Dhaka Tribune
6
COOK YOUR OWN WAY
VOL 4 ISSUE 11 | FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016
12
RAMADAN REFLECTIONS
20
THE BONG MOMMA
CONTENTS
1
Volume 4 | Issue 11 | July 1, 2016 NEWS 2 3 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
8 Offers
6
Coupons
COOK YOUR OWN WAY KITCHEN CHRONICLES
Advertisement Shahin Ahsan Production Masum Billah Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel Website dhakatribune.com/weekend facebook.com/WeekendTrib Email your letters to: weekend@dhakatribune.com
Spirituality Musings
15 Initiative Social welfare
16 Initiative Social welfare
17 Travel Rajkandi
Cartoons Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy Priyo
Colour Specialist Shekhar Mondal
12 Ramadan reflections 14 Ramadan reflections
Contributors Minu Ahmed Shireen Pasha Karishma Rahman Farzana Romine Noor-E-Shahrin
Graphics Md Mahbub Alam Alamgir Hossain Tahsin Momin
News Meanwhile
REGULARS
9
18 Stay In 19 Go Out 20 The Bong Momma
PHOTO STORY
COMMUNAL HARMONY
On the cover
Editor’s note Dear readers, As we put this issue to bed, the world is still reeling from a fresh attack on Istanbul. The Internet is still ablaze with the racist motivations behind Brexit, Donald Trump is still putting his foot in his mouth whenever he speaks, and all of this happening smack in the middle of Ramadan is enough to make one despair of ever seeing sanity prevail. Which is why this week we devote our final issue before Eid, to focusing on stories that help maintain faith in humanity. Start with our photo of the week, which gives us a quick look at a group of expats investing in an educated future generation, sponsoring one child at a time. We have two pieces of Ramadan reflections, one that talks about the point of this holy month, and the other a
celebration of faith in the face of terrible hopelessness. We also bring you some heartwarming true stories of ordinary people coming together to help those in need, be it through social media, or fundraisers. Our photo story this week is of particular interest. Finally, Bong Momma this week talks about how we may dream of one kind of life and find ourselves in another that works out in ways we never imagined. The Weekend Tribune team wishes you and yours peace and harmony this Eid.
Artwork by Liza Hasan
Eid Mubarak! Sabrina Fatma Ahmad
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
2 NEWS | THIS WEEK Trans people can now legally get married in Pakistan — with a few key exceptions
Suicide bombs kill 36 at Istanbul airport
T
fire then blew themselves up in
Police fired shots to try to stop two of the attackers just before they reached a security checkpoint at the explosives, a Turkish official said. “It became clear with this incident again that terrorism is a global threat.
airport on Tuesday, killing 36 people
This attack, targeting innocent people
and wounding close to 150, in what
is a vile, planned terrorist act,” Prime
Turkey’s prime minister said appeared
Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters at
to have been an attack by Islamic State
the airport. “There is initial evidence that each
One attacker opened fire in the
A
militants in its southeast.
Istanbul’s main international
militants.
transgender-born individuals of the
and battling an insurgency by Kurdish
arrivals hall, but they detonated their
hree suicide bombers opened
congregation of 50 religious
from neighbouring Syria’s civil war,
of the three suicide bombers blew
departures hall with an automatic rifle,
themselves up after opening fire,” he
sending passengers diving for cover
said, adding that they had come to the
and trying to flee, before all three blew
airport by taxi and that preliminary
themselves up in or around the arrivals
findings pointed to Islamic State
hall a floor below, witnesses and
responsibility.
officials said.
The vast majority of those killed
The attack on Europe’s third-busiest
were Turkish nationals but foreigners
airport is one of the deadliest in a series
were also among the dead, the official
marry such transgender people as
of suicide bombings in Turkey, which
said.
is permissible under Islamic law on
have clear indications on their body,”
is struggling to contain the spillover
Photo: Reuters
Monday, last week.
it states.
leaders, or Islamic clerics, in Pakistan declared that
marrying transgender individuals
The religious leaders also
opposite sex. “Normal men and women can also
Despite the change in marriage
announced that transgender people
laws in Pakistan, same-sex coupling
have full rights when it comes to
remains illegal in the country due to
Muslim burial ceremonies and Islamic
anti-sodomy laws.
inheritance law. But here’s the catch: You have to have been ‘born’ trans. The fatwa — a ruling on Islamic law
Transgender people are one of the most marginalised communities in Pakistan. Due to discrimination against the trans
— declared by the Tanzeem Ittehad-
community, they are
i-Ummat Pakistan said that, only a
often forced into
“female-born transgender person
sex work and
having ‘visible signs of being a male’
subjected to
may marry a woman or a male-born
sexual violence.
transgender with ‘visible signs of
Photo: Reuters
The world at a glance
being a female,’ and vice versa.” The document refers to cisgender
Weekend Tribune Toyota recalls 482,000 Prius and Desk Lexus vehicles for safety issue
men and women as ‘normal’ people when detailing their right to marry
Passport sector most corrupted – TIB finds
T
T
oyota on Tuesday
passenger is in the car at the time of
last week said that
such an event, Toyota said, there is an
it is conducting
increased risk of injury.
a recall of 482,000 vehicles due to a safety issue. The recall includes model year 2010
Toyota said it will be notifying all known owners by mail and will install retention brackets, which would
to 2012 Prius vehicles, including 2010
prevent the air bags from entering the
ransparency International
2015” report on Wednesday at its
and 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrids, plus
vehicle interior, at no cost to customers.
Bangladesh (TIB) has found
Dhanmondi office in Dhaka.
2011 and 2012 Lexus CT 200h vehicles.
Photo: AP
passport sector as the
According to the report, 67.8%
The automaker
country’s most corrupted sector in
households were victims of
said that the
2015.
corruption while 58.1% households
affected cars are
were required to provide bribes
equipped with
during seeking their service.
air-bag inflators
The law and enforcement agencies and government and MPO education sector ranked second and
71% households identified the
that may have a
third position respectively in this
reason for providing bribes as
small crack that
regard.
