The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a drastic shift in the way we work, with remote work becoming the new normal. As we transitioned into the post-COVID era, the home-office concept has emerged as an essential aspect of modern living. A home-office provides one a great opportunity to create a productive and inspiring workspace right within the comfort of one’s home. In this article, we will explore creative ways to design, decorate, and organize home offices to boost productivity. Creative Ways to Design, Decorate and Organize Your Home-Office Choosing the Right Location  The first step in setting up an effective home office is selecting the right location. One should opt for a well-lit area with minimal distractions. Considering natural light and ventilation is important to create a refreshing atmosphere that promotes focus. A quiet and dedicated space away from high-traffic areas in the home will help remain productive and undisturbed during work hours. Ergonomic Furniture and Setup  Investing in ergonomic furniture is advisable to ensure comfort and prevent strain during long hours of work. An adjustable chair and a desk at the right height will promote good posture and reduce discomfort.  Read more: How to Choose Paint Colors for Your Entire House Try to arrange your computer, keyboard, and mouse in a way that supports your wrists and neck. Prioritizing ergonomics in your home-office design will enhance your productivity and overall well-being. Personalize Your Space  You can make your home office truly yours by adding personal touches. You may display motivational quotes, artwork, or photographs that inspire you and reflect your personality. You can also opt for nature-inspired wallpaper with serene landscapes or botanical prints to create a calming and visually appealing backdrop.

Dealing with cockroaches and bugs can be a pain, especially when they invade your kitchen and home. While conventional insecticides are commonly used to destroy these pests, they often contain harmful, toxic chemicals that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can apply to get rid of cockroaches and bugs without using harsh insecticides. This article will explore some effective techniques that can help you keep your kitchen and home cockroach- and bugs-free. How pesticide can be harmful to health Exposure to toxic insecticides used for killing cockroaches can pose significant threats to human health. Some chemicals designed to kill pests can also have adverse effects on humans. When insecticides are applied at home or other indoor spaces, they can contaminate the air we breathe -- leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the throat and lungs.  Prolonged exposure or excessive use of these chemicals has been linked to more severe health issues, including allergic reactions, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, and even neurological disorders. Additionally, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of insecticides due to their size and developing immune system. Read more: 9- and 15-year-old brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara dead after ‘pesticide poisoning’ 10 completely safe ways to get rid of cockroaches and bugs at home Leave no dirty dishes in the sink Leaving no dirty dishes in the sink is an important practice to prevent the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. When dishes and utensils are left unwashed and pile up in the sink, they become a potential food source for pests. The leftover food particles and residues on the dishes attract insects, including cockroaches, ants, and flies. To avoid this, make it a habit to clean your dishes promptly after use. Wash them with hot, soapy water, ensuring that all food residues are removed. If you are unable to wash them immediately, at least rinse off the leftover food before placing them in the sink. Clear your garbage Clearing up your garbage is crucial to preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Pests are attracted to the odor and food waste in the garbage, making it a potential breeding ground for infestations. Read more: 2 insect species classified as threatened as glaciers melt To effectively manage your garbage, use a sealable trash bin with a tight-fitting lid to contain odors and deter pests. Dispose of your garbage regularly to avoid the buildup of food waste and odors that attract bugs and cockroaches. Double-bagging is particularly strong for wet garbage. Make sure to properly secure trash bags before placing them in the bin. Clean the food crumbs Cleaning up food crumbs is essential for preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Crumbs and food particles left on countertops, tables, and floors serve as a tempting food source for pests. To effectively prevent infestations, make it a habit to clean up food crumbs promptly. Regularly sweep or vacuum your kitchen and dining area to remove any stray crumbs. Use baking soda To effectively stop the invasion, a blend of baking soda and sugar proves to be a highly efficient technique. Sugar acts as an attractive agent for cockroaches, while baking soda kills them. