#Perspective / Rethinking traditions: The double standards of marriages

Marriage traditions in the subcontinent reinforce patriarchal norms, with brides leaving home while grooms staying is stigmatised. Urbanisation, education, and feminist movements challenge these customs, promoting equality, nuclear families, and religious interpretations advocating fairness in...

1w ago
Travel

Travel

Turks and Caicos Islands: Postcards from paradise, voices from the shadows

The Turks and Caicos Islands, a tropical paradise of stunning beaches and luxury resorts, mask a troubling reality. Beneath the glamour, black migrant workers face exploitation, low wages, and harsh living conditions, sustaining the islands' tourism industry.

Thailand's E-Visa is here—Time to visit these 5 underrated destinations!

Thailand's e-visa for Bangladeshis enhances travel accessibility from January 2025. Explore underrated destinations like Sukhothai’s UNESCO park, Pai's serene nature, Koh Yao Noi’s untouched beaches, Hua Hin’s blend of culture, and Khao Yai’s wildlife-rich park.

Food & Recipes

Food & Recipes

Winter’s almost over, but nihari’s comfort is forever

Nihari, a rich, slow-cooked stew made from beef, goat, or lamb, is a winter indulgence that warms both body and soul. Despite its cholesterol risks, it remains a beloved ritual for many, symbolising winter's indulgent spirit.

Shutki chronicles: Our love-hate affair with dried fish

Shutki (dried fish) is a beloved yet divisive food in Bengal, with varieties like chepa, lakkha, and nona ilish. From necessity to culinary tradition, it’s a staple across regions, valued for its preservation, flavours, and cultural significance.

Say goodbye to boring drinks with these juices and mocktails

Refresh yourself with vibrant homemade mocktails like fresh ginger lemonade, lime pomegranate juice, and seasonal fruit blends. These natural, flavourful drinks offer a perfect balance of tangy sweetness for ultimate hydration and seasonal indulgence.

Feeling adventurous? Dive into these seafood recipes

Dive into the world of seafood cuisine with BBQ pomfret, red snapper, assorted seafood pasta, and creamy crab scramble. These recipes showcase fresh flavours, perfect for gourmet gatherings or casual indulgence, inspired by Mermaid Beach Resort's culinary finesse.

Roshmalai Tea – Innovation or Insult?

Roshmalai tea, a fusion of creamy sweetness and traditional tea, divides opinions. Created by three friends at "Muhurto" in Mirpur 2, it attracts adventurous foodies but leaves tea purists sceptical.

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

Understanding the impact of menstrual cycle hormones on brain function

The menstrual cycle significantly impacts brain function beyond reproduction. Hormonal shifts influence memory, emotions, and behaviour, contributing to challenges like PMS or PMDD. Research highlights brain-wide changes, emphasising holistic approaches for managing symptoms and improving women's health.

2w ago

Is inflation giving you anxiety? You're not alone

Bangladesh's high inflation is straining households financially and mentally. Financial stress disrupts mental balance, leading to burnout, impaired relationships, and physical symptoms. Coping strategies include exercise, budgeting, support systems, reframing thoughts, and fostering mental resilience.

2w ago

Healing burns! The remarkable benefits of tilapia skin

Tilapia fish skin, rich in collagen, offers a revolutionary, cost-effective burn treatment by promoting faster healing, reducing scarring, and preventing infections. This innovative approach is expanding globally, transforming wound care and sustainable healthcare practices.

1m ago

Sankalpa: Your personal mantra for a meaningful year

A sankalpa, often translated as “intention” or “resolve,” is a heartfelt vow that aligns your inner purpose with your actions. Unlike traditional New Year’s resolutions that focus on external achievements, a sankalpa emerges from your core desires and is rooted in a sense of self-awareness.

1m ago

Kundalini Rising / Unlocking the secrets to a longer health span

By improving health span, individuals can enjoy an extended period of productivity, independence, and joy.

1m ago

Is your lower back pain a sign of Urinary Tract Infection? Here’s how to tell

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urges with little output, lower back pain, and foul-smelling urine. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications, especially kidney infections.

2m ago

Facing a heart attack when alone? Here’s your survival guide

The natural response to a heart attack in a crowded public place would be to cry out for help. But what if you are home alone and have a heart attack? Well, here are some things you should do.

2m ago

Want to be stronger, smarter, and safer? Try kickboxing

To explore the benefits of kickboxing and the reason for its growing popularity in Bangladesh, we recently spoke with Minhaz Remo – a certified strength and sports nutrition coach, a 2nd-degree black belt in ITF Taekwondo, and the Founder and Head Coach at Functional Performance.

2m ago
Life & Living Multimedia

Life & Living Multimedia

#Perspective / The tragic fate of stray animals in Japan Garden City

This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and welfare of stray animals in Bangladesh.

Navigating Dhaka's Eid shopping scene on a budget

By now, many have already spent a good chunk of their time shopping for friends and families. After all, can you put a price on the smile of your loved ones after gifting them their Eid dress?

My Dhaka / Comrade, give me a cup!

Yet, the tiny, yellow-walled tea stall attracts customers like bees to flowers.  “Comrade, give me a cup,” is how they ask for tea.

The colourful cauliflowers of Bangladesh

Instead of the regular old white cauliflowers - you can now have cauliflowers that are red, yellow, pink, or purple.

Shankha Dasgupta: Meet the genius behind Guti

Shankha Dasgupta is the genius behind Guti, and anyone who has followed his work over the years knows precisely how exceptional he is. The much-anticipated show, Guti, came out on Chorki in January, leaving the viewers binging.

