Food
7 Healthy Spinach Recipes To Try This Summer
Spinach is a nutritious diet that is packed with calories, protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, calcium, vitamin A, iron, sodium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin K. Spinach supports immune function and the digestive system. Furthermore, it has anticancer properties. Let’s take a look at some delicious Spinach recipes to beat the heat and improve immunity this summer.
7 Exclusive Spinach Recipes
Spinach & Potato Curry
Ingredients1/4 cup oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 potatoes, 1 chili (green), 2.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 0.5 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp garlic, 0.5 tbsp ginger (minced), 1 tomato, and 250g spinach.
InstructionsFirst, heat the oil in a pan and then fry the onions as long as they are brown in color. Now add the potatoes, green chili, ginger, garlic, and spices. Cook for 3 minutes. Then add 1/2 cup of water and chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Next, add spinach and cook for another 5 minutes or until there isn't any water (murky-colored) left. Enjoy with roti or plain rice.
Read More: Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat
Creamed Spinach
Ingredients300 grams Spinach, 5 garlic cloves, 1/2 inch ginger sliced, 2 green chilies (chopped), 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 2 tsp besan, 200 grams paneer (cut into cubes), 1 tbsp yogurt, 2 tsp heavy cream, 5 tsp oil, 1 tbsp ghee, and 1/2 tsp salt.
InstructionsFirst, cook the spinach with 10-12 cups of boiled water for 2 minutes and then put it in a strainer. Wash it with normal water, and let it drain.
Now to prepare the sauce, heat 2 tsp oil in a pan. Then add green chilies, garlic cloves (2 slices), ginger, and saute for about ½ minutes. Next, blend the spinach with toasted chilies, garlic, and ginger with ¼ cup of water to make a smooth paste. Keep the paste aside.
Then, add 3 tsp oil to the pan and cook the paneer cubes for 3-5 minutes on medium heat and set them aside.
Take a bowl and mix together some yogurt, besan, and salt, and set aside.
Add ghee to a pan and fry (cook) the cumin seeds. Add chopped garlic cloves, and turmeric powder and cook for about 30-40 seconds. Add the spinach paste and yogurt mixture and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You can add 3 tbsp water if required. Add garam masala, the fried paneer, and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add heavy cream and enjoy.
Read More: 5 Nontraditional Biryani Recipes
Spinach and Cheese Pasta
Ingredients250 g dry pasta, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 1–2 cloves fresh garlic, 1 onion (minced), 3 cups spinach (chopped), 4 oz goat cheese (crumbled), 3 oz cheese (parmesan), salt and black pepper (as required).
InstructionsFirst, cook the pasta following the package directions. After 2 minutes add the spinach and stir continuously. Season with salt and pepper but don’t overcook. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of starchy pasta water.
Then heat the olive oil and butter, add the garlic and onion, and cook for about 2-3 minutes. Add the drained pasta, followed by spinach, goat, and parmesan cheese, and combine well. Add the reserved pasta water as much as needed to get a creamier sauce. Adjust salt and pepper and enjoy.
Read More: 8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Top 10 Healthy Seeds to Eat
Nutrition plays significant roles for a human’s overall health and mental well-being. Adding seeds to one’s regular diet have numerous health benefits. Let’s discuss different types of seeds and their respective health benefits.
What Are Seeds?
All flowering plants reproduce through seeds. In simple words, a seed is the tiny, round or oval, hard component of a plant that works as the starting point of a new plant. More scientifically, a seed is a small embryonic ‘plant’, surrounded by a protective layer called the seed coat with certain reserved nutrients. In an appropriate environment, each seed has the potential to develop into a new plant.
How Seeds are Different from Nuts, Grains, and Beans
While many confuse seeds, nuts, grains, and beans; they are all different types of plant-based foods with unique characteristics. Though they share some similarities in terms of their nutritional content, they have differences.
Seeds are the reproductive parts of plants with high protein like chia seeds, sesame seeds. They are rich with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Read More; Sweet Potato Health Benefits: The Organic Affordable Super Food
Nuts are the fruits of certain trees like almonds, peanuts. They are generally high with healthy fats, protein, fiber and various vitamins and minerals.
