avenue t volume 2 issue 41

Dhaka Tribune | Saturday, February 21, 2015 | Volume 2, Issue 41

A LITERARY AFFAIR

AVEN U E T SATU RDAY, FEbRUARY 21 , 2015

Contents

inside...

2 TUNED A story of love

3 TRY OUT Light up!

4 TIRES Ford Escape 2014

5 TEch Transport solutions

6 TELL Work-life balance

8 TUcKED IN Corridor makeover

9 TaKE caRE Chinese remedies

10 TRIaL ROOM Shaheen Akhter

12 TRENDING Colour play

13 TaILORED Shaded glory

14 TEMPT Keeping those tresses alive

15 TIcKET Ultimate decor goodies

16 TRaVELOGUE All about China

18 TaNTaLISE For the love of Chi-

nese-Bangla cuisine

20 NEwS

AvenueT2014 Ford Escape4

Editor Zafar Sobhan

Features Editor Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Asst Magazine Editor Mahmood Hossain

Avenue T team Khan N Moushumi

N Anita AmreenSabah Rahman Tausif Sanzum

Sabiha Akond Rupa

ContributorsTahsin Momin

Naveen RahamanNadia Khan

Farina NoireetAdila Hoque

Farhana Urmee

Graphics Alamgir Hossain

Md Mahbub Alam

Colour specialistShekhar Mondal

AdvertisingZia Ur Rahman

Production Masum Billah

Circulation Masud Kabir Pavel

Contact [email protected]

www.dhakatribune.com

This week

Dear ReadersAnother Ekushe y arrives, albeit a little restrained in the face of all the unrest. We celebrate with a special interview on the Trial Room.To counter the chaos, and also with a nod to the Chinese New Year, we bring you some soothing and festive notes from the Orient.Whether you’re commemorating the victory of the mother language, do it with some homemade lamps, as shown on Tryout.Open up your corridors with a little feng shui we’ve put on Tucked in.We’re also celebrating the Bangalee love affair with Chinese cuisine on Tantalise. Finally, if you want to experience all this up front, why not plan a trip to China? Don’t forget our travel tips.As we head deeper into spring, it’s time to star t investing in the season’s colours. Check out Trending and Tailored for all the latest in fashion.Here’s hoping the upcoming week is going to be a soothing, stress free one for you.

Sabrina Fatma AhmadEditor, Avenue T

The Ekushey Boi Mela culminates on February 21

Model: Farhana Urmee

Editor’s note

14 16 The Chinese checklist

The top reasons behind hair wreckage

9 Chinese sore throat remedies

10 A tete-a-tete with the literary genius

The Chinese checklist


| Nadia Khan

2 | Tuned

teleplay

closeup in searchof love stories

27-28 February

Bangladesh Summit 2015

Venue: Daffodil International University

12 Feb - 20 jun

Digital Film Making Workshop 2015 by Moviyana Film Society

Venue: Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy

For the third year, Closeup arranged for a love story writing contest titled “Kache Ashar Shahoshi Golpo.” The competition kicked off on January 1, 2015 and ever since, an overwhelming response with letters and emails was received from all over the country, with fearlessly romantic and heroic plots. The deadline for story submission was January 20, right after which screening and selection began. The best story-writers were shortly revealed and they are Reazul Alam Shawon, Hridita Islam and Mehreen Kabir.

The stories were then scheduled to be visualised by another three prominent young directors, Golam Kibria Farooki, Imraul Rafat and Shafayet Mansoor Rana. Eminent actors and actresses Tahsan Rahman Khan, Jon Kabir, FS Nayeem, Nusrat Imroz Tisha, Aparna Ghosh, Nowrin Hasan Khan Jenny and Shahtaj Monira Hashem starred in the teleplays. All three teleplays - “Ami Akash Pathabo,” “Protikkha” and “China Gura Prem” - were aired on Bangla Vision on February 14, the electronic media partner of the competition. Director Golam Kibria Farooki, who steered the gear of “China Gura Prem,” told Avenue T that it was his first time working on a romantic teleproduction and the response and feedback on social media has been downright astounding. The organisers hope to continue arranging for such epic, fun-filled contests in the years to come.


3Try Out |

diy

Add a handmade touch to your party

Paper lanterns

Paper lanterns give a festive feel to almost any event. You can hang them up or use them as a centrepiece for any party. It’s as simple as making origami.

Directions for a tube lantern:1. Fold a rectangular paper in half

lengthwise 2. Cut along the folded edge but not until

the very end. It is up to you how long the slits should be. The longer the slits, the more light can shine through and your lantern will be that much more flexible.

3. Now take the two ends of the paper and wrap them around to make a round, tube shape. Use a glue to stick everything together.

4. You can place a candle inside, but make sure to use an open glass to cover it

Directions for a snowflake lantern:1. Make two paper circles2. Fold the first circle in half and do it

again two more times. At this point, it should look like a slice of pizza.

3. Draw lines on the paper. Follow the curve on the top of the paper to draw slightly slanted lines that cross the full length of the paper but don’t meet the opposite side. Start on one side and draw a line that stops right before the other end.

4. Make a small hole at the point of the triangle

5. Now cut the lines you made in step 36. Unfold the paper and repeat the same

process with the second circle7. Glue the circles together, and pull the

lantern pieces apart 8. Tie a string in the top and hang it up

somewhere.

You’ll need: • Paper (any material is fine, but keep in mind that the lighter ones are

more likely to crumble under their own weight)• Glue or a stapler• Scissors

| Adila Hoque


Road Rage

Got a peeve to share about the state of the city’s roads and traffic? Sends it to us at [email protected], or post it on our Facebook wall.

wheels

Some vehicles, regardless of trim level or power-train, have a personality that comes through the layers of bells, gadgets, and extravagant wood or leather trim. Although the Ford Escape doesn’t have the fancier trim and more powerful engines of its stablemates, it’s still thoroughly a crossover, with engaging driving dynamics and perfect balance of ride and handling. Yes, there are SUVs standing in competition which are equipped with better engine types and functionality, but we think the Escape does just fine to fend off the competition.

