To take a stand against existing status quo of people judging others based on clothes and looks, internationally renowned hair care brand TRESemmé will host a three-day fashion event titled ‘TRESemmé Bangladesh Fashion Week 2020’ in the capital beginning on January 23.

Fashion designers from home and abroad will showcase their works at the event at the International Convention City Bashundhara.

Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) is the event partner while Le Méridien Dhaka the hospitality partner.

Nafees Anwar, Beauty and Personal Care Director of Unilever Bangladesh, made the announcement at a press conference at hotel Le Méridien Dhaka on Thursday.

The fashion event, which will end on January 25, will be called Runway of Life to promote against the judgmental mindset of people. In line with that, a digital campaign has been activated by Unilever with the hashtag -- #doitforyou.

Nafees Anwar said Unilever has changed the model on how to get involved in the fashion industry last year through the ‘TRESemmé Bangladesh Fashion Week 2019’.

“We had an event which came out pretty good at the end and we’re trying to continue it this year...every single brand under Unilever has a purpose. Every single product that Unilever produces has the same quality and I’d expect that like the way you’re supporting the local fashion industry, you’ll support the products that are produced locally,” he said.

Maheen Khan, President of FDCB, said their organisation is engaged in promotion of sustainable designs.

“We support clusters of artisans and produce ethical products. For the past six years, we held many international events to brand and promote our homegrown design industry,” she said.

She also spoke about FDCB’s approach for the benefit of Bangladeshi fashion industry.

“We’ve essentially built awareness, started campaigns for safe and conscious work ethics that promotes local creative work. Our aim and goal is always to preserve the DNA of Bangladeshi design heritage,” said Maheen Khan.

She mentioned that fashion designers from cities like Colombo, Kathmandu, Thimphu, Udaypur, Ahmedabad and Kolkata alongside talented Bangladeshi counterparts will be displaying their works in the ‘TRESemmé Bangladesh Fashion Week 2020’.

“Twenty-one Bangladeshi designers will play a key role with their participation weighing to brand our unique design industry that is evolving, growing into something way more purposeful and significant,” said FDCB President.

Apart from 21 local designers, nine foreign ones will be showcasing their collection at the three-day event. Some of the notable names are Anuj Sharma, Riddhi Jain, Alka Sharma, Soumitra Mandal and Asif Shaikh of India, Ajay Gurung of Nepal, Sonali Dharmawardena of Sri Lanka, Chandrika Tamang of Bhutan, Maheen Khan, Chandan Dewan, Kuhu, Lipi Khandaker, Emdad Hoque, Shaibal Saha and Farah Anjum Bari of Bangladesh.

 

The winners of the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), a social initiative by Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) to encourage and promote the promising entrepreneurs, have been announced at a ceremony in the city.

The YEC, an initiative under BYLC’s entrepreneurship development wing in association with DFID and Manusher Jonno Foundation, is part of the organization’s efforts to nurture the passion of aspiring entrepreneurs with unique revenue-generating business ideas by connecting them to the right tools and networks.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun was the chief guest at the award-giving ceremony held at a city hotel on Tuesday.

 Acting High Commissioner of the UK to Bangladesh Kanbar Hossein-Bor and Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) Shaheen Anam joined the ceremony as special guests.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said, “BYLC Ventures is a timely initiative, and this YEC endeavor to select, invest in, and cultivate the next generation of Bangladesh’s entrepreneurs has the potential to add great value to the economy and make the ground that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamed of.”

The five winning teams each received seed funding of Tk 8 lakh with an option of further Tk 15 lakh in additional investment, based on their performances. Moreover, the five teams will have access to a co-working space, mentoring, and a rigorous accelerator curriculum for six months from BYLC.

The five winning teams are Eco Wraps, a production and packaging company of cellulose-based biodegradable biopolymer bags; Tinkers, a producer of educational and interactive learning materials and toys; Agri Mushroom and Multi-farming, an agri-tech company; Selvice, an online marketing platform for event logistics; and Digigrow, a cloud-based multi-channel platform for farmers, independent investors, and partnered retailers.

In his opening remarks, Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of BYLC, said, “BYLC has been investing in promising young leaders for the past ten years. This YEC venture is our latest initiative to invest in Bangladesh’s most promising young founders and help them grow their business.”

