Weekend Tribune June 10th 2016

vol 4 Issue 8 | FRIDAY, June 10, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

6

Cook Your Own Way

12

Natore Rajbari

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 8 | June 10, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

4 Event

Asst Features Editor Farina Noireet

8 Offers

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

The Lustrous Runway Coupons

12 Origin Story

6

Cook Your Own Way Kitchen chronicles

15 Spirituality Rituals

16 Ramadan special Planner

17 Ticket Shopping

Regulars

Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo

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

13 Film Culture

Contributors Jennifer Ahmed Minu Ahmed Reema Islam Enayetullah Khan Farzana Romine

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin

Natore Rajbari

9

14 Legalese 18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

Photo Story Iftar bazar

On the cover

Editor’s note Dear readers, And just like that, Ramadan is upon us. Ramadan in Dhaka presents us with an interesting set of contradictions. One one hand it is the month of piety, abstinence, and reflection. And on the other, it’s a month of indulgence, frayed tempers, and unbridled consumerism.

We’ve attempted to portray both aspects of this month in the first of our Ramadan issues. Kicking it off with a handy planner to get you on track, we also have three healthy iftar alternatives to the traditional fritters and fried food. A fashion flashback takes a look at

the designers at this year’s Lustrous Runway. To add perspective, we’ve also taken a trip around the world to see how other people fast, and back home with a photo story on the Iftar Bazaar.

For a little bit of heritage, we go to Rajshahi to visit the old Rajbari, and then straight to Cannes to see Tagore in 3D. Finally, the Bong Momma too, gets introspective as she learns to communicate with the Jellybean.

Wishing you a comfortable week of fasting and prayers!

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Darasbari Mosque is a historic mosque that was built in 1479 AD and is located in Shibganj Upazila of Chapai Nawabganj District Bangladesh Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

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2 News | This week Victorious Clinton claims historic ‘milestone’ China says the Philippines is ignoring a for women maritime talks proposal

Hillary Clinton declared a historic

to her battle with challenger Bernie

China said on Wednesday, last week

victory for women as she grasped the

Sanders, the self-declared democratic

that the Philippines has ignored a

Democratic Party nomination and

socialist senator from Vermont who

proposal for a regular talks mechanism

Chinese and English, China’s Foreign

the chance to become America’s first

waged an extraordinarily successful

over maritime issues, as it repeated that

Ministry said the two countries had

female president.

grassroots campaign.

its door was always open to bilateral

agreed in 1995 to settle disputes in the

talks with Manila on the South China

South China Sea “in a peaceful and

Sea.

friendly manner through consultations

“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a

But Sanders, ignoring the political

milestone,” a beaming Clinton told

writing on the wall, vowed to

ecstatic supporters in New York:

“continue the fight.”

China claims most of the waters,

bilaterally.

In a statement released in both

on the basis of equity and mutual

“the first time in our nation’s history

“Our mission is more than

that a woman will be a major party’s

just defeating Donald Trump, it

borne trade passes every year. The

nominee.”

is transforming our country,” he

Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan

many rounds of talks on the proper

declared to supporters in Santa

and Brunei have overlapping claims,

management of maritime disputes,

Monica, California.

as well as close military ties with the

though have had no negotiations

The former first lady took a dramatic step toward the White House by winning New Jersey, New Mexico

Clinton’s triumph came almost

and South Dakota, three of six states

eight years to the day since her

voting on the last major date of the

first Oval Office bid was

2016 primary calendar.

spectacularly thwarted

The biggest prize of all, California,

by a charismatic

was still up for grabs, but with polls

young senator

closed there and 40 percent of

named Barack

precincts reporting, Clinton held a

Obama.

substantial lead.

Photo: Reuters

The victories effectively put an end

Renowned SP’s wife killed in CTG

through which $5 trillion in ship-

United States. brought a case at

Weekend Tribune Desk

China and the Philippines have held

designed to settle the actual disputes in

The Philippines has

The world at a glance

respect”.

an international tribunal in The Hague

the South China Sea, the ministry said.

“China has on a number of occasions proposed with the Philippines the establishment of a China-Philippines regular consultation mechanism on

contesting

maritime issues; however, to date,

China’s claims,

there has never been any response from

a case rejected

the Philippine side.”

by China which wants to solve the issue

The Philippines Foreign Ministry declined to comment.

Photo: AP

Russia deploys troops westward as standoff with NATO deepens

Mahmuda Khanam Mitu, 32, wife

three men riding a motorbike

of Babul Akter, a superintendent

from the GEC area. One was

of police (SP) of Dhaka police

wearing a helmet, two were without

headquarters, was killed at GEC

helmets. They stopped her at the

Circle in Chittagong near her home

spot. The first man stabbed her

the Russian town of Klintsy, about

at around 6:45am on Saturday

indiscriminately, then they shot her.

50 km (30 miles) from Ukraine, saw a

by a group of motorcycle-borne miscreants.

The killers stabbed and shot dead

A Reuters reporter who visited

“We recovered two bullet

makeshift army camp, large numbers of

shells and a live bullet from the

newly-arrived servicemen and military

spot,” said Poritosh Ghosh, deputy

vehicles.

the wife of the police officer as she

police commissioner of Chittagong

was going to put their son into a

Metropolitan Police (North). Police

who were manning a checkpoint in a

school-bus at GEC Circle.

suspected a militant link with the

forest turned the reporter away, saying

Two soldiers in camouflage gear

incident as the police officer had

Russia is building an army base near

they were guarding a “special military

living with her son, Akter Mahmud

unearthed many incidents carried

its border with Ukraine, the latest in a

site”.

