Being a career woman: A joke, according to Sara’s boss
Women in Dhaka face workplace sexism, societal pressure, and constant undermining of their careers. Often treated as hobbies, their professional roles are dismissed, but they persist, balancing expectations, harassment, and ambition in quiet rebellion.
20 February 2025
Situationships? Breadcrumbing? Ghosting? Unpacking Gen Z dating lingo for Millennials
In the age of Gen Z dating, millennials find themselves grappling with terms like breadcrumbing, situationships, and ghosting. Gone are the days of clear labels and simple intentions. Now, it's all about ambiguity and emotional gymnastics.
11 February 2025
Caviar dreams, rice-and-lentil reality
One can laugh at the high cost of living in Dhaka, a polluted metropolis.
9 February 2025
Is it love or love bombing? Spot the difference before impact
Love bombing is an overwhelming display of affection designed to manipulate, control, and validate the bomber. It exploits low self-esteem, creating a false sense of connection. Healthy love prioritises boundaries, consistency, and genuine self-worth.
16 January 2025
Dhaka's weddings: More about reels than real moments
Dhaka’s weddings have transformed into elaborate productions driven by Instagram-worthy aesthetics. From rigid dress codes and lavish themes to curated fusion menus, celebrations now prioritise social media over genuine joy, leaving guests overwhelmed and exhausted.
9 January 2025
Every family has one: The nosy relative who knows everything
Every South Asian family has one. That omnipresent relative who buzzes around every family gathering like an over-caffeinated bee stings with their words, and then insisting they were “just joking.”
5 January 2025
The generation that swipes right on revolutions
In 2024, Bangladesh’s youth, Millennials and Gen Z, are rewriting the political playbook.
30 December 2024
The daily dread of protests and gridlock
If Dhaka had a national sport, it wouldn’t be cricket—it would be protests.
25 December 2024
50/50 marriage? More like 90/10 in disguise
Meet Runi, a 33-year-old woman living in the metropolitan of Dhaka.
22 December 2024
‘Independent body needed to protect human rights defenders’
Odhikar Director ASM Nasiruddin Elan talks about his experience under the Awami League regime in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.
17 December 2024
Cigarette city: Breathing in Dhaka’s signature cocktail
Our city’s air quality has reached such hazardous levels that stepping outside is now equivalent to puffing on 22 cigarettes a day.
11 December 2024
‘We must challenge not just regimes, but also oppressive legal machinery'
Human rights lawyer Taqbir Huda talks about the current state of human rights in Bangladesh and the potential way forward.
10 December 2024
Empathy is missing for survivors seeking justice
Examining Bangladesh's challenges in supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
25 November 2024
Women should not have to struggle with a toilet crisis
On World Toilet Day 2024, it is imperative that both the government and private actors unify to create environments that support dignity, health, and productivity for all women in Bangladesh.
19 November 2024
COP29 must set a new goal for climate finance and adaptation
As COP29 progresses, Bangladesh will be watching closely to see whether the international community can meet the urgency of its climate needs.
11 November 2024
Iram's Café
The café culture in Dhaka over the past decade has seen incredible evolution. There are cafés serving everything from filling savoury dishes to sweets and snacks.
31 August 2015
Cosmetics
This heat is no friend to the staying power of makeup, nor is it really doing much good for our skin.
27 July 2015
Shoes this Eid
Life is too short for a boring outfit; and the easiest way to complete an outfit and make it stand out are with accessories, specifically shoes.
6 July 2015
Liberation of the Spirit
The “Shwapno Life 2015 Eid Fashion Fiesta”, a night of dramatic enchantment put together by Ban Thai Spa, showcased a collection of tradition wear for both men and women designed by Shahinur Rahman, Tamanna Sharmin and Tanaz Bunni.
15 June 2015