Weekend Tribune June 17, 2016

vol 4 Issue 9 | FRIDAY, June 17, 2016

Dhaka Tribune

6

Cook Your Own Way

12

Food Diary

20

The Bong Momma

CONTENTS

1

Volume 4 | Issue 9 | June 17, 2016 News

2 News 3 Meanwhile Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features 4 Tailored

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Men’s fashion

5 Tempt

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

Make-up

6

8 Coupons 12 Musings

Cook Your Own Way Kitchen chronicles

14 Ramadan Reflections Anger Management

15 Ramadan Special Planner

17 Ticket Mayasir

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 Getaway Hospitality

Contributors Minu Ahmed Karishma Rahman Farzana Romine Dina Sobhan

Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin

Food Diary

Regulars

9

16 Tough Love 18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma

Photo Story

Flooding in Kutubdia

On the cover

Editor’s note Dear readers, Sliding into the second week of Ramadan, we bring you a sampler of reads to fill your hours.

Since food is on everyone’s mind when they’re not eating it, we’ve got some healthy iftar options, as well as the story of a Bangladeshi Italian chef.

This week, in addition to our fashion and makeup stories, we bring you word of Mayasir’s triumph abroad.

Our handy Ramadan special planner should take a lot

of decision making off your fasting mind, while Ramadan Reflections talks about how to keep your cool when things get rough.

If you want to take a break from the city, we have a special getaway reviewed for you. And don’t forget to take advantage of our coupons!

Have a great week.

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

2 News | This week Orlando gunman kills 49 people at a gay club

A

n American-born man gunned

club desperately called and messaged

down 49 people early Sunday

friends and relatives, police crashed

at a gay nightclub in Orlando,

into the building with an armoured

the deadliest mass shooting in the

vehicle and stun grenades and killed

United States and the nation’s worst

Mateen.

terror attack since 9/11, authorities said.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack on jihadi

The gunman, Omar Mateen, 29, of

Iran vows to burn nuclear agreement if US scraps it

I

ran’s top leader said Tuesday, last

tear the agreement up, we will light

week that if the next U.S. president

it on fire,” Khamenei said in remarks

tears up the nuclear deal, Iran will

published on his official website.

“light it on fire.”

Khamenei has the final say on all major

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali

forums, but ISIS sympathisers have

Khamenei’s remarks appeared to be

Fort Pierce, Florida, was interviewed

reacted by praising the attack on pro-

aimed at presumptive Republican

by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 but was

Islamic State forums.

not found to be a threat, the FBI said.

Mateen called 911 during the

to say this was an

attack to pledge allegiance to ISIS

act of terror and

and mentioned the Boston Marathon

act of hate,”

bombers, according to a U.S. official.

President

Mateen carried an assault rifle

Obama said

and a pistol into the packed Pulse

in an address

club about 2 am Sunday and started

to the nation

shooting, killing 49 people and

from the White

wounding at least 53, officials said.

House.

After a standoff of about three

nominee Donald Trump, who

“We know enough

Photo: AP

has criticised the deal and

The world at a glance

it. Khamenei referred to a “U.S. presidential candidate

Weekend Tribune Desk

hours, while people trapped inside the

Huge number of people arrested during anti-terror drive

vowed to renegotiate

issues in Iran.

He said Iran has fulfilled its obligations under the agreement but that the U.S. was dragging its feet on lifting sanctions in the banking and insurance sectors, and on unfreezing Iranian assets. “The Americans have not carried out an important part of their commitments,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad

threatening to

Javad Zarif plans to meet with

tear the deal up.”

Secretary of State John Kerry in

“We do not violate the deal, but if the other party violates it, if they

Germany later this week to discuss the implementation of the deal, which went into effect in January.

Photo: AP

NATO boosts eastern presence ahead of key summit complacency and into a major revamp to boost its readiness and resources to meet a host of new security challenges.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg

L

said ministers agreed to deploy four

aw enforcers have

“robust” multinational battalions to

arrested a total of 11,647

Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland --

people across Bangladesh

all once ruled from Moscow and deeply

in the last week during their drive

suspicious of Russian intentions.

against militants.

Additionally, “we will take tailored

A total of 5,287 people were

measures to enhance our defence and

arrested by the lawmen on the

deterrence in the Black Sea region,”

first and second day while 3,245

Stoltenberg said, citing a Romanian

people were held on the third day.

offer to host a similar unit.

According to a media

“This sends a clear message. If any

statement, 26 of the arrestees are

of our allies is attacked, the whole

suspected militants and 2,368 are

alliance will respond as one,” he said.

wanted in various cases.

Of the rest, 295 are accused in narcotics cases, 38 in firearms cases and 388 were accused in different other cases.

Source: Dhaka Tribune

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

N

Stoltenberg stressed NATO did not seek confrontation with Russia and

ATO defence ministers last

a major build-up to counter a more

wanted a constructive dialogue but it

week approved sending

assertive Russia.

would defend the 28 allies against any

battalions to the three Baltic

Russia’s 2014 intervention in

states and Poland just weeks before a

Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea

landmark summit in Warsaw endorses

stung NATO out of its post-Cold War

threat.

Photo: AP

. . . Meanwhile

3

Photo of the week

Aerial view of Dhaka city’s Khilkhet area Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu

Pigs go whole hog in race to predict brexit outcome

F

orget the opinion polls and

Britons to vote “Out” in the June 23

betting odds, one English farmer

referendum.

has his own way of predicting

As the latest polls show growing

the outcome of Britain’s looming

momentum for the “Leave” camp, the

referendum on whether to stay in the

farm in southwest England is putting

European Union or leave - racing his

four pigs to the test each afternoon on a

miniature pigs.

150 yard (137m) long course, with both

The pigs of Pennywell Farm in Devon successfully predicted the

say what?

sides represented.

Racing for the “Remain” camp

outcome of Britain’s national election

are ‘David Hameron’ and ‘George

last year and are again fighting it out on

Hogsborne’, a play on the name of

the track in some political racing that

finance minister George Osborne. For

rival the “Remain” and “Leave” sides’

the “Leave” camp the racers are ‘Boar-

spectators cheered as David Hameron,

own campaign battles.

is Johnson’ and ‘Iain Duncan Sniff’, a

George Hogsborne and Iain Duncan

in the EU and just one for leaving,” the race compere announced.