Mahir, 8 and Tabassum Tajnim

out by militants.

chain of new military sites along what

Mahmuda Khanam had been

Tapur, 4, and a housemaid, Fatema,

“He has led several raids on

Last year, Reuters also reported on

the Kremlin sees as its frontline in a

construction of two other bases further

growing confrontation with NATO.

to the south on Russia’s border with

at flat no. D-7 at O.R. Nizam Road, in

militant hideouts and has played an

a complex named Equity Centrium,

important role in nabbing militants

for three years. She had left her

and busting their dens. For the

residence on foot to put her son into

motive of the murder, we suspect a

Russia is building up forces on its

not acknowledged the deployment of

the school-bus at GEC Circle around

militant link to the heinous crime,”

western frontiers at a time when the

troops to Klintsy, which usually serves

6:45am like everyday.

added Ghosh.

NATO alliance is staging major military

as a stop for truck drivers traveling

News: Dhaka Tribune

exercises and increasing deployments

between Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

on its eastern flank.

Photo: AP

CCTV footage later showed the

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

While there have been no clashes between the former Cold War rivals,

Ukraine.

The defense ministry however has

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

A worker at a puffed rice factory in Fatullah, Naraynaganj.

Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu

say what?

Aliens or secret military tech? Stunned teens capture video of ‘man’ floating in the sky This is the moment a teen could have captured a secret army experiment on film after he filmed a man on camera floating in the sky.

The mysterious figure, who looks to be wearing some sort of next-generation personalised transportation device, such as a jetpack, was spotted flying hundreds of feet above the ground.

Charlie Knott managed to get the weird spectacle

pictures and video.

“It was like the figure of a person and it looked like it was on a board which was underneath the figure and was moving quite quickly.

But while aliens may be plausible, others suggest that the floating figure above Crawley has been connected to a

on film after he noticed the image flying above his

secret NASA project named Project Blue

home town of Furnace Green, West Sussex.

Beam.

The lad, 16, was at friend Yazz Jeffrey’s home at

Project Blue Beam is a conspiracy

9pm on Friday when she noticed the ‘person’ floating

theory that NASA is to implement a new

in the air.

world order in the form of a new religion

Charlie said: “We both ran outside and were just looking at it and wondering what it was.

“Then I ran back inside to get my phone to take

with the Anti-Christ at its head.

In order to convince people of this, it is thought that a ‘Second Coming’ will be technologically

simulated.

Other people think it is a person-shaped balloon.

News and photo: Daily Mirror

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4 Event | The Lustrous Runway

Five years of fashion The headliners at TRESemme presents 5 Years Celebration of The Lustrous Runway Baizid Haque Joarder

T

he biggest fashion event

the most talented designers from the

of the season kicked off

region, this platform was primarily

again last weekend at the

created with a vision to redefine

Grand Ballroom of Hotel Le

the future of fashion and integrate

Meridien. With even more excitement

Bangladesh into the global fashion

and anticipation surrounding this

world. This week, we take a look at

Anokhi

exemplary fashion show, “TRESemmé

some of the famous fashion designers

Humaira Khan’s label has been in the

blue sky, green leaves and the palash

presents 5 Years Celebration of The

whose work graced the ramps of this

fashion scene for over two decades now

shimul that were embroidered and

Lustrous Runway” lived up to its fame

year’s event, as well as the celebrity

and has garnered appreciation from

hand-painted on silk, jamdaani and

and did not disappoint. With a host

showstopper who headlined the

critics and young fashionistas alike.

our very own muslin. The flowy cuts

of marvellous designs and some of

event.

This time, Humaira proudly presented

were pleasing on the eye. Youngsters

her very own signature collection at the

in the audience may well have noted

fifth year celebration of The Lustrous

the brilliant combo of trendy jackets

Runway. Inspired by nature, her line

teamed up with dhotis, skirts and wrap

comprised of designs inspired by the

pants.

Photos: Courtesy

Sarah Karim Agnimitra Paul

Homegrown talent Sarah Karim

the guests feel like they were sitting

enchanted the audience as she

inside Akbar’s darbaar. Sarah’s talent

transported them back to the Mughal

of infusing such traditional artistry

The proud owner of the designer

simplicity, ease and oh-so-stylish

era. The craftsmanship of the line

with contemporary cuts really made

label Inga, Agnimitra Paul did not

confidence. The fusion between

that was showcased left no doubt that

her line stand out. Fusion kameezes,

disappoint. Inspired by Madhubani

western outfits like jumpsuits and

the artisans were very experienced

bridal wear and jackets looked

paintings from the Madhoban district

dresses with motifs from the sub-

as the detailed aari work, zardozi

fabulous on the ramp.

of Bihar, Agni’s ensembles spoke of

continent were anything but a miss.

and embroidery on the outfits made

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

5 Salita Nanda Salita Nanda’s collection at the event

nothing short of art. The line would

was bold, playful and beautifully

be a brilliant match for a confident

feminine, to say the least. Inspired

woman who does not think twice when

by surrealism, the designer should

it comes to vivid colours and prints,

be credited for the creative use of

which seemed effortlessly elegant as

juxtaposing elements which made

the models strutted down the runway.

all the sense in the world, and looked

Neeta Lulla The designer whose work is preferred

comprising of trendy, ethnic Indian

by several Bollywood beauties, Neeta

wear. A designer of her stature surely

Lulla showed the audience in Dhaka

knew how to make her models look

why the organisers saved her for the

drop dead gorgeous as they donned

last slot. Neeta, who has been a part

colours and patterns of pink, gold and

of the industry for over three decades,

red, setting fire to the runway in a

made all jaws drop with her line

brilliant finale.

