United News of Bangladesh

As Thailand celebrates the Buddhist New Year, known as Songkran, in mid-April, soaring temperatures call for ways to cool down—one of which is the traditional and aromatic dish known as khao chae. Songkran, taking place from April 13–15, is marked by playful water fights across the country. But another refreshing way Thais mark the season is by enjoying khao chae, a cold, floral-infused rice dish that symbolizes the start of summer. Khao chae—literally meaning “soaked rice”—has its roots in the Mon ethnic group, which was historically present in what is now Myanmar and Thailand. The version popular today, especially in Bangkok, has evolved significantly from the simple Mon original, according to Thai food writer and historian Leela Punyaratabandhu. Traditionally served in clay pots to keep it cool, the original dish was far more rustic, lacking the elaborate accompaniments now associated with it. During the 19th century under King Rama IV, khao chae underwent a transformation in the royal court. It became a symbol of refinement, presented with carved vegetables and served with ice—then a luxury item inaccessible to the general public. Modern recipes are still steeped in royal tradition. Jasmine rice is thoroughly washed to remove excess starch, ensuring the grains don’t clump together or turn cloudy when soaked. The rice is then submerged in cold, flower-scented water, often infused with jasmine, ylang ylang, and damask roses—flowers that bloom in summer, adding seasonal meaning to the dish. Preparing the fragrant water is an art in itself. Flowers must be picked at just the right moment—usually the evening before—and steeped for a few hours, but not too long, to avoid unpleasant flavors. Some even add a smoky essence using a Thai culinary candle called tian op. But khao chae isn’t just rice in fragrant water—it’s accompanied by an array of rich and complex side dishes. These can include fried shrimp paste balls, stuffed shallots and peppers, sweet beef or pork jerky, and crispy egg nests. According to Punyaratabandhu, the strong flavors and unusual textures can be challenging, especially for those used to more mainstream Thai dishes like pad see ew. Though she debated including khao chae in her cookbook due to its complexity, Punyaratabandhu felt it was vital to represent Bangkok’s culinary heritage. Similarly, chef Max Wittawat of New York’s Bangkok Supper Club, who learned the dish from Bangkok culinary expert Jantararat Hemvej, sees it as a symbol of Thai tradition that has reemerged in recent years. Thanks to year-round access to blooming flowers and a resurgence in interest in traditional Thai cuisine, khao chae is now more widely enjoyed. Its vibrant presentation has also made it a hit on social media, with its ornate sides and delicate serving ware often “too pretty to eat.” There’s even a specific way to eat khao chae: rice and side dishes should be enjoyed separately to maintain the purity of the floral water. Pickles and veggies balance the stronger flavors, making each bite feel fresh and light. For Wittawat, the growing popularity of khao chae is a welcome return to cultural roots. Once a royal delicacy, it’s now a beloved summer tradition for everyone. “Thai people are reconnecting with their heritage,” he says. “And that’s something to celebrate.”   Source: BBC

In separate incidents, five people, including three children, sustained burn injuries during New Year celebrations in different parts of the capital on Tuesday night. The victims were identified as Farhan, 8, Tassin, 3, Sifan Malik, 12, Santa, 45, and Sumat, 20. The incident took place on Tuesday (December 31) night, said Dr. Shaon Bin Rahman, resident medical officer at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute. HC orders strict measures to prevent fireworks, gatherings on new year’s eve Among them, Farhan was admitted to National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery with 15 percent burn injuries while the others received first aid at the hospital, he said. Meanwhile, two incidents of fire were reported in Mirpur-11 and Dhanmondi areas last night. Rozina Islam, duty officer of the Fire Service headquarters control room, on Wednesday said, "We received news on Tuesday night that a fire broke out at a dustbin in Mirpur-11. Later, when two units of the Fire Service rushed to the spot, we were informed that the fire was extinguished.”  The second incident of fire was reported around 12:53 am which broke out at a shop near the LabAid Hospital in Dhanmondi. Dr Yunus asks fire probe committee to submit recommendations in 10 days Two fire service units went to the spot and doused the flame, she said. Despite the ban on fireworks on New Year's Eve, people were seen celebrating with fireworks and crackers in different parts of the capital.

Fire incidents were reported from  Lalbagh, Tejgaon, Sadarghat and Mohammadpur areas in Dhaka in the early hours of Sunday due to use of sky lanterns for New Year celebrations, according to Fire Service. Besides, Adabar area of the city faced blackout as lanterns fell on electrical lines and fire spread on the wires around 12am, said Fire Service and Civil Defence Control Room Duty Officer Ershad Hossain. However, no injuries or causalities were reported. In Sadarghat, a fire broke out at the hawkers market from a sky lantern fell from a nearby building. Later, two units of fire fighters rushed to the spot, but it was doused by locals. Fire broke out in a building at Lalbagh and another building at Tajgaon which were also doused soon. However, the fire that broke out in a  multi-storied building at Mohammadpur was massive and fire fighters doused the fire after a frantic effort, said the duty officer. Read more: No outdoor celebrations on 31st night: DMP Commissioner Meanwhile, a fire broke out in Adabar area as a lantern fell on an electric line, causing blackout in the entire area, he added. “It is not known whether electricity supply was restored there or not.” Last year, around 10 fire incidents were reported on the 31st Night. Dhaka dwellers used firecrackers and flew sky lanterns (fanush) on the 31st night despite Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s (DMP) restrictions. Read more: People remain indoors as fireworks light the sky to usher in New Year

The government has urged people to celebrate Christmas Day and 31st night on the eve of New Year on a very limited scale due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Home Ministry issued a notice in this regard on December 14. Read: PM witnesses enthralling cultural show on V-Day and Mujib Borsha celebrations All religious and social progremmes are being arranged on a very limited scale worldwide due to Covid, and the religious festivals of Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists were celebrated in Bangladesh on a limited scale maintaining health guidelines, said the notice.  It will be logical to celebrate Christmas and the 31st night on a limited scale and strictly maintain health guidelines instead of holding meetings, rallies and any kind of religious, social and cultural programmes. Read: Dazzling fireworks bring curtains down on DU's centenary celebrations The ministry also asked law enforcers and local administrations to maintain law and order and ensure health protocols across the country after holding meetings with the authorities concerned in the upazilas, districts and metropolitan cities if needed. It also asked the law enforcement agencies to strengthen security ahead of the events.

No open air cultural programme will be allowed on the 31st December to maintain the law-and-order situation in the city, said Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Shafiqul Islam.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal on Monday said the government has taken adequate security measures to prevent any kind of anarchy centering the celebration of New Year or the 31st night.