Grains are actually the seeds of grasses such as wheat, rice. They are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and some essential vitamins.
Beans are the edible seeds of legume plants, such as lentils, kidney beans. Beans are nutritious with protein, fiber, various vitamins and minerals.
Each of these foods has unique properties that make them valuable additions to a healthy and varied diet.
Read More: Best and Worst Foods for Brain, Memory, Focus
How to Eat Seeds
Seeds are known as nutritional powerhouse. They are not just delicious and easy to consume but also convenient for people of all ages. Thus, just having proper digestion is not sufficient. It is vital to ensure that these nutrients are absorbed effectively by the body.
The next question that arises is the appropriate way to consume seeds. Eating them raw is the only way to derive nutrition from the seeds. It expands to soaked, ground or mashed particularly when added with other foods.
It is suggested to soak seeds overnight before consumption. Although soaking provides numerous benefits, the most significant is the removal of phytic acid found on them. Overnight soaking is the most effective method for this.
When selecting seeds, raw and unsalted varieties are recommended. Seeds, coated or roasted, or with added sugar coatings must be avoided.
read more: Natural Sweeteners: 7 Healthy Alternatives of Refined Sugar
10 Healthiest Seeds
Seeds may be small in size, but when it comes to nutrition it is packed with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. This tiny powerhouse can provide the energy needed for the day ahead. In fact, seeds can be nutritious yet satisfying and a delicious filling snack. Here are the 10 healthiest seeds with benefits to boost overall health.
5 Nontraditional Biryani Recipes
Biryani is a mixed rice dish, originating among Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Extremely popular across South Asia, similar dishes are also popular and prepared in other parts of the world including Iraq, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Usually, Biryani is prepared with spices (Indian), rice, and some type of red meat or chicken. It can also be cooked without red meat, with potatoes, eggs, and other vegetables. Let’s explore delectable nontraditional biryani recipes.
5 Healthy Biryani Recipes
Jackfruit Biryani Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup curd, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 tbsp biryani masala, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp lemon juice, 4 tsp oil, 3 tbsp coriander (chopped), 3 tbsp mint (chopped), 12 pieces jackfruit (raw), 1 carrot (chopped), 1 potato (chopped), 5 beans (chopped), 2 tbsp fried barista, 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter, 8 cubes capsicum, and 2 tbsp saffron milk.
Ingredients for biryani rice:
2 cup basmati rice, 3 bay leaves, 1 tsp pepper, ½ tsp cloves, 4 cardamoms, 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 chilies, and 1 tbsp salt.
Read More: Unique Raw Mango Recipes for Summer 2023
Instructions
First, take a bowl and the curd, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste, ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 tbsp biryani masala, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp oil, 3 tbsp coriander and 3 tbsp mint, the jackfruit, carrot, potato, beans, and 2 tbsp fried onions and combine well and keep in rest for about 30 minutes.
How to cook the rice for biryani:
First, clean the rice and soak it for 20 minutes. Boil water and the spice in a deep pot and then add lemon juice, chili, and 1 tbsp salt, soaked rice and cook for 2 minutes, or as long as the rice is cooked (almost).
Now take another deep pot and heat ghee and 2 tbsp oil and add 1 bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon, 1 black cardamom, ½ tsp cloves, and 4 cardamoms. Then add 2 onions, 1 tsp ginger garlic paste capsicum, and cook for 2 minutes. Now add vegetables (marinated) until the vegetables become tender. Finally, layer the vegetables and the cooked rice evenly and top with 2 tbsp saffron milk, 2 tbsp coriander, 2 tbsp mint, 1 tsp biryani masala, and 2 tbsp ghee and keep in low heat for 30 minutes.
Read More: 8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen.