ExteriorThe exterior of the 2014 Ford Escape has not been changed much from its earlier version. The exterior of the Escape looks a tad bit bland but the amount of colour choices available makes up for it. There are 10 different exterior colours available. All the trims are available with 16-inch alloy wheels. It also features fog lamps and automatic headlights.

InteriorThe interior of the 2014 Escape is no doubt stylish and graceful. It has an absolute gem of a dashboard and comprises of more space than before. The seats are now very comfortable and cushy. However, there are only two sitting rows. There is no third row which is sort of the only negative point in this SUV. It accommodates only five passengers and the cargo space is not much either. However, if you’re doing a realistic, objective comparison with some of the other best-sellers in the segment, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the Escape falls short, in terms of cargo volume.

But for most buyers, the cargo space of the Escape should be more than sufficient, whether for diaper bags and suitcases or mountain bikes and outdoor gears.

PerformanceThe Escape is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with direct injection. It might just be a mere 1.6-litre but it spools up a whopping 178HP and 184lb-ft of torque. It shifts power to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It coops up quite well with the turbocharged engine, and the gear changes strike a good balance between straight-line acceleration and gas mileage.

SafetyOn the safety front, all the usual standard refinements, the anti-lock disc brakes, the stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags do a fabulous job. There is an additional programmable safety feature known as the Ford MyKey system which makes driving easy for teen drivers.

The 2014 Ford Escape is solid, if not flawless entry in the cut-throat crossover segment. The Escape’s overall combination of driving dynamics, style and value make it easy to see why it has been a best-selling model on multiple continents.

| Tahsin Momin

A fine getaway vehicle for the perfect road trip

2014 Ford Escape

Available at:AG Automobile Limited Abdullahpur, Uttara, Dhaka - 1230, BangladeshPh: 8911880, 9564033

4 | Tires

Even the great PM cannot escape the traffic jam anymore. All leading newspapers in the country recently reported how the VIP roads through which PM Sheikh Hasina’s motorcade travels could not be cleared due to the heavy traffic jams despite the 72 hour long hartal.

The general notion that the roads will be empty during strikes seems like a myth these days. Even if the roads are comparatively jam free during the morning, come evening and you will simply curse your luck for being out on the streets. The only people who might be rejoicing these blockades are the tiny tots and examinees, though their parents have a different story to tell.

Gone are the days when weekends used to be your day to rejoice and go out. Since most universities and schools are forced to remain closed throughout the week, it is the Fridays and Saturdays that have become the worst days for the traffic condition in Bangladesh.

The roads in Dhaka are totally unpredictable. If you have an important meeting to attend then leave way in advance particularly if it is scheduled during the weekends. During hartals, if you are travelling on a rickshaw make sure you keep its hood up just to avoid those nasty petrol bombs. If you are on a bus, try to sit near the window just to make an easy escape if there is an emergency. Wear the right footwear in case you have to make a run for your life. God forbid if you are hit by a petrol bomb, don’t run. Lie down and roll over to put out the fire. After that, pour water on the wound ASAP and get to the nearest medical centre. Be cautious, no one can take care of yourself more than you can on your own.

| Tausif Sanzum

Battlegrounds


5tech |

One to watch:

Oi Khali

apps

| Sabah Rahman

An app to solve your transport troubles

Tons of people from all walks of life use CNGs as a manner of regular transportation. That being said, the experience itself can be a horrific one sometimes, what with having to haggle with the drivers and still paying unfair prices and even worse, the fear of getting mugged and general paranoia for your safety. And it’s not just women who get attacked or hassled. Men get the same treatment too.

This is where Oi Khali, a new app, will come in to save the day (and night). All you’ll have to do is make one phone call and a CNG will show up at the destination of your choice in 30 minutes.

You won’t have to bargain or bicker with the driver about where you need to go as the fares will be based on measurable criteria like distance, demand and weather conditions.

It gets better - Oi Khali will have your back when it comes to safety. How? Well, for starters, the drivers are screened and their information will be stored in a database. Your family and friends can track your location, but the real kicker? There is a panic button in case something goes wrong! That will surely elicit a sigh of relief from lone travellers after dark.

Not only will this app benefit us, but will also help give the underprivileged drivers a new lease on life through technology like the Internet and mobile banking.

Misha Ali, the founder of Oi Khali said, “Recently, upon travelling outside Bangladesh, I couldn’t help but notice the recent boom in technological innovations in the transportation sector, namely, ride-sharing applications such as Uber and Lyft. Of course, in Bangladesh, our infrastructure and different socio-economic realities make those types of solutions practical only for the rich. I wanted to create something that my friends and I could use on a regular basis.” Keep your eyes peeled for the pilot in July!


I was married at a very young age, when I had just graduated. I always felt bad about never completing my education and chasing my dreams. Maybe it’s a little late now, but my son just turned 14, and I’ve been thinking about starting work or even getting a Master’s degree. My husband, however, does not approve

of this. He said he thinks that this is the time our son needs me the most, but if I don’t do it now, I feel like I’ll never get to it. I will always feel like I missed something in life. What should I do?

A lot of working women are mothers, and all of them make it work. Your son is 14, not four. I think he can very well deal with it if his mother isn’t home eight hours a day. He will be fine. Try to find a good balance between home and work, and it should be quite alright.

6 | Tell

issues

| Avenue T desk

choosing paths

hOROScOPE

Aries (MAR 21-APR 19)You might receive some depressing news this week but try to keep your head above the water. Don’t let any of this impact your work because this may lead to major complications.

TAurus (Apr 20-May 20)You will be particularly comfortable with how your life is going right now. If you’re single you’ll be happily single and if you’re involved, you will get along like a house on fire.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) All of a sudden you will be looking at someone in new light. A good friend may suddenly seem like someone with great potential to be your partner. Take your time to think about it.

CAnCer (Jun 21-Jul 22) There will always be rumours flying and gossip mills brimming. Don’t get excited about these things, take everything you hear with a grain of salt.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22)This is not the week to finalise or confirm a decision you’ve been mulling over for the past few days. You might feel like you’ve gotten a grasp of the situation but you haven’t, practice patience.