“We’ve had three votes for staying

Prime Minister David Cameron is

reference to leading Eurosceptic and

Sniff rushed off, easily clearing the

leading the “In” campaign and former

Conservative ex-cabinet minister Iain

hurdles, while Boar-is Johnson trailed

London mayor Boris Johnson, also from

Duncan Smith.

behind. The result in the end was

races daily up until the vote.

decisive.

News and photo: Huffington post

the ruling Conservative Party, is urging

Once the starting gate was opened,

Pennywell Farm will conduct the

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

4 Tailored | Men’s fashion

Style essentials summer 2016 It’s all about this fashionable essentials to keep you looking your best Mahmood Hossain

to remind you why

Inside the closet

closed-toed shoes, no hassle with

exactly we need

The choice of outfits is more about

laces, and firm enough to give the right

sunscreen in a country

functionality than pure style during the

amount of grip and support for your

like this. The next on

month of Ramadan. Doesn’t matter if

feet. And unlike the espadrilles, these

the list should be a

it’s raining or it’s scorching hot, there’s

don’t look too lazy, as if you weren’t

proper moisturiser.

a list of items that you’ll want to wear

giving enough attention or effort to

Nothing too thick or

this season. What’s in is not only trendy

your feet. Now, these obviously can’t be

rich, as your natural

but functional to total effect.

taken into the boardroom, but you can

oils in a city like Dhaka

A slim-fit button-down linen shirt

easily slip these off and hop into your

will do enough on its

should be your go-to for the everyday

own. A moisturiser

look. For obvious reasons, the fabric

D-frames are something you don’t

that has a matte finish

will feel great on you and leave you

hear often. You’ve got your staples, the

is the perfect product

with plenty of breathing room. Now,

Aviator and Wayfarer, but the d-frame

to keep and use.

for the design itself. It’s a classic

sunglasses are the preferred choice of

As usual, apply the

button-down look that can easily be

the countless stylish men in summer.

moisturiser lightly,

incorporated with chinos or dressy

D-frame has a thicker brow bar up top

we don’t want your

jeans, and let’s not forget about it

and thin lens edges. If you were to

pores unnecessarily

settling beautifully under a blazer

prop the shades vertically, you could

suffocating.

or sports coat. The shirt, however,

see the “D” silhouette. Here’s the cool

shouldn’t be used for formal events,

part, this design pretty much suits all

shaving basics. Always

given the natural wrinkles from the

face shapes. Don’t feel afraid to try a

have your trusty razor

fabric and casual design.

few pairs on before making the plunge.

You also have your

wherever you go. You

There are loafers, espadrilles and

traditional lace-ups after.

Every aspect of your face needs to

never know when

sandals that are perfectly fine for the

be protected, whether they be well

you’ll have that last

summer months. However, one must

groomed or not. Let’s not forget the

minute meeting with

take careful consideration towards

many leading men who have graced

people who make

function and comfort. The ideal shoes

us with these shades. Steve McQueen,

that it’s not just about the

Y

very important decisions. The razor in

to rock, your everyday pair, are some

Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling ring a few

clothes. You must groom

your home can stay in your bathroom.

canvas slip-on sneakers. They are

bells? n

yourself accordingly.

Invest in a more sporty razor for the

ou should know by now

This season, we take a look at the

road. The same goes for the shaving

style essentials that start from your

gel. That’s right, gel, and not standard

wardrobe to your comfy wash bag.

foam or cream. You want the smoothest

The wash bag essentials First thing is first, before you look good, you must feel good. And the best way

shave, and the quickest. Keep that face hydrated with the closest shave possible with the right tools.

As for the wash bag itself, quality

to start any day, or press the refresh

bags made by Made In Bangladesh

button at a random point, starts with

packs plenty of bang for your buck. The

your face. It doesn’t matter if you’ve

workmanship and design is not only

kept a beard or decided to shave your

stylish but eco-friendly. Not to mention

face clean, keeping your face fresh is

ridiculously affordable at Tk700. Keep

not a negotiation. A proper face wash is

in mind, every single piece should be

of top priority. No, it doesn’t mean you

travel size. We want to neatly place as

have to shell out thousands. Garnier

much as we can in your wash bag so

Men Oil Clear is one of the more ideal

leave some breathing room for those

face washes to have in your wash bag.

everyday essentials.

Sunscreen, on the other hand, might cost a tad more. We don’t need Illustrations: Priyo

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

Make-up | Tempt

5

Brows before Bros!

Karishma Rahman

E

Photo: Courtesy

yelashes and eyebrows are

your eyebrows will end up looking

gel to brush the wild hairs into place if

two things that I always feel

like permanent marker doodles.

they aren’t behaving well some days.

pull together any make-up look. Everything just sort of

E) Try to match the shade as close

This helps me visualize the shape I will

Tips

1

For times when you’re not able to keep them in shape

to your original hair colour for

be drawing in and works as a wonderful

and have bits of hair here and

looks alien without them. Fill in your

best results. Always use whatever

guide.

there. Follow the above steps. Draw

brows and pop some lashes on and

product (pencil, pomade, powder,

voila! you look like a million bucks!

etc) LIGHT HANDEDLY. Don’t lose

Step 3:

would normally and naturally do.

patience. Please. You want this to

I use my Anastasia Beverly Hills

Then take a small lip brush and dip

to me. Starting from grooming

blend into your makeover as nicely

Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate very

it into your concealer and carve

them properly to shaping them into

and naturally as possible.

light handedly to draw the outline as

your brows out. Your highlight

you can see in the picture. This can also

bone and above your brows, this

be done with a sharp eyebrow pencil in

will clean out any mess you’ve

Eyebrows are extremely essential

perfection, it’s a sensitive part of your

in and fill in your brows as you

makeover and a little always goes a

Grooming

long way. It’s necessary for you to

I don’t do super drawn in and carved

a colour close to your hair. Remember

made and also hide the small hairs

understand a few things before you

out, vividly prominent dark eyebrows.

to not make the lines too harsh or else it

making it look like your eyebrows

start your eyebrow journey,

I like to fill them in and shape them as

won’t blend in well.

have never been out of shape!

A) Don’t allow the parlour ladies to

lightly as possible so I use very minimal

thread your eyebrow too thin. They

products and techniques. They’re as

Step 4:

usually ALWAYS end up doing

simple as four little steps.

Blend. Blend. Blend! I take a bit more of

that and it looks very unnatural sometimes.

2

Use castor oil on your eyebrows before going to bed

the pomade and use my eyebrow brush

every night. It nourishes the hair and helps them grow thicker.

