Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 45

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, March 15, 2014 | Volume 1, Issue 45

Spring break

12Breakingfree

16A grand Floral Escapade

Spring break

AvenueT

AVEN U E T SATU RDAY, MARCH 15, 2014

Contents

inside...Editor

Zafar Sobhan

Magazine Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Avenue T teamMahmood Hossain

Sabah RahmanN Anita Amreen

Tausif SanzumKhan N Moushumi

Najmal A Nadvi

ContributorsTahsin Momin

Agony AuntShazia Omar

PhotographySyed Latif Hossain

Sadia Marium

Graphics Sabiha Mahmud Sumi

Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialistShekhar Mondal

Kazi Syras Al Mahmood

Production Masum Billah

Advertising Shahidan Khurshed

Circulation Wahid Murad

Email: [email protected]: www.dhakatribune.com

10 Shades of musicMore than just radio

Model Samia TariqPhotographer Miftah HeimdallStyling & Wardrobe Nazia Tariq

This week

Spring has sprung all over Avenue T this week. Celebrate this fresh, beautiful weather with a pretty floral print that matches your mood

12 FAQs on Spring wardrobe 16 A grand floral escapade

Dear Readers,

Spring is a season of colours, and of fresh star ts. And new begin-nings is all we’re about this week. Whether you’re reeling from a recent break-up, looking for a change (check our Tell page) or need a fashion pick-me-up (Trending is where it’s at), or need to give your house a good spring clean (Tucked in takes care of it for you), we’re on it. Join us as we explore new scent-sations, and travel the world in search of flow-ers. Here’s hoping you enjoy our freshest issue to date!

Sabrina Fatma AhmadEditor, Avenue T

Editor’s note

2 Tuned A festival of cupcakes

3 Try Out Garden fresh variety

4 Tech Samsung’s fifth act

5 Tires Ride along with KIA

7 Tell A jealous wifey

8 Tucked In Your annual spring cleaning

9 Take Care Let it go

10 Trial Room On air with Colours

12 Trending After breakup style

13 Tailored Spring breeze cool

14 Tempt New season’s fragrance

15 Ticket Do your home work

16 Travel Flowers of the world

18 Tantalise Burgers from Sam’s

19 News

20 News

AvenueT


2 Tuned in

A Garden of Eden in Hell: The Life of Alice Herz-SommerThis is the biography of the oldest holocaust survivor, Alice Herz-Sommer who passed away earlier this month. She was born in 1903 in Prague. She was one of the best-known pianists of the country. With Prague brought under Nazi rule, Alice, along with her family, gets deported to a concentration camp. While her husband perishes under the brutal Nazi rule, Alice constantly attempts to save her son’s life with the help of her music.

WATCH

The Great BeautyThis Italian movie won the Best Foreign Language Film at the 86th Academy Awards. Jep Gambardella is an aging socialite. In his youth, he writes a novel which brings him a lot of fame and makes him the centre of attraction in the literary society in Rome. On his 65th birthday, after spending a life of luxury and hosting countless lavish parties, a realisation of unfulfillment strikes him. He walks through the streets of Rome, encountering various characters and through them, he tries to recall pages of his own life.

Elementary This is an American adaption of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character, Sherlock Holmes. After his stint at the rehab in London, Sherlock relocates to Manhattan. His wealthy father forces him to live with a sober companion, Dr Joan Watson. Sherlock soon realises that resuming his work as a police consultant in New York City and solving mysteries, will allow him to get over his addiction. Watson accompanies him in his quest.

See

ReAd

entertainment

Dhaka Foodies presents Cupcake Festival 2014

in Dhaka this week

event

Carnival of 730 days@ Drik Gallery

13 - 20

2014 ICC World Twenty20

@ Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong

16 - 6 April

Cupcakes galore


3Try Out

With spring making its presence felt in the colourful shrubberies, plants and trees around town, it’s time you take inspiration from nature’s favourite season. Whether you live in a one bedroom apartment or are sharing a cramped home with too many people, there is always room for adding a touch of nature to your living space. This week, Avenue T teaches you how to make the best of small spaces, by going out of thebox and thinking big

diy

Au naturel | N Anita Amreen

If floor space is limited, despair not. Recycle your favourite soda bottle to create your very own hanging garden. These portable herb planters can be placed just about anywhere.

You'll need• Razor/anti cutter• Hole puncher• Duct tape• A drill to make a hole in the bottle

cap

How toUsing your razor or an anti cutter, cut off the bottom third of the soda bottle. Wrap duct tape around the lower part of the bottle. Do so in a manner so that half the tape is pasted on the bottle, with the other half above it. Cut a slit around 2-3 inches apart in the tape and fold it over. Punch two holes halfway down the tape and make two more holes on the opposite side. Using a thick string, run it through the holes from outside in. Repeat on the other side. Drill a hole in the bottle cap to allow water drain out and then screw it back on.

The hanging garden

How toFrom the inside of the shell, drill in two to three holes. Fill the hollowed shell with potting mix. With your finger, make some room in the middle of the potting mix, to drop your seeds in. Spray water and cover it with more soil. Spray it down again and place it somewhere close to sunlight.

Coconut shell planterAnother beautifully natural way to hang your own plants is to create one using coconut shells. Buy a coconut, hollow it out to create your mini veggie pot.

You'll need• Coconut shell• Seeds• Potting mix• A spray bottle with water• Drill with 1/4" bit


TRoubleSHooTing

Too much time on your computer screen can be really damaging to your eyes. The less you stress, the better and more productive you’ll be. Even if you think it’s not doing any harm to have your brightness level up to 100, you would be wrong. Over time, 20/20 vision or not, it will affect the way you operate. Not only is it bad for the eyes, you would be surprised at how much power your display consumes on a regular basis.

Take a look at it this way. Two 20-inch LCD displays, in full brightness, use up to 305 watts. If you set both displays down to their lowest brightness levels, the wattage drops to 251 watts. Take it further by putting them into sleep mode to see the wattage coming down to 207 watts. Each display alone is using approximately 49 watts on the highest brightness settings. A desktop is one thing, but just imagine how much battery is being drained from your laptop’s display. Even if you aren’t willing to drop the brightness all the way down, a little nudge won’t hurt. Though it may seem a little darker, after a while you won’t be able to tell the difference.

You’ll be giving your eyes little stress and saving on the electricity bill by making this simple adjustment to your display.

