Weekend-5-16

Dhaka Tribune 

vol 5 Issue 17 | friDAY, august 18, 2017 

12 Special 

feature 

17 Healthcare 

Autism 

19 Education 

Digital learning

CONTENTS 

Volume 5 | Issue 17 | August 18, 2017 

Editor 

Zafar Sobhan 

Features Editor 

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad 

Magazine Editor 

Farina Noireet 

Deputy Magazine Editors 

Khan N Moushumi 

Shuprova Tasneem 

Weekend Tribune Team 

Saudia Afrin 

Mahmood Hossain 

Moumita Ahmed 

Tasfia Huda 

Baizid Haque Joarder 

Saqib Sarker 

Mahmood Sadi 

Sabiha Akond Rupa 

Contributors 

Minaal Choudhury 

Mahmud Rahman 

Noshin Tasnuba 

Cartoons 

Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy 

Priyo 

Graphics 

Md Mahbub Alam 

Alamgir Hossain 

Shahadat Hossain 

Colour Specialist 

Shekhar Mondal 

Advertisement 

Shahin Ahsan 

Production 

Masum Billah 

Circulation 

Masud Kabir Pavel 

Website 

dhakatribune.com/weekend 

facebook.com/WeekendTrib 

Email your letters to: 

weekend@dhakatribune.com 

Editor’s note 

Dear Readers, 

As we approach mid August, we find 

there is little in way of respite from the 

heat, rain or traffic that pretty much 

sums up life in Dhaka at the moment. 

But as we delve beyond the external 

hazards of everyday life, and think of 

this month in retrospect, we realise 

that August, like that of March and 

December, occupies a significant place 

in our hearts. 

In light of August 15, National 

Mourning Day, and in remembrance 

of the Father of the Nation, our photo 

story this week features images from 

the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum – 

a glimpse into the simple life of a great 

News 

2 News 

3 Meanwhile 

Features 

4 Tailored | Men’s fashion 

5 Trending | Women’s fashion 

6 Recipes | Desserts 

8 Cafe society | Atmosphere matters 

9 GFC meals | Review 

10 Photo Story | Remembrance 

12 Special feature | Commentary 

15 Tech 

16 Healthcare | Solutions 

17 Healthcare | Autism 

18 Environment | Conserving water 

19 Education | Digital learning 

Regulars 

20 Stay in 

man. 

This August 14 was also the 70th 

anniversary of Partition, and we have a 

special feature which talks about how 

after all these years, we are far from 

breaking out of the shackles of our 

historical legacies. 

Finally, we end with a couple of 

articles on healthcare – one on the issue 

of doctors’ appointments and access 

to proper medical counselling, and the 

other on a recently held workshop on 

autism. 

Wishing our readers a pleasant 

weekend. 

Farina Noireet 

On the cover 

The Staircase at 

Bangabandhu Memorial 

Museum 

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain 

WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 

1

News | world at a glance This week 

Obama’s Charlottesville 

tweet is now the most-liked 

tweet ever 

The tweet Obama wrote in 

response to Saturday’s white 

nationalist rally in Charlottesville, 

Virignia, became the most-liked 

tweet ever, as of 10:07 pm on 

Tuesday, according to Twitter, 

with 2.8 million likes. 

“No one is born hating 

another person because of 

the color of his skin or his 

background or his religion...,” 

the former president tweeted 

Saturday, along with a 2011 

photo of himself greeting a 

group of children through a 

window taken by former White 

House photographer Pete Souza at a daycare 

facility next to his daughter Sasha’s school in 

Bethesda, Maryland. 

Obama’s tweet is also the fifth most 

retweeted tweet ever. His tweet was retweeted 

1.2 million times as of late Tuesday night. 

Photo: Pete Souza 

Nigeria suicide bombers kill 

28, wound 82 

Three women suicide bombers blew 

themselves up at the entrance to a camp for 

displaced people in northeast Nigeria on last 

Tuesday, killing 28 people and wounding 82. 

