Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long fasting and spiritual practice for Muslims. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and togetherness, often accompanied by elaborate meals and delectable treats. Let's delve into some delightful recipes that will elevate your Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. Mouth-watering Recipes for Eid-ul-Fitr Basbousa Sweet (Semolina Cake) Ingredients For the cake: 1 â…” cup semolina, ½ cup ghee, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ cup sugar, ½ cup plain yoghurt, ½ tablespoon baking powder, ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes (finely shredded), and 0.5 tablespoons tahini (1 tablespoon ghee to brush the bottom) For the syrup: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and nuts for garnishing. Read more: Famous Traditional Sweets and Desserts in Bangladesh Instructions First, preheat the oven to 350 F. Take a deep bowl. Now mix semolina, baking powder, sugar, and coconut. In a separate container, melt ghee and dissolve honey into it. Combine the ghee mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring until well mixed.  Next, add yoghurt to the mixture and combine thoroughly. Brush a 12-inch round baking sheet with tahini and spread the basbousa mixture evenly onto it. Decorate the top with nuts. Bake in the middle of the oven until the edges start to brown, approximately 10 minutes.  Then, move the basbousa to a higher shelf and continue baking until golden brown, around 15 to 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by combining the ingredients of syrup in a saucepan and bringing it to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.  Once the basbousa is done, remove it from the oven. Then pour the warm syrup over it, and cover it with foil immediately. Return the basbousa to the turned-off oven for 5-10 minutes. Finally, remove from the oven, cut into pieces, and enjoy. Read more: 8 Delectable Kabab Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Mutton Rogan Josh Ingredients 500 gram lamb, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, salt to taste, and 2 teaspoons garam masala powder. For tempering: 5 tablespoons ghee / clarified butter, 2 bay leaves, 3 centimetres cinnamon, 2 black cardamom (crushed), 4 green cardamom (crushed), and ½ teaspoon asafoetida.  For Masala Paste: 1 cup plain yoghurt, 3 tablespoons Kashmiri chilli powder, 1 teaspoon green cardamom powder, ½ teaspoon black cardamom powder, 1 tablespoon fennel seed powder,1 tablespoon dry ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper powder. Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes Instructions First, in a bowl, marinate the mutton with salt and lemon juice, allowing it to sit overnight or for at least 2 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it immediately. In another bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Then, add the ingredients for the paste, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.  Then, heat ghee in a pot and sauté the tempering ingredients for a minute. Add the mutton in batches. Continue browning each batch for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the browned mutton to a plate as you go. Once all the mutton is browned, add it back to the pot.  Next, pour the curd mixture over the meat and cook for 10 minutes until browned. After that, add water, adjust salt, and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 2 hours until the meat is tender and falls off the bone. Serve with rice or roti. Read more: 5 Delicious Less Spicy Mutton Recipes Jhura Beef (Shredded Beef) Ingredients For Cooking Beef: 2 pounds boneless beef, 1 tablespoon ginger paste, 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder, 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1 bay leaf, 3 cardamom pods, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 8 whole black peppers, 1 dry red chilli, and 1/2 cup cooking oil. For frying beef: 1/4 cup oil, 3 cups cubed onions, 4 green chillies (slit), 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon freshly ground cumin powder, and 1 teaspoon ghee. Read more: 5 Delightful Tartare Recipes to Add to Your Repertoire Instructions First, to cook the beef, combine all the ingredients listed for cooking beef. You can use a pressure cooker to cook the meat for 30 minutes. After that, the beef should be tender. If not, cook until the meat is tender. Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks directly in the pot. Then, cook the meat uncovered until the liquid is absorbed. To fry the beef, first heat oil in a large frying pan and sauté onions until golden. Next, add the shredded beef, green chillies, cilantro, cumin powder, and ghee. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. Your jhura beef is ready to savour.  Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) Ingredients For the marinade: 1/2 cup plain yoghurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 tablespoon ginger (freshly grated), 2 cloves garlic (crushed), and 750-gram chicken thigh fillets (cut into bite-size pieces) For curry: 2 tablespoons ghee or butter or 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 cup tomato puree, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 1/4 teaspoon salt. Read more: 5 Exciting Peri Peri Chicken Recipes Instructions First, combine the marinade ingredients with the chicken in a bowl. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results. For an extra smooth sauce, you can blend the marinade ingredients (excluding the chicken) in a food processor until smooth, although this step is not mandatory. Next, to cook the chicken, heat the ghee in a large fry pan over high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, leaving any excess marinade on the chicken. Place the chicken in the frying pan and cook for approximately 3 minutes, until it becomes white. Then, for the sauce, add the tomato puree, cream, sugar, salt, and any remaining marinade left in the bowl to the frying pan. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Finally, garnish the dish with coriander leaves, and serve with basmati rice. Read more: Vermicelli Ideas: 10 Delicious Semai Recipes for Eid Fruit Custard Ingredients 2.5 cups milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 3 tablespoons custard powder, 3 tablespoons milk warm or at room temperature, 1.5 to 2 cups chopped mixed fruits (apples, mangoes, sapota, banana, pears, strawberries, pomegranate). Read more: Delicious Homemade Dessert Ideas for Eid and Other Celebrations Instructions First, take a thick-bottomed pan or saucepan, and heat milk on the stove until it reaches a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, take 3 tablespoons of warm milk from the saucepan and mix with 3 tablespoons of custard powder to form a smooth paste. Once the milk is heated, add sugar and stir until dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the custard paste to the milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the custard on low heat for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens. Then, allow the custard to cool at room temperature. As it cools, it will continue to thicken. Once cooled, chop seasonal fruits such as apples, papaya, banana, strawberries, and pomegranates, and add them to the custard. Mix well to combine. Now, serve the fruit custard garnished with additional fruits or pomegranate arils, or add chopped nuts or dry fruits for extra flavour and texture.  Read more: Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Seasonal Fruits for This Summer Final Words Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for celebration, gratitude, and sharing delicious food with family and friends. These five sweet and savoury recipes can make your Eid feast delicious and memorable for people of all ages. From traditional Middle Eastern sweets to aromatic curries, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Prepare these dishes with love and care, and savour the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr with your loved ones. Read more: 5 Nontraditional Biryani Recipes