Lisa Ray Last but not least, the audience was

Shivdasani, and the rest is history.

wowed by the beautiful Lisa Ray,

In 2009, she revealed at the Toronto

who wore a gorgeous embroidered

Film Festival that she suffered from

outfit designed by Sarah Karim with

a rare form of cancer called multiple

Zurhem

jewellery from Gitanjali. Lisa Ray is not

myeloma. Although she has since been

Probably the hottest men’s label to

men back in 2015. Aptly titled as “The

only known as a famous actress and

declared cancer-free after treatment,

have operated in the industry, Mehruz

Rebels of China,” the only all-male-

model, but also a philanthropist and

Ray has continued to devote her time

Munir’s very own Zurhem is well

collection of the night saw brilliant

social activist. Born to a Bengali father

to raising awareness on the disease and

known for its cutting edge style and

use of Chinese prints, silk and velvet,

and Polish mother, Ray made her film

raising funds for cancer research and

impeccable fit, ever since the label

leaving the men and women in the

debut in 2001 in Kasoor opposite Aftab

cancer patients.

opened its doors to fashion savvy

audience gasping for more. n

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6 Cook your own way | Kitchen chronicles

Of pumpkin and peas Today, I am sharing my three favourite recipes for Iftar. Two of them are very healthy. The chickpea curry is a great alternative to our regular chola that we have everyday for iftar.

Farzana Romine

Pumpkin Soup Ingredients: • 3 cups chopped pumpkin • 1 small potato • 1/4 cup chopped onion • 2 cloves garlic chopped • 1/2 tsp nutmeg powder • 1 tsp cumin powder • 1 vegetable or chicken stock cube • 1/4 tsp chili powder • 4 cups water • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/4 cup olive oil • Croutons, cream, or cheese to use as a garnish

Directions: First heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the onion and garlic. Stir for three to four minutes until they soften. Then add the nutmeg, cumin and chili powder and stir for 30 seconds. Because the spices are dry, they will burn if you cook them too long. Once the spices are thoroughly combined with the garlic and onions, add the potato and the pumpkin. Mix well.

Now add the water and the stock cube to the pot and bring it to a boil.

Add salt to taste. Continue boiling until the potato and pumpkin are soft (around 30 minutes.)

Once every thing is soft, remove the pot from the heat and set aside until cool. Once the soup is cooled, puree the soup. You can use either a hand or conventional blender to achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.

Once the soup reaches the desired consistency. Warm it on medium heat, stirring regularly. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with a little drizzle of olive oil, cream or shredded cheese as you please. Serve hot with toasted croutons and salad for a complete meal.

Photos: Farzana Romine

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7 Roasted Pumpkin Salad Pumpkin and spinach are both delicious

For the salad:

foods that are high in vitamins and

• 2 cups spinach

minerals. This easy-to-make salad

• 1/4 cup pecan or walnut

goes very well as a side dish. Add some

• 1/4 cup cubed cheese

grilled chicken or fish and it becomes a hearty main dish.

To roast the pumpkin, preheat your oven to 375°F/190°C. Mix

Ingredients:

the roasting ingredients with the

• For the dressing:

pumpkin. Line a baking tray with

• 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

parchment paper and evenly

• 2 tbsp of olive oil

distribute the pumpkin on it. Bake

• 1 tbsp of honey

for 15 to 20 min. The pumpkin

• 1 tsp yellow mustard

should be light brown and soft.

• 1 tsp salt

Once the pumpkin is roasted

• 1 tsp black pepper

you can start assembling the salad.

Just spread the spinach in a bowl.

Mix all of the dressing ingredients

Add the cheese, pecan and the

together and set aside.

roasted pumpkin. Pour the dressing and toss well. Serve immediately.

To roast the pumpkin: • 2 cups of cubed pumpkin

Note: You can add lettuce, cucumber

• 1 tsp of salt

and tomato to this salad as well.

• 1 tbsp of olive oil • 1 tsp of black pepper • 1 tsp of paprika

Creamy Chana Masala

Chickpeas are a popular ingredient for

night before and boil them in water

Iftar time. This chickpea curry is a great

until tender.

addition to any Iftar menu. If you have

mushy. Let it cool and cut into small

short time to cook. Its really flavourful.

cubes.

This recipe has two parts.

Ingredients: • 1 15oz/425gr can of chickpeas, or 1 cup dry chickpeas • 1 large potato • 1/4 tsp whole cumin

Heat oil for the spice paste and add the onions. Sauté for one minute, then add the tomatoes, ginger and garlic.

Cook them until the smell of the raw ingredients dissipates. Let it cool and grind into a smooth paste.

Heat ¼ cup oil in a pan and add the

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

whole cumin and let it splatter. Then

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

add the onion, bay leaf, and cloves.

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

Sauté for a few minutes. Now add

• 1/2 tsp coriander powder

the chili, turmeric, coriander powder.

• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder

Sauté for 30 seconds. Add the tomato

• 4 whole cloves

purée and ketchup. Cook until the oil

• 1 bay leaf

starts to separate from the masala.

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

Once it separates, add the spice purée

• 1 tbsp ketchup

we made earlier. Add sugar and bring

• 1 tbsp sugar

to a boil.

• 2 tbsp cream • 1/4 cup oil

To make the spice paste: • 1½ cup roughly chopped onion

Farzana Romine is a food lover and travel enthusiast whose mission is recreating restaurant quality dishes at home and she invites you to come along for the ride

Boil the potato until soft, but not too

canned chickpeas, this dish takes a very

Now add the chickpea and potatoes.

Mix well. Before taking it off the heat add the cream and the garam masala powder.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, ginger

• 1 cup chopped tomato

and onion. Serve with naan, paratha,

• 3 cloves garlic

roti or luchi.

• 1 inch ginger chopped • 2 tbsp oil

Directions: Drain the chickpeas from the can. If

TIP: You can cook the spices and make the gravy and freeze it. When you want to eat, just heat the gravy and add chickpeas or any vegetables you like. n

using dried chickpea, soak them the

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8 Offers | Coupons

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Iftar bazar | Photo Story

9

Chawkbazar’s iftar market During almost any hour of the day, Old Town’s Chawkbazar is teeming with people – local businessmen, patrons and many others – buy with the day’s trade and commerce. However, it comes particularly alive during the month of Ramadan, when it proudly hosts the largest and most famous iftar bazar in the city.

