Weekend Tribune Vol 3 Issue 44

vol 3 Issue 44 | FRIDAY, February 26, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

8

Sticks and stones

12

Sweet treats

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 3 | Issue 44 | February 26, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Editor Zafar Sobhan Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Features

Asst Magazine Editor Farina Noireet

Men’s Fashion

Weekend Tribune Team Saudia Afrin Moumita Ahmed N Anita Amreen Sakib Mridha Saqib Sarker Syeda Samira Sadeque Mahmood Sadi Shuprova Tasneem

4 Tailored

5 Trending Women’s Fashion

8 Sticks and stones

6

Global community

Origin Story

12 Food

Coffee

Contributors Minu Ahmed Reema Islam Tasmia Momin Iresh Zaker

Sweet treats

9 Photo Story

First rains

14 Tea with WT Dr Sara Edenheim

15 Tribute Bhasha Andolon Jadughor

16 Innovations Illumination

Regulars

18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com

About the cover

Editor’s note Dear readers, As February draws to a close, we find ourselves in a reflective mood.

This week brings plenty of food for thought.

Nothing goes better with some quiet contemplation than a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. We kick off this week’s Weekend Tribune with a trip to the past, tracing the origins and evolution of that steaming cup of java.

Chase down that coffee with some sweet nostalgia, and our yummy dessert recipes.

Think pink is just for girls? Think again. And then take a moment to think about your personal style

as well, as we bring you some reflective fashion advice.

Think about thinking in Sticks and Stones, and stop for a chat with Dr Sara Edenheim about the intricacies of contemporary feminism. Swing by the Bhasha Andolon Jadughar for a date with history, and let our story on light innovation illuminate you.

Finally, join the Bong Momma as she celebrates the multilingual achievements of the Jellybean.

Here’s wishing you cool winds and pleasant thoughts for the week - Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Photo: Nisha Haque

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

2 News | This week Indian forces kill all militants in Kashmir after three-day gunbattle

Iranian media outlets add to bounty for killing Britain’s Rushdie

A three-day gunbattle in the disputed

fighting Indian forces in the Indian

Iranian state-run media outlets in

$2.7 million reward to anyone

region of Kashmir ended on Monday

portion of Kashmir since 1989. India

last week have added $600,000 to

carrying out the fatwa and in 2012

last week when Indian security

accuses Pakistan of training and arming

a bounty for the killing of British

it increased the amount to $3.3

forces killed tall three militants who

the rebels in the portion it controls

author Salman Rushdie imposed in

million.

stormed a government building, a

and sending them to the Indian side, a

1989 over the publishing of his book

senior police official said.

claim its neighbour denies.

“The Satanic Verses”.

The attack began on Saturday

Three Indian army commandos,

The leader of Iran’s 1979 Islamic

The semi-official Fars news agency published a list of 40 news outlets adding to the pot. Fars itself

when militants shot at a bus carrying

two policemen and a civilian died

revolution, the late Ayatollah

police before breaking into the

in the fighting.The latest attack bore

Ruhollah Khomeini, issued a fatwa, or

training institute. More than 100

similarities to other militant attacks

religious edict, that called on Muslims

set the $600,000 bounty on the

people were inside at the time. The

in India where heavily armed, well-

to the kill the author after his book

27th anniversary of the historical

militants captured the five-storey

trained men have captured buildings

was condemned as blasphemous,

fatwa to show it is still alive,” said

training institute, killing six people in

and used them to fight security

forcing him into years of hiding.

Mansour Amiri, organizer of a

the gunbattle that followed.

forces.

Muslim separatists have been

Iranian hardliners say Khomeini’s

Photo: AP

earmarked $30,000.

“These media outlets have

digital technology exhibition at

decree is irrevocable and eternal

which the money was announced

after his death. A wealthy Iranian

this month.

religious organisation offered

Photo: Reuters

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

Mashrafe named UN ambassador

In Fiji, 17 dead from ‘monster’ Cyclone At least 17 people were killed in Fiji

Bainimarama said after the storm

when a record-breaking storm struck

passed. “The damage has been

the island nation Saturday night last

widespread, homes have been

week.

destroyed, many low lying areas

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin

have been flooded”.

Mortaza has been nominated as

Winds that reached 296 kph (184 mph) lashed the tiny island nation

There are reports of widespread

day before the upcoming Asia Cup. It was under Mashrafe that

the youth goodwill ambassador of

Bangladesh has reached to a new

in the Pacific, felling trees, knocking

power outages and thousands who

the United Nations Development

height in world cricket and his

out power and causing heavy

left their homes for shelters. A

Programme (UNDP) in Bangladesh.

leadership quality and reception on

flooding

nationwide curfew remains in effect

Mashrafe is the first Bangladeshi

and off the field made him as one of

Now that Tropical Cyclone

as emergency crews clear roads of

cricketer to become the Goodwill

Winston has passed, the arduous

downed trees and restore power.

Ambassador of UNDP, however

Nadi International Airport

former captains Habibul Bashar,

UNICEF’s local office that I have

assessment from the most powerful

reopened Monday morning after

Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib

been nominated as their Goodwill

storm on record in the Southern

being close for two days. Operations

Al Hasan were also chosen as the

Ambassador, however I am yet to

Hemisphere has begun, authorities

there are back to normal with few

ambassador of UNICEF’s other

receive any official papers. It’s a huge

of Fiji said.

cancellations, according to airport

programs previously.

responsibility and obviously a proud

tasks of cleanup and damage

“Many people have been left

staff. Schools, however, will be

UNDP informed through a press

the biggest personality in Bangladesh.

“I have been informed from the

moment for me and my country,”

stunned and confused about

closed in Fiji for one week.

release however that the official

Mashrafe said.

what to do,” Prime Minister Frank

Photo: AP

contracts will be signed on a suitable

Source: Dhaka Tribune

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

The world goes dark on a February afternoon. Rain.Hail.Global warming?

Photo: Mashrur Noor Afsar

say what?

Canada’s Cape Breton will welcome American refugees fleeing President Trump

E

ach election cycle, there’s a

become the President of your country!”

threat many American people

a welcome message on the website

make but few keep: “If so-and-

reads. “If that happens, and you decide

so wins, I’m moving to Canada!”

to get the hell out of there, might I

One kind-hearted Canadian wants to help Americans keep that promise

suggest moving to Cape Breton Island!”

Calabrese told the National Post he’s

should Donald Trump win the

already received hundreds of emails

presidency.

from Americans interested in moving to

Rob Calabrese, a radio host in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has set up a

the island.

“I’m in disbelief,” he said. “I wish

website called “Cape Breton If Donald

everyone from Cape Breton could read

Trump Wins” that pitches the island as

them because they really make you

a new home for anyone seeking refuge.

