vol 4 Issue 10 | FRIDAY, June 24, 2016
Dhaka Tribune
6
Cook Your Own Way
12
Social Welfare
20
The Bong Momma
CONTENTS
1
Volume 4 | Issue 10 | June 24, 2016 News
2 News 3 Meanwhile Editor Zafar Sobhan
Features 4 Tailored
Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
Opening
5 Event
Asst Features Editor Farina Noireet Weekend Tribune Team Saudia Afrin Moumita Ahmed N Anita Amreen Sakib Mridha Saqib Sarker Mahmood Sadi Shuprova Tasneem
Ramadan
8 Offers
6
Coupons
Cook Your Own Way Kitchen chronicles
Reducing food waste
15 Feature Art
16 Interview Music
17 Ticket Shopping
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
Reflections Spirituality
13 Social Welfare
Contributors Minu Ahmed Karishma Rahman Farzana Romine Dina Sobhan
Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin
12 Ramadan
Regulars
9
14 Legalese 18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma
Photo Story
Bangladeshi Bullfight
On the cover
Editor’s note Dear readers, It is perhaps the greatest paradox of Ramadan that we’re supposed to be abstaining from food throughout this month, and yet all we can think about during this period of austerity is food. And just as we are expected to practise modesty and restraint in our appearance and apparel, the countdown to the festival season means that once the stomach is satisfied, our thoughts turn to what to wear on Eid. This week, we kick off with more healthy recipes to please the palate without undoing all the good done by the period of fasting. We have a special spread on the Westin Dhaka’s Ramadan meal plans. And with the appetite sated, we talk about the more spiritual aspects of food and hunger. A guest writer muses about the layers of emotions surrounding
Ramadan. Another ingenious spirit put his enterprising skills to good use to reduce food wastage and feed the poor at the same time. We also have our fabulous discount coupons to make eating out a little easier on the wallet. With the festival inching closer, several outlets are trotting out their collections for Eid. Take a gander at our teasers on Ticket. This week, we also take you behind the glitzy doors of Noir for ideas on how to jazz up your ensemble. Taking a small segue from wearable art to art for its own sake, we catch up with two creative minds about their muses. Here’s wishing you peace and contentment in the week ahead
Outfit: Koral Klauset Wardrobe and styling: Rupo Shams Model: Noureen Yousuf Photographer: Mahmud Hossain Opu
Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
2 News | This week UK man arrested at rally planned to kill Trump
Iranian intelligence officials disrupt ‘biggest terrorist’ plot targeted at Tehran
I
ranian intelligence officials have
President Bashar Assad in his country’s
broken up one of the ‘biggest
long, bloody civil war.
terrorist’ plots ever planned to
and are under interrogation over the
the Islamic Republic, the country’s
plot after agents seized ammunition
state media reported on Monday, last
and bombs, state media said.
week.
The semi-official Fars and ISNA
The reports quote the country’s
A
the day. His court-appointed attorney
weekend Donald Trump
said he was living out of his car and in
rally in Las Vegas, tried to
the country illegally after overstaying
grab a police officer’s gun. He did that with the intention of killing the presidential candidate after planning
the secretary of Iran’s Supreme
it has arrested several suspects in
National Security Council, as saying
the plot to bomb the capital and
the attack was timed to hit during the
other provinces, seizing bombs and
Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Iran’s
ammunition during the operation.
state-run IRNA news agency, citing attack was supposed to come on the
and carried across the country’s
anniversary of the death of the Prophet
news agencies, had little detail. The
Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, which was
announcement comes as Iran finds
commemorated in small ceremonies
itself battling the Islamic State group
across Iran.
while also supporting Syria’s embattled
Photo: AP
Sandford has not entered a plea. The arrest happened relatively quietly at a
according to authorities.
campaign stop seen as
The world at a glance
peaceful compared
Michael Steven Sandford approached
to the mayhem at
a Las Vegas police officer at the
the presumptive
campaign stop to say he wanted
Republican
Trump’s autograph, but that he then
nominee’s
tried to take the weapon.
recent events
A complaint filed Monday in US
the Intelligence Ministry, said the
read live on Iranian state television
a visa.
an assassination for about a year, US Secret Service agents said,
news agencies quoted Ali Shamkhani,
Intelligence Ministry as saying that
The Intelligence Ministry statement,
British man arrested at a
Several suspects have been arrested
target Tehran and other provinces in
in San Jose;
District Court in Nevada charged
California; and
Sandford, 20, with an act of violence
Albuquerque, New
on restricted grounds. He was denied
Mexico.
bail during a court appearance later in
Photo: AP
Weekend Tribune Desk
100,00 Islamic scholars issue fatwa against militancy
Taliban suicide bombing kills 14 Nepalese guards in Kabul
fatwa against militancy,
Madrasa, Islamic Research Centre,
which collected signatures
Chormonai Jamia Rashidia Islamia,
from over 100,000 Islamic
Shaykh Zakaria Research Centre, and
A
on their minibus in the Afghan capital,
civilian and wounded five people,
Jamiatul Asad Madrasa.
Kabul, the Interior Ministry and an
including a provincial council member
Afghan security official said.
who was the intended target of that
A
muftis, ulema, and women uluma across Bangladesh, was published
The process for the fatwa, which
Taliban suicide bomber killed
hour in a province in the northeast.
14 Nepalese security guards in
And later on Monday in Kabul, a second
an attack Monday, last week
Taliban bombing killed an Afghan
this week, declaring terrorism and
is a scholars’ ruling or learned
suicide attacks as forbidden under
interpretation on Islamic law, was
to the Canadian Embassy where they
In the bombing that killed the
Islamic law. The thirty volumes of
initiated last December by Farid
work as guards, according to another
Nepalese guards, the bomber was on
documents amassed a total 101,850
Uddin Masuud, chairman of Jamiatul
Nepalese guard who was wounded in
foot when he struck the minibus, said
signatures, of which 9,320 are
Ulama and imam of Bangladesh’s
the attack.
