Pohela Boishakha Fashion: Starting with a New Page Ayesha Khalaque Shetu is a young entrepreneur and designer who likes to convey the local culture and heritage to her work. At present she is working as the Chief Designer of fashion house Ocean of Art. In this current issue, Shetu is happily presenting her exclusive Pohela Boishakh collections to our readers.
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Pages Desk
Special Feature
katan saree in red and white White is the color of a new beginning. Every time you purchase a new notebook, you actually start with a fresh white page. In contrast, red is the sign of a new sun. Thus, red and white have eventually become the trademark color of Pohela Boishakh. And for the entire Bengali nation, ‘Katan’ is a component rooted very much close to the core. In this subcontinent, the journey of ‘Katan’ actually started in 1940. In the beginning, it was rather plain and simple in nature. Gradually designers added different attributes to it. So I tried to use these two colors particularly on this saree. Fringes are also made of ‘Katan’.
Kota Saree If you have noticed the trend, designers are now preferring more colors to their work. I have always preferred the scheme of green and red, and was planning to do something other than white and red. For me, green is the symbol of nature. When it comes to Pohela Boishakh- what else you can imagine other than red! I have used block to this saree and worked on green, orange, red and golden.
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Khadi Panjabi When it comes to Panjabi- silk or Maslin are some exclusive options. But for occasion like Pohela Boishakh, I would rather suggest material such as cotton, Khadi or Kota considering the heat of summer. Besides that, a light color has always been a good idea for a sunny day. For Panjabi, I have crafted stripes on light cream Khadi along with golden embroidery.
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Special Feature
THE RED & WHITE FESTIVAL N S Muna
The first day of the Bengali calendar year is celebrated as the New Year in Bangladesh and it’s called Pohela Boishakh. Primarily celebrated in Bangladesh and in the Indian state of West Bengal, it falls on the 14th of April. The main event of the day is to open a Hal-Khata or new book of accounts, however Pohela Boishakh attracts people from all ages and walks of life unlike other festivals in our country. One can see children, teenagers and adults all taking part in the festivities. Similarly, people from all professions and backgrounds come together as one. They observe the day in a festive mood and following the cultural traditions. The women wear white sari with striking red border, tips on forehead, and colorful bangles while the men wear white traditional panjabi. All gather at Ramna Batomul early in the morning where the first of the Bangla year is welcomed by the singers of ‘Chayanot’. They sing a rendition of Rabindranath Tagore’s song “Esho he Baisakh” by Chhayanat under the Banyan Tree at Ramna. Thousands of people take part in the colorful procession, called Mongol Shobhajatra, which comes out from the Faculty of Fine Arts (Charukala) of Dhaka University.
Image: Internet
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Many other Baishakhi events are arranged in different parts of the country. Different cultural organizations and bands perform on this occasion and fairs are organized. These fairs provide entertainment and staging and Jatra, Palar Gan, Kabi Gan, Jari Gan. Baul and Bhatiali songs are also presented. The old tradition of wresting (Boli Khela), boat racing on Pohela Baishakh can hardly be seen now. Other popular activities included bull racing in some parts of the country, cockfights, and pigeon racing. People living in Dhaka usually gather in TSC. The biggest crowd is observed there. Cultural functions, concerts etc. are arranged all over the country. However, for people, Pohela Baishakh is not a TSC centered festival anymore. Organizers arrange Baishakhi fair in every area across Dhaka nowadays. Among these, options such as Dhanmondi Rabinra Shorobor, Gulshan Park, Dhanmondi Field, Niketon Park have already become quite popular. People gather early to watch the sunrise on the day and also sing to welcome the New Year.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
Photo Credit: Rabi Karim
We Bengalis have a tradition of having ‘Panta-Ilish’ as breakfast on this day. Pohela Baishakh has become an occasion for many of us to meet old friends. Many Organizations arrange reunion program on this day. Young people take this as an opportunity to meet the person they admire and express their love. In the villages, they welcome the occasion by cleaning their houses and dressing up in new clothes. Similar to other festive occasions, everyone pays a visit to family, friends and neighbors. There are a lot of delicious items prepared for the guests. With time the rural celebrations have culminated into big events in big cities such as Dhaka. This festival has a great significance in lives of Bangladeshi people - with every New Year comes renewed hope and excitement. It inspires us to move forward and let go of the past.
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Get ready to experience the fashion like never before Pages Desk
Epyllion Group has started its
footprint in the retail fashion industry of Bangladesh with its own life style brand, Sailor. With the theme, “Sailing Life”, this brand has launched on 3rd April 2015 at North Court, Zamuna Future Park. At the same day, the first outlet was launched at Zamuna Future Park. On 4th April, 2015 the second outlet of Sailor was launched at Rangs KB Square, Satmosjid Road, Dhanmondi (Opposite of UIU) with a grand opening ceremony. Models dressed with Sailor’s products walked on the ramp to exhibit Sailor’s products. This branch was launched in presence of Mr. Reaz Uddin Al-Mamoon, Managing Director and Kishwar Jahan, Director of Epyllion Group and the Brand Ambassador Asif Azim. Mr. Shaheen Parvez, Deputy General Manager, Operation and Mr. Md. Rezaul Kabir, Assistant General Manager, Business Development. The topping to the attraction was the presence of the Brand Ambassador Super Model Asif Azim.Considering the life style of fashion followers, the brand “Sailor” will display different label to merge with the mood of life. To add more festive colors on this year’s Bangla New Year celebration, Sailor is coming with its mega offers. Customers can get up to 100% discount by scratch card and win card. This offer will be valid up to 30th April. Moreover, purchasing products of minimum 5000 Taka from Sailor, you will be honored to be the exclusive Sailor club member and will get 10% discount round the year. This offer will be applicable for first 1000 customers. Sailor will open few more outlets in prime location of the capital and other metropolitan city very soon. Sailor wishes to sailing through with its fine quality and unique design composition where feedback of customers shall remain as main driving wheel.
