Weekend Tribune Vol 3 Issue 46

vol 3 Issue 46 | FRIDAY, March 11, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

6

Joy Bangla Concert 2016

13

Rubaba Dowla

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 3 | Issue 46 | March 11, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile

Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

4 Tailored

Men’s Fashion

5 Trending

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

Fashion

8 Interview

6

6 Questions with Iresh Zaker

Event

Joy Bangla Concert 2016

Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com

13 Interview 14 Focus Violence against men

16 Focus BD Women in Science

17 Focus Roles

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal

Mujib Graphic Novel Rubaba Dowla

Contributors Minu Ahmed

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin

12 Review

Regulars

18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

9

Photo Story

Joy Bangla Concert 2016

Editor’s note Dear Readers, Just as the events of February are tied together with the unifying theme of love, be it the romance of spring, or the butterflies and rainbows of Valentine’s Day, or the love for one’s language that led to Ekushay, the theme for March is the indomitable spirit. With Women’s Day and the anniversary of Bangabandhu’s famouse March 7 speech just behind us, and Independence Day ahead of us, we decided to focus on that spirit that refuses to stay down, and demands to be heard.

First up, we have the Joy Bangla concert. For those who didn’t get to experience this, we’ve got you an allaccess pass. Check out the photos, the interviews, word of mouth from

the MC, and more offerings from the organisers.

With Women’s History Month in full swing, we took some time to chat with some movers and shakers who defied norms, took all obstacles in stride, and broke barriers to carve a niche for themselves. From women in science to lady bosses, we’ve got some powerful women to inspire you. And keeping our pledge for parity in mind, we’ve dared to have a conversation about a topic that few are willing to touch. You’ll know when you read it.

Here’s wishing you wind beneath your wings this week.

About the cover

Photo: Dhaka Tribune

- Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

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2 News | This week Good night for Trump, mixed bag for Clinton in US primaries

American killed in Tel Aviv stabbing spree as Biden visits

fourth Republican vote was taking place in Hawaii, with results expected later.

Clinton, the former secretary of state, handily defeated Sanders in the southern Billionaire Donald Trump notched a

Gulf state of Mississippi, thanks to a

pair of easy victories on Tuesday last

strong turnout by African-Americans

A Palestinian went on a stabbing

his guitar, with a hole visible in the

week in the Republican presidential

who comprised a majority of

spree along the Tel Aviv waterfront

wood of his instrument.

nomination race, as Democrat Hillary

Democratic voters there.

on Tuesday last week, leaving an

Clinton suffered a surprise loss to

But she slumped to defeat in the

Police said the attacker wounded

American tourist dead and 12 people

a number of people in the Jaffa

Bernie Sanders in one of the two

industrial rust belt state of Michigan,

wounded, as US Vice President Joe

port area, a tourist zone of Israel’s

major states at stake.

where Sanders was ahead by two

Biden arrived in the city.

commercial capital, before going on

Trump shrugged off a barrage of negative advertising and intense

percentage points with 93 percent of

The attacker, around 21 years old, was from the town of Qalqilya in the

precincts reporting.

toward a restaurant and stabbing others.

Despite the upset, Clinton

occupied West Bank and was shot

Around a 15-minute walk from

to derail his White House campaign

received a psychological boost by

dead by police, Israeli authorities

where the stabbings occurred, Biden

to win primaries in Michigan and

passing the halfway point in the

said.

met former Israeli president Shimon

Mississippi, signaling to his rivals he

all-important race to reach

can survive anything they throw at

the 2,382 delegates

him.

needed to win

efforts by the party establishment

However, it was not a clean

the Democratic

sweep for Trump. He came second

nomination.

to Senator Ted Cruz, his nearest

Photo: AFP

Republican competitor, in Idaho. A

Belgian paedophile planned ‘underground city’ of victims: lawyer

Video showed a man running down a road and lunging at

The world at a glance Weekend Tribune Desk

justice system.

Julien Pierre, who was Dutroux’s lawyer from his arrest in 1996

Peres.

The US State Department, which

someone through a car

identified the dead American as

window while being

Taylor Allen Force, a 29-year-old

chased. The attack

native of Texas and a US army

caused panic,

veteran, denounced the attack.”

and one witness

The United States condemns in the

told Israeli

strongest possible terms today’s

television he hit

outrageous terrorist attacks,” it said.

the assailant with

Photo: AP

Mir Quasem’s death penalty upheld

until 2003, the year before he was

The apex court on Tuesday last

the top court publishes its full verdict

sentenced, gave Belgian weekly

week upheld the death sentence

to file a review petition. If the petition

magazine Soir Mag details of

of Chittagong al-Badr kingpin

is rejected or the convict does not

conversations with the convicted

Mir Quasem Ali, who had earned

file a petition, he will get a chance to

murderer.

titles like Bangali Khan and Sarder

seek the president’s mercy. In case

for leading the militia group to

of its rejection, or if he does not seek

his lawyer: “Do you realise that no

collaborate with the Pakistani

clemency, the government will carry

one has ever asked why I chose that

occupation forces against the pro-

out the sentence of the International

house, that region?

liberation people in 1971.

Crimes Tribunal given in 2014.

Dutroux, now 59, reportedly told

“My idea was to carry out mass

The order paves the way for

The judgement was applauded

Belgian paedophile Marc Dutroux

kidnappings of children and then

Quasem’s walk to gallows for the

by all quarters including those who

planned to ‘kidnap many children’

to create, in a mine shaft, a sort

crimes against humanity he had

had expressed doubts over Quasem’s

and create an ‘underground city’

of underground city where good,

committed during the Liberation

capital punishment in the backdrop

in an abandoned mine to imprison

harmony and security would

War including abduction, torture and

of a rumour of the chief justice’s

them, according to his former

prevail.”

murder of freedom fighters at torture

favouring the defence in the case.

lawyer.

In last week, Dutroux was

He was arrested in August 1996.

Two days later two missing teenage

cells in the port city.

The defence however said that

A five-member full bench of

they would file a review petition

convicted and sentenced to life in

girls, Laetitia Delhez and Sabine

the Appellate Division, headed by

while Quasem’s party Jamaat-e-

prison for kidnapping, molesting and

Dardenne, were found alive in a

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha,

Islami, like the previous instances,

imprisoning six girls and murdering

hidden cellar in one of his houses

delivered the short verdict before

called a daylong countrywide

four of them, in a case that sparked

in Marcinelle, close to Charleroi in

a packed courtroom at 9:42am

shutdown for Wednesday terming the

demonstrations across Belgium and

Belgium’s south west.

yesterday.

verdict a ‘judicial killing.’

an overhaul of the nation’s criminal

Photo: AP

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The convict will get 15 days after

Source: Dhaka Tribune

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week Arbovirus drummer, Nafeez Al Amin, surfing the jubilant crowd at the Joy Bangla Concert last Monday.

Photo: Sazzad Hossain

say what?