VirGo (Aug 23-Sep 22) You may be feeling uneasy about how a closed one has been acting recently. Don’t try to force your views on them or try to get an explanation for their behaviour – they will eventually come around.

| Avenue T desk

Own upQ

a You cannot start anything good with lies. If you can’t be honest with her right now, you’re basically repeating what you were doing all those years ago. Tell her what happened back then, and try to explain to her that you’ve grown up now and will not give in to temptations any more. Let her make an informed

decision, and if it doesn’t work, you can’t exactly blame her.

I used to date this girl, C, when I was in my early 20s. I was never loyal to her; it was a long-distance relationship, and I took advantage of the distance and the trust she had invested in me. We broke up after some time, because, obviously, it wasn’t working out. We still did have feelings for each other when we separated. However, as luck would have it, I found her at my

workplace not three months ago. We caught up over coffee and we get together for lunch and dinner sometimes, and I think I can clearly see that an old flame is being kicked back into our lives. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t really have the time to fool around. I really want to be with her, but I don’t know if I should start this new beginning by telling her I cheated on her all those years ago. I do not want to let this go. Should I tell her?

Q

aletters to Mars

Pho

to: B

ig St

ock

Photo: Big Stock


7Tell |

tact

chinese etiquetteA few tips on etiquette for the next time you’re visiting a Chinese household

With trade relations they way they are between China and Bangladesh, an invitation to a Chinese household may just become inevitable. Read on for tips on how to pull this off.

Go barefootAmong Asian households, it’s a custom to go barefoot before entering the household. Usually the entrance to an Asian home is lower than the rest of the house, signifying the physical and psychological purpose of stepping into a new, higher level. If you’re entering an Asian household, depending on how the host greets you (barefoot or with slippers), it’s best to follow their lead. Offer to take off your shoes. In some cases, your host may even offer you a pair of their slippers to wear around their house.

Bring giftsThe Chinese considered gifts to be a polite gesture. If you’re invited to their home, it’s a good idea to bring a gift as a sign of goodwill. However, be careful about what you choose – especially if it has anything to do with numbers. Chinese Asians can be particularly superstitious, especially when it comes to numbers. If you’re bringing a gift, try to stick to even numbers, however steer clear of the number four. The number four is considered bad luck.

Sip itMost Chinese households have a strong tea drinking culture. You will most probably be offered tea once you have entered, it is extremely impolite to refuse or to ask for an alternate beverage so try to take small sips and enjoy the drink.

Follow the leadWhen it comes down to when you should start eating or how, it’s best to follow your hosts’ lead. Begin eating when your host begins eating. Feel free to eat as much as you want, they will know that you have enjoyed and appreciated the meal.

Maintain etiquetteAlways ensure that you’ve arrived on time to your invitation or it’s considered rude or impolite. Also, once you are done eating stay for another 30 minutes or so and don’t leave immediately. When you are offered anything (gifts, napkin, chopsticks, slippers), always remember to take it with both hands rather than one.

hOROScOPE

LibrA (Sep 23-Oct 22)Try to use your own judgment when it comes to major decisions. This week unnecessary tension may build up and your relations with close ones may be strained, so tread lightly.

sCorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21)You will want to dole out your sympathy, love and affection but hold back dear Scorpio. Offer a listening ear instead, that will take you places.

sAGiTTArius (Nov 22-Dec 21)There are a lot of secrets that will be unveiled this week. Shocking, but these eye openers will have you looking at the world in a whole new light. Don’t do anything rash before thinking things over.

CApriCorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) There is a journey on the cards dear Capricorn. You’ll be going places this week, both physically and emotional. Rediscover yourself.

AquArius (Jan 20-Feb 19)You’ll be wondering about where your life is headed, reconsidering all your ideals and options. Write down your thoughts and feelings and take some time out to think about where you really want to be headed.

pisCes (Feb 20-Mar 20) This week you will unearth some secrets that you have been wanting to know. Also, there will be a lover lurking, it’s the perfect week to give them a chance.

| Avenue T desk

| Naveen Rahaman

I have been married to my husband for about seven years now. However, in the past few months I have been feeling like I’m not really into my marriage any more. Maybe it’s because we can’t spend as much time together after work and chores - I’m not very sure. I

have been feeling this distance crawling between us, and also, in the midst of all this, I found myself being attracted to one of my colleagues. I don’t have active feelings for him, but I have to admit, I’m quite attracted to him, and I could be wrong, but I feel like he reciprocates some of that too. Sometimes I find myself working unnecessary late hours just so I could be with him a little longer. I’m not having an affair with him, but I think, if I should avoid having one in the future, this would be the time to stop it. What should I do?

Q

Lingering desiresYou can’t really help your feelings. Just keep it in mind that they will eventually

go away. You need to make your marriage a priority. It’s equally as important as your job, if not more. Spend some time with your husband, and try to see where you two have been falling out, and fix them together. Good luck.

a

letters to Venus

Photo: Big Stock


The tiles hubIf you’re looking to revamp your pad with wall and floor tiles, look no further than the stunning CBC (China-Bangla Ceramic) tiles.

8 | tucked In

decordigs and finds

3 ways to open up a narrow corridor

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

Ever since the 90s and the advent of apartment culture in Dhaka, our homes have been getting smaller and smaller, our spaces more cramped, forcing us to get creative. If your pad has a dark, narrow corridor, here are three ways you can make it look bigger and more spacious.

With colourLight colours reflect light and make a space look more expansive. Paint your walls with a light colour in semigloss paint for better reflection. Pick a lighter, contrasting colour for your ceilings. If your budget allows it, consider light tiling for the floor. You don’t have to restrict yourself to stark white - although, done well, pristine white can be really elegant. Soft greys and pastels are really trending this year.

With lightGeneralised lighting can pool all the lighting in one place. Consider playing with accent lighting to brighten up your corridor. From spot lights to track lights, stagger the lighting to create an airy, open feeling. Planting a chandelier near the entrance can create a great visual effect, as well as illuminate the space.