‘Service could not be reached if
could grow over
bribes were not given’, the report
time, which could
releasing its “Corruption in Service
said.
ultimately lead
Sectors: National Household Survey
Source: Dhaka Tribune
to the air bags
TIB made the disclosure while
inflating. If a
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
. . . MEANWHILE
3
Photo of the week
Heartwarmer Sadia Afrin Mahi studies in class seven. She lives in Chandpur with her parents and two siblings. Her father Hanif Sheikh is an NGO worker. With his meagre income they barely make ends meet. Hanif was unable to afford the schooling of his children and Sadia’s education nearly came to an end. An organisation called ‘The Optimists’ came forward to help and they provided Sadia’s tuition. The organisation is an initiative by expatriate Bangladeshis in USA. One of these expats, Vaila Selina from New York, has been sponsoring education fees for two children. She reaches the children through The Optimists. During her recent visit she came to the office of The Optimists in Bijoynagar, Dhaka. She was exhilarated to meet Sadia. She took her for Eid Shopping and bought her new clothes. The selfless work of these expat Bangladeshis will inspire others and will live on as examples of compassion and love. Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain
Man allegedly throws bucket of water over the Olympic torch the Olympic torch by throwing a bucket of
A
not immediately respond to a request for comment.
water over it as it passed through his farming
The video, available on YouTube, showed a heavy
town of Maracaju in central Brazil, an officer at the
spray of water thrown indiscriminately over the group
local police station said last Monday.
around the torch bearer by someone out of view.
man has been arrested for trying to extinguish
Police arrested the 27-year-old at the scene, on
Local Olympic organising committee Rio 2016 did
The man was freed on bail after paying 1,000
Sunday for damaging public property, the officer said.
reais ($294.74). The incident comes a week after a
The Olympic flame continued to burn, video footage
rare jaguar was shot and killed after performing in an
showed.
Olympic torch ceremony, leading to an outcry from
The crime can carry a sentence of between six months and three years in prison. “He said it was
say what?
animal rights activists around the world. The torch is on a 20,000 km (12,400 mile) voyage
a joke, a dare on Facebook,” the officer in the state
through about 300 Brazilian cities, before arriving in
of Mato Grosso do Sul informed by telephone. He
Rio de Janeiro for the Games’ opening ceremony on
declined to give his name as he is not permitted to
August 5.
talk publicly.
News and photo: Huffington Post
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
4 TAILORED | MEN’S FASHION
It’s getting hot in here Here’s how to pull off the no sleeve look Mahmood Hossain Dust off your shoulders
little corner of your body, it’s not about
In a more ideal life, you’d get to have
questioning your manhood. It’s about
body hair exactly where you want
being absolutely hygienic so no one
them. Some of us have trouble growing
gets grossed out by the unruly hair
a beard, while others have to shave
populating your pits. In other words,
every other day just because your five
do yourselves a solid and keep those
o’clock shadow arrives at noon. But of
pits clean.
course, nothing is perfect and we’re dealt with pesky single strands of hair
From front to back
that grow darker and longer than the
Not too many people will give this
others. We’re talking about those long,
particular portion of your body too
single strands on your shoulders that
much attention. The back of your head
poke out unfavourably, drawing too
also needs to be trimmed and lined.
much attention. Do yourselves a favour
We’re talking about the neck hair the
and a get tweezers to pluck out those
connects your head to your upper back.
stray hairs. From your shoulder to your
Back hair can be a big nuisance too.
upper arms, you want to make sure all
While it’s always good to get a nice trim
your body hair is of the same length
every other two weeks, don’t forget the
and same colour.
hair growing in the lower part of your
Chesticles
will look unfavourably uneven, no
This should be a given. No one wants
matter how well groomed you are
the sequel to Jumanji creeping out of
regarding your hair and face.
your chest, spilling over your t-shirt’s neckline. Look, it’s bad enough
Summer tips for the weekend
that we’re beaten senseless by the
With those lazy Fridays and Saturdays
unforgiven heat, it’s even worse if
aside, here are a couple of tips to go by
W
you’re a hairy son of a gun. No one’s
this sizzling summer. If you put on your
telling you to get a full on “manscape”,
diva hat or have nothing to wear, you
hy does it feel like
just keep those bad boys tamed. There’s
can always stick to a single and simple
every day is hotter
nothing wrong or unmanly about
outfit. Find yourself a vintage printed
than the one before?
trimming your body hair, especially
shirt (short sleeves), some natural
We’re pretty sure there
your chest hair. Pick those trimmers up
coloured denim and comfy, lux-leather
are times where you’d rather walk
and work some magic, so that wearing
loafers. They could be a nice throw
around completely nude. No, that’s
a v-neck or a tank-top doesn’t look
back to the 50s in Miami or smaller
haram. However, that doesn’t mean
unflattering.
modern prints for the shirts. As for the
Illustration: Priyo/Dhaka Tribune
you have to suffer the summer heat
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
neck and upper back. The transition
jeans, well, these will look nothing like
every single day. Wearing tank-tops
In the pits
may not be a foreign concept, but
Okay, we’re giving a complete pass to
Think about bright white, off-white,
most likely, some people might find it
not only trim your armpit hair, but to
or even tan denim. The loafers have to
to be inappropriate. If you do decide
shave them off completely. Wax them
be comfortable but also have plenty of
on wearing a tank-top or super-short
if you like, but keeping those suckers
elegance wrapped around those pretty
sleeved t-shirts, there’s a few things to
out so your friend feels tempted to
toes of yours. n
check off the list before you head out.
braid them is a huge turn-off. In this
the more common blue washed denim.
MAKE-UP | TEMPT
5
Festival faces Karishma Rahman
E
Bronze smokey halo eyes
id is something we all
Try the halo eyes this Eid for
anticipate with full force
more depth and definition on
every year! It has become a
your eyes. The bright centre pops
ritual for me to wakeup early
and looks gorgeous while the
in the morning and dress up to my
smokey inner and outer edges
heart’s content. Since I get out in the
give it a lot of dimension. Pair
morning and have to stay out till late at
it with a nice bright lip to pull
night, I’ll usually do something neutral
everything together and you’re
to last me the entire day and simply
good to go.
amp it up to look more glamorous/
Pop some glitters onto the centre
suitable for the night events.
of the lid for more oomph, smoke out the inner and outer edges with darker colours, add heavier
Photos: Courtesy
TIP: Remember to bake your
lashes and switch to a darker
Charlotte Tilburry Cheek to
under eyes and t-zone for a
colour for your lips to look more
bullet-proof make-up that lasts
glamorous in the night.
you the entire day since it’s going
I’m wearing:
Champagne Pop
I love adding a pop of colour in
to be pretty hot and humid this
Eyes: ColourPop ‘Where The
Lips: Ofra x Kathleen Lights –
my inner corners. When I do opt
year. Keep the lips subtle and
Night Is’ eyeshadows
Miami Fever
for this eye look, I always pair it
focus more attention to your eyes,
Face: NARS All Day Luminous
Lashes: JANDS Mink Lashes in
with a subtle nude lip to balance
experimenting is always fun!