The attack -- the latest in a string of 

assaults in the troubled region -- took 

place in the town of Mandarari, 25 km 

from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno 

state, said Baba Kura, a member of a 

vigilante force set up to fight jihadists. 

Ibrahim Liman, the head of a local 

anti-jihadist militia force, confirmed 

the details of the attack, and said that 

more than 80 injured had been taken to 

Maiduguri hospital. 

A source at the hospital said a “huge 

number” of patients had arrived. 

Photo: AFP 

Local 

Gunfire, 

explosions 

rock 

Panthapath 

hotel 

A 21 year old militant has died, possibly 

due to his own explosive devices, 

after a standoff with law enforcement 

agencies on Tuesday morning. 

Police, including the Counter 

Terrorism and Transnational Crime 

(CTTC) unit, Detective Branch and 

regular members in riot gear, along 

with Rapid Action Battalion and fire 

service, sealed off the area to deal with 

the terrorist threat, which was speedily 

taken care off in a few hours. The raid 

was titled “Operation August Bite”. 

The deceased has been identified 

as Saiful Islam, a 21-year-old from 

Dumuria in Khulna. He was a student 

at BL College in Khulna and had been 

planning an attack on Dhanmondi 

Road 32 at the Bangabandhu Memorial 

Museum on Tuesday. 

According to IGP Shahidul Hoque, 

“Saiful was a member of Chhatra Shibir 

before joining New JMB.”• 

News: Mahmud Hossain Opu 

India opens first Partition museum 

A new museum on the Partition of the Indian 

subcontinent opens this week, as the two 

South Asian giants mark seven decades as 

independent nations. 

The museum, housed in the red-brick Town 

Hall building in the north Indian border city 

of Amritsar, include photographs, newspaper 

clippings and donated personal items meant 

to tell the story of how the region’s struggle for 

freedom from colonial rule turned into one of 

its most violent episodes, as communal clashes 

left hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Muslims 

and Sikhs dead and another 15 million displaced 

from their ancestral homes. Screens show video 

interviews with the now-elderly survivors. 

The last of the museum’s 14 galleries is 

called the Gallery of Hope, where visitors are 

invited to scribble messages of love and peace 

on leaf-shaped papers before hanging them on 

a barbed-wire tree. The idea is to have visitors 

participate in the “greening” of the tree and to 

think of peace and reconciliation between the 

torn nations. 

Photo: AP 

2 

WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

. . . Meanwhile 

Photo 

of 

the week 

Say what 

76-year-old hunk wins 

Brazilian beauty pageant 

A 76-year-old former construction worker in 

Brazil now has a new title to go by besides 

grandpa – he is Sao Paulo’s handsomest 

elderly man. 

A potter at his workshop in Munshiganj. 

Photo: Mehedi Hasan 

Jose dos Santos Neves 

beat out 24 other hunks 

to win the coveted title in 

Sao Paulo’s Handsomest 

Elderly Man 2017, a pageant 

for senior citizens held on 

Thursday. 

Naturally, he was proud. 

“Participating and winning 

this little trophy means a lot 

to me mainly because when 

you’re as old as I am, it’s an 

achievement,” he said. 

The pageant is held by 

the Sao Paulo state health 

department to promote selfesteem 

among older people. 

Santos competed against 

other men between ages 62 

and 96. 

He hopes his win inspires other older men 

to make the most of life.• 

News and photo: Huffungton Post 

Aries (Mar21-Apr19): As the week begins, 

you may feel it necessary to manipulate 

a situation to get your desired outcome. 

It might be better to state your intentions 

openly, as this can help to get things 

moving in the right direction. 

Taurus (Apr20-May20): It’s all happening 

on the home front this week, with potent 

energies encouraging you to come to grips 

with those tasks that you may have been 

putting off for some time. 

Gemini (May21-June20): A dynamic blend 

of energies could encourage you to take 

up a challenge that may be bit of a stretch. 