Crib couture

Mirrors and wall artMirrors, by their very reflective nature can create the illusion of a bigger space. You can opt for a large show-stopping mirror, or stagger a few smaller ones to create a collage, and therefore fake width. An arrangement of wall art, be they framed photos, paintings, or this year’s unexpected craze of neon light lettering, can draw the eye along the length of the walls, making the corridor seem to stretch out.

The key word to remember with narrow corridors is “light.” Light colours, smart lighting, and a light hand with accessories (keep the corridor as uncluttered as possible) can work together to really open up the space and relieve the claustrophobia.

Showroom:Noorjahan Bhaban (1st floor) 23, Poribag, Hatirpool, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh Ph: 88-02-9612986, 88-02-9612987

Photos: www.cbctiles.com


9Take care |

health

chinese home remedies for your everyday cough

| Adila Hoque

With the weather changing so rapidly, many of us are going to be subject to a sore throat. Now, as we all know, it is actually a lot more difficult than it sounds, and the fact that we get sleepy after every dose of cough syrup only makes things worse.Chinese home remedies are normally based on food and herbs that offset the imbalance that is created in our bodies. Several different remedies soothe a variety of symptoms for all kinds of cough, giving you a range of options to choose from.

Maybe there’s a way to avoid running to the store for the cough syrup

Here are a few quick fixes from the kitchen for every kind of cough that you can very easily scrounge up:

Nuts and honey for a dry cough. The dry cough or the itchy throat is probably the most irritating of the

lot and even the cough syrups are sometimes quite ineffective in battling this. Add 250gm of honey to 500gm of nuts and take small doses after every meal, remembering to wash it down with lukewarm water.

Tofu with ginger and sugar for a prolonged cough. If you experience cough very frequently, it is most

possibly a sign of a deeper condition, so get checked as soon as you can. In the meantime, you should cook a bowl of tofu with fresh ginger and some sugar to just deal with the cough for now. Repeat this treatment before bedtime every night for one week straight.

Radish soup for a dry cough. A loud cough produces a little phlegm that requires something

to bite for it to soothe down. Cook radish with some green onions and fresh ginger to make a quick 5-minute soup, and have the soup while it’s still warm. The radish will cut through the irritation in the lungs.

Pear and a lotus root for the frequent cough. The frequent cough produces thick yellow phlegm

and requires sweet pear and lotus juice to heal. Peel the large Asian peer and slice it so that you can use it in a blender. Add the lotus root and maybe even a little bit of sugar. Remember to take small sips throughout the day until the cough disappears.

13

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10 | Trial room

This week we interview Shaheen Akhter, a renowned writer who has been awarded the Sera Bangali Award in the field of Literature by ABP Ananda, the leading Bengali news channel in India for her two decade-long literary career. This Economics graduate from the University of Dhaka, spends her time writing short stories and novels, alongside working for the Ain O Salish Kendra. From the many accolades to her name, she has also been awarded Bangla Pathshala Aktaruzzaman Ilias Kothashahitto Puroshkar in 2014 for her book “Mayur Shingashon” as well as the Prothom Alo best book of the year award in 2004 for her book “Talaash.”

Read on to find out what makes Shaheen tick, what motivates her and where she finds her literary inspiration.

How did your writing career begin?Back when I was in school, I always had a penchant for writing. I remember the lined exercise books that I would write in, this habit continued till my Intermediate exams. I also got one of my stories published back then. In the 80s I even tried my hand at prose. Once the 90s rolled by, I had written quite a few novels.

What’s the inspiration behind your work?There really isn’t any specific source of inspiration, it has now turned

into a daily habit that I nurture every day.

Which areas of writing are you interested in?Till date, I have written on several topics. Usually, I don’t really choose a certain topic, or a certain idea, I just let my writing flow. My novel “Talaash,” as well as a few other short stories focused on the Liberation War, while “Shokhi Rongomala” and “Moyur Shinghashon,” too are historical novels that focus on historical events. However, my first novel

“Palabar Poth Nei” focuses on the everyday woman’s struggle for freedom.

What is your favourite place to write?I’d say my own home. My very own table.

Who are your favourite writers?My favourites keep changing from time to time, but currently my favourites are Orhan Pamuk, Gabriel García Márquez, Margaret Atwood and Alice Munro. Although they all have really diverse themes

and writing styles, I love them all. When it comes to my all-time favourite, it’s definitely Syed Mujtaba Ali.

Can your fans look forward to any of your books for the ongoing Ekushey Boi Mela?“Goddoshonkha 1” - this compilation of my stories has also been previously published in several newspapers. Moreover, my readers will be delighted to know that the book also holds interviews from a few renowned personalities.

On the wordsmith’s wagonShaheen Akhter sheds light on her literary musings

| Farhana Urmee


11 Trial room |

What’s your favourite part about the Ekushey Boi Mela?Personally, I don’t really enjoy crowds as such. I visit the mela solely to purchase books and I think the perfect time to visit is during the evening or the days right after February 21. This year I went for a very short time and I found the stalls to be extremely neat and well put. Some sellers complained that the turnout wasn’t as great as last year, especially given the current political condition; but that was no surprise.

Tell us something about your novel “Talaash.”Before writing Talaash, I worked on an oral history project on the Liberation War. The project was taken up between 1996-1999 by Ain o Salish Kendro - where I work.

Our main aim for undertaking this project after 25 years was to document the statements of the war ravaged women. After much hard work and effort we were able to interview several women. That’s when I got the idea for writing my novel. I began writing in 2001. In 2004 it was published at the Ekushey Boi Mela by Maula Brothers. In “Talaash” there are two sides to each story – one documents the struggle faced by them during the wars, while the other side documents the constant agony and pain of war ravaged women.

Do you think writing a historical novel requires an extra sense of responsibility?Regardless of what we write, I think it’s the duty of a writer to try their level best to write as well as

possible. Now this could mean a number of things. I have written two back-to-back historical novels. For creative writing, we don’t solely rely on ideas spurned from our minds, we also try to look back and get inspiration from real life. We look back at history and use a few details here and there to add life to our stories and that’s what really matters the most.