Vegetable Biryani Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice (soaked), 6 cardamoms, 4 cloves divided, 1 teaspoon salt, 2.5 tablespoon ghee, 2 medium red onion (thinly sliced), 2 tablespoons cashews (broken), 1 small potato cubed, 1/2 cup cauliflower, 1 medium carrot, 5-6 green beans, 2 tbsp saffron milk, 1-inch ginger (crushed), 4-5 garlic cloves (crushed), 2 green chilies, 1.5 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf, 1/3 cup yogurt, 1.5 teaspoon biryani masala, 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons chopped mint, and 1.5 teaspoon rose water.
8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
"Kabab" or "kebab" (Persian) or "kebap" (Turkish) refers to a dish that is prepared from grilled beef, mutton, or chicken. Fish kababs have also become popular. In some recipes, kabab is combined with grilled vegetables. Kababs originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. Let's take a look at 8 mouth-watering kabab recipes for Bangladeshi kitchens.
Kabab Recipes to Try This Eid-ul-Fitr
Shammi Kabab
Ingredients
500 gm mutton (chopped into cubes), 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds, one-fourth teaspoon green cardamom (powdered), 1/2 tablespoon garlic (sliced), 10 green cardamoms, salt (as required), 1 egg (boiled ), 4 tablespoon chana dal, 1/4 teaspoon spice black pepper, 2 tablespoons red chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon ginger (sliced), 1/2 tablespoon clove, 1 tablespoon garam masala powder, and water (as required).
For filling:
2 onions (finely chopped), 2 green chilies (finely chopped), a handful of coriander leaves (finely chopped )
Preparations
First, take a pan and place the mutton, water, red chili powder, cumin seeds, black pepper, green cardamom powder, chana dal, garlic, ginger, cardamom pods, clove, and salt. Cook for around 40 minutes until the water evaporates and the meat becomes tender.
Then, grind the mixture to make a paste when it is cool. Now add a tablespoon of garam masala, and egg (mashed). Prepare the stuffing also with chopped onion, coriander leaves, green chilies, and salt.
Now, give the kababs shape using the mutton mixture. Stuff the kababs with the stuffing mixture. Deep fry on both sides of the kabab as long as they become brown. Serve hot with green chutney.
Read More: 5 Easy Crab Recipes for the Seafood Lovers
Seekh Kabab
Ingredients
2 cups keema (minced mutton/beef), 1 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp fenugreek leaves, 1/2 tbsp garlic paste, half tbsp ginger paste, 1 1/2 tbsp salt, 1/4 tbsp black pepper (powdered), 1/4 tbsp garam masala, 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped), 1 tbsp green chilies (finely chopped), 6 skewers, 2 tbsp oil (for brushing), ½ tbsp chaat masala, and 6-8 lemon wedges.
Preparations
For the marination:
Take a bowl and combine minced meat with a few tbsp of vinegar and fenugreek leaves. Then gradually add garlic paste, ginger paste, salt, black pepper, coriander leaves, and green chilies. Next, marinate the mixture for 5-6 hours in the refrigerator.
For the kababs:
First, prepare the oven to 375 degrees or 205 degrees C. Then shape the meat mixture into long 'tubes' around the skewers and place them into the pre-prepared oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Brush the oil and cook for extra 2 minutes. Once done, place the Kabab carefully in a dish. Spread chaat masala on top the Kabab. Decorate with onions and lemons wedges. Serve hot with chutney (green).
Read More: 5 Drumstick Recipes for Snacks Lovers
Jali kabab
Ingredients
250gm keema, 1 piece of bread (soaked), 3 tablespoons fried onion, ginger paste 1 teaspoon, garlic paste 1/2 teaspoon, green papaya paste 1 teaspoon, red chili powder 1/4 teaspoon, special kabab masala 1 teaspoon, nutmeg powder a pinch, chopped mint 1 tablespoon, chopped coriander leaves 1 tablespoon, chopped green chili 1 tbsp, 1 egg (beaten), and salt (as required).
For coating and frying:
2 eggs, water (as required), bread crumbs, and oil (as required).