“Hi Americans! Donald Trump may

proud of living here.” n News and Photo: Huffington Post

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

4 Tailored | Men’s Fashion

Pretty in pink The 1986, John Hughes written, Hollywood classic had one thing right: they used the right shades of pink Mahmood Hossain

T

he colour pink in some

Alongside these two buddies, add a bit

cultures is considered a

of brownish undertones. Since the pink

taboo. Really? Of course not!

itself makes quite a statement, you also

But for some strange reason

need to keep your tie, pocket square

men find the colour to be too feminine

and shoes very simple. This goes for any

or too “girly”. As if your masculinity is

other accessory that you decide to wear.

being questioned, and God forbid you ever have to slap pink onto your outfit.

Start small

What most men don’t understand

This goes without saying, but keeping

is that putting on pink won’t

things as simple as possible will have

automatically turn you into Molly

you fall on the right side of the fence.

Ringwald. Most men tend to put on the

The most obvious choice from the

wrong shade of pink or combine it with

closet or off the rack would be a simple

something unflattering. So you have to

dress shirt or polo. If you want to start

ask yousrelf, “Am I manly enough?”

even smaller, go for a tie or pocket

Be shady

square the next time you wear a suit.

And hints of soft brown is always a nice

There is a large number of different

welcome to a look you may not find too

shades of the colour pink. Just like any

easy to pull off.

other colour in fashion, the sades differ from one type of fabric to another. For

Dos and don’ts

example, a pale pink dress shirt looks

Pink really can add a lovely touch

cool as hell with a warm grey suit. And

of sophistication when it comes to

just like any other colour, it all depends

formalwear. The same can be said for

on your skin tone. If a man has pale

semi-formal and casualwear. When it

skin, well, choosing the right shade of

comes to smart-casual, a fitted pink

pink can get very tricky. Fortunately for

shirt can go along way, especially when

us brown folk, we get to play around a

paired with navy trousers and brown

little.

shoes. We also don’t need to remind

Super combo

you to stay away from the hot pink.

This isn’t Miami in the mid 80s. Being

Contrasting with a colour that isn’t

loud and abnoxious helps no one, you’ll

used often is absolutely important. If

just end up looking like a sore thumb. If

you can’t combine pink with the right

you decide to wander off the safe path,

colour or shade, it can ruin your entire

it’s always good to take things in small

look. Just like the example used a little

doses. Take your time with this colour

earlier, a grey suit can be an easy choice

and don’t be afraid to sport it. You’re

when you decide to aim for the pink.

less of a man if you do fear it. n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

Women’s Fashion | Trending

5

Cause we never go out of style 5 steps for the always stylish Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

S

ometimes, when you’re bombarded with perfect Instagram #ootd posts, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed

and question your own clothing selections. Most of us are guilty of playing it too safe when it comes to wardrobe choices, for fear of going past “haute couture” and towards “hot mess”. There are ways, however to build your personal style, so that you can eliminate the stress and secondguessing when you’re dressing.

Learn to love it Fashion has managed to get itself a bad rap because of controversies surrounding the clothing industries, and hence there’s a sense of guilt attached to the pursuit of beauty. But being stylish doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank to buy the big brands, and there shouldn’t be any shame in the occasional splurge on an investment piece.

Give yourself permission to enjoy a little beauty in your life. It’s not about having more, but consciously surrounding yourself with things you love that lift you up and make you feel good. Walk into those “too fancy” stores you shy away from. Try on that outfit you probably won’t buy because of the price tag. Appreciate the look of an impeccable cut, the texture of fine fabrics. Make yourself a mood board

them. Your clothes should allow you

of pretty images, and soon you’ll find

That swagger

yourself inspired.

The key to pulling off a daring, quirky

lounge effortlessly, while still playing

style, of course, is confidence. You can

up your particular assets. Comfort is

walk into a wedding and turn heads

key.

Mix and match

to move freely, to breathe properly, to

It takes no imagination whatsoever to

by being the only woman in a tux, but

copy a look from a magazine, especially

if you slouch in, constantly pulling at

Who are you?

if you have money to burn. It’s harder

your cuffs, you’ll be attracting attention

Just as you would when building

(and more fun) to take apart a look,

for all the wrong reasons. Rehearse

a company brand, think carefully

tweak it so that it becomes uniquely

your looks at home before you try them

about your narrative when you craft

you. The incomparable Coco Chanel

outside, perfect your posture, and get

your style. What do you want your

was an expert at mixing the high end

comfortable in your own skin. The rest

clothes to say about you? Are you the

with bargain buys, the luxe with the

is just details.

carefree artsy type? The high-flying

everyday. She would famously wear

corporate? The sporty chic fitness fan?

expensive jewellery along with cheap

That feel good factor

baubles, and pull it off with panache.

Ultimately, if you want to create a

all weigh in, so that at the end of the

So buck the trends and wear those

distinctive style, it should be one that’s

day, wherever you are, whatever you’re

fancy earrings with your jeans, mix the

comfortable for you. So if you stagger in

wearing, looks and feels distinctively,

vintage with the modern and create

heels, don’t bother with them. If skinny

effortlessly, you. n

your own brand.

jeans are a battle to squeeze into, forget

Your lifestyle, your interests should

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

6 Origin Story | Coffee

Covering the coffee map A frolicking bunch of goats, a herdsman in Ethiopia and a monastery are responsible for the discovery of coffee and one of the reasons most people can function in the mornings. So from the sloping, green hills and valleys of Ethiopia to the rest of the world, let us journey through the history of how coffee became the second most traded commodity after oil.

Reema Islam

K

aldi was a simple herdsman living in Ethiopia around 850 CE(current era), who would call out to his goats by playing his flute before heading homeward. However, one day they did not arrive as usual so Kaldi went searching and found them frisking near some bushes, where they kept munching on the red berries of an unknown bush. Intrigued, Kaldi tried some and felt exhilarated. He cried out to his goats that these were ‘from heaven’ and ran to the nearest monastery to share this with the monks. The chief monk however felt suspicious and spurned the berries into the roaring fire calling them the devil’s work.

Smouldering in the fire, the beans gave out a rich fragrance and when the monk went to sleep, the younger monks scourged these roasted beans out of the fire, ground them and boiled them. And viola! Coffee was discovered!