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RAB celebrated 11th founding anniversary Pages Desk
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) celebrated their 11th founding anniversary on 28th March, 2015. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the ceremony by cutting cake at it’s headquarter in Kurmitola. During the event she praised RAB highly for battling militancy and terrorism. She said- The elite force has been fulfilling a significant role in maintaining law and order situation of the country. She also directed the members of RAB, drawn from various forces, to perform their duties maintaining the chain of command as well as the law, rules and policy of the elite force. Director General of RAB Benazir Ahmed delivered the welcome address while Prime Minister's Adviser on Security Affairs Major General (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, State Minister for Home Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, IGP AKM Shahidul Haque and Senior Secretary of the Home Ministry Mozammel Haque Khan were present. Later RAB celebrated the ceremony by arranging a cultural night at Bangabandhu International Conference Center. Asaduzzaman Noor- Honorable Minister of Cultural Affairs, Md. Shahriar Alam M.P- Honorable State Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Director General of RAB, Benazir Ahmed, Director General of Border Guards Bangladesh- Major General Aziz Ahmed, Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Chairman, National Human Rights Commission and many eminent political, business and cultural personalities were present at the ceremony.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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Rickshaw race to raise funds PAGES DESK
Family members of the staff of the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka raised funds for acid survivors and child cancer patients on Friday, through a rickshaw race event in front of the high commission in the city’s Baridhara. Proceeds from the day’s festivities – Third Rickshaw Relay Challenge-2015 – were donated to charities World Child Cancer and Acid Survivors Foundation. The three-hour long rickshaw relay pit teams of four against each other in a quest for ‘pedal-powered pride’, including an award for best costume. Canadian High Commissioner to Dhaka, Benoît-Pierre Laramée, said Canadians got together for the fun event for an excellent cause. ‘This is a wonderful event that supports an excellent cause — working in support of acid survivors and cancer affected children’, he said. Executive director of Acid Survivors Foundation, Selina Ahmed, thanked the Canadians for supporting and combating violence against women.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
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Farzana Wahab Nutritionist
BRAIN QUICKIES Noteworthy Quotes:
“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” Ernest Hemingway
“Success is not a good teacher, failure makes you humble.” Shahrukh Khan
“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”
“The greatest lesson in life is to know that even fools are right sometimes.”
Pablo Picasso
Winston Churchil
Cartooned: The Third Whirled
Quick Facts The red and white Coca-Cola logo is recognized by 94% of the world’s population. Adding /4 to the end of Facebook’s URL will take you to Mark Zuckerberg’s profile. The most productive day of the workweek is Tuesday. If Bill Gates were a country, he’d be the 37th richest on earth. Source- Internet 30 PAGES
The Brightest Ventures of 2015 - Pages Desk
It is general belief that solving problems is the main work of a debutant entrepreneur. But in reality new startups not only provide solutions but also contribute largely to social development by creating new sectors. STARTUP DHAKA has highlighted various entrepreneur from all over the world in 2014. Besides these featured startups, there are various initiatives that are promising. Here we are highlighting the ventures that promises the most growth in 2015. .
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Fieldbuzz: To maintain a business we need to store data effectively. To survive in the competitive world of today we need to be up to date with the sales, survey and the variations of necessary tasks needed for business. To undertake these operations Fieldbuzz has been created. Here the user can conserve his own sales records, survey, daily reports, etc. Even the location of field sales employees can be tracked too with this. So it is not baseless to expect that Fieldbuzz app will make radical change in the world of business in 2015.
Drinkwell: Drinkwell has helped to fight water crisis in 2014 by winning mass challenge. Now it is operating as micro-franchising in Arsenic effected regions. By training and providing field agents, they are trying to create distribution channel to ensure safe drinking water. They are not only working for business expansion but also promoting education in rural areas. With innovative projects they are aiming to eradicate health problem, unemployment and promote healthy lifestyle, Drinkwell is on its way to prove its worth in 2015.
TechSchool Dam.com.bd: As the name suggests, this site is about the price of products. It is bangladesh’s first online shopping database. This site can show the price of any product. You search by the keywords in the search box and it comes up with information regarding its price. You can access it both online and offline. Moreover it shows price comparison amongst products, so affordable shopping is possible.
Using easy techniques and applications TechSchool teaches complicated subjects such as Robotics to children. The students of TechSchool managed to grab attention with their project in Tedex Dhaka. This school teaches Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Although due to lack of sponsors they struggled to lead the startup, they have come out of that phase recently. Now with six managing partners they are planning to initiate newer modules and courses.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CodersTrust:
Prallaxlogic :
Hungrynaki.com :
Coderstrust is a micro-financing company that provides loan to students to learn coding. To earn from companies such as Elance, Odesk, etc. this organization offers loans. Now they are working with 15 developing countries. In a joint venture with German Solutions in Bangladesh they are involved in experimental works with twenty countires. They aim to popularize freelancing in Bangladesh.