Preparations
First, take a bowl and mix all the ingredients except the coating and frying ingredients. Mix everything nicely and give the Kabab shape. Put the prepared Kabab in the refrigerator for 30-40 minutes to have a firm shape of the kabab.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs with little water. Then dip the Kabab first into the beaten egg and then coat them with bread crumbs. Again dip them into the egg and deep fry them. Make sure you lightly sprinkle some egg mixture in a circular motion into the oil so that there creates that net effect. Serve hot with biriyani or pulao.
Read More: Shahi Tukda Recipes for People Who Love Desserts
Muthi Kabab
Ingredients
For kabab:
mutton mince 1 kg, garlic 15 cloves, green chilli 6, ginger 3-inch piece, onion 1 large, dry fenugreek leaves 1 tbsp, red chilli powder 1 tsp, crushed red chilli 2 tsp, coriander seeds 2 tbsp (dry roasted), cumin seeds 1-1/2 tbsp (dry roasted), garam masala powder 1 tsp, salt 1 tsp, fresh coriander 2 tbsp, fresh mint 2 tbsp, and raw papaya paste 1-1/2 tbsp.
Preparations
First, mix mutton mince and papaya paste mix and marinate it for 2 hours. If needed, add 4 to 5 Tbsp of water to this mixture.
Then blend garlic, green chilli, ginger, onion, fenugreek leaves, red chilli powder, crushed red chilli, coriander, cumin, garam masala powder, and salt nicely. Then add coriander, and mint leaves and grind again.
Next, add mutton and papaya paste into the blender and blend to get a smooth paste. Mix everything well and then give the Kabab shape. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pan and bake both sides of each Kabab for 10-12 minutes. Serve with paratha and mint chutney.
Read More: 5 Delightful Chinese Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen
Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh
Bhorta (mashed) food items are an integral part of Bengali cuisine. Especially, during the scorching heat of summer days, bhorta made with vegetables, greens, or peels can keep the body cool and the mind at peace. Besides, bhorta items can be made with fish that are either boiled, steamed, baked, charred, or lightly fried. During Pahela Baishakh, or Bengali New Year, Bangladeshis love to eat different bhorta items along with panta rice and fried hilsa fish. Let’s take a look at 10 mouth-watering bhorta recipes to celebrate this Pahela Baishakh.
10 Tasty Bhorta Recipes for Pahela Baishakh
Egg-Potato Mashed Recipe (Dim-Aloo Bhorta)
Ingredients
Potatoes - 3-4, egg - 1 (boiled), onion - 1/8 cup (chopped), dry red chilies - 4 (as you like), salt - ½ teaspoon, and mustard oil - 2 tbsp.
Preparations
First, wash potatoes and eggs properly. Now boil potatoes in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes in a deep pan. Then add the egg and cook for another 12 minutes. When the potatoes become tender and the egg boils well, take them out of the hot water. Don’t put potatoes in the hot water for a long time as they will be too soft and moist by absorbing water. Then peel the potatoes and egg after they cool down.
Now, take a bowl and mash the potatoes and egg. Meanwhile, take another bowl and mash roasted red chilies, and onion. Add the red chili mixture to the potato-egg mash and combine it well. Finally, add mustard oil and continue mashing till the potatoes have a sticky texture. Garnish and serve with plain rice.
Read More: 11 Summer Iftar Drink Recipes to Fight Dehydration.
Mashed Almond Recipe (Badam Bhorta)
Ingredients
½ cup almonds, 4-5 chilies (dry roasted), ⅛ cup chopped onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tbsp mustard oil.
Preparations
First, fry the almonds. Wait until the almonds become cool. After cooling, grind them. Then add onion slices, pepper, and salt to the almond batter. Finally, pour mustard oil and mix the combination well again. Enjoy with rice.
Read More: The Ultimate Dining Experience: Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services operating in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Bashundhara
Mashed Lentil Recipe (Dal Bhorta)
Ingredients
1 cup Masoor Daal, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp turmeric powder, ⅛ cup chopped onions, 1 tsp salt (as needed), 1/8 cup coriander leaves (chopped), 2-3 tbsp mustard oil, and 3-4 dry red chili.
