M H Haider

Before he became an emperor, he actually came to our city in 1624. 

It was also rumoured that Rose Garden was made to compete with the famous Baldah Garden, which was one of the venues for elite parties, and that the insult probably came from someone associated with the affluent Baldah family. 

Once upon a time, naan-taftan was a kind of bread that accompanied assorted kebabs — essentially a kebab platter — among which, this sheekh kebab was much-cherished.   

Today, it is hard to imagine our beloved Star Mosque without its stars. And with that comes the obvious question, what was the name of this mosque before those stars were added?

The passion for this food is nothing new, and mornings used to be the popular time for it.

Centuries ago, the walls of the fort actually touched the water of this river.

Given the heights of the art world she has reached, it is obvious that her name follows a long list of prestigious accolades and exhibitions in Bangladesh and abroad. Let us, then, not even go there. But if we mention just one — the very fact that Kanak Chanpa Chakma is an Ekushey Padak recipient this year, one of the highest civilian honours of the country, speaks volumes about her work.

As Bengalis, we have grown up reading Satyajit Ray. Who does not remember the clever, witty, and adventurous detective, Feluda? Or the highly revered Professor Shonku, an eccentric scientist, inventor, explorer, and polyglot? Today, we celebrate one of these characters, Professor Trilokeshwar Shonku, paying a humble tribute to the Bengali maestro that is Satyajit Ray. For many of us, Ray was the entrance to Bengali literature, and the Shonku series — an influential work of science fiction in the Bengali language.

The hobby of collecting inkpots is arguably unique. We all know of the hobby surrounding stamps or currencies, for example, but have you heard of someone doing the same with inkpots?

Do you consider yourself a nice person? If you nod, I shall disagree. If your answer is no, I shall still disagree.

A retired judge haunted by his past asks, “Was my judgment all wrong?” That is the premise of Bodh, the recently released web series by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. We sat down with this celebrated filmmaker to discuss Bodh, his experience of working with the eminent actor Afzal Hossain, and life after Aynabaji’s success.

Chanchal Chowdhury's stellar performance in Taqdeer shows just how magnificent he can be in convincing the audience about his character. The result is a thoroughly gripping web series on the OTT platform, Hoichoi. This performance earned him the Best Actor (male) award in the popular category, in the Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2021. 

The concept of old age homes or retirement homes is commonplace in many countries. But in our society, the idea is still frowned upon, to say the least. It is almost a taboo; the social stigma is deeply rooted. On the other hand, though, is it not high time that we embrace this idea?

Nasek Nasek! The beat rarely fails to stir up happiness, lift spirits, or make feet dance. Not long ago, the phrase did not mean much to a lot of people. But Animes Roy changed all that – Animes and team Coke Studio Bangla. The song took the nation by storm almost overnight, catapulting Animes into stardom.

Hussaini Dalan is not just a Shiite centre in Dhaka; it is also a Dhaka landmark, spanning centuries of history. While its religious programmes, especially during Muharram and more particularly Ashura are unparalleled, Hussaini Dalan as a Dhaka heritage is extraordinary as well.

If you are going to Chapai Nawabganj, you must try out kalai ruti. That's what everyone said when I was planning a trip there. And so, I did, and I didn't regret it. The question of regret comes from the premise that kalai ruti is, after all, a ruti. I mean, how magically delicious can ruti be? My expectations were not that high. With that almost arrogant low expectation, I tried out this Chapai Nawabganj specialty, but it left me pleasantly surprised.

We share a heartfelt tribute to the maestro, Humayun Ahmed penned many years ago. The tribute, still as relevant as it was back then, points out the immensity of love and affection that we hold for the 'magician of words.' Rest in peace, sir.

It is not that the claim of being the mango capital goes undisputed, especially in recent times, with places like Naogaon seriously contending and challenging its position. But arguably, Chapai Nawabganj has still managed to hold its fort, and for good reasons. To start with, let's be clear that it's not Rajshahi we are talking about. Chapai Nawabganj indeed falls under the Rajshahi division, but the people of the mango capital have made a clear distinction between the two — the mango pride of Chapai Nawabganj is solely theirs alone, as it becomes apparent when you experience its sights and sounds.

A generation or two has passed since its release. Here’s why we, as the current generation, ought to go back to this classic.

Without him, the history of the birth of Bangladesh would be incomplete. After all, Tajuddin Ahmad was the prime minister during the wartime Mujibnagar Government, leading and navigating through the numerous harrowing challenges the Liberation War threw during those fateful months of 1971.