Step 1:

from Zoeva to very lightly fill in the

B) Allow your eyebrow to take its own

Keep my brows in shape. I make sure I

brows and any sparse area. I go in with

shape. Don’t try to force an arch or

thread them every 2-3 weeks or so and

a little more pressure towards the outer

shape onto it that it won’t naturally

before any makeover if there is any hair

ends and my arch and very light feather

take up. These are very prominent

sticking out, I’ll quickly grab a tweezer

strokes in the inner areas. This ensures

mascara and wipe as much product

and anything unnatural will look

and take care of them. Keeping them in

that my eyebrows are not looking too

as you can off the wand and VERY

extremely weird.

shape always helps a lot and it also cuts

fake or tattooed.

light brush it along your eyebrows.

C) The trick is to comb the inner 2/3 as

my makeover time into half.

wide as possible and slowly arch into

This is my go to eyebrow routine

3

3. For times when you don’t have enough time, take any

They will still end up looking

and it is super simple. Practice always

groomed enough for you to last the

Step 2:

makes perfect and you will soon

day.

D) NEVER use a black pencil or powder

I’ll take a spoolie and brush the hair

develop your own go to routine once

because it will look too dark and

into place. Sometimes I’ll use a brow

you get the hang of doing it. n

a beautiful thin line towards the end.

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

6 Cook your own way | Kitchen chronicles

Treats for iftar

Are you looking for something easy, quick and delicious for Iftar? These three recipes are very easy to make but doesn’t compromise with flavours. These are also great for any occasion, and not only for Iftar Farzana Romine

Stir fried chicken kabab Making kabab is hard work, specially over charcoal. This recipe doesn’t require charcoal, yet you will get almost all the smoky flavours of kabab with very little effort.

Ingredients: • 2 chicken breasts • 1/2 tbsp ginger paste • 1 tsp garlic paste • 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder • 1/4 tsp mace powder • 1/4 tsp roasted cumin powder • 1/4 tsp coriander powder • 2 cardamom pods, ground to a powder • 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder • 1/2 tsp red chili powder • 1/2 cup yoghurt or buttermilk • 1/4 cup mustard oil or vegetable oil • 1 cup onion thickly sliced.

• Salt to taste

Directions:

Slice the chicken breasts thinly.

Marinate the chicken with all the spices except onion, salt and the oil.

Allow to marinate in the fridge for two to three hours or more if you have time.

When you are ready to cook, add the salt to the chicken and mix well.

In a wide heavy bottom frying pan, heat the oil on high. Put the chicken in the pan and stir fry it over high heat until it is cooked through and starts to get a little charred.

Once the chicken is cooked through, add the sliced onions.

Cook for another one to two minutes.

Serve hot with paratha and raita.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

7

Grilled Corn Salad Ingredients:

cool a little. Take a sharp

• 2 fresh corn cobs

knife and cut the corn

• 1 cucumber

kernels off.

• 1 large tomato • 1/3 cup crumbled cheese (any cheese you like)

For the dressing:

To make the salad, cut the cucumber and tomato into cubes. Mix them with the corn. Mix half of the cheese and

• 2 tbsp olive oil

save rest to sprinkle over

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

the top.

• 1 tbsp honey

In a separate bowl

• 1 tsp yellow mustard

mix the dressing

• Salt and pepper

ingredients. Pour

Directions: First you have to grill the corn. Take the fresh corn cobs and remove the husks.

over the salad and mix well, then serve immediately.

Tip: You can use

Sprinkle olive oil, salt and a little chilli

canned corn kernels in this

powder.

recipe too. Just drain well, mix

You can grill the corn in two ways.

salt, oil and chilli powder and

You can char it over direct fire or you

fry in a very hot pan until some of

can grill it on a griddle pan. Once the

the kernels are charred and take on a

corn is nice and evenly charred, let it

smoky flavour.

Parmesan crusted chicken with honey mustard sauce Ingredients:

worcestershire sauce and salt. Set aside

• 2 chicken breasts

to marinate for 15 minutes.

• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce

Mix the cheese and breadcrumbs

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

together. You can also add some dried

• 1/2 cup bread crumb

herbs, like oregano, basil and thyme to

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

this mixture.

• 1 egg

Now lightly pat the chicken in dry

• Flour as needed

flour, then dip it in the beaten egg,

• Salt to taste

and finally transfer it to the bread crumbs. Coat the chicken in the bread

For the honey mustard sauce:

crumb mix. After all four pieces are

• 2 tbsp honey

crumb-coated, keep in the fridge for 30

• 1 tbsp Dijon or any yellow mustard

minutes. This helps the crumb stick to

• 1 tsp lemon juice

the chicken well.

• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp salt

Heat 1/4 cup oil in a medium frying pan. Fry the chicken breasts over medium heat, until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.

Directions: Mix all the ingredients for the sauce

Serve hot with your favourite sides

and set aside.

like mashed potato, boiled vegetables

Slice each chicken breast into two

and salad. n

thin slices. Add the black pepper,

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

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

8 Offers | Coupons

Special Deals This Ramadan, there’s another reason to love Weekend Tribune. Take this page with you to the outlets mentioned below for exciting offers.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

Flooding in Kutubdia | Photo Story

9

Standing against the rising tides For many of us, the monsoon rains bring some much needed respite from the sweltering summer heat. But in places like Kutubdia in Cox’s Bazaar, the heavy rains mix with the saline waters of the sea and pose serious threats to the fertility of the soil. This week, we look at how residents in Kutubdia struggle and survive against the rising tides and despite all odds, go about their daily lives.