Preparations
First, wash and clean the lentils. Now boil 1 cup of lentils with 2 cups of water in a deep pan for 8-10 minutes. Skim off the foams that come on top of the lentils during cooking. After boiling, add the turmeric and garlic to the pan. When water decreases, minimize the heat and cover the pan. As soon as the water has completely evaporated, remove the pan from the stove.
Meanwhile, fry dry chilies in another pan, and when they become blackish-brown, remove the pan. Now mash the roasted chilies and put salt into them. Add chopped onion, coriander leaves, and mustard oil to the mixture of boiled lentils and mashed dried chili. Now mash the mixture thoroughly by hand. Add extra salt if needed. Enjoy the bhorta with rice.
Read More: Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try Out Today
The Ultimate Dining Experience: Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services operating in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Bashundhara
The cloud kitchen scene has had a boom in the last few years partly due to the health restrictions and safe distancing needs that arose during the pandemic. People got more used to the concept of ordering in and having a great meal from the comfort of their homes or offices.
Read More: Bangladesh Cloud Kitchen Business Heralds Improved Food Delivery Services
This paradigm shift in dining choice has made way for several cloud kitchens based in different areas of Dhaka. The newest addition is the Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services. The cloud kitchen is currently operating in the “tri-state” area (Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara) along with Bashundhara.
On March 2, Dhaka Cloud Kitchen pulled off a successful delivery of 150 customised packages and exceptional catering services to Dhaka WASA.
Jackfruit: Export Opportunities for Bangladesh's Economy
There is a reason why jackfruit is Bangladesh's national fruit. It grows in abundance across the country, particularly in the highland areas. Madhupur and Bhawal are among the top areas where jackfruit production is high. Once considered a backyard fruit, jackfruit now has the potential to become an export item - offering new economic opportunities and providing a sustainable food source for the population. In this article, we will explore how jackfruit can become a game-changer.
Why Jackfruit?
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, about 1.5 million metric tons of jackfruit are produced in Bangladesh every year. Researchers observed that in the last few years, about 45% of this total production, i.e., about 5 lakh tons of jackfruit were wasted.
During jackfruit season, fruits like mango and litchi are available in the market, and it is difficult to process jackfruit for eating as compared to these fruits. Most people in Bangladesh think that jackfruit can only be eaten when it is ripe. There is a lack of interest in consuming unripe jackfruit. So a large part of the jackfruit produced in Bangladesh is wasted every year.
Read More: Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try Out Today
Keeping these issues in mind, researchers are trying to make food products with jackfruit that are easy to preserve for several months. Thus, they are aiming to reduce wastage and open up new economic prospects for the country.
Products Made Using Jackfruit
In recent times, various types of delicious foods are being prepared from jackfruit in Bangladesh, which includes jackfruit jam, pickles, chutney, chips, cutlets, ice cream, curd, ready-to-cook jackfruit, fresh cut (vegetable meat), jackfruit powder, and various other packaged products. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute has developed these products for the first time in Bangladesh. Customers can find these products in several supermarkets and retail markets across the country.
Between 2019 and 2022, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute partnered with NewVision Solutions Limited to carry out a three-year research program, titled "Jackfruit Postharvest Loss Reduction and Marketing Strategy". The objective of this program was to prevent the wastage of jackfruit and explore its various uses.
Read More: 7 Nutritious, Delicious Jackfruit Recipes for Curries, Snacks, Salads
As part of the project, the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute provided training to around 700-800 individuals on the production and marketing of jackfruit. These individuals are now engaged in producing a variety of jackfruit products. Additionally, the institute is also offering free training to anyone who is interested in learning more about producing jackfruit products.
Initially, the researchers focused their efforts on studying four products, namely jackfruit chips, pickles, fresh cuts, and dried products, as part of the project. However, they have now come to realize that jackfruit can be utilized as a resource for over 30 different products.
According to researchers, the market demand for fresh-cut or unripe jackfruit is higher than that for other jackfruit products. This benefits farmers, as a single jackfruit that would usually sell for Tk 60-70 can be sold for Tk 200-250 as fresh-cut jackfruit.