This software helps planning, design and develop any business. Ashraf-ul-Alam and Shihab Bin Rashid are the creator of this software. Their product has helped to make business smooth by helping design, planning and co-ordinating. One can control their business anytime anywhere with this product. Another of their new virtual e-commerce shopping site“Experience Innovation Extreme” could also make headline worldwide.
HungryNaki.com is Bangladesh’s first online site for food ordering. Starting from 2013, now they provide business in more than twenty areas in Dhaka. Their aim is to provide customer’s chosen food from restaurant via home delivery in the shortest amount of time possible. With twenty five employees, they try to deliver food within an hour. To get clients, they offer discounts too. Recently they have started business in Chittagong too.
MCC Limited:
SobjiBazaar.com:
Shohoz.com:
It is an online organic vegetable selling website that offers home delivery. The company itself grows organic vegetable in 65 acre of lands. Created by Mohammed Shahin, SobjiBazaar.com has been working tireless to grow quality vegetables and distribute it directly to its customers. They don’t charge for product delivery. Customers can pay directly or online. People can sign up at www.sobjibazaar.com and use their services.
Shohoz.com works for making travel and tourism easy. From this site, people can easily buy tickets and book hotels from their home. Although they are based in Dhaka, they sell and distribute tickets all over Bangladesh. There are various e-payment opportunities in the site to make customer gateway easy.
Multimedia Content and Communications provide technical and strategic communication. This award-winning company works for electronic media and mobile application. Furthermore, app developemt and video production is also their work. They have been providing Bengali content for customers for several years.They have created portfolio for Bdjobs, grammenphone and ATN News. This year they will introduce new services soon.
Source:
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Alvasin
Herbal Expectorant & Antitussive
60 Seconds Limited /Hamdard/2014
Composition Basak, Jashtimadhu, Kathmi/Suprava, Khubbazi, Sapistan, Shapla, Thankuni, Arbi gum etc. Indications • Common cold • All types cough • Congestion of lungs • Bronchitis • Tonsillitis • Bronchial asthma • Hoarseness of voice • Sore throat • Influenza Dosage & Administration Adult: 2-5 teaspoonfuls twice daily. Children under 12 years: 1-2 teaspoonfuls twice or as prescribes by the physician.
POSM placement- Why & How Faisal Mahmud
Put in one sentence, POSM is a display material to advertise a product in point of sales.
Over the years, the application of POSM has positioned itself in the bracket of “must-to-do-activities” of a Marketing team. For any marketing team (at least in FMCG), POSM placement is as vital as running press or TVC campaigns. Different types of POSM are being invented, still the list of POSM-types can still be put like this: Danglers, Buntings, Woblers, Shelf-talkers, Cut-out boards, Price tags, Packaging itself, Promotional stands, Banners, Posters & Gondola displays. Besides planning for which POSM to place, it is also important “how”.
Buntings
Shelf Talker
Wooblers
Dangler
The importance of POSM is beyond question now. Point-Of-Purchase Advertising International (POPAI) reports that as much as 75% of buying decisions are made in-store. Mass media has become ever more fragmented, making it increasingly difficult for brands to be effectively marketed to large population segments. This has led marketers to restructure their marketing budgets to identify alternatives to traditional mass media.
Traditional FMCG point of sales can now be divided into three category- General Trade (GT), Premium General Stores (PGS) & Modern Trade outlets (MT). Unfortunately, POSM placement in GT receives least attention while major contribution of sales still comes from GT. Many GT outlets are not suitable for placing sophisticated Danglers, Woblers, Display stands etc, but that does not justify the lack of attention. Popular bazaars (compact markets) can easily be beautifully decorated with posters & wobblers, thereby serving the purpose of advertising. Simple technique, quick result! Slowly, but surely, PGS is taking its place. Though PGS outlets are getting closer to MTs in terms of service quality, still their locations & TGs demand different approach in POSM placement. Cut-out boards can be a superb option for PGS, especially when it is located in local sub-ways (goli). Shopping environment is calm there, so people gathering for gossiping won’t mind to have a look at your Cut-outs. Danglers might also work, but only if the store has ample space. 58 PAGES
BUSINESS Some companies have specific patterns of placing danglers, two are worth mentioning right here:
POSM: NESCAFE
Then comes MTs, which are the most organized places to place POSMs, but at the same time, most expensive also. MTs increasing charge for its space might give an impression that POSM placement in MTs are getting more & more effective. But, rather it is actually signaling that, we need to be more cautious & selective while planning for POSM placement in MTs. A chalked out plan works better than just bombarding MT’s shelves with shelf-talkers & loading checkout counters with display stands.
Siemon Scamell-Katz, chairman of shopper behavior researcher ID Magasin, blames the wrong location for a lot of wasted POS marketing expenditure. A research finding is customers move from “location” mode to “shopping” mode as they walk around a store. During location mode they are subconsciously asking "what do I need and where is it?", while in shopping mode they are ready to make purchasing decisions. For example, in case of edible oils, it cannot be expected that a customer coming to an MT outlet and then think which brand to buy. Edible oil brands are few in Bangladesh, and most of the people have pre-determined to buy a particular brand. So, POSM of edible oil brands should better be positioned in specific rows rather than having a big POSM at the entrance. Placement of POSM is a must. Doing it will bring benefit, for sure. If so, then why not doing it carefully and systematically. After all, better result is all we want. Thanks.