Kanbar Hossein-Bor, acting High Commissioner of the UK to Bangladesh, commended BYLC for contributing to creating a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bangladesh. “Funding is not the only thing that young entrepreneurs need in today’s world to thrive in the current business climate. Under this campaign, the winning teams will learn tangible business and leadership skills that will help them build their ventures,” he said.

Speaking as a special guest at the event, Shaheen Anam, Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation, said, “Bangladeshi youth cannot depend only on jobs. In this age of rapid technological advancement and automation, it is critical for youth to pursue self-employment opportunities through entrepreneurial initiatives.”

Over 500 business ideas were submitted in the initial phase of the challenge. The selection process included a residential bootcamp with 200 top founders, further vetting of top 30 teams, and presentation of 16 finalists in front of an investment committee comprising of BYLC management, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Five climbers are attempting to scale Mount Everest, battling extreme cold, high winds and piled-up snow and ice as they try to become the first to reach the top of the world's highest mountain in the winter in 27 years, an official said Wednesday.

The climbers — three from Spain and two from Germany — are already acclimatizing around Everest's base camp area as they wait for weather conditions to improve, said Meera Acharya of Nepal's Department of Mountaineering.

They're expected to be accompanied on their ascent by Nepalese Sherpa guides, but it was not yet decided how many would go up the slope with them.

While there are no rules prohibiting climbers from attempting to scale Everest during the winter, only a handful have reached the mountain's 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) -high peak during that season. The feat was first accomplished in 1980, and has not been done since 1993.

Everest is mainly scaled during the spring climbing season in April and May, when weather conditions are favorable.

Traveling is an addiction to me. Once you start traveling and get the fun of it, you would want to do it as frequently as possible. There is so much more left to see in this big world. Also, not to forget that there are still numerous countries, cities and places that I had no idea about. This time while researching about my day trip from Phuket, I heard about this archipelago located between the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean named the ‘Similan Islands’. The word ‘Similan’ meaning ‘nine’, were initially a group of nine islands but currently two more got added to the list summing upto eleven in total. My cousin and I booked the day tour including pick and drop to our hostel along with complimentary breakfast, lunch and snacks via an agent named WOW ANDAMAN. We had a 2-hour journey by road to the pier called the Khao Lak Pier followed by a speedboat ride for an hour to reach the Similan Islands. Those who are not used to the boat rocking back and forth were given complimentary motion sickness tablets. We could visit 4 islands in total – two snorkeling points and two beaches.

As we arrived at the office located beside the pier, we saw a huge arrangement of breakfast. There was an enormous variety of food like bread and jam, soupy noodles, chocolate and vanilla cakes and so many others. We were quite impressed with the arrangement. After breakfast, we were briefed about the islands we will be visiting and the DOs and DON’T’s.

Our first stop was in Island No. 9 where we saw this distinct piling up of huge boulders. These boulders are the signature of the Similan Islands, the topmost of which is called the SAIL ROCK. To reach the ‘sail rock’ which is on top of the cliff, we had to go through a nature trail with mini tropical rainforest around it. It took around 20 minutes to reach the top.

View from the SAIL ROCK Viewpoint      

                                             Nature trail up the viewpoint         

The next two islands we visited were snorkeling points. I was amazed to see the crystal-clear water and the distinct shade of blue. While others enjoyed snorkeling, I enjoyed sunbathing on the deck of the speed boat. Our last stop was at island number 4 named Ko Miang where we were served delicious Thai lunch. In addition to this, we also checked out a small sea turtles conservation station. We chilled in the island for some time after which we started our way back to the Khao Lak pier at 3 pm.

Sea turtle conservation station

I had no idea that the Similan Islands is one of the most popular islands for its diving and white coral sand beaches. I was mindblown by its beauty. The best part was that the place was scenic and deserted at the same time. If you wish to visit the Similans, do visit within mid-October to mid-April when the monsoon season is over.

Can you remember those childhood days when you were waiting the whole year round for the special day called ‘Picnic’ full of joy and amusement? Picnic is a short break for Executives, and Corporates to spend some quality time with family, and friends in a natural environment. Picnic is a gift for city kids, who are usually raised in confined space and hardly get a chance to chill out for daylong with friends under the open sky without worrying about studies, exams, grades, etc. In this article we would like to introduce you to some Picnic Spots near Dhaka. Our discussion include both paid and free/cheap picnic spots.