Photos: Jahidul Islam Sajal

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

10 Photo Story | Flooding in Kutubdia

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

11

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

12 Musings | Food Diary

A perfect Italian dinner Conversations with chef Farhadur Rahman

Mahmood Sadi

T

o Italians, gesturing comes

Corleone was brought back from the

ingredients that were common in Italy,

naturally. Some Italians joke

hospital after suspected sabotage

and had to find alternatives instead.

that gesturing may even

from a rival group, and the security in

begin before birth. The chefs

his villa was enhanced. Amidst that,

from all quarters to adapt to different

of Italian cuisine however, don’t take

the guards were cooking pasta. It was

tastes. For example, Italian foods use

this habit so lightly. In fact, many think

like a festival, and they were talking

lots of wine but in a city like Toronto,

that this gesturing is related to their

about garlic, sauce. It struck me. I get

you will have lots of Muslim customers

food.

fascinated with the passion of Italian

who want good Italian food without

people for food.”

alcohol content. I have to make food for

“Italian food is so tasty that you cannot express its taste with mere

According to Rahman, the best

“Besides, there are innovations now

them without compromising the taste,” he explained.

words. You have to use gestures. There

part of Italian cuisine is its variations.

is a saying in Sardinia that the child

Every single region of Italy has its own

in the mother’s womb also learns to

recipe and the subtle differences in

for most Italian food. You have to cook

use gestures because of the food his/

ingredients and cooking style make an

with fresh ingredients and serve right

her mother eats,” said a chef of Italian

ocean of difference in taste. “I learnt

away.”

cuisine I happen to know.

from some very passionate chefs of

“However, one thing stays the same

At the dinner, Rahman greeted me

Italian cuisine of New York. I also

with a big smile and flour on his hands.

included one I was not familiar with -

worked in Atlantic City during summer

“I am making pasta from scratch. Pasta,

corkscrewing his index finger into the

to learn more about Italian cuisine.”

to be good, must be freshly made,” he

He gestured while saying this, which

cheek.

“This gesture means ‘Delizioso,’” I

“I pride myself on having a profound understanding of what Italian food is

said.

We started with oven-fresh

Photos: Courtesy

of Italian cuisine.”

He cooked the chicken breasts for about two minutes per side, until they were golden brown. He then transferred

was informed. “It’s a gesture parents

and what makes it authentic. I know

garlic bread as appetizer, a fluffy yet

those to a baking sheet and topped each

use to encourage children to eat. I have

the difference between carciofi alla

wonderfully crispy creation that was

piece with tomato sauce, a few slices

three kids, and this is a gesture I often

giudea, twice-fried artichokes in the

only enhanced by slight taste of garlic,

of mozzarella, salt and pepper, and a

use when they don’t want to eat.”

style of the Roman ghetto, and carciofi

and a rich, slight spicy tomato-basil dip

tablespoon of parmesan.

alla romana, braised artichokes with

to go with it.

It is hard to believe that this is truly

“I love fresh basil,” shared Rahman,

These were then baked until the chicken cooked through and the cheese

the case in his home, since the chef in

garlic and mint in the style of Rome.

question is the Chef de partie of Italian

I know that acqua cotta, one of the

showing me the herb in a tub. “Its

melted, which took around 5 to 7

cuisine of Toronto Sheraton. However,

classics of Tuscan cooking, comes

flavour makes you feel like you are in a

minutes. To serve, he put the chicken

he is not an Italian, but a Bangladeshi.

in at least three radically different

garden.”

breasts over a fresh plate of pasta,

Chef Farhadur Rahman has been

versions depending on what part of

The bread was followed by

garnished with basil or parsley leaves as well some fresh salad.

living in USA since the mid nineties.

Tuscany you are in. I know that even if

bruschetta, with the taste of feta

Although he was a student of Applied

an Italian would never sprinkle grated

cheese along with minced beef and

Physics in Dhaka University, physics

Parmigiano over his shellfish pasta, he

sun-dried tomato slice balancing the

a wonder to taste, with the flavours

was never his passion.

would happily eat crostini with melted

toasted bread perfectly. “Bruschetta is

coming together like nothing I have

mozzarella and anchovies.”

a popular dish in Sicily and Sardinia,

had before. In answer to the chef’s

which are two islands that have

questions on the quality of the dish,

Rahman’s house at Victoria Park for

strong influences of Greek cuisine,” he

I could only nod with a mouth full of

a dinner, and the menu was chicken

explained.

food.

Even as a student in Dhaka, Rahman used to work in the kitchen of Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, not just because of money but for his love for food.

“It was a great experience though,

To demonstrate, I was invited to

parmesan and pasta.

“It’s not a pure Italian dish, it’s an

I watched the chef at work while

This delectable Italian creation was

For dessert, Farhadur Rahman

he prepared the main course. After

brought out one of his prized

inside the kitchen of Sonargaon,”

Italian-American one. I have seen many

completing the pasta, Farhadur

possessions - a vintage coffee maker

recollected Rahman. “There was not

authentic Italian chefs cringe when

seasoned chicken breast pieces on both

and a wooden box with at least 20 types

that many eateries in Dhaka at the time.

Americans do strange things to their

sides with salt and pepper, dredged

of espresso shots. “You have to have

Sonargaon was the only five star ranked

classic Italian food. Dishes like Chicken

each breast in the flour, dipped in

good coffee after an Italian dinner,” he

hotel in Dhaka beside Dhaka Sheraton.

Parmesan or Spaghetti and meatballs

egg and let the excess drip off, then

said.

It was there that I learnt that I belong in

are never appreciated by the authentic

dredged again on both sides with bread

the kitchen.”

Italian chef,” shared Rahman.

crumbs.

Farhadur Rahman revealed that he

However, there is no denying

Then he poured olive oil onto the

I chose one named ‘Fortisio Lungo’.

I didn’t know it was , but suffice to say, it was one of the best cups of coffee I

was always passionate about Italian

that Italian immigration to the US

pan. “Olive oil is so important to the

had ever had. A perfect ending to a true

cuisine, which has something to do

has influenced the way Italian food

Italians, they even love to write poetry

Italian meal. n

with the movie Godfather.

is cooked, since back when they

about it. I think olive oil, tomato and

emigrated they were unable to use the

basil are the three essential ingredients

“There was one scene where Vito

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

Getaway | Hospitality

13

Windy Terrace Hotel A relaxing boutique hotel in the bay of Bengal Moumita Ahmed holidays are just around the

S

city life and exploring other beautiful

corner. People living in the

regions is usually the first option. And

city in this festive month are

what better way can one do so, than to

ummer is here and the Eid

Taking some time off from the hectic Photos: Courtesy

worried about the constant presence of

walk on the sandy and scenic beaches

city. One can choose from a wide range

special guests. The hotel is financed by

the chaotic traffic, and looking to buy

of the country? We’re of course talking

of well-known luxurious hotels to the

Dhaka Mercantile Co-Operative Bank

the best things for themselves and their

about the glorious 125km long beach of

more affordable ones, depending on

Ltd.

loved ones. It’s only fair that people

Cox’s Bazar.

their capability. Amongst them one

want to escape from all this, and this

In recent years, this place has

Windy Terrace is managed by an

that stands out is a brand new boutique

enthusiastic and experienced team

hotel, Windy Terrace Hotel.

under the supervision of Gustar

leads them to look around for places

seen such a great influx of visitors

to escape to and enjoy some peace and

from home and abroad that it is not

calm, either by themselves or with their

at all surprising that hotels have

set in the surrounding of the world’s

renowned hospitality management

closed ones.

mushroomed in every corner of the

longest sea beach. Strategically located

group of Switzerland.