Gondola Displays
POSM: Coca-Cola
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FORBES TOP 10 RICHEST Bill Gates Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is back on top of the list of the world's richest people. Gates' net worth is estimated at $76 billion, according to Forbes magazine's 2014 list of world's richest people.
1 Carlos Slim Helu Amancio Ortega
Mexican telecom mogul Carlos Slim Helu, who had topped the list for the past four years, follows Gates with net worth of $72 billion, according to Forbes.
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Spanish clothing magnate Amancio Ortega ($64 billion), known for the Zara retail chain, maintained his third-ranked spot in the Forbes list.
3
Warren Buffet
US investor Warren Buffett ($58.2 billion) was ranked fourth in the Forbes list.
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BIZ NEWS
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Larry Ellison
Charles G. Koch Charles G. Koch is chairman of the board and CEO of Koch Industries, a position he has held since 1967. His net worth was estimated at $40 billion.
David H. Koch is an executive vice president and a board member of Koch Industries, Inc. His net worth was estimated at $40 billion.
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Larry Ellison of Oracle came in fifth with net worth of $48 billion.
Sheldon Adelson
According to Forbes, he made an average of $32 million a day over the last year as shares of his Las Vegas Sands continued to climb. His net worth was estimated at $38 billion.
8
Christy Walton
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. heiress Christy Walton was the highest-ranking woman, in ninth place, at $36.7 billion.
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David H. Koch
Jim Walton
Jim Walton ($34.7 billion) is the youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton. Jim Walton has been on the Walmart board since 2005.
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Mehzabin, Arefin Shuvo and Mim to appear on
‘Shurovir Rupkotha’
Mehzabin Chowdhury, Arefin Shuvo and current Lux star Nadiya Afrin Mim are coming up on their upcoming drama titled- ‘Shurovir Rupkotha’ soon. But you will not find the typical Mehzabin on this drama, she is going to appear in a rather different character. Presented exclusively by Lux, ‘Shurovir Rupkotha’ has been directed by Razib Ashraf.
Shooting has taken place in different location of Gazipore. Mehzabin seemed quite excited on this upcoming project- ‘I am going to perform as the Brand Ambassador of Lux in this drama, therefore I am going to appear as an angel in the beginning.’ This drama will be telecasted on several campaign of Lux as well. Arifin Shuvo will appear on Television long after. He will be working with Nadiya Afrin Mim for the first time in this project.
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TECH QUICKIES
HNOLOGY
TEC MODERN
ABSTR
This iPhone cover is the secret to
Kim Kardashian's great selfies
Facebook is providing the public with more information about what material is banned on the social network. Its revamped community standards now include a separate section on "dangerous organizations" and give more details about what types of nudity it allows to be posted. One of its safety advisers praised the move but said that it was "frustrating" other steps had not been taken. Facebook says about 1.4 billion people use its service at least once a month.
The new guide will replace the old one on the firm's website, and will be sent to users who complain about others' posts.
The jig is up: we now know that the secret to Kim Kardashian's great selfies is great lighting.
On Sunday, The Hollywood Reporter's executive editor Matthew Belloni caught Kim Kardashian using selfie lights on her iPhone. The accessory enabled her take great photos in the dimly lit hall during the Grammys. If you want to take high-quality selfies like Kim Kardashian, you can use her simple but effective trick with a LuMee's iPhone case. The LuMee case is designed with a ring of lights, which softly illuminate your face so that your selfies will be top notch.
Monika Bicket, Facebook's global head of content policy, said the rewrite was intended to address confusion about why some takedown requests were rejected. "We [would] send them a message saying we're not removing it because it doesn't violate our standards, and they would write in and say I'm confused about this, so we would certainly hear that kind of feedback". "And people had questions about what we meant when we said we don't allow bullying, or exactly what our policy was on terrorism.
PlayStation May Soon Transform Gaming for People with Disabilities An upcoming firmware update could add new features catering to people with visual, auditory or other impairments. Twitter user Ahsan Rasheed posted photos of a friend's beta version of the 2.50 firmware patch, including one that shows a list of new PS4 settings like text-to-speech, color inversion, text enlargement, closed captions and button reassignment, among others.
The PlayStation 4 may be poised to make gaming more accessible for people with disabilities.
Accessibility features in PS4 would be huge for the gaming community according to Steven Spohn, chief operations officer at The Able Gamers Foundation, a nonprofit that works to eliminate barriers and help individuals with disabilities to enjoy gaming. "We're talking millions of people who are suddenly going to have an easier time playing games," said Spohn. Source: Internet
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60 Seconds Limited /Hamdard/2014
Best Ayurvedic tonic of centuries
EBL Celebrates Womanhood
Managing Director and CEO of EBL Ali Reza Iftekhar cuts a cake along with Executive Director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) and Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government Rasheda K. Chowdhury, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, attorney and environmentalist and winner of Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2012, and Fahmida Nabi, renowned singer and winner of National Film Award at a programme titled 'Celebrating Womanhood' marking the International Women's Day at its corporate head office on March 8, 2015.
Hasibul Haque, head of product at Grameenphone, and Choon Soo Moon, managing director of the Bangladesh branch of Samsung India Electronics, attend the signing of an agreement in Dhaka recently to introduce Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge hand-sets in the country.
Standard Chartered Appoints Senior External Advisors to Board Financial Crime Risk Committee
Panthapath Branch of NCC Bank Ltd. Relocated at Monem Business District, Sonargaon Road, Dhaka.