Typing with one hand ‘makes you a better writer with a more sophisticated vocabulary’

W

hether you have ambitions

the study, Srdan Medimorec, from the

to be the next JK Rowling,

University of Waterloo, Canada.

or just want to send more

“It seems that what we write is a

impressive emails to your boss, try

product of the interactions between

typing the words with one hand.

our thoughts and the tools we use to

For the quality of our writing

express them.”

improves when we type single-

The research team said that by

handedly, according to a study.

slowing our writing down, typing

Using text-analysis software,

one-handed allows more time for an

researchers found that the vocabulary

internal word search, resulting in a

used by study participants as

larger variety of words.

they wrote essays became more

However, it is important not to slow

sophisticated when they typed with

typing down too much, they said -- as

one hand rather than two.

previous research has found this can

“Typing can be too fluent or too

impair our writing. n

fast, and can actually impair the writing process,” said lead author of

Source: dailyrecord.uk

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4 Tailored | Men’s Fashion

Things can turn dark, really quick Wearing all-black can either be super sexy or have you blend into the night Mahmood Hossain

T

here is an actual danger

lost into the darkness. Unless it’s your

when you end up wearing

patent leather shoes, try and avoid the

all-black the wrong way. It’s

sheen as much as possible.

one thing to be wearing all

black at the work place, uniforms are a

Accessories in support

must. The difference between wearing

As we all know, a supporting cast is

the same shade of colour from head to

always important. The tie, shoes and

toe for a casual or work environment

even a pocket square have to take

is vastly different from sporting it an

careful consideration. The shoes are

evening event. Believe it or not, it is

an easy case. Ties and pocket squares

actually a difficult task of wearing all

are a completely different story. Just

black to a special event. Whether it’s a

like the dress shirt, your tie’s fabric

tuxedo or an all black suit, attention to

plays a significant role. The different

detail should be first priority.

texture will give off a different shade

The event

of black, and that’s a good thing. In all black suit, with a black dress shirt,

Regarding an evening event, an all-

looks amazing with a knitted black tie.

black look focus should shift towards

Pocket squares can be placed in the

the slight shade differences between

pocket in any kind of fold but there

each piece. A tie or bowtie, dress shirt

isn’t much wiggle room when it comes

and even shoes have to be carefully

to patterns and colours. To be on the

chosen. People will not be able to

safe side, stick to solid colours without

appreciate the fine tailoring of a suit

prints and patterns on them.

or tuxedo if the lines cannot be visible or highlighted. When you have the

End of the day

proper contrast between the major

Wearing all-black brings mystery or

pieces, the details tend to pop out and

intrigue, class and sophistication.

the fitting appears more attractive.

All you have to do is to learn the

And that, gentlemen, is incredibly

difference between a uniform look and

important.

a proper elegant look. The minimal

First layer

outfit requires more effort than you would like to believe. Keep in mind, a

Most tuxedos have that fine sheen to

smart man knows this is the ultimate

the fabric, picking up the right dress

form of formal. There should be no

shirt can be a bit tricky. You could

space for mistakes. And always make

always take the safe route and go

sure your tux or suit is totally fitted,

with the traditional white dress shirt,

but that goes without saying.

but we’re talking about a black outfit

Style Tip: If the all-black look is too

here. The texture and appearance of

much for you, opt for the midnight

the black dress shirt cannot look dull

blue tux or suit. It’s as sophisticated as

whatsoever. If anything, it should

the black, with an extra touch of too

compliment the tuxedo or suit so make

cool. n

sure it’s crisp and clean and doesn’t get Illustration: Priyo

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

Fashion | Trending

5

“We just want to give these young designers a platform”

Maheen Khan discusses plans for 2016 Khan N Moushumi

Photo: Prito Reza Production

Did the Khadi Festival last year go as

both Bangladesh and abroad, given

Pakistan, Myanmar and

planned for the Fashion Design Council

the global demand of eco-friendly

Thailand. We want to give it

of Bangladesh (FDCB)?

materials at the moment.

a larger canvas this year.

gratitude towards the Bangladeshi

What are you hoping to achieve

showcasing our special khadi

audience. They are very sensitive

through a second phase of the festival?

fabric at the festival but at the same

towards the organic, eco-friendly

We want to promote our handloom

time, we are also importing khadi

textiles. The khadi exhibition last

and textiles, along with our ingenuity

yarns from India of very high quality

December was a runway success

in designs. We also want to promote

for making saris. After all, saris are like

because of the weather mostly being

because our audience received it so

our original ideas, and Bangladesh as a

an heirloom to us, they never go out

humid.

well.

fashion brand.

of style.

What does FDCB have planned for this

market for these handspun, eco-

How is our khadi different than the

pipeline?

year?

friendly products because after all, we

khadi produced in India?

We want to do a nationwide activation

We want to have another Khadi Festival

are one of the poorest countries in the

Unfortunately, very little of fine quality

to organise a competition for young

by the end of this year. We feel that it

world. Our people in the rural areas

khadi is produced in Bangladesh.

designers. We want to encourage

is important to encourage and promote

don’t have capital for investment. And

But once the concept catches on,

the young generation to take fashion

hand-woven fabrics because they

this is something that doesn’t require

we will have better equipments and

designing more seriously. Sometimes

usually support large communities

money and if it is well sought after, and

technology, and khadi of better quality

they don’t get the opportunity or

of artisans who are weaving. At the

a product of prestige, we can actually

will be produced here soon enough.

exposure. We want to help them get

same time, these eco-friendly fabrics

create a huge demand for these items.

are more comfortable and breathe

And our hard working weavers and

cotton sari will cost around Tk3,000-

design houses where they may also

better. They are handmade - meaning

spinners will be benefited too.

Tk4,000, but the ones featured in

get an internship. We can tie them up

our shows last year were Tk12,000-

with banks which will educate them on

We are very pleased to express our

We will definitely be

We really need to explore the niche

manually produced; hence, both

What other projects do you have in the

Normally, in Bangladesh, a khadi or

their portfolios accessible by our local

men and women are facilitated with

How will this year’s festival be

Tk15,000, because each yarn is

how to take a loan, launch a company,

income generation at every step of the

different than that of last year’s?

handspun and hand-woven, with a

etc. We just want to give these young

manufacturing process.

The ideas, the stories and the colours

lot of value addition. And people just

designers a platform where they will

behind this year’s festival will be

snapped it up.

be exposed to the media, the corporate

If we can really support the idea of handmade, hand-woven green

different. We are also planning to invite

textiles, I think we will find buyers in

new designers from Sri Lanka, Nepal,

In Bangladesh, there’s a huge

world, as well as the design houses. n

fascination for cotton over synthetics,

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6 Event | Joy Bangla Concert 2016

Joyous celebrations mark March 7 Saqib Sarker and Moumita Ahmed

Young Bangla

get recognised for the difference they

listening to the participants and their

Joy Bangla Youth Award

With an aim to unlock the potential of

aim to create.

stories. Many schools that have enlisted

To make sure that the effort of the

under Monthly Pay Order (MPO)

youth does not go unrecognised,

the Bangladeshi youth, Young Bangla

It is the largest platform for the

provides opportunities for the youth

youth in Bangladesh that works to

through this program have grown

Young Bangla also arranges an award

to shine, recognising their talents and

harness their innovation and energy,

exponentially,” Bipu said.

giving ceremony called the “Joy Bangla

achievements, and further letting them

showcase their successes, help them

shape the future of the country.

grow further and enable them to mold

organises the Joy Bangla Concert every

acknowledge the untold stories and

not only their own future, but that of

year along with the Joy Bangla Youth

contributions of young achievers and

the nation’s.