Kaldi’s story is mostly considered a myth, but coffee was consumed even 5000 years ago as an energy bar by the Galla and the Oromo tribes of Abyssinia who crushed up the berries and mixed it with animal fat to consume on road trips. Even to this day, coffee as a beverage is consumed with a spot of ghee by those in the Kaffa region of Ethiopia, where forest lands are often cleared to plants coffee bushes. Another story also talks of a Sufi mystic Omar, who was banished from his land of Mocha in Yemen and discovered the goodness of the coffee bean which he boiled and drank to sustain him. Eventually

Siphon coffee brew of Guji Zone Akrabi coffee at Dhaka Dough

his people called him back as a saint and sowed the coffee plants to grow abundantly in Yemen. Mocha beans are mainly the Coffea Arabica quality and are often confused with the chocolate flavoured coffee that we consume. The coffee Arabica is known as Bunn in its homeland of the Southwestern Kaffa region, especially its capital Jimma. The word coffee itself could possibly stem from Kaffa, or from the Arabic word kahwa, which can also mean an intoxicant but in the use of coffee, it really just means the dark one. A typical Ethiopian coffee ceremony is enjoyed in a three part elaborate display of abel, tona and baraqa, the last one leaving the guests with blessings! The beans are often washed, and then roasted on an open fire as the guests are allowed to catch a whiff of the smoking beans, then ground up and added to the boiling water, which is then poured into cups

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

from a high level so the aroma fills up the room. Sugar and often times, salt is added to this brew.

By the 1100s it is thought that Yemen was growing coffee and the port of Mocha was a trading point. But not until the 1400s did it start becoming the norm to drink coffee as the Mufti of Aden (Yemen) was central in its spread to other Arab regions like Mecca, Damascus and Egypt.

Coffee was often associated with Sufi mysticism and the spread of Islam. Coffee houses in Mecca were called Kaveh Kanes which were initially considered for religious talks and gatherings, but soon became the hotspot for the current gossip or political debates. In 1511, the governor of Mecca heard of regular debates on politics brewing in the Kanes, which could lead to anarchy, so he banned these coffee houses.

He had to eventually revert the ban but coffee by then had earned a reputation of being

an intoxicant of rash ideas and actions.

The Turks eventually got a whiff of the aromatic beverage as they traded with Yemen and the Ottoman Governor of Yemen took back the beans and a new culture of roasting them over a charcoal fire, gave the world the famously bitter and grainy Turkish coffee. The first coffee house in Constantinople (Istanbul) was called Kiva Han while the Chief Coffee Maker was a very respectable designation in the Sultan’s court. Women in Turkey had the right to divorce their husbands if they were not given their sufficient quota of coffee! It reached a point where Ottoman Turks jealously guarded coffee and were careful to keep a monopoly by only exporting par boiled coffee beans which could not be sowed in foreign lands. This obviously resulted in coffee becoming a precious commodity for smuggling!

7

Only Ethiopian Guji Zone Akrabi Coffee sold at Dhaka Dough

Cold Brewed coffee of Guji Zone Akrabi coffee at Dhaka Dough

Siphon coffee brew of Guji Zone Akrabi coffee at Dhaka Dough Photos: Dhaka Dough

Cinnamon rolls at Dhaka Dough for the Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony to be held very soon

Venetian businessmen brought it back from their trades with the Turks and in the 1645, the first coffee houses opened up.

Initially it was served on road side stalls along with lemonades but its reputation of being an un-Christian drink soon spread until Pope Clement VIII put a stop to that by falling deeply in love with the beverage himself! So the Turks would offer the Venetians coffee in trade and by the 1720s, cafe Florian opened its doors and is said to have attracted the attentions of a certain Casanova, who came to woo the many women that fluttered there. Other cafés opened and attracted many a writer and music composers so as Wagner sat composing music in Lavena, Verdi sat across at Floran’s and the musical battle, along with numerous other artistic ones continued to brew and froth like the coffee that was enjoyed there.

Late 1600s and the ambassador to Paris from Turkey introduced

the coffee to the Parisian, amidst an ongoing craze for all things Arab. In 1686, Café de Procope was opened up by a Venetian who took advantage of the lack of skills the Parisians showed at brewing a simple cup of this “petite noir” or black liquid.

The French culture has always revered the 3 main things that were introduced to their culture by foreigners: coffee, chocolate and tea or pastries. Croissants were also a Turk influence consumed at the Parisian cafes while the French café culture prompted dissolving barriers like race, accents and gender, as everyone enjoyed a jaunt to the nearest café not just for the pretty ladies, but above all to have a conversation, a wholesome adda!!

But the Dutch really defeated everyone in their quest to plant this wondrous bean, or Koffie, as it was taken out in 1616 from Yemen and planted in greenhouses in Amsterdam.

They sent Coffee Arabica to their

colonies in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and then much like the indigo farmers of Bengal, forced the Javanese to plant nothing but coffee. It took a while before its true qualities rose to the brim and by 1683 mocha and java were the most sought after beans.

Next week, we follow the coffee bean on its journey to Central America through the Spanish, to Brazil through the Portuguese, to the US and around the globe, to South India and Vietnam. n

www.dhakadough.com; Visit their Facebook page to watch out for an elaborate Ethiopian coffee ceremony happening very soon at their Baridhara outlet.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

8 Sticks and stones | Global community

Connected world, better choices Iresh Zaker

I

Photo: Bigstock

think it is highly appropriate

short demand these days. With the

into a competition about who can

their basest instincts. In short, he

that World Language Day is

barrage of sensory impulses through

use the bully pulpit to be the biggest

knows that the trick is not to allow

immediately followed by World

various media, we are constantly

bully. The frontrunner by a significant

them the time to think.

Thinking Day. For those who

being urged to consume, and rarely

margin, Mr Donald Trump (for those

don’t know, and to be perfectly honest

given the time to think about what we

who know him, try saying President

is that, he is not selling a casino. He

I did not either till an hour before

are putting in our sensory systems.

Donald Trump a few times. It is the

is selling the future of the world. And

writing this piece, World Thinking Day,

This invariably has the undesirable

kind of stuff that leads people to a life

the decision to buy should not be knee

which was initially called Thinking

consequence of us losing a sense of

of substance abuse), has put together

jerk.

Day, is celebrated annually on February

who we are. The tendency becomes to

a wildly successful campaign by being

Last week, I wrote in favour of a

22 by all Girl Guides and Scouts. It

follow the latest trend or the loudest

truculently bigoted, xenophobic, and

broad and liberal interpretation of the

is a day when they think about their

voice. When our minds are being

rude. He has threatened to beat up

freedom to express. I stand by what I

“sisters” (and “brothers”) in all the

jogged at a breakneck speed on a

people who do not agree with him,

wrote. But if the freedom to express

countries of the world, the meaning of

continual basis, it becomes difficult

characterised entire communities (read

and choose should be a right that is

Guiding, and its global impact.

to take decisions that are informed.

all Muslims) as evil and dangerous,

guaranteed by law, then surely we as

It becomes impossible to arrive at

and articulated a foreign policy agenda

citizens have an unwritten obligation

Association of Girl Guides and Girl

conclusions that are reached by our

that is pretty much centred around

to use those freedoms in a responsible

Scouts has selected a single global

best and deepest selves. Compassion

“bombing the hell outta” anyone who

and compassionate way. Simply put,

issue as the theme for each World

becomes difficult, immediate

stands in his presidential way.

