Life & Living
10 photogenic places to visit in Asia to blow up your Instagram
If you are someone with a passion for photography, be you a novice or an expert, bring out your camera with you, as we have prepared a list of 10 camera-friendly places to visit in Asia so you can get your dream shots.
#Reviews / How a visionary artist transforms wood into treasured jewels
Wooden jewellery carries a certain charm, which you may not find in metals and gemstones. Artisans often utilise offcuts from furniture makers or fallen branches, ensuring that each piece contributes to a cycle of renewal and minimal waste. One such artist is Rial Sarker — the founder of Tukro Kath.
#Perspective / Changing cultural norms: Why it is important to listen
Most people do not really listen. That is why we are so noisy. People in the subcontinent will talk over you, and they will shout to be heard. Why? Because they do not really want to hear you. In fact, most people just want others to think they are right.
Say thank you before eating! 5 Japanese dining etiquettes will blow your mind
Every country in the world has their own cuisine and their etiquettes defined by their culture. Japan is no different. With their delectable cuisine on the table, it’s hard to focus on something else. Nevertheless, one must not forget about the dining etiquettes.
7 monsoon travel spots in Asia you will regret missing!
Here, are the 7 best monsoon travelling destinations in Asia to add to your bucket list.
#Perspective / Priyanka Das breaks career norms for civil engineers, one floor at a time
From towering skyscrapers to sprawling bridges and intricate road networks, civil engineering is a field that shapes the physical world around us. However, despite its critical role in society, this field remains a male-dominated profession, where women are largely underrepresented.
A CNG driver and Mona: A bond between two unlikely companions
In the chaos of the city streets, I witnessed an unexpected scene that warmed my heart. While hopping into a CNG for my daily commute, I couldn't help but notice something out of the ordinary — a colourful bird nestled on the driver's shoulder, affectionately named Mona by the driver.
Rent, lend, buy and repeat: Embracing circular fashion with Karama Kabir
Circular fashion, which promotes the reuse, recycling, and extended lifecycle of clothing is central to reducing the fashion industry's environmental impact. Starlet Style Studio not only exemplifies this sustainable model but also makes high fashion affordable and accessible.
Arts & Entertainment
In pictures: Red carpet arrivals at Cannes
The 77th Cannes Film Festival - Screening of the film "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" Out of competition - Red Carpet Arrivals
Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world
As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.
Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac to pair in new vampire thriller movie
A new vampire thriller movie called "Flesh of the Gods" is about to step into the flashy, sybaritic world of 1980s Los Angeles.
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
New York's highest court on Thursday overturned disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein's 2020 conviction on sex crime charges, a shock reversal in one of the defining cases of the #MeToo movement
'Squid Game' star found guilty of sexual misconduct
South Korea's "Squid Game" actor O Yeong-su has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, a local court said Friday, after he was charged with assaulting a woman in 2017
Songs of Pahela Baishakh
The soul-stirring melodies of Bangla songs resonate with the essence of the largely agrarian Bangalee people, weaving tales of joy, hope, aspiration, and the story of our journey as a nation.
Now, you can have Trump sneakers
Donald Trump has launched his own sneaker brand, a day after a New York judge ordered him to pay $354.9m in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders.
Being a woman is just such a war, forever: Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish, the Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated artiste, has recently opened up about the relentless challenges she faces as a woman, particularly as a young woman in the public eye.
Showbiz
Ananta-Barsha’s unconditional love
The atmosphere at The Daily Star office brightened as the couple complimented each other's attire for the photo shoot, blending Western and Eastern styles. While Barsha opted for a Pakistani suit in blue and red, Ananta Jalil, the dashing action star, looked striking in a white suit and brown-golden Gucci shirt and grey pants.
Neel on the reel
You know her as an anchor who has made her mark by hosting cricket shows in particular. Notably, Neel Hurerzahan began her journey in showbiz a decade ago as a radio jockey. Slowly she stepped into the world of acting, and also worked in the popular OTT platform Chorki, as a partnership officer.
Partho’s cricketing dreams transform into a filmy one
During an exclusive photoshoot and adda with The Daily Star, Partho talked about his acting and directorial journey while also spilling some beans on upcoming projects.