Windy Terrace Hotel is a wonder

in an area which is most convenient

Hoteliers and Restaurateurs, a

Beyond the business, this boutique

for tourists, Windy Terrace is the a

hotel is keen to promote local and

combination of luxury, heart warming

traditional culture through arranging

hospitality, and admirable service.

cultural programs. It also has plan to

The hotel can be one of the best

train up local youth in the hospitality

destinations at Cox’s Bazar for both

industry by arranging different training

business and leisure travelers.

programs that can help them to find

It is a not only a hotel, it is a dream venture for M Hanifur Rahman,

employment.

The hotel has sixty king and twin

Managing Director of Gustar Hoteliers

rooms. It has one restaurant, named

and Restaurateurs and Helvetia.

Chandradwip, located on the top floor

Rahman took it to the next level

(ninth), which serves quality food with

with his courage, long term vision,

a capacity to seat one hundred people.

and passion about the hospitality

The other one is Helvetia, located at the

industry. He has vast experience in

first floor.

the hospitality industry, both at the

The management of the hotel

local and international level. This

believe that they will set a bench mark

modern and chic hotel has been

in the business of the boutique hotels

craftily designed by one of the most

in Bangladesh through international

experienced architects of the country,

level service.

Ferdous Ahmed, the Director of the Prokalpa Upodeshta Ltd. The grand opening of Windy

Its services include Wi-Fi, complementary airport pick up and drop off, laundry services, spa,

Terrace took place on April 2nd, 2016.

complimentary mineral water in

The hotel was inaugurated by Group

rooms, tea/coffee maker, mini bar,

Captain (ETD) Abu Zafar Chowdhury,

complimentary toiletries and a lot

Vice Chairman of Dhaka Mercantile

more. Each room is entitled to two

Co-Operative Bank Ltd, and M Hanifur

complimentary breakfasts and two

Rahman, Managing Director of

children under five years.

Gustar Hoteliers and Restaurateurs

So if you are looking for a place

and Helvetia, delivered the welcome

to visit and pamper yourself this Eid

speech. Laurent Myter, Executive Vice

holiday, Windy Terrace Hotel would not

President, YTL Hotels, Malaysia; and

disappoint you and the lovely stay will

Liton Boul, GM, Bangladesh Brand

make your trip totally worthwhile. n

Forum, were present on the occasion as

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

14 Ramadan reflections | Anger management

Reducing that rage Things to do to keep that anger at bay during Ramadan

Moumita Ahmed heat of the moment which we clearly do not mean at all. This does not necessarily make us bad people, but it also becomes pointless to contemplate, especially when it’s too late. Hence we should try to control our temper to the best of our possibilities.

The best way of course would be self awareness. No one can guide us or control our emotions for us. We, who claim to be God’s greatest creations, and have been sent to this world with minds of our own, should take advantage of that. Think about the future consequences before you do something rash. If we can think and realise that our actions, when in anger will not lead to anything positive, then automatically our inner conscience will stop us from doing things that have unalterable consequences.

When in anger, always try not to reciprocate, even when the other person is being very rude. You either walk away from the situation, or talk to that person after both of you have calmed down. Rather than proving your point right away, the ideal thing would be to have some patience and to explain your opinions at a later date. This will not only help you, but also make the other person realise his mistakes. If worst comes to worst, it is better not to interact with that person or on the issue any more and do what we think is best for all.

One other solution to avoid getting angry at people or situations would be Photos: Bigstock

giving the other party the benefit of the doubt. This means that you should

deep reflections and

T

this matter. Because let’s be honest,

we made. People promise to themselves

should put ourselves in other people’s

contemplation is upon us.

we have all been a victim of this sin.

to stay away from the cardinal sins, but

shoes and try to consider their situation

It is not easy for one to let

Be it bargaining with the shopkeepers,

many of us unintentionally commit

as well. Try not to consume yourself by

go of the vices and exercise control.

yelling at the rickshaw pullers, getting

one by not being able to control sudden

thinking about the matter over and over

But it becomes much harder when the

upset at unreasonable prices, or

outbursts of anger and rage.

again. But distract yourself with other

thermometers are boiling due to the

just cursing under our breath at the

scorching heat.

horrendous traffic on the narrow roads

advised his followers not to become

of the city, eventually we deeply regret

angry. “A strong person is not one who

control our emotions, however we

those actions of ours.

is able to wrestle others down but one

forget that only we can control our

who is able to control his anger,” said

emotions and feelings. We have to be

The Prophet.

strong and should not let the negative

he holy month of repentance,

We all try to do the best we can to restrain ourselves, however it is not uncommon to become easily agitated

not take things personally, and should We should not judge anyone on

Even though one cannot be fully

and the soaring temperatures and

blamed for not being able to control his

hunger aggravates the situation by

or her anger, we nevertheless, should

many folds.

not forget that in doing so, we are

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

failing to fulfil the commitments that

overlook and be open to discussion. We

The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)

It is true that we tend to take a lot of steps and say many things in the

work and activities that calm you down.

We always assume that we cannot

energy overwhelm us in any way. n

Planner | Ramadan special

15

Ramadan planner week 2

Amreen Rahman Visit your tailor

ready to set it all up next week.

The ultimate Eid conundrum is the

Book your tickets

dreaded problem of getting your Eid

If you’ve got plans to go to your

clothes from your tailor. There really

hometown or go for a family vacay,

is only one way to make sure you’re

book your tickets at the beginning of

getting your Eid outfits on time and

this week. Not only will you get better

that is by having all your three-piece

rates, you can also make sure you find

suits, loose materials and even ready-

the best airfare deals. Along with your

made outfits at his shop no later than

tickets, book your hotel and figure out

by the end of the second week of

your itinerary.

