lifestyle
Over ‘350-year-old’ Dhaka Gate being renovated
Believed to be over 350-year-old, Dhaka Gate, also known as Mir Jumla Gate or Ramna Gate, is currently undergoing renovation to restore its former glory after years of neglect.
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) took the initiative last May to restore the historic structure to its original grandeur.
This iconic structure, once regarded as the gateway to Dhaka, can be found on the route from Bangla Academy to Doel Chattar in the Dhaka University area.
Dhaka's canals to be renovated: LGRD minister
10 Hazards at the Gym and How to Avoid Them
Heading to the gym is undoubtedly an excellent way to stay in shape. However, as a beginner, it's crucial to remain vigilant about potential hazards lurking in the fitness centre. From equipment misuse to improper form, maintaining awareness is important. Let’s take a look into precautions against the probable risks and accidental hazards that may occur in fitness centres and gyms.
Common Risks and Safety Tips for the Gym
Equipment Malfunction
At the heart of the gym, the equipment is the lifeblood of your workouts. However, beneath the gleaming exterior, the potential for malfunctions lurks ominously. From treadmills suddenly accelerating to weight machines with faulty mechanisms, equipment failures can lead to accidents and injuries.
How to Avoid
Vigilance is your first line of defence. Always inspect the equipment before use, looking for any signs of wear or damage. Report any issues immediately to gym staff. Furthermore, follow proper usage guidelines and familiarise yourself with the emergency stop buttons on cardio machines.
Read more: Zumba: Dance Your Way into Fitness
Improper Form and Technique
As you strive for fitness prowess, the tendency to lift heavier or pushing beyond your limits beckons. But heed this cautionary tale: improper form and technique poses an insidious threat. Incorrect postures and movements increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and strain.
How to Avoid
Educate yourself by seeking guidance from certified fitness trainers. Embrace the value of a proper warm-up, allowing your body to prepare for the task at hand. Engaging in strength training requires a focus on the quality of movement rather than how much weight is being lifted. Controlled motions at slow pace with mindful breathing can pave the path to safer gains.
Strains and Sprains
In the pursuit of your fitness goals, strains and sprains lie in wait, eager to derail your journey. These common injuries can arise from overexertion, abrupt movements, or inadequate recovery, leaving you in discomfort.
Read more: 10 Energy Healing Methods: Which One is Right for You?
How to Avoid
Listen to your body's cues. Respect its limits and incorporate sufficient rest periods between intense workouts. Engaging in dynamic stretches before exercise and static stretches afterward help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. If you experience any discomfort, promptly address it with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) techniques.
‘Eternal Existence’: Curtain rises on Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition at AFD
Showcasing a handful of selected captivating artworks representing the glorious artistic vision of the young Bangladeshi artist Sourav Chowdhury, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) opens its door for the 5th solo art exhibition of the young artist titled ‘Eternal Existence’ on Friday.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition was held at AFD’s La Galerie in the evening, featuring legendary artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi as the chief guest. Chargé d'affaire of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled also joined the inauguration ceremony as special guests.
This exclusive exhibition is a part of Sourav Chowdhury’s longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.
A total of 30 artworks are being displayed at the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations.
Inaugurating the exhibition, artist Rafiqun Nabi said that this exhibition is different considering Sourav Chowdhury’s dedicated vision and sincere hardship towards printmaking.
“This exhibition is only about prints and sculptures, although his main field is drawing and painting. Talking about his exhibition of 23 prints (etching-aquatints) and 7 sculptures out of 30 works, Sourav told me that due to his workstation responsibilities at Gallery Cosmos, the print studio has to be looked after by himself, where other artists work in different mediums of printmaking.”
7 Comforting Soups for Upset Stomach
As the temperature rises, hot weather can make people more prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and digestive discomfort. Due to the scorching heat of the sun, the digestive system can become sluggish, leading to indigestion, gas, and bloating. To combat these problems, it's essential to focus on light and easily digestible foods. Soups are an excellent option as they provide hydration, gentle nourishment, and can be customized with ingredients that aid digestion. Let's take a look into some easy-to-prepare comforting soup recipes to treat stomach upset, and bloating.
Recipes of 7 Soothing Soups to Heal Upset Stomach
Chicken Vegetable Soup
Ingredients
500 gram boneless chicken breast, kosher salt (to taste), pepper (to taste), 2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion (diced), 2 celery sticks (chopped), 2 medium carrots (sliced), 2-3 garlic cloves (minced), 400 gram tomatoes (diced), 1 large potato (cut into small cubes), 1 large zucchini (diced), 250 gram mushroom (diced), 8 cups chicken stock (low on salt), and 2 tablespoon parsley (chopped).