Award Ceremony and the Vision 2021

leaders all over the country in a vast

Internship Program.

array of fields, helping them expand

Striving to break the existing stigmas and traditional ways of thinking, Young Bangla is the perfect platform that helps people by leading the transformation. Centre for Research and Information (CRI) is the secretariat for Young Bangla.

“When we started Young Bangla, our vision was to reach out to young achievers across the country and provide them a platform,” Nasrul Hamid Bipu, State Minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources who also sits on the trustee board of CRI, told the Dhaka Tribune.

“We don’t know their stories. We wanted to acknowledge them and give them a voice. At the same time, we wanted to enable them to enhance the scope of their talents and potentials.”

Young Bangla gives an opportunity to help develop progressive policies, gathering inspirational young leaders across the nation, and help prosper their business ideas. This helps them

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

“Today, Young Bangla has expanded and it is quite a big platform. We are

With this notion, Young Bangla

Youth Award” ceremony where they

their wings.

7

So, this will also help them find work

platform,” said Bipu. “Our country has

Ministry. The internship program will

urban areas. We have reached remote

“We have not limited our efforts to

in these government ministries if they

a huge demography of young people,

provide the promising scholars with

and isolated places at the border

wish,” Bipu told the Dhaka Tribune.

those under 35 years of age. We want

an excellent opportunity to familiarise

them to be involved in policy making.

them with the process of national

regions, for example. And we are

Young Bangla does not consider

getting bigger and bigger,” the minister

Joy Bangla Youth Award a mere award

Their ideas will help the policy-

power management, building Digital

said.

ceremony. Rather, Young Bangla

makers,” said Bipu.

Bangladesh and an intellectual society,

It is essential to scale up the great

intends to establish this as a process

The internship program is designed

and the mechanism of maintaining

work done by the youth in order

– one that can comprehensively

with four ministries – Power, Energy

diplomatic relationships with the

to accelerate the all-encompassing

scale up the youth initiatives and

and Mineral Resources; Foreign

Foreign Ministry.

development plan to achieve Vision

construct linkages among the youth,

Affairs; ICT; and Primary and Mass

2021 and for building a sustainable

policy-making bodies, and relevant

Education. The program will provide

Joy Bangla Concert

Bangladesh. And Young Bangla

government projects and programs.

an opportunity for the potential young

The Joy Bangla concert series started

people of the country who possess the

last year and made a triumphant

qualities to directly serve the nation.

return this March 7. The show was

“The enormous turnout proves

headlined by heavy rock veterans

believes that all the youth-led initiatives would be greater and more

Vision 2021 Internship

comprehensive if a strategic network

The need for an internship program in

along with a policy framework could be

the ministerial process has also been

that we have already made an impact.

Warfaze. Other performers were

articulated at national level.

felt by Young Bangla platform. CRI is

I believe in the next five years this is

Shironamhin, Arbovirus, Lalon, Cryptic

approaching to establish a link between

going to be really big. Considering how

Fate, Nemesis and Shunno. The show

through which the ideas of these

brilliant young minds and ministries of

much we got done in such a small time,

was live-streamed online and was

brilliant young people will be turned

the country.

we will have a strong momentum in

broadcast live on Channel 9.

“We want to create a platform

into realities. We have teamed up a

“The government has a budget

five years,” the minister said.

number of government ministries

allotted for the development of these

with Young Bangla. We are creating

youth. But we often don’t listen to their

thinking minds with brilliant academic

The vision behind this was to get the

opportunities for internship in these

ideas and dreams. We want to connect

record from various institutions

biggest rock bands in our country to

ministries for these young participants.

to them and this is why we created this

to interact with the officers of the

perform the liberation war songs on

Moreover, this will allow young

“The concert on March 7 is another important project of Young Bangla.

the occasion of the March 7 speech

by Bangabandhu. The young people weren’t there in 1971. We wanted to do something different for them. We want to recreate and encapsulate the vibe and the spirit of that day through this event. All of these initiatives are tied together and part of our overall vision,” the minister said.

“People who are coming to these event identify with the spirit of our liberation war,” he added. “We want them to know the right history. Also, we believe this will enable the youth to embody every word of Bangabandhu’s speech on March 7, and to get a sense of what Bangabandhu thought about (future) leadership. We want to pave the path to create that leadership.” n

Photos: Dhaka Tribune

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8 Interview | 6 questions with Iresh Zaker

Mic drop Iresh Zaker discusses MCing at the Joy Bangla Concert Baizid Haque Joarder How was the experience? Was there a

What was the energy of the crowd

that I really enjoyed – Cryptic Fate and

goosebumps?

case of stage fright?

like?

Lalon’s.

Always. Especially during the part

There certainly was! Especially since

That’s another thing that really

this was the first time I MC’d in front

helped me. Like I said, I’ve never

How significant do you think the Joy

the seven crore people (of then, East

of thousands of people and so many

done anything like this before and I

Bangla concert is in educating the

Pakistan).” It was a great speech and

dignitaries. It wasn’t so much stage

was scared that if the crowd wasn’t

youth about our rich history?

he was a master orator but there are

fright as it was apprehension before I

as energetic as it was, I wouldn’t have

I think it is incredibly significant

parts of the speech that are absolute

got on stage, but once I was out there,

been able to pull it off. For musicians,

because it was not just about the

magic! He gets so involved that he goes

the survival instinct kicked in.

it is still fine since they can engage

concert. They showed AVs about the

from, “apni” to “tumi.” And one can

themselves with what they are playing.

recording of the historic speech, and

understand how that can be such an

How well was the concert organised?

However, for someone who has to

the footage of the speech in colour. I

incredible call for action for the entire

It was incredibly well organised, given

constantly go up there and talk for a

talked to some of the organisers, where

nation. Pretty much like the saying

that the previous night’s storm had

few minutes, if it wasn’t a responsive

we discussed about the possibility

that goes, “good words can change

left most of the pre-arrangements in

crowd, it would have been a very

of educating the youth through

lives, great words can change a nation.”

shambles. I saw pictures of the venue

nerve-wracking situation. Thankfully,

entertainment. I think it is probably

The only sad part is that the speech is

and it was in pretty bad shape. The

the crowd was very receptive. Not only

the most effective way to educate them

in Bangla and foreigners who do not

huge LED screen had toppled over,

to the music but also to what we were

about things beyond the curriculum.

understand the language cannot fully

equipments were damaged and so on.

talking about and everything that was

Despite all that, everyone appreciated

being shown.

comprehend the power of the speech, How did you feel when they showed

entirely. For me, watching it in black

the historic speech of Bangabandhu

and white version was always amazing

What was your favourite performance?

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in colour

but seeing it in colour was truly a

I’ll have to say that there were two

for the first time ever? Did you get

brilliant experience. n

the fact that the entire concert was flawless.

when he says, “No one can oppress

Photo: Sazzad Hossain

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Joy Bangla Concert 2016 | Photo Story

9

A night of music and victory

Photos: Dhaka Tribune On March 7, 1971, not only did the seven crore people of what was then East Pakistan stand united, mesmerised by the historical speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, but the entire world understood that we are a race which cannot be oppressed. The speech not only called the entire nation out for action and inspired them to resist our oppressors, but dream of an independent, free country altogether.