Not so bright,tone it down | Mahmood HossainWe spend plenty of time browsing the Internet on our desktops, tablets and smartphones. While browsing through our mobile devices is as easy as a simple touch and swipe, our experience on our laptops and desktops can be made easier. Here are a number of tips to make your Internet surfing experience a lot easier

Share your troubleshooting problems, write to us [email protected]

Photo: Big Stock

apps

Telegram could be the next big chat app

Most of us have plenty of chat apps on our phones, favouring one or two over the rest. After the huge $19 billion purchase of WhatsApp by Facebook, not too many people could understand why Telegram became the app to fall back on. You see, a couple of weeks ago, WhatsApp’s service was down for four hours. Which is when, Telegram became the go-to app for majority of users in several countries. In fact, it has been number one in many online stores all over the world.

The biggest attraction has to be its secure message to message service. The app has a fantastic feature called Secret Chats. This means each one of those conversations you have will never be accessible by anyone else,

not even from their servers. In turn, whoever is trying to play KGB on you, can never know what you are discussing. The main focus through Telegram is the privacy we’ve been lacking in recent times.

Not only is it the fastest messaging service in the world, the app gives you unlimited cloud service so you can save the files you upload and share with your friends and family. You’re allowed to share up to 1GB files at a time. The features work brilliantly and the basics will feel very similar to other chat apps that you have already been using. Nothing will seem too difficult to use. It’s fast, reliable and more importantly, safe. Telegram is free to download on both Apple and Android devices.

Keep it on a hush | Mahmood Hossain

gadgets

Galaxy, take five | Mahmood HossainThe month of March isn’t just a full swing of the spring season, it’s also the month of the flagship showdown between the giants. The Samsung Galaxy S5, being one of those heavy hitters, has been finally introduced. It will be going on sale in April throughout the world, but let’s take a look at what you should expect from it

DesignLet’s get the disappointments out of the way first. There are no signs of premium aluminium or any actual metal. Yes, it’s still all plastic. Groan. However, there are a couple of new additions to the phone. The S5 has a fingerprint scanner for its security purposes. There’s also the heart-rate monitor that consequently gives the S Health app a huge upgrade. It’s purely marketable and functional, especially with Samsung’s newly branded fitness bands and smartwatches. The sensor can be found on the back of the handset near the rear camera. Last but not least, it’s water-resistant. Of course it is.

FeaturesThe new version of their TouchWiz interface also has a welcoming factor to it. Notable changes can be found in its camera app, notifications tray and

the settings menu. Even the keyboard has been slightly tweaked. Samsung also went ahead and made some bold claims regarding the camera speed and battery saving capabilities. Apparently, the Ultra Power Saving Mode can have the phone running 24 hours on 10 percent battery. Yeah, that’s pretty damn bold.

Specs• Super AMOLED touchscreen,

1080x1920 pixels, 5.2 inches (432ppi pixel density)

• Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), Qualcomm Snapdragon 801

• Quad-core 2.5GHz Krait;Adreno330

• 16/32GB, 2GB RAM• AMOLED capacitive touchscreen;

768x1280 pixels, 4.5-inch Display (332ppi pixel density)

• 16 MP rear camera with LED flash, 2 MP front camera

4 Tech


RoAd RAgewheels

ExteriorTalking of the exterior of the Sportage, it is rather very handsome. It is equipped with 18 inch alloy wheels. The front of this Sportage is beautifully dressed up with a wide chrome grille. The headlights are neither gigantic nor very sleek. There is a dual exhaust system at the rear of the vehicle with chrome tips. The curves and mouldings on both the sides, give a very powerful and attractive look to the car. The door handles are of silver accent, which again add grace to the car.

InteriorThe interior of the Sportage is not bad either. It has comfortable seats with enough head and leg space. The cabin is attractive with properly finished trims. The dashboard is filled with wireless connectivity for mobile phones and USB port for iPods. A music system with satellite radio is offered as an optional feature. All in all, it is no short of giving you a melodious ride. The door sills are made up of aluminium and the gauges have a sleeker look to it. There are steering mounted audio controls, too. Two cup holders in the front and a centre console allow you to keep your important things in-check. The rear seats are also very comfortable.

PerformanceThe 2013 Kia Sportage is equipped with a 2.0 litre, in-line-four cylinder engine. It comes standard with the front wheel drive system and all wheel drive is optional on all trims, apart from the base model. It produces 164Hp with a torque of 152lb-ft. It has a six-speed automatic transmission. It has a sport-tuned suspension with tauter shock and strut valving, which make it more powerful to drive.

Thanks to its fun-to-drive nature, the Kia Sportage reboots its image on a few levels all at once. The 2013 Kia Sportage is styled beautifully. It is efficient and responsive. It is quick and gives you an entertaining ride. It has gone through subtle changes in comparison to its earlier versions. But underneath, it still has the same structure, size and design with some upgraded features

Blindsided | Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Dhaka isn’t the best place to drive during the daytime, what with the jams, the potholes and “VIPs” holding up the traffic. At nights, it’s even worse, but not for the reasons one may suspect. While there are still a few places where poor lighting is a problem, the overwhelming neons and store-lighting in all the commercial establishments popping up everywhere, ensure a fairly adequate amount of illumination in most localities (Bashundhara R/A might well be an exception).

Visibility concerns for night-time drivers come from a different source altogether, and it is the same source that causes most of your daytime road woes: irresponsible drivers. For the purposes of keeping this column neat, we’ll focus on two particular types of braindead drivers.

The first type is the idiot who, even on a clear night and with working halogens on the road, will insist on spearing you in the face with his high beam. You slow down before you come out onto the main road, look left and right, and then turn the indicator lights on and ease into the road like a responsible citizen and bam! Some imbecile with a high beam will come roaring out of nowhere with his headlights in your face.

Headlights come in low and high beams, and propriety demands that the latter are to be used only when required, and it seems like most drivers don’t understand the meaning of the words “only when required.” The level of the beam light is almost equal to the height of the car seat, which means the rays fall directly onto the eyes of the commuter approaching from the opposite direction, causing momentary blindness and this is dangerous, as well as annoying.

The other type of human night-driving hazard is the biking enthusiast who refuses to wear any reflective clothing, or have any lights attached to the bicycle. During the later hours of the night, when things actually die down, the few cars that do ply the roads, tend to drive faster than usual, and any biker that isn’t announcing his presence on the road is asking to be made into roadkill.

Is this harsh on the aforementioned bad drivers? Maybe so, but when a person’s negligence compromises the safety of others, maybe it’s time to get tough.