Read more: 5 Soups to Soothe a Cold
Instructions
First, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Follow the procedure to sear the chicken in oil until golden brown and set aside. After that, add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes.
Then include the garlic, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms one by one. And next, pour in the stock. At this time, add the chicken into the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 35 minutes or until the chicken and vegetables are fully cooked. You can serve it with a chopped parsley garnish.
Read more: Summer Heatwave: Here’s How to Keep Children Safe
Lentil Soup
Ingredients
2 tablespoon olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (mined), 1 large carrot (chopped), 2 celery ribs (chopped), 400 gram lentils (rinsed), 400 gram tomato (crushed), 1.5 liters vegetable stock, ½ teaspoon cumin and coriander powder, 1 ½ teaspoon paprika powder, 2 bay leaves, 1 lemon (zest + juice), ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and fresh parsley (to garnish).
Chennai Travel Guide: Amazing Places to See and Fun Things to Do
Formerly known as Madras, Chennai is the capital city of the Southern Indian state Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its ancient temples, natural wonders, thriving arts, and culinary traditions. The city has a rich history that dates back around a thousand years. Over the centuries, Chennai stood tall, being at the center of South Indian dynasties. The city attracts tourists from all over the world who wish to take a peek at the ancient history of India. This year, Chennai will also host several games of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, making it the perfect time to visit the city. Let’s look at 11 of the top tourist attractions in Chennai and things to consider before going there.
Top 11 Must-Visit Places in Chennai
Marina Beach
While Chennai is mostly a heritage tourism city, it also offers a relaxing retreat at the heart of the city in Marina Beach. Being a southern city on the edge of the Bay of Bengal, the 3.7 km-long Marina Beach is easily accessible by bus and taxi from the city center. It will cost about 100 to 200 INR (BDT 132 to 264.60, at 1 INR = 1.32 BDT) based on bargaining ability (make sure to bargain about everything while in Chennai!).
Take a walk along the sea to experience the gentle breeze on a hot summer day. There are vendors all over the beach selling different items — from foods to trinkets to even massage on the go. Make sure to explore the lighthouse on the southern end of the beach for a fabulous view of the sunset.
Read more: Best Rustic Resorts and Campsites near Dhaka
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Mylapore of Chennai. Getting to Mylapore is quite easy on either an auto-rickshaw or a public bus.
Rahitul's novel a depiction of Smart Bangladesh
Rahitul Islam dwells in the ICT world. He unveils mysteries and gossips of this sector to his readers, either in newspapers or books. So far 15 of his novels has been published; most of them center round the ICT sector.
Recently, UNB talked to the writer. He said, ‘When I came for journalism in the ICT sector, I noticed people have merely no idea about this industry. So I started writing on this subject. I am now giving emphasis on the original writing apart from journalism. I have written quite a few novels. The books I am working on now – Tothoprojuktir nayokera (The Heroes of Information and Technology), Hacker Himel and Arpa.
Rahitul Islam started reporting on the ICT sector in 2009. Noticing that people are less aware of this industry, he also penned down the stories of the ICT sector in books such as Outsourcing O Bhalobasar Golpo (2018), Charer Master Computer Engineer (2020), Kemon Achen Freelancer Nadia? (2019), Freelancer Sumoner Din Raat (2020), Hello Daktar Apa (2021) and Bhalobasar Hatbazar (2020), Bookpocket (2022), Bodle dewar gan (2022) and call centerer Aparajita (2022). The writer, who has published 11 books so far, remembers two individuals who have greatly inspired his writing: former justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman and poet Rafiq Azad.
Islam also appeared in the news recently when he handed over his royalty earnings from the book to Prothom Alo Trust for helping two disadvantaged individuals. A source revealed that the young writer donates his initial royalty earnings from every book.
A portion of the donation has been given to Sanjida Akter of Natore for the treatment of her eyes. Akter was the victim of an acid attack in November last year.
The remaining portion of the donation has been given to Md. Shaheen Alam, a Dhaka University student, who is visually impaired. A zoom account has been purchased for Shaheen Alam to continue uninterrupted online training in Microsoft Office, which is being provided to visually impaired students in Bangladesh and abroad
Quite a few telefilms have been made out of his stories. Outsourcing O Bhalobasar Golpo (2018), starring Afran Nisho and Tanjin Tisha, was adapted from the novel of the same name. The novel recognises and sheds light on the work of about 600,000 freelancers working in the country.
The telefilm Chorer Master (2021), featuring Khairul Bashar and Safa Kabir, was based on the novel Chorer Master Computer Engineer. This year, the telefilm Freelancer Nadia (2022), starring Mahzabin Chowdhury, was adapted from the novel Kemon Achen Freelancer Nadia? Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Division, has played a special character in this telefilm exploring women's empowerment.