General Abdul Rahman Rahimi, the
women ulamas and muftis.
largest Eid congregation at Sholakia.
Each volume describes the main
The Nepalese were on their way
It was the latest attack by the
attack, authorities said.
city’s police chief. He did not identify
He said, “I can say with strong
Taliban, who have stepped up assaults,
the foreign security company, the
fatwa – which analyses the Qur’an
conviction that a fatwa is much
including in the Afghan capital,
guards work for.
and Hadith and declares terrorism
stronger, much sharper than 100,000
as part of their summer offensive.
and militancy absolutely forbidden
weapons. A correct fatwa purifies the
The insurgents frequently target
confirmed that all 14 killed were
in Islam’s eyes. All of the volumes
psychological ideals, inspires people
government employees and Afghan
Nepalese citizens, describing the
also include similar anti-militancy
and makes them humanitarians.”
security forces across the country.
attack as the work of a ‘terrorist suicide
fatwas issued by Darul Ulum
Source: Dhaka Tribune
Deoband, Moinul Islam Hathazari
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
Elsewhere in Afghanistan, a bomb
An Interior Ministry statement
bomber.’ It said the explosion also
rigged to a motorbike killed eight
wounded nine people, five Nepalese
Afghan civilians during morning rush
employees and four Afghan civilians.
. . . Meanwhile
3
Photo of the week
A disabled beggar sleeps on the busy streets, with his prosthetic leg lying next to him. Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain
This cloud-making machine is the stuff of dreams
T
he skies over Cambodia are taking on fascinating new shapes thanks to a whimsical
make three to five clouds. According to the company, which rents out the machine in Cambodia’s
‘cloud making service’ that is
capital, the soap is biodegradable.
captivating audiences around the
Khmer Cloud vows to donate five
world.
percent of its sales to underprivileged
In several online videos taken on the streets of Phnom Penh, a machine
children in the country. Hearts aren’t the only shape. The
is seen pumping out custom, cookie-
company’s website boasts images of
cutter ‘clouds’ into the sky. Khmer
floating dolphins, peace signs, stars,
Cloud Making Service, a start-up
snowflakes, and people. Custom
company, says it’s a concoction of soap
designs are also available according to
and helium.
everyone’s need.
In a matter of seconds, tightly
say what?
“Our mission is to fill the sky above
packed bubbles resembling heart-
your house with flying bubbles in your
shaped pancakes rise through a centre
favourite shape and size, to add fun and
stencil before they are sliced off and fly
glamour to your event,” the website
is currently local, it doesn’t have any
away. And in a minute, the machine can
states.
reservations about serving foreign or
Though Khmer Cloud’s business
overseas customers. News and photo: Huffington Post
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
4 Tailored | Men’s fashion
Fade to black Noir’s Zinari and much more Mahmood Hossain
L
ast weekend was a gathering
the opening ceremony had concluded,
of the fashionably inclined
you’d possibly mistake it for Black
at the Banani branch of Noir.
Friday during the holiday season in
Noir, a unisex clothing store,
the States. It took about 30 minutes to
introduced a new collection that is on
walk up to the front of the line just to
an exclusive run. The new line Zinari is
make a single purchase. That’s how you
limited, literally. Once piece each, for
do “busy” the correct way. Ultimately,
both men and women, are sold, and
Zinari is a bonus to an already attractive
you will never see those designs again.
assortment of desirable fashionable
Sure, you’ll probably have a few folks
goods. Is it worth shopping in? With a
who decide to replicate each piece
bit of the traditional ethnic-wear fused
on those racks, but it’ll never be the
with the modern, you bet your stylish
genuine article. Zinari is a showcase of
tush it is. n
designs you won’t find anywhere else. But the night wasn’t simply about these wonderful limited items. Surrounded by fashion bloggers, models and the right people from the right circles, Noir was buzzing with positive vibes, taking in compliments left and right. While Zinari was the main focus of the night, Noir has plenty more to offer. The current runway trends and what is, as the French like to say, tres chic can be found in every single corner of the store. More impressive are the accessories. The ever-so-elegant suede loafers for the men and the trendiest bags for women were a perfect example of what Noir has to offer. From belts, pocket squares, ties, bracelets, bags what have you, you can see the quality seep through every detail. Catering to both high-street fashion and the ethnic-wear scene, Noir has all the intentions of garnering in a crowd who desire to enrich his or her lifestyle. If you could only see the frenzy at the check-out counter after
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
Photos: Courtesy
Ramadan | Event
5
Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu
Westin Iftar Sabiha Akond Rupa
L
ast weekend was a treat for any foodie. Chef Rabbi of
and many more. The Indo-Asia food section is filled
buffet is priced at Tk 4999. You can also select their special takeaway Iftar
The Westin Dhaka, prepared
with different types of dim sum,
boxes; it is available for Tk 1600. For
a luxurious multi-cuisine
noodles; where you can mix and match
guests, a special buffet spread is also
iftar and dinner buffet with various
from your favorite noodles and sauce.
available to enjoy at Suhur and it is
delicacies including Middle-East, Indo-
The most colorful part is the Arabian
priced at Tk 2100.