Is it essential to check the tires regularly? | Tahsin MominTires are probably the most overlooked aspect of your car. Maintaining a proper tire pressure is essential. Check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.

Underinflated tires run the risk of a blowout and overinflated ones make sliding off-track more likely in rainy weather. There’s a financial payoff, too - properly inflated tires increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

Check the tread while you’re at it. Stick a Tk1 coin in the tread gaps with the lotus facing down; if the lotus is fully visible, you need new tires.

AuTo CoRReCT

Share your auto correct problems, write to us [email protected]

AvAilAble AtMeghna Automobiles Ltd.187-188/B Tejgaon I/A, DhakaPhone: 01819-224123

SafetyEvery Sportage comes with a full array of safety kit. There are front, side and curtain airbags, as well as active front head restraints. Stability control and a hill-start system come as standard. The Sportage achieved the maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Deadlocks, an alarm, locking wheel-nuts and a visible vehicle identification number (VIN) help put off thieves. There are other safety features provided with the Kia Sportage. It is equipped with fog lights to let you drive in foggy areas or areas where you require more light. There is cruise control system available in this car for your safety.

Overall, the new Sportage is a superb car with good features embedded, that make it an attractive buy. It is an affordable car, combining both efficiency and style. It is indeed a very complete family car with an appeal that other conventional rivals lack.

2013 Kia Sportage | Tahsin Momin

5Tires


LoST TruSTletters to Mars

Photo: Big Stock

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

Write us your problems and send them to [email protected]

A I have a feeling you may have to consider letting her go, if you find it difficult to accept that she was with another man; this will plague your relationship and every time you feel insecure, you will reproach her. A reproach that is not deserved, as she was not unfaithful to you. It would be a good idea for you to explore and understand your insecurities so that in the next relationship you feel at ease and happy.

A

I was in a long distance relationship for three years. For several reasons, we broke up six months ago. I used to be very possessive and jealous about my girlfriend’s whereabouts. Especially when I would get drunk, I had a nasty habit of verbally abusing her. It was never that I didn’t love her – I truly do. It’s just that I’m a very insecure person, that’s why I would lash out. I met her two weeks ago and I tried to fix things. I told her I would make a conscious effort to better myself, and I have. However, she admitted that she got intimate with another man during our time apart. I feel betrayed and I feel like all my suspicions about her were true. I love her but I cannot accept the fact that she was with another man. Should I just let her go?

Q

HoroSCoPE

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19)You’ll lose yourself in the world of fantasies this week. Enjoy this period, as these thoughts will leave you feeling extremely delighted and upbeat. TAurus (Apr 20-May 20)Somehow things won’t seem to fit in. You will want to escape from your troubles and forget about the world, however, it’s advised that you meet your priorities head on. Gemini (May 21-Jun 20)You’ll be asked to make strong, important decisions this week. Beware of people who’ll try to manipulate you into doing their bidding. CAnCer (Jun 21-Jul 22)You’ll find yourself muddled with problems you cannot solve. Instead of trying to work things out, sit on the problem for a bit. Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)People will demand your attention, giving you the importance you so love and enjoy. Make the best of this time period, as it will take you places. VirGo (Aug 23-Sep 22)No matter how hard you try to bring people to look at things from your perspective, it won’t work out too well this week. Let others deal with their problems, while you focus on yours.

issues

Possessed

Photo: Big Stock

Our Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

I have been married for nine months now, to a man I love. I live with my in-laws and my husband’s siblings. Ever since we got married and I moved in, I noticed my sister-in-law has been acting oddly. We find her spread-eagled on the living room floor, around 4 in the morning. Sometimes, she crawls outside our bedroom, mumbling to herself. When asked about this later, she says she remembers none of it. Our family believes she is possessed by “jinns,” but I know for a fact that she’s just schizophrenic and they are in denial. How can I tell them this without offending them?

I am intrigued by your description of your sister-in-law; could she just be suffering from a sleep disorder? Could she just be sleepwalking? It is not an uncommon thing. Have you talked to your sister-in-law about this? You could approach her gently, telling her you are worried that she may harm herself and maybe she could see a doctor to help her with her sleep disorder. Before the in-laws take her to a “pir,” it would be wise for the family or for you to talk to a professional. Sometimes, people under pressure tend to sleep badly, talking in their sleep and take it further and go sleepwalking. Sleepwalkers have little or no memory of their night activities; during sleepwalking, their consciousness has altered into a state in which it is harder to recall memories. Sleepwalkers often have their eyes open but they don’t seem too alert, even though they may perform activities that require skills like driving, cooking, walking and of course talking to themselves. It must be disturbing for you and the family, but the first stop is at a professional’s chamber! Let me know your findings.

6 Tell


The insecure wifeDear AA,I’m a 31-year-old woman, married for four years now. My husband and I are very friendly and trust each other with everything and everyone. However, recently, he has started hanging out with a female colleague who he truly admires. When he comes home from work, he always talks about her and what they did. I’ve met her and personally, I like her too, but I just don’t like him talking about her all the time. I don’t suspect anything, but I do want to nicely tell him that this makes me insecure without sounding like a jealous lover. How do I tell him?

Well my dear, you have expressed yourself very well; just tell him exactly what you wrote to me. Your concern is real, and this friendship can be a threat to your marriage. No affair ever starts in the bedroom, it starts with a nice conversation and a cup of coffee. Try to be jolly and avoid having a long face - remember the other lady is all smiles. Make sure he leaves home on a good note, and when he comes back, try your best not to pester him with too many questions. Try new activities like meeting him once a week for lunch, during his break or even going for a walk. I am a great proponent for walks; switch off your cell phones, enjoy a walk in the park or even sit on a bench and you will see how new conversations will flow, especially once you get used to it.