Rahitul Islam has been working on a book titled The Heroes of ICT Sector for the past four years. The book is about individuals who have contributed to the ICT sector but are yet to receive their due respect. Islam believes that it will be a realistic documentation of the ICT sector of Bangladesh.
Experience in journalism—which includes reporting for Prothom Alo—works as an advantage for his writing, Islam shares. He recently wrote about Garo youths who work as freelancers from the forest adjacent to the village of Gayra, which is located in Modhupur of Tangail district. Despite having the potential to earn dollars, they were constrained by slow internet connection.
When it was reported in the front page of Prothom Alo, an internet service provider in Dhaka named Amber IT came forward with provision of a fast internet connection in the Gayra village. Grameenphone set up a network tower there and the government set up a computer lab, distributing laptops free of cost.
Nearly 40 villages in Modhupur are going to avail the benefits of Digital Bangladesh. Rahitul Islam believes that he has been able to write about a few of these success stories. Hundreds of stories remain. The author wants to inspire many more youths by documenting the stories of the ICT sector.
Music lovers enamoured with Dhaka City Sound Project concert by Goethe-AFD
The Goethe-Institut Bangladesh, in partnership with Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), organized a special concert titled 'Dhaka City Sound Project' on Thursday night at the Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), Dhanmondi in the capital, enthralling music lovers with captivating fusion scores.
Five artists including the German musician, music producer and artistic director of Dhaka City Sound project Viktor Marek, renowned Bangladeshi music artist Kanak Aditya, rapper Shagor, percussionist Toisifor Rahman Eem and flutist Jabiul Islam.
Aiming at creating a musical portrait of cities, the City Sound Project initiated by Goethe-Institut and has been implemented in Dhaka, Kolkata and Colombo.
Also read: AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
The decisive factor behind the project is the encounter with an unfamiliar acoustic context and its transformation into a new aesthetic reality.
The City Sound project started in December 2022 with a research visit to Dhaka by Viktor Marek, a German musician and music composer based in Hamburg. During the trip, Viktor Marek immersed himself in Dhaka's artistic scene and recorded the city's acoustic impressions.
Through this trip, Viktor identified four talented musicians to collaborate with him in producing the sonic portrait of Dhaka: Kanak Aditya (vocalist), Shagor (rapper), Eem (percussion), and Jabiul Islam (flute).
Also read: Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Viktor Marek returned to Dhaka during the first week of July 2023 to commence the production phase of the project. This phase began with rehearsals involving the four selected musicians and will culminate in two consecutive concerts in Dhaka.
The first concert took place on July 18 at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park Amphitheater in Gulshan 2. This concert was organized in partnership with Dhaka Sessions powered by bKash. People from various backgrounds and walks of life joined together to experience Dhaka in a new and extraordinary way through the power of music.
This was followed by this second and final concert on July 20 at Alliance Française de Dhaka premises.
Also read: Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
During the production phase, the contributions of four Bangladeshi artists, namely Eem, Kanak Aditya, Shagor, and Jabiul Islam, were essential. They extensively rehearsed with Viktor Marek to perform alongside Marek during the two concerts in Dhaka.
As a result, the final piece goes beyond being an outsider's musical portrait of Dhaka and instead becomes an inspired blend of both the inside and outside perspectives. While certain parts of the songs have been rehearsed, the artists mostly improvised, ensuring that each concert is unique.
Titles of the music tracks created through the intensive rehearsals process were: 'Nightrider', 'Gulistan Flowers', 'Good evening', 'Bassektara', 'Cell Song', 'Alal & Dulal', 'Sky, Water, Land', 'Baul Experience', 'The country of colours', 'Aliens Bells' and 'Maschinenland'.
Also read: ‘Bangalir Porichoy Kabbo’: Ode to the Father of the Nation on ‘Taal Patar Puthi’
AFD to host Sourav Chowdhury's 5th solo exhibition 'Eternal Existence'
Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) is set to host the 5th solo art exhibition of young artist Sourav Chowdhury titled ‘Eternal Existence’.
The inaugural ceremony of the exhibition will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6 pm at La Galerie.
Eminent artist Prof Rafiqun Nabi will join the opening ceremony as its chief guest, while Chargé d'affaires of the French Embassy, Guillaume Audren De Kerdrel, and renowned art critic Moinuddin Khaled will also attend the event as special guests.
Inaugural edition of 'Dhaka Makers' showcases a convivial urban rendezvous
Sourav Chowdhury has been exploring civilization and its existence since his childhood, and his quest began at a tender age when there were no earthly boundaries between imagination and reality. Chowdhury's imagination has led him to various forms, such as ancient Bengali folk characters — be it the majestic nightcrawler owls, age-old clay dolls in the name of ‘Tepa Putul’ or the ancient characters like the mighty tiger from the folk masterpiece ‘Gazir Pot’ (traditional scroll painting); and also in many historic timelines — be it the Mughal era or the recent timeline of the contemporary art scenario.