Asia and Western cuisine. More than
dessert section, where you will find
150 dishes were up on offer and will be
fresh home made food. There are
Bank, City Bank American Express,
so for the remainder of the holy month.
different types of cakes and pastries
and Prime Bank card holders and GP
and the cheese cake will induce saliva
platinum Plus Star and Icon subscribers
in cheesecake lovers.
can avail special discount. n
There are refreshing drinks and fresh fruits for a healthy way to breaking the fast. The special Orange
BRAC Bank Ltd., Standard Chartered
This sumptuous Iftar and dinner
Saffron Jalebis leave a hint of saffron in your mouth after every bite. The Pangriddled Meat station has different kinds of meats with the whole Lamb Ouzi attracting the most attention. The Ouzi meat is soft like cotton candy and melts in your mouth. Beef lovers can also feast on boneless beef rib-eye steak, which are also tenderised and juicy. The live stations keeps busy making fresh foods constantly. If you want to try something light then pay a visit to the Sushi and Sashimi bar. Specialising purely in Sushi and Sashimi, this Japanese corner can be summed up in three word: fresh, simple and delicious. Freshness emits from the great selections of fish and outstanding quality rice. Items include maki, tuna sushi, salmon sushi. The salad section has a repertoire of fresh and healthy preparations. The Middle-East cuisine section has kebabs such as chicken tengri kebab, beef chapli kebab, fish tikka, mutton shik kebab, tandoori quail, chicken hariwali
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
6 Cook your own way | Kitchen chronicles
Keeping it light and healthy Sometimes all we want is some quick snacks to munch on, without feeling guilty. These three recipes don’t require any oil and are very easy to make. These are my favourite snacks that I often make for myself and my family, who also love them. Farzana Romine
Crispy Baked Zucchini
This is my favourite of the lot. With all the fresh herbs, its a great summery snack.
Ingredients:
Directions:
• 2 zucchini
Cut the zucchini into long sticks. The
• 1 egg
thickness should be like French fries.
• 1 cup bread crumbs
Mix the herbs, salt, pepper, garlic,
• 2 tsp mixed dry herbs (thyme,
paprika and cheese with the bread
basil, oregano or any herb you
crumbs.
like)
Preheat your oven to 350°F/ 175°C
• 1 tsp garlic powder
Beat the egg. Dip the zucchini sticks
• 1 tsp paprika
in the egg and then coat them in the
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
breadcrumb mixture. Place them on a
• Salt and pepper
baking sheet in a single layer. Bake them in the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes and then broil for two to three minutes until brown. Serve hot with your favourite dip, ketchup or marinara sauce.
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
7 Shrimp rolls with nuoc cham This is my favourite of the lot. With all the fresh herbs, its a great summery snack.
Ingredients:
Place one rice paper in the water
For the dipping sauce (nuoc cham):
for 30 seconds to soften up.
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Once soft, place it on a paper
2 tbsp sugar
towel to soak extra water.
3 tbsp fish sauce
Place the shrimp, noodles,
1 tbsp rice vinegar
carrot, cucumber and herbs
2 cloves of garlic, minced
on one side of the rice
2 fresh hot chillies
paper. Now roll it like
For the filling:
spring rolls. Continue in the same
10 rice paper rolls
manner with the rest
One bunch fresh basil
of the rice papers.
One bunch fresh mint
Serve with the nuoc
One bunch fresh cilantro
cham.
10 shrimps, boiled and sliced in half (lengthwise) 1 cup carrot julienne 1 cup cucumber julienne 1/2 packet boiled rice noodles
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients for the dipping sauce and keep it in the fridge. Arrange all your filling ingredients in small bowls near your workstation. In a wide pan keep some warm water. Photos: Farzana Romine
Garlic miso chicken wings I had this dish in a restaurant specialised only for yakitori during my visit to Tokyo and fell in love with it. This is a super easy recipe.
Ingredients: 12 chicken wings 3 tbsp miso paste 2 tbsp minced garlic 2 tbsp soya sauce 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 1/2 tsp black pepper powder 2 tsp vegetable oil
Directions: Wash the chicken wings well and pat dry with paper towel. Mix all the ingredients with the chicken and leave to marinate in the fridge for three to four hours. To cook the wings, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the chickens one inch apart on the baking sheet. Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and broil for 10 to 15 minutes or until its brown. Turn the wings over and broil the other side for 10 to 15 minutes more. They will be ready to serve once nicely browned on both sides. Note: The cooking time will vary according to
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
the temperature of your oven. Rice paper and Miso paste are available at Komart in Banani.
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 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 24 , 201 6
Bangladeshi bullfight | Photo Story
9
Raging bulls
Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain Traditional sports and entertainment are being threatened everywhere in the world. The unstoppable force of “globalisation� and resulting technological advancements are driving out hundred or thousand years old customs and social rituals. These customs and rituals once fulfilled the need for closely knit communities that did not have virtual entertainment. People actually needed to get together in order to socialise. While much of these age old customs and ceremonies are dissipating to make room for the modern life, some have managed to survive. The traditional bull fight used to be an annual event in Kishorganj. It takes place bi-annually now. But it still attracts audience and local people gather by thousands around the big field to witness these powerful beasts lock horns.
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
10 Photo Story | Bangladeshi bullfight
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
11
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
12 ramadan reflections | spirituality
A test of mettle Ramadan brings out the best in you if you let it
Hammad Ali
G
From the religious point of view,
on the table and loved ones to share a
time of the year. In your run-off-the-
Ramadan was always a
one of the characteristics of Ramadan
meal with, even though that is also a
mill dinner parties, even if the whole
festive occasion for my
is that on this month, God makes some
crucial component of it. For me, there
family does somehow come together,
family and the community
permissible things impermissible, even
is a deeper component to the feeling of
topics are constrained to the usual
in general. Preparations for the blessed
if only for a certain number of hours
gratitude that this month evokes.
politics, the price of goods and the usual
month would start right from the
every day. Thus we are forbidden from
Once again, this might be hard
griping about work and life in general. I
Shab-e-Barat holiday, culminating in
food and drink during daytime, and are
to explain to all but those who have
realised then, that Ramadan gives us an
the sighting of the moon and the first
expected to offer extra prayers in the
witnessed it firsthand, but the feeling
opportunity to change our very mindset.