Boasting unique food items that are exclusive only to this part of town, Chawkbazar’s iftar market is visited by throngs of people every single day.

This week’s photo story features a typical day at Puran Dhaka’s famous Chawkbazar ifter market.

Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Iftar bazar

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

11

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12 Origin story | Natore Rajbari

Rajshahi: The Heritage of Natore This mango season, we welcome the rains and the anticipation of gorging ourselves with mangoes, with a trip to one of the most culturally rich zones of Bangladesh: Rajshahi. From the Puthia temples, to the Zamindar homes and the unique artefacts of the Barendra Museum, Rajshahi has loads to offer other than its succulent mangoes and its soft silk

Reema Islam

W

Photos: Jovago

ith the Ganges on the

some of our oldest archaeological sites,

ruled, the Rani remained de jure

Minister of the country as the Northern

West and the Karatoya

this region is a true representation of

zamindar until her death at a ripe old

retreat and is equipped to also receive

River on the East,

ancient Bangladesh. However, today

age. She acted beyond the realm of

official guests.

the Barendra region

we travel to Natore, slightly North

revenue collection as she built roads,

included the present Rangpur and

of Rajshahi, home to a zamindari

connecting villages and towns and

Bagatipara uppazila, on the banks

Rajshahi divisions. Scattered with

culture, the tradition of silk, luscious

rest houses for travelers along the

of the river Boral, under the Natore

mangoes and some of our largest beels

way and paid doctors to carry out free

district was an extension of the house

or wetlands. 47 rivers flush their water

medical support. Under her leadership,

of Dayaram Roy. The Palace was

out into the Chalan Beel, one of the

positive changes were implemented

subsequently named after him but

largest in the country which covers

and people truly benefitted, while the

more importantly, it pays homage to

an area of more than 4000 Km2. With

Rani continues to remain a figure of

an old family who heavily influenced

its numerous beels and the special

inspiration for women all over. The

the region. The Rajshahi Association

Barindra tract in the classification of

Natore Rajbari is still referred to as Rani

was co-founded by a member of this

soils, the Barendra region still remains

Bhabani’r mohol.

family in 1872 to aid people and build

of immense environmental and geological significance.

a culturally and socially stable society.

Natore and was also built by someone

The house was also instrumental in

connected to the Rani’s father-in-law,

producing great personalities like

receiving land holders, highly

Ramjivan. Dayaram Roy was a dewan

Sarat Kumar Roy, the son of Raja

influential aristocrats of the region who

(government official) to Ramjivan and

Pramathanath Roy, who became the

collected revenue for the ruling British

assisted the Nawab Nazim Murshid

eventual founder of the Barendra

monarchy. Natore was the District

Quli Khan in defeating a neighbouring

Research Museum. The Museum

Headquarters of Rajshahi from 1769-

zamindar who was rebelling against

provided the Kolkata museum with

1825 CE and came under the Zamindari

the British rule. With this tactical

stiff competition around the turn of the

umbrella of the family of Ramdev Rai,

move, Roy won the Nawab over with

20th century and after its inauguration

a tahsildar or tax inspector for the

his loyalty and in return got a fair

in 1910, Lord Carmicheal, the then

neighboring Puthia Raj family. Rai’s

amount of land. Roy was given the

Governor of Bengal, had to ease the

son Ramjivan built the Natore Rajbari

title of Jagirdar or land owner and the

tension between the two museums and

that we see today while his more

Dighapatia palace was eventually built

Barendra continued to house some of

enterprising brother Raghunandan,

by him, only to be later renovated after

our most treasured ancient artefacts,

rose to a higher tier of influence as he

the devastating earthquake of 1898.

relics and archaeological evidence.

managed to impress the Nawab Nazim

With its semi-Corinthian pillars, the

Along with his team of enthusiasts,

of Bengal – Murshid Quli Khan and the

architecture is reminiscent of the times

Sarat Chandra Kumar traversed the

Raja of the Puthiaa estate. Ramjivan

when the local zamindars were heavily

country combing for artefacts and

however is also better known for his

into mimicking their Western rulers

his passions and conviction also

daughter-in-law, Rani Bhabani who

and from their clothes to the food they

accorded him with the friendship

became de jure Zamindar after her

ate was all influenced with this foreign

of Rabindranath Tagore. The Palace

husband’s death and was an anomaly in

culture. The palace was later converted

still remains as a museum along with

the entire region as a female ruler.

into the house of the Governor general

the other rich heritage of the Natore

during the time of East Pakistan

environs, while the Barendra Research

tanks, advanced the system of

and is currently known as Uttora

still holds the distinction of being the

education, worked to develop and

Gonobhaban. This erstwhile palace is

most heritage and culturally rich site in

improve the lives of the people she

now the official residence of the Prime

North Bangladesh. n

Zamindars were mainly rent

A philanthropist who built water

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

The Dighapatia Palace is close to

The Dayarampur Palace in

Culture | Film

Taking Tagore to Cannes

13

Photo: Courtesy

A 3D colour recreation of Tagore’s Natir Puja (1932) was unveiled at this year’s Cannes Film Market Enayetullah Khan

C

annes – the very name

rewards directors and producers for

in a 1933 fire in the warehouse of New

as the playback singer. Renowned

conjures up images of movie

their vision, and where they take their

Theatres, Calcutta.