This exhibition is a part of his longtime ongoing series 'Eternal Existence,' which resonates with vivid imaginations and ancient symbolism.
Bangladesh Press Photo Contest 2023 at Drik: Narrating stories beyond lenses
Chowdhury has travelled to various countries and explored traditional architectural installations, combining ancient formats with Bangladeshi folk themes and characters. He aims to transform human nature into something beautiful, jovial, and uplifting through his imaginary characterizations. He is experimenting with multiple mediums, including etching, sculpture, and installations, to express his inner artistic thoughts through various media, and also humorously depicts idioms and proverbs used in Bengal and occasionally makes connections between his work and the present world.
Currently working as the Artistic Director at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier-71, Sourav Chowdhury has established himself as one of the important Bangladeshi artists through his years of tremendous artistic experience. As a young journeyman in the vast realm of the Bangladeshi art sphere, Sourav Chowdhury has participated in numerous national and international art exhibitions at home and beyond.
A total of 30 artworks will adorn the gallery space of the exhibition, most of which are in the media of etching and aquatint. Additionally, there are ceramic, metal, fiber sculptures, and installations.
Sarkar Nahid Niazi's solo art exhibition 'Manyfestation opens at AFD
Artist Sourav Chowdhury was born in Rajshahi in 1987. Even before completing his BFA and MFA in Drawing and Painting from the University of Development Alternative (UODA), he embarked on his artistic journey and participated in many exhibitions, art camps and competitions at home and beyond.
His first solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in 2016, followed by his second and third exhibits titled 'Eternal Existence–Circle of Dynamism' held at Cherepovets Museum Association, Cherepovets, Russia, and Academy of Professional Development and Retraining of Educators, Moscow, Russia in 2017. His fourth solo exhibition titled 'Eternal Existence' was held at the Russian Ambassador's residence in Dhaka in the same year.
Showcasing artists of tomorrow: AISD students reimagine their world
For his brilliance in art, Sourav Chowdhury has received several awards including Bengal Foundation Award (Printmaking) at the 22nd National Art Exhibition 2017 and the 'Best Award' at the 20th Berger Young Painters' Art Competition 2015, to name a few.
The exhibition will be open to all till Tuesday, August 1, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sunday).
Best Rustic Resorts and Campsites near Dhaka
Being the capital city and the major administrative centre of Bangladesh, Dhaka can be considered anything but natural and scenic. Unplanned urbanisation has seen the destruction of natural open spaces which are now reduced to a few parks scattered across the city. In such a scenario, the resorts and campsites just on the outskirts of the city are a breath of fresh air for many. They offer an escape from the concrete jungle into somewhere peaceful and serene. Let’s look at the best natural campsite resorts in and around Dhaka for you to explore.
Top 8 Rustic Resorts and Campsites Near Dhaka
Dhaleshwari Camping and Kayaking
The first on the list is the Dhaleshwari Camping and Kayaking situated on the bank of the Dhaleshwari river at Kalatia in Keraniganj. The retreat offers natural camping and kayaking in the serene waters of the river.
Read more: Best Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels in and around Dhaka
Thai Airways to operate double daily flights on Dhaka-Bangkok route from July 16
Thai Airways will be operating double daily flights on Dhaka-Bangkok route from July 16.
Thai Airways Managing Director Ahmed Yusuf Walid disclosed this at a function at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan on Monday morning. The event was organized by Air Galaxy.
With the introduction of the new double daily flights, passengers can now enjoy nighttime flights to reach Bangkok from Dhaka.
Tk 32.46cr due: Govt confiscates Regent Airways’ bank account
Thai Airways is celebrating the launch of double daily flights on the route during the summer holiday season by offering special discounts under the“Happy July” promotion for return flights departing Dhaka.
Two people travelling together will get 30 kilograms free luggage carrying facility. They will, however, receive this benefit if they go via Asia, North Asia, Europe, or Australia, said Ahmed Yusuf Walid, Managing Director of Thai Airways.
One flight will leave Bangkok in the morning and land at Dhaka Airport at 12:10 pm (local time), while the return flight will depart Dhaka at 01:35 pm (local time) for Bangkok.
Qatar Airways scores Airline of the Year Award for 7th time
The airline will be utilising its Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-200 with 30 Business Class and 262 Economy Class seats to operate the two aforementioned flights.
The new flight will arrive at Dhaka Airport at 01:25 am (local time), while the return flight from Dhaka will leave for Bangkok at 02:45 am (local time).
Etihad Airways asked to pay Tk2 crore to two Bangladeshis for harassment