we have a responsibility to think before

Thinking Day. This allows its members

intolerance much easier. The less we

to study other cultures and traditions,

reflect, the more we tend to follow

juggernaut is characterised by chronic

and enhance their sensitivity and

those who stoke our immediate

amnesia. He randomly changes his

guarantees its citizens glorious

awareness regarding global concerns.

animosities and have less time for

positions on issues of the highest

freedoms. They can say, write, and

This year, the theme, appropriately

acts that reflect on our largesse and

importance, and does not seem to

show pretty much what they want,

enough, is connect. Girl Guides and

our ability to be kind to those who are

care. He thinks that if he speaks loudly

and they can vote. It is much more

Girl scouts are being encouraged to

different from us. This would not be so

enough, it will obviate any need for

than can be said about most of the

connect with themselves, with their

much of a problem if we did not live in

accountability, reason, or gravitas.

world’s population. As one fictional

communities, and with the rest of the

a global village where what we do here

Frighteningly, if not surprisingly,

American famously said “with great

globe. I don’t know much about the

significantly impacts the lives of those

Trump is proving to be right. Massive

power comes great responsibility”.

specifics of the endeavour, but in spirit

living beyond our peripheral vision.

numbers of American voters love him.

The world does not expect the average

In recent years, the World

at least, it seems like a wonderful idea.

Case in point being the circus that

Among other things, the Trump

Donald Trump is a highly successful

The problem in this particular case

we speak and act.

The United States of America

American to be Dr King or even Mr Lee.

The way we think about ourselves

is the Republican Presidential Primary

businessman. He knows how to sell

The world only wishes they do what

greatly influences the way we perceive

in the US. The process of selecting the

things, and himself. He has realised

Girl Guides and Scouts did on February

the world around and beyond us, and

man who has at least a 50% chance

that in this day and age of non-

22 this year. Think, and connect with

informs how we react as citizens of our

of becoming the most powerful

reflection, the trick is to keep feeding

themselves, their communities, and

communities and the globe.

human being on the planet come

shallow yet strong impulses to the

the world, before they act. n

November has rapidly deteriorated

consumer. Impulses that appeal to

It seems to me that reflection is in

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

first rains | Photo Story

9

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Beauty amidst the chaos Most of this week was spent with complaining of the oppressive heat – with tempers fraying as temperatures climbed with the early onset of summer. This culminated in a premature but massive Kalboishakhi, with the full package of ominous black clouds, strong winds and a barrage of hail, not to mention the torrents of rain. This week, we take a look at the chaos of the first storm of the year, and can’t help but marvel at the beauty it also brings.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | first rains

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

11

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

Photo: Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka Tribune

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

12 Food | Sweet treats

Photos: Tasmia Momin

Childhood favourites A trip down memory lane with some sweet ol’ favourites Tasmia Momin

E

ver wandered what a jar of childhood memories could do? It could definitely

Chocolate Ovaltine Cake Ingredients

baking powder mixture into the egg

•

2 eggs

mixture.

•

½ cup sugar

•

¼ cup veg oil

tin and sprinkle with shaved almonds

•

¼ buttermilk

and marshmallows. Bake for about

•

½ tsp vanilla essence

30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick,

•

¾ cup all-purpose flour

inserted in the middle, comes out

•

¾ chocolate Ovaltine powder

clean.

•

1 tsp baking powder

•

A pinch of salt

For the icing:

•

Handful of marshmallows

•

Chocolate Ganache

•

Handful of shaved almonds

•

100 gm double cream

•

200 gm dark chocolate, chopped

Pour the batter in the greased cake

into small pieces

Directions Preheat oven to 180 degree Celsius.

•

A knob of butter

Grease your preferred cake tin or line it with baking paper.

Sift in the flour and baking powder in a bowl and keep aside.

Warm up the double cream and add chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate and butter is melted and

make Chocolate Ovaltine Cake. My take on

In a separate big bowl, beat in

baking cakes with different flavours include

the eggs and sugar until the volume

either place the bowl over cold water

exploring childhood memories this week. Ovaltine was

doubles. Pour in the oil and beat again.

and stir the mixture vigorously until it

one of my favourites back when I was a kid. These days

Add salt and Ovaltine powder and

cools down to a thick consistency, or

I find myself looking for all sorts of kiddish foods when

mix. Then pour in the rest of the wet

refrigerate it for 10 to 20 minutes until

I step into any supermarket with my mom. So there

ingredients – buttermilk and vanilla

it thickens, then mix it with a spoon to

I found my one true childhood love ‘Ovaltine’ and I

essence. Beat till you get a smooth and

reconstitute the smooth texture. Drizzle

decided on trying it out in a cake.

light mixture. Fold in the flour and

it over the chocolate Ovaltine cake.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

you get a smooth texture. You can

13 Hot Cross Buns Ingredients

portions and shape each piece of

•

3½ -4 cup all-purpose flour

dough into small balls and place

•

1 cup milk

them onto two greased

•

1 large egg

baking dishes.

•

4 tbsp melted butter

•

1 tbsp yeast

the a small amount of

•

4 tbsp sugar

flour and milk and mix

•

½ tsp salt

until smooth. Place the glaze

•

1 tsp ground cinnamon

in a small plastic bag. Cut the

•

A pinch of ground allspice

end of the bag and pipe a ‘cross’

•

A pinch of ground nutmeg

on the top of each bun.

•

½ tsp of orange peel

For the glaze, combine

Let it proof for half an hour and then bake for

Directions

20 minutes at 200

Mix together the dry ingredients and

degree Celsius in a

set aside.

preheated

Pour in your milk and sugar in a large

oven. n

pot. Heat till the sugar dissolves but do not boil it. Leave to cool down, untill it’s slightly warm and then add the yeast. Let the yeast activate for a minute.

Once the mixture is frothy, gradually add it to the flour mixture and beat until the dry ingredients are moistened. Add the melted butter and egg and beat until incorporated. Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary.

Set aside in a warm place for an hour.

When the dough has doubled in size, knead it again into smooth dough and let it sit for another half an hour. Divide the dough into 12 equal

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

14 Tea with WT | Dr Sara Edenheim

Unlearning – and relearning – gender Samira Sadeque

D

r Sara Edenheim, an

because nowadays we all read the same

learn – just like we learn a language. A

something based on fear. We act gender

associate professor in

information, no matter where we are

language doesn’t come to us naturally.

because we are afraid of the effects of not

History and senior lecturer

so we are fairly familiar with the same

We’re not born speaking our mother

acting. This is not only a social influence,

in Gender studies at Umea

debates and discussions. So, I was not

tongue – we need to learn it. And in the

or of effects that are external – like

University in Sweden, was recently in

surprised in that way. But I’m surprised

same way, we learn how to do gender.

religion or law – but also from within:

Dhaka for two weeks to take a class on

at the level of knowledge – in theoretical

gender theories and feminist readings

knowledge – which I would say is higher

Would you say, then, that there is

have acted differently. That you could

at BRAC University. She was here as

than the one I’m used to for my Masters

always potential for every individual

actually be something that you haven’t

part of the Linnaeus-Palme Exchange

students at home.

to have a fluid sense of their gender

been. The fear of being inconsistent

identity – without necessarily being

with your idea of self – the fear of the

BRAC University on ‘Performativity as

How would you explain performativity

aware of such theories?

incomprehensible body that doesn’t

a Symptom: the Trembling Body in the

to a person not familiar with the

Most people have this. That’s why we

make sense to us. And we all have that.