Dutch cinematographer Leonard Retel

star glamour, unalloyed

craft, rather than how much they can

creativity, and cinema

boast in box office takings. It’s a place

as well as Tagoreans, to sit up and take

camera shot’ technique, was roped in

as it should be – artistic, visually

where you feel Rabindranath Tagore,

notice of a 3D colour recreation of the

as cinematographer. Tagore’s script is

captivating, and incorporating a

with his natural charisma and humanist

only film Tagore ever made, Natir Puja

based on a Buddhist tale that goes back

language that is altogether in danger

outlook, would have belonged. Tagore

(1932), that was unveiled in this year’s

2400 years.

of getting lost in a tsunami of reality-

himself was well-travelled of course,

Cannes Film Market. Professor Karl

Unsurprisingly, the message it

based tv and franchise filmmaking.

but the festival itself started its journey

Bardosh, Hungarian-born American

delivers is of religious tolerance, and

Every year in May, this quintessential

a bit too late for him – in 1946, five

academic and filmmaker, has brought

that fact alone should be enough to

resort town in the South of France plays

years after his death.

alive the film that provides another

ensure its continued relevance in this

fascinating insight into the creative

day and age. The fact that it gives

vision of Bengal’s first Nobel laureate.

Tagore fans an opportunity to catch a

host to the Cannes Film Festival, that

The Kabiguru (master poet) of

All the more reason for film-goers,

Helmrich, the master of the ‘single

is famed all over the world. It isn’t just

Bengal certainly took an interest in

another stop on the festival circuit.

film, and the possibilities inherent to

Cannes is famous for launching many

the medium. But the film industry was

dance drama that Tagore wrote in

may have envisioned in another,

a star into world renown, from 60s

still nascent in this part of the world

1926 for the stage at the Jorasanko

arguably more encompassing medium

French siren Brigitte Bardot to Abbas

during his lifetime. It isn’t very well

Thakurbari is titled Natir Puja – The

than what they are used to with his

Kiarostami, the acclaimed Iranian

known, but Tagore did still manage

Court Dancer, and features Sujata Awon

poetry, prose and lyrics, makes it even

director.

to make a foray into filmmaking at

Pradhan of Kolkata, where she heads

more intriguing. n

It may not be as well-known as

the insistence of producer BN Sircar.

the dance group Nrityalok, in the lead

the Oscars, but for most filmmakers,

Unfortunately, it failed to enjoy a run

role. She choreographed herself, with

Cannes is the beating heart of their

worthy of its maker’s stature. Just a

Jayati Chakraborty, a leading exponent

craft – mainly for its artistic ethos that

year after it was made, it was destroyed

of Rabindra Sangeet in West Bengal,

Bardosh’s interpretation of the

glimpse of what their favourite bard

Enayetullah Khan is executive producer of Natir Puja - The Court Dancer

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 20 1 6

14 LEGALESE | Jennifer Ashraf

On raids and warrants Q

Some more information about dawn raids at factories and establishments, with reference to Warrants

and other additional information which will help me deal with sudden unexpected raids in my factories and establishments would be highly helpful. Please help me understand this better with some information.

A

Dear Reader, Thank you for writing in to us. There are no such provisions in Bangladesh law which would allow

leverage of local laws and regulations in order to avoid or postpone spot checks and inspections. If the authorities are in possession of a valid search warrant, and they are either prevented from entering the premises or the staff would behave uncooperatively, it may be viewed as an ‘obstruction of justice’, and is therefore inadvisable.

1. These guidelines are for use of the receptionist [or member of staff

Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune

working at the front desk] in the event that the authorities arrive with or without a search warrant to enter

evidence of due authority to enter

[Name of Individual]

the Company’s premises and inspect.

the premises to you, you should

[Name of Company] Legal &

2. When the officers arrive, they should firstly identify themselves

state the following: 4. “I am the receptionist. I am not a

and produce either a search warrant

person in authority. You should

or other evidence of due authority to enter the premises.

3. If the authorities attempt to show their search warrant or other

your dealings with the Authorities.

Do not panic and be calm.

12. It is also advisable to ensure that the

show your documentation to a

[Name of Secondary emergency

calm environment presides in all

person in authority. I will summon

authority person] to locate an

instances.

the person in authority.”

attorney.

5. You should show the authorities to reception and work areas and ask

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

‘ Tel:

7. In his/her absence, please contact

a vacant meeting room away from

Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales.

She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate

Corporate Affairs

offered to them.

11. Be friendly and cordial, but firm in

them to wait in this room while you

8. You should request that they come

Hopefully the above will help

and deal with the authorities

you understand how the initial point

immediately.

of contact should a sudden raid or

9. You should then call Security to

inspection arises. I will address next

summon a person in authority. It

check whether any of the authorities

week the steps that your Manager or

could result in a criminal offence for

are present in any other locations on

a person of Authority needs to handle

you not to allow authorities into the

the premises and to request help to

this situation. Hopefully, the situation

premises. However, you should not

watch over the authorities who are

will help you resolve your issues

give them access to work areas.

waiting.

further. n

6. You should then urgently contact the following:

10. You should check on the authorities and arrange for refreshments to be

rituals | spirituality

Fasting traditions across the world

and continues through darkness of

Christianity Great Lent or the Great

the next day. But there is also another

Fast is observed. It is characterized

kind of fasting called a minor fasting.

by fasting and abstinence from

A minor fast day begins with dawn and

certain types of food. During this

concludes at darkness, exactly like in

period intensified private and public prayer, self-examination, confession, personal improvement, repentance

Saqib Sarker

and restitution for sins committed, and

I

almsgiving are also encouraged. Fasting

t may come as a bit of a surprise

practices exist with different variations

to learn that fasting is practiced

in all of the strands of Christianity.

by a wide number of people

In Hinduism, often called the

from different religios and

oldest religion, methods of fasting

cultural backgrounds across the

vary widely. In its most stern form

world.

the person fasting does not consume

Regardless, it is fascinating

food or water from the previous

that different people in

day’s sunset until 48 minutes after

different human societies have

the following day’s sunrise. Like

independently decided to observe

Buddhism, fasting in the Hindu religion

ritualistic abstinence from eating and

can also mean limiting oneself to one

drinking. Is there a common link? Why

meal during the day.

we gravitate towards this practice?

a

Why do we subject ourselves to these

lot

pacific practices, there are different

fasting rituals when most of us would

by looking

types of “upwas” (fasting). In the

like nothing more than feasting on a

at our food habits.