But if it feels right, go for it. 

Cancer (June21-Jul22): Earning and 

spending money may be very much on 

your mind. It could leave you feeling good 

if you’re making progress with both. 

Leo (Jul23-Aug22): If you have a gift for 

organisation and management, the coming 

days could find you running a key event 

and encouraging others to get involved. 

Virgo (Aug23-Sep22): You may be more 

focused on your thoughts and feelings. 

This can be an opportunity to let go of 

issues that no longer serve you and release 

emotions generated by past experiences. 

Libra (Sep23-Oct22): The coming week 

or so can be a tremendous time for 

networking and enjoying your social life. 

You may be busier than usual in this 

regard, but you can have a lot of fun at the 

same time. 

Scorpio (Oct23-Nov21): You should show 

off your skills and abilities and let the 

world know what you can do. Take a leaf 

out of Leo’s book and enjoy promoting 

your goods and services. 

Sagittarius (Nov22-Dec21): You might 

benefit from a chance to relax and reflect 

on life, as doing so can enable you to intuit 

which changes most need to be made. 

Capricorn (Dec22-Jan19): With some very 

stirring energies right now, the coming 

week or so could encourage you to make a 

radical decision. When it comes to making 

choices, it helps to understand your true 

motives. 

Aquarius (Jan20-Feb18): This can be an 

opportunity to clear the air and release any 

tension that may have built up between 

you and another. People in your life may 

have seemed less willing to compromise 

lately. 

Pisces (Feb19-Mar20): If you’re eager 

to change your diet or exercise routine, 

consider using the services of a personal 

trainer who can guide you through the 

process that allows you to make steady 

progress. • 

horoscopes 

WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017 3

tailored | Men's Fashion 

Flat shades 

Still in the thick of summer, the trend for 

sunglasses comes in an unexpected shape 


It’s not often we talk about a particular trend in 

sunglasses. Sure, we can go through different 

frames and up-and-coming brands and build, 

but there is usually a common theme for these 

sun protectors. 

Sunglasses can be incredibly stylish, 

and of course quite functional. The entire 

purpose is to protect your eyes from the 

harmful rays projected from the sun. So why 

not look like the coolest son of a gun on the 

block while doing it? This season’s common 

thread in design is, well, flat. From the many 

public figures all over the media to the 

local heartthrob, the swerve-y, zero-curves 

shades are in order. In other words, you’re 

dealing with flat-lens sunglasses. The frames 

themselves can go from bat-winged to the 

many rounded options. 

But let’s make one thing very clear. These 

are, after all, a trend in sunglasses. You won’t 

be replacing your signature Wayfarer or 

Aviator with these shades. To get the best 

out of these flat sunglasses, aim for frames 

that have lenses in green, grey, brown or 

blue. 

The best thing about these shades is you 

will have no problems finding them in the 

more popular stores around the city. Alright, 

even better, they won’t cost you an arm and 

a leg. • 

Summer suiting 

The celebs came out with the big guns this past July, and well into the 

August weekends in your own neighbourhood 


A dash of Harry Styles, sprinkles of Robert Pattison and a slice of Alexander Skarsgård brings us our latest look to pull off during an evening out 

on the weekends. In the spotlight, the One Direction member was sporting one of the best, formal shoes of the summer. Pattison set the tone 

with his sharp contrast ensemble, while the big Swede had impeccable tailoring. 

Three very stylish gentlemen contribute to one of the best looks to pull off on your next semi-formal occasion. 

Down and around 

Pattison had a slightly rock star, black and 

white, look in Paris earlier in July for a Dior 

show. This gives us the base we’ll work around 

with. 

We always want to start things off from 

the basic layers of an attractive outfit. The 

key player in this look is the crispy, white 

button-down dress shirt. When we say buttondown, 

we’re talking about collars that can be 

buttoned down to the shirt. In fact, keep all 

the buttons in place, all the way to the top as if 

you were to put on a tie. Except, there is no tie 

involved in this look. 