Q

AOur Agony Aunt is a life coach and a relationship coach as well as a corporate and organisational consultant. AA lives and works in Bangladesh but travels extensively around the world to attend seminars and to see her clients.

letters to Venus

Photo: Big Stock

Write us your problems and send them to [email protected]

HoroSCoPE

LibrA (Sep 23-Oct 22)Exciting new projects will come your way - grab every opportunity. Make good use of your position at work before someone else tugs it away from you. sCorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)You will feel spiritually connected to higher beings this week. Your thoughts will be inclined towards the less fortunate. Do something to honour your longing to give. sAGiTTArius (Nov 22-Dec 21)You’ll be quite the team player this week. People in your life will be playing much more important roles and you may even find a special someone in an old friend. CApriCorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)Forget about your fears, just focus on getting by and you will. Believe in your instincts as you tread by this week; they will be your guiding force AquArius (Jan 20-Feb 19)You must keep your head on your shoulders this week. Don’t let yourself daydream too much or forget about matters at hand. pisCes (Feb 20-Mar 20)Don’t take everything people say seriously. A lot of people will try to sweet talk you into believing things that aren’t true. Be patient and careful, the truth will find you soon enough.

tease

Don’t Panic. It’s inevitable and we’ve all been there. And by there, we mean bingeing on greasy potato chips and overdosing on Toni Braxton’s greatest hits. Snap out of it and pay attention to Avenue T’s biggest break-up don’ts

Don’t talk smack Don’t air out your dirty laundry on social media sites. This makes you look insecure and hungry for attention. This isn’t the time to talk about the quarrels you’ve had in the past because it’s behind you.

Don’t cry me a riverDon’t immerse yourself in sad songs. This is NOT the time to feel sorry for yourself. John Legend isn’t going to rescue you from your bedroom, so hit mute and do something to make yourself feel better.

Let’s get physicalNot with the next hot man you see. Get yourself to your friendly neighbourhood gym and work it out. As much as you want to drown your sorrows in multiple packets of Mr Cookie biscuits, feeling good about yourself is the best way to move forward.

Don’t be that girlJust don’t….

So you’ve been dumped| Sabah Rahman

7Tell


decor

Avenue T’s Spring Cleaning Cheat Sheet | Sabrina Fatma AhmadAs temperatures rise, it’s time to prepare your home for warmer weather. The prospect of spring cleaning might seem daunting, especially if you have a busy lifestyle, but worry not, Avenue T has broken it down to a few essential tasks

digs & finds

Five steps to efficient organisation | Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

House in shambles? Need to embark on a major cleanup project but can’t find the mojo? Never fear. Here are five ways to get it done

TipS & TRiCkS

Bundle upAs the weather gets warmer, blankets become redundant. You’ll soon have to pack them up. If you intend for next winter to be a pleasant one, don’t just stuff them willy-nilly into some dank trunk. Laundering thick blankets can be difficult, time-consuming and even expensive if you leave it to the professionals. Sunlight, however, is free, so just pick a bright morning, spread out an old sheet on the roof and leave the blankets out to roast for a few hours. Once they’re crisp and warm, dust them out, roll them tight and store in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh throughout the summer.

Stow awayYour winter clothes will need gentler handling. Make sure you wash or dry clean everything before you pack them away, because any trapped dirt can cause stains and oil residues can attract bugs and bacteria. When cleaning, avoid using starch for the

same reason. Clothes stay clean and fresh, if you wrap them in polythene or hang them inside plastic garment bags. Avoid mothballs because the harsh chemicals may damage the clothes, and the smell is hard to get rid of. Instead, use a natural remedy like potpourri or dried lavender to keep the clothes dry and fresh-smelling before you seal them away.

MaintenanceBefore switching back on your cooling devices which have presumably been resting through winter, there’s some thorough cleaning to do. Fan blades will need a good dusting and A/C filters will probably need to be cleaned before you use them, otherwise they will only contribute to indoor pollution.

If you do your basic sweeping and cleaning on a regular basis, you won’t necessarily need a “spring cleaning” as such. Just air the place out after the very first rain, to let the season breathe some freshness into your space, and let spring begin at home for real.

Make a short listWho doesn’t love lists? That’s how our brains organise information. A list helps you prioritise tasks and makes an overwhelming job look manageable. Clean the whole house? That sounds scary. How about do two rooms a day everyday instead, for the upcoming week? Easy peasy. A short, realistic list will help you get the work done faster, instead of abandoning it halfway.

Start smallBreak a big job down into small, manageable tasks and get on the first one right away. Instead of thinking “organise the laundry closet,” break it down into “fold clean towels,” “line up the soap,” etc. Once you get into the groove, it doesn’t seem that bad at all.

Take breaks This might seem counter-intuitive if you want to get work done faster, but trust us on this one. Breaking up the monotony will actually make you more productive.

Find a “line manager”This can be a real person who can check in on your progress from time to time, or a digital task list with an alarm. Either way, if you have someone to answer to, you’ll actually feel the need to get the job done.

Create the moodKeep your phone (and all its accompanying distractions) away. Turn on some nice, soothing music. Put on some comfy clothes and then get down to it. It won’t feel like such punishment.

Idea CraftsElephant inspired mirror@Tk7,500 Wooden mirror

cum lamp shade@Tk8,500Sunflower mirror

@Tk2,500

STORES LOCATED@College Gate&Banani 11

8 Tucked in

Photos: Neloy I Hossain


The Master CleanseThis diet, or detox programme is one that has been made popular by Beyonce. Losing a reported 20 pounds in merely 14 days, Beyonce made headlines with her weight loss programme. Essentially, this diet, consists of only one detox drink that is to be consumed for a period of seven to 10 days. The drink consists of a mix of 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoon (organic maple syrup; some replace it with honey), 1/10 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with 8oz water. Six to eight glasses of this should be sipped on per day. Given the extremity of this regime, it’s best to consult a nutritionist before approaching this detox diet.

The 3 day Apple DietIt is a strenuous diet regimen, in which you need to consume only fresh apples for three days. With that, you must drink 10 glasses of water each day and have one multivitamin to keep your system up and running. You will lose a maximum of four kilos, of which, most of the weight lost will be the loss of water. Nevertheless, this is an extremely challenging diet with the repercussions that the weight will come back once you go back to your regular diet.

Top two trending crash diets

HeATlH

Whether you hate it or love it, crash diets have a certain charm that attracts all weight-loss fanatics to its dangerous depths. Always promising to make you lose weight faster than your keys, it’s difficult not to be charmed by diets such as these. Read on to find out about the top two crash diets

Yoga is about letting go (Part I) | Shazia OmarLetting go of conditioning in the mind, letting go of expectations, letting go of assumptions

| N Anita Amreen

fitness

Shazia Omar is a yoga teacher

Most people turn to yoga to deal with the myriad forms of depression, stress, lack and pain, but there’s no denying that suffering (dukkha) is a part of life. Embracing suffering is part of yoga, because yoga is about the complete acceptance of reality.

Occasionally, students will ask me about the deeper purpose of yoga, beyond the fitness and health benefits. For this article, I draw from “The Inner Tradition of Yoga” by Michael Stone, to highlight some of the transformative dimensions of yoga.