Works of Judith Butler,’ and had a quick

discourse on gender performativity?

don’t question it. That’s why we think

chat with Dhaka Tribune.

(Laughs) That is quite complicated

it’s natural. But I think the allegory to

And maybe that’s an inherent part

because I would fall into the trap of

language is quite appropriate. Because,

of being human. But in a world, as

Programme. She recently gave a talk at

the fear of seeing that you could actually

today, where all sorts of identities are becoming fluid, do you think such a fear [of inconsistency, or being incomprehensible] will sustain?

I don’t see it as fluid, I see it as fragmented identities. We have more identities – but not fluid, but a combination instead. But you see them as not being constituted by these identities. You see them as something that’s given – so you use that as a point of departure.

When you want to question the ‘norm’ – for example, a gay person wants to question heteronormativity, what’s usually forgotten is that this identity of ‘gay’ is very dependent on the ‘norm’. They constitute each other – in order to be defined as opposites, they are dependent on each other.

So if you identify as a certain gender, and say “I come from outside of a certain norm” and question that norm, you must be prepared to give up your Gender fluidity is not a very common

doing the simplification that I was

you would think your language is

own identity as well. So, to question

– and is instead a rather sensitive –

criticising during my lecture*.

something that is completely natural:

any identity that you consider ‘other’,

you think in your language, you dream

you must be prepared to question your own identity.

topic in this region. What was your

But, how do we know the gender of

impression of teaching the students

someone? By looking at a person’s body

in your language – it feels so natural.

here?

– that’s been the most obvious thing.

But it wasn’t there from the beginning –

If I didn’t know it was a sensitive issue,

But that’s not enough. You can actually

it’s something you had to learn.

I would not have noticed it. It doesn’t

behave feminine with a masculine body

So think of gender the same way.

very complex world. Where we are

seem to be a sensitive issue here. On

and we would believe that the person

This is an interesting idea that makes it

dependent on each other. Some of

the contrary, the audience and students

is a woman if we didn’t see their other

possible to see gender as something not

us pretend that were not dependent

that I’ve had seem to be quite up to

features. And that is how you behave

natural. It’s something acquired. That it

on each other, but the truth is we’re

date. But since this was a feminist class,

gender, you move and walk and dress

has certain rules we need to adapt to, to

completely are. And we need to

it was not a new topic for the students.

certain ways that we see as gender.

make ourselves comprehensible. And

acknowledge that.

They weren’t really surprised.

This is what we refer to as ‘performativity’ – the movement, the

performing correct gender makes us comprehensible.

Because no matter if we want it or not, we’re all part of the same,

*Edenheim delivered a lecture at BRAC University on Tuesday afternoon on gender performativity, especially

Was it as you’d expected?

talking, walking – the actions, the

I was actually happily surprised. I’ve

doings of gender. That is how we all

What drew you to Judith Butler’s

in the works of Judith Butler, the

met people from Bangladesh before, so I

do gender. We don’t think about it –

work?

renowned gender theorist who has

know it’s not that sensitive if you have a

because we think it comes naturally

I read performativity as less voluntary, as

contributed volumes to the discourse

degree in literature and the humanities;

to our bodies. But it’s something we

something you can choose, but more as

of gender fluidity. n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

Bhasha Andolon Jadughor | Tribute

15

Knowing history A visual representation of the history of the Language Movement at Bangla Academy Saudia Afrin

A

s Bangladeshis, do we all know about the

scale.”

The museum holds extensive

fundamental history of

documentation on the Langauge

our Language Movement?

Movement, mostly through

Unfortunately, not many of us will be

photography, right from its very

able to answer this question honestly.

inception. This includes image of

According to recent reports, regardless

batons from the 1948 strikes, as well as

of having a chapter on the Language

the written document of Dhirendranath

Movement in the school curriculum,

Datta’s speech on the demand for

most students in Kurigram didn’t

Bangla to be made one of the state

know the history accurately. It is quite

languages of Pakistan on 25 February

possible that this is the case in schools

1948 to the Pakistan Constituent

across the country. It is a difficult

Assembly in Karachi, along with other

truth that though we all may know

parliamentary members debates.

of the events of 21st February, the

Firoz Mahmud, historian, folklorist

chronological and in-depth history of

and museologist, is one of the people

the Language Movement, as well as the

who worked on deciding the content of

reasons for why these events occurred,

this museum. According to him, “We

are precisely known by a few.

tried to give a background that included

Only three days are left till the end

the events that culminated in the

of the Amar Ekushey Boimela – a month

Language Movement and the killing of

long book fair devoted to the memory

Bengali activists on 21st February. Some

of people who sacrificed their lives

basic decisions like state language and

to fight for Bangla as state language.

how much autonomy the different parts

Every day of the month of February,

will be given weren’t decided before

both the premises of the fair have seen

the birth of East and West Pakistan,

thousands of book lovers gather to

based on the two-nation theory. We

browse classics, buy their favourites

have covered content from 1948 to 1972

and get introduces to the latest titles on

through photography, and have also

the shelves.

added belongings of language martyrs

While it is amazing to see the

to our display.”

Photo: Rajib Dhar

knowing the history of our Language

processions.

The fourth room of the museum is

Movement. This museum will take

dedicated entirely to the martyrs of the

the visitor on a visual journey through

is it possible to tie this in with learning

pages from Medieval Bengali poet

Language Movement - Abdul Barkat,

the timeline of our struggles, and will

about our history as well? Well, now

Abdul Hakim and famed Bangladeshi

Shafiur Rahman, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed

transport you back to the incidents that

it is, thanks to the Bhasha Andolon

author Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad,

and Abdul Jabbar - by displaying their

took place so that we can now freely

Museum on the first floor of Burdwan

to give an insight into the history of

belongings and giving short glimpses

speak our native tongue. n

House at Bangla Academy.

the Bangla language and its glory.

into their lives until their unjust and

The display then progressed to covers

tragic demise.

enthusiasm pouring into the book fair,

Shahida Khatun, Director of folklore, museum and archives says, “Through

In the first room, there are a few

from selected Language Movement

A visitor named Mebaz Hossain,

Bhasha Andolon Jadughor timing

our Language Movement, we were able

related publications, as well as a copy

a student of grade seven, says, “A

to establish our mother tongue into

of the speech made by Muhammed Ali

lot can be learnt from here. Being a

our state language. The creation of a

Jinnah. An image of the draft note of

representative of the new generation,

museum on the Language Movement

the first poem written for the Language

I have just got to know these amazing

During Ekushey Boimela

falls under Bangla Academy, since it is

Movement can also be seen.

new facts that I had no idea of

Monday to Thursday, 3:30pm to

previously. I think everyone of our age

5:30pm

should pay a visit to this place.”