Ramadan. Although there is no such least you know he won’t be able to

Practice constraint – it’s Ramadan after all

pull the tried and tested excuse of not

Try to approach the second week

having enough time to alter/stitch your

with a goal-oriented mind. For Sunah,

outfits. Not only will you be able to

you may choose a number of actions:

have clothes fitted, this will also leave

preserving water while making wudu,

you time for last minute fittings and

saying dua upon entering Masjid,

touch-ups.

stopping eating before you are full,

thing as “ample” time for a tailor, at

Photo: Bigstock

W

ith the second week

expenses. With bank Eid holidays set

of Ramadan well

around the first week of next month,

under way, we’ve

now is the time to get all your bank

finally started to

chores out of the way. Making deposits,

get ourselves accustomed to our

withdrawals and getting change notes

new routines. To ensure that you’re

for sadqa - get it sorted now. Also, if

making the most of this month and

you are planning a Eid vacation, you

getting things checked off your to-do

can get your travel expenses ready as

list, we’ve listed our go-to tips for the

well.

second week of Ramadan, allowing you to really be able to maximise the

Go gift-hopping

blessings of this month.

It may have seemed like the first

Try to approach the second week with a goal-oriented mind

using leftovers for next day’s Iftar

week of Ramadan went by in a blink.

Check on your fixtures and fittings

With the second week settling in, it’s

Ramadan usually means the house

night duaa’s, reciting 10 names of

Stepping into week two, try to keep a

time you begin to work on your Eid

is in a state of constant domestic

Allah, memorising a small dua or

tally of how much you’ve spent and

shopping list to relieve you of the last

chaos. New routines, meal plans and

even listening to Quran recitation. For

where. This is the time to keep your

minute shopping frenzy. Last week

schedules make managing your home

your Salah blessings, you can go for

budget in check to ensure that you

you may have listed out the shopping

a difficult task. If you do have plans to

salatul Jummah, read two rakats after

aren’t in a monetary crunch prior to

necessities, but this week it is time to

deck out your home in all its holiday

Isha or pray masjid salutaion prayer

Eid. Check back on your budget to

finalise it all to have a concrete plan.

glory, now is the time to give your

before Jumah prayer. As for Sadaqa,

see if you’ve overspent in any one

If you have children in the family - ask

home fixtures and fitting a check.

any plans you had to donate can be

area - if you have, find ways to cut

them for their wishlists too. This is the

The checklist should include A/C’s,

implemented this week. You can set

back on other areas. Once you’ve got

perfect time to get cracking since not

cupboards, your refrigerator and any

an amount for each member of your

your finances in check it’s time to plan

only will you have lighter traffic, you

bulbs or lights that may need to be

family and donate to a mosque or the

expenses - specifically any salaries

can also avoid the last-minute crowds

replaced. Look around and make a

needy. Sadaqa doesn’t necessarily

you need to pay, and any Eid bonus

that are commonplace during the last

list of what needs to be fixed, painted

have to mean donations - you can visit

you have to give to your employees.

week of Ramadan. If you can manage

or restocked. Depending on how you

an ill person or a newborn baby, help

It’s best to give it now rather than next

to get the Eid gift shopping out of the

want to decorate your house for Eid,

someone in need or volunteer your

week as many rely on their bonus and/

way this week, you can save yourself

just find out if you have everything you

time too. n

or advance payment to cover their Eid

from running to the malls last minute.

need (spare bulbs, batteries, etc) to get

Complete your banking chores

etc. For Thikr, you and your children can make a nightly routine of saying

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

16 Tough Love | Dina Sobhan

Cranky aunty, cranky me Dear Dina, I have this paternal aunt who lives abroad.

When I was completing my higher education abroad, she was kind enough to let me stay with her, and helped me out with some of the expenses when I went through a difficult time.

After I graduated and moved out, and eventually got married and settled down, she started getting passive aggressive for some reason. She’d send me and my parents these toxic emails, vaguely hinting at my “selfish” and “manipulative” nature, and she’d keep reminding us about everything she did for us.

Assuming that she was talking about the money she helped me out with, I have started paying her back in regular instalments.

Rather than being appeased, she has stepped up her criticism of me. I personally am not bothered by the meanness, but my parents get very upset. When confronted, she doesn’t give us a straight answer either. How do I deal with this?

This reminds me of the old fairy tale about the pregnant woman who stole a cabbage from the witch’s

Illustration: Bigstock

garden and had to repay her with her firstborn child. In other words, no amount of gratitude will ever be enough for your spinster aunt. You were meant to stay and remain her constant companion, playing games of canasta late into the early evening and spoon

Dear Dina,

angrier I get. It’s like I get a perverse

as closely resembling your poor, beat

I grew up around a father

sort of satisfaction at seeing him cower

down mother to enact the role of your

who was very emotionally

in front of me. After I’ve inevitably

father on. While you might wonder

abusive towards my mother.

driven him to tears, the anger fades to

why on God’s glorious green earth

While he never raised a hand to her,

guilt, shame, and self loathing, and I

anyone would want to act like that, the simple answer is: control. You

or any of us, he would undermine her,

realise that I have become the thing I

feeding her khichuri when

and later us, with constant criticism,

fear and hate the most - a bully, like

feel good taking it away from your

her strength failed her. The

negativity, snide comments and

my father. The question I have is - how

husband just like your dad did from

mistake you made was daring

veiled threats. By the time I was in

do I break out of this? How do I change

your mom. Now that you know what

to leave and start a life of your

university, my mother had gone from

and become the kind of wife that my

it’s about, are you going to stop doing

own, for which you must now

a carefree, smiling, and self-assured

dear husband deserves?

it? Probably not. You don’t respect

suffer her slights and insults.

woman, to a timid, self-doubting

Sincerely, Rawr

your husband and the power dynamic

However, if I were you, I would

mess. I told myself I would never let

stop snivelling and feel some

myself get into her situation. By the

Dear Rawr,

right itself. You need therapy – a lot of

sympathy for the old bird

grace of Allah, I married the sweetest,

I suppose I should be

therapy – to work through your daddy

instead. Your presence was

most considerate of men. My husband

happy that you are the

issues. And then the two of you will

probably the high point in her

wouldn’t hurt a fly, let alone do

aggressor and not the

need couples counselling. And then

lonely existence and she must

anything to upset me. I should be more

usual stereotype of the snivelling

maybe you’ll become the ‘kind of wife

now live out her ‘golden’ years

grateful, and I am. However, I find

bou, but somehow this all seems

your husband deserves’. But then that

eating with her cat while you

myself flying off the handle whenever

very unpleasant. Basic psychology

begs the question, why did he marry

frolic among your loved ones.

something goes wrong at home, and the

would dictate that you went and

you?

more he tries to accommodate me, the

deliberately found yourself someone

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

between the two of you may never

Mayasir | Ticket

17

Threads of heritage WT Desk

A

Photos: Courtesy

fashion event held in

in the textile regions of Bangladesh and

Bangkok, Thailand,

has inspired jewellers, artisans, metal

organised by Bangladesh

smiths, potters and many other master

Embassy in Bangkok on

craftsmen.

the May 30, showcased a collection

Her work revolutionised and opened

by Maheen Khan from her signature

new doors for the fashion industry in

Mayasir Couture.