The ‘bad guy’ emerges as ‘hero’
Recently, he shed his ‘greyish demeanour’ to penetrate into the role of a love-torn groom in Zahid Pritom’s “Buk Poketer Golpo”. The actor shared an interesting story as to how his own phobia was incorporated into the hyper-linked web-film.
Pavel brings globality to your ‘living room’
You might know him as the drummer for Chirkutt, but Pavel has been especially prominent in the music industry as a music producer, dominating the ad film market and lending his talents to films like “Saturday Afternoon”, “Television”, “Doob”, “Piprabidya” and more.
Nawshaba undeterred, Nawshaba undeniable
Nawshaba's journey has not been devoid of challenges. Despite her talent and dedication, she has often found herself being overlooked by the media and industry insiders. “How many times do I have to prove myself?" she mused, highlighting the uphill battle faced by many artistes striving to carve out their niche in the industry.
When a boy from Azimpur carries Bangladeshi rap
In the world of Bangla rap, few names carry as much weight and influence as Black Zang. His journey, intricately entwined with the rise of Bangla rap culture, is a testament to artistic evolution, cultural amalgamation, and the power of storytelling through music. In the vibrant and ever-evolving realm of hip-hop music, Black Zang stands out as a trailblazer, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
The team that made ‘Ashomvob’ possible
Yesterday (November 3), Aruna Biswas’s debut directorial film, "Ashomvob", was released nationwide. In this multi-starrer project, the veteran actress not only directed the film but also played a pivotal role. The cast includes outstanding performances by Sohana Saba, Gazi Nur, and Swagata, amongst many others.
Star Health
Not much being done to stop dengue outbreak
Despite a record-breaking outbreak last year, with more than 1,705 deaths, the authorities concerned are yet to establish a comprehensive surveillance system to track and control the Aedes mosquitoes, the carrier of the deadly dengue virus.
Dhaka saw 42,000 less dengue cases last year than 2019: DSCC Mayor
The number of dengue patients in Dhaka in 2023 was 42,000 less than in 2019, according to Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh
Expecting mother dies at hospital
An expecting mother died due to alleged negligence by doctors at a hospital in Parbatipur, Dinajpur, yesterday
Stuck in lift, patient dies at hospital
A patient of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Medical College Hospital in Gazipur died yesterday allegedly by suffocating after being stuck in a hospital lift for 45 minutes.
Kitchen Markets: Veggie prices shoot up
Along with price hikes of chicken and fish, some vegetables also saw rising prices in the kitchen markets of the capital yesterday, adding to the never-ending burden on the pockets of low-income groups.
Mobile court jails vendor for selling dead chicken in Gazipur
A mobile court today fined a vendor for selling dead chicken meat in Gazipur's Kapasia..Tofazzal Mia, 25, of Kandapara area of Narsingdi's Madhabdi municipality, was also jailed for seven days, reports our Gazipur correspondent quoting the executive magistrate.
Mango harvesting in Natore to begin on May 25
Natore district administration today set May 25 to begin mango harvesting and marketing with the Gopalbhog variety this year
Satireday
Satire / Visa aspirants buying air coolers to get quick approvals
Economists, as well as those who don’t bother to understand economics, have been baffled by the findings of a recent market research which showed a sharp rise in people buying air coolers even before the heatwave started..They were shocked, more mercilessly than the shock Real Madrid gave
Athletes stop learning new skills at age 28
Shattering conventional wisdom, a Bangladeshi sports scientist claimed that his new research proves that athletes stop learning as soon as they turn 28.
Low salary and poor increment actually beneficial to employees: study
Money apparently is not the root of all evil. Neither is it the ticket to happiness. In fact, money ceases to matter at all now that watermelon in Dhaka costs more than the monthly food cost of a family of chickens.
‘My husband isn’t husbanding right’
I had an arranged marriage. My parents picked out the best suitor for me and I trusted them.
Man escapes Dhaka after attending fire safety workshop
An employee of a paper company in the capital’s Farmgate has been absent without official leave ever since he attended a fire safety workshop at work.