During Friday and Saturday

our national responsibility, although we

Most of the rooms are hung with

couldn’t build it earlier because of lack

giant images on different periods before

of space. However, since its inception,

and after 21 February, 1952, including

Bangla Academy has been working

preparations of protest at Aamtola,

number of unknown and unseen

with activists and martyrs of the

Rafiq Uddin Ahmed’s brutal murder at

incidents have been visualised and

Language Movement through different

the hands of West Pakistan, the first

brought to the fore in this place. I feel

Regular timing

publications, and finally we opened this

structure of Shaheed Minar on the

proud to be a Bangladeshi.”

Monday to Thursday, 11am till 4pm

thematic museum in 2010. From now

premises of Dhaka Medical College, as

on, we will work on it on a much bigger

well as other images of protests and

Another visitor added, “A huge

Morning timing - 11am to 12:30pm evening timing - 3:30pm to 5:30pm

The Bhasha Andolon Jadughor is a

(lunch break 1pm to 2pm)

place for those who are interested in

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

16 innovations | illumination

Sunlight through a pipe!

Mahmood Sadi

I

lluminating the work

from using energy saving efficient

considered it to be a very viable and

environment with appropriate

lighting in industries, as lighting

feasible solution for efficient industrial

lighting is an important aspect

consumes approximately 30% of total

lighting.

of industrial success as efficient

electrical energy used in the country.

lighting in industries not only saves

Besides, innovations in lighting

What is solar pipe light?

a major portion of the owner’s

have opened up new avenues for light

Solar pipe light – also known as a

investment, but also improves the

applications in all areas especially in

tubular skylight, sun pipe, light tunnel

worker’s output by manifold.

industries. One such innovative lighting

or sun tile – is a daylight system, which

option is the solar pipe light. Both

consists of a polycarbonate cover – a

experts and industry stakeholders have

dome, square or tile – installed on a

An energy-starved country like Bangladesh, could benefit immensely

roof or outside wall that sits over an aluminium tube.

Natural light travels down the tube.

The interior of the tube has a mirrorfinish that reflects and intensifies light and the dome incorporates a lens that refracts and intensifies the light. A diffuser in the ceiling spreads the light so that it illuminates the room rather than just the area beneath it – the diffuser can also be wired so that it acts like a conventional light in the evening.

Solar pipe light in Bangladesh In Bangladesh, Germany based GIZ’s Sustainable Energy for Development (SED) initiated a pilot project with ‘CHANGE’, a registered youth organization working in the field of renewable energy, water and sanitation and social business development, to conduct a study to develop a simple, customised innovative solution of using natural daylight in industries.

CHANGE has successfully developed the solution of through the innovation of the solar pipe light with locally available raw materials. Sajid Iqbal, Founder of CHANGE and the innovator of the solar pipeline solution said the concept of solar pipe light has already been materialised.

He said that a yearlong project finally piloted prototypes in two settings, one in a small cottage factory and another one in an ice-cream factory. The pilot project is helping the host industry to use free natural lighting during daytime for 10-12 hours and covering around 750-800 square feet.

“The solar pipe light which illuminates the area is equivalent to that produced by CFL bulbs, and at the same time saves monthly

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

17 energy expenditure with zero carbon

the idea in industrial buildings,” he

emission,” explains Iqbal.

said.

According to him, solar pipe light

Dipal Chandra Barua, President

has a huge prospect in factories in

of Bangladesh Solar and Renewable

Bangladesh, so as to avoid electricity

Energy Association (BSREA) said that

usage for lighting during the day, which

solar pipe light is an implementable

will invariably add value to industrial

concept. “Now, it might seem like a

growth in Bangladesh through efficient

small concept but it could be big in the

energy use.

future.”

Lauded both by industry stakeholder

(WB) conducted a study about the

and experts

potential of solar home system (SHS) in

Lauding the solar pipe light initiative,

Bangladesh. The study said that there

Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President of

was a potential for 1,00,000 SHS in

Federation of Bangladesh Chambers

Bangladesh.

Interview

He said that in 1996, the World Bank

of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI)

“Now Bangladesh has over four

said that it could be implemented in

million SHS and it is one of the success

industrial buildings in Bangladesh.

stories of Bangladesh,” he said, adding

“Bangladesh has abundant sunlight throughout the year. This technology

that solar pipe light could be a success story for Bangladesh as well.

will not only reduce expenses but

Siddique Zobair, Member of

will also provide energy efficiency.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy

Countries like Sri Lanka and India have

Development Authority (SREDA) of the

already successfully implemented this

Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral

in their industrial buildings,” he said.

Resources and National Project Director

The FBCCI President said that

of SED said that in most commercial

this solar pipe light idea could be

places, a huge amount of electricity has

implemented in the industrial buildings

been misused for daytime lighting. “A

in our proposed Special Economic

concept like solar pipe light can save

Zones (SEZ). “From FBCCI, we will

huge amounts of energy,” he said. n

provide all sorts of help to implement

Sajid Iqbal

Where do you get the idea of

proto-type, develop its market and

solar pipe light? Which countries

demand, proper policy changes to

are successfully adopting this

promote the environment friendly

technique?

lighting solution.

Solar Pipe Light idea is widely

What are the possibilities of solar

used in USA, EU, China and other

pipe light in Bangladesh? Where

developed countries. Recently the

can we implement it?

foreign companies are trying to

It can be installed in single floor

spread the initiative in India and

industrial structures to improve

other developing countries. We got

daytime lighting and reduce

the idea from internet while we

dependency from electrical

were searching alternative solutions

lighting. In Bangladesh we have

of Bottle Light for industries.

a lot of warehouses, garments factories, other factories and

Whom did you approach for the

industries where we can introduce

implementation of your idea? What

this light.

are the hurdles that you needed to overcome?

What are your plans on

The main reason for the project was

popularising solar pipe light? Some

to research and develop solar pipe

say that transparent rooftops could

light with local available materials

also be a solution. Why is solar

with local know how so that we can

pipe light better than transparent

provide the solution in an affordable

rooftops?

price. We have identified that per

First, we need to develop the

unit cost of foreign available solar

production capacity from proto-

pipe lights are 5-6 times more then

types. Then onward, we will do

our developed solution. For the

some more piloting and disseminate

R&D project we approached to

the outcome of the project with the

Sustainable Energy for Development

help of print and electronic media.