In an endeavour to commemorate that historic day, the Joy Bangla concert was organised for the second time on March 7, with the aim to enlighten and inspire the nation’s youth about the glorious history of Bangladesh.

This week’s photo story features moments from this great initiative by Young Bangla.

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10 Photo Story | Joy Bangla Concert 2016

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

11

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12 Review | Mujib Graphic Novel

The architect of our independence An “ordinary” boy who led to the emergence of a nation Tahsin Momin of the father of the nation, the story takes us back to the time when young Mujib was tied up with his political mentor, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.

As an aftermath of the Second World War, a famine broke out in our land.

A death spree spread across the land and hysteric hunger crisis haunted the streets day and night.

That’s when Mujib was in his early collage days in Kolkata, and being driven by a philanthropic instinct, he couldn’t take it anymore. He gathered up all his friends and went to meet the Civil Supply Minister Suhrawardy, to place before him his appeal to do something for the people and lessen their misery. His determination and relentless effort saw the formation of a civil supply department overnight.

He then abandoned his academic life and devoted himself to a free feeding program to rescue lives.

In search of relief, he then turned his attention to his home village in Gopalgonj. The outbreak was so severe that it had left his ancestral village in post-apocalyptic state. A determined and vigorous Mujib decided to stand by the people and try to relieve their misery.

While the book showed us the humble and devoted side of Bangabandhu, there were twisting and deciding moments of his life.

For example, Mujib was a passionate football player; he had a heart condition and most importantly his entry into politics.

The first issue of Mujib was released on March 17, 2015, on Sheikh Mujib’s birthday. The stories in the series revolve around Sheikh Mujib’s life from birth till his mid-thirties. Mujib, the graphic novel, depicts how he grew into the person who saved our country.

While the novel gives us a more visual

L

Photo: Courtesy

ast year, CRI (Center for Research and Information)

Bangladesh.

Based on Unfinished Memoirs – an

insight of Sheikh Mujib’s early days, his life still reminds us that we can rise

heart of the story. This time around,

above our differences, stand united

Siddique Ahamed did the scripting

and steer the nation towards the

and cartoonists Syed Rashad

autobiography of Bangabandhu Sheikh

and research. However, the novel still

path of progress and prosperity and

Imam Tanmoy and ABM

Mujibur Rahman, the second of the 12

had to go through the Prime Minister

most importantly, it can still teach us

Salauddin Shuvogave us the first part

part series is out. While the first part

Sheikh Hasina’s approval before it

something about what it means to be a

of a graphic novel series, Mujib - the

was more of a visual masterpiece, the

went to the printing press.

true Bangladeshi. n

first ever graphic novel series in

second part takes a major dive into the

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

Based on facts from the early days

Rubaba Dowla | Interview

13

Life, leadership and lessons A tête-à-tête with Airtel’s CSO N Anita Amreen

A

sk any chief executive or

gently explains. Never really feeling

she really began to understand how to

surprise, a recent test revealed that

leading lady on how they’ve

subject to gender inequality, it was

manage people only after she got into a

she thinks with both the left and right

scaled the upper rungs of

only when she began moving towards

managerial role. “That’s when I began

side of her brain, allowing her to make

the corporate ladder, they’ll

more powerful positions, did she feel

to understand my leadership qualities –

balanced decisions.”I thought I would

usually credit their success to relentless

be more inclined towards the right but

hard work or even luck. When you ask

I’m not. I saw that I was very balanced.

Rubaba Dowla what really propelled

No wonder I’m in conflict with myself

her to the top of the more male-

all the time,” she adds, almost as an

dominant telecom industry, she cites

amusing afterthought.

Over the years, she feels she hasn’t

something a tad different – a pressing need to learn and contagious passion

taken any wrong decisions because

for her work.

there’s no decision from her past

“I decided to begin by learning

that she regrets. “Yes, I’ve certainly

from scratch, as much as I could and

struggled with a few decisions, but I

for as long as it would take. When

always took those up as a challenge

I started off with my first job with

and did my best to turn them into

GrameenPhone in 1998, I had the kind

opportunities for me.” The only thing

of mindset that I would just focus on

she wishes she could redo is a personal

learning, especially since the telecom

regret. “I wish I could spend more time

industry was fairly new and there

with my son when he was younger. I

really wasn’t any mentor or specialist

was so bogged down with work when

who could guide me, per say. I not only

I first started, that, although we spent

learned about marketing, but I also

quality time, I still wish I had more

studied networks, services, budgeting

time to watch him grow and see him

and even undertook research and

play.”

gained consumer insight. Overtime,

There is a sense of calm discipline

I developed a lot of confidence in the

in everything she does. and even in the

way everything works,” she says with a

lessons she instills in her son. Initially

soft smile, seated behind a modest desk

dreaming of being a lawyer herself

in her room at Shyamoli’s Airtel office

one day, she says she never wants to

headquarters.

push her son to follow in her footsteps,

In person, she radiates both

rather, she wants him to be able to find

poise and power, her gentle smile

his passion, be it being a football player

and soft spoken manner belying the

like Messi or a lawyer (both wishes he’s

fearless leader that she is known

expressed on previous occasions).

As a single mom of a 17 year old son,

to be. Stepping into the world of telecom 17 years ago, Dowla began her

it seems the top managerial position

journey by working for the Marketing

has finally given her enough time to

department of Grameenphone, going

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

from head of marketing to head of

really be able to spend it with both her son and herself. On weekends

brands, spearheading its growth

the weight of the pressure of people

how to talk to people, how to motivate

when she finally has time away from

and transformation for nearly 10

bringing her down. Interestingly, “they

and how to inspire,” she shares. After 17

work, she loves indulging in two of her

years, finally resigning as the chief

were not necessarily men,” she adds

years in the industry, she says it’s only

favourite passions – singing and golfing.

communication officer in 2009.

with a telling smile. A firm believer of

when, “you can lead with example and

However, her absolute favourite way

Currently, Dowla stands tall and proud

relentless hard work, Dowla says it was

inspire,” that you have really learned

to unwind is by travelling. “Say, a

as the chief service officer and head of

her single-minded will to make her own

how to be a true leader.

secluded beach and a few days to relax,

Mcommerce, PR at Airtel Bangladesh –

mark that led her to never really feel

As far as leadership styles are

a fearless female trailblazer in a sea of

daunted by anyone in the field, be it

concerned, she says, “I would never

male leaders.

men or women.

say that men and women are equal at

revealed what she believes is the key

that’s my ideal getaway.”

As our interview drew to a close, she

every front. Yes, we can ask for equal

to her success: “Believe in yourself and

“You see, the first roadblock you have

or changed over the years, then I will

rights but when it comes to both our

aim high, even higher than what you

is in your mind. As a woman when

have to say that I learned to give more

emotional and physical capacity, we are

can dream of. Remember that there is

you’re entering the corporate world,

importance to what consumers want

different.” According to her, women get

no substitute to hard work. Look into

I really believe what’s important

rather than trying to sell them what

into the, “granular level,” often relying

the long term, not short term. And

is to build your own competencies

we had to offer.” On a more personal

on, “emotion and gut feeling,” or their

above all else, if you have integrity,

and skills and that’s what’s going to

front, she admits that she wasn’t

right side of the brain that deals with

honesty and confidence, no one can

help you overcome any hurdles,” she

always wound to be a leader, rather,

the emotional quotient. Much to her

stop you.” n

As a woman, was the climb easy?