Standard Chartered PLC has announced the appointment of three external advisor members to its Board Financial Crime Risk Committee. The three external advisors are outstanding leaders in their fields and will bring valuable insight and a wealth of experience to the Committee. The external advisor members are: Lazaro Campos, former chief executive officer of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, a member-owned cooperative for the secure exchange of financial messages;. Boon Hui Khoo, former president of INTERPOL, senior deputy secretary in Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs and commissioner of the Singapore Police Force; Frances Townsend, former assistant to the U.S. President for homeland security and counterterrorism.
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Grameenphone, Samsung to Introduce Galaxy S6 in Bangladesh
Panthapath Branch of NCC Bank Ltd. has been relocated at Monem Business District, Sonargaon Road, Dhaka. Chairman of Abdul Monem Ltd. Abdul Monem formally inaugurated the new premise as chief guest. Chairman of NCC Bank Md. Nurun Newaz Salim presided over the function while Managing Director & CEO Golam Hafiz Ahmed has given the welcome speech. Vice Chairman of NCC Bank A S M Mainuddin Monem, Directors M A Awal, Khairul Alam Chaklader & Chairman of the Audit Committe Md. Amirul Islam attended as special guests. Among others Advisor of former Caretaker Government Abdul Muyeed Chowdhury, EC Chairman of Mercantile Bank Akram Hossain Humayun, Director A K M Sahid Reza, Executive Director of American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh Abdul Gafur, Actor Zahid Hasan, local businessmen & elites attended the function.
BIZZ NEWS
City Bank American Express Signs Agreement with Long Beach Hotel, Cox's Bazar
City Bank recently signed an Agreement with Long Beach Hotel, Cox's Bazar. Long Beach, one of the finest hotels on Cox's Bazar has been a top choice of travelers since its inception. Under this agreement, City Bank American Express Card members (Platinum and Gold) will now be able to avail 3 nights stay at Long Beach Hotel, Cox's Bazaar by paying only for two nights. Mashrur Arefin, DMD and COO of City Bank and Abul Kalam Azad, Managing Director of Long Beach Hotel signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The ceremony ended with discussions on further strategic alliance between the two organizations.
GSK Top Official to Visit Bangladesh
Ekhanei.com Releases Android App
Ekhanei.com has launched a mobile app on Google Play Store.
This app would enable the users to browse the same offers available on the site. They can also place an ad for the app by choosing which photos/ pictures will be used and add product description.
It is even easier to make a deal, buying and selling in few taps. All features and services would be available in both Bengali and English.
Banglalink Launches ATM Top Up
Ramil Burden
Vice President of Developing Countries Asia & External Affairs Africa
Ramil Burden, the Vice President of Developing Countries Asia and External Affairs Africa GlaxoSmithKline has visited Bangladesh in order to attend the BRAC Frugal Innovation Forum 2015. As he reaches Bangladesh on 23/03/2015, he is supposed to deliver his speech on 24/03/2015. This year's Frugal Innovation Forum on the theme of ‘Pushing the Boundaries of Development’ brings together, leading development practitioners, impact investing experts and social entrepreneurs from the Global South to explore financially sustainable solutions for the development sector in the post-2015 era.
Burden is responsible for external affairs, communications, public health and access programs for Africa in addition to being responsible for GSK’s operations in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Papua New Guinea. Ramil Burden joined GSK in 2005 and has held a number of roles in Government Affairs and Corporate Strategy. From 2008 to 2014, Ramil was head of the Office of the CEO and from 2011 head of Corporate Strategy and Secretary to GSK’s Central Executive Team (CET).
Banglalink, the second largest telecom operator has launched atm top up for its valued subscribers in association with information technology consultants limited (ITCL) recently. ITCL is the owner of the largest payment gateway of Bangladesh – q-cash and has more than 35++ member banks in q-cash payment processing consortium. Banglalink subscribers will be able to top up any Banglalink number (both prepaid & postpaid) from 2000++ ATM’s in q-cash network using all major international & domestic cards on 24/7 basis without incurring any additional charges. On the occasion Solaiman Alam, marketing director, Banglalink said, ‘Banglalink top up is more convenient now! As a customer centric company, Banglalink always try to get nearer to our customers through new opportunities and partnerships that allows providing innovative solutions’.
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HOLLYWOOD &BOLLYWOOD
BITES
Rhea Chakraborty to endorse online fashion brand Actress Rhea Chakraborty has been roped in to endorse online shopping portal Yepme.com to add a zing of freshness to its new brand campaign centered on the 'Fresh Fashion, Fresh Look' theme. The actress will feature in a series of ten advertisements, in which she will take on cliches being carried forward by shopaholics, social media addicts or fashion designers in a witty and humourous way.
Aamir Khan open to work with SRK and Salman Khan? According to an interview on Hindustantimes.com, Aamir Khan said that he is open to do films with the other two Khans. The report quoted Aamir Khan as saying that if something excites all three of them, then they would do the film. The report further quoted Aamir as saying that the Khans haven't decided against working with each other and if the right opportunity presents itself, then he will be open to it.
Rhea, who forayed in to Bollywood with film Mere Dad Ki Maruti, says brand's new approach towards fashion caught her attention.
"Yepme is an exciting fashion brand, connecting the youth of India. As a young actor, everything new and different is an opportunity and worth its while. This new series of films is really fresh in its approach and provides for a fantastic idea," Rhea said in a statement.