Bespoke to the “t” 

Skarsgård’s bespoke double-breasted, grey suit 

in New York looked sharper than a great white. 

The obvious is the tailoring job you need in a 

suit. Take a page from this Viking and make 

sure you are wearing a full-canvas bespoke 

suit; just make sure it’s either navy or black to 

make this look work. 

There will be blood 

Taking a trip back to a rock star’s world, Harry 

Styles had one of the most daring, red leather 

boots at the Dunkirk premier in London. But 

in order for our look to work, it’s unnecessary 

to wear boots that are probably meant for a 

Lannister, lion embroidery and all. Oxblood 

lace-ups or monkstrap shoes make for the 

perfect blend for a classy night out. 

All-together now 

The combination screams sophistication, and 

the absence of a tie while everything else is 

buttoned, will slightly take off the edge. You 

still want to look welcoming or approachable 

even with a smart and sharp look that will turn 

plenty of heads. • 

4 


trending | Women’s fashion 

Layered 

with love 

Get more out of your jewellery 

Sabrina Fatma Ahmad 

If you’ve amassed a bunch of casual jewellery (we’re talking 

everyday chains, novelty rings etc as opposed to the expensive 

gohona) over the years that isn’t getting much use, you’re not 

the only one. Those cute bracelets and chains that caught 

your fancy when you bought them might be cluttering up your 

accessories box without getting much wear? Say no more. 

Here’s how to layer and experiment and make the most out of 

your bling. 

Photos: FahimUSA.com 

When the sun goes down, 

the stars come out 

While daytime is about being discreet, the 

evening hours call for more sparkle. This is 

where you can shamelessly pack on the bling. 

Add some substance to your layered chains by 

adding a choker. Start a party on your arms 

with a mix of bangles and bracelets, watches 

and friendship bands. No one does it like 

our very own Bibi Russell. More is more this 

season, so don’t be afraid to load up, but put 

some thought into it. Don’t just wear jewellery 

to wear jewellery; think about where you want 

to go with your whole ensemble, and then 

build your look. Be creative. Be fearless. The 

rest is just detail. • 

What’s your sign? 

Past a certain age, and when you’re starting to 

build your brand, it’s ideal to have at least one 

piece of jewellery you almost always have on, 

which becomes a signature. It could be a single 

pendant you wear every day, or an heirloom 

ring you never take off (wedding rings don’t 

count). Something unobtrusive and versatile, 

which you can wear to work, or layer with your 

fancy occasion bling. Simple, discreet jewellery 

can be a starting point for layering. 

Over and under 

Don’t just restrict yourself to wearing a 

necklace on bare skin to offset a dress 

neckline. Sometimes you can layer on thin 

chains and pendants under a button down for 

a peek-a-boo sparkle effect. Ditto for layered 

bracelets that pop up under a cuff. Similarly, 

sometimes you can wear your bling over your 

clothes for more chic. Button your shirt all the 

way up, and then sling on a statement necklace 

on top, tucking the chains under your collar, 

for a stylish update to a basic outfit. Missing an 

earring? Pin the one you have to the lapel of 

your jacket and wear as a brooch. Play around 

with what you’ve got, make some experiments, 

and you’ll find your groove. 


Recipes | Desserts 

Sweet release 

Noshin Tasnuba 

No matter how much one has eaten there is always room for desserts. 

For anyone who likes to dabble in some home baking, here are a couple of comfort food recipes that will transform the humble apple 

to a thing of pure joy! 

WINNING 

APPLE CRISP 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 

• 3/4 cup rolled oats 

• 1 cup brown sugar 

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• 1/2 cup butter, softened 

• 4 cup apples, peeled and chopped 

• 1 cup sugar 

• 2 tbsp cornstarch 

• 1 cup water 

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

• Vanilla ice cream, optional 

Directions: 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. 

• In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, 

sugar and cinnamon. 