“If you ask about how I have evolved

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M ARC H 1 1 , 20 1 6

14 Focus | Violence against men

Denial of parity for our male survivors A culture of denial about sexual violence against men is pushing us further away from parity Syeda Samira Sadeque

O

n a cold winter evening two years ago, in the middle of

raped at 11-year-old as “actual rape.”

“I felt empathy for her story but

because of our perception of

Dr Karim. “We try to put all this into

masculinity.

compartmentalised ideas of vulnerable

what had appeared to be a

obviously felt very dehumanised by

smooth relationship, Kabir

it as well,” he says. “She had turned

go unreported mainly because it is

it into a competition, and I think she

related to one’s prestige and image as a

of how its children are “moral” and

somehow felt insulted or threatened by

man,” says Saad Khan, Senior Research

“protected” leads the larger part of the

my account of being assaulted.”

Associate at the James P Grant School

society to deny the existence of sexual

of Public Health, of BRAC University. “It

abuse against men in middle class

through questions such as “but how?”

is seen as great humiliation when a man

families while casually accepting that

– of sexual violence against men is

is sexually abused because it is read

sexual abuse against street children –

acknowledge it,” he says. “Right after it

common in our culture. This stems

as an attack to his own masculinity, or

male or female – is prevalent, she adds.

happened, I was very disoriented. I felt

from a variety of factors including

emasculation.”

sick in my stomach and thought I was

our perception of masculinity, the

going to throw up.”

definition of rape as solely consisting

A middle-class secret

of penetration, and our idea of a

The denial is not only attributable

given there are no helplines for male

spoken up about it among his peers as

heteronormative society wherein

to our perception of masculinity but

rape survivors. Given that various

part of processing the incident in his

certain roles are assigned to people

is part of a much bigger – and more

NGOs work with street children – and

life. But it has been challenging, given

based on their gender.

complex – issue: the hierarchy of age

inevitably face cases of sexual abuse

and class.

against boys – there’s been a growing awareness about it.

Kazi was raped by his partner.

Twenty nine year old Kabir (not his

real name) was living abroad then and hadn’t realised what happened until long after.

“It took me almost a year to

Kabir, who now lives in Dhaka, has

the global understanding of “rape”

Denial – and often outright dismissal

“In the end, [this issue] comes down

“Sexual violence against men often

children versus protected ones.”

The middle class’s perception

This means that the resources available for those from middle-class background are even more limited,

often is that it can only happen to

to our conceptualisation of sexuality

Our society’s latent acceptance of abuse

women. While he has found support

and who can be a victim and who

against children has often pushed us

among many friends and closed ones,

cannot be a victim,” says Dr Shuchi

to accept various forms of abuse of

prestige and familial “honour” high in

he says it’s also been difficult to address

Karim, Gender and SRHR Specialist at

children.

society, it’s difficult to acknowledge –

the immediate question “But how?”

Institute of Educational Development

that most people ask when they hear

(IED) of BRAC University. “We live

between abusing your child and just

about it.

in a culture that promotes the idea

spanking your child,” says Shahana

that unless it’s a full penetration of a

Siddiqui, founder of Maya Apa Ki Bole,

were no support systems to talk about

woman’s body, it’s not “rape.” Men

an online platform that offers health,

it,” says 32-year-old Arman (not his real

can’t be penetrated – that’s how we

legal and psycho-social support to

name), a sexual abuse survivor. “My

understand it.”

women and men across the country.

first step was self-acknowledgment.

“And that very prominent line is

Then I spoke to a friend, who said

‘But how?’: A culture knee-deep in ignorance “The first thing most people would say is ‘But how is that possible?’

Globally, there exists a much

“There’s a very prominent line

But for the families who hold their

let alone deal with – a case of an attack on a male family member.

“When we were growing up, there

which would require me to proceed to

broader definition that allows us to

something our societal and familial

acknowledging it only makes us

expose the uncomfortable details of

identify sexual abuse against men.

culture crosses all the time in the name

stronger.”

the situation, sometimes willingly and

The World Health Organisation defines

of ‘raising a man’.”

sometimes because I felt that I had to

sexual violence as “acts that range

However, given that male children

or in one’s household regarding these

defend myself,” says Kabir.

from verbal harassment to forced

are often victim of physical abuse – and

issues further increases the silence –

penetration, and an array of types of

it is so widely accepted – it is often

and means the abuse continues.

made me feel that they were thinking

coercion, from social pressure and

ignored when the abuse crosses the line

I must be making it up because they

intimidation to physical force.”

to sexual abuse. Last year, when the

the abuser tells you that it’s a normal

“A lot of the times the question

believed it wasn’t possible for a woman

A lack of conversation in the society

“When it starts at a very early stage,

cases of Rajon and Rakib, two separate

thing to do,” says Arman. “So you grow

had verbally harassed and manipulated

cases of child abuse went viral, the

up thinking that it was normal.”

him and coerced him to participate in

sexual assault aspects of the situations

it requires him to go through the entire

sexual activity. While this falls under

were ignored.

incident – over and over again.

the definition of rape as mentioned

Kabir says one of the worst

above, it is difficult for many in our

with the fact that male children can be

it takes longer for the survivor to

culture to acknowledge it as rape.

subjected to sexual assault or abuse, we

acknowledge the case as sexual abuse.

to rape a man,” he adds.

This adds salt to the wound, given

responses was from a girl who considered her own incident of being

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

Kabir was raped by a partner – who

And researchers say it is largely

“Even if we somehow come to terms

tend to be very classist about it,” says

Female lovers, male abusers This kind of normalisation may mean

While Kabir was able to

15 acknowledge his case as rape within

men, lesbians, and unmarried women

A space for parity

and deconstructing masculinity are

a year, it took Arman 15 years to

above the age of 25, Dr Karim found a

Sexual violence against men is as much

increasing around the world. But the

acknowledge that his incident was a

stark difference in how sexual abuses

a reality in our society as is sexual

conversation is much needed here

case of sexual abuse.

were acknowledged by women and

violence against women. Just because

at home, where there are no laws to

men, and in cases of male versus

it is not as heard of does not mean

protect sexual violence against men,

female perpetrators.

it doesn’t exist – or that it exists to a

very little support system for them

lesser extent. And while the world is

to open up, and almost no room for

This may be due to a difference in the time of the abuse – while Arman was abused in his pre-adolesent years,

While many women had identified

at a time when conversations on sexual

their cases as sexual assault, the men

pledging for equality across all genders

our men to come out of the shell of

abuse were absent around him, Kabir’s

were hesitant to do so.

for International Women’s Day, it is of

masculinity that has been enforced on

utmost importance to remember the

them since birth.

rape took place in his late twenties,

“The men had learned not to

when he was aware of these issues.

associate their incidents with abuse,

stories that are denied and dismissed

Kabir has been able to process it and

but the women had,” says Dr Karim.

just so that the society can continue in

story to support other peoples’ voice

share it publicly relatively faster. “It

Furthermore, those who were sexually

its patriarchal bubble.