The path to healing begins in the heart, with love. Not personal love, but the impersonal force of love that heals by extending itself to the most interrupted, broken and ruined parts of ourselves.

Suffering continues in cycles. The turning of the wheel of suffering (dukkha) is called samsara.

Samsara is a metaphor for meaninglessness. It refers to the endless cycle of birth, death and

rebirth. Each moment of experience, whether in stillness or reactivity, sets up the pattern for the next consecutive moment (karma). Each breath contains with it samsara, the complete cycle of life and death and rebirth, symbolised by inhalation and exhalation. Life begins with an inhale (of a baby) and ends with an exhale (last breath out), so each breath itself is a microcosm of life. Sit still, and notice the feeling of simple breathing and also, the mind’s tendency to escape those simple sensations.

Our psychological and physical patterns, as ingrained and self-perpetuating matrices, keep us bound to samsara, this perpetuating wheel of conditioned existence, preventing us from experiencing each moment with freedom.

We are unable to experience the present moment without filters of perception. Hence, we see the world in certain ways based on our past experiences.

Photo: Big Stock

Take care 9


Photos: Tausif Sanzum

10 Trial


Photos: Tausif Sanzum

After three years of rigorous pre-production work, Colours101.6 FM went on air on January 10. With so many radio stations around, one might ask how this one sets itself apart from the rest. CEO, Nazim Farhan Chowdhury, has always been intrigued by how the modern Bangladeshi woman leads her life and the problems she faces. With this vision of creating a society where men and women are equally represented in entertainment, Colours101.6 FM aims to set itself apart from the crowd. Even the name of the radio station reflects this idea. The team behind it believes that women have different colours within themselves which they spread onto their families and to society

| Tausif SanzumShades of music

more than just radio

COLOURS101.6 FM AT A GLANCEThe radio station is not

all serious, nor does it only aim to cater to the female sex. Instead of being preachy, it wants to blend entertainment with shows that inspire people with their core ideology of promoting Bangladeshi women. This is reflected in the programme list. They have regular music based shows like Lipstick Morning and also tête-à-tête shows like Olpo Solpo Golpo. Their recent collaboration with OBR in the month of February for a programme ‘Rising for Justice’ was particularly interesting. In this segment they had six women from various strata of the society who have been survivors of various evils such as acid victimisation, domestic violence etc. Another Valentine’s Day special programme was of a lighter nature and consisted of a competition where listeners were asked to dedicate their favourite songs to their loved ones. This mishmash of heavyweight programmes with lighter ones is a major plus point for the radio station. Their future line of weekly programmes also seems impressive.

MASTERMINDSThey have 23 “power women” on their advisory

panel who guide them in their programme production. These women are referred as “power women” as they have contributed in one way or the other in making a difference in the Bangladeshi society.

WHY RADIO?Having a good batch of programmes is one thing and reaching a wider number of listeners is another. Attracting listeners to radio is a very difficult task compared to visual based

media such as television or Internet. Manager Business Development and Planning of Colours101.6 FM, Sultana Jahan Rakhi says that the fact that radio is a portable medium works to their advantage. People can tune into the radio from anywhere, at any time. She mentions that radio is a

very live medium as you can talk to the RJs anytime. Even though theirs is a very new project, the response it has garnered is very inspiring. It boosts their morale to know that there are many listeners out there who share similar interests as them. They want to create a niche for themselves consisting of listeners who associate with Colours FM’s vision in a competitive market.

COLOURS101.6 FM @ WORKAnother attention-grabbing feature of Colours101.6 FM is that

it incorporates its core ideology of equality in the society in its working environment too. The employees of the radio station are a wonderful mixture of men and women who share the idea of a better society for everyone. Their workplace design reflects this. Colours FM fills its space with colours; in their pillows, bright coloured walls and other vibrant objects which provide an invigorating environment for its employees to work in.

THE VOICES OF COLOURSWith the subject of employees being discussed,

one couldn’t help but ask something about the RJs. A common topic of discussion in Bangladesh is the manner in which RJs interact on air. Colours’ Producer Program, Tasnim Noorin Brotee is confident that their RJs will not fall into the trap of sounding “cool” while making a “fool” out of themselves. She says that all their RJs speak naturally when on air instead of trying to be someone else. She feels that language plays a very important role and if the general listeners cannot relate with the RJs, they would not be able to associate themselves with the radio station.

Colours101.6 FM is a small step by a group of enthusiastic people who want to make a difference in the society. Their vision is to integrate into the lives of their listeners, and bring positive change from within.

Trial11


Do it for you!

fashion

Colour me happyCertain hues are known to have different effects on our moods. If you’re feeling down, go green. Shades of green make you feel clean, fresh and can really pick up your spirits. Incorporate this colour into your next outfit and step out in style.

Be scentsationalFragrances are another element that can really trigger both positive and negative memories. This is the perfect time to pick a new perfume and create some new memories. Check out page 16 for some fabulous spring fragrance ideas.

New experiments Always wear skinny jeans? Try a pair of wide legged jeans or the ever popular palazzo pants. Mostly wear closed toe footwear? Paint those pretty toes and wear a pair of open toe sandals. It’s fun to break out of a fashion rut and try new looks. Who knows, you may even like the little changes and be inspired to buy a whole new wardrobe.

Underneath it allIf you can’t exactly afford a whole new wardrobe, indulge yourself in some pretty new lingerie. You may think that it is pointless since there is no one in your life to appreciate it, but that is a huge misconception. Going about your day, knowing you have nice, matching undergarments on, can really boost your confidence.

Breaking free | Sabah RahmanIt’s time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and spring clean your life. Beat the break-up blues with these tried and tested tips

STyle SeSSion WiTH

SAbRinA FATmA AHmAd

Send in your fashion faqs [email protected]

Photo: Big Stock

I’ve always played it safe by wearing only solid colours, but recently, the spring floral

prints seem to be too pretty to resist. How do I wear them without looking like a piece of antique furniture?

Q

It’s all about dimensions. If you’re a big, beautiful woman, opt for larger prints, like a

giant poppy, or something. Small prints on you will look like wallpaper hanging in the background of a room. If you’re a petite princess, you’ll drown in a large print, so turn to those pretty paisleys. If you’re just easing into the world of prints, err on the side of caution by keeping your accessories neutral.

A

Hi. Spring, the season of colours is here, and I want to try them all, but worried that I’ll look like an

elephant. Please suggest some slimming colours. I’m so tired of black!