(SED) program of GIZ which is a joint

Throughout the whole journey we

project of Bangladesh and German

will try to advocate proper policy

Government.

change to promote Solar Pipe Light

We have developed the proto-

in Industries to reduce electricity

types and piloted it. Now it’s

consumption from lighting and also

scientifically proven. Now we

to reduce CO2 emission from this

have to develop the product from

sector.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

18 stay in feel much like getting passionate.

Your affection certainly hasn’t diminished, but your partner could interpret your behaviour that way.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure your friend knows exactly how you feel and why you feel that way.

Mini cryptics Clues ACROSS 1 Aircraft trip initially to Mars, say (6) 6 Nothing staying the same for desert stop (5) 7 What to climb to put one in heavenly body (5) 8 Blue led around for cowboy’s behind (6) DOWN 2 Big cat paroled after mix-up (7) 3 Big cat climbs with half street in hole (7) 4 Explorer sat up with chap (6) 5 Loads of Catholic gatherings (6)

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21) – As everyone

horoscopes

will likely be a bit sensitive, be careful about what you say or suggest. Avoid doing anything you might come to regret a few days later.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21) – If you’re in the public eye, you’ll want to do your best and avoid drawing attention to yourself for all the wrong reasons. This is the time to Cancer (June 21-Jul22) – Weekends

behave impeccably. Later in the

Moon in your zone of wellness and

can be useful for discussing business

week you have a chance to discuss

lifestyle could be the reason you

matters and career issues, particularly

issues that are close to your heart.

venture off track regarding your diet

in terms of their financial realities.

or exercise routine. Pick yourself up

Someone could have a bright idea

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19) – The call

and start again when you feel more

about how you can improve your

of the wild could be the reason

settled.

income. You might be drawn to

you’re moved to explore new

explore a mystery on Sunday.

territory or take up a class early in

Taurus (Apr 20-May20) – The Full

the week. You’d be wise to think

Moon shines on your zone of leisure

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) – Think carefully

through your actions so you don’t

and pleasure, spotlighting activities

before you make any purchases if

come to regret them later.

you’ll love to indulge. Watch

you want to avoid problems in the

out, though, as you could act on

future. Lifestyle issues come into

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) – The

impulse, especially where romance

focus on Thursday and Friday, which

urge to splurge could tempt you to

is concerned, which might cause

might be a sign to make some well

make purchases that aren’t truly

you to do something you’ll come to

thought out changes.

worthwhile. You’ll benefit from

regret later.

holding back at the start of the week Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) – A friend

even if what you’re contemplating

Gemini (May 21-June 20) – If you

or significant other might need

seems like the most desirable item

know a topic will cause tension,

something from you on Sunday. This

on earth.

avoid it. Thursday and Friday could

week could be pivotal when much

prove enlightening, particularly if

can be accomplished by seeking

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) – Take care

you’re eager to explore a new path

out further information or getting

when discussing delicate issues, as

or branch out into new territory.

feedback on innovative ideas.

they will require tact and diplomacy.

Friends or significant others may

Avoid doing or saying anything that

have encouraging information for

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22) – Although your

you might come to regret later. Pay

you.

partner may be feeling very sensual

attention to any intuitive hunches

at this time, Libra, you might not

toward the end of the week. n

Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune. com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.

Last week’s solutions

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) – The Full

ACROSS 1 Bird place in disarray (7) 4 Abbreviation a friend made initially (7) 6 Assorted Danes aboard SS Blue Mood (7) 7 Containers for sketch artists (7) DOWN 1 Messy diapers enthusiastically received (7) 2 Bright and free after lunch starters (5) 3 Enemy seems in confusion (7) 5 French resort holds first of events for relative (5)

Sudoku

Use the numbers 1-9 to complete each of the 3x3 square grids such that each horizontal and vertical line also contains all of the digits from 1-9

Last week’s sudoku solutions

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

Go out

Weekly Planner Feb 28

is heavily inspired by pop gore, advertising and media culture.

When 7pm Where Red Shift Coffee Lounge, Bays Galleria 5th floor, 57 Gulshan Avenue What Red Shift is screening Inside Out, which is two times Oscar nominated animated film in ‘Best Animated Feature Film of the Year’ and ‘’Best Writing, Original Screenplay’’ sections.

Riley is a happy, hockey-loving eleven year old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upsidedown when she and her parents move to San Francisco. After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - joy, fear, anger, disgust and sadness – conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school. Riley’s emotions – led by joy - try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings sadness to the forefront. When joy and sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind, well one has to watch this amazing animated movie to find out.

People of all ages can enjoy this film. Tickets are Tk200 which includes free popcorn.

Feb 28

Cinema | Red Shift Trending Movies: Inside Out

Mar 1

Photography | Pretty Shitty Art – Nordic When 3-9pm Where Nordic Club Dhaka, Road: 80, House: 2, Gulshan 2 What Nordic Club Dhaka will be hosting the Pretty Shitty Exhibit for the entire month of March with collection of the series from the Dali, the Universe, the Period Talk, the World Leaders as Babies, and many more.

They are all coming in along with newer and older paintings, illustrations and merchandise.

There will be paintings, merchandise, art prints, underwear, coasters, greeting cards, tote bags, laptop covers, pillow cases and many more.

Saria Saguaro is a visual pop artist from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Operating under Pretty Shitty Art, her work

Feb 27

Music | Jazz Night in Red Shift with Imran Ahmed Quintet

Education | Samayer Proyojone

By Theatre Art Unit When 7pm Where Experimental Theatre Shilpokola Dhaka, Shegunbagicha What Samayer Proyojone is written by Jahir Raihan, play written and directed by Mohammad Bari.

The play is based on the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. The Bengali resistance is ongoing against the Pakistani invasion army. Jahir Raihan has just arrived in a freedom fighter’s camp to collect news for reporting. The camp commander hastily hands him a diary and leaves for his work in great hurry.

Jahir Raihan is reading Mamun’s diary, one by one revealing the dreams, the hopes, aspirations, pains and anxieties of a band of freedom fighters. In the gruesome description of experiences, incidences become stories and stories become history. We see our ancestors’ courage, sacrifices and the fire of their spirit. On one hand, that fire rages through our veins and awakens our entire being. And on the other hand, all the cumulated frustrations and anxieties numb our very souls.

These frustrations and anxieties in the play transform the audience from the year 1971 to the present day.

Feb 29

Cinema | English Speaking Club When 4:30pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old), 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi R/A What If one is struggling to find a place to practice english speaking skills, they can just visit EMK Center, where the English Speaking Club makes speaking and learning english fun, with games, debates and group activities. The instructor, Shahid is an English Language teacher from the UK with 45 years of teaching experience, which can really be a key to enhance one’s proficiency in English.