Eid-Ul-Fitr stands as a beacon of joy, marking the end of Ramadan with its festive spirit and the promise of cherished moments spent with family. As schools close and work pressures ease, families find themselves with a precious opportunity to reconnect, create, and celebrate together. This period of togetherness is not just about observing traditions, it's about making new memories that will be treasured for years to come. Below are ways to infuse creativity and joy into your family's Eid celebration, ensuring every moment is filled with warmth and delight. A guide to meaningful family bonding and fun during Eid-ul-Fitr Bonding over Eid delicacies: Inviting the whole family into the kitchen to prepare Eid specialties is a recipe for bonding. The act of cooking together, assigning tasks that suit each age group, and later savoring the dishes you've created side by side, turns meal preparation into a celebration of collective achievement and familial love. Festive home makeover with children:  Decorating your home for Eid with the help of your children not only beautifies your space but also kindles the creative spirit in your little ones. Encourage them to craft Eid-themed decorations, such as paper lanterns and homemade cards, transforming your home into a vibrant celebration of the festival's joy. Read more: Eid Shopping: Popular Bangladeshi Clothing Brands for Families Culinary adventures at children-friendly restaurants:  Eid is the perfect excuse to take a break from kitchen duties and indulge in the pleasure of dining out. Select restaurants that not only offer a diverse menu to cater to all tastes but also provide an engaging environment for children, such as play areas or interactive meal activities. This combination ensures a stress-free dining experience where the focus is on enjoying each other's company and making mealtime memorable. The beauty of henna: Gathering together for henna application is more than just a beauty ritual; it's a shared cultural experience that strengthens bonds. This tradition, rich in artistry and significance, becomes a cherished moment of connection and celebration among family members. Handcrafted Eid cards and gifts: Nurturing your children's creativity through the creation of handmade Eid cards and gifts for loved ones not only keeps them engaged but also teaches the value of thoughtful giving. This activity allows them to express their feelings through art, making the holiday more personal and meaningful. Read more: Sky-high Laughs with a Hint of Turbulence: 'Crew' starting Tabu, Kareena, Kriti Takes Off! The excitement of Eidi: The giving and receiving of Eidi encapsulate the essence of Eid's joy for children, offering a tangible connection to the festivities. This tradition not only brings smiles to their faces but also instills in them the values of generosity and gratitude. Picnicking under the open sky: Planning a family picnic combines the beauty of nature with the joy of togetherness. Selecting a picturesque spot where the kids can play and explore while the adults relax and chat is a simple yet profound way to celebrate Eid, surrounded by the beauty of the world. Rediscovering the joy of reading together:  Introducing children to the magic of stories is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether it's through the vibrant pages of picture books for the little ones or the compelling chapters of novels for the older kids, reading together opens up new worlds of imagination. A family trip to the library can become a treasure hunt, seeking out titles that will become the next bedtime favorites or spark lively discussions around the dinner table. Read more: Some Popular Bookstore and Reading Cafes in Dhaka

