K Tanzeel Zaman

Winter isn't just about ice cold waters and late wakeups; it's more about foggy mornings and the perfect excuse to wear that stylish sweater you bought on sale. So, how do you capture the essence of Dhaka's winter on your smartphone? Let's dive into the frosty (well, sort of) world of winter photography, smartphone-style!

Winter isn't just about ice cold waters and late wakeups; it's more about foggy mornings and the perfect excuse to wear that stylish sweater you bought on sale. So, how do you capture the essence of Dhaka's winter on your smartphone?

In our technologically advanced, fast-paced society, it appears that the age-old mentorship tradition — in which, more experienced individuals guide younger ones — is a little lost in the mix. Imagine attempting to solve the great mysteries of life without someone to consult for guidance. Have we lost sight of the importance of advice from those who have been around the block a little bit longer than us in our rush to be ultra-modern?

In Rangamati, the culinary approach takes a gentle detour from Dhaka's romance with robust spices. Here, the kitchen's philosophy is about understatement – where freshly sourced ingredients' natural flavours are spotlighted. It's a refreshing departure from the spice-intense culinary narrative that Dhaka so proudly narrates.

Rangamati — a land where nature flaunts its raw beauty

The traditional wedding was not just a ceremony but a vibrant celebration of love

As we wrap ourselves in the warmth of TAAGA MAN's eco-friendly attire this winter, we're not just wearing a brand; we're donning a brighter future for our planet.

Wearing bridal-like attire to someone else's wedding is akin to saying, “Sure, it’s your special day, but let’s talk about me.”

Chef Zohra Maliha's story is not just about culinary excellence; it's about passion, innovation, and the power of connecting people through food.

Picture this: a '90s kid in Dhaka, wide-eyed, and getting lost in the digital world of Grand Theft Auto (GTA) Vice City or San Andreas. That kid was me. Fast forward to now, married and in my thirties, and here I am, still as giddy as a schoolboy in a candy store, eagerly awaiting the GTA 6 release, which is due in 2025. Some loves never die; they just respawn.

In the heart of Dhaka, amidst the everyday whirl of life, Aarong Earth brings a touch of nature's tranquillity with its newly launched essential oils. Imagine turning your home into a sanctuary of peace and wellness, a few drops at a time.

What stops men from opening up? One has to dive deeper, like a diver exploring the depths of the ocean. Externally, societal norms play their part. The expectation of being stoic, the fear of judgement, and the stereotype of manliness being synonymous with emotional fortitude create an invisible barrier. It's like donning an armour 24/7 that's supposed to keep you safe from anything and everything unwelcome, but instead, paradoxically, it becomes a cage.

Post-marriage men often find themselves carrying a different kind of backpack — filled not with snacks and maps, but with responsibilities, familial expectations, and a never-ending list of to-dos. Gone are the days of impromptu trips to Cox’s Bazar. Now, it's more about family planning, budgeting for groceries, or attending in-laws' get-togethers.

In the whirlwind of today's ultra-modern society, where Tinder and Bumble have replaced courtly love and emojis substitute for heartfelt conversation, the art of etiquette, particularly for men, seems to be on a leisurely stroll towards obscurity. This begs the question; in our pursuit of all things modern, are we inadvertently side-lining the refined grace of good manners?

Tashnuva's journey began amidst the conservative fabric of Bangladeshi society, where her identity as a transgender woman overshadowed her talents and skills. "I have always been identified as transgender, but not as an individual with skills or qualifications," she reflects on her early career struggles. Despite her competence, Tashnuva faced relentless discrimination, watching less experienced individuals surpass her as she tirelessly knocked on the doors of opportunity.

In my case, reminiscing about standing thousands of feet above and breathing the freshest air this planet has to offer, while the thick exhaust of the 27-number bus blows on my face, does it for me. This is where I can’t help but draw parallels between navigating through Dhaka's unending traffic jams and a Himalayan trek in itself.

With winter whispering on the horizon, let's delve into this transitional period with outfits that offer a seamless blend of comfort and style. Long tops are the unsung heroes of Fall fashion line-up. Versatile enough for any occasion, pair them with slim-fit trousers or high-waisted jeans to balance out their length. Opt for earth tones like burnt sienna or forest green to keep your style seasonal yet sophisticated.

The Sundarbans, a land of mangroves, tigers, and... well, mosquitoes, but let's focus on the romantic part, shall we? This time, we swapped Dhaka's ever-present rickshaws and eternal traffic jams for the mysterious lure of the great Sundarbans.

The subject of boots divides Dhaka's denizens. There’s team "Boots are Extra," championed by many, and their year-round love affair with sandals. Then, there’s team "Rock the Boots," led by yours truly. The fashion motto? Boots aren't just an accessory; they're a statement.

Amidst the raging sea of green jerseys and the enthusiasm of fans who can differentiate between a googly and a doosra, there’s a quiet minority who look at a cricket ball and see, well, just a ball. They argue, "Why spend five days watching a Test match when it might just end in a draw?" Sounds like waiting for a rain-soaked Dhaka road to dry, doesn't it?