How does it feel to be awarded for your work?I think the best part about being honoured with an award is the amount of readers you attract. In this day and age of advertisements and social media, readers prefer and enjoy reading novels by those writers who have made their mark or have been honoured with awards. I am hoping that with the award I’ve

On the wordsmith’s wagonI think the best part about being honoured

with an award is the amount of readers you attract. In this day and age of advertisements and social media, readers prefer and enjoy reading novels by those writers who have made their mark or have been honoured with awards. I am hoping that with the award I’ve received this time, the same will be true.

received this time, the same will be true.

Where do you like to spend quality time in Dhaka?My favourite time to drive around Dhaka is during Eid. The roads are so empty and serene. Back in the day, before the construction of shopping centres, universities and clinics, I used to love walking on Satmasjid Road. I loved walking down wide footpaths, they were lined with mini gardens full of flowers or even vegetables.


As we transition into spring, it’s time to start easing into a new colour palette to suit the change of weather. Here’s what’s going to be hot in the next few months.

New neutralsThe fluorescents of winter past give way to softer pastel hues to match the mild weather. So too, do the neutrals go from dark to light. Since matching separates are back in fashion, and colour-blocking is once again taking a back seat to a more monochrome palette, it’s time to consider some foundation pieces you can build on. Two shades of grey – a soft, bluish grey called “Glacier Grey” by Pantone, and a sturdier shade of

Titanium are very popular. Khakis, with just a hint of soft pink are also very chic, and for a deeper brown, consider sandstone. These are all great daytime colours, and perfect for office wear. Pair them with nude nails and polished side-swept bangs, and you’re ready to kick butt and take some numbers.

Blue is the warmest colourBlues take precedence this season. Designers around the world have taken to what Pantone is calling the “en plein air” theme, bringing out chic, minimalistic designs focusing on these cool hues. Beachy shades like aquamarine and scuba blue are some of the warmer colours that can go from day to night in a pinch. The Classic Blue, which is perhaps the closest to our indigo, is the shade du jour, for both sexes. Finally, the more muted, romantic Dusk Blue, an Instagram favourite, will be all the rage in spring. All these shades are perfect for the menswear-inspired

styles that are trending right now, but there’s no reason why we can’t appropriate them for some of our popular, flirty boho styles.

Sweet confectionsMany of the season’s biggest hits are inspired by sweet treats. Consider the pomegranate seed red of Marsala, the colour of the year. Pink, which will be hot during

Valentine’s Day takes the form of a soothing shade called Strawberry Ice this year. For Pohela Falgun, there are not one, but two sweet, sunny shades – Custard for those opting for the traditional yellow, and Tangerine for those leaning towards a more orange shade. There’s also a delicious shade of orangey-brown called Toasted Almond, which will be the perfect foil for the tribal-inspired jewellery trends this year.

Seeing greenSpring means new leaves, and so every spring palette has its share of leafy shades. We’re going to miss the lovely mint and emerald tones of last year, but we’re pretty excited about this year’s penchant for jungle-inspired hues. There’s Treetop, which is this deep, tropical shade. Woodbine, a yellow-green not dissimilar to the vivid colouring of a fresh olive, is another go-to colour. Lest you think that’s predictable, there’s also the bright shade called Lucite green, which is like mint with a neon pop. Your local tailor will call it “paste green,” and it’s definitely the sassiest shade on the spring spectrum.

12 | Trending

| Sabah Rahman

| Sabrina Fatma Ahmad

fashion

trends

Monochrome madness

colours of the season

Best of black and white

The palette for the season

If you’re looking for the perfect place to find black and white ensembles for February 21, it doesn’t get any better than Sada Kalo, which literally translates into the colours mentioned above. If you live in Bangladesh, you’re probably no stranger to this immensely popular local brand loved by the masses. With five outlets in Dhaka and an international shopping website to cater to all your needs, check out the multitude of goods on offer. We’re especially digging the blouses that would be the perfect complement to your saris year-round. Happy shopping!

Photos: Courtesy


There are certain styles that are timeless and there’s the new lot that brings plenty of sass to your swagger. Spring 2015 has a bit of the old and a nice dash of the new. This isn’t only about the front-runners, but also about which fits your face shape. A general rule before getting into designs, is you always have to choose the size that fits your head first. For example, If you have an average to a large face, you’ll want to put on the Ray-Ban Classsic Wayfarer. If it’s on the smaller side, you’d choose the modern, New Wayfarer. The latter’s frame is slimmer and more streamlined.

Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses with Blue Mirror LensThis is the epitome of spring/summer cool. Any aviator, really, is made for square shaped faces. You’ll see many brands putting their own touch to the famous original Aviator from Ray-Ban, but the cut of the design will look more flattering on square faces. The only style that wouldn’t suit a square face is, of course, squared sunglasses.

Warby Parker Robinson OlivewoodHere’s a fantastic pick that can be worked with for round shaped faces.

I know you’re supposed to apply pre-shave oil for a better shave, but are there

any appropriate replacements, not to mention affordable?

There are actually a couple of ways to make your shaving experience

smoother without the pricey grooming products. Even though you’ll benefit from such oils, they’re still considered a luxury item. The best time to shave, of course, is at night before you go to bed. Your pores will open up and give you ample time for your skin to breathe. The second best time is after a shower in the morning. The next step is to use an effective face wash like Garnier Men’s Intense Fresh. Not only will your face clear off the dirt and grime, it will leave a nice moisturising effect after the wash. The Oil Clear version from the same brand is possibly the best, but you’ll miss out the softening effect it has on your face.

When I see the locals wear these shiny suits it looks unflattering. But I see the

same on runway models from high-end labels wearing a similar style of suit, and they look great. How is it possible to pull something off like that?

Ah, let’s clear something up here. This is the old shine versus shiny issue. You’ll be

able to tell the difference up close between a suit that has shine and a shiny suit. The latter is made of almost completely polyester, that’s why there’s a cheap sparkle to it like Edward Collen. On the other hand, popular designer labels create their suits with the best kind of fabrics. Apart from the fashion house’s established name, it’s one of the reasons why they cost so much. There’s almost a silky texture to the shine they produce. High-end wool can present itself like that, which is the best fabric for a suit.