In Sylhet city, frequent power outages are affecting the daily lives of its residents and the local economy. The city has experienced severe load shedding in recent days, impacting traders and disrupting the water supply managed by the city corporation. Experts attribute the problem to a significant shortfall in power supply. The Sylhet region faces a gap, with demand ranging from 140-160 MW against a supply deficit of 40-60 MW. Shielding capital Dhaka from loadshedding masks reality of power cuts biting nation The Sylhet Power Development Board's records reveal stark disparities: on April 2, demand hit 141 MW against a mere supply of 56 MW; April 3 saw demand at 120-130 MW with only 66 MW supplied; and on April 4, the supply was just 69 MW against a demand of 135 MW. As Eid-ul-Fitr approaches, traders, in anticipation of the festive rush, have decorated their establishments, only to rely on generators amidst the frequent outages. The disruptions have also inconvenienced residents during crucial times like Sehri and Iftar. Zakir Ahmed, a local trader from Golapganj, voiced the community's distress, stating, “General people and businesses are the worst sufferers, and we fear the power cut problems will only worsen with the summer heat.” Echoing the sentiment, Airin Sultana Nipa, a housewife from Lala Dighirpar, shared her struggles, “The power goes out before dawn, causing water shortages at critical moments like Iftar and Sehri. It's disheartening to face such challenges.” Days of sweltering heat, power cuts in northern India overwhelm hospitals as death toll climbs Jarjisur Rahman Rony, an assistant engineer at the Sylhet Power Development Board, shed light on the dilemma, “We're distributing what little electricity we have. The issue isn't with the infrastructure but stems from broader economic challenges affecting power generation, such as the dollar and coal crisis, forcing us into load shedding.”

In anticipation of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations, Bangladesh Police on Thursday (April 04, 2024) issued a series of safety guidelines for citizens planning to travel back to their hometowns.  This initiative aims to ensure a safe and smooth journey for thousands of holidaymakers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The police have strongly discouraged travelers from risking their lives by riding on the roofs of buses, trucks, pickups, and other goods vehicles.  Newly elected Cumilla and Mymensingh city mayors take oath Additionally, pedestrians have been advised to utilise foot overbridges and zebra crossings wherever available and to be cautious of vehicle speeds in areas lacking these facilities. Private car users were specifically warned against joyriding and reckless driving. The police have also cautioned all travelers against accepting food from strangers, a precautionary measure to avoid potential health risks. Bus owners have been urged to employ only skilled and professional drivers and to avoid overloading buses beyond their capacity. Similarly, vehicle fitness is emphasised, with a strict recommendation against operating any vehicle deemed unfit for travel. Regarding waterway travel, the police advised against journeying by launch in inclement weather conditions and implored vessel owners to refrain from exceeding passenger limits on launches, steamers, and speedboats. Vessel operators were reminded to navigate the vessels themselves or ensure that they are piloted by certified drivers. Owners are also encouraged to monitor weather conditions via mobile phones and radio and to verify the functionality of fire pumps and fire extinguishing equipment onboard. For those traveling by train, police reiterated the dangers of roof, buffer, and engine travel and cautioned against the act of throwing stones at trains, which poses a significant safety hazard. Work for people, don’t lose public trust: PM Hasina to public reps In the event of an emergency, people were asked to call 999 or police headquarters control room (01320001299), highway police headquarters (01320182598), railway police headquarters (01320177598), river police headquarters (01320169598), Rapid Action Battalion (01777720199), district superintendent of police and officer-in-charge of police, if needed. By adhering to these guidelines, the Bangladesh Police hope to minimise accidents and ensure that Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in a joyous and safe manner across the country.

The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) forecasts that around 15 million individuals are poised to exit the greater Dhaka area, including Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, and Narayanganj city corporation areas, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. An estimated 60% of these holidaymakers, roughly nine million people, will opt for road travel, while the rest will utilise waterways and railways. The projection, released in a press statement by NCPSRR on Monday, sheds light on the massive seasonal migration and its implications on transportation and safety. Despite admitting potential inaccuracies due to the lack of a comprehensive database, NCPSRR's general secretary, Ashis Kumar Dey, stated that the report was compiled from a variety of sources, including research data, civic groups, and transport sector organizations. Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail operations to continue past 9 pm from today The committee has voiced concerns over the possibility of increased public suffering and accidents on the roads, similar to previous years. Nevertheless, it acknowledged the government's significant efforts to facilitate smoother Eid travel for millions. Drawing from the latest census, the report details the population distribution within the Dhaka division, noting that about 75% of the country's garment factories are in Gazipur. Workers, who predominantly reside in the Gazipur region, contribute to the large-scale exodus during Eid. Additionally, significant populations in Narayanganj and adjacent districts add to the surge of travelers seeking to return to their native places for the Eid holiday. Read more: Seasoned journalists, experts stress vital role of media in creating awareness to make roads safe again The report highlights several challenges faced by travelers, including the inadequate capacity of the road transport sector to manage the massive flow of people within a week leading up to Eid. Issues such as the poor condition of long-distance roads, over 500 risky turning points nationwide, and the manual collection of tolls exacerbating traffic congestion are identified as major obstacles to smooth travel. Despite these hurdles, the NCPSRR remains optimistic that the implementation of government measures could alleviate some of the public's difficulties on the roads during this peak travel period. The focus now shifts to ensuring that these initiatives are carried out effectively to enhance the Eid travel experience for millions. Read more: Wheels of hazard: Motorcycle safety crisis unfolding on Bangladesh’s roads