Q

Okay, this myth about black being the only slimming colour is so passé! You can look every bit the tent in a

saggy black outfit, as you might in other colours. It is fit, not colour that will slim you down. Try out a cut that flatters your womanly curves. Draw the focus away from problem areas with the clever use of pretty prints and texture. If you’re still shy about pastels, start with shades like navy, chocolate or aubergine, with a detail in your favourite spring hue, and gradually ease into the experimentation.

A

Photo: Big Stock

12 Trending


in fashion

A large percentage of us men dream about a relaxing holiday in the south of France. One thing we admire about the Europeans is that they make style look so effortless. It’s all about their cool, suave nature. This spring, put on a smile and bask under the sun’s warmth with the right look.You might not be able to visit the coastlines of Italy, but you can definitely bring the Mediterranean to your closet.

Lighter coLoured caSuaL bLazerS should be the outermost layer in this outfit. Light blue or light grey up top brings that cool breeze look into effect. If you’ve hung onto the casual blazers from last season, bring them out for this season.

Keeping the trend going, a crisp white or light blue shirt underneath is the right choice. If things get too hot, put the blazer aside and roll your shirt sleeves up.

White pair of jeanS or caSuaL trouSerS is the best choice but not the wisest. Unless you plan on commuting from one place to another in a car, khaki or tan trousers are the safer bet.

riviera state of mind | Mahmood HossainA look for the Mediterranean

his style

New season, new updates to the wardrobeOh, stop the groaning. You should be expecting this every season. It is what is in style at the moment for menswear and you shouldn’t be taking a back seat. Here are a few trends to check off your list.

Spread those wingsSpread collars on your dress shirts are the standard to spring cool sophistication.

Feeling a bit blueThis darn colour simply won’t go away. Suits, denim, sweaters, what have you, stock up on the many shades of blue.

A short cutShort sleeved shirts are going to be

your go-to item for the everyday look this season. But be careful not to resemble one of your uncles on holiday in Hawaii.

T-B comboRemember that suit with a solid t-shirt feature we did a while back? Stick to it. However, make sure it’s a crew neck t-shirt you’re wearing with no graphics on the front.

The printing pressPatterned shirts are another sure way to praise the fashion deities this spring. Best way to sport these are under fine casual blazers or fitted trousers.

Since the weather is much warmer now, I was wondering what I can do to keep cool. I like the smell of

my cologne but the body spray I use, somehow cancels out the scent. Is there any other product I can use that doesn’t clash with my cologne?

Q

It actually depends on how much body spray you’re using. If you want to keep the notes of your fragrance

alive, only apply the body spray in places you will sweat the most. Your armpits, for example, should each get a spray for a couple of seconds. Whatever you see in those Axe commercials are not exactly the best way to go about it. Showering yourself with any fragrance is terrible etiquette. If you still find it difficult to balance the two, there’s always old fashion body powder to keep everything cool without the overbearing smell. In fact, the latter will possibly work best for you.

A

I’ve heard somewhere that you should get a haircut a week before any special event you’re attending. Is this true?

QIt’s not necessarily before a week, more like five days max. What happens is, by that time, your hair will

look more natural and grown out. You don’t want to show up to an event completely trimmed and cut, making it seem like you were trying too hard or you were somewhat in a rush. That also gives you a relaxing stage and the person cutting your hair can take his or her time.

A

Send in your style inquiries to [email protected]

thoSe LoaferS. You can never get tired of them. Whether they are driver shoes, boat shoes or the standard kinds, quality loafers scream casual sophistication.

the right pair of ShadeS tops off the entire outfit. Forget the brand, just make sure they are tortoiseshell frames and you’re good to go.

STyle SeSSionWiTH mAHmood HoSSAin

Photo: Big Stock

Spring to the occasion | Mahmood Hossain

Tailored13


DSQUARED She WoodThe perfect fragrance for ladies who prefer an alternative to girlie girl perfumes. Fresh lemon and woodsy notes are refreshing and perfect for the season.

Spring scentsations | Sabah Rahman Spring is definitely in the air. Seductive, alluring and everlasting, your signature scent should be the perfect balance between sophistication and fun

SHopping 101All products listed above are available at perfume World in Banani 11.

Burberry Brit SheerA fruity, fresh, sweet scent with top notes of lychee and orange, this perfume is ideal for a hot date.

Givenchy PlayBold yet playful, this concoction is sure to surprise you with its woodsy undertones.

Gucci FloraOne of the three floral fragrances in this collection, Gorgeous Gardenia is bursting with the aroma of brown sugar and white gardenia.

Jimmy Choo FlashThe perfect choice for the urban woman. Peppery with hints of citrus; its first dose opens up to exotic flowery notes at the heart.

Escada Cherry in The AirA part of Escada’s seasonal bests is the go-to perfume for the woman who loves the scent of warm cherries.

Creed Spring FlowerA refreshing floral scent, perfect for those breezy spring days.

Givenchy le Bouquet AbsoluPacked with rose, wild berries and juniper notes, this is sure to bring you to your own aromatic secret garden.

one FoR THe menVersace ErosConsisting of lemon, vanilla, mint oil and green apple, Eros is the perfectly blended men’s fragrance to accentuate your sexier side.

Bvlgari Jasmin NoirFilled with sensual notes of jasmine, this is one bottle that you will definitely want to hold on to as a keepsake.

14 Tempt


A new home decor store called “Home Works” recently opened in Banani. Interior, fashion and landscape designers joined hands to bring Bangladeshi customers closer to a wide range of products especially chosen by them. These products are chosen based on their exclusivity, specialty of design, as well as affordability. Not only does this store aim at satisfying the needs and aesthetic requirements of a niche market, but it also reaches out to a broader spectrum of customers, acting as a bridge between them and the original products available around the world. Home Works also hopes to build a space where customers can come and find inspiration to explore the amalgamation of aesthetics and functionality put together. They believe that you don’t have to let accessibility and affordability get in the way of creativity. For more information visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/homeworks.decor.

Decor destination: Banani

Photos: Courtesy

Ticket15


With spring around the corner, can flowers be far behind? Flowers are regarded as symbols of love, friendship, life and peace. If you can’t get enough of these blossoms, buckle up for a grand global romp. Avenue T presents a list of five beautiful flower festivals from around the globe

A GrAND fLorAL ESCAPADE | Tausif Sanzum

pASAdenA RoSe pARAdeLocation

Pasadena, USA

When is it held? January 1

What’s special about it? Also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, this festival has been annually celebrated since 1890. Back then, it was celebrated by people who came from the East and the West coasts for a platform to display the florae of their region. They did this by commencing a parade, showcasing their carriages covered in their native flowers. During the parade, it is mandatory to decorate the floats only with natural materials such as plants, tree-bark, seaweed and so on.