Taraweeh prayer of the year.
evenings. This is not a lifestyle that can
of being able to observe the month
It turns us, even if only for a month, into
be sustained all year round, and in a
of Ramadan properly can be very
people who revisit our roots, the core of
sense that is the point of Ramadan.
fulfilling. There is an immense sense of
our beliefs, and ponder how we should
accomplishment in being able to fast
be leading our lives today in alignment
an entire month takes on this odd mix
to push ourselves to our limits, with
the full month, in being able to offer all
with those beliefs.
of sanctity and festiveness. Waking
the hope that being able to do this
the prayers, particularly for those like
up in the wee hours of dawn for sehri,
successfully will carry over in our lives
me who often miss out around the year.
the world, more than a little cynical, I
counting down the last few minutes
for the rest of the year. For one month,
There is a return to fundamentals, and
am grateful for the month of Ramadan.
before iftar, planning the things to
we are expected to restrain all our baser
a simultaneous rise to the ethereal.
I am grateful of this reminder that
do (and food to eat!) on Eid day, all
urges, and remind ourselves that we are
of it becomes part of the celebration.
more than just a more intelligent sort
some extended family members where
our degrees and designations. We are
I still recall those Ramadan months
of animal.
we all got to sit around the iftar table
headed towards more than the next big
and listen to an elder talk about the
project at work or the next vacation.
a large family of cousins, nieces and
for me is a sense of gratitude. I do not
life of prophet Abraham. It occurred to
I am grateful to be part of a tradition
nephews. The whole neighborhood
refer here to the somewhat clichĂŠd
me then that this is not something that
that reminds me that we are not alone,
used to come alive at sehri time, with
concept of gratitude that we have food
would have been possible at any other
that we are part of something bigger
rowing up in Bangladesh,
It is hard to explain to someone who has not witnessed it firsthand, how the prospect of fasting during the day for
I spent back in my hometown, with
For one month, we are expected
The second takeaway from Ramadan
Just last week, we shared a meal with
Even as an adult weighed down by
we are more than our bank balance,
night guards calling out loudly to wake
than ourselves. This is what Ramadan
people up, kitchens abuzz with the
offers to me, and I hope that I can make
sounds of meals being prepared, and
the best of this opportunity this year,
us youngsters trying our best to keep our eyes open. On the other end of the day, a sweet serenity used to descend minutes before iftar, with everyone seated round the table, offering their heartfelt prayers before breaking fast. One rather misses those moments today, with tiny families cooped up in small apartment units. Growing up, a lot of things have changed about Ramadan. Gone are the days of month-long school vacations. The focus has moved away from what delicacies to have for iftar, or what new outfits to get this Eid. Ramadan has been invaded by grown-up things like budgeting for the month, getting all errands done after tiring hours at work, and let us not even get started on the plight of those who need to procure tickets to go home for Eid. Yet the magic of the month has not really diminished. For me personally, Ramadan has become a celebration of human willpower. It seems to me that for this one month at least, we all function at the very peak of our abilities, presenting our very best to the world.
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
For one month, we are expected to push ourselves to our limits, with the hope that being able to do this successfully will carry over in our lives for the rest of the year
and in the years to come. Ramadan Kareem to everyone, and an advance Eid Mubarak! n The writer is a senior lecturer at Brac University
reducing food waste | Social welfare
13
Feeding the hungry Food banking, an initiative by Prochesta Foundation with a group of enthusiastic young individuals, has arrived at the city to feed the starved by collecting leftover food Saudia Afrin They are assigned areas based on their access and proximity. Volunteers are ready to pick up food and distribute at any given time of the day. Ikramuddin says, “Suppose we got a call from a source near Khilgoan area. First, we call the volunteers who live around those places. Being a local, they would know where to go.” “After collecting the food, the first job is to pack the food. Initially, we used poly-bags but now it has been replaced by one time food packets. Financing of the packaging is currently being funded by Arif bhai,” Ikramuddin said. “From the very beginning we have been very conscious about keeping the main objective of the initiative in focus. So, we don’t want to add any
F
Photo: Mahmud Hossain Opu
corporation as a sponsor. We don’t want to advertise their names with
ood wastage is a very
growling stomach. They do small jobs
informs us few days before the event,”
food banking. Within one month
common but complex
like selling papers, carrying baggage.
Ikramuddin added.
span of time we’ve got many calls for
problem. On one hand, it is
They hardly manage three full meals a
impossible to track down
day,” said Ikramuddin Abir, the founder
food among 700 people in Komlapur,
corporate sponsorship offers. Because
of Proceshta Foundation.
airport and Tejgoan railway station over
we don’t wish to ruin the purity of the
a 7 days period.
initiative by adding a title sponsor,” Arif
the exact amount of food being wasted every day. On the other hand, it is
Currently, food banking is helping
certain that many people will benefit
the neglected people who are outside
from those leftover foods if they are not
of Prochesta Foundation’s projects.
thrown away. With that in mind, many countries
With the vision to provide food to
Till date, the team have distributed
Ikramuddin said that one of the biggest challenges have been to
sponsorships but we have declined all
R Hossain said. Procheshta is consciously avoiding
determine the right amount of food
corporate funding so that the intention
these people, the food banking kicked
for a location. “But the volunteers
is not misunderstood, However, Arif
around the world have started what is
off its journey on May 19th, by of a
have gathered very useful knowledge
encourages individual or corporate
called Global food banking, a process
group of youth from the Prochesta
about the locations and we have
involvement as stakeholders. He says,
of collecting unused and extra food
Foundation. Since its inception in
learned that with smaller amount of
“Stakeholders as in, if someone wishes
from different sources. Arif R Hossain,
Bangladesh, Arif and the team have
food it is better to distribute in places
to help us by providing a pick-up van or
an adviser with Prochesta foundation
been promoting food banking on
close to markets. For railway stations,
packaging or helping to build up the call
introduced the idea to help the large
Facebook to involve more citizens.
a much larger quantity is needed.
center, we would take those. In addition,
number of underprivileged people in
Ikramuddin said, “Within 72
The numbers fluctuate wildly and we
all this support will be acknowledged by
this country. Arif’s idea was simple:
hours of announcing the initiative,
need to do quick data gathering every
the term ‘powered by’.
start food banking by collecting
we received around 500 calls from
distribution,” Ikramuddin explained.
uneaten food from different events
various sources ranging from marriage
to restaurants in Bangladesh and
ceremony to all sorts of different
distribution we have planned to
helping people and at the same time
redistributig this amongst the needy. In
programs across Dhaka city.”
do a mapping of the entire city by
encouraging to not waste food.”
the capital city alone, there are a huge
“Since Ramadan has started the calls
number of people who struggle to eat
have slowed down a little. However, we
full meals everyday.
are expecting to be very busy time after
“In order to facilitate easier
location and on the amount of needy people,”said Ikramuddin.