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to identify the hiding spots of the pests and generously apply the mixture to the corners. Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will return to her residence from Evercare Hospital in the capital on Thursday afternoon after five days of treatment and medical check-ups for various ailments. “ Khaleda Zia will leave the hospital for her Gulshan residence after 3 pm today,” the BNP chief’s media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB. She was admitted to the hospital on Saturday night for some medical tests and required treatment. Her medical team member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said the BNP chief  was kept in a cabin under close observation of doctors and her condition improved a little as she was given treatment as per the advice of her medical board. Khaleda, a 77-year-old former prime minister, has been suffering from various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, kidney, lung, heart and eye problems. Since her conditional release in 2020, the BNP chief has been receiving treatment at the hospital under a medical board headed by cardiologist Prof Shahabuddin Talukder. She visited the same hospital for health check-ups on February 27 last. Khaleda received treatment at the hospital six times since she was infected with Coronavirus in April 2021. In November 2021, Khaleda Zia was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Read more: Khaleda Zia taken to Evercare Hospital for health check-ups On June 10 last, the BNP chief suffered a heart attack due to a 95 percent block in her left artery and a stent was placed there by removing the blockage at the same hospital the following day. Doctors also found two more blocks in her blood vessels, but they could not remove those due to her health complications. Khaleda was sent to the Old Dhaka Central Jail as a lower court sentenced her to five years' imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust corruption case on February 8, 2018. Later, she was found guilty in another corruption case the same year. Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the government temporarily freed Khaleda Zia from jail through an executive order suspending her sentence on March 25, 2020, with conditions that she will stay in her Gulshan house and will not leave the country.  

Fire hazards and explosions may occur unexpectedly and lead to devastating losses of human lives and structures. In recent years, such mishaps have increased significantly. It is crucial to understand the general causes of fire hazards, to reduce the risk and take preventive measures. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of explosions and fires in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.  5 Major Sources of Indoor Explosions and Fires Hazards  Gas leaks  Gas leaks are one of the most common causes of explosions in Bangladesh. This can happen due to faulty gas pipelines, poorly maintained gas appliances, or improper gas connections.  Electrical faults  Electrical faults such as short circuits, overloaded circuits, or faulty wiring can lead to explosions. This can happen when electrical appliances are used improperly or when they are not maintained properly.  Read More: Gas explosion at residential, commercial buildings: Common causes and ways to prevent them Chemical explosions  Chemical explosions can occur in commercial spaces where chemicals are stored or used. This can happen due to improper storage or handling of chemicals, or when incompatible chemicals are stored together. Pressure vessel explosions  Pressure vessel explosions can occur in industrial settings where high-pressure vessels are used. This can happen due to improper maintenance, overpressure, or corrosion. 

Road Transport and Bridges minister and General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader returned home on Friday night after regular health checkup at Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital. A flight of Biman Bangladesh Airlines carrying the Awami League leader landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 8:30pm, said Sheikh Walid Foyez, senior information officer of the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry. Earlier on Wednesday, Quader left for Singapore for a health checkup.  

Morocco’s national soccer team is set to return home Tuesday after accomplishing the see mingly impossible feat of finishing fourth at the World Cup in Qatar. Tens of thousands of Moroccans were expected to turn out to greet the players. As the first African or Arab team to reach the World Cup semifinals, the Moroccan team, known as the Atlas Lions, made history and was one of the big success stories of this year’s tournament, the first hosted by an Arab nation. Big crowds were in the streets of the Moroccan capital, Rabat, and the rest of the North African kingdom for the homecoming. After the team beat former European colonial powers Belgium, Spain and Portugal, it lost to France in the semifinals. Its record-setting performance means the players are likely to receive a hero’s welcome. “Morocco’s run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be