13Tailored|

his style

Q

Q

a

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Send in your style inquiries to [email protected]

style sessionwith mahmood hossain

in fashion

Let loose and bring out the funk, gentlemen. It’s time to steal the style

2015 shades are in for a warmer season

| Mahmood Hossain

| Mahmood Hossain

Let the sunshine in

Funk you up!

You shouldn’t be a stranger to the feel-good hit song Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. We at Avenue T can’t help but shake our hips every time the song pops up. What impressed us more, although not surprised, was that Mark and Bruno channeling their inner James Brown - the king of funk. With the 80’s

style swagger and 90’s style music video, there is a flood of funk coming out of this music factory. And how do you style such a music video? Vintage it out completely.

Up topThe styling for Bruno is incredibly simple that can be taken from modern

numbers off the rack. But as you know, we always recommend tailoring when it comes to particular items like the pink, shawl-collar jacket that Mr Mars wears in the video. Underneath that attention grabber is a plain white, tank-top undershirt. This shouldn’t be too difficult to get, fellas. The jacket however is something you might bump into at Cats Eye. Supplies are limited so don’t be bummed out if you can’t find your size. And the important thing about this number is that it doesn’t have to be pink. Just make sure it’s a standout colour, nothing on the darker side.

Down below and aroundThe talented singer goes a tad on the dressy side for black trousers and black, patent leather lace-ups. The latter can also be classic leather lace-ups or loafers. And we don’t have to remind you to wear the proper socks. It maybe style inspired by decades ago, but you should keep the fashion to today’s standards. Which doesn’t exclude his killer shades, hat and a long gold chain. The gold watch, bracelet, bandanna underneath the hat, and what have you. That’s a whole lot of funk. And you may be asking yourself where in the world will I be able to wear this? At parties of course. There’s plenty of those around town, we’re sure. It’s the perfect way to bring in the new season, while you shout out, “I wanna kiss myself!”

It also looks good on diamond shaped faces. The latter has a huge advantage when it comes to vintage styled shades.

Shwood Handcrafted Walnut Wooden SunglassesRound faces? Check. Diamond faces? Check. Oblong faces? A definite winner. Check.

Tom Ford Henry Vintage Wayfarer Rose GoldThis is more on the expensive end, for obvious reasons. More importantly, it’s the perfect fit for oval shaped faces. Oval shapes aren’t as tricky as you’d like to think. While these shades are the best for this face shape, you can still experiment with various styles. Consider yourself lucky.

One more rule to follow is to stay away from replicas. However, we know you won’t want to fork over thousands for an authentic pair of shades from a leading brand. In that case, you’re better off getting non-branded shades that look similar to the ones you actually can’t afford. But if money is not an issue, well, enjoy yourself.


14 | Tempt14 | Tempt

hairBeauty sessionwith saBah Rahman

It’s not a shocker that people from all over the world have turned to Chinese medicine to ease for relief from whatever it is that ails them. Why don’t we go through a few rituals that could help us on the aesthetic front?

TeaIt’s not only the green version that packs all the antioxidants you need in a cup. White, black and even Oolong tea can be just as beneficial when it comes to keeping our skin on the youthful side. Green is often preferred as studies have shown it can help keep excess weight at bay.

Rice waterLocally known as “maar,” who would have thought that the milky white liquid could be so good for the skin? Chock full of essential vitamins, using rice water as a toner can tighten those pores and regular use can even lighten dark spots. As if that wasn’t enough, it soothes the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The next time you boil up some rice, save some of the water and see for yourself.

Mint paste for the faceWant an alternative way to brighten your skin? Make a paste of mint leaves with water and apply as you would a mask.

Egg whitesThis one may not be for the faint-hearted. Applying egg whites on your face is for the person who will let nothing stand in the way between them and perfect skin. Victorian ladies used this trick as well. Wearing egg whites as a mask can temporarily tighten the skin and make wrinkles appear less visible.

PooYes, most of these stories usually contain a tiny bit of info about poop. It seems as though our friends in China prefer to clear their systems of toxin before they go to bed to ensure a healthy body and skin. Wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.

Beauty tips from the Far East

| Sabah Rahman

hair scareBecause you’re worth it - until you lose all that hair

With so many ladies indulging themselves in the myriad of trending hair colour schemes, starting from ombre and sombre (yes that one exists and means subtle ombre)to dip dyes and babylights, business for the hair care industry sure is booming. And those are just the colours. Let’s not forget the Brazilian blow-outs, Keratin treatments and a host of other ones available for whatever look you’re seeking.

The trouble is, however, that sometimes some of the procedures we get done can come with annoying repercussions.

To dye forDip dyed your hair in many shades of the rainbow? Congratulations. You can now refer to yourself as high-maintenance. Literally. Why? Well, if you’re not a natural blonde, you’ve had to bleach your hair so the bright hues would pop. Unless the dye you used was permanent, it will fade fast. The permanent versions will eventually fade too and lose all lustre, just not as quickly. Long story short, this means you’ll need to re-touch the colour every few

weeks. You’ll also have to switch shampoos and styling products to those customised for colour treated hair. It really is worth it as it may buy you time between pricey salon visits. Always remember that reds are the shade that fades the fastest and turns into an unpleasant copper. We’re not saying that dip dyeing your do or even being high maintenance is a bad thing, but it’s always good to know what you’re about to get yourself into.

Re-bonding wreckageToo many women in Dhaka get this treatment done. Whoever said straight equalled to sexy is wrong! Want to know what really goes on during the process? The bonds in your hair are broken, re-arranged and

put back together again with the use of harmful chemicals, one of them being formaldehyde. What’s that? Oh it’s just a carcinogen. No big deal. If not done right, you can risk burning your scalp. If you still insist on hopping on that train, do yourself a favour and make an appointment at a highly reputable salon with the head stylist. It will be expensive but worth every extra penny. There are less harmful versions of these treatments available, but only the real pros will be able to provide them. If you’ve been blessed with a gorgeous head of hair, treat it right. Give the heating tools a break sometimes. They can really fry those tresses. Blow-dryers included!