Manssor Ahmed, a Dhaka city local, said, “A great initiative indeed, it is
Arif pointed out that Procheshta is not feeding them on regular basis, so
Currently, 200 volunteers
there is no chance of making the people
the Eid-ul-Fitr because we have had
are working with the Prochesta
dependent on this and stop looking for
glance out of your car window will
confirmations of a lot of events taking
Foundation. Food is currently being
work.
show you that a lot of homeless people
place after the Eid.”
distributed only in Dhaka city.
“If you live in Dhaka then a single
are living on footpaths, in railway
Procheshta can be reached on the
“Definitely its helps us to organise
The volunteers, mostly students
following number to request food
stations, among other places. Often
the volunteers, and manage everything
from different public and private
pickup: 01842002023n
these people go to sleep with an empty
from beforehand if the contributor
universities, work around the city.
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
14 LEGALESE | Jennifer Ashraf
Loss and compensation Q
A couple of years ago I insured my office (small proprietorship) against fire and accidental damage. Things went smoothly for the last couple of years, as no major accidents occurred and therefore I have not had to
make any claims whatsoever. However, last week, we had a major fire accident at the office’s kitchen and the fire spread to the office’s premises. The damage was quite extensive and I’m now worried about making an insurance claim. I have not contacted the insurance company yet, but have heard horror stories about insurance companies refusing to issue payments. Any advice on how I should approach this?
A
Dear Reader, Thank you for writing in to us. Firstly, I have to commend you on doing the sensible thing – taking
out insurance coverage against fire and accidental damage. It’s something that few of us generally practice in Bangladesh and something that needs more awareness generated about it. Since you have sensibly taken out insurance and I’m predicting that you have been paying the premiums regularly, recovering your insurance should not be too much of an issue. The main thing to remember and
Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune
consider here is that the payout, premiums, insurance conditions,
be provided by the insured:
the subsequent claim settlement. At first the insurer confirms the
etc will actually be governed by the a) Full description of circumstances
compliance with the warranties. v) Apportionment of the loss and
legality of the claim. The claim is
expenses among the insurers
provider and yourself. It is essential
of the loss such as date of loss time,
recorded in the docket of claim, where
where there are more than one
that you go through this contract very
the place of fire.
facultative reinsurance is involved,
contract between the insurance
thoroughly. The insurer should be
b) Cause of fire.
and an advice of the loss is sent to
informed about the loss as soon as the
c) Particulars of the property affected
insurer. vi) The exact amount of loss payable
the insurers. The insurer insures the
by the insurer. The presence of
loss occurs. On receiving the notice, the
by the loss such as description,
payment of premium. If payment were
the average clause in the policy
insurer appoints an assessor to examine
value at the time of fire, value of
not made then it would be deducted
will determine the amount of loss
the facts of the case and to determine
salvage and the claim amount.
from the claim amount. For the inquiry
the amount of liability. It is likely that a
d) Statement of other insurance on
procedure of claim settlement will then
the property, name of the insurer,
immediately fall into place.
the policy member and the sum
A claim form is usually issued to the policyholder. The claim form requires
insured.
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
payable. vii) Any other relevant details.
survey. The survey report of the assessor contains the following information-
e) Sound value of all the property.
the following information which must
Jennifer Ashraf Kashmi is a barrister and solicitor of England and Wales. She is currently Senior Partner at Legacy Legal Corporate
of damage, insurer depends on the
Please note that after receiving all the required documents and examining all those, the insurer gives the claim
i) Cause of loss: it is necessary to
amount to the insured. The insurer can
Please note that the above points are
know whether the fire was caused
take time for proper enquiry before
simply a guide to the information
by an excepted peril or was caused
paying the claim amount. Therefore
usually required. There is always the
by the negligence of a third party or
please do not be disheartened if it
possibility that your insurance provider
there is any evidence of fraud, so
starts taking a bit of time. However, it is
may ask for different or further
the cause of fire is clearly obtained.
yet too early to be worried and as long
information. I will now briefly explain
ii) The amount recommended for
as all the legal steps are in place, it is
the usual steps which follow receipt
payment which is determined on
likely that you will not face any major
of a claim for settlement. Following
the basis of current market value
issues. Please keep us updated and
submission of the claim by the insured,
and under insurance.
wishing you the best of luck! n
the insurer takes the necessary steps to
iii) Detailed value of salvage.
verify the genuineness of the claim and
iv) The position in respect of
Art | Feature
15
Beauty among decay Artists Kazi Sayeed Ahmed and Sarkar Nahid Niazi talk to Weekend Tribune about their muses
Mahmood Sadi
G
ifted artists Kazi Sayeed
set my mind on painting on the very
and crannies of Old Dhaka to seek
Ahmed and Sarkar Nahid
gunnysacks, instead of painting them.”
inspiration, and she opted for using an
Niazi have been living in
Sarkar Nahid Niazi recalled how
a small two storied house
textures,” she said. Both of these talented artists’
unusual medium – wood. “I became
efforts have led to a recent collection
Shyambazaar had struck her when
engrossed with the colour and the
that critics will definitely approve of,
in Shyambazaar of old Dhaka for years
she first moved there. “When I moved
composition of wooden boxes and
and evoked a sense of time, decay and
now, choosing the side of the river
to that Shyambazaar house after our
planks that were left around by the
nostalgia. Niazi created sixteen works
Buriganga as their space for creating
marriage, I was influenced by the old
side of the river. I wanted to paint on
of art that exhibits dimensions of
their thoughtful and unconventional
town’s liveliness and its amazing old-
them. I wanted to put colours on them
sculpture and painting alike, building
works of art. The two had been
world ambiance,” she said.