remembered in the history books as one of the most exciting campaigns since the tournament’s inception,” café owner Reda Ghazi, 27, told The Associated Press. “It was the dream of every Moroccan to win something, especially because Morocco is a country where the passion for football is overwhelming.” After their plane touches down, the players are set to ride an open-top bus through the major avenues of the capital. The royal court said Monday that King Mohammed VI would receive the team at the palace in Rabat “to celebrate their great and historic accomplishment.” Morocco finished fourth in the competition after losing to Croatia 1-2 in the third-place play-off on Saturday, exceeding the expectations of most Moroccans. “I still can’t wrap my head around what happened in this World Cup,” added student Anour El Berkaoui, 23. “The team has now set the bar so high that we won’t be happy with anything less than winning the upcoming African Cup of Nations.” Read more: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Morocco top Group F with win over Canada The Moroccan team charmed many Arab soccer fans who saw in the team a reflection of themselves. Players waved the Palestinian flag after their wins and celebrated on the field with their mothers and children. The team also galvanized support across Africa. “As an African team, we broke a lot of records and made the whole continent proud,” Rabat resident Omar Zorgane said . “Morocco as a whole will gain a lot from this year’s World Cup, from tourism to getting the attention of other countries to possibly hosting one of the biggest tournaments in the world in the future,” he said. Read more: France vs Morocco Semi-Final Preview: FIFA World Cup 2022

The Bangladesh Foreign Service Association (BFSA) has donated Tk  32.50 lakh to build homes for the homeless under the Ashrayan project of the government that is being run out of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). BFSA president Sabbir Ahmed Chowdhury handed over the cheque to senior secretary of PMO  MD Tofazzel Hossain Miah on Thursday. The project director of Ashrayan-2, BFSA general secretary and treasurer were present during the occasion. Earlier, BFSA had donated the funds to build 10 houses for landless people under the same project. Also read: Grade-3 student Jannat now dreams to be a doctor getting Ashrayan house  

Most of the city dwellers have a dream to buy their own apartments some day. To make these dreams come true, many housing companies are selling apartments. However, many of us make some mistakes and end up buying an apartment that is not suitable. By being aware of these mistakes, you can save yourself time, money, and potential heartache down the road. So without further ado, let's take a look at some of the most common mistakes people make when buying apartments. 10 Big Mistakes to Avoid while Purchasing Apartments Neglecting Necessity Sometimes buyers are confused about their needs or preferences. The stays in dilemma between Normal flat, duplex or condominium apartment? Which area of the city to buy? Small or big flat? 2 bedroom or 3 bedrooms? Many such questions can confuse you. So before buying an apartment, make sure that it is compatible with your needs and lifestyle. Read Best Home Loans in Bangladesh to Build Your Dream Nest Managing Budget Your budget is the most important factor in buying anything. The budget should be compatible with your needs and capabilities. It would be wise to keep the budget a bit higher rather than over-specifying it. You can avail some discount by making one time payment if you want. You can also take advantage of instalments by paying some amount.  Besides these, you can consider a bank loan if you want. In the case of a bank loan, you need to know about the down payment and interest rate. Also, it is necessary to know about the terms and conditions of banks for getting bank loans. Overall, you should set a budget first. Don’t Research the Surrounding Market The apartment’s price is not the same in all areas, it varies depending on location and facilities. Research and consider the market in that area before buying a particular apartment. There are many reasons behind this.  Read Making Investment Decisions: Factors to consider when investing money First of all, you will get a good idea about the apartment prices in your preferred area. Secondly, you will also understand the reason why the price of the flat of your choice is low or high. Also, you will get an idea of the seller or the selling company. Don’t Consider Flat Size and Number of Bedrooms Buying a flat is a permanent investment. So it is very important to decide on the size of the flat and the number of bedrooms before investing. Otherwise, you can’t reverse your hard-earned money. Deciding on the number of bedrooms is the most important starting point. Before buying a flat, make sure that the number of bedrooms and size of the flat can meet your needs. Buying without Verification You should verify all the information provided about the house. It is necessary to know about the ownership of the land and the occupier of the land. That is, it is better to check the land documents of