Chauvihar Upwas no food or water

delicious meal.

What can we learn

may be consumed until sunrise the

Indeed our iftar menus do testify to our affinity for eating. There have

Jainism, known for its extraordinary

following day. Another is called Tivihar

by studying why we the

don’t eat?

been much discussion on whether

Many orthodox

Islamic

overeating during iftar defeats the

religions see fasting as

tradition.

purpose of Ramadan in the first place.

a method of purification

But that is a different discussion.

and a way of achieving

In a way, hunger is the most

closeness with god. Buddha

The most well known fasting day in Judaism is on the Yom Kippur

Upwas where no food is consumed except boiled water, which is allowed.

The main goal of any type of fasting in Jainism is to achieve complete “ahimsa” or non-violence.

It is known that Aristotle fasted to

universal connection among humans as

advised not to take solid food after

well as all animals. While humans may

noon. Some Buddhists eat only once

or the Day of Atonement. The Jewish

affirms that fasting is beneficial to the

share the universal trait of language

per day, before noon. This practice

narrative presents

health. But the reason this practice

among themselves, it is only our need

accords with an account in The Sutra In

to eat and drink that truly ties us to

42 Sections, a Mahayana Scripture, that

our fellow inhabitants of the earth –

relates how the Buddha ate one meal a

everyone needs to eat.

day, before noon.

But only us humans are perhaps the

15

Fasting in Judaism is defined as total

only creatures that will eat even when

cessation from all food and drink. A

we are not hungry and refrain from

full-day fast begins, unlike the Muslim

eating against our desire. We can learn

tradition, with sunset in the evening

communal fasting as a collective expression of repentance.

In Christianity fasting is part of a

invigorate his thinking. Modern science

persisted for millennia in human societies is perhaps because fasting connects us on a primal level that

group of spiritual disciplines that also

cannot be achieved otherwise. The

include prayer, mortification of the

ritualistic abstinence also gives people

passions, practicing humility,

the sense of community and cohesion

almsgiving, controlling the tongue, and others. In Eastern Orthodox

that our forefathers appreciated and we, too, can feel. n

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 20 1 6

16 Ramadan special | Planner

Ramadan planner week 1

Amreen Rahman Sunday

things we would usually be doing.

By this time, you’ve spent almost a

So don’t put off calling that aunt you

week waking up in the middle of the

promised to check up on, and make

night and dragging yourself to the

that doctor’s appointment while you

dinner table in search of sustenance

still can. Make sure you still tune into

before sunrise. Now it is time for you to

the news, if only to hear the headlines.

start planning in advance, so that you

Ramadan is a month of constraint and

can adjust your work, sleep and meal

introspection, but you can’t forget that

schedules in such a way as to make

other people exist too.

time for Suhoor, Iftar, etc. That means, to bed at midnight, in Ramadan you

Spend your Wednesday working for others

would sleep earlier in order to get up

Many Muslims, at home and abroad,

early for Suhoor. Or if you usually

spend Ramadan making Iftar meals

study late, you can instead sleep earlier

and distributing them to the poor.

and start studying after Suhoor in the

Not only will, Insha Allah, they

early morning hours. If you are in the

be rewarded, but this is a great

habit of having a big meal for Suhoor,

opportunity to really get into the spirit

it would be better if you just stayed up

of Ramadan, which really shouldn’t

and did your work, instead of going

be a month of stuffing your face at the

back to bed with a full stomach. In

end of the day. Planning in advance

time, your body clock will also adjust

for such an activity gives you the

to the sudden change in schedule that

time to find nearby areas where you

Ramadan brings.

could potentially do such an Iftar

for instance, that if you normally go

Photo: Bigstock

W

It’s never too early for gifts

drive. You can also try to involve your neighbours, especially young

ith the first week of

gentlemen, if you are planning to just

It might just be the first week of

people and teenagers who live in the

Ramadan well under

get home from work and put your feet

Ramadan, but there is already this

neighborhood and who, with the right

way, we’re all trying

up while your kitchen help, wife or

nagging fear at the back of your mind

amount of guidance, can get excited

to get accustomed

mother prepares the meals, remember

of jam-packed roads and hoards of

about sharing their food with those

to starving ourselves but still getting

that helping out with cooking or

shoppers bargaining in the sweltering

who are less fortunate.

through the day without tempers

cleaning was a practice of the Prophet

heat. Just to make things easier in the

fraying and energy levels dropping to

Mohammed (pbuh). Maybe this is

last 10 days of Ramadan, when all you

Travel Thursday

dangerously low levels. To ease the

a way you can increase your Sawab

want to do is focus on your prayers,

The possibilities for travel at the end

troubles that come along with this

[rewards] this month.

start planning your Eid shopping at

of the Holy Month seem endless …

least, if not buying the things you

but are they? Bagging a short break

need. Or you can put Monday aside to

at a reasonable price - let alone a

month, we’ve rounded up a weekly planner to help you to not only

Saturday nutrition fix

survive, but make the most of this

While managing time and planning

come home and categorise your Eid

bargain - takes research and planning

special month of fasting, prayer and

meals is important, it’s even more

shopping and start on the duties that

thanks to the popularity of Eid Al Fitr,

spirituality.

important to ensure you are getting

are really urgent, like finding out what

which traditionally sees airfares rise as

the right amount of nutrition and

immediate family want as Eid gifts and

availability plummets. A little insider

energy your body needs. Having an

planning shopping trips accordingly.

know-how really helps, according to

Friday meal plans for the week Ramadan’s blessings are for everyone,

energy packed Suhoor (one that’s

but while Ramadan may mean extra

preferably easy to make) will make all

Ibadah to some of the brothers, it

the difference to a long day of fasting.