Deepika plants a tight kiss on Anushka's cheek According to a report on Pinkvilla.com, Deepika Padukone was seen planting a tight kiss on competitor Anushka Sharma's cheek. Both the actresses, who attended the censor board meeting that took place between Bollywood stars and the politicians, were seen bonding big time. The report further stated that though the actresses were once known for their rivalry in the past, they have now apparently mended their ways. The report also mentioned that Deepika, who recently saw Anushka's NH10 has loved the film and also gave her best wishes. Earlier, during one of the episodes of Koffee With Karan, Deepika had called Anushka her friend, to which host Karan Johar had responded with a surprise.
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MEDIA BITES Russell Brand's New Doc Briefly Addresses Katy Perry Relationship
Katy Perry and Russell Brand have frequently discussed their 14-month marriage since it ended in December of 2011 after Brand sent Perry a text message saying he wanted a divorce. Three years after that movie, the Brand-Perry relationship is back onscreen, albeit briefly. The couple are shown together in "BRAND: A Second Coming," a new documentary which had its world premiere at the South by Southwest Film Festival recently.
Brand has frequently said he enjoyed being married to Perry ("I really enjoyed it," he said last year), and while "BRAND" doesn't dwell on their relationship too much, it does include one piece of the comic's philosophy on human connections. "I cut people out of my life if I think things aren't functioning," Brand says over footage of the 39-year-old visiting his grandmother's gravesite with his father. "And I think, 'What am I making this effort for?'
Mila Kunis Supports Ashton Kutcher At SXSW
Britney Spears and Her New Boyfriend Couldn't Be Cuter Britney Spears and her new boyfriend, Charlie Ebersol, put their love on display at her son's soccer game this weekend.
Spears and Ebersol were all smiles as they sat in the grass while Jayden played out on the field Sunday in sunny Los Angeles. The 33-year-old pop star was photographed hugging her man, and holding his hand. The producer, who began dating Spears in the fall, gushed about their relationship to "Access Hollywood" last month.
"I'm incredibly lucky because she's an amazing woman," he said. "You can't look past all of the incredible accomplishments that she has. But the one thing we have that we get to enjoy is not having to share it with the world."
Mila Kunis stepped out in Austin, Texas to support Ashton Kutcher at South by Southwest as he promoted his new tech investment fund, Sound Ventures. Kunis posed for photos with Kutcher and other famous attendees, like T.I. and Mark Cuban, on Saturday. The actress was dressed down in a black sweater with white hearts and a slicked-back bun. The former "Two and a Half Men" star kept it casual, too, in a zip-up sweatshirt and hat. Kutcher and longtime investment partner Guy Oseary celebrated the launch of Sound Ventures with a party at the Copper Restaurant and Lounge in downtown Austin, according to TechCrunch. The fund will invest in tech startups. The two have previously invested in brands like Uber, Spotify and Airbnb. Source: Internet
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The Man behind the
IMMORTAL WORDS Jibananda Das -Imran Saif
Jibananda Das was a Bengali writer,
poet, novelist and essayist. Although barely known during his lifetime, he is now recognized as the premier poet of the post-Tagore era in Bangladesh. He is termed by many as “Bengal’s greatest modern poet”. His poems are part of the Bengali consciousness; he was perhaps the best-loved poet after Tagore. For poets who came after him, he maybe even took the place of Tagore in terms of respect and admiration. Das’s literary works are broad and diverse and draw inspiration from a wide variety of sources.
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LITERATURE He wrote a lot in his lifetime and many of his works were undiscovered for a long time due to his introverted nature. He would keep many of his works secret and during his lifetime only seven volumes of his poems were published. It was discovered that he wrote a few novels and a huge number of short stories. His unpublished works still continue to be published today. Some of his major works include:
Poetry - Jhôra Palok (Fallen Feathers), 1927, Dhushor Pandulipi (Grey Manuscript), 1936, Banalata Sen, 1942, Môhaprithibi (Great Universe), 1944, Shaat-ti Tarar Timir, (Darkness of Seven Stars), 1948, Shreshtho Kobita, (Best Poems), 1954: Navana, Calcutta, Rupasi Bangla (Bengal, the Beautiful), written in 1934, published posthumously in 1957, Bela Obela Kalbela (Times, Bad Times, End Times), 1961, published posthumously but the manuscript was prepared during lifetime, Sudorshona (The beautiful), published posthu-
mously in 1973: Sahitya Sadan, Calcutta. Alo Prithibi (The World of Light), published posthumously in 1981: Granthalaya Private Ltd., Calcutta. Manobihangam (The Bird that is my Heart), published posthumously in 1979: Bengal Publishers Private Ltd. Calcutta. Oprkashitô Ekanno (Unpublished Fifty-one), Published posthumously in 1999, Mawla Brothers, Dhaka.
Novels – Basmatir Upakhyan, Bibhav, Biraaj, Chaarjon, Jiban-Pronali, Kalyani, Karu-Bashona, Malyabaan (novel), New Script, Calcutta, 1973 (posthumuously published), Mrinal, Nirupam Yatra, Pretinir, Purnima, Sutirtha. Short Stories – Aekgheye Jibon, Akankha-Kamonar Bilas, Basor Soiyar pase, Bibahito Jibon, Bilas, Boi, Britter moto, Chakri Nei, Chayanot, Hater Tas, Hiseb-nikes, Jadur Desh, Jamrultola, Kinnorlok, Kotha sudhu Kotha, Kotha, Kotha, Kuashar Vitor Mrityur Somoy, Ma hoyar kono Saadh, Mangser Kanti,
Meyemanuser Ghrane, Meyemnus, Moisher Shingh, Nakoler Khelae, Nirupam Jatra, Paliye Jete, Premik Swami, Prithibita Sishuder Noy, Purnima, Raktomangsohin, Sadharon Manus, Sango, Nisongo, Sari, Sheetrater Andhokare, Somnath o Shrimoti, Taajer Chobi, Upekkhar Sheet. Das died on 22nd October 1954; eight days after he was hit by a tramcar. It was a tragic end for a brilliant man who has left us a rich collection of exemplary works that will entertain and inspire for generations to come.
