Ayman Anika

Wetlands, often referred to as the kidneys of the earth, perform numerous vital functions that go largely unnoticed. To educate people and create awareness, World Wetland Day is celebrated globally on 2 February. A special project titled Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihood (B4RL), supported by the Swedish Embassy and run by the Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), has been initiated to teach kids about the importance of wetlands.

Not often can 20 young and well-known influencers be seen disconnecting from the digital world and engaging in guided yoga and meditation sessions along with immersing themselves in heartfelt conversations and forging bonds that transcend the superficial. Thanks to Dhaka Flow, a unique gathering unfolded on 29 and 30 January, 2024 at the lush greenery of Seagull Resort and Spa Village in Tangail.

Amidst the cacophony of the fairground, the sound of the flute came floating in the air. An elderly man was seen immersed in playing the bansuri (flute). He sat on a mat, with his craft — bamboo flutes — in front of him. Clad in a worn-out hoodie and faded pants, he looked no less endearing than a character from a modern-day fairy tale. Hailing from the district of Jhenaidah, Kamol Sarker, now 80, attends fairs in the city, hoping to sell his handmade bamboo flutes.

Originating from the Tangail district in Bangladesh, Tangail saris have been a part of our cultural heritage for ages. However, West Bengal has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag for Tangail saris — a decision that has stirred up a considerable amount of debate and concern. On 1 February, 2024, India’s Ministry of Culture wrote in a post on Facebook, “The Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece.”

Washing towels and sheets is perhaps one of those mundane chores we may not think about much. From dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat to bodily fluids, bedsheets and towels accumulate a plethora of germs and bacteria over time. This accumulation not only makes them feel less comfortable but can also lead to skin irritations, acne, and even health risks if pathogens are present.

The wedding pictures of celebrated actor, Mousumi Hamid clad in a red Benarasi with a radiant smile on her face still lingers in our minds. The designer of her bridal attire, Shafayet Hossain Khan, owner and designer of KhanSaab Studio, has tirelessly worked day and night to turn Mousumi’s vision into a reality. While Mousumi Hamid’s wedding outfit has garnered plenty of attention, the genius behind this well-crafted ensemble, Shafayet Hossain Khan shares his story with us.

Not only in our country but throughout the Indian sub-continent, Khadi remains a timeless fabric cherished for its unique texture, breathability, and versatility. Celebrating the beauty of Khadi, the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) has organised ‘Khadi Fest 2024,’ scheduled from 19 to 20 January 2024, at Aloki Convention Center, 211 Tejgaon Link Road, from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Popular singer and Louis Vuitton’s newly appointed creative director for men’s fashions, Pharrell Williams has unveiled an innovative addition. This accessory, a luxurious version of a classic paper sandwich bag, comes with a hefty price tag of over $3,000 or over Tk 3 lakh!

The sari, an emblematic attire of South Asian heritage, is not just a garment but a canvas that embodies tradition, elegance, and cultural identity. From time immemorial, this heritage has been passed down to us from our mothers and grandmothers and the generations before them.

While walking along the streets you may come across the Manobotar Deyal, translated as Wall of Humanity, where people can hang clothes or other essentials. Similarly, cartoonist Morshed Mishu has built a unique display of kindness — a wall adorned not with ordinary embellishments, but with toys. The wall was set up on 25 December at Ibrahimpur in Mirpur-14.

The beautiful red Benarasi khadi sariis distinguished by its katan border embroidered withZardosi work. However, the sari's main section has been intentionally left without elaborate designs or embroidery, aligning with Mousumi's desire for simplicity. 

Recently, the Canadian province of British Columbia has honoured 21 individuals with the Medal of Good Citizenship for their outstanding contributions to community life. Among these distinguished recipients is Mohammad Aminul Islam, a Surrey resident of Bangladeshi descent, whose commitment to promoting mother languages and fostering community spirit has been recognised and celebrated.

Clay and wood jewellery are such jewels, which are imbued with the rich history and cultural heritage of our country. The beauty of these jewellery pieces lies in their simplicity, earthiness, and the traditional craftsmanship that goes into creating each piece. Belal Hossain, an artisan of exceptional skill and passion, has been making clay and wood jewellery since 1984.

In the fast-paced world we live in, one simple but important habit is often overlooked — handwashing. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that proper hand hygiene is a cornerstone in maintaining good health, preventing the spread of infections, and fostering a clean and vibrant lifestyle.

Street children collecting scraps or sleeping on footpaths is a common scene in Dhaka but their stories of resilience often go untold. The city’s landscape -- teeming streets and crowded marketplaces -- serves as both a playground and a battleground for these young souls.

For Namira, the turning point came in 2020, when newly embraced motherhood and the introspective pause brought by the pandemic led her to a realisation: tarot card reading.

It is not easy to make people laugh. In a stand-up comedy show — where the stage is a battleground and laughter is the grand prize — Sami Doha does a pretty good job bringing smiles to the faces of the audience.

Scrumptious tiler khaja (sesame seed candy) and shon papri holds a special place in our hearts, so much so that occasionally, we still find ourselves indulging in the magic of shon papri and tiler khaja. An elderly hawker, Mohammad Ali’s life has been intertwined with these sweets for over three decades. Ali brings these culinary gems from Kushtia, offering a taste of tradition that has endured through the years.

In this fast-paced world, where our lives are ruled by desk jobs and the blue screens of computers seem to have become our best friend – back pain is not an uncommon ailment. Fortunately, certain daily habits can greatly relieve this discomfort. Here, we have highlighted 5 daily habits for a stronger and healthier back.

As winter's chill sets in and the air turns dry, routinely moisturising your skin becomes more important.