Tune-in Tuesdays

usually means extra cooking for most

Stock up on your family’s essentials

We all know that Ramadan can be

package deal because firms like Dnata

of the sisters. Making a Ramadan

and make sure to include some dates,

stressful. Quite often, you get into a

are able to offer plane tickets and

menu for Iftar and planning meals

nuts and low GI foods and remind your

routine of getting up at Suhoor, egging

accommodation for the same price as

well in advance, as well as working

family to hydrate well! And if you’re

yourself on to ignore the gnawing

an economy airfare alone if booked

out when you want to invite relatives,

tired of listening to people constantly

hunger and plod on with work, turning

separately. Take the end of the week to

neighbours and friends for Iftar,

telling you about oatmeal and

more and more into a zombie as the

wind down and search for the perfect

will give you the opportunity to

avocados, go local and just stock up on

day progresses and finally crashing

holiday options, so you can enjoy a

catch Tarawih and various other

bananas or mangoes to break your fast

at Iftar. While getting the food-work-

well-planned holiday when Ramadan

advantageous Ibadat instead of

with a high energy snack.

rest balance right in itself during

ends. n

spending Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days stuck in the kitchen. And by the way

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

Fix your sleep schedule this

Nathan Adams, the head of holidays

Ramadan can be tricky, we have to go further and not ignore the other

at Dnata, a local tour operator. He argues that Eid is a great time to pick a

Shopping | Ticket

17

Prints, pumps and panache

Fashion offers around town Sabiha Akond Rupa

Bibiana

Bibiana is inviting you to join this festive season with their contemporary designs with the launch of their Eid-ul-Fitr collection. They have brought up different kinds of prints, cuts and different motifs (such as hand embroidery, applique, machine embroidery) in cotton, silk, endi and half-silk fabrics. This time Eid is blending with summer season, therefore the use of bright colours can be seen in their designs.

Photo: Bibiana

Sailor Sailor has launched their versatile Eid collection for men and it is available in all outlets. Contemporary shades and the rich quality of fabric was seen in their designs.

Photo: Sailor

Cats Eye One of Summer’s coolest women shoe designs have arrived in Cats Eye showrooms in Jamuna Future Park, Gulshan, Basundhara City and Japan Garden City branches. Their shoe collection is filled with pop colours, blinks and high heels.

Photo: Cats Eye

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 Helsinki national not first in the end (7) 2 Piebald switches with two legs (7) 6 Sharing blood, red embracing dead (7) 7 Try and heal confused on this planet (7)

DOWN 1 Grab fee arranged for Russian jeweller (7) 2 US city write up of asian state (5) 3 Vacation with no top in long grass (7) 5 Get rid of shallow trench (5)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- This week’s blend of energies suggests that if you’re uncertain as to what your next step should be, it might be wise to slow down for a while.

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)- If you’ve had your eye on a certain purchase, this could be the time you decide to go for it.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)- You’ll be in your element this week, enjoying the chance to be your natural, bubbly self.

And if you find it difficult to understand where someone is coming from, you’ll have plenty of friends to confide in who may be able to offer some advice.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22)- With a focus on a more introspective sector of your chart, this week’s blend of energies could see you taking time out to unwind and put a bit of distance between you and your daily life.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)- Your friends look like a positive force in your life this week and in the coming weeks, especially if you’re feeling weary after dealing with some challenges.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)- With a focus on

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

your sector of career and ambition, this

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

week looks perfect for making a splash on the stage of life. You may have a lot on your plate, so one way to make things easier might be to delegate, particularly home and family chores.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- With a delightful blend of energies showing up in your sector of travel and learning, this is one week when you could be tempted to book a short getaway or longer vacation.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- Wherever you look there could be temptations to spend your hard-earned money. And with the present picture encouraging you to be a

ACROSS 5 Gather no flames (7) 6 Inventor of reformed slate (5) 9 Londoner shy holding broken neck (7)

DOWN 1 501, 1000, not clever (3) 2 Crime to do with boundary (7) 3 Plainer sort of chocolate filling (7) 4 Line argument (3) 7 Play part of new cat (3) 8 Crop of wetter years (3)

little more economical, it could leave you feeling left out.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- Don’t feel you have to explain yourself to others.

You don’t. While friends can be excellent confidants, there are times when you need to work things out for yourself.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- With a focus on your sector of work and lifestyle, this week’s bubbly energies could see you eager to take things to the next level.

Showcase new skills to prospective employers or talk to your boss about a promotion, because your abilities may be in demand.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- If you’ve been out of the dating loop for a while, it might be time to have another go if it feels right.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- There’s plenty of activity on the home front, which could mean you’ll be eager to entertain friends new and old, impress key people, or simply hang out with close pals.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner June 16 June 11

Workshop | Professional Graphic Design and Outsourcing Courses

Food | Foodpanda presents Sehri Khann When 10pm Where International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Kuril Bishwa Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh What Sehri Khann brings to you two nights of togetherness with family and friends. The best restaurants of Dhaka, 90’s arcade games, Euro Cup match screening and much more will be under one

roof.

And while you rejoice and thank the Almighty for the blessings, a portion of your spendings of the two nights go towards providing for the less privileged this Ramadan.

So mark the date and double the happiness this special month by sharing your Sehri.

June 10

June 16

Education | Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit 2016 When 11am Where Bangla Academy, Dhaka, Bangladesh What The summit provides young entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to envision their dreams and take the first steps towards initialising their innovative startups. Young 2016 aims to create a strong link amongst startups across the nation, networking amongst incubators and connecting startups with funds. Reiterating the commitment in fostering entrepreneurship amongst students and youngsters will also be a highlight in this year’s event.