We can be inspired by his words: "Poetry and life are two different outpouring of the same thing; life as we usually conceive it contains what we normally accept as reality, but the spectacle of this incoherent and disorderly life can satisfy neither the poet's talent nor the reader's imagination ... poetry does not contain a complete reconstruction of what we call reality; we have entered a new world."
Image courtesy: Arbinda Ghosh
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Md. Majaharul Islam Sumon
Knitting the Path to Glory
Tauhidul Islam Apu
Md. Majaharul Islam Sumon- The textile expert has already showcased his talent and regarded as an icon by thousands of youngsters. He completed his B.SC Textile engineering from Dhaka University and joined BASF in the year 2002 as a manager. Currently he is working as the manager of DyStar Singapore Pte Ltd. Recently the Pages team had the privilege to meet Md. Majaharul Islam Sumon one evening. There he talked about his thoughts, struggles and achievements as a professional.
The Pages: You have been in
the corporate world for more than a decade. Besides that, you are an icon for many young entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Is there any particu
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lar driving force that inspires you to display such endurance?
Md. Majaharul Islam Sumon:
Yes, I was there with BASF for 10 years and then joined DyStar at the end of 2010. I came from a middleclass family and my family expended their best effort to support me, especially my mother - who passed away in 2011. So there was always an expectation from my family, which drove me to find the correct path for my life. At the end of the day, I love to do my work with integrity. I strongly believe that when you give your honest effort at work, success will follow.
The Pages: Apart from the act of preserving eminence, Dystar can be
called the pioneer in Bangladesh when it comes to producing environmentally friendly textile products. How has Dystar worked to reduce the load on ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant)?
MIS: DyStar is one of the biggest stakeholders as well as a renowned company in the Textile value chain globally. We believe sustainability is our responsibility and we are always concerned about environment sustainability. Each year DyStar has been publishing sustainability report. Our sustainability strategy can be divided into two phases. First phase is reducing our own impact on the environment. DyStar has been producing environment friendly textile dyes and chemicals in all its
THE PATHFINDER production plants.
In the second phase, we help our partners (customers) to reduce their impact on the environment by developing the best available technology in the industry. Research and development is top priority strategy of Dystar. Every year huge amounts have been invested for innovative products and process development. An example: Denim fabric producers generally consume huge amounts of hydrosulphite and caustic soda during the dyeing process. These huge amounts of hydrosulphite and caustic soda are putting a huge load on the ETP plant, which results in high amounts of sledge in ETP. This sledge is a big concern for the environment. Dystar is offering a green technology with Dystar Indigo Solution, which will help to reduce consumption of huge amount of hydrosulphite and caustic soda, resulting in reduced impact on the environment.
The Pages: What has been the
most challenging moment in your career and how did you deal with it?
MIS: I remember when I joined
DyStar there was no legal direct entity of DyStar in Bangladesh. DyStar used to do business through agents in Bangladesh market. The
owners of these agencies were textile engineers. They are much more senior than me and highly experienced in the textile industry. To set up direct office of Dystar in Bangladesh, keeping alliance with agents during a testing time, and to continue DyStar business smoothly in Bangladesh was quite a challenge. I honestly gave them due respect as my seniors and gradually made them understand on how to adjust, with changing professional attitude, effectively and efficiently.
The Pages: In this arena of
‘Globalization’, what strategies do you follow to face the challenge from competitors?
MIS: I believe market intelligence in the respective industry is the key factor to compete. I always try to get competitor’s information concerning products as well as the organization, as soon as possible, from the global and local market. Then I use market intelligence proactively in our strategic decisions.
The Pages: If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
MIS: I would still be involved in the textile business and would have tried
differently in order to become successful. If you see the value chain of textile, the dyes and chemicals suppliers are in the bottom of this value chain and are sometimes considered as sub-suppliers in the industry. I would have tried to be top of the value chain in textile - which would be buyers. Now global textile buyers are coming to Bangladesh to purchase their required products. But it could be better for our economy if we set up strong forward linkage globally. I wish to have a strong forward linkage of Bangladesh textile globally.
The Pages: What invaluable
advice would you give to youngsters seeking a career as Merchandiser or Textile Engineer?
MIS: Textile industry is the most
important sector for Bangladesh economy and it will remain the same for the next 20 years. To develop a career in this industry can be a very good decision for many youngsters. But, I will suggest they start the career from production in order to know the real value chain of textile industry properly and practically. This is will help them be a good merchandiser also.