the place where your flat will be. Check out whether the flat is mortgaged to any bank for a loan. Also whether the flat has been sold to someone else before. Read Metaverse Real Estate Investment: Buying Land, Apartment, Property in Virtual World Find out whether the proposed flat falls under government land or not. The certificate regarding the approval of the Rajuk for the construction of the flat should be checked. You need to know whether the company you are buying a flat from has government approval, whether it has a plan approved by RAJUK, and whether the company is a member of REHAB or not. Another point to be noted is that many times we see that Rajuk has approved 4-5 stories, but the building is 8 stories. Verify this issue before buying the apartment. If there is such a problem it is better not to book a flat. Electrical, Water, and Gas Connections Check whether there is an electricity and water connection and if so, whether the electricity bill is commercial or residential. It is better to verify as much as possible the accuracy of the electricity and water connections of the building of the flat.  Read Plot vs Apartment: Which is the Better Investment Option? However, the household gas connections are not being provided in the new flats in Dhaka city for several years. If you don’t want to use cylinder gas, look for a flat that already has an authorised gas connection.  Ignoring Safety Issues Security is one of the most important deciding factors while buying an apartment in Bangladesh and any other countries. So, check out the provision of 24 hours CCTV monitoring and check if the apartment has a professional security force for security. Also, check how strong the doors and window grills are.  Many apartments in Dhaka city employ security guards to assure the security of the residents of the building. The guard man keeps a record of the people who enter or leave the building. This arrangement also cuts down the risk of crime. Check out whether your apartment has such a facility.  Read Home Shifting Checklist: Important things to do while moving to new house Signing Contract with Proper Legal Procedure Contract legal assistance as a buyer. How are you buying the flat, the conditions should be clearly mentioned. The materials to be used in the construction of the building should be mentioned in the contract. The housing builder will also be obliged to show and provide the approved design of the flat to the buyer. Properly mention in the contract which flat you are buying. Again, the flat cannot be changed without your permission, keep it in the contract. Also mention in the contract that the buyer is not obliged to pay any extra money beyond the terms. If the addition of any improved quality equipment is required, it should be done by mutual consent of both parties, it should be mentioned in the terms of the contract. Buying without Knowing About Actual Land Owner Check carefully the developer's application form and the contract executed with the land owner. In many cases, agreements between land owners and developers are not registered. That's why you have to bear the burden if there is any problem with the agreement between the land owner and the developer. Read Investment: What Factors to Consider before Investing Money? Many companies leave the work incomplete in the middle. Sometimes, the owner of the land might be forced to stop the work as the developer failed to complete the work on time. Again, the developer cannot do anything beyond the powers mentioned in the contract. Overlooking Design and Construction The apartments may face untimely cracks due to poor construction methods, faulty design, bad construction materials, etc. Some owners tend to design flats hiring cheap unprofessional persons without consulting the skilled planners, engineers and architects. In the short run, such practices may cut down cost but in the long run the residents of the apartments will suffer. Besides these, during earthquakes many structures get damaged due to faulty construction. To prevent this danger, the buildings are being constructed following earthquake-resilient building design or 'low damage design' or 'damage avoidance design.' Therefore, before buying an apartment, don’t forget to check its seismic risk. Read Is Gold a Good Investment in 2022? To secure your investment in real estate don’t forget to check out the design, architecture and construction before buying an apartment. Final Words Nowadays it has become very difficult to buy land and build a house. That is why many people want to buy a flat or apartment according to their choice. To fulfil this demand lots of  housing companies develop and sell flats or apartments..  A flat that you have in mind, that you want, may not always be the same. The place and surroundings will change with time. But the most effective advice when buying an apartment is to be patient. The more apartments you look at, the better decision you can make. Read Share Market Investment Guide: How to Invest in Stocks in Bangladesh So far, we have highlighted the biggest mistakes to avoid while buying a flat or aprtment. Upon checking these factors you can make your decision. 