Photos: Big Stock


15Ticket|

Living it upHome.Works, a gorgeous store for all you’ll ever need to make your living space ideal, has you covered if you’re planning to add that extra edge décor wise. Described as “The ultimate home décor and essentials all-rounder,” this establishment will surprise you with all its decorative trinkets and more. Check out their intricate vases, candle stands, lamps and a whole lot more. They also carry unique kitchen accessories, all imported from India, Thailand, China and Indonesia, to name a few countries. The icing on the cake is that two of the partners are interior designers who can help you change your home from drab to fab.

Details: Address: House 8, Road 27, Block K, Banani, DhakaTelephone: 01713-377716https://www.facebook.com/home.works.decor

Streamlined for comfort and elegance

Photos: Courtesy


| Farina Noireet

16 | travelogue

Things to tick off your checklist when there

when in china

Calling a country like China “diverse” may seem somewhat of an understatement once you’ve actually been there. There is just so much to see, smell, feel and eat. And when holidaying there, spending only a week or two will hardly suffice if you want to at least touch base with even a few of the major tourist attractions. Here are a few tips on things to do, eat and places to visit, which will hopefully aid in making your trip to this fascinating country worthwhile.


17travelogue|

Communication is key Communication is the key to any form of success, so naturally, when visiting a foreign place like China, which isn’t particularly English language-friendly, you’ll need to be well prepared. And Google, of course, is the solution to many dilemmas including language. Make a point to sit down with Google Translate for a few minutes, or longer, to punch in common questions, that you’ll need to get around town and carefully copy down the translated text in Chinese characters in a notebook that you can carry around everywhere. If you need directions or shopping and eating suggestions from a local, who will most likely not speak English, just pop out your handy notebook and show it to them. It’s also highly likely that you won’t understand their answer either, but you’ll most definitely be able to register at least some of their hand gestures.

The Great WallIt will probably be a crime if you’ve been on a trip to China and haven’t visited the country’s most iconic tourist site and one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Running along a total of almost 21,196km from the Shanhaiguan district in the east, to Lop Lake in the west, the Great Wall of China is one of the largest ancient structures in the world, which can even be spotted clearly from the moon. The sections of the Great Wall closest to Beijing are JuYongGuan and BaDaLing. MuTianYu Great Wall is only a little further, but without an expressway to it. The BaDaLing Great

Wall offers awesome views, but it can also be the most crowded because it is the most commonly visited by tour groups. MuTianYu is another restored section of the Great Wall to the east of BaDaLing, which requires a more rigorous climb, so if you suffer from a fear of heights, you may want to steer clear of this particular section.

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden CityIf in Beijing, you can’t miss these two major attractions. Situated at the heart of Beijing city, the Tiananmen Square is a large city square named after the Tiananmen gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), which is located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. Sprawled across 109-acres, Tiananmen Square is the fourth largest city square in the world and has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history. Built between 1406 to 1420, the Forbidden City was the Chinese

imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. Currently housing the Palace Museum, it served as the home of emperors and their households as well as the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government for almost 500 years. The complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 180-acres. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The sheer majesty of the palace complex is bound to take your breath away.

MooncakesThis time of the year, so close to the Chinese New Year, every shop and food vendor out in the streets will be selling mooncakes in a multitude of shapes and sizes and will cost anything between a few cents to making a big whole in your pocket, depending on the quality and ingredients used. Traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiujie), the festival for lunar worship and moon watching, mooncakes are regarded as an indispensable delicacy and are offered between friends or on family gatherings while celebrating any festival or special event. Traditional mooncakes are round pastries with a rich thick filling usually made from red bean or lotus seed paste, with an imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters for “longevity” or “harmony.” Today, it is customary for businessmen and families to present them to their clients or relatives as gifts especially during special festivals.

Chinese foot massageSimilar to those all across Thailand, in China, you will also come upon massage parlours in almost every nook and cranny, in almost every town and city throughout the country. What’s different is that these massage parlours specialise in foot massages, unlike the full-body Thai massage, but are no less relaxing.

Traditional Chinese foot massage consists of a foot bath followed by an intense massage on various pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs. Chinese foot massage has been practiced for centuries and is a popular pastime in China.

All of the above don’t really begin to cover most of what China has to offer, but it does give a taste of what is quintessentially Chinese when there.


18 | Tantalise

It was a maddening affair – simple, passionate and absolutely unconditional. The way a lover’s name is always dancing at the tip of our lips, her name, too, was always right there waiting to be called. Always within our grasp yet oh-so-irresistible. A perfect mix of all things sinful, her power knew no bounds, she was the kind of lover who was available for all but somehow kept herself exclusive. Exotic, full of silky charm and just so delicious, one taste and she had the masses hooked and lined up for more. Whether or not she was real or unauthentic was never a matter of concern, we liked her just the way she was – in any and every form. At first her name was proudly whispered in circles - “Cathay,” they murmured. What started as a soft Chinese whisper soon turned into a powerful chant. Everyone wanted her and boy, did everyone have her.

Before the mushrooming of numerous eateries around the capital, the foodie in us had one true love - “Chinese.” It may not have meant authentic dim sums or chow mein, but it certainly meant happiness in all its oily, tangy, spice filled glory. At first there was the beloved Cathay, offering the generic favourites – beef with chilli, chicken with chilli, chop

suey and chow mein. There were the soups as well – how can we ever forget about the rich, delicious goop we called the hot and sour soup? Or even the clear soup that came in a great big hot pot, ready to be doled out as the first round of appetiser at our family dinner?

A wedding, a family dinner, a birthday - “Chinese” in it’s inherently Bengali form was the go-to cuisine and why wouldn’t it be? Available just about everywhere, great tasting and giving us all a final break from the tried and tested biryani-polao dinner combos, Bangla-Chinese was our dream come true. From Cathay to Hwang Ho to Jing Ling and of course, the revered “X” family of Chinese eateries (Xian, Xindian, Xenial), we had it all and we had it good.

What began as a whispered affair was now an open relationship, with every child, every man and every family swearing by the addictive quality of Bangla-Chinese. Although many different lovers have graced our palettes and several types of eateries have sprouted up around the capital, there’s still one part of us that clings on to our love for Bangla-Chinese. New loves come and go, but our first love is such, it refuses to leave, it refuses to be just a memory.