Employer refuses to give workers raises because they will get mugged if they have money
A car company has stunned industry insiders with a revolutionary new approach that improves workers’ quality of life and reduces the pressure on company coffers all at once. By refusing to give employees their scheduled raises and keeping them dangerously close to the edge of poverty, Stellar Motors -- Dhaka’s largest automobile importer -- is confident it can reduce the risk of employees being robbed in the streets and losing the little wealth they might still possess.
When Readers Write / Families with less than 3 members to merge
The government has recently announced its plan to address the problem of small families.
Organisations tackle inflation squeeze by introducing ‘Pay-To-Work’ policy
February has passed but employees at several major business firms have still not received any yearly increment or contract renewal. Employees are having difficulty making ends meet, what with rice and essentials doubling in price. Transport costs have gone up even though diesel price has been reduced by Tk 0.75.
TOGGLE
The iPhone 15 Pro's camera can be a true game changer
The recent launch of Apple's iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max has set the tech world abuzz, and for good reason. While the device is teeming with top-tier features, it is the camera that truly commands attention. Offering a set of functionalities that can rival some professional cameras, Apple's latest offering is not just an incremental upgrade; it's a significant leap forward from its predecessors, particularly the iPhone 14 Pro.
Editor's Note / Embracing the inevitable
And thus, we invite our readers to embark on the next exhilarating journey with Tech & Startup!
So long, goodbye
The sun may set, but the journey never truly ends. Stay tuned for our next adventure!
Bytes / Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: The ultimate ultra
Samsung's latest flagship, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, takes centre stage as a powerful contender in the smartphone market. While some might argue that the design changes are subtle and the price tag is on the higher side, there's no denying that this device excels in certain key areas, especially when it comes to photography.
Cover Story / Every end marks a new beginning
To our readers, thank you for your unwavering support and loyalty. We invite you to join us in embracing this new beginning and be a part of the exciting journey that lies ahead. Together, let us explore the endless possibilities that technology and startups offer, celebrating the innovative spirit that drives us all.
Huawei completes 25 years in Bangladesh
Huawei, the multinational technology corporation, has recently completed 25 years in Bangladesh. The organisation held a celebration event on 20 July, where they thanked their partners and stakeholders for years of support.
Safeguarding workspaces from escalating cyber attacks: A comprehensive guide
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how organisations can safeguard their data, secure their employees' information, prevent cyber attacks, and respond effectively in case of a breach.
The setting sun
With that, let’s join hands in hopes of a brighter future. Keep in mind that everytime the sun sets, the promise of a better tomorrow awaits. A new journey is always right around the corner.
In Focus
Rabindranath Tagore and the creation of national identity
Rabindranath Tagore is perhaps the only poet whose songs were chosen as the national anthems of two countries: India and Bangladesh.
BIRTH CENTENARY OF KALIM SHARAFI / A life dedicated to cultural activism
“I firmly believe in the profound impact of music, dance, and acting on shaping people’s thoughts and emotions.
Thus Spoke Sher-e-Bangla
I deem it a great privilege and pleasure to preside over this Convocation of the University of Dacca; and to join you in offering my blessings and good wishes for the success and prosperity of those graduates who have been admitted to various degrees today.
The Baropakhya Christians: A forgotten incidence of peasant repression in colonial Bengal
The Blue or Indigo Mutiny of 1861, was an outpouring of anger by Indian peasants coerced into cultivating the unprofitable indigo crop by British planters.
A freedom fighter’s journey to Mujibnagar
The necessity that was felt a few days after the Declaration of Independence of Bangladesh was that of a Government which could take upon itself the burden of directing the liberation struggle.
'We must reject religious majoritarianism to ride the wave of Asian resurgence'
The Daily Star (TDS): Your family was closely involved with the Liberation War of Bangladesh. Could you please provide some insights into this historical involvement?
Silencing the subaltern voice
Historian Willem van Schendel divides the historiography of the War of 1971 into two broad categories: i) first-generation historiographies and ii) second-generation historiographies.
45th Death Anniversary of Abul Mansur Ahmad / The enduring impact of Abul Mansur Ahmad’s journalism
The year 2023 marked the centennial of Abul Mansur Ahmad’s journalism—a milestone that holds not only significance but also relevance in understanding his enduring impact.