to see how those would blend with and
layers and breaking surfaces at the
form on wood’s own formations and
same time, much like the medium
classmates at the Institute of Fine
She started exploring the nooks
Arts of Dhaka, where they first began
being used. Ahmed’s discarded
influencing and inspiring each other
gunnysacks splashed with the mixture
with their artistic styles and creativity.
of bright colours also constructed a
This couple’s work is giving food for
fiercely lyrical vision of beauty and
thought to Dhaka’s art critics with
decay in his eighteen paintings.
their rejection of most old school ideas
While the layering of sacks gave
of abstract composition, and that too
Ahmed’s canvas a three-dimensional
on two avant-garde painting media –
sweep and their patching together
gunnysacks and worn-out wood.
made one think of reconstructed
According to Kazi Sayeed Ahmed,
memories, Nahid’s images of wooden
“I grew up in the Shyambazaar area,
planks and discarded wooden shutters
where spices, onions and vegetables
also evoked feelings of desolation. Both
have been traded for ages. My family
of their work seemed to testify to the
had and still has a bakery business, and
ravages wrought by time, but attempted
in this business loads of sugar and flour
to extract beauty out of the decay.
are delivered and dispatched in large jute sacks,” he said. He wanted to paint those jute
“We have both found our languages of artistic expressions in those seemingly banal discarded objects,
sacks, and fill in the rough stitches
and we have both learned to find life
with a blend of forms and colours
among things which are thought to be
and bring them to life on a canvas. “I
dead,” the couple affirmed. n
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
16 Interview | Music
“Music for the 99%” - Robi Yonder brings free music Sarker Saqib
What we take
losing that data when you use Yonder.
from the telecom
So, the primary objective is to get
companies is a fee
customers who are using other services
per user, which is
or they want to prevent customers from
significantly less
moving away to other networks.
than what that
Y
We know from the data that since
telecom company
we launched we have consistently
would pay to acquire
outperformed any other music
that customer
service in Malaysia, in terms of data
anyway. The
consumption. We have also observed
companies spend
from raw statistics that the churn rate
large sums to gain
is higher with the customers that don’t
customers through
use Yonder.
many different kinds
Why have you decided to come to
of marketing. But
Bangladesh?
by giving away free
We look at the trends and behaviours in
music for a fraction
what we call the frontier markets. We
of that marketing
look for the places where mobile usage
cost, you can attract
is on the rise or where there is already
more people to your
significant use, people are transitioning
network.
from feature phones to smart phones,
onder Music and Robi, the
demand. Piracy became rampant and
mobile network service
immediately music revenues started
provider, have partnered
declining. CDs became a format that
anything. All he has to do is what he is
together to bring free music
people lost interest in; they did not
already doing. He is using his mobile
telecom businesses have the scope and
to Bangladeshi music lovers. This is the
want to spend money on buying CDs.
phone network service and as a part
need to incentivize customers to use
first of its kind in Bangladesh and the
They wanted to download them from
of that he gets Yonder. And that gives
data. We don’t look at the biggest and
customers don’t pay anything for this
Napster. Napster came about and it said
access to millions of songs.
already saturated markets. In places
service. The app is available on both
that music should be free. But then
Do you think that we can truly get past
like Bangladesh people don’t have
App Store and Google Play.
Napster got sued and the rest is history.
piracy?
the plethora of choices. Also in places
I don’t think it will ever go away
where the GDP is really low the people’s propensity to pay is less too.
Robi users will be able to download
Soon after that, there came a phase
The customer doesn’t have to pay
and where data packages can be sold. Essentially, our market is where
the Yonder Music app and listen to the
where the spotlight was turned to
completely. But the hope is that it
entire music collection free of cost. The
distribution existing channels and
will reduce it significantly. There will
app also allows using contents offline
delivering music through them. This
always be people who would not want
compelling.
without limitations. Other network
brought about the arrival of music
to pay for music.
What you will be offering that your
users will be getting a free trial until
on PCs, the Internet, and streaming
July 7.
services – all services available through
going back to the artists so that artists
In terms of money it doesn’t get any
payment. But by that time, consumers
are encouraged in their work and they
better than free content, unless I start
got a formidable number of prominent
were already well accustomed to piracy
can stay inspired to create music for the
giving you money (laughs). So, that’s
artists on board. The artists include
and comfortable with not having to pay
masses.
big thing. And there is the music
James, LRB, Miles, Warfaze, Aurthohin,
for music. But we all know that if you
You started your services in Malaysia
collection. We are offering the biggest
Habib Wahid, Arnob, Bappa Mazumder,
do not pay for content it doesn’t get
first. What kind of response did you
music library.
Balam, Elita, Kona, Nemesis, Shunno,
created. Because their work is a means
get there?
Chirkutt, Asif Akbar, Zooel and Hridoy
to earn livelihoods, artists need to
It went excellent. Unfortunately I can’t
both international and domestic music.
among many others.
make money from their creativity.
disclose all the numbers and stats but
We have exclusive contents. We intend
I do have a way of explaining this and
to be extremely local, we want to get
Yonder Music and Robi have already
Aditya Summanwar, the president
So, Yonder is a proposition to solve
We want to make sure that money is
So, that is why our model is so
competitors aren’t offering?
Unlike our competitions, we carry
of Yonder Music, Asia, is currently in
that problem. For instance, let’s say
hopefully in a convincing fashion.
close to the people, understand what
Dhaka. We sat down with Aditya this
a hundred people are listening to
When we do a deal with a teleco, there
they want and give that to them.
week for an exclusive interview.
music. Out of those 100 people only
are different motivations that drive
Do you want to say something to
one person wants to pay for it. That
the telecom companies to do a deal
Bangladeshi music listeners?
