M H Haider

As Bengalis, we have grown up reading Satyajit Ray. Who does not remember the clever, witty, and adventurous detective, Feluda? Or the highly revered Professor Shonku, an eccentric scientist, inventor, explorer, and polyglot? Today, we celebrate one of these characters, Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, paying a humble tribute to the Bengali maestro that is Satyajit Ray. For many of us, Ray was the entrance to Bengali literature, and the Shonku series — an influential work of science fiction in the Bengali language.

The hobby of collecting inkpots is arguably unique. We all know of the hobby surrounding stamps or currencies, for example, but have you heard of someone doing the same with inkpots?

Do you consider yourself a nice person? If you nod, I shall disagree. If your answer is no, I shall still disagree.

A retired judge haunted by his past asks, “Was my judgment all wrong?” That is the premise of Bodh, the recently released web series by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. We sat down with this celebrated filmmaker to discuss Bodh, his experience of working with the eminent actor Afzal Hossain, and life after Aynabaji’s success.

Chanchal Chowdhury's stellar performance in Taqdeer shows just how magnificent he can be in convincing the audience about his character. The result is a thoroughly gripping web series on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. This performance earned him the Best Actor (male) award in the popular category, in the Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2021. 

The concept of old age homes or retirement homes is commonplace in many countries. But in our society, the idea is still frowned upon, to say the least. It is almost a taboo; the social stigma is deeply rooted. On the other hand, though, is it not high time that we embrace this idea?

Nasek Nasek! The beat rarely fails to stir up happiness, lift spirits, or make feet dance. Not long ago, the phrase did not mean much to a lot of people. But Animes Roy changed all that – Animes and team Coke Studio Bangla. The song took the nation by storm almost overnight, catapulting Animes into stardom.

Hussaini Dalan is not just a Shiite centre in Dhaka; it is also a Dhaka landmark, spanning centuries of history. While its religious programmes, especially during Muharram and more particularly Ashura are unparalleled, Hussaini Dalan as a Dhaka heritage is extraordinary as well.

If you are going to Chapai Nawabganj, you must try out kalai ruti. That's what everyone said when I was planning a trip there. And so, I did, and I didn't regret it. The question of regret comes from the premise that kalai ruti is, after all, a ruti. I mean, how magically delicious can ruti be? My expectations were not that high. With that almost arrogant low expectation, I tried out this Chapai Nawabganj specialty, but it left me pleasantly surprised.

We share a heartfelt tribute to the maestro, Humayun Ahmed penned many years ago. The tribute, still as relevant as it was back then, points out the immensity of love and affection that we hold for the 'magician of words.' Rest in peace, sir.

It is not that the claim of being the mango capital goes undisputed, especially in recent times, with places like Naogaon seriously contending and challenging its position. But arguably, Chapai Nawabganj has still managed to hold its fort, and for good reasons. To start with, let's be clear that it's not Rajshahi we are talking about. Chapai Nawabganj indeed falls under the Rajshahi division, but the people of the mango capital have made a clear distinction between the two — the mango pride of Chapai Nawabganj is solely theirs alone, as it becomes apparent when you experience its sights and sounds.

A generation or two has passed since its release. Here’s why we, as the current generation, ought to go back to this classic.

Without him, the history of the birth of Bangladesh would be incomplete. After all, Tajuddin Ahmad was the prime minister during the wartime Mujibnagar Government, leading and navigating through the numerous harrowing challenges the Liberation War threw during those fateful months of 1971.

When you start reading a book, don’t start from chapter one, because, if you skip past the dedication page, you may miss the small but heartfelt/hilarious/uplifting note written by the author.

We are touched by Korean influences perhaps in more ways than we can imagine. From electronics to entertainment, and from business to food, Koreans have made their mark in Bangladesh and the world at large.

Bangladesh, along with the rest of the world, is living through the strangest of times. It feels surreal to think of the ‘new normal’ — seems straight out of a sci-fi apocalypse movie! Nevertheless, to make sense of it all, journalists continue to bring the latest of the ongoing pandemic and to keep the world informed and updated.

Would you eat shorisha pizza? How about kalabhuna dumpling? Bolognese fuchka? Yes? No? Well that’s where the debate starts. First respectfully, then passionately, and then, in no time, things get out of hand!

You could turn to the don for advice on fashion. Sure, Michael Corleone could teach you a lot about business, leadership, and family values, but just by observing him, one could get a style guide to formal wear.

Located in 44 Kemal Ataturk Avenue, a new addition to Dhaka’s culinary scene, is The Garden Kitchen, the buffet restaurant of Sheraton Dhaka on the 14th floor of the hotel.

How you connect with a colour largely depends on who you are: where you are from and what culture and country you belong to. And so, this makes us ask, what do different colours symbolise in Bangladesh, how do we perceive certain colours, and how do they relate to our national identity?