• Cut the butter into small pieces until 

crumbly. Press half into a greased nine 

inch square baking pan. 

• Cover the pan with chopped apples. 

• In a small saucepan, mix in the sugar, 

cornstarch, water and vanilla. Bring it to 

a boil and cook until it forms a thick and 

clear paste. Don’t forget to keep stirring 

to bring it all together. 

• Pour over the laid-out apples and 

sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. 

• Put the pan in the oven and cook for 

about an hour or until the top turns a 

lovely golden brown. 

• Serve warm with a scoop of your 

favourite ice cream. 

Photos: Bigstock 

6 


APPLE TART 

WITH ALMOND 

CREAM 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup almond 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 

• 1/4 tsp salt 

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened and 1 

tblsp melted butter, for brushing 

• 2 large eggs 

• 1 tbsp milk 

• 3 large apples—peeled, halved, cored 

and sliced 1/8 inch thick 

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar 

For the tart shell: 

• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 

• 3 tbsp granulated sugar 

• 1/4 tsp fine salt 

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as 

needed 

Directions: 

• To make the tart shell, Heat the oven to 

350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. 

• Combine the butter, sugar, and salt 

in a large bowl and stir until evenly 

incorporated. Add the measured flour 

and stir until just combined and a soft 

dough forms. 

• Sprinkle the dough over the bottom of a 

9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. 

Using a measuring cup or your fingers, 

evenly press the dough into the bottom 

and up the sides of the pan (flour the cup 

occasionally to prevent sticking). 

• Cover the tart shell with plastic wrap 

and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 

minutes. Once chilled, prick it all over 

with a fork and bake until golden brown, 

about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from 

the oven and cool completely on a wire 

rack before filling and removing from the 

pan. 

• To move on to the apple tart, set the 

oven to 176°C. 

• In a mini processor, pulse 3/4 cup of the 

almonds until finely ground. Transfer to 

a medium bowl. Pulse the remaining 1/4 

cup of almonds, until coarsely chopped. 

Transfer to the bowl and add the 

granulated sugar, flour and salt and toss 

gently to combine. 

• In another bowl, using a hand mixer, beat 

the four tablespoons of butter until it 

turns thick and creamy. Add the almond 

mixture and beat until blended. 

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well 

after each addition. Lastly beat in the 

milk. 

• Spread the almond filling in the pre-made 

pastry shell. 

• Arrange the apple slices on top in any 

design you wish. 

• Brush the apple slices with the melted 

butter and sprinkle with the brown sugar. 

• Bake the tart for 1 hour, until the filling 

is set and the apples are browned and 

tender. 

• Transfer the tart to a rack and let cool 

slightly. 

• Serve warm and enjoy! • 


Cafe society | Atmosphere matters 

Recreational caffeine 

Crimson Cup brings something to the public others may lack 


A metropolis anywhere in the world has a very healthy coffee culture. The hustle and bustle of the city is pushed by caffeine like a Columbian cartel. 

Apart from blow, the country, like many others around the world, contributes to the $100 billion industry. Only second to the oil business, coffee 

provides not only a caffeine kick that even Pablo Escobar would be proud of but also, more importantly, people. 

Photos: Crimson Cup 

The cast of characters that can be found in a 

Crimson Cup, no matter which one you find 

yourself in, will quickly give you an impression 

of what the Ohio roasters are all about. In 

fact, it’s in their mission statement about 

representing a culture of giving, and providing 

an engaging environment. Crimson Cup’s 

demographic is a mixed bag of corporates and 

college students. In other words, you can run 

through the spectrum of our metropolitan 

dwellers. 

You can argue about who has the best 

coffee or signature drinks in the city, but 

the ambiance created in a Crimson Cup is 

what attracts people in, time after time. To 

elaborate, you’re walking into a sophisticated 

hangout where the noise pollution drowns 

out your own thoughts like an old school 

speakeasy. Sitting in an environment like this 

diabolically sets off acute amnesia towards 

the quality and integrity of the drink at hand. 