Star Youth
The experience of being a woman stand-up comedian in Bangladesh
In conversation with Poushi Razzaque, a young stand-up comedian.
Understanding religious scriptures and finding spirituality
In Muslim households, children are taught to read the Quran from start to finish. But that’s the thing, they are taught to read, not understand it
Maintaining a sense of freedom in a controlling household
Going out with friends, choosing a job, how to spend their time, what to wear, or speaking their minds are just parts of life, not rights to be punished for wanting.
Catching a break shouldn’t be this hard
There are times in life when you just need to sit down, take a break, and have a KitKat.
Experiencing spiritual guilt in Ramadan
It is as if my spirituality is on a deadline every Ramadan.
Eid shopping remorse over consumerism
In this economy, consumer guilt tends to sour the happy experience that Eid shopping should be.
Why on earth would someone drink black coffee?
A personal hypothesis of mine is that black coffee drinkers possess, to an extent, a latent self-loathing that manifests in the form of gustatory masochism.
Why we want to stay sad and how to move past it
The memes are great, and they help us cope. But we need to move forward.
Shift
How to stop your car engine from overheating
An overheating engine is one of the most concerning issues a car owner can face – right up there with having your vehicle totalled in an accident. When an engine overheats, it can lead to catastrophic damage like warped cylinder heads, cracked engine blocks, or blown head gaskets.
Taking care of your car during heat waves: A quick guide
As the heat waves roll in, the importance of proper car care escalates. Let's take a look at some of the most essential elements of summer car care to ease your seasonal woes.
Tesla reduces prices of Model Y, X and S EVs in US
Tesla has officially reduced the pricing of three of its EVs: Model Y, Model X, and Model S, in the US. Each model will now cost US$2,000 each, as per an official announcement by the EV company.
Avik Anwar 1st in the final rounds of Gulf Pro Car Championship
Avik Anwar from Bangladesh has won first place in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the final instalment of the 2023-2024 Gulf Pro Car Championship. The international racing competition was held in Dubai Autodrome on March 30, 2024, where Avik competed against drivers from UAE, UK, France, Italy, India, and Russia, to win both rounds.
E-licence on smartphone is enough: BRTA
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has authorised the use of electronic driving licences (e-licences) in addition to the physical driving licence card
Xiaomi's first EV to be priced under $70k
Xiaomi's first electric vehicle, the SU7, will be priced under $70,000, according to Lei Jun, CEO of Xiaomi, in a recent statement. Jun added that the Xiaomi SU7 aims to be "the best looking, easiest to drive and smartest car" available in the market under the 500,000 yuan ($69,424) price tag.
Chinese company launches commercial flying taxis
EHang, a Chinese drone manufacturer, has introduced its EH216-S model flying taxi for commercial sale on Taobao, an online shopping platform owned by Alibaba. Priced at 2.39 million yuan ($332,060), the EH216-S is being advertised as "an innovative solution for urban transportation".
Lamborghini designer Marcello Gandini dies at 85
Marcello Gandini, the legendary Italian designer known for his work on numerous exotic cars, has died at the age of 85, according to RaiNews, Italy's state-owned news agency.
Daily Star Books
BOOK REVIEW: POETRY AND NONFICTION / Poetry for our times and a poet’s new frontier
Inevitably, Kaiser Haq’s The New Frontier and Other Odds and Ends in Verse and Prose is about the poet, his poetic predilections, and situatedness at this time of human existence. In many ways it is typical of the verse we have come to expect from our leading poet in English for a long time now, but in other ways it articulates his present-day concerns in new and striking poetic measures.
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / The saga of a mother’s sacrifice and resilience
Anisul Hoque’s Kokhono Amar Maa-ke is the story of appalling sacrifices made by a mother and her unwavering determination to secure a bright future for her children.
ESSAY / Musings of a romance reader
Navigating the lines between gender politics, feminist beliefs and love for romance
THE SHELF / Beyond the page: Podcasts discussing POC authors
The following are podcasts that focus on POC writers, a list made because of the heavy Eurocentrism still present in the lists and bookstores known around Bangladesh.