– because we’re not isolated beings.

can take someone a year, a day, ten

abused by men had acknowledged it as

“While of course women’s

years, or never,” says Siddiqui. “But

a case of sexual violence whereas those

empowerment and eradication of

one should not be again victimised

who were abused by women termed

violence against of women are extremely

decades since his sexual assault, Arman

when one comes out. The process of

them as “lovers.”

important, in all of our talks about gender

is, in his way, making his pledge to parity.

parity, we have put the entire focus on

One that lets our men have an equal

women as perpetrators or even sexual

women,” says Siddiqui. “But we don’t

space in society to share their story of

human beings,” adds Dr Karim, “they

talk about masculinity. And we can never

sexual abuse. It’s time we start to have

perception of masculinity and

remain assigned with the “mother-

understand, deconstruct and eventually

this conversation openly – to ensure the

femininity also defines what one

sister” identity and their attack is

break patriarchy if we don’t deconstruct

parity that’s been denied to our male

chooses to acknowledge as abuse,

termed as ‘love’ whereas the attack by

masculinity.”

survivors of sexual abuse for years. n

according to Dr Karim.

men is termed ‘abuse’.”

acknowledging something like this takes time for everybody.”

While the process is long, our

While doing her research on gay

“Because we’re not socialised to see

As Arman says: “I talk about my

Other people’s experiences shape us.”

Through his story, almost two

Siddiqui says this at a time when conversations on gender fluidity

Rape!

Cartoon: Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M ARC H 1 1 , 20 1 6

16 Focus | BD women in science

STEMinists assemble A conversation with the Bangladesh Association of Women Scientists Shuprova Tasneem

out. These gender roles are conditioned into people since they are children –

What do you think should be done to

we give girls the dolls and boys the

make it easier for women to choose

car to play with, and from childhood

professions in science?

we begin to tell girls that they are not

The lack of day care centres in the

equal to the boys, they won’t get all

country is a huge obstacle to female

the technicalities, educated women

professionals, and sharing home

make for unhappy marriages etc. This

responsibilities is also crucial in

fearmongering is the only reason that

allowing women to thrive in their

women feel restricted from certain

careers. We also need to tackle this

subjects, especially the sciences.

culture of questioning women’s

We also live in a society where

“T

Photo: Courtesy

competence simply because of their

people assume women cannot put

sex. We have been in situations where

in the same hours or work as hard as

a girl tops the class, but the position is

men, and there is always a degree of

given to the boys because the girl is too

separation. It can often be difficult for

pretty and will distract the other men,

colleagues of different sexes to mingle

or because it is assumed that she will

without office gossip, and this inability

get married and leave the job! One of us

to forge personal relationships without

once got into a verbal fight with a male

bringing some sort of sexualised

colleague on this issue of recruitment,

element is a problem with our work

and he said – “if you like the girl so

culture in general. Why does a woman

much, why don’t you just marry her to

have to work twice as hard to prove

your son?” This lack of professionalism

that she is as good as a man at work,

and the tendency to stray on the

and then worry about her respectability

personal has to be stopped. Trust and

and modesty being questioned?

respect has to be built at workplaces to

he state of women

industrially used as a semiconducting

in these professions

material. We want to shed light on

Has there been a significant rise in

men have to be involved in bringing

is the picture of

these achievements, but we also

female involvement in the sciences?

this about.

unrecognised

want more women to get involved in

If you look back around 35 years ago,

scientific professions and take these

you would find almost no women in

What specifically do you mean by

achievements forward. According to

the DU Department of Physics. Now,

involving men?

Professor Shahida Rafique, President of

the UNESCO Institute for Statistics,

around more than 40% of students

Part of our work is in creating social

the Bangladesh Association of Women

only 28% of the world’s researchers are

in that department are female. In

awareness in the ability of women to

Scientists (BAWS). BAWS was founded

women, and the figure drops down to

one year, it rose to as high as 60%.

participate in science, but we cannot

by Dr Malika Al-Razi, the first Muslim

as low as 14% in Bangladesh.

However, although there is increasing

only encourage women to reach for

participation at universities, female

their dreams - men need to be educated

talent.”

These words were spoken by

woman to obtain an MSc in Chemistry

create a professional environment, and

from Dhaka University (DU). The

How does the BAWS go about

scientists are still not involved in

too. They need to see women at

Association, which started with ten

encouraging the involvement of

policy-making related to science

home who are educated and working

members but now has over 1000, has

women in science?

education, and it is still more difficult

professionals in order to build social

been working for the last 37 years to

We have a meeting every month

for women to get specialised jobs in the

acceptability of women at work, as

promote the involvement of women in

to encourage science education

science sectors.

well as create normal professional

science and technology. This week, we

in women, and we also work on

sit with some of the members of this

spreading awareness through seminars,

Does a bias exist when recruiting

We believe the government can play

pioneering organisation to discuss their

workshops and symposiums, as well

women in science for professional

a huge role in changing these socially

views on female professionals, social

as publish a magazine on our activities

positions?

constructed norms and creating gender

acceptability of women at work and the

twice a year. We are also working

Of course! People assume that women

equality, and we also want to create

importance of family support.

with the government, specifically the

can’t do the heavy lifting, can’t put

a global network of women scientists

Ministry of Science and Technology.

in extra hours etc. This is not just a

to encourage research done by female

What is the inspiration behind BAWS?

Finally, we place great emphasis on

science problem – in most jobs, women

scientists and shed light on the

There are many Bangladeshi female

involving women in scientific research,

get chosen less because it is assumed

important roles they play.

scientists who have had illustrious

and reach out to schools and colleges to

they will always be bogged down with

careers, but unfortunately we know

encourage bringing more women into

family errands. In the civil service

What is the ideal that BAWS wants to

very little of them. For example,

science as well.

right now, there are only seven female

achieve?

secretaries out of 77. It is often the case

At the end of the day, nature and

Dr Flora Mazid cultivated and

relations between men and women.

commercialised the high protein

What do you think are the main

that because women have to compete

women share the same fate –

aqua algae Spirulina in Bangladesh,

obstacles to women’s participation in

more, their work is actually more

exploitation. We all have the right to

Dr Safura Nurunnabi upgraded

science?

sincere, because there exists a mind-set

be equal and we need to start looking

Bangladeshi ceramics for commercial

Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle

that leads people to ask - “can she take

at people as people, not separately as

use and Dr Ayesha Molla invented

is the family. Many families are still

the load? She’s a woman.” However,

men and women, in order to create a

oral saline out of rice powder, which

more fixated on getting girls married

more and more women are joining

more equal society. This will not only

has saved millions of lives all over

and involving them in housework than

the work force and changing these

benefit the sciences, but benefit all of

the world. Our President Dr Rafique

giving them an education. Even when

opinions, which is a positive thing, and

humanity as a whole. n

is also renowned for contributing in

you build a career, the women in the

female students are also bringing about

identifying distributed nitrogen defects

family have to do all the household

a change in these sexist mind-sets as

To learn more about the BAWS, visit

in natural diamonds, which is now

chores as well, where men rarely help

well.

www.bawsbd.org

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

Roles | Focus

17

A mile in these shoes On the occasion of Women’s History Month, we take a look into the lives of women from different factions of our society – women of different professions, ages, and social backgrounds – we asked them about their work and the daily challenges they face and must overcome as women Saqib Sarker Mina Mahmuda