Please explain to our readers what is
one person is essentially carrying the
with us…in Malaysia the motivation is
We have interesting collaborations and
Yonder Music.
load of the rest. We call ourselves the
to get customers from other network
exciting projects coming up throughout
Yonder Music is a music streaming
music service of the 99 percent. And
providers because there is a hundred
the year. I don’t want to disclose the
service for the masses that brings
the reason we say this is because we do
and ten percent mobile penetration. In
projects; that will spoil the surprise.
to people what they actually want.
business arrangements with operators
Bangladesh the motivation factors are
But there are a lot of interesting things
When it became possible to digitize
that have an existing customer base
different.
that we have planned…actually these
the contents people became able
and they are already paying to acquire
to distribute it digitally. Along with
these customers. So, what we do is
pay for data when using Yonder. So, if
So, you should expect mind blowing
that came piracy, because of the
make music free for the end user.
you are on a 2 GB data pack you are not
music events. n
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
In Malaysia the customers don’t
aren’t plans, they are ongoing projects.
Shopping | Ticket
17
Cats Eye Discover the latest fashion trends straight from the wide Eid collection of Cats Eye. Long kurtis, flared pants, shoes, and bags are ready in the store along with an array of panjabis for men. You can find their latest collection in Basundhara City, Cats Eye, Japan Garden City, and Gulshan shops. Photo courtesy: Cats Eye
Shimmer It’s easy to love shoes, and Shimmer makes it even better. They have featured their Eid collection recently in their outlet at Banani. Pumps, block heels, ankle straps, flat, party shoes, and many more are available at the store.
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
18 stay in Clues ACROSS 5 Rap trio reformed, like JKF? (7) 6 Revises changing tides (5) 9 Go dance about a regular shape (7)
DOWN 1 Sheep found in upper arm (3) 2 Make stick in colour (7) 3 Initially over the top in prison house (7) 4 Sounds like the number consumed (3) 7 Not even strange (3) 8 Sounds like prevailed number (3)
Sudoku
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- You might need to put your dreams on hold for a while if you have responsibilities to attend to. A focus on your home zone suggests that you may be happier pottering around the house
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
than on the other side of the globe anyway. Taurus (Apr 20-May20)- Shopping fever could grab you at the start of the week. Communication is the key which could inspire you to get in touch with family members or anyone else you haven’t seen in a while. Gemini (May 21-June 20)- If you have something to say, try to be tactful, especially if you want to remain friends over the long term. Later, opportunities could come your way through property and real estate or business-related matters linked with family or relatives. Cancer (June 21-Jul22)- The week gets off to a dynamic start, encouraging you to forget about your diet or exercise routine and indulge. You won’t want to miss out on a potential opportunity or lucrative collaboration this weekend. Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)-The start of the week could be excellent for a party,
Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune.com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.
celebration, or get-together at your
Last week’s solutions
Last week’s sudoku solutions
place. You may have an opportunity to get closure on an issue that you’ve struggled with for some time. Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)-You might be motivated to reflect on your goals and consider whether they’re applicable to your life as it currently stands. This is a time of taking stock, so don’t be surprised if your priorities have changed. Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- Go easy at the start of the week, as the urge to be very honest could cost you a friendship. Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- If you’ve been scrimping and saving lately, your hard
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)
work could go out the window unless you refuse to give in to temptation. Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- Try to be careful of more sensitive souls who might find your honesty somewhat disconcerting. Finally, opportunity knocks over the weekend. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- Prepare to make the most of a situation or circumstances that could propel you to greater success. If you’re willing to do the groundwork now, you could reap the rewards later. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- If you throw a party, it could be everything you hope for and more. Meanwhile, the focus shifts to your sector of lifestyle, encouraging you to think about your habits and how they contribute to your overall well-being. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- Be careful when dealing with those in authority, particularly at the start of the week. It might be best to toe the line if you want to avoid problems.
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
horoscopes
Mini cryptics
Go out
19
Weekly Planner June 24 June 26
Exhibition | Zois Exclusive Exhibition When 1pm Where Bistro E, Bay’s Edgewater, 1st Floor, NE (N) 12, North Avenue, Gulshan 2, Dhaka, Bangladesh What Zois Clothing cordially invites you to the first opening exhibition of Zois. Drop by and have a look at their debut collection of kurtas. They maintain high quality fabrics and the kurtas are hand stitched with perfection.
Food | Seheri Sensation When 11:30pm Where The Westin Dhaka, Main Gulshan Avenue, Plot-01, Road 45, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What The Westin Dhaka presents ‘Seheri Sensation’ at the Grand Ballroom. This Friday night, enjoy a 5 star multi-cuisine buffet seheri. Lounge, enjoy the delectable buffet, and try some masala tea
as you chill out with your favorite crowd. Also, win some exciting prizes in the raffle draw for free! Limited tickets are available at the Westin Dhaka and will be sold till Wednesday, June 22, 2016. Priced at Tk2100 net. Call +88-029891988 for tickets.
June 24 Exhibition | Fareha Raida Summer’16 collection When 10am Where Istanbul Restaurant, Rd 113 House 10, 1212 Dhaka, Bangladesh What After a successful solo exhibition of her debut designs last year and increasing demand for her designs throughout the year, Fareha Raida brings to you her second collection this Eid with more exclusive pieces. Like everyone, she likes to wear unique pieces which
would not be worn by every other woman around her. To cater to your needs, she will be making one piece per design like last time. Get yourself a Fareha Raida piece this upcoming weekend ladies! Indulge yourself in the finest of silks with intricate embroidery, zardousi, and other works of her specialty.