TRIBUTE / Remembering Haider Akbar Khan Rono: Dreamer of the day
The beloved writer and activist passed away on May 11, 2024
INTERVIEW / A perfect cup of literary ‘saa’
Priyanka Taslim greets me with a gentle smile as we meet over Zoom. She is eloquent and our conversation flows organically, akin to an adda over a cup of saa (cha).
BOOK REVIEW: FICTION / Should this lost novel have been found?
Articles on Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s last novel to be published by his sons against the author’s wishes built up my anticipation and I couldn’t wait for April to arrive. Thanks to Bookworm, I got my copy the moment they had it in store and I read it twice. It didn’t impress me the first time as it was just a string of chapters describing how a promiscuous woman drove herself into the arms of different men on her annual August 16 visits to a Caribbean island.
EVENT REPORT / Sister Library reads Sehri Tales
The aim of the event was to promote the vibrant tales written by female writers who participated in the Sehri Tales challenge this year
Star Holiday
Iguazu Falls: Largest waterfall system on Earth
Diego Maradona. As we tread upon its soil for the first time, the richness and intricacy of its history unfolded before us.
Irresistable Antarctica
Mohua Rouf is one of the few Bangladeshis who have ever set foot on the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica. She spent six days in the icy abode of penguins, seals and whales which is arguably the least-trodden place on earth by humans.
Marvellous Madrid
After the lifting of the Covid-19 lockdown, in September 2021, my husband and I visited Madrid, a city pulsating with history, art and energy.
Thailand’s highlands: A place for adventure and fun
In January of this year, my husband and I decided to embark on a trip to the Kanchanaburi and Phitsanulok provinces of Thailand. When you hear of Thailand,
Al Ula: A hidden gem in Saudi Arabia
When we think of Saudi Arabia, we often imagine Makkah, Medina, and the annual pilgrimage. But beyond these, there are plenty of amazing spots that have been attracting travellers since the kingdom opened up to foreign visitors in 2019.
Skywalk on Dhampus
As the clock struck 4:00pm, I caught sight of two tiny figures descending from the rocky slopes of the Tukuche massif. With each passing minute, the figures gradually grew more recognizable: Samiur and Arif were returning after scaling Little Tukuche (5879m), one of the formidable peaks of the Dhaulagiri range.
Pondicherry: A charming former French colony
I boarded the Koromondol Express from Kolkata to Chennai at 3.20pm for a long journey. On my way, I met Anupam, an old friend from the Sandakfu-Phalut trek. It had been ten years since we last met.
Rema-kalenga wildlife forest: A sanctuary of souls
Recently, I went on a trip to the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary: a hidden gem often overlooked even by seasoned travellers. This is the story of my solo trip there.
Weekend Read
A love affair with tea
I wonder what it is in a cup of tea that makes it so invigorating. The obvious answer would be the stimulant, caffeine, or the particular flavour of the leaves seeping into the hot water and the aroma that takes over your senses.
Hats off to our green heroes!
The first time I fell in love with plants was when I saw my mother’s glossy green pothos arranged in old porcelain bowls that were slightly chipped off.
How a rickshaw-puller changed the course of Dr Zafrullah’s life
“Should I go back to the UK? If I can’t serve my countrymen, I might as well go back.”
Mangoes and litchis taking a hit from the heat
It’s painful for Tajul Islam to see what has happened to his beloved mango orchard in Rajshahi city’s Borobongram Namopara.
For the love of computers
Buying a computer, for most people, is a fairly mundane activity. It involves going to a vendor with a budget, a list of requirements, and the hope that the salespeople are trustworthy and knowledgeable enough about the products to find the best possible deal.
The dying art of Qasida
This is a loose translation of a melodious Urdu poem that once used to reverberate through the empty lanes of old Dhaka deep into the Ramadan night.
Sadarghat launch terminal / A bustling riverport gone quieter
It is hard to describe a place when its glory days are over.
Launch owners struggling to stay afloat
“If you seek comfort, no journey is better than a journey by launch. You book a room and you arrive at your destination well-rested. The sightseeing is a bonus,” says Mehedi Hasan, a resident of Borguna’s Bamna.