19

When 7pm Where Red Shift Coffee Lounge, Bays Galleria 5th floor, 57 Gulshan Avenue What Red Shift brings Jazz Night once again. Having opened for legendary John McLaughlin and Shai Maestro at last year’s premier of Jazz and Blues Festival, Imran Ahmed has been mainly performing as part of the self-titled ‘Imran Ahmed Quintet’ in Dhaka as well as collaborating with other artists.

Trained at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, India’s premiere institute for contemporary jazz music; Imran has been playing the guitar since a young age.

The concert will have Imran on guitar, Robert Russell on piano, Towfiq Arfin on drums, Rahin Haider on saxophone and Mohaimin Karim with bass. Featuring tunes from the general jazz repertoire as well as original composed music, this will be a rare opportunity to take part in an evening of fusion jazz of the highest quality.

Tickets are Tk600 at venue, or you can book your tickets early at www.imdhaka.com or at www.jetechao.com. Seats are limited, so book early!

Feb 28-29

Culture | Shameless – A Performance Art Project

When 11am – 8pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old), 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi R/A What Shameless is a performance art project by Ali Asgar.

Exhibition hours for this event is from 11am to 8pm.

Live performances are from 2pm to 8pm.

EMK Center cordially invites everyone to witness and experience the live performance, video documentation, and image documentation of Shameless – a performance art project by Ali Asgar.

Shameless is a performance art project which is about the social concern and views about shame. The first performance of this project was subjectified with ‘shame and erotica’; the second one ‘shame and

gender’. The third part is about understanding the connection between shame and sin.

The project is not seeking for a deep theoretical understanding or explanation of shame. Rather it is about how our body becomes a repository of shame, being associated with notions like desire, sin, associated gender roles, which we are supposed to abide by due to various social norms.

As a performance artist, Ali Asgar believes his body is the main protagonist of his performance pieces. He wants to give his viewers an intimate experience through sound, light and space transformation where they will experience a body as a live object. Asgar will also project some still image and video documentation of his previous performances from the project Shameless.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, FE B R UARY 26, 20 1 6

20 The Bong Momma | Tales from a first-time mom

Take a stand

Of sprouting teeth and learning to talk Minu Ahmed

B

y the time Jellybean had

the “fun thing” that her

reached her ninth month,

momma was doing!

she was crawling all over the place and even

These days Jellybean is able to brush by

experimenting in different styles of

herself, she stands on a

crawling. She would sometimes drag

little stool in front of the

herself forward in a sitting position,

sink, picks up her brush

so I called this the “Lazy Crawl”. Then

and swipes it on the open

there was another variant where she

tube of paste (and not the other

would crawl on her hands and toes,

way around). More than once

so I called this the “Spiderman”. Her

she will have squeezed the tube too

creative crawling soon led to attempts

hard and an extra glob of paste will

at standing up, where she would hold

be found trailing the sink. Then she

onto things and try to hoist herself

wets the tooth brush, always from

up, teetering for a few seconds before

the hot water tap, not cold, and then

thumping back down on her bottom.

brings the toothbrush to her teeth.

We never really got Jellybean a

Then she proceeds to move her head

walker, because I had heard that

vigorously from side to side, lathering

doctors don’t recommend it and that

up the toothpaste. Then she’ll brush

it didn’t help babies naturally develop

inside and gag a little, then spit out the

standing strength and skills. But I did

foam. Then she waits for me to cup

look around for a walker toy, those

water to her mouth, so that she can

little cart/trolley type toys which had

kuli. Sometimes she will accidentally

activities on them. Luckily I found

swallow some of the rinsing water,

one soon enough, and to my surprise

but most of the time she spits it out

(and relief), Jellybean enjoyed playing

with a great big “thuu”. Then she will

with it and even pushed it around.

smile widely and point at her teeth,

By the tenth month she was holding

mumbling, “Mamma, shada daat” at

onto sofas, chairs, beds and practically

the same time.

everything in the house, and “cruising” around.

Also around this time, Jellybean

taa-yed

When I think about Jellybean’s talking skills, she was quite late. At 3+ years old now, she won’t stop yapping,

was the owner of six teeth. Now I’ve

but back in the day she hadn’t mastered

they hear! It takes

already told you about the troubles of

the language very well. She would say

time, but it happens.

teething, but it’s the after-teeth-emerge

“mummum” and other similar words

It happened with

care that’s harder. Ever since her first

at ten months old. She knew how to

Jellybean, as we

tooth, I used soft gauze to clean her

say “NO!” from day one though. I think

spoke mostly

tongue and teeth. Sometimes I would

that’s normal for all kids these days!

English and

wet the gauze and rub some toothpaste

Ever since she was born, I would

Bengali at home, and

on it, then clean. Then after a few more

talk to Jellybean all the time. Almost

now she hits me with a,

sprouted, I knew I had to get her used

non-stop! I’m not much of a singer, so

“Mamma, what are you doing?” or a,

to brushing. But it turned out to be

I couldn’t sing songs to her, but I could

“Mamma, you bad baby!” from time

quite a struggle.

hum, and fancied humming a lullaby

to time. I think the moment when she

when required. I had just one lullaby

surprised me the most was once when

hated brushing. I would get the

though, and I used to hum it so much,

I was lying on our bed, and then she

smallest and softest toothbrushes and

even The Husband would get annoyed

climbed in, lay down, released a heavy

the yummiest toothpastes, but no, she

and asked me to make something new

sigh and mumbled, “Ahh…tired.”

would keep her mouth shut. Then I

(It never happened).

For starters, Jellybean absolutely

figured, since kids like to copy those

I had read somewhere that homes

I was in too much of a shock to realise she had said “taa-yed” but

around them, I should start brushing

where more than one language was

the message was loud and clear and

with her. So I did, every morning and

spoken often had an impact on a

I instantly felt pride and emotion

every night, take Jellybean with me to

child’s learning capability. They are

bursting from within. I turned towards

the bathroom to brush my teeth. One

bombarded with new words and

her and asked, “Baby tumi tired?” and

day, I offered her a toothbrush, and

sounds more often than not, and it

then she smiled shyly and hid her face

for the first time, she didn’t say no. It

confuses them. But the fun part is that,

in the pillow. Oh my embarrassed little

seems like she also wanted to be in on

they end up learning all the languages

pumpkin! n

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, F E B R UARY 26 , 201 6

Photo: Bigstock

Minu Ahmed is your not-so-average homemaker, normshirker and abomination of awesomeness, juggling a career in communication, motherhood and a fatter half.

Questions? Send to thebongmomma@gmail. com

08.00 % 08.50 %

03 Months 06 Months

09.00 %

01 Year

10.00 %

02 Years

12.00 % Double

05 Years 07 Years

112 KALIGONJ th

SATKHIRA

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