Dr Nasrin Begum

Dolly Rozario

Fahmida Pompa

(Additional SP, Police Bureau of

(Gynecologist, OBS Specialist and

(Medical Nurse)

(New mother)

Investigation)

Surgeon)

One of the biggest challenge as a I have been in the police force since

new mother is to understand your

2006. I was assigned after my BCS

baby. To appropriately respond to

exam, according to my preferences.

your child and to understand what

To be honest, I was a little

he or she needs is something that

apprehensive at first. I was uncertain

The primary challenge in my

I have been in this profession for 25

if I could cope with the pressure the

professional career was looking

years now. I have come a long way

job demands. But I found that the

after my daughters. My husband

since I first started. It wasn’t easy

was mentally prepared to take up all

environment is very accommodating.

was immensely helpful and I never

when I got into nursing. 25 years ago

the difficulties I would face after the

felt any pressure. I was a trainee

this institution (Bangladesh Medical

birth of my daughter. I have studied

work may not be appropriate for

when my daughters were little. I

College Hospital) was such a tiny

a lot on the internet and from other

women. My mother was skeptical

had to work really long hours.

place. I stuck with it, and now it’s a

sources.

There is a perception that police

at first. “You are talented and

My family on my husband’s side

capable. You can take on any other

was also very supportive. I couldn’t

profession,” she had said. But after I had started working, she quickly came on board and realised that

big institution.

I forgot what it was like to sleep at night in the first two months after

have succeeded in this profession

working late is leaving your children

my daughter was born. But that has

without their support.

at home. The other day my daughter

gradually changed. Also, it’s easier

was home alone during a heavy storm

for me because my husband helps me out a lot.

In the past, people used to say disparaging things like, “Why can’t

and power outage. She was really

job. Aside from the initial unease,

she go into teaching, then she

scared and it’s very tough for me

both sides of my family have been

wouldn’t have to work so late.” But

when something like that happens.

extremely supportive of my work.

that has changed a lot now. People

9-to-5. It was different when I was

I live with my husband alone, so I

One of the biggest problems of

there is nothing strange about my

My working hours is the typical

you have to learn.

are more accepting to the idea.

My father wanted me to be a

I would say that going to and from

I wouldn’t call caring for my child a job because this is what I am meant to do, something that is

work is a problem. The traffic in the

divine. I do it with joy. My mother

city is unbearable.

relied a lot on my grandmother

with the DB (Detective Branch). I

doctor. He died on the day of my

think it is possible to maintain a

interview for admission in medical

family stopped talking to me. They

Perhaps I subconsciously wanted

balance between your work and

college. But I gathered up the

did not take it kindly. People used

to avoid that, and that is why even

family life. I happen to think that

courage to still pursue my goal to

to look down upon nurses. I earned

after acquiring highest university

it’s all about your mental strength

honour my father. I went to the

money from teaching private

degrees, I chose to not work.

and attitude. So even when I need to

interview after a week and got a

students and used that to find

work late, I don’t find it particularly

place in medical college.

accommodation. When my brother-

thinking of having a child or who are

When I came into nursing my

because she was a working woman.

My advice to women who are

I would encourage women to

in-law became ill, I helped them with

going to be mothers soon is to get

come into this profession. In my

the treatment. After that, they slowly

out of the traditional mindset. We

women to come into this profession

days, we had poor medical students

started to change their attitude.

need to stop looking at pregnancy

because there is prestige and honour

with us and we helped them with

In my time, girls couldn’t get

like an illness. If you accept this as

in the work that I do, and I see no

tuition fees. Now they are working

married easily if they were in nursing.

a natural process, which it is, then

reason why more women shouldn’t

in prestigious institutions and

But that has changed a lot. People

everything will be easier. The most

come to work in the police force. My

places. It is true that you have to

even appreciate the profession. There

important thing is to try to learn

advice to women of our country is

study a lot, particularly in the first

is security in this job for women

as much as you can. There is no

that they should be aware of their

two years. But all of that will pay off

within the medical community. We

alternative to consciousness and

rights.

soon enough.

protect each other.

knowledge.

difficult.

I would definitely encourage

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M ARC H 1 1 , 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 Mrs Bale confused over playthings (7) 4 Planet energy I put randomly into empty jar (7) 6 Fresh plums an aid to tanning (7) 7 Distance three feet and a long time (7)

DOWN 1 Joke in month of royal bearing (7) 2 Become sweet with Royal Institute biro (5) 3 Moral doubt over new PC rules (7) 4 Jewellery held by Croatia ranger (5)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) - After a week of fun and frolic it’s about time you hit the gym. Be sure to sweat out all the worries and concerns.

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

Taurus (Apr 20-May20) - A little bit of soul searching amidst the vast swarm of crowds this week might get you one step closer to finding the ‘one’.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) - Home is where the heart is, it is also where your priorities should be this week.

Spend most of your time at home with friends and family.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22) - Try paying attention to the acquaintances you’ve made over the past six months.

Some of them could turn into serious friendships and help you with some of your issues.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - All the hard work that you’ve put into your personal and professional life in the past few

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

months is finally going to show it’s

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

wonders to the world.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) - Whatever you touch this week will turn to gold. The universe has already poured all its fortunes onto you for this week.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) - You’ll be stepping into the role of a healer this week. While you’re busy with that, please do remember to look after yourself both emotionally and physically.

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) - You won’t be left alone for a single second this week. Your diary is already filling up.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21) - The week starts with a power walk and you know it for a fact that sleep will be hard to get by. which is why you’ll be relying on power naps.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19) - How long have you been waiting to scratch an itch? It has been a while since you’ve been on holiday, well it’s about time.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) - Regardless of how much you try, you can’t race with time and win. So sit back, relax and let time tell you when to begin.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - It’s about time you gave up all your hope on fishing. Fish usually like to go and often get caught when it’s quiet.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

Weekly Planner March 12

Education | Experience sharing – Student life in the US When 2-3:30pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old) , 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi What If you’re thinking about pursuing higher studies in the US, or wondering how life would be like in the US as an international student, this event would answer your queries. Experience sharing sessions will provide lifestyle insights from Bangladeshi students who have completed her Bachelor’s degree in the US, and shall again be going for their Master’s degrees. Credit transfer process/requirements shall also be focused on along with tips on admission essay writing. It would be the perfect opportunity to know about the intricate details not commonly elaborated by consultants. The program is free and open for students interested in studying in the US. No prior registration is required to attend this program; attendance will suffice.

March 14

Language | English Club: EMK Center When 4:30-5:30pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old) , 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi What Practice your English skills while learning about the American culture at the EMK Center.

Numerous activities including English movies shows, poetry recitals, essays training and more will be part of the package.

Mar 18-19

Showbiz Fair 2016 When 9:30am-12am Where Army Museum, Bijoy Sarani, Dhaka What The world of show-biz will be brought under one roof to explain, illustrate and elaborate the ins and outs of the media industry to the world.