The Bangla-Chinese love affairEverything that the old-school cuisine was about

| N Anita Amreen

review


19Tantalise |

This week we take a long, lonely walk back to our favourite Bangla-Chinese haunts to remind ourselves of a love that so captivated us before.

Cathay (new)House: 72, Road 11, Banani, Dhaka 1213Ph: +8801767-803333

XindianHouse 55, 55/A, Road 16 (New), 27 (Old), Satmosjid Road, Dhanmondi, DhakaPhone: +88-02-8123830, 8150394, 8150396

ChilisHouse 2, Road 11, Dhanmondi, DhakaPh: +8809121235, +8808126993

Red EmperorHouse 15 (1st floor), Road 8, DhakaPh: +8801942-332211

Hakka DhakaHouse 15, Road 8, Block F, Banani 1213 House 2, Road 2, Sector 1, Uttara 1230Dhaka, BangladeshPh: +8801911-575533

The Bangla-Chinese love affair

Photos: Big Stock


20 | news

window display programme 2015 at BUFT

US pizza chain SBaRRO in Dhaka

BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) organised for a very different type of exhibition called Fashion Retailing & Visual Merchandising. An inaugural ceremony was organised by the students of 112 batch of Department of Fashion Design & Technology, which was held on February 15 at the BUFT Campus. The

objective of the window display was to focus on the store image through captivating graphic designs and attractive visual arts to attract, engage and motivate the customer towards purchasing a product. Students also learnt how to prepare window display planning and direction, advertising, publicity, lighting, and design solution

for window display. Vice chancellor Dr Syed Masud Husain, pro vice chancellor Prof Dr Engr Ayub Nabi Khan, registrar A N M Rafiqual Alam, course consultant and senior lecturer Morshed Mohiuddin, head of Fashion Design Department Anna Troupe and other faculty members and officials were present at the ceremony.

SBARRO - a popular, American pizza chain - is now available in Dhaka. The first outlet of SBARRO was opened at 155/A Gulshan Avenue on February 7. KB Foods Limited, a sister concern of Khan Bahadur Group, has brought the franchise of SBARRO. The grand opening was attended by Mahmudul Islam Chowdhury, chairman of Khan Bahadur Group, Mayeen Uddin Chowdhury,

managing director and Golam Masum, chief operating officer. Besides, top officials of SBARRO, LLC, USA Aurelien Orphanides, Phillippe Jore and Naresh Worlikar were also present on the occasion. SBARRO was founded by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro at Brooklyn, New York in 1956, which is now available at over 1,000 locations worldwide.


21News |

Gentle Park introduces women’s lineGentle Park introduces its women’s line in the Jamuna Future Park outlet, alongside its Khulna and Chittagong outlets. Meant for the trend conscious lady, this collection features an array of scintillating tops, kurtis and stylish kaftans in contemporary cuts and designs. For more information log in to www.facebook.com/GentlePark.Bd.

Online Law ChamberKick-starting with the slogan “Honestly, sincerely and professionally Legal Service 24/7” – Online Law Chamber is the country’s first ever online legal service provider. With the help of their website, local Bangladeshis, as well as the ones living abroad can make any legal inquiries they have and they will get their answers right away. If anyone is looking to consult about their legal problems they can also get a lawyer appointed from the website. Online Law Chamber has appointed a group of qualified lawyers both from Bangladesh Supreme Court and Dhaka Judge Court. Now your lawyer’s appointment is just a click away!

For additional information visit their website at www.onlinelawchamber.com or you can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/onlinelawchamber.

Air Seychelles celebrates new Dar es Salaam flights

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, celebrated its new service between Seychelles and Dar es Salaam with an elegant cocktail reception recently held at the Serena Hotel. The event brought together over 150 guests from the travel trade, private sector, business community and government, who were

treated to the warm creole hospitality of Air Seychelles with live music and canapés made using ingredients from Seychelles. Guests were entertained by renowned Seychellois musician Philip Toussaint, who played reggae and séga hits, while Maasai dancers from Tanzania also provided lively entertainment. The event was held to

celebrate the December 2, 2014 launch of a twice-per-week direct service from Seychelles to the capital of Tanzania, which is operated by a new Airbus A320 aircraft. It was also an opportunity for key stakeholders to mingle, with guests including the Seychelles Consul to Tanzania, Maryvonne Pool, the Seychelles Principal Secretary for Finance and Trade, Patrick Payet and local representatives of Air Seychelles, Hassan Hirji and GokulNath.

Addressing the guests, Manoj Papa, Air Seychelles’ chief executive officer said, “While only two short months have passed since we launched a direct service to Tanzania, our two countries have already grown closer during that time, both in terms of trade and bilateral ties.” He then added, “This route promotes more business and leisure traffic to Tanzania, a destination renowned for its game parks and our first network point in East Africa. At the same time, travellers from Tanzania are now a short journey away from our Mahé hub, where they have convenient access to our expanding international network.”

22 | news

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is holding 11 recruitment days in March 2015, seeking individuals with outstanding hospitality experience to join its World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew.

The international recruitment days will take place in six cities around the world. The cabin crew recruitment team will be collecting CVs in Amman, Bucharest, Casablanca and Munich. The airline will also host invitation only assessments for cabin crew in Abu Dhabi and Narita, Japan. For more information or to apply, applicants should visit www.etihad.com/

cabincrewrecruitment. Linda Celestino, Etihad Airways’

vice president - Guest Services, said, “Hosting recruitment days in these cities is increasingly important to support the tremendous growth of Etihad Airways. Our incredible cabin crew hail from more than 115 nationalities and benefit from state-of-the-art training and company provided accommodation.”

In addition to an extensive training programme, cabin crew also benefit from company medical insurance, transport, uniforms and fully furnished company accommodation in the lively and energetic city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Etihad Airways’ cabin crew recruitment days in March

avenue t volume 2 issue 41

Documents

chinese cuisine

chinese new year

love of chi

love story writing contest

story submission

literary affairavenue

mehreen kabir

jon kabir