June 28 Workshop | 2-Day Workshop: IELTS Tips and Strategies When 11am Where The American Center, Plot 1, Progati Sharani, J Block, Baridhara, Dhaka What International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised test of English language proficiency that is an admissions requirement in many universities in the
United States. This three-day free workshop at our American Center covers tips and strategies for the test. Registration is must and on a first come first serve basis. Call 02 5566 ext-2836, 2831 to register your name during their office hours (8:00am4:30pm, Sunday-Thursday)
June 24
Exhibition | Le’Vana Summer’16 When 10am Where Le Meridien Dhaka, 79/A Commercial Area, Airport Road Nikunja 2, Khilkhet, Dhaka What Make-up Fest is designed to bring together beauty professionals as well as interested make-up artists and general public through a two day festival. Join them to discover the many facets of this world of colour: from everyday to glamorous makeup. Interested individuals will get the opportunity to attend two days makeup workshops to discover new makeup skills as well as products. Make-up artists and bloggers will share their passion for their jobs and will let you discover their secrets. If you want to start a career as a makeup artist, furnish your skills or simply learn how to do makeup properly; we are waiting to give you the opportunity and a platform at this event. Registration Link: http://paperfox.agency/registration/index. php
June 24
Workshop | Workshop on Street Photography by Borderless When Where What A two-day workshop on ‘Street Photography’ and ‘Ethics of Street Photography.’ This is the first of a series of workshops that are going to be arranged by ‘Borderless’ on various aspects of photography and photographic practices. They are calling for portfolios from amateur, enthusiastic photographers aged between 18 and 30 who are interested in attending this workshop. A maximum of 10 photos can be sent either in series or single category via mail for consideration. 15 photographers will be selected for this workshop. If selected, the participant will have to submit a fee of Tk150 to attend the workshop. The workshop is technically free, the fee is for providing refreshment/iftar to the participants. Send your portfolios to: borderless.dhaka@gmail.com Last date of sending portfolios: June 21, 2016. Selected participants will be notified via email by June 23, 2016.
WE E K E N D TR I BU N E | FR I DAY, J U N E 24, 20 1 6
20 The Bong Momma | Tales from a first-time mom
It’s a wild life!
(Part 2)
Minu Ahmed often flock our bell fruit tree and steal the ripe ones. For entertainment, there wasn’t much to do on The Island. There were no amusement parks, only the hotels had restaurants (and usually too expensive), and cable TV was limited too. My sister and I had access to a popular 90s kids channel though, and so we grew up with Sesame Street, The Rugrats and Bananas in Pyjamas entertaining us. Our parents would also take us travelling on weekends or holidays, and I can (quite unabashedly) say that I’ve taken a ride on a helicopter by the time I was nine years old! With little distraction from external devices and the only computer we had access to was the one at school, so my sister and I got hooked onto books very early on. The international school allowed students to order books from abroad at subsidised rates every few months, so I was able to buy new and high quality books while growing up. I meticulously saved all of them, over the years, because I knew books were expensive and I wouldn’t get these books anywhere else. I’m waiting for Jellybean to learn
pieces of writing was about a
I
of my most favourite things to eat at
simple, not spice heavy at all.
shown an interest in stories and makes
crazy man. It was called, “The
The Island. The pie was as big as my
Usually barbecued, fried or baked in
us explain the pictures from the book
long long man.” Before your
hand back then, and I would peel off
underground “ovens”. By ovens, I
since she can’t read yet. The Husband
imagination runs wild, let me tell you
a bit of the crust on top to release the
mean large stones were heated over fire
and I both love to read, even though I
that in the local language, which was a
steam and inhale the scents of the thick
and placed into a shallow pit, and the
don’t have as much time and patience
version of broken English, “long long”
brown beefy gravy. Delicious!
food to be cooked would be wrapped
as before, and would love to instill this
in banana leaves or aluminium foil and
in Jellybean as well.
remember one of my very first
meant “crazy”. In my neighbourhood,
Photo: Bigstock
Speaking of beef pie, it was one
Another favourite was the roast
The local cuisine was quite
to read so that I can give her my books from time to time. She recently has
there was a man who was probably
chicken and french fries from a local
put on the stones. The food parcels
homeless and would wander around
chip shop. I started calling them french
were then covered up in soil and let
kind of childhood that I had, growing
in dirty clothes, spaced out and
fries after moving to Bangladesh, but
to sit in the pit until cooked through.
up wild and free, but I hope to come as
intimidating. All the kids in my class
back then, it was always “chicken and
Traditional feasts were cooked this way,
close to that as possible. n
would call him the “long long man”
chips”. The fries were long and soft
and this style of cooking was called a
and that’s how the name stuck. In my
on the inside and crisp on the outside.
“mumu”. Usually present in a ‘mumu’
story, I had gone to the local bakery to
The chicken was cooked with its skin
would be lamb chops, fried rice, and
buy a beef pie. While eyeing the wares
on and it had a wonderful smoky,
baked vegetables. Tapioca was quite
in the display shelf, I noticed a shadow
barbecue flavour with tender chicken
sought after, I would find the baked
behind me and realised the long long
on the inside. The shop also served
versions chalky at first, but eventually
man was standing outside the door,
sheep’s tongue (yes that’s exactly what
the smoky sweetness would come
looming over us. Scared out of my wits,
it is, not a disguised name for anything
through.
I left the pie and ran from the shop.
else haha!). It was a local favourite and
Tropical fruits were also abundant,
The end.
for those feeling squeamish right now,
and we had fruit trees in our backyard,
That’s about it, my first story. You
don’t, the texture is similar to chewy,
Banana, pineapple and the bell fruit,
have to remember I was eight years old
meaty cartilage, and actually quite
a.k.a the jamrul. Unlike the water white
and my imagination was still spawning
tasty. Come on, if you like our very own
variety here, the bell fruit on The Island
creativity!
khiri kabab, you gotta like some tongue!
were pink, sweet and juicy. Birds would
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U N E 24 , 201 6
I know Jellybean might not have the
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