Read More: Corona, Amphan: Popular jackfruit haat in Jashore takes a hit
Currently, a range of food items, such as unripe jackfruit vegetable rolls, cutlets, and shingara, are being prepared in the market. Meanwhile, ripe jackfruit juice is being used to make ice cream, cakes, and fruit roll-ups. In addition to that, these products made using jackfruit are already creating employment in the country. On the other hand, there is a demand for these products in the international market as well.
Tasty Homemade Shashlik Recipes with Meat and Fish
The word ‘Shashlik’ or Shashlick came from the Russian word ‘shashlyk’ of Turkik origin. In Turkic languages, the term shish refers to skewer, and shishlik means "skewerable". Shashlik is a kind of food that refers to skewered meat. It is also popular as shish Kebab or Shashlik kebab. Besides Iran, Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, Shashlik is famous in Russian countries. Traditionally Shashlik is made with lamb meat. However, this food can also be prepared with other kinds of meats and fish. Let’s take a look at 5 easy-made shashlik recipes to try at home.
5 Yummy Shashlik Recipes to Try at Home
Chicken Shashlik Recipe
Ingredients
2 chicken breast ( 400g) (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 green bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 red bell pepper (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 onion (cut into 1-inch cubes), 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tbsp red chili powder, ½ tbsp spicy red chili powder, ½ tbsp tandoori chicken masala or garam masala, salt (as required), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp tomato sauce, 1 tbsp oil, 5 skewers.
Instructions
First, take a bowl and mix chicken with ginger paste, chili powder, tandoori chicken masala, salt, lemon juice, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and oil. Then add onion and bell peppers and mix them together. Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator to marinate for an hour.
Read More: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer
Making Chicken Shashlik:
First, fasten the onion, bell peppers, and chicken on the skewers. Now, heat the oil in a pan. Then place the chicken, and bell peppers skewers over the pan and rotate the skewers to cook well. Make sure you brush oil on it. Put a lid over the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or as long as the chicken, onions, and bell peppers become tender and juicy. Remove from the pan and serve with rice or paratha.
Rare shipment from Pakistan reaches Israel
An American Jewish organization celebrated the “first shipment” of food supplies from Pakistan that arrived in Israel.
The trade last week included Pakistani-Jewish businessman Fishel BenKhald and three Israeli businesses, according to a statement issued by the American Jewish Congress from its New York offices, reports Voice of America.
BenKhald resides in Karachi, where he manages a Jewish kosher certification business for food makers selling to international markets. Last Tuesday, he announced the unusual trade on Twitter, the VOA report said.
The trader shared a video of his products, which included dates, dried fruit, and spices, on display in a Jerusalem market. The video has subsequently received over 640,000 views.
Read More: India-Bangladesh trade using rupee instead of US dollar could start soon
"I was not expecting it to be taken that big of a deal," BenKhald said in written comments to VOA, adding that this was not the first export of Pakistani products to Israel.
"The Israeli government and buyers have no problem accepting the direct shipment from Pakistan,” he said, adding that Israel does not have a problem sending payments to Pakistani banks, said the report.
BenKhald's attempt was largely lauded by Pakistani Twitter users, who included journalists, politicians, and businesses, some of whom sought his assistance on how to market their products to Israel. He tried to respond to every communication, it added.
Pakistani officials did not immediately comment on the unusual exchange.
Read More: Trade and investment opportunities opening up between Bangladesh, Brazil
Islamabad has no diplomatic relations with Israel and refuses to recognize it as a sovereign state until the state of Palestine is created, a position shared by many Muslim-majority nations.
Nevertheless, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain established ties with Israel in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords, which were brokered by the United States. Sudan and Morocco followed suit.
"Trade exhibits hosted by the UAE helped Pakistani and Israeli businessmen conclude a deal that enabled this week's Pakistani shipment to Israel," the American Jewish Congress noted. "We welcome this small step that can have wider implications for Israeli and Pakistani economies and for the region at large."