They seek to build an extensive network of young professionals through both social and formal

When 4pm Where Colour Spray Institute, House 7 (2nd floor), Rd 20/b, Sector 4, Uttara, 1230 Dhaka, Bangladesh What If you want to build your career in the big outsourcing and freelancing world, Colour Spray Institute of Graphics welcomes you to attend their outsourcing courses, and get concrete knowledge through a week-long Basic worshop program for a fee of TK1000.

They also offer a three-month long Advance course for a fee of Tk10,000, and another course on Webdesign and development for an additional Tk10,000.

For more information, contact: +880 1978 339988, +880 1612 265687

events and provide opportunities for them to meet and gain insights from various corporate leaders.

Summit agenda: Social business, branding, E-commerce and technology, leadership, career development, and funding.

Connect with them at: https://www.facebook.com/ YOUNG-1488294888140988/ To register you have to pay registration fee of Tk300 to 01816345017 (Bkash), send your full name/ organisation/ institution name. You can also regoster online at: http://ticketchai.com/ details/144/Young-EntrepreneursAlliance-Summit For more information, contact: 01816345017

Exhibition | Pre-Eid Expo When 10am Where Road: 4, Block: D, Bashundhara R/A, Baridhara, 1229 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Nina Khan’s Soigne is her first solo exhibition and they are inviting everyone to stop by and visit the unveiling of their Eid collection. You will find beautifully embroidered, beaded work, pearl and metal studs embellished dresses to adorn you for Eid. In addition to these, there will be capes, kimonos, and kurtis, in printed florals and pastels.

For more information, please call 01711386077

June 12

Education | Meet Representative from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff When 12pm Where The American Center Dhaka, Plot 1, Progati Sharani, J-Block, Baridhara, Dhaka What At their latest event, The American Center Dhaka will be hosting a representative from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, who will talk about the opportunities and prospects of acquiring higher education in the US. Both graduate and undergraduate students can participate.

This program is free and open for students interested in studying in the US. No prior registration is required to attend this program.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 20 1 6

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

LISTEN! The Bong Momma talks about the importance of being able tocommunicate openly with your kids Minu Ahmed

Photo: Bigstock

T

he air is heavy and the

else, and sometimes when it was too

weather is stickier than

hard, just giving in until she finished

and sometimes things weren’t always

Jellybean to a resort where she had a

caramel on a hot pan. The

screaming. Sometimes it worked, and

dandy, and during those times I had

blast swimming and running around.

terrible thing about these

sometimes it didn’t.

to be more grown up than I was. I had

Obviously, she wanted to go again

always sworn to myself that I would

and again. Jellybean understands the

after a recent screaming match

always keep an open relationship

concept of money to a certain aspect –

between Jellybean and I, she suddenly

with my kids, so that no matter what,

that we need it to pay for things. So we

patient today is because my little

turned towards me a few hours later,

they could at least come and tell me

explained to her that going to a resort

Jellybean taught me a good lesson the

and simply stated, “Tumi amar upor

whatever they wanted to say.

was expensive, and that we were saving

other day. She might be a few months

chillaiso, eijonno ami raag korechi.”

hot summers is that it often increases irritability and decreases patience.

The reason I’m talking about being

shy of four years old, but the wisdom in

What was revealing for me, was

This simple revelation, as to why

It takes me back to when I was a kid,

Now as a parent, I see both sides of

an example, The Husband and I took

up to go again. We didn’t know if it

it. What I had felt as a child, and now

would work, but to our surprise, she

she got angry (because I had yelled at

the circumstances as a parents. Often

stopped bugging us about it.

her), made me speechless. And just the

we are faced with difficult choices

that it is very important to listen to

other day, when I raised my voice on

that we have to make, and they aren’t

but it was worth a try. This way she

our kids, they are always trying to tell

her, she looked at me straight in the

always the perfect choices, but we still

understood that money was important

us something, and we might not be in

face and said, “Amar shonge jore kotha

have to make them. Sometimes things

and that she should value it. Whenever

the mood all the time, but if we don’t

bolbe na.”

are out of our hands, and we try our

she finds a coin or two, she stashes it

best and every day is a learning process.

away in one of her many secret storage

her is way beyond her years.

I’ve learnt time and time again,

listen, we might just miss something important.

Jellybean has always had a temper,

After the intense guilt died down, I asked her if she felt bad when I spoke to

So talk to your kids, explain to them

This tactic might not always work,

places. Sometimes she tells me, “You

her with a raised voice, and she replied

why you do what you do, why things

don’t have this? Okay I will buy it for

and recently we noticed that she would

in the affirmative. I was astounded at

are the way they are. But that doesn’t

you.”

start yelling whenever she wanted

how much maturity my wee one was

mean you should burden them with

something, and would cry until she

displaying at that moment, and so

your problems and issues – kids are

got it. Not wanting to encourage such

clearly explaining to me why she did

smart enough to understand when

behaviour, often we ignored her rants

what she did.

something is wrong, but your problem

or if I was particularly short-tempered that day, I would yell at her.

It took me back, to the many times

shouldn’t be their problem as well. Talk

she tried to tell me things. Whenever

about life, what makes you behave the

One thing experienced parents

she was ill, what was hurting her; when

way you do, why you are displeased

will say, there is absolutely no point

she really was hungry, what she wanted

with something, or pleased with

in yelling at your kid. They learn to

to eat; and when she needed me, why I

something, why you have expectations

yell back, and it becomes a normal

wasn’t there.

from your kids, and so on.

practice to behave in a similar way with

Many times I have ignored it,

It’s very important to raise your

everyone. However, it’s not like we

because I thought she was “just being

kids in a positive environment, and if

didn’t try. All of us at home would try

a kid”. But in all honesty, kids are not

you instil insecurity in them from an

to calm her by speaking to her calmly,

always “just kids” and they understand

early age, it tends to impact them in

or distracting her with something

everything.

the long run without you realising it. As

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 0, 201 6

Sigh!n

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