16 Travels


mAdeiRA FloWeR FeSTivAlLocationFunchal, Portugal

When is it celebrated? April

What’s special about it? Every April, the shops and houses in Funchal are covered with flower arrangements while the streets are covered with flower carpets. The highlights of the Madeira Flower Festival are the children’s parade and the main parade through the streets carrying several floats decorated with flowers and costume dancers. With wars raging around the world, the Wall of Hope, a wall decorated with flowers by children is on display during the festival; in the hope of a peaceful, better world, it truly is an eye-opener.

FeRiA de lAS FloReSLocationMedellin, Colombia

When is it celebrated? July 28 - August 7

What’s special about it? When the festival started, back in the 1950s, no one would have thought that one day it would be considered one of the biggest

horticultural events in the world. Having a humble beginning, consisting of a few locals parading small floral arrangements through Medellin, it has come a long way since then. Today it is a weeklong festival with visitors from around the world. The highlight of this festival is the Silletas - huge, intricate floral arrangements which are displayed throughout the city.

pAnAgbengA FloWeR FeSTivAl LocationBaguio, Philippines

When is it celebrated? February

What’s special about it? Panagbenga, in the local language, means the season of blooming. This month long flower festival was initiated to help the people

of this region to recover from the aftershock of the Luzon earthquake. It soon started receiving international attention with tourists from around the world pouring in to enjoy the colourful display of Baguio’s flowers. The festival also allows the younger native population to stay in touch with their local culture, a lesson for the world to learn.

LocationFairmount Park, Philadelphia

When is it celebrated? AprilWhat’s special about it? In 1926, the Japanese Government gifted America with 1,600 cherry blossom trees and other flowering plants. Continuing the legacy, the annual festival now features several

events inspired by the Japanese culture. The highlight of this festival is the Annual Gala, a fundraising event, the proceeds of which go towards the festival and the upkeep of the cherry blossom trees. As part of this festival, the Sakura Sunday, an outdoor Japanese cultural fair is held at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park, which you cannot afford to miss.

SubARu CHeRRy bloSSom FeSTivAl oF gReATeR pHilAdelpHiA

Travels17


tasting

They should really reconsider their pricing strategy or revamp their menu. I’d never pay that much for a burger as mediocre as theirs. Sajib Khan , 28, Gulshan

Why is it that a cart doesn’t offer their customers with a wide array of toppings to choose from? Stock up on toppings! Samia Karim, 26, Banani

CAlling ‘em ouT

SAM’S BURGERHouse#53, Road#12, Sector#13, Uttara, Dhaka

Pho

tos:

N A

nita

Am

reen

As the trend of carts sprouting up around town continues to grow, Sam’s Burger joins the show by attempting to bring something different to the cart trend. Read on to find out whether their burgers make it or break it

Rating

| N Anita Amreen

BurGErS oN THE Go

18 Tantalise

AmbienceLocated somewhere inside a labyrinth of streets in Sector 13, Uttara, it’s advisable to take at least 30 minutes in hand before visiting Sam’s. Tucked into the garage of a residential plot, the cart shines with its multi-coloured lighting. A small seating arrangement inside the garage is set out with a table and a few stools placed next to it. While they have tried their best to make the arrangement as cozy as possible, the out of the way location leaves a lot to be desired.

Proof of the puddingTheir small menu consists of grilled beef and chicken burgers, fries, chopsuey and chicken wings among other items. Known for their burgers, the beef cheese burger is quite an interesting find. Grilled for at least 15 minutes in front of you, the patty is complemented with a slice of cheese and toppings ( jalapeno, olives and pickles). Once you take a bite, the flavours that stand out are somehow fixed to the patty alone. While cooked to perfection, it lacks the juiciness and the spunk you expect from it. Despite

the addition of sauces and toppings, the bun drags the burger down to its sticky depths, leaving you wishing you had the patty alone. Sadly, unlike other carts, their toppings are fixed and added to all the burgers, making it difficult for you to create your own – something most people visiting food carts look forward to.

Bang for the buckPriced at Tk200 for their beef cheese burger, there isn’t much bang for the buck, especially since you can find amazing tasting burgers at cheaper rates elsewhere. With the Big Sam priced at Tk250, it’s difficult to justify the prices since neither the location nor the ambience provides value for money.


MIME ArTIST PArTHA PrATIM MAjuMder AWArDED LIfETIME ACHIEvEMENT AWArD BY BrAHMANBArIA LITErATurE ACADEMYOn March 7, leading mime artist Partha Pratim Majumder was granted the Lifetime Acheivement Award by Brahmanbaria Literature Academy at Dhirendronath Dutta language square. The award was handed over by poet Joynul Hossain, president of the academy.

Partha stated that he has been representing Bangladesh on an international front through this art form. Expressing his desire to encourage the current generation to work towards Bangladesh’s development, he believes that by enriching oneself with self-improvement, one takes the first step towards moving their country towards development. Film director Janesar Osman, Group Theatre Federations, programme director Chondon Reza, DT Senior Manager for advertising Shahidan Khurshid as well as Literature academy’s director Mizanur Rahman Shishir were present at the event.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Ayesha Memorial Hospital organised a seminar that focused on raising awareness for women’s healthcare issues. The programme was inaugurated by Prity Chakroborty, while Ashish Kumar Chakroborty delivered a welcome speech at the event. The day long camp offered free health care for patients provided by Dr Soheli Rahman, Dr Nigar Sultana , Dr Hasina Begum, Dr Rukhsana Parvin, Dr Sania Hoque, Dr Parvin Sultana, Dr Sultana Rehana and Dr Delwar Hossain Molla. In addition, the female patients were given a 50% discount on all medical tests. Also, during the month of March, the hospital is offering a 50% discount on BMD and mammography.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, BRAC University Debating Club (BUDC) provided talented debaters from the top universities of the country, a platform to discourse on their views on feministic debate motions. Brac Women’s Open, powered by BRAC Bank, is the first of its kind tournament and has advocated the need for women’s voices regarding social feminine issues to be heard, as well as encouraging greater participation of female debaters in the national debating circuit. The tournament went on from March 6 till March 8 and the participation consisted of some of the finest female speakers of Viqarunnisa Noon School, Maple Leaf International School, Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University, Asian University for Women, Chittagong and North South University. The judging panel had Nawra Mehrin from AUW (Asian University for Women), Raisa Fareen Chowdhury from IUB (International University of Bangladesh) and Gulsetyne Ahmed from the host university. Wasifa Noshin (IBA) and Iffat Sumaiya (Sunnydale) were the proud winners of the tourney.