Not that it’s a bad thing. The hot chocolate, for 

example, is exceptional, rivaling the best. 

Again, we’re not discussing the distinct 

tastes, variety of flavours and coffee beans 

under one roof or what a barista can 

muster up. We’re highlighting the fact that a 

caffeinated product from Columbus, Ohio, 

in a country where coffee is the source of 75 

percent of caffeine consumption, can actually 

bring people in just for the conversation. 

And when you have such a pleasing interior, 

a feel-at-home woodland aesthetic, the hours 

spent inside those brick walls seem like you’ve 

been talking for just minutes. 

At times, you’ll feel reluctant to drag your 

lazy butt back home. It’s because, in a way, you 

already sort of feel at home. Thank you, nonpretentious 

plush couches. It really doesn’t feel 

like your usual café. There’s a certain Mid-West 

to Atlantic charm to the place, resembling a 

landlord’s home comfortably set by a brewery 

next door that cancels out your eau de parfum 

because of its overpowering aroma of quality 

coffee. 

So forgive yourself on a little self-indulgence, 

and sink into a culture that doesn’t require you 

to don a façade in order for you to order the 

most expensive drink on the menu. Actually, 

don’t give the hot beverage a second thought 

and embrace your surroundings. Let your 

senses, except that little thing called taste, 

explore what Crimson Cup has to offer besides 

the obvious.• 

8 


Gfc Meals | Review 

A cut above 

Gourmet food at your doorstep 

Minaal Choudhury 

Italian Grilled 

Cheese Sandwich 

You may have heard about Gourmet Food 

Company or GFC, particularly if you’re a 

resident of the Gulshan-Banani-Baridhara area 

who yearns for fresh salads and fancy cheeses. 

For reasons having to do with thoughtfully 

chosen ingredients, savvy marketing, and an 

overall experience exceeding what customers 

anticipate from an online food delivery service, 

Gourmet Food Company has greatly surpassed 

its limited culinary options. 

What’s so special about them? They are 

very, very exclusive. The menu is simple but 

the food is anything but basic. The delivery 

service was launched a couple of months ago 

with just burgers and pizzas on offer. With 

freshly made, peppered buns and with 

unique burger combos, GFC burgers 

made quite the splash. 

Two weeks ago, the Gourmet 

Food Company (finally) launched 

their range of new items: 

dips, salads, sandwiches and 

desserts. Simplicity is at the 

heart of the GFC gastronomical 

experience. The ingredients are 

what makes the dish and the 

premium price. 

Gourmet Food Company 

salads and sandwiches contain an 

essential element of your primary 

nutritional goal: stuffing you full of 

exotic and imported ingredients. The 

greens include crispy lettuce, imported 

cheeses and nuts and even the en vogue grain 

of our time, quinoa. 

The Caesar’s Salad, is an American classic, 

containing lettuce, parmesan cheese shavings, 

croutons and dressed with lemon juice, olive 

oil, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black 

pepper. The GFC version is a bowl of crunchy 

greens and fresh parmesan cheese for an 

earthy depth with a creamy dressing on the 

side. The salad dressings are the principal 

triumphs of this kitchen. They are light, fresh 

and delicious. You may want to ask for an 

extra! 

While the salads are light and healthy, 

the sandwiches at GFC are very indulgent. 

Together they make a perfect meal. Made with 

freshly baked brioche bread, with a slather of 

fresh butter or creamy homemade mayo, you 

can taste the freshness in every bite. I had the 

Italian Grilled Cheese and it was a wonderful 

elevated twist on a classic. 

Spicy sausage, and earthy 

pesto with creamy 

mozzarella on a bed of 

the soft brioche. 

The ultimate 

indulgence are the 

desserts. The Magnificent 

Mocha Crumb cake is true 

to its name. Dense, rich 

mocha 

BBQ Chicken 

Bun 

ganache 

with a crunchy topping was a 

delight while the carrot cake 

was one of the best I had in 

Dhaka. 