Bangladesh. She believes her journey

Maheen Khan’s design vocabulary

as a designer has allowed her to

speaks about her roots. Her collection

reinvent her work every season with a

is eclectic with pieces that are three

renewed goal and objective. Currently

dimensional and playful. Shibori, a

she supports 3,000 rural women with

stitch resist dyeing and a reverse hand

income generating activities.

appliqué is applied on her designs to

She participated in many events

add a rhythmic story to her line. Saris

around the world. Her work has been

are inspired by her Bangladeshi folk

showcased in London, Paris, Zurich,

traditions called the “Nakshi Kantha.”

New York, Singapore as well as many

Maheen Khan expressed her

other SAARC countries. Maheen has

pleasure to be associated with this

also represented Bangladesh on the

fashion event and hopes that her

ramp at Bridal Asia for a number of

participation will further enrich the

years in New Delhi. She would like to

friendship between Bangladesh and

make a worthwhile contribution in the

Thailand.

development of the fashion industry in

Khan’s professional carrier spans over 30 years giving her a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to

Bangladesh that will positively support the design fraternity.

A graduate of Parson’s School of

work from. She works with artisans,

Design 1992 and The Fashion Institute

which allows her to infuse Bangladeshi

of Design and Merchandising 1988,

craftsmanship and textile heritage with

Khan is the founder president of The

fashion silhouettes. Her signature style

Fashion Design Council Bangladesh.

is to combine traditional aesthetics with modern designs.

Maheen Khan pioneered in

Maheen Khan has received the following awards: Textile Association of Los Angeles (TALA) in 1987, Nari

developing the fashion industry in

Persona in 2012, Ananya Shirsho

Bangladesh contributing greatly in its

Dash in 1995, Style Guru in 2011, and

growth and innovation. She has worked

Eisenhower Fellowships in 2012. n

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

18 stay in Clues ACROSS 1 Exhibitor of bathroom equipment (6) 6 Engine part shown backwards and forwards (5) 7 The Spanish tie rearranged to be special (5) 8 Venerable month (6)

DOWN 2 Fish as woman’s jewellery (7) 3 Edit news and sit to observe (7) 4 Royal Academy depend on, but not often (6) 5 Iceman transformed film (6)

Sudoku

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- You’ve been blaming yourself or feeling guilty for the way certain events have panned out.

The key may be to take responsibility for what you can control and let go of the

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

rest.

Taurus (Apr 20-May20)- You may need to look at where you’re frittering away your cash. One area could be linked with your social life.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)- The coming week could encourage you to connect and network and as a result tap in to opportunities that are very good for you. Allow your curiosity to lead you to websites, books, and groups that could make a difference in your life.

Cancer (June 21-Jul22)- Time management could be crucial to your success in a number of ways. A continued focus on the private sector of your chart encourages you to get in touch with your heart’s desire.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)-Your social life continues to buzz as an active presence in your social sector brings opportunities to mingle. There is even a chance of an

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

instant attraction on Tuesday.

Last week’s solutions

Last week’s sudoku solutions

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)- Connecting with those in your industry or associated with your professional goals could enhance your chances considerably over the week ahead.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- If you meet up with someone while on vacation, it’s equally possible that you could strike up a friendship or even romance. Later in the week, abandon tact and be blunt if someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do.

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- The present alignment could find you considering

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)

business ideas in your search for one that is just right for you. You may find a number of opportunities that look quite promising once you start looking.

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- You’ll need to do the groundwork in order to make the most of it. Start now and you’ll be in the perfect position to go ahead in a couple of weeks.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- Health and wellness issues continue to attract your attention. When it comes to exercise, the current backdrop suggests you’d do well to join a club or work out with a buddy.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- Creative thinking could be at a peak, perhaps encouraging you to try something new.

Problem solving might be a lot easier, too.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- Purchasing items for the home might be fun. You may snap up an item that has the potential to solve at least one domestic or kitchenrelated issue.

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

horoscopes

Mini cryptics

Go out

19

Weekly Planner June 17 June 17

Exhibition | Era House Eid Exhibition XIII

Exhibition | Rabita Rashid’s Eid Al Fitr Collection 2016 Exhibition When 11am Where Meraki, House 188, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan 2, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Eid-Ul-Fitr is at our doorstep and is the perfect reason and occasion that applauds the creativity and emotional thrill of filling your wardrobe with new, exciting attires.

Rabita Rashid brings you the sophisticated fit-and-flare looks and exuberant cuts and trims of capes, jackets as well as long and short kameezes, bell bottom pants,

cigarette pants or straight pants. A wealth of heavy unique dapka and stone works will be available in the most desirable colours.

The fashionistas that like to keep it simple yet classy will surely be delighted to afford pieces at the exhibition. Traditional silks and exclusive hand painted Muslins are waiting for the ones who are ready for an unstoppable fashion fiesta.

Come early to grab your favorites for festivities of all kinds.

June 17-18

When 10am to 10pm Where All Community Club, Road 35, Gulshan 2, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What Era House returns this time with one grand exhibition to give you a perfect shopping spree before the Eid-ul-Fitr.

Many of you have witnessed and experienced their achievements with previous exhibitions. They have a pool of young talents to showcase the flair they have and meet the clients. Era is a collaboration of few online fashion houses with an intention to provide the young entrepreneurs an effective platform to meet a great deal of customers.

June 18

Exhibition | Summer and Eid Exhibition 2016 When 10am Where Bistro E, Bay’s Edgewater, 1st Floor, NE (N) 12, North Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh What Faizah Ahsan Designs are back with their brand new summer and Eid collection. This collection is filled with exclusive pieces specially designed to make you feel comfortable, yet trendy and stylish to survive this Eid. It includes casual wears, kurtis, formal wears, capes with intricate zardousi, stone, pearl, pipe, sequence, embroidery work to make you stand out among the crowd this Eid. Also, they will have another friend, AnaaqahBtq with her exclusive collections of hijabs, capes and abayas at the exhibition.