STEP uP To THE PoDIuM LADIES!

AB fASHIoN’S SuMMer collecTIoN

From March 4 to 8, Mi Amore organised a contest called Special Woman to celebrate woman’s day. For a few days leading up and during the competition, they posted photographs of one iconic woman of our country each day. Participants were encouraged to do the same, posting a photograph and details of the special woman in their life, explaining why she is special. From all the participants, Mozammel Haque was chosen. His wife, Mahbooba Ishrat, was given an extra special treat alongside a surprise gift on the occasion of Women’s Day.

MI AMorE CELEBrATES INTErNATIoNAL WoMAN’S DAY

News19

Car Museum is going to celebrate its 12th anniversary on March 14, by arranging a cultural programme and fashion show followed by dinner, in honour of the special occasion. The owner of the car museum Atiq Rahman and Mazharul Islam (Sohel) will be organising this event, while the chief guest will be Elias Kanchon. Singers Samina Chowdhury and Shahid, dancer Sohel and Shokh, fashion choreographer Syed Ruma, entertainer Abu Hema Rony and anchor Alif Nabila will be present at the event. The event will take place at Goldwater Convention Center. The event is being managed by Shopno Chhoya, choreographed by Syed Ruma, and the dresses and designing will be provided by Wallis and Samia Jahan.

fACES of BEAuTY fASHIoN SHoW

CANvAS CoMMEMorATES INTErNATIoNAL WoMEN'S DAY BY CELEBrATING EIGHT LEADING WoMENLifestyle magazine Canvas began celebrating the success of leading women in our country since 2012 with their Freedom-Persona Aajker Nari programme. This year, they organised the second Aajker Nari programme called Freedom-Persona Aajker Nari, powered by Dabur Vatika, to award eight leading ladies in the country. Prominent actor Aly Zaker presided over the event as chief guest while economist CPDR senior fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya attended the programme as special guest. Beauty specialist and Persona managing director Kaniz Almas Khan, ACI salt managing director and their executive director Syed Alamgir, Canvas ceo Kesh Saifur Rahman and Asian Consumer care's JP Victoria were also present at the event. The awardees were Jannatul Mauwa (Photography), Tamara Hasan Abed (social work), Nishat Majumdar (Sports), Farzana Wahid Shayan (Music), Monowara Hakim Ali (Entrepreneurship), Lipi Khandkar (Fashion), Shadika Hassan Shejuti (IT) and Sonia Bashir Kabir (Corporate).

AYESHA MEMorIAL HoSPITAL INITIATES “Free WoMeN HeAlTH dAy”

With the arrival of summer, people are taking a preference for lighter materials apt for our country’s weather. Fashion house, AB Fashion’s clothing line is a mesh of both festivities and fusion wear. Along with kurtas, they’re also offering other types of cotton summer wear. When it comes to their salwar kameezes, they’ve focused on different cuts and necklines. Moreover, their designs are adorned with lace materials and block prints. To find out more, visit 28 Golden Gate Shopping Centre, Mirpur Centre, Dhaka. Or log onto www.abfashionmakerbd.com.

NorTH SouTH uNIvErSITY HoLDS ITS 17TH CoNvoCATIoN

The 17th convocation of North South University (NSU) was held on March 6, at the Convocation Plaza of its own campus in the city. The Hon’ble President, People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Chancellor of NSU, Md Abdul Hamid conferred degrees to graduating students. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, the Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Education attended the ceremony as the special guest. Cynthia Ann McKinney, Former Congresswoman, USA was present as the convocation speaker. Prof Dr A K Azad Chowdhury, Chairman (State Minister), University Grants Commission, Bangladesh; Professor Amin Sarkar, Vice Chancellor, North South University and Ragib Ali, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NSU Trust delivered speeches in the degree awarding session. The President, in his NSU convocation speech, stressed the importance of preparing students with "education for their professions and acquiring higher knowledge.” Convocation speaker, Ms Cynthia McKinney, Former US Congresswoman said, “I hope you have learned to think critically; you have been exposed to the needs of society, both local and international. You have analytical skills and knowledge." Dr Sarkar said, "While we enjoy full approval of the University Grants Commission, to enhance educational quality, we are preparing ourselves for both the institutional and programme accreditation by the accrediting bodies recognised by the U.S. Commission of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).” Addressing the graduates, the Vice Chancellor stated, “You were trained by faculty members, all of whom received overseas degrees primarily from the US, Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Japan. I hope you are equipped with knowledge and ability and we believe in you, so believe in yourself.”

INTErNATIoNAL WoMEN’S DAY CELEBrATIoN AT NANDoSOn the occasion of International Women’s Day that took place on March 8, Nando’s Bangladesh arranged a special event focusing on thanking the leading ladies of Bangladesh. They wanted to thank “The Two Tiers;” The Lower (Garments Workers) and the Upper (Top Business Executives, Media Personalities) for their relentless efforts for inspiring change. In the morning, they arranged a bicycle ride with BDcyclists, beginning from Gulshan 1 to Tejgaon, to a garment manufacturing company Prince Group. They distributed snacks among 1000 workers and shared the joy of food with them as a small token of their respect for the unyielding effort they put into contributing to the economy of our country. Furthermore, as part of the celebration of Women’s Day, they invited some of the “The Toppers” from various backgrounds for a treat on the house to express their gratitude for their devotion and contribution in making us believe that “Yes, we can change.” Celebrities present on the day included Maheen Khan, Abida Sultana, Zobera Rahman Nilu, Sara Zaker, Aupee Karim, Dr Jahanara Khan, Dr Aliya Naheed and Salma Ali. After the Peri-licious lunch, they commemorated the International Women’s Day by cutting a cake. The Toppers were also given a gift hamper along with a Certificate of Appreciation, their signature Peri Peri Bottled Sauce and a special Privilege Card. The co-partner of the event was Barrista. PR partner was Wide Angle Communications while the event partner was Butterfly Events. Activation partner was BDCyclists, communication partner was Life Style and TV partner was Independent TV.

20 News



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Avenue T Volume 1 Issue 45