All in all, the Gourmet Food 

Company is a great option to 

order your lunch. However, 

it is for the select few. With 

salads starting from BDT 750 

and sandwiches from BDT 500, it 

does not cater to the masses on a 

budget. However, for a special treat 

or if you are desperate for a healthy 

lunch, log on to gourmetfoodcompanybd. 

com.• 

Herbed 

Ricotta Dip 

Photos: The Gourmet Food Company 


Rem 

th 

th 

On August 1 

was brutally 

of his family 

This week 

simple life – 

and the very 

so viciously. 

now, which 

Memorial M 

Photo Story | remembrance 

10 WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

embering 

e Father of 

e Nation 

5, 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 

murdered in his own home, along with almost all 

members. 

, we mourn a great man with a glimpse into his 

the papers he scribbled on, the pipes he smoked, 

steps of his home on which his life was ended 

His belongings are preserved in the same house 

has been converted into the Bangabandhu 

useum. Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain 


special feature | Commentary 

Partition at 70: 

Our amnesia 

Why are we still shackled by our colonial legacy? 

Mahmud Rahman 

Ten years ago I was living 

in Dhaka during the 60th 

anniversary of August 14, 

1947. It astonished me that the 

occasion passed without a stir. 

The government said nothing 

and there was almost no 

coverage in the media. I couldn’t 

find a single event hosted by the 

seminar and press conference 

crowd, usually eager to discuss 

so many issues. 

The 70th anniversary just 

went by. A glance at the 

Bangladesh media suggests 

the response is much the 

same. Among some quarters in 

Pakistan and India, there has 

been quite a bit of discussion, 

and there was also coverage in 

the international media. Much of 

it focused on the blood-soaked 

tragedy of Partition. 

 

Why do we have this amnesia? 

Why do we act as if this anniversary does not 

belong to us, that it only concerns India and 

Pakistan? Was this not the moment that people 

in Bangladesh said farewell to the British? 

True, we became East Pakistan then and that 

phase in our history would prove disappointing 

and we would have to fight again for 

independence. But that cannot take away from 

the fact that August 1947 was momentous 

for us as a people, a time combining great 

promise and immense tragedy. 

I believe we keep quiet about August 1947 

because as a nation, we are uncomfortable 

about how to fit that into our national 

narrative. The result is doubly tragic. We fail 

to discuss the challenges of creating a society 

free from British colonial baggage. And 

we do not reflect on our role in the history 

that led to Partition, our own complicity in 

communal division, a reflection that could 

allow us to build a society respecting all our 

citizens. 

The end of 200 years of colonialism should 

have brought on a clear-eyed assessment of 

the colonial heritage and the structures we 

inherited. We could not build a new society 

in a flash, but we needed to sort out what to 

keep and build on, what to discard and start 

anew. Yet while the flag of the Empire was 

lowered and white faces in power departed, 

decolonisation in any real sense didn’t get far. 

In the daily life of citizens, we are still ruled by 

so much of the colonial legacy, much of it a 

fetter on developing us as a free people. 

Laws that affect us to this day 

Take the matter of the police, the courts, law 

and prisons, the face of the state that the 

masses face daily. This continues to be an 

experience with relentless arbitrariness and 

brutality. 

A few times there has been talk of police 

reform, of doing away with the Police Act 

that currently holds sway. That police act was 

established in 1861! There has also been talk 

of reforming the Jail Code for treatment of 

prisoners. When was that act established? 

1864. 

Yes, we’ve added amendments and while 

12 


Photos: Syed Zakir Hossain 

there have been minor reforms, in most 

cases we piled on worse accretions. In 1974, 

we added the Special Powers Act, providing 

security forces with emergency powers. 

Periodically, we’ve been under martial law. 