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PHOTOGRAPHY
CULTURAL NEWS
Standing Up for the Burn Victims Pages Desk
We have seen these on television before. But I am not sure if it is possible to sense the pain and suffering of a burn victim truly. 94 people have been killed so far in this ongoing political unrest, mostly in arson attacks. Many victims are still suffering at Dhaka Medical College. In order to stand by their side and to alleviate their pain, Off Stage - a social organization - has organized a concert titled ‘Concert for the Burnt’ on 14th march 2015 at the National Library auditorium. Off Stage is an organization that mainly works on music, with a primary focus on promoting new generation musicians. On top of that, they actively participate in different national and social issues. Joseph, an organizer of the show, said- they were planning to stand up in support of the arson victims and
decided to use the concert as a platform. The organizers acknowledge the help and support from all the big names from the Bangladeshi music fraternity such as: popular pop singer Fakir Alamgir, Maqsoodul Haque (Maqsood O’ Dhaka), Lincolin (Artcell), Jamshed, Durey, Harris, and Raju.
Powersurge, Dr.Doctor, Owned, Poraho, Shohojia, Candle Carmine, Samudra, Embrace of Death, Quanta, Page 31 and Silent Time performed on stage. Organizers handed over the fund raised from the tickets to the project Director of Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of DMCH Prof. Dr. Samanta Lal Sen later.
Sound and light were provided by Scream Sound. EML worked as the media partner, while The Pages was there as their magazine partner. The show was powered by Prime Islamic Life Insurance Limited. Popular bands such as Arbovirus,
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JOSHINA Relieves cold and cough Composition Jashtimadhu, Sapistan, Khubbazi, Kathmi/Suprava, Banafsha, Gawzaban, Unnab etc.
Indications • Common cold • Cough • Catarrh • Catarrhal fever • Bronchitis • Tonsillitis • Headache • Hoarseness of voice • Sore throat Dosage & Administration 1 Sachet Joshina be dissolved in a cup of hot water to be taken 2-3 times daily or as prescribed by the physician.
Presentation
60 Seconds Limited /Hamdard/2014
Box containing 25 sachet.
Description Joshina cointains Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cordia dishotoma, Malva sylvestris, Althaea officinalis, Viola odorata, Borago officials & Zizyphus Vulgaris, which have been recognized as the most efficacious herbal remedy for cough, cold, bronchitis and imflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
Diamond World Opens New Outlet at Dhanmondi HON'BLE Minister for Ministry of Commerce Mr. Tofail Ahmed and Mr. Hasanul Haq Inu, HON’BLE Minister for Ministry of Information recently inaugurated the 8th branch of Diamond World at Dhanmondi 27, Dhaka. Political Affairs Adviser of HON'BLE Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina- Mr. H T Imam, HON'BLE Member of the parliament Mr. Elias Molla, Business personality MR. Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President of FBCCI Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed and many eminent political and business personalities were present at the ceremony. On this occasion, Diamond world announced 30 percent discount to all their products. Four basic categories of products- Diamond, platinum, gold and gift items will be available at this outlet of Diamond world. The inauguration ceremony received massive response and attention from many spectators and shoppers. In his speech, Managing Director Mr. Dilip Kumar expressed his gratitude to all the guests and spectators and requested for their support and assistance.
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BIZZ NEWS
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Coca-Cola launches ‘Coca-Cola Kholo, Connect Koro’ Coca-Cola in Bangladesh kicks off its summer campaign with the launch of its “Under the Crown” marketing campaign ‘Coca-Cola Kholo, Connect Koro’ through a Press Conference on March 15, 2015. This unique consumer campaign gives consumers the opportunity to win Samsung Galaxy J1 smartphones every hour for 61 days. Masthead PR is the PR partner of this campaign
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PRESS RELEASE
The Westin Dhaka Celebrates “Boishakhi” The Westin Dhaka celebrates “Boishakhi” the first day of the Bengali New Year. The hotel is being decorated to create a traditional Bengali ambience for the guests. People can come and enjoy delicious mouthwatering traditional Bengali food and also be a part of activities like paint faces for the occasion or capture the moment at different venues. Our signature restaurant “Seasonal Tastes” gives you the opportunity to enjoy and cherish the first day of the Bengali New Year. Our culinary experts bring you a Bengali Buffet that includes different mouth-watering bhortas along with polao, hilsha fish and many other home-style local dishes. Come and rejuvenate on the “Boishakhi” with us at The Westin Dhaka.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,103 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villastyle resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
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Amber Lifestyle Opens
New Outlet at Uttara Pages Desk
With the vision of opening outlets across the country, AMBER Lifestyle has inaugurated its 2nd outlet at Uttara in Dhaka in 26th March, 2015. In the opening ceremony, M.A Hashem, Chairman, Showkat Aziz (Russell), Managing Director and high officials of AMBER Group and a number of celebrities were present at the ceremony. AMBER Lifestyle, a western trendiest fashion from Bangladesh, is mostly distinguished for its true international quality designs and fabrics. Inspired by denim industries, AMBER Lifestyle, a retailer of the parent AMBER GROUP, started journey in Bangladesh in 2014, which is a concern of Partex Group. The new outlet is located at House No. 8, Road No. 1/A, Sector No. 9 at Sonargaon Janapath at Uttara has an area of 4,000 square feet.
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BIZZ NEWS
Fashionable products like shirt, t-shirt, polo shirt, jeans, Panjabi for men, kurta, shirt, jeans for women are available at the outlet. Besides that, kid’s items, ladies bag, purse, wallet, belt, shoes and perfume will also be available at the outlet. Amber has already grabbed attention for its trendy and fashionable products. The fashion house is providing products of new design and world-class quality at a reasonable price. On top of that, the company ensures good fabrics that would be very comfortable to wear. Amber Lifestyle inaugurated their first outlet at Jamuna Future Park recently.
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