Eid, the festival of joy and togetherness, calls for celebration and dressing up in the finest attire. Bangladeshi apparel brands are renowned for their craftsmanship and cultural richness, making them ideal for Eid shopping. With a plethora of options available, families can find the perfect attire to celebrate the festive season in style. 10 Renowned Bangladeshi Clothing Brands for Men, Women and Children Aarong Aarong, a household name in Bangladesh, is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Established in 1978 by Ayesha Abed, Aarong is owned by the non-profit organization BRAC. The term 'Aarong' refers to a 'village fair' and it was established to preserve local culture, heritage, crafts, and styles while empowering artisans in rural areas. Aarong is a pioneer in promoting Bangladeshi crafts.  Renowned for its traditional yet contemporary designs, Aarong offers a diverse range of clothing options for men, women, and children. From intricately embroidered sarees and panjabis to trendy kurtas and salwar kameez sets, Aarong celebrates the essence of Bangladeshi culture in every garment. Read more: How to Identify an Authentic Bangladeshi Jamdani Saree? Anjan’s Anjan’s is another prominent name in the Bangladeshi fashion industry, celebrated for its exquisite ethnic wear collections. Anjan’s was founded by Shaheen Ahmed in 1994. With a focus on exquisite fabrics and intricate detailing, Anjan’s offers a stunning array of sarees, lehengas, and sherwanis for Eid festivities.  Anjan’s not only excels in fashion design but also provides employment opportunities for impoverished women in rural villages. Whether you're looking for traditional attire with a modern twist or timeless classics, Anjan’s craftsmanship ensures elegance and sophistication. Yellow Catering exclusively to men, Yellow is renowned for its dapper collection of panjabis, shirts, and suits tailored to perfection. Yellow, established in 2004 by Salman F Rahman, is a clothing brand owned by Beximco. The latest craze among the youth, Yellow stands out as one of Bangladesh's trendiest fashion brands.  Read more: Personal Grooming Tips and Tricks for Better Life and Career

In a significant move to enhance late-night transportation options, the Dhaka Metro Rail has announced an extension of its operating hours. Starting today (March 27, 2024), the service will run an additional hour past its previous closing time, now concluding at 9:40 pm. This decision, as explained by MAN Siddique, the Managing Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), is a direct response to the increasing public demand for extended metro service hours. The announcement was made on March 25, marking a pivotal change in the metro's schedule to accommodate the needs of late-evening commuters. Dhaka Metro Rail service hours being extended from March 27 Under the new timetable, the final train from the Motijheel station is scheduled to leave at 9:40 pm, while the last departure from the Uttara terminal will be at 9:20 pm. This adjustment will see the introduction of trains departing every 12 minutes during the newly added service hour, integrating an additional 10 trains into the daily rotation. With this extension, the total number of daily metro trips will rise from 184 to 194, reflecting the DMTCL's commitment to improving public transportation accessibility and convenience. Metro rail operating hours to be extended by one hour from 16th Ramadan Prior to this change, Dhaka Metro Rail's operation hours spanned from 7 am to 8:40 pm. The service frequency included trains running every 8 minutes during peak hours—from 7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 8 pm—and every 12 minutes during off-peak periods, between 11 am and 2:30 pm. This schedule adjustment is anticipated to significantly benefit the city's metro users by providing more flexible travel options during the evening.

In a move to cater to the increasing demand for late-night transportation, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) has announced the extension of metro rail service hours beyond 9 pm, starting from Wednesday, March 27. During a press briefing scheduled for tomorrow, the Managing Director of DMTCL, M. A. N Siddique, will provide detailed information regarding this significant service extension. According to sources from DMTCL, the last train from Motijheel will now depart at 9:40 pm, and from Uttara end at 9:20 pm. This extension will introduce trains running every 12 minutes during the additional service hours, adding 10 more trains to the current schedule. Read more: Metro rail operating hours to be extended by one hour from 16th Ramadan Consequently, the total number of daily trips will increase from 184 to 194. Currently, the Dhaka metro rail operates from 7 am to 8:40 pm, with trains running every 8 minutes during peak hours (7 am to 11:30 am and 2 pm to 8 pm) and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours (11 am to 2:30 pm). This expansion of metro rail service is aimed at enhancing the commuting experience for Dhaka's residents, providing a more flexible and accessible transportation option during the evening hours. Read more: HC orders probe into rent of Metro rail canteen