Foundation – ‘Barcelona’
‘Moulvibazaar’
it out and keep the attention
Chic Blush – Love Glow Becca X Jaclyn Hill –
Bright pop of colour
on my eyes. You can go for turquoise, lime green, yellow or
Neutral day to night makeover
Summer colours
any colour of your choice! I’m wearing:
I always
Face – YSL Fusion Ink
love a
Foundation
bright pop
Eyes - Too Faced Sugar Pop
of colour
Palette
and this is
Lips – ColourPop Lippie Stix
one of my
‘Brink’ & ColourPop Ultra Matte
favourite
‘Solow’
looks. Sweep
Here’s to a gorgeous and very
a nice
joyous Eid this year. Happy
transition
dressing up ladies!n
shade/ bronzer along the crease line and outer corners and apply a nice shimmery gold/green or bright colour of your choice to match your outfit. For ladies who love bold lips no matter what the time This particular look has always
Anastasia Beverly Hills
of the day is, you can pull this off
been my go to every Eid. Soft
Contour Kit and Glow Kit
throughout the day and night
neutral tones for a subtle
Lips – ColourPop Ultra Matte
I’m wearing:
cut crease, not too vivid or
Liquid Lipstick – ‘Solow’
Face - NARS – All Day Luminous
outrageous for day time. It also
Lashes – JANDS Mink Lashes in
Foundation NARS Velvet Pressed
goes with almost any outfit in
‘Sylhet’ (Switch to something
Powder
case I’m changing to a second
heavier for the night)
Eyes – Morphe 35O Palette and
one in the middle of the day.
I’ll usually define the crease a
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow
I’m wearing:
bit more, add some shimmer or
in ‘Telepathy’ JANDS Mink
Eyes – Morphe 35O Palette
glitter and maybe switch to a
Lashes in ‘Dhaka’
Face – Estee Lauder Double Wear
brighter/darker lipstick for the
Lips – ColourPop ‘Tulle’
Foundation
night.
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
6 COOK YOUR OWN WAY | KITCHEN CHRONICLES
Make your first post-Ramadan meal memorable After a month of fasting, you’ve earned it Farzana Romine
R
amadan is coming to an end soon, so why not indulge yourself with these great breakfasts recipes? This could be a very special Eid breakfast for your family, or maybe for the day after if you’d rather stick to tradition on the big day. Most of the ingredients in these recipes are widely available, and you probably already have
some of them in your pantry.
Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict is a very indulgent
Directions:
once all the butter is incorporated.
first. Once you get the hang of it, you
breakfast and once you learn a few
To make the hollandaise sauce, mix
Take it off the heat. Add salt and
can poach several eggs at the same
techniques, you can make it at home
the egg yolks and vinegar with a whisk
pepper. Keep it aside.
time. I also started with one egg at a
easily. You can serve it on a thick toast
in a heavy bottomed bowl. Put the egg
or make your own English muffin. This
bowl over simmering water and keep
of water to the boil and add 1/4 cup
To assemble, toast the bread or
recipe will make four portions.
whisking for one minute to warm up
vinegar. Lower the heat so that the
english muffin. Put the poached egg
the egg mixture. Make sure that the
water is simmering gently.
on top and then spoon over some
To poach the eggs, bring a large pan
Ingredients:
water doesn’t touch the bowl. The
3 egg yolks
water and bowl should not get too hot.
whirlpool. Break the eggs in small
1/2 cup melted butter
Keep the heat very low, else your egg
cups and then slide in the eggs one
2 tsp vinegar
will become scrambled.
by one. Cook each for about four
Tip: If your hollandise sauce starts to
minutes, then remove with a slotted
set before you serve, just add a few
one tablespoon at a time and keep
spoon. You can poach one egg at a
teaspoons of warm water to loosen it.
whisking. The mixture will thicken
time if you are not sure how to do it
Salt and pepper to taste 4 eggs to poach
Now start adding the butter
Stir the water so you have a slight
time.
hollandaise sauce and garnish with some dill or a dash of paprika.
Photos: Farzana Romine
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
7
English Muffin Ingredients: For the starter: 3/4 cup flour 1/2+1/4 cup water 1/4 tsp yeast For the dough: 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup water 1 egg 1 tsp yeast 1 tbsp sugar 2 tbsp butter 1 tsp salt 3+1/4 cup flour Corn meal for dusting. If you can’t find corn meal use semolina or suji.
Fluffy and crispy waffles This recipe makes four large waffles
Add one cup batter or as much as your waffle iron can hold. Cook until its light
Directions:
floured surface. Roll about one inch
Ingredients:
brown on both side. Repeat with rest of
Mix the starter ingredients together.
thick and cut out rounds with a round
1+ 3/4 cups flour
the batter. Best served fresh.
Cover and keep it overnight in room
cookie cutter.
1+ 3/4 milk
Tip: These waffles freeze very well.
3 eggs (white and yolk separated)
You can freeze them in ziplock bags
or semolina and put the muffins on it.
2 tbsp sugar
and when you want to eat, just toast
milk, sugar and yeast together. Let it sit
To dust the top side, brush the muffins
2 tsp baking powder
them in the toaster over low heat for
for five minutes. Then add this to the
with a little bit of water and then dust
1/2 tsp salt
few minutes. It will taste just like fresh
previous night’s starter mixture and mix
it with corn meal. Press gently so that it
1/3 cup oil
waffles. n
well. Add the egg. Now add the flour and
sticks well.
2 tbsp melted butter
temperature. The next day, mix water, warm
salt. Mix well. If it’s too sticky then add
Dust a baking sheet with corn meal
Let your muffin rise for about one
1 tsp vanilla extract
some more flour and keep mixing until
and a half to two hours. Preheat you
everything is well combined.
oven to 325°F/160°C degree. Warm an
Directions:
iron skillet or heavy bottom frying pan
Heat your waffle iron over medium
as needed. Melt the butter and add it
over medium heat. Put your muffins
heat. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Set
a little at a time to the dough and keep
on it, leaving enough space between
it aside. Mix the flour, baking powder,
kneading for five to six minutes.
each to expand. Cook for three to four
salt and sugar in a bowl. In a separate
minutes or until they have a nice light
bowl mix the egg yolk, milk, oil, butter
Farzana Romine is a food lover
brown colour.
and vanilla.
and travel enthusiast whose
Now add the liquid mixture into the
mission is recreating restaurant
Now start kneading. Flour lightly
Once the dough is smooth, put it in an oiled bowl and cover. You can keep it in the fridge overnight or you can let
Flip it and cook on the other side for
it sit for two hours at room temperature
another three to four minutes. Once it’s
flour mixture. Mix it gently. Don’t over
quality dishes at home and she
and make it the same day.
cooked, then put them in the oven for
beat it. Gently fold the beaten egg white
invites you to come along for the
ten minutes. Your English muffins will
with the batter. It will make the batter
ride
be ready.
fluffy. Now oil your waffle iron lightly.