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia returned home on Tuesday night after an 81-day stay in the capital's Evercare Hospital for the treatment of her various health complications, including liver cirrhosis. “Doctors discharged madam (Khaleda) from the hospital in the evening due to the risk of Covid infection,” her media wing member Sayrul Kabir Khan told UNB. He said Khaleda left the hospital at about 7:30pm and reached her Gulshan residence around 8:30 pm. Earlier at a press conference, the medical board formed to ensure Khaleda’s treatment at the hospital said her condition is stable, but she is still at risk. READ: Khaleda shifted to cabin from CCU “She’s clinically stable, but not cured and free of disease… She's been discharged from the hospital as she’s vulnerable to Corona infection. We’re sending her home for now. If there’s any crisis after that, we’re ready to receive her again in the hospital,” said Dr Shahabuddin Talukder, the head of the medical board. He said they ensured all the possible treatment for the BNP chief in consultation with the doctors of the hospital and the specialists of other hospitals. “We've talked to consultants abroad, including specialists from the UK, the USA and Australia. All have the same opinion that we’ve controlled the situation for the time being, but she needs to go overboard for her treatment." Dr Talukder said the last treatment for Khaleda’s disease is for liver transplantation, but she is still not in that position. Another member of the medical board, Dr F M Siddiqui, said internal bleeding of the BNP chief remains stopped, but she could not be given proper treatment for her illnesses. “Her condition is now stable. We’re observing that corona infections have reached alarming proportions throughout the country. More than 380 staff members of this hospital contracted corona and received various treatments in January alone. Under such a situation, the medical board has decided to release her and ensure her treatment at home under our care,” he said. Siddiqui said the sources of bleeding in Khaleda Zia's digestive tract have been stopped. “She’s not now suffering from massive bleeding. But no one can guarantee that there’ll be no more massive bleeding.” Khaleda, a 76-year-old former prime minister, has been receiving treatment at Evercare Hospital for various health complications since November 13. Her medical board members said Khaleda immediately needs to go abroad for better treatment as she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. On behalf of her family, Khaleda's younger brother, Shamim Iskander, submitted an application to the Home Ministry on November 11 urging the government to allow her to go abroad for better treatment. READ: Khaleda’s treatment: Now BNP to hold rallies in 40 more districts The government still did not dispose of the application while the ministers are saying the BNP chief has no scope to go abroad until she files a fresh application returning to jail.

Choosing curtains can be a daunting aspect of home décor. The right curtains can create harmony among the furniture and decorative pieces fashioning a home that is welcoming and tranquil. On the other hand, selecting the wrong ones can completely break the entire look of the house. With the multifarious options available, this seemingly simple task can get quite overwhelming. So let’s take a look at these 4 basic steps of picking out the appropriate drapes for your home. How to find the perfect curtains for your adorable home Setting an intention The first and most important step of figuring out the perfect curtains is to determine the intention behind it. People use curtains for privacy, for décor or to simply to control the amount of sunlight they want to let inside the house. For instance, a bedroom requires all three. So while choosing curtains for the bedroom it is necessary to pick something that serves all three purposes of maintaining seclusion, exuding a sense of calm and blocking out sunlight when needed. Contrarily, for the living room, one might want a sense of vibrancy. In that case, selecting sheer fabric with bright colors might also be a desirable option. Read Best Interior Designer Companies in Bangladesh Some people opt for the same curtains all over the house. This calls in the need for handpicking a type of curtain that does not clash with the intention of each room and also resonates with the décor of the entire home. Choosing a style of décor The next facet to consider is to determine one’s personal taste of style. Styles can vary from traditional, bohemian, industrial and modern to minimalistic. Depending on the décor chosen for the furniture and decorative ornaments, the apt curtains can be figured out by assessing the following factors.  a. Color The color of the curtains reveals the purpose and taste of the owner. Traditional style of décor demands darker and regal colors like wine red, royal blue or deep purple. Whereas minimalistic décor calls for lighter shades like pastel blue, pink, yellow and white. Read Sheraspace redefining interior design in Dhaka Each color has a definitive purpose to serve. To pick the right color for the curtains, it is imperative to think about the intention and style of the room. For bedrooms, choosing colors like turquoise, light blue, light green or light shades of purple can be suited as they can emanate a sense of tranquility. For living rooms, colors like red, orange or yellow can complement or match the energy of the room. Colors can also be figured out based on the desired amount of sunlight in a room. To block out sunlight, darker colors are preferred and to allow the maximum amount of sunlight, lighter shades are preferable. Another factor to consider while selecting a color is the size of the rooms. For smaller rooms, lighter colors would be appropriate as they would create the illusion of a bigger room. Using darker colors in smaller spaces can make the room look congested. Read Walton Home Appliance & Electronics products can make your life convenient Finally, while choosing colors, looking at the colors of the furniture or the trinkets around is a good idea. Colors that complement or contrast with existing colors of the room can be a go to for picking out curtains.