. However, if these lifestyle adjustments are proving difficult for you to make on your own, you may contact your doctor about supplementation or treatment options recommendations.
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Azizee Fawmi’s solo art exhibition ‘Ka-Shommondhiyo’ starts at La Galerie
A solo art exhibition of artist Azizee Fawmi Khan, titled ‘Ka-Shommondhiyo’, started at Alliance Française de Dhaka's La Galerie from Friday.
Jeremy Opritesco, Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union in Bangladesh, was present at the inauguration of the exhibition.
The exhibition will be open to all till December 31, from 3 pm to 9 pm.
About the context of the exhibition, Azizee Fawmi Khan said that her journey of the last five years has been portrayed in the paintings.
Her childhood and the life of her ancestors have greatly inspired her.
Srijone o Shekore: Showcasing the breadth of this land's culture
On the second day of Bengal Foundation's five-day cultural festival to celebrate the arts and culture of Bangladesh in this Golden Jubilee year, a discussion session titled 'Alape-Bistare' was held Wednesday afternoon.
The movie 'Bhoy' directed by Juairiza Mou was also shown today.
Shiuli Bhattacharya and her group played the violin in the cultural program which started at 6 pm.
Classical performances by Abhijit Kundu and Tinku Sheel were held at Bengal Parampara Sangeetalaya.
On the other hand, Rewaz Performers School performed dance with the direction of Munmun Ahmed.
Besides, Rabindra Sangeet was performed by Mainur Rahman Khan and Mostafizur Rahman. There were also modern Bengali songs by Fahmida Nabi, recitations by Bhaswar Bandyopadhyay, Bhajan Baul and folk songs by Krishna Baul.
From the first day of the festival, ‘Kamrul Karumela’, ‘Boi Porbo’ and an exhibition of artworks by young artists ‘Swarupe Arup’- have been organized here.
There is also a group art exhibition titled 'Swaparjito Prithibi - The Earth In Our Hands'.
Moreover, a short film exhibition titled 'Chalchitra' and a cultural event titled 'Ganer Jharnatalay' have been organized.
There are also painting, crafts and puppet shows for children.
The festival, titled "Srijone o Shekore," is being held at Bengal Shilpalaya, the foundation's own space in Dhanmandi.
Best Winter Travel Destinations 2022: Spend your vacation with sun and fun
Many people are afraid of traveling during the winter months. They think that it is too cold and will not have as much fun on their holiday. On top of that, the Covid-19 pandemic is out there too! However, there are still many amazing places to visit from Bangladesh during this time of year! This article will discuss some top destinations where you can travel without quarantine during winter for an unforgettable experience!
Top Winter Travel Destinations around the World
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse country with plenty to see and do. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March when the weather is cooler, although this is also the high season, so it tends to be more expensive. Sri Lanka has some amazing places to enjoy, such as the artificial beach in Colombo, exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning architecture, and temples of Sigiriya, and more. Sri Lanka is also flexible about Covid-19 restrictions. The visitor should be vaccinated or have to show a Covid-19 negative report.
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Bhutan
Since Bangladeshi don't require a visa to visit Bhutan, it can be an easy travel destination during the surge of Omicron. Bhutan is a small country, but its beauty cannot be expressed in words. It houses some of the most beautiful sights in the world, such as Thimphu Dzong, Taktsang Monastery, Dochula Pass, Buddha Dordenma, Chele La, Punakha Dzong, and more. As for the travels, restrictions vaccination or a covid-19 negative report is enough.
USA
America has finally opened the border for all. The USA is a top travel destination for anyone globally as the country is big with 50 states and travelers cannot even visit all the places in their lifetime. If you can comply with US immigration regulations, then a fully vaccinated traveler from anywhere in the world can now visit America without fear of quarantine.
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Maldives
The Maldives is a rich country with abundant marine life and beautiful white sandy beaches. The country is well known for its luxury resorts scattered all over the islands. Further, it is a popular tourist destination and is often called the "Island Paradise." A fully vaccinated person can visit the Maldives from Bangladesh without any hassle of quarantine. The country also requires a PCR test before the 96 hours of departure.
The Garden Kitchen at Sheraton Dhaka opens in Banani
Promising to deliver an exquisite dining experience for its valued guests, 5-star hotel Sheraton Dhaka in Banani has lauched its multi-cuisine restaurant “The Garden Kitchen”.
Located on Level 14 of the Sheraton right in the heart of Banani, The Garden Kitchen is offering an array of scrumptious dishes featuring an alfresco dining area overlooking the soothing lush greens and the city skyline and offers chef-driven interpretations of Bangladeshi, Pan-Asian, European and Western flavors, according to its authority.