When you are ready to make your muffin, take the dough out on a lightly
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 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.
Till Chand Raat
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
COMMUNAL HARMONY | PHOTO STORY
9
Courage under fire Photos: Mahmud Hossain Opu Every day during Ramadan, hundreds of men, women and children would queue from 3pm onwards in front of Dharmarajika Buddhist monastery in Dhaka. The monastery in the city’s Bashabo area is known for its generous gesture of serving iftar to the poor and the destitute during this holy month. This heartwarming initiative is a rare example of social harmony that is being practiced by the monks here for the last six years. However, even this act of kindness comes with its risks – the high priest of the monastery recently received a death threat by mail.
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
10 PHOTO STORY | COMMUNAL HARMONY
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
11
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
12 RAMADAN REFLECTIONS | SPIRITUALITY
Ramadan: Like a Bird We fly out of the Darkness into the hall Shireen Pasha We are poor students who stay after school to study joy. We are like those birds in the India mountains. I am a widow whose child is her only joy. The only thing I hold in my ant-like head Is the builder’s plan of the castle of sugar. Just to steal one grain of sugar is a joy!
W
hen the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began, I was between the ages of 24 and 26,
working as an Import Policy Analyst for the U.S. Department of Commerce. My work entailed reading trade policies of foreign governments and highlighting hidden subsidy potential earmarked for a particular industry so that my boss could address it at various World Trade Organisation meetings. I can go
Muslims praying in Bangladesh
Photos: Courtesy
into the details of paper shredding and my naiveté about how governments
and the shock of the 9/11 attacks -- led
Imam. I wanted to talk with him about
where at a concert in an Eucalyptus
should operate and how they actually
me to lose my faith in life. I ran to my
life, the war, the pain swirling around
Grove, a man by the name of Rafique
operated but I think you know enough
personal physician and cried my heart
us. The archaic Imam was so caught
Keshavjee offered me a reed basket of
about that.
out. I told him how unjust it was for all
up in Sunna that he could not listen to
cherries with a manner of such grace
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
the innocent people on both sides to
me, really engage in any conversation.
and deep kindness that my blunted
the changing geography of Washington,
die, lose their homes, limbs, lives as a
He kept his eyes glued to the ground
senses began to throb with life. His
DC (a place I warmly called home until
result of a war that was really thuggery
and sent me off saying “don’t worry,
mannerisms reminded me of a Muslim
familiar places were blocked off in
disguised.
everything will be fine. Just stay with
world that was vanishing. The Muslim
your husband.” Fine, I will stay with
world where water is an inalienable
crazy. He immediately prescribed me a
my husband but I want to talk with
right, people love to share their food,
set of anti-depressants. I didn’t know
you about my conscience and how to
and the harshest words can be said
how to manage the duality of seeing the
reconcile the Shirk (the separateness)
with the gentlest of humor. Where
injustice and then having to pretend
that I must live with when my heart
did this man, Rafique Keshavjee come
that it was not there and instead to
yearns for Tawheed (oneness).
from? It was exactly what I needed, not
the name of Homeland Security), my government job, sedentary life-style
The doctor looked at me as if I was
consume my heart (which I did). Maybe
Like many of us, I just had to suffer
anti-depressants or blind folds.
a Jetta (Volkswagon four seater) with bun warmers or a television on top of the stove (for Bollywood songs while I
Like a bird, we fly out of darkness into the hall,
cooked) or that table from Theodore’s
Which is lit with singing, then fly out again.
would make all the anxiety go away.
Being shut out of the warm hall is also a joy.
To survive, I took the antidepressants. The first set didn’t work
I am a laggard, a loafer, and an idiot. But I love
well. The doctor changed the brand.
To read about those who caught one glimpse
I wasn’t keeping track of what I was
Of the Face, and died twenty years later in joy.
really taking, I just wanted the pain to stop. Consumerism kept me occupied,
Syrian father and son
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
while my marriage to my first husband
through this period for at least half a
fell apart. I was too young and didn’t
decade until I met some friends who
walks, full belly laughter, I began to
With many talks, cooking sessions,
know how to be responsible for my
nursed me back to Tawheed. It started
heal. What I learned from Rafique was
emotions. I went to the Islamic Centre
with a basket of cherries. I had moved
to focus on the eternal quality of joy,
in Washington, DC to talk with the
to San Francisco (after my divorce),
love and light - all that is Allah and
13 to light candles instead of cursing the darkness. Like a moth to a candle, I linger around joy but the healing is incomplete. In oneness we must heal together. I look at the state of the world: the war in Syria; conflicts in Iraq; suppression of Kurds; mass displacement of peoples due to war, climate or economic stagnation; I look at how Muslims are taught to hate themselves; how others are taught to hate Muslims; how much hate there is in general for minority communities; the invisible Rohingyas; how Muslims practice Islam not really knowing the essence of their heritage; the occupation of our minds, time and space - an occupation that we cannot fully grasp; the lack of leadership whether one is in the West or in the East; the increasing inability of an average human being to
Eid festival in Afghanistan
make ends meet; the massive decline
(Oneness).
after brother. Other after brother. The
divide.
of biological and cultural diversity -- a
Can we first stop hating ourselves?
Jewish community was chased down
partial list which does not even begin
Let us be humbly proud of being Allah’s
in the 20th century. If you ask me, the
into the generous softness of our
The only way we can resurge
to include the world outside of our
sentient being and for being a Muslim.