Luxurious Picnic Spots near Dhaka

Near Dhaka city there are several high quality resorts that offer special arrangement for picnic facility. In this section we will highlight on some resorts near Dhaka where you can book a picnic spot for corporate and family get together picnic programs.

Sabah Garden

Sabah Garden is one of the most popular picnic spots near Dhaka city. Hasan Uddin Sarker has built the Sabah Garden Resort over 36 bighas of land at Bagher Bazaar area in Gazipur. Here you can spend your day out in a natural ambient enjoying fresh air, shadows of trees, chirping of birds, etc. This place is also great for Corporate Events, Annual Day celebration, family program, shooting for media purpose, etc.

Photo Taken from Sabah Garden Facebook Page

This resort has some unique attributes. For instance, this resort is enriched with a library containing a good number of books written by renowned local and international writers. If you want to read a book in silence, letting your kids playing outside safely, Sabah Garden can be a great choice. The whole resort is nicely decorated with the saying and messages told by world-wide famous people.

The vast area of this Sabah Garden Picnic spot has many other interesting establishments like, mini zoo, statues of some famous people. This place has six big ponds and cottage built with traditional elements like mud, bamboo and tin. A day out in Sabah Garden will give a chance to the city kids to get in touch with rustic ambient. Sabah Resort Garden has special arrangements to entertain the children. Here you will find statutes of diverse animals, like tigers, elephants, etc.

Photo Taken from Sabah Garden Facebook Page

Sabah Garden costs 60-70,000 BDT for a Picnic event. The cost would be very affordable when the team size is big. However, if your team size is limited, contact with the authority to negotiate the price range.

How the Reach Sabah Garden Picnic Spot?

Starting your Journey from Dhaka city, you can reach Bagherbazar through Dhaka-Mymensingh highway by private car or public bus. Here you will find the Sabah Garden resort.

Nahar Garden

Nahar Garden is another beautiful picnic spot located in Kamta village, Saturiya thana, Manikganj district near Dhaka city. Nahar Garden presents a peaceful environment filled with various trees. If you are raised in village, the rustic environment of Nahar Garden will remind your childhood days.

Though Nahar Garden does not cover a gigantic area, this picnic spot features nice landscape architecture. This place has a flower garden where you will find lovely flowers of various color and scent. Nahar Garden also includes a pond. Here you will find boat riding arrangement.

Photo Taken from Nahar Garden Facebook Page

Nahar Garden has a small Zoo containing rich collection of various birds species, including fins, Parrot (20 species), lovebirds, Gere Pariet, pigeons (3 species), cocktails, emu bird, Bajrang, peacocks, macaws, etc. In addition to these, the Mini Zoo of Nahar Garden has some animals like deer, monkeys, camels, etc.  Undoubtedly, kids will find great pleasure visiting this place for picnic.

Nahar Garden has Tube Well facility where you can find pure drinking water. In this vicinity, there is a dairy firm, where you can drink fresh cow-milk. Here you will also find many coconut trees. You can even drink the water of freshly picked Green Coconuts. Nahar Garden has a small artificial waterfall. You can bathe there in summer days to have fun. The dummy Titanic will further augment your fun time.

Nahar Garden includes vast playgrounds and amusement parks for children. Here the kids will have great fun viewing the statues of wild animals, like elephants. You will love the nice architecture of Mosque surrounded by water located inside the area of Nahar Garden.

Photo Taken from Nahar Garden Facebook Page

For picnic arrangement, Nahar Garden has seven spots. Those are Park Cottage, Bokehn vila, Titanic Valley, Palki Cottage, Garden Cottage, VIP Bungalow, and Fountain Cottage. Nahar Garden has reliable security system. Here you will also get secured car parking facility.

The cost of Nahar Garden picnic Spot Ranges from 7000 to 30000 BDT depending upon cottage type, booking day, number of visitors, etc.

How the Reach Nahar Garden Picnic Spot?

Starting your Journey from Gulistan or Farmgate bus stand of Dhaka city, you can reach at Saturia in Manikganj through Dhaka-Aricha highway by a public bus. From Saturia Thana, you can arrive at your destination Nahar Garden at Kamta village by local transport.