Is inflation giving you anxiety? You're not alone

Bangladesh's high inflation is straining households financially and mentally. Financial stress disrupts mental balance, leading to burnout, impaired relationships, and physical symptoms. Coping strategies include exercise, budgeting, support systems, reframing thoughts, and fostering mental resilience.

2w ago

Why do women fall for bad boys?

Women's attraction to bad boys, despite knowing their flaws, highlights the allure of rebellious men, driven by evolutionary attraction and a desire for freedom. However, such relationships often lead to heartbreak, emotional strain, and unrealistic expectations.

2w ago

Winter’s almost over, but nihari’s comfort is forever

Nihari, a rich, slow-cooked stew made from beef, goat, or lamb, is a winter indulgence that warms both body and soul. Despite its cholesterol risks, it remains a beloved ritual for many, symbolising winter's indulgent spirit.

2w ago

Turks and Caicos Islands: Postcards from paradise, voices from the shadows

The Turks and Caicos Islands, a tropical paradise of stunning beaches and luxury resorts, mask a troubling reality. Beneath the glamour, black migrant workers face exploitation, low wages, and harsh living conditions, sustaining the islands' tourism industry.

3w ago

Pinon hadi: Crafting tradition with a modern twist

Pinon hadi, a traditional cultural attire, has evolved from a single-piece garment to include modern elements like embroidery. Woven manually using back strap looms, it blends heritage, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics, gaining popularity as bridal wear.

3w ago

Eid shopping just got more expensive thanks to this new VAT

The recent VAT hike on clothing in Bangladesh strains businesses, consumers, and designers, especially with Eid approaching. Alternative measures like taxing luxury items or offering subsidies could have balanced revenue generation and economic sustainability more effectively.

3w ago

Shutki chronicles: Our love-hate affair with dried fish

Shutki (dried fish) is a beloved yet divisive food in Bengal, with varieties like chepa, lakkha, and nona ilish. From necessity to culinary tradition, it’s a staple across regions, valued for its preservation, flavours, and cultural significance.

3w ago

Dhaka’s winter personas: Which one are you?

Winter is more than simply a season in Dhaka; it's the big unmasking. When the temperature drops and the city sheds its constant sheen of humidity, people start to change, leaving their summer survival modes to expose their most genuine — and frequently ridiculous — winter selves.

3w ago

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.

3w ago

Why Dhakaites feel richer in winter?

If you live in Dhaka, you have probably noticed the change in the city's mood. Dhakaites experience a remarkable metamorphosis when the temperature drops. Individuals seem, or at least feel, more fashionable, more active, and, strangely enough, wealthier suddenly.

3w ago

Rethinking traditions: The double standards of marriages

Marriage traditions in the subcontinent reinforce patriarchal norms, with brides leaving home while grooms staying is stigmatised. Urbanisation, education, and feminist movements challenge these customs, promoting equality, nuclear families, and religious interpretations advocating fairness in marital arrangements.

1w ago

Trailblazing Bangladeshi women reach new heights in mountaineering

Five Bangladeshi women mountaineers defied societal norms on a historic Nepal expedition, promoting gender equality in outdoor sports. Inspired by Begum Rokeya’s vision, they champion resilience, empowerment, and future training programs to support female climbers in Bangladesh.

1w ago

Newlyweds, here’s how to create your dream bedroom without the hassle

Transform your bedroom into a romantic retreat with a cohesive colour palette, minimal yet stylish furniture, and fluffy textures for comfort. Add warm, layered lighting and invest in durable, quality pieces to create a cosy, elegant sanctuary.

2w ago

How wellness retreats can boost mental health

Wellness retreats offer a transformative break from routine, blending meditation, yoga, and nature’s healing power. They promote inner peace, rejuvenation, and personal growth, providing tools to return home refreshed, balanced, and reconnected with oneself.

2w ago

Our timeless obsession with jewellery

Jewellery is a timeless investment that enhances any outfit. Precious metals like gold retain value, while diamonds, pearls, and tennis necklaces offer elegance. For a more affordable option, cubic zirconia and moissanite provide beauty at a lower price.

2w ago

White clothes turning yellow? Here's the fix you need

White clothes are timeless but challenging to maintain. Treat stains immediately with enzymatic removers, avoid excess laundry products, skip chlorine bleach, wash frequently, separate whites from colours, and store in breathable bags to prevent yellowing.

2w ago

Dhaka Makers set to return at Aloki Convention Center

Building on the vibrant legacies of its previous editions, Dhaka Makers 3, presented by City Bank, returns with a promise to surpass its predecessors. Set to unfold from 30 January to 3 February, 2025, at the Aloki Convention Center at 211 Tejgaon Link, this festival remains a cornerstone event for showcasing the ingenuity of small independent brands and artisans.

2w ago

Understanding the impact of menstrual cycle hormones on brain function

The menstrual cycle significantly impacts brain function beyond reproduction. Hormonal shifts influence memory, emotions, and behaviour, contributing to challenges like PMS or PMDD. Research highlights brain-wide changes, emphasising holistic approaches for managing symptoms and improving women's health.

2w ago

Looking at your dream job? Here’s how to get hired

Proactive job hunting involves thorough research, tailored resumes, networking, and interview preparation. Research industry trends, enhance skills via online courses, align resumes with job descriptions, leverage LinkedIn, and practice thoughtful responses for first impressions.

2w ago

Is inflation giving you anxiety? You're not alone

Bangladesh's high inflation is straining households financially and mentally. Financial stress disrupts mental balance, leading to burnout, impaired relationships, and physical symptoms. Coping strategies include exercise, budgeting, support systems, reframing thoughts, and fostering mental resilience.

2w ago