Jews are our best friends. Believe me,
spiritual heritage is to relax. Relax
immediate knowing -- those worlds
Can we stop the witch hunt? We are the
they are. That which pursues us is that
into everything. Relax into the pain,
are also a part of the same Tawheed
bogey man of the 21st century. Brother
which pursued them and continues to
the joy, the forgiveness, the inability to forgive because you will forgive in time - just give yourself time. Relax into rebuilding our communities. The onus is upon us. Relax into your Namaz, your meditation, your awareness without wanting anything in return. I came across a video on social media(shared by Bangladeshis), in which a Mullah was demanding that one must pray in order to rid oneself of sin. Stop there. There is no doctrine of man being a sinner in Islam. No way. Man is peaceful. Man is a lover. Why else would Beloved Mohammad go to such pains to offer us a practice that reminds us of our joyful symbiosis? n
I don’t mind your saying I will die soon. Even in the sound of the word soon, I hear The word you which begins every sentence of joy. “You’re a thief!” the judge said. “Let’s see Your hands!” I showed my callused hands in court. My sentence was a thousand years of joy. -Stealing Sugar from the Castle by Robert Bly
Eid prayers in India
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
14 RAMADAN REFLECTIONS | MUSINGS
Looking back on Ramadan Tasneem Chow constraint can mean many things to
range from feeding the poor in your
many of us.
locality or giving to an underprivileged
In others’ shoes
C
income, or give education to the future
For many of us, the prolonged period
generations. If you do not have the
of fasting has primarily made us think
means to alleviate others’ suffering, use
more about those less fortunate than
this month of introspection to think
us. Going without food and water all
deeply of how you contribute to the
day is bound to give most people a new
system that creates it.
perspective on their lives. No matter
Photo: Bigstock
family so they can invest in a source of
how fleeting the thought - when you’re
Toning down the excesses
typing away at work, grocery shopping
However for many of us, Ramadan
in the heat or taking a rickshaw
can easily spiral into a month of upset
to university - when that parched
schedules and feasting at meal times,
sensation tickles your throat and your
while the swelling of our potbellies
stomach groans, you are bound to
becomes proportional to the rate at
think of those who feel like this but
which holes are burnt in our pockets.
continue to do backbreaking work
Of course, there is nothing wrong with
everyday. This looking outward to put
socialising in Ramadan, a meal with
yourself in other people’s shoes, while
family and friends is a positive and
hances are, you are reading
uplifting thing in all cultures. But there
this while making mental
is no denying that Ramadan, and the
lists of your last minute
Eid shopping frenzy it involves, has led
chores, vainly attempting
to a degree of commercialisation that
to assess which roads will not be deadlocked and which stores will not be buzzing with equally frantic last minute shoppers, while trying to cook, clean, pack, organise, categorise, and so much more all at the same time. It’s that time of the year again - the last week of Ramadan when the countdown to Eid officially begins and you are
Ramadan doesn’t need to be the only time you are nice to the hired help, drivers, security guards, office help, rubbish collectors, and all the people who make your life so much easier with their silent service in the background
can blight the spirituality of Ramadan. If looking back, you feel guilty of these excesses, use this as a lesson for the coming months. Ramadan may be over, but there is still no reason why you and your family shouldn’t have healthy, home-cooked meals instead of buffets stuffed with oily dishes. Next time you shop for your loved ones,
overcome with feelings of anticipation
remember that it is the thought that
and apprehension alike. But once you
counts, and not the extravagance your
get past the last minute panic that is as
gift displays. And Ramadan doesn’t
integral to the last week of Ramadan
need to be the only time you are nice to
as haleem is to iftar, now would be the
whatever you aspire to, at work and in
at the same time looking inward to
the hired help, drivers, security guards,
best time to ask yourself, what did this
your private lives, or just leave you with
limit your excesses and scrutinise your
office help, rubbish collectors, and all
Ramadan mean for you?
a calmness of spirit that can help you
contribution to society, is to me the
the people who make your life so much
through the rest of the year.
most significant part of Ramadan.
easier with their silent service in the
Month of prayer and reflection
Even if you have not been able
So it makes all the sense in the
background.
to regularly pray or fast, there is no
world that this is also the month for
These last few days of Ramadan are
denying that the month of Ramadan
giving zakaath. But while this time
can continue to learn the lessons of
extra special to many of us - the last
does make people consider questions
makes you more aware of the suffering
constraint, introspection and kindness.
few days of prayer and fasting. For
of spirituality. I am sure by now you
in the world, it is also important to
And most importantly, let us remember
many, this month of relative quiet
may have come across people who are
make yourself more aware of how you
that lessons of Ramadan should not
and reflection can have an overall
not as faithful about practicing their
can alleviate it. Research is crucial,
only influence our behaviour towards
positive psychological effect. Almost all
religion the rest of the year as they
and a lot is lost if your contribution is
our Muslim brethren, but to all the
believers will tell you of the inner peace
are in Ramadan. Don’t mock them if
charity for the sake of religious duty.
people of the world, regardless of their
that comes through prayer, and this can
you practice your faith all year round,
Make sure how you can contribute to
faith. n
give you renewed resolve to do better at
because a month of introspection and
a cause that you believe in, which can
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
While the holy month is over, we
SOCIAL WELFARE | INITIATIVE
15
Imagine.Nation Giving social networking a whole new perspective
Moumita Ahmed Their Ramadan initiatives include a venture where they hand out Iftar packages to the needy. “We chose to distribute these to a number of children and their families who attend a school in Mirpur. We gave the packages to these children because we wanted to encourage them to regularly attend school,” said Shahtaj Mahmud, one of “The biggest of battles can be won, only
the founders. In addition to handing
if we fight it together,” says Asif Azam,
out meal packs to the needy, they
one of the six founders of Imagine.
also handed out some of the packs to
Nation, a recently opened Facebook
old rickshaw pullers. A portion of the
group of independent social workers
proceeds were donated to Utsho, a
with 1,382 members. Essentially, the
two and a half year cancer patient who
group acts as a platform or middle
cannot afford treatment.
ground that makes both people in need,
Utsho’s case was brought to light by a
and people who want to donate to
Facebook post made to the group. The
those in need find a common ground.
post read: “Utsho, a 2.5 years old boy,
With a platform as large as Facebook,
suffering from first stage leukaemia,
the admins facilitate this process by
is now under chemo therapy in
either finding donors for those in need
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
or finding causes that really matter and
University (commonly known as PG
bring it to the attention of those who
Hospital). Mr. Palash, his unfortunate
can and want to donate. With a simple
father, is knocking every single door
mission to contribute to the society,
for financial support to continue
in any way possible, no matter how
this boy’s treatment. Doctors said
miniscule, they are taking baby steps
Utsho will need 8 course of chemo
towards achieving their goals, one
for now and the treatment will take
project at a time.