Angona Resort

This beautiful resort is named ‘Angona’ which means ‘Pretty Girl’ according to Bengali language. The awesome natural beauty of this resort preserves its name-value. Angona resort has been built over 18 bighas of land area at Surjo Narayanpur village in Kapasia of Gazipur district in the year of 2014. The owner of this resort is Sayed Ali Murad, the brother of prominent singer Runa Layla.

Photo Taken from Angona Resort Gazipur Facebook Page

Besides artificial beautification, this resort is enriched with unique topography. For instance, this area is naturally bound with red soil built hills which belong to Bhawal Pargan range. Thanks to the authority of Angona resort to preserve the God-made natural features of this area. Here you will also find a landscaped garden. This resort includes two big playgrounds along with two vast ponds.

Angona resort is a popular choice for Picnic arrangement. Their Picnic facility can accommodate and cater more than 500 people at a time. However, the whole resort area is encircled with high security walls. Adding to these, this resort is fully covered under the surveillance of security camera and security guards assuring enough security to the visitors.

Photo Taken from Angona Resort Gazipur Facebook Page

To amuse the visitors, Angona resort has some wonderful facilities like pony rides, boating, swimming pool, badminton court, deer park, etc. This resort also has arrangements for meetings, workshops, training, brainstorming sessions, etc. What is more? In this resort, you will find air-conditioned bedrooms and modern bathrooms.

For arranging a Picnic at Angona Resort, you have to pay 70,000 to 85,000 BDT.

How the Reach Angona Resort Picnic Spot?

Angona resort is located at Surjonarayanur in Kapasia under Gazipur. This place is about one hour from the Dhaka International Airport. Starting your journey from Dhaka you can ride on a public bus which will pass through Gazipur Junction on Dhaka- Kapasia road. Get off the bus at Pabur Rasta stop. From this point you have to make another trip at one kilometer south to reach at Surjonarayanur village where your will find Angona Resort.

Rangamati Water Front Resort

The name of this resort might confuse you whether it is located in Rangamati which is far away from Dhaka city. Actually, Rangamati Waterfront Resort is located at Sinaboho bazaar in Kaliakore Shafipur Bazaar under Gazipur district. This resort is near Chandra at Gazipur. Though this resort mimics the name of ‘Rangamati’, it has no highlands like the Rangamati Hill District.

Photo Taken from Rangamati water Front Resort Facebook Page

In the Angona resort, the classy landscape architecture including a vast flower garden attracts the visitors. Here you can spend some tranquil moments for relaxing or chatting with dear friends and family members sitting close to nature. Children would love chilling under open sky beside waterfront space.

This resort has nice arrangement for Picnic facility. Here there is a beautiful lake. A hanging bridge augments the elegance of this lake. In this lake, the visitors can enjoy boat riding, fishing, etc. Moreover, this resort owns a modern swimming pool, seven cottages and eight two-storied buildings.

Photo Taken from Rangamati water Front Resort Facebook Page

Rangmati Water Front Resort has four Picnic spots called Kamini, Zamini, Big Field and Amphitheater. Each of these picnic spots has separate place for culinary preparation, and playground for children. The cost of Picnic ranges from 35000 to 50000 BDT. This resort is a great place for arranging picnic parties for both families and corporates.

How to Reach Rangamati Waterfront Resort?

The resort is located at about 45 kilometers distance from Dhaka City. Starting the journey from Farmgate bus stand or Mohakhali bus stand area at Dhaka, you can get on a bus heading towards Gazipur. The bus will drop you at Chandra stop. From this point, you can hire a local transport (like rickshaw or tempo) to reach at the resort. By passing Konabari, move towards Shafipur Bazaar area. The Rangamati Water Front resorts falls on the Tangail road. 

Cheap Picnic Spots near Dhaka

If you want to celebrate a low-budget picnic with a few people like family members or close friends, then choose a free or cheap picnic spot. There are many natural locations in and around Dhaka city where you can enjoy a day out picnic. For instance, you can choose Ramna Park, Lalbagh fort, Botanical Garden, etc.

These places may charge a nominal entry fee per person. However, these cheap picnic spots may lack some facilities – like, modern restroom, catering service, parking, security arrangement, etc. – which are usually offered by the high-end paid picnic spots. You can arrange the catering from local hotel or restaurants.