For more information log onto https://www.facebook.com/ AnaaqahBtq/

June 17 - 25

Food | HungryNaki Presents: Sehri Deen! 2016

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.

A portion of your spendings of the two nights go towards providing for the less privileged this

Ramadan. Participating restaurants are Madchef. Nando’s, Glazed, Kiva Han, Kabab Factory, Chaap Station, Mezbaan Bari, Le Pizzaria, Barcode Cafe Gulshan, Asian Bistro, Dekchi, Lucknow, Dhaka Grand Nawab, Shakib’s, Rice & Noodle, Shawarma House, Paturi, and more.

Grab your tickets at https://www. foodpanda.com.bd/restaurant/ s1uu/sehri-khann-tickets or http:// ticketchai.com/details/409/ Foodpanda-presents-Sehri-Khann

When 12:30am onwards Where www.hungrnaki.com What For every order over Tk1,000 placed on Hungrynaki.com throughout the month of Ramadan, someone less fortunate will enjoy a sehri treat. A lot of people get Iftar but not too many receive sehri and they fast without having any proper meal. The Hungrnaki team will be roaming around Dhaka, Chittagong and Sylhet along with their volunteer partner OBHIZATRIK Foundation to touchdown in areas where nobody ever went for distributing meal packs only to spread the joy on behalf of their valued customer as well as the restaurant owners.

June 21

Yoga | 108 Suryas When 4pm - 5pm Where Studio 107, House 14, Road 107, Gulshan 2, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What June 21st is the International Day of Yoga. Come celebrate by doing 108 sun salutations with Ulfath of Inhale.Exhale- yoga for strength and balance and Anika YOGANIKA. This event is free for all, there is no need to register. Join in the spirit of yoga and don’t forget to bring a yoga mat! Love, peace and joy! Music by Shez’s Mooderupor Mixes

WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 20 1 6

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

It’s a wild life!

(Part 1)

Minu Ahmed

I’

ve mentioned in my earlier

louvre windows, enclosed in wire

columns that I had spent

mesh to prevent entry of mosquitoes,

a chunk of my childhood

because The Island was renowned for

abroad, swinging from tree

malaria. In fact, we have had so much

to tree like Tarzan in the jungles of

quinine in those four years that I can

a sizeable island near the land down

still taste it from memory. Yuck!

The first few weeks went away just

under.

converting my father’s bachelor pad

I refrain from mentioning exactly where I was, not for security reasons,

into a family home. We put up photos,

good God no – but to maintain the air

bought new furniture and curtains. We

of mystery that any unnamed item

discovered that, for some odd reason,

usually has.

The Town did not have a salon. I guess the locals just liked to grow out their

It’s a lot like You Know Who, a.k.a.

He Who Must Not Be Named, but for

afros, perhaps? So for the entire time

keeping things simple, I’ll just call it

we were there, my mum, sister and I

The Island.

sported a similar “boy cut” or whatever it was that my father could manage.

So yes, I spent four long, wonderful years, growing up in The Island. I have

Hence my tomboy stage of life was

wanted to write about my days there

initiated, which pretty much carried

for the longest time, but the lazy arse

through to later years as well.

The only good school around was

that I can be, I never really got around

the international school, and since it

to it.

was too expensive to afford right then,

So my mum, younger sister and I moved to The Island after my dad got a

my sister and I were homeschooled

job there and had already lived there for

by our parents until it was financially

a year. Two countries and two transit

feasible to do so. Things became better

stops later, we made it to the capital

when my mum got a job where my dad

city. The place we were supposed to go

worked (they are both doctors), and we

to was more towards the south of The

didn’t have to look back after that.

I owe a great deal of my learning

Island, and the only way to get there

and personality to my years spent

was by a tiny plane which sat a mere Photo: Bigstock

ten people, and had noisy propellers

at the international school. I had friends from all over the world and the

on each side. At the end of my stay at The Island, I had ridden those little

underdeveloped, and much of its

measure. Wooden stairs led up to the

principal was a foreigner who was a

planes so many times, that I hear a

natural beauty was still intact. Needless

door, and we entered what was to be

great teacher as well. In fact, it was he

permanent crunch inside my ears every

to say the locals were in a similar state,

our home for the next four years.

who recognised my writing skills when

time I swallow. Air pressure from those

and we were warned about cannibals,

flights, you see.

but honestly, we never came across,

and there were pillars holding up the

years old, and regularly encouraged it.

nor witnessed any such occurrence in

roof. It was a modest little house, with

I lost all my childhood writing while

all the time we were there.

three tiny bedrooms and a toilet. I was

moving houses, but the memories are

just glad it had a high commode and

still there.

So our tiny plane carrying my five year old self, two year old sister and unmentionably aged mum, landed on

Entering The Town, I remember

Inside the floors were made of wood

a long, nondescript concrete patch of

the houses and buildings were made

not a pan. The bathroom even had a

an airstrip. A small building nearby

of wood and plaster, with slanted

hand shower, which to us deshi folk, is

(if you can call it a building, it was

corrugated steel roofs. The roads were

a top priority.

more like a house), happened to be

quite sparse, with shrubbery and metal

the airport/customs building. While

wire fencing surrounding the buildings.

led to the open living space front and

taxiing towards the building, I saw that

I imagine what they were trying to

left, which had a small sofa set, and a

a barbed wire fence held off the people

keep out of the properties. Dogs? Pigs?

dining table right behind it. Leading off

waiting for arrivals. Among them, I saw

Cannibalistic demonic vampires?

the living space towards the right of the

my father’s familiar face, looking grim,

A small road ventured downhill

room was a fridge and a small kitchen.

and at the end of the road we reached

On the right side of the main door, a

saw us in the plane.

a house on the left. It was made of

small corridor veered right towards the

wood and raised on metal poles, which

bedrooms and bathroom. My parents

our way from the airport to The Town.

were fastened into a huge concrete

took one bedroom, while my sister and

Crossing narrow asphalt roads around

foundation. I found out later that most

I stayed in the one opposite them. The

winding hills, with lush greenery

of the houses were made on metal

third bedroom was the smallest and

on either side, it was a beautiful

poles because there were frequent

used as a storage space.

sight. Back then, The Island was still

earthquakes and this was a safety

WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 1 7, 201 6

More about my life at The Island next week! n

When one entered the main door, it

but broke into a smile the second he Bundling us all into a jeep, we made

I started writing short stories at eight

Most of the windows were glass

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