The event shall provide insights and opportunities for media enthusiasts, who are also given the platform to come up and share their ideas directly. All sectors of the industry shall host experts to talk about the

particulars of working and excelling in each trait. They will discuss what to do to stand apart, which sector would be best for specific people, where it would be join preliminarily etc. Moreover, selfie booths, musical programs, fashion shows, classical dance, talk shows, magic shows and much more will entertain participants for the night. The main cause of this program is to help intuitive minds enter the media industry through the right place, and at the right time.

March 11

Fashion | Beverly Hills Fashion Exhibition / 11th march 2016 When 11:30am-11:30pm Where Beverly Hills Fashion, F2 Avenue 6 Banasree, Rampura, 1212 Dhaka What The all-day fashion exhibition will showcase imported products from the UK. In order to gain an exclusive discount, use the words “shopping spree” as the discount code.

March 15-28

Craft | Reincarnated valiance; [durjoy222] When 10am-1pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old), 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi What The morning event shall illustrate artwork on the freedom fighters (Muktijoddha) of Bangladesh who fought during the Liberation War in 1971 against Pakistan. The exhibition includes photography, documentaries, sculptures, unique installations and paintings through the demonstrated blood of freedom fighters. One segment of the story focuses on the freedom fighters who were wounded and lost their limbs during the time.

Another segment peeks on a few anecdotes of the freedom fighters who fought in a village named “Danga” in Norsingdi. In their creations, the artists described how they fought, devised and pretended to be Pakistani soldiers during the war. Firoz Mahmud considered the series as “pure reality from realistic life in the war.” Sounds interesting.

19

Mar 10-12

Jatra Biroti Live Performances When 7-11pm Where 60 Kemal Ataturk Avenue What Bangladeshi Folk music at its best by some of the countries best practitioners.

This week features Arif Baul. He has graced the stage several times giving fantastic performances of both original songs as well as diving into the deep pool of Bangladeshi folk music.

Friday March 11th- Jatra Biroti Open Mic The return of everyone’s favourite event - Open Mic! That means it’s your night to sing, dance, juggle, and read poetry.

This event is always a

surprise as you never know who will show up. It is a favourite for many.

Come with your instrument or just a song in your heart.

Tickets: Tk300 each Saturday March 12th - Biroti Lounge A relaxed dj set by Don Donadoni sets the tone for this mellow evening where people can hang, chat and just generally enjoy the ambiance.

Don will spin jams from all over the world in his own unique way. Dance, or just chill its up to you.

Ticket: Tk300 each More and more food available during the events.

Mar 13

Do You Even Colour?

When 4-8pm Where EMK Center, House 5, Road 16 (New) 27 (Old) , 9th Floor, Midas Center, Dhanmondi.

What Glyph is back with another colouring party with support from EMK Center!

It’s a four hour long colouring party this time, and there aren’t any hassles for registrations. Just walk in with your friends, find a spot and pick artworks from the many local illustrators who are contributing to this event so that you can colour all you want!

Ticketed at: Tk50 (seats are limited and tickets are to be collected from the venue during the event) ‘Do You Even Colour?’ is Glyph’s open and collaborative creative session for visual art enthusiasts to come and colour intricate, fun and beautiful illustrations created by passionate artists.

The event creates a platform not only for up and coming artists to share and showcase their works, but also for enthusiasts to collaborate and create their own unique works, one colour at a time.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, M ARC H 1 1 , 20 1 6

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

Run, Jellybean, run!

Minu Ahmed

M

y mother told me that

wondering how unworthy they are to

automatically and the body is designed

I never really saw myself walking (or

I had started walking

be around him.

to eventually learn to walk, but it’s still

taped myself walking just to check).

amazing.

Apparently I have a confident walk,

and talking at an early age, might have been by

I say that The Husband started talking at two and a half, and didn’t

Imagine this in slow motion: The

and since my default face is “angry”,

the time I was nine or ten months old.

stop since. I mean seriously, the man

kid raises her little body from sitting

and with my recent weight gain, I may

I don’t know how far that is true; my

can talk so much, he’d put any chatty

position on to her wobbly legs, which

resemble the very buff Salman Khan

mother might have been feeling some

housewife to shame. You know those

are still learning to hold up her little

when I walk. Elementary, my dear

sort of pride for me (or for herself for

people who can just start talking to

body. Then she holds onto a cupboard

readers!

making such an awesome kid) at the

anyone, anywhere, randomly? Yep,

to stabilise herself while teetering back

moment that she told me that story.

that’s him.

and forth. Then what seems like a very

him “twinkletoes”, not because he can

small step for mankind – is the first and

frolic like a fairy (now that I would pay

biggest step she will take forward in

to see!); but because he has this inane

her life. She isn’t able to raise a foot and

habit of stressing more on the front of

put it in front of her, but lift it slightly

his feet while walking. He says that he

before quickly thumping it back on the

picked up that habit when he started

ground. She tries it with the other foot

playing football, in order to be “light on

and then again the other foot, until she

his feet” and then he couldn’t change

is able to move forward. She holds onto

it back. I think that’s just a big bag of

the door for support now, and when the

baloney and he just wanted to walk like

door ends, she lets go and for those five

a T-Rex and now was too ashamed and

seconds she is standing on her own,

grown-up to admit it. Hah!

Experience tells me that it might be

As for inheriting her father’s

she owns the world. Then she propels herself forward and like a duckling,

As for The Husband, I sometimes call

What I personally love is Jellybean’s running style now. It’s very similar to

What seems like a very small step for mankind – is the first and biggest step she will take forward in her life

Photo: Bigstock

talkative genes, Jellybean was still

waddles about a step at a time. She can

Phoebe’s running style in one of the

On the other hand, The Husband

a bit far off. She still babbled in her

walk for about ten seconds before her

‘Friends’ episodes. Carefree, unique

might have started walking at a regular

own language, but she understood

legs tire out and she goes off balance,

and absolutely unbound, like my

age (which is apparently after the age

simple instructions like, “No!”, “Don’t

to fall forward onto her arms. Proud

Jellybean! n

of one), but my mom-in-law tells me

do that!”, “Come here”, etc. Whether

beyond words, I scoop her up into

that he hardly spoke a word till he was

she chose to listen to any of those

my lap and shower her with kisses.

two and a half years old. That’s pretty

instructions was entirely up to her.

Tomorrow is another day, my darling!

the latter!

late according to baby standards, and for a long time my in-laws’ friends and family thought The Husband was mute.

(She still doesn’t listen, the fussy troublemaker that she is!)

However, Jellybean did start walking

I figured out later that kids look like baby ducks when they walk because of the diaper they are wearing. The

However, when he did start talking, it

early, at eleven months old. We’ve

diapers create a barrier between the

was in complete sentences and it was

all seen it in TV and in movies, and

natural spaces between their legs

probably something similar to that

probably other people’s kids, but it’s

to obstruct a natural walking style.

movie, Baby Geniuses, where the kids

really remarkable to see your own

Diaper-less, I’m sure any kid would be

are silent but secretly super-smart and

flesh and blood achieving this task.

strutting like the late MJ, any day!

observant. I can totally imagine the

As grown-ups we don’t really realise

little version of The Husband, silently

it, but it must be pretty hard for kids.

told that I walk like a man. I don’t

pouting and scowling at people and

Even though everything happens

know exactly how that is possible, as

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, M ARC H 11 , 201 6

Speaking of walking style, I’ve been

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