5 years to help the kid get rid of the cancerous cells completely (if that
possible, I personally always wanted
miracle really happens).” The group
to contribute to the society. This idea
propelled members to share the post,
has grew over time as I observed and
raising awareness. It also funds Utsho’s
learned more about life. Luckily, when
treatment helping his father to partially
I shared the idea with my friends I
bear the expenses.
was surprised to find that they felt the
“We are providing our services
same way.” Soon after the idea took the
to the ones in real need, mostly by
form of a real project and the Imagine.
connecting to different NGOs and help
Nation team was born. With just a
them a little in what they do on regular
little bit of planning and a whole lot
basis. Our services are backed by the
of initiative, Azam, Tahrina, Shahtaj,
people, whoever feels the connection
Mustafa, Saiful, Rubayet and Sadi
to the initiative. We have been able to
opened the public group and began
connect to some wonderful human
to take matters into their hands. With
beings through this process,” says
six core members, they “rotate” their
Shahtaj.
responsibilities with each founder
What sets Imagine.Nation apart
Photos: Courtesy
“Even if it’s in the tiniest way
Although they are only in the
“Imagine.Nation is nothing but
beginning stage of social work, they
a group of people who imagine a
know they have a long way to go.
better world. All we want to do is
taking turns to facilitate the groups
from other private initiatives is their
“We do intend to work on bigger
make the world a better place for
demands. While they manage the
ability to be able to connect so many
causes, but for now we only intend
everyone. It doesn’t necessarily have
group’s activities as a whole, Azam says
individuals and initiatives on one single
to keep the motivation alive,” said
to be poor people but currently they
that there has been immense response
platform. “Anybody can be a part of
Shahtaj. However, they also believe
are the ones in need. We dream of
from independent volunteers. “People
Imagine.Nation and we are always open
that the future initiatives would only
a united world where there is no
come forward to volunteer on various
to different ideas which are connected
be possible if we keep receiving our
discrimination between the rich and
projects and that’s really something
to contributing to the society,” Asif
people’s help, which we have so far
poor. We want to help the helpless,”
that makes me proud,” he added.
shared.
been blessed with.
Shahtaj said. n
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
16 INITIATIVE | SOCIAL WELFARE “Things could’ve gone a lot smoother if our A Level exams hadn’t intervened,” said both Aulinur and Lutfur. The team was finally prepared with money at hand, and instantly threw themselves into their work. “After a week of fund-raising, we ended up with 20000 BDT for the iftaar,” informed the CEO. Packets of food were bought using this money for 350 under-privileged children and their families.
Only the beginning The Helpmate Foundation still has a long journey ahead. Another iftaar give-away is being planned on 29 June, 2016. Mahi Fayed said, “Help from us comes in the form of education,
A spoon for hungry mouths
food, clothes and shelter or medical
Helpmate Foundation organises iftar for 350 underprivileged children
employment opportunities for the
Noor-E-Shahrin
assistance. We have big dreams for the future.” And the giving doesn’t stop there. “Our social work aims to provide extreme poor and basic literacy programmes,” said Aaqid. Volunteering for social work is probably the best investment of someone’s time, and the volunteers
ordinary people like you
T
For a greater cause
and me, who decided to
Initially this Iftaar give-
to make new friends, develop
reach out to some other
away was simply “to
communication skills and
ordinary people just like us, except
give the slum people the
build self confidence by
less fortunate. The Co-Founders of
experience of the iftar we
giving you a new sense of
Helpmate Foundation wanted to help
have every day” as Mahi
purpose.
those who aren’t as blessed as we all
Fayed puts it. “Exactly
are, and decided to bring together
three days before the event,
a group of dreamers with the same
I was walking in the slum and
determination and charisma to
noticed a piece of unused land
materialise their thoughts. And what
right beside the jheel. An idea
better time to spread merriment and
struck me,” he said. The
well-being than the holy month of
idea of establishing an
Ramadan?
education institution
his is a story of a group of
“We planned to arrange Iftar meals
at Helpmate Foundation sincerely
children on that
families, so we organised Iftar for
very place jumped
350 people of the slum at Sector 12 of
into his head, and
the city’s Uttara area. We personally
this iftaar turned
selected the recipients and made
into a milaad for the
sure they were all people who were
school. When this
desperately in need of food,” said Mahi
news spread across
Fayed Haque, a Co-Founder and CEO of
the area, the children’s
Helpmate Foundation.
excitement and enthusiasm
aided by a team of young and dedicated volunteers – Ankon Rahman, Raihan
Volunteering can also help you
Accordign to
for the area’s
for underprivileged children and their
Mahi Fayed’s companions were
urge others to try it out.
could be felt as they kept asking,
Photos: Courtesy
“Bhaiya, when will the school open?” Their plan was as simple as two
about what we are trying to do.”
Sharif Rafi, a private candidate for
plus two. First, sell the idea to the
This led them to the second stage
Mashruk, “A true giver doesn’t give to
IAL, Mashruk Amin, Anan Zaman and
targeted group of people. On asking
- the collection of capital, which was
get known.” There are so many NGOs
Shajidul Islam Amoy, all students of
how they got started, Mahi Fayed said,
all the more difficult because they
and individuals all over the country
Scholastica, his Co-Founders Borshon
“Thanks to Asian radio, we were able
had to convince people that the funds
who dedicate their lives to social
Uz Zaman of NSU, Lutfur Rahman
to broadcast the whole event.” But
would be utilised effectively and put to
services; their ventures could be bigger
Shifat, Aulinur Ahmed of BIT, Aaqid
what sounds simple might not be so in
good use. For this reason, Lutfur said
or smaller than this one. But the key
Mohammad and his driver turned well-
reality. According to Aaqid, their first
their biggest struggle was to “raise the
ingredient is the intention.” n
wisher Biplob.
struggle was to “convince the people
funds.”