Today, our police have become renowned for 

extra-judicial killings. Starting with killings by 

the Rokkhi Bahini, we moved on to Operation 

Clean Heart, and finally we come to the 21st 

century when RAB turned ‘crossfire’ into a verb. 

Consider education. Initially, the British 

set up a system to train clerks for their rule, 

though later the universities they set up 

became respectable centers of learning. But 

at the broadest level, education was about 

rote memorisation, not developing rounded 

knowledge or analytical and critical skills. 

We’ve grown madrasas for the poor, 

institutions that do not prepare their students 

for this world. For the elite, there are more 

opportunities with private schools. The public 

educational system for the majority is marked 

by lowered standards, though there has been 

success with expanding education for girls. In 

higher education, the public universities have 

stagnated while among the mushrooming 

private ones, only a few offer quality while the 

majority churn out today’s equivalent of clerks. 

In governing, we idealised British 

parliamentary rule but could only establish a 

caricature at best, or resorted to dictatorial 

rule on multiple occasions. Even when we 

came up with a caretaker regime to run 

elections in a fractured environment, neither 

faction really believed in it as anything other 

than a stepping stone towards one-party 

domination. 

An energetic discussion about what 

decolonization would entail could have been 

exciting. Sure, it would also bring out all sorts 

of untenable, root-and-soil nonsense, but it 

could have opened up new vistas for thought 

and action. 

Why did the anti-colonial effort 

not get very far here? 

That may well be because of the other legacy 

of 1947 - Partition. 

While many anti-colonial activists were 

focused on getting the British out, the eyes of 

East Bengal’s Muslim establishment, both the 

aristocracy and the newly-emergent middle 

class, were more focused on how to negotiate 

their interests vis-à-vis the Hindu elite they 

had concluded would inevitably dominate a 

unified country. The Pakistan concept would 

eventually gain majority support here because 

those with influence had concluded there 

wasn’t enough room for their advancement 

in a unified India. Unfortunately, the trust 

they placed in Pakistan would soon reveal 

domination by a new elite. It would create 

a ground reality for another movement, 

culminating in independence in 1971 at the 

cost of even more blood, pain, and loss. 

The roots of all this lay in the uneven 

evolution of different communities in Bengal. 

There are many reasons for that: the long 

divide-and-rule game of the British; among 

locals, the domination in economy and culture 

by Hindus; casteist prejudices towards both 

Muslims and Nomoshudro and other lower 

caste Hindus; the narrow mindedness of the 

Muslim aristocracy; and the slower evolution of 

a Muslim middle class. 

When a middle class grew among Bengali 

Muslims, it was inevitable that it would start 

to look out for its sectional interests. That 

drive need not have channelled itself along 

communal lines, but sadly history only offered 

that context. We could not rise above that. 

There might have been a possibility of an 

alliance among the lower orders, the Muslim 

middle class and peasantry and lowercaste 

Hindus, but the success of communal 

divisiveness would not allow that to emerge. 

Everyone with power and influence here 

had a role in communalism gaining strength 

I do not put the whole 

fault on communal 

partisanship. Self-interest 

is a complex thing 

in mainstream politics. And as the end of 

the Raj approached, Dhaka did not forget 

that in the years after the 1905 partition of 

Bengal, its fortunes had improved when it was 

briefly a provincial capital. As compensation 

for the scrapping of that role as capital, the 

University of Dacca had been established, 

an event instrumental in the growth of the 

Muslim middle class. I often wonder whether 

the acceptance of a soft partition might have 

prevented a hard partition 40 years later. 

I do not put the whole fault on communal 

partisanship. Self-interest is a complex 

thing. When Calcutta failed to be generous 

enough to want to help Dhaka, I am reminded 

that metropolitan centres, accustomed to 

privilege, with economic and cultural interests 

entrenched there, do not readily accede to 

losing that power. Look at Bangladesh today 

- does Dhaka want to help Khulna, Rajshahi, 

Comilla, and Rangpur? 

The tragedies of 1947 were 

repeated in 1971