Pakistan is a recognized nuclear power, while Israel is commonly believed to possess nuclear weapons. Since their foreign ministers met publicly in 2005, the two nations have had secret discussions on security matters. Pakistani Islamist organizations and right-wing parties are adamantly opposed to establishing formal relations with Israel over the Palestinian issue, the report also said.
Read More: Traders fined in Faridpur for selling meat in violation of price list
Pakistani people are barred from visiting Israel since their passport plainly states that they are valid for all nations except Israel.
Agriculture to be mechanised through multipurpose cooperatives: PM Hasina
Prime Minister sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the government will mechanise the agriculture through multipurpose rural cooperatives to boost production of food and other crops.
“We are taking an initiative to mechanise the agriculture through multipurpose rural cooperatives system which was initially taken up by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib,” she said.
The prime minister was addressing the three-day first-ever National Land Conference 2023 along with launching seven initiatives of the land ministry.
The programme was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) with Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury in the chair.
The conference (March 29-31) will focus on the role of the land ministry in building a smart Bangladesh and to find out the future challenges of digitization of land services.
Other objectives of the conference include informing citizens, government agencies, and stakeholders about the steps taken by the land ministry, creating awareness among them about land management, and giving an idea about the existing laws and regulations related to land.
One of the 7 initiatives that the prime minister is set to inaugurate is the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Monument and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Guchchagram Complex.
The remaining 6 initiatives include Registration-Mutation Interconnection, Smart Land Map, Smart Land Records, Smart Land Pedia, Smart Land Service Center, and Union Land Office.
Hasina said that under the planned cooperatives system one portion of the harvest will go to the owners of the lands, one portion to the engaged labourers while one portion to the government.
She mentioned that the government will utilise its portion for the land preservation and maintenance.
“Already, the cooperatives ministry has been instructed to make a policy regarding this matter. We want that,” she said.
She also said that there will be no demarcation separating one plot of land from another. But there will be no problem regarding the ownership of the lands as digital mapping will specify the ownership.
Read more: Boost research on agriculture to increase production: PM Hasina tells scientists
“Although there will be no demarcation, all lands will be cultivated collectively, as there will be digital map, ownership will be specifically indicated, owners will get their share as per their lands’ proportion,” she narrated.
The PM said that if this system is established the people of Bangladesh will never be poor and hungry and they will not suffer from food scarcity.
“We will not need to beg to anyone for foods, rather we will be able to help others,” she said.
Hasina said that from Pahela Boishakh 1430 (April 14, 2023) the land development tax across the country will be fully collected through online.
She said that Awami League is the servant of the people as it emerged from the struggle to materialise the rights of the people.
“From the very beginning Awami League is continuing its struggle to establish the rights of the people. And while in power we are doing our job with the motto of serving the people,” she said.
She mentioned that the government has taken steps to remove the land-related hassles that created problems among the family members.
“Our aim is to ensure the welfare of the people. Many people face many problems while taking land related services, Inshallah in the digital and smart Bangladesh people will not suffer anymore. We want that all sorts of irregularities will be removed from Bangladesh.”
Recalling the arson attacks of BNP and its allies during 2013-15 period that killed many innocent people in the name of anti-government movement, she said that they burnt down 60 public offices, including six land offices.
Later the government built around 400 land offices across the country and in every upazila there is now modern land office with record preservation system.
“Their (BNP and Jamaat) job is to demolish while Awami League’s is to create for the welfare of the people. And our prime aim is to serve the people,” she said.
The prime minister put emphasis on the proper sharing of wealth and lands among the successors to avoid future complexities.
“The shares of the successors can be specified through digital means solving many family problems,” she said.
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anisul Haq, Law secretary Md. Golam Sarwar, Land secretary Md Mustafizur Rahman and Assistant Land Commissioner Rajbari Noor Jahan Alther Sathi also spoke at the programme.
Four seminars/panel discussions on various topics related to land management have been scheduled to take place during the afternoons of the day of inauguration ceremony and the following two days, according to the press release.
The second and third day events of the conference will be held at BIAM Foundation in the capital.