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
RAJKANDI | TRAVEL
17
the trail and that’s why he brought three kulis (worker) from the nearby Champaroi tea-estate to guide us up to Hammam. In the first hour of our hike through the forest, we followed a trail that was otherwise hidden among think foliage, amidst the background sound of jungle fowls cooing somewhere in the deep, breaking the muted silence of the forest. Occasionally we spotted monkeys, jumping from one tree branch to another. The trail led us to a charra (hilly canyon river), the dark surface of which was strewn with floating leaves. We waded through its knee-deep water and gradually reached the heart of the canyon. The canyon wall was getting narrower and the water in the stream was getting deeper. We had to use the 4-5 inches slippery trail by the side of the stream, and this is where Mifta bhai met with his little water accident! We found ourselves stranded on a 5-6 inches wide trail with our backs to a
In search of Hummum
rocky wall. We hadn’t thought to bring rope with us, but
Hunt for waterfalls in Rajkandi reserve
at that point, we silently cursed ourselves for not
Mahmood Sadi
having though of it before.
which mostly was blocked
I
before, while he was in the midst of
due to long bamboo trees that
illegally cutting bamboo in the forest.
us in our quest of ‘Hammam.’ We
back and we, with the skill of Mifta
guarded both sides of the narrow
Initially, our appearance gave him
decided to trust in him and discharged
bhai’s engineering knowledge built a
canyons, amid the gentle soft breeze
quite a scare as he thought we were a
Momtaz Mia from his duty. Though,
temporary bridge to cross the rest of
that whispered through the ancient
group of armed rebels from across the
as per our itinerary, we were supposed
the narrow but deep and treacherous
rock faces, Mifta Bhai created a massive
border who frequented that area. The
to leave that area after dark, we
water.
wave as his 108 kilo body slipped and
Indian border was not far and in that
boldly decided to spend the night in
fell into the water. I was right behind
deep jungle there is no ‘white flag’ rule.
a spooky old boarding in Vanugach,
finally made it to Hummum, and as we
him, tried hard not to burst out in
Some rebel armed groups from India
a small bazaar, about an hour’s travel
emerged into the almost amphitheatre-
laughter, but I too was struggling
make regular visits there to cut down
from the Rajkandi reserve forest, and
like clearing around the waterfall, we
to balance my body on a four-inch
trees and bamboos and they beat and
planned to start fresh early in the next
decided that our arduous journey had
slippery rock trail, at the stream’s bank.
sometimes kill lone bamboo cutters like
morning.
been well worth it!
n the shadow of summer sunlight,
Fortunately, Mifta knew how to
Finding no other way, we sent We had come upon Rohit the day
Rohit if found.
two of our guides back to cut down bamboo from the forest. They came
After a few more hurdles, we
We discovered, much to our
We were surprised to come upon
frustration, that Rohit pretty much
another group who we had seen lagging
swim and wasn’t injured, which was
By the time we met him, we were
every bit of a possibility as the water
quite frustrated with our ‘progress’.
had no idea what he was doing. In
behind us in the jungle, was already
hid several sharp rock faces under its
After seven hours of hiking through
the morning we found that Rohit had
there. They said that their guide took
serene surface. But his iPhone (I didn’t
the somewhat monotonous landscapes
brought three other people along
them through the shoulder of the hills,
know why he brought that along with
of tea-gardens, deep jungle with
with him to guide us in the trail and
not through the canyons. We then
him since there was no network inside
intermittent bamboo forests and a long
we thought that it was some sort of
realised that the risky canyon path that
the jungle) was ruined and he was all
sandy water stream, we stood in front
a practical joke. Four guides for five
we had gone through was not even a
soaked with muddy water. He shot an
of what was no more than a pitiful
people!
short-cut. (Prior to that we thought it
angry look at Rohit, our guide, who was
trickle of water. We didn’t have much
in front of us and was supposed to warn
to do then as the guide named Momtaz
the four would rob us once we were
have been no reason for the guide to
us about the slippery sections in the
Mia that we hired for that day, guided
in the deep forest, Rony and I were
bring us through that way).
path. For a few days now, we had been
us through the wrong trail.
worried about the payment of three
On our return to the village, we
extra guides, Roman, ‘the reticent’,
rebuked Rohit and his three guides
guided by the wrong guys in our search
Once Rohit’s initial fear passed, he
Shumon Bhai was convinced that
was a short cut, otherwise there would
for the waterfall named ‘Hummum’ for
quicky warmed up to us and gave us
didn’t say anything as usual while Mifta
for taking us through the dangerous
which we had, by then spent two days
quite the impression of himself and
bhai began to berate the newcomers in
canyon trail, but we later confessed to
in the reserve forest of Rajkandi, in
his knowledge on the local geography
his native Sylheti accent. Soon enough
each other that it all turned out to be a
Srimongol.
and promised that he would guide
we realised that Rohit didn’t know
good adventure! n
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
18 STAY IN Clues ACROSS 1 Rodent in pastry for buccaneer (6) 6 Fashion own goal in two thirds of revue (5) 7 Motorist loses five when less wet (5) 8 Diamond headwear found in Antarctic (6)
DOWN 2 Bill ready to sing well (7) 3 Rail age changed country (7) 4 The Spanish aren’t odd cricket side (6) 5 Hand GI new great leader (6)
Sudoku
Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19)- Head or heart? Head’s a rational bore while your heart’s a kid in a candy store. A little control over both and a little sit down with the contenders isn’t a bad idea. Taurus (Apr 20-May20)- Focus on your
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
health this week, eat very carefully and pay attention to what you force down your gullet. Even if digestion doesn’t play it’s tricks against you, you may get the chills from not getting enough nutrition. Gemini (May 21-June 20)- Faith is a two way street, much like the personality you hone. You can’t expect someone to have faith in you if you don’t have faith in them or show them you believe in them. matters linked with family or relatives. Cancer (June 21-Jul22)- his may sound like a lesson in how to follow through a cosmic journey in your mind. But be sure to pay attention to your dreams from now on and get a better picture on what you want to see. Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)-The sun’s rays reflected through your eyes need to be spread around the horizon. Take it one
Solved it? Email answers to weekend@dhakatribune.com and win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune.
step at a time and you will find joy in
Last week’s solutions
Last week’s sudoku solutions
what you do. Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22)-Patience my dear pays off for those who wait, a lifetime of stress if about to be lifted off your shoulders this week for a certain amount of time. Rejoice in this moment! Libra (Sep 23-Oct22)- It is time for you to heed with caution, no matter where you go. Trust the very few around you and if possible not even them, only yourself, even the air you breathe is conspiring against you and laughing behind your back. A change of company is surely needed.
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)
Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21)- Even though most of the time it works out for you when you meddle in a friend’s life; perhaps this time around it may not be a good idea to be a meddler. Try to juggle both sides of the problem and then see if it’s probable to intervene. Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec 21)- Logging in long hours at work will definitely earn you bonus points with the boss. However it may lead to some time unnecessary time off from the family. Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan19)- The cards are set at your table, it is now your turn to either make a move and lose or stop playing the game and start another. Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- A great big change is soon coming your way, so prepare yourself for it and do not be afraid. Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- The biggest challenge in life is accepting and dealing with daily rituals. Once you can do that, you become invincible.
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
horoscopes
Mini cryptics
GO OUT
19
Weekly Planner July 1 July 1
Food | Grand opening of Cocktails Café and Restaurant When 10am Where Lalbagh Kella, Dhaka, Bangladesh What The grand opening of Cocktails Café and Restaurant in Lalbagh. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/100677190359274/?active_tab=highlights
Fashion | Nakshi Katha Festival When 1pm Where Krishibid institution of Bangladesh- KIB, Khamarbari Road, Dhaka, Bangladesh. What Display of Nakshi Katha hosted by Fashion TV Bangladesh and Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh. Nakshi Katha is mostly perceived as a tourist souvenir.
The festival is an attempt to bring Nakshi Katha to the public eye as a cultural signature. The highlight of the festival is the various patterns and colours of the Nakshi Katha, unique to Bangladesh. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1663531247236110/
July 3
July 3
Exhibition | Kites Eid Exhibition When 11am Where Drik Gallery, Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka 1209, Bangladesh. What Exhibition of classic, vintage and kites twist sunglasses, elegant perfume oil and trendy capes. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1058771887540884/
Music | Album launch July 3
Fashion | Eid-Ul-Fitr Mehndi Carnival When 9am Where Drik Gallery Dhanmondi, Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka 1209, Bnagladesh. What It is a ‘Mehndi Utshob’ hosted by Maisha’s Euphoria Mehndi. Many discount offers and exciting gifts are available. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/591482034351645/
July 3
Workshop | Meditation: Science of the Inner
When 3pm Where Seven Hill restaurant, DK Tower (level-7) 94, Bir Uttam, CR Datta road, old Sonargoan, Bangla Motor, Dhaka-1205 What The launching event of Minar Zohan’s debut album. The album is called ‘Zohan’ and is co-produced by Raef Al Hasan Rafa and Sajid Sarkar. The album is being released
under Laser Vision Limited. There are nine originally produced songs in the album. The event will be hosted by Minar Zohan, Sarwar Tuhin, Jarjeesh Tanvir, Tanzir Ahmed Suddho, and Afsin Rabbani. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1058771887540884/
When 10am Where OSHO Meditation Centre Bangladesh, House 50, Road 10A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka What If you want to live a more fulfilled life, first you will want to know your potential, who you really are; meditation is the route to that knowing. It is the methodology of the science of awareness. Throughout the day participants can take part in meditations, sit silently, walk around, read books, or even play with colours. Sabyachi Mistry will show participants how to gain relaxation from painting and make painting a meditation process.
WEEKEN D TR I B U N E | FR I DAY, J U LY 1 , 20 1 6
20 THE BONG MOMMA | TALES FROM A FIRST-TIME MOM
“Yes I Can!” Minu Ahmed from previous issues, I conceived soon after getting married, and didn’t get the chance to go back to work. I had Jellybean and had zero time to even think about a career of any sort. But I never stopped working in different ways - I taught students and did project based writing work that I could do from home. The money wasn’t much, but at least I had the satisfaction of not letting my brain remain useless and dry up like a forgotten prune. Then when Jellybean was older, I started my masters, and decided to leave the world of business and venture into communication, because that felt like my true calling. In the middle of all this, the persona of The Bong Momma (which had been hibernating) finally broke through my wall of procrastination and that’s how this column came to be. I knew I had finally found the right path for myself, after years and years of contemplation of what would become of me. The final strengthening aspect was when I
S
Photo: Bigstock
returned to work, doing what I do best, writing and communication work for a
o what did you want to be
my friends had already found their
sternly and murmured, “Just because
when you grew up? Were you
fortes, some in science, some in math,
you’re good doesn’t give you the right
development organisation.
even asked this question? Did
some in accounting, and some in
to do whatever you want!” I gulped
even the journey ahead, it astounds
you even wonder, or were you
When I think of my journey, and
their parents’ businesses. The only
down humble pie and smiled back
me as to how little we know ourselves
told to do this-and-this and become
thing I was unfailingly good at, was
sheepishly. Needless to say, (and much
and of what we can truly become
a so-and-so and fate was decided for
writing stuff. I dabbled in poetry and
to my teacher’s dismay) I still proclaim
and achieve. That little girl who once
you?
short stories for fun, but the extreme
my love for her in a dramatic manner
wanted to be a computer programmer
pressures of laziness and well “life in
whenever I see her!
is now something, and someone totally
For me, growing up in the 90s, with limited access to a computer at first,
general”, never allowed me to fully
made me marvel at the creation that
pursue it. I had never written for youth
making announcements during
a computer was. In the international
supplements in newspapers, which was
assembly for various events and from
me, and I still dream and one day, I
school I was in, we had one Apple
very popular during my school days,
there I overcame my fear of public
might just be the president...
Macintosh computer. I didn’t really
and my first published work was for our
speaking (one of the reasons why I
know the true applications of a
school yearbook.
could never do well in debates). It
computer back then, I would just play
During A levels, I motivated myself
Also during A levels, I started
enough to study English Literature,
because I ended up earning a business
was the dream. I had learnt the term
although language was the first choice,
degree and one of my majors was
“computer programmer” and I wanted
and surprisingly, as tough as it was,
marketing, which required me to make
to be one. I was under the impression
I quite enjoyed it. I found studying
a lot of presentations. I fell in love with
that computer programmers went
poetry cumbersome, but poured over
presenting and ended up doing a lot of
clickety-click and did fun amazing
the novels.
part time work in advertising agencies,
Many years later, I was awakened
I’ve always had a love or hate
hosting events and for a short while,
relationship with my English teachers
even hosted a fashion-related show on
from this dream when I realised that
- they either loved me or hated me. I
TV (no Google won’t help). I figured
I absolutely hated math and had lost
would stumble in late to my English
the media line was for me, and opted
interest in computer science. By the
Literature class sometimes (because
to work in marketing and advertising
time the awkward teenage years
I was busy playing all sorts of sporty
related jobs after I graduated.
hit, I was still clueless as to what I
goodness during free periods) and
wanted to do with my life. By then,
so one day my teacher looked at me
WEEKEN D TR I BU N E | F R I DAY, J U LY 1 , 201 6
No, that’s not wholly true. I’m still
Yes I can! n
really helped when I started university,
games and type stuff, and for me, that
things on computers all day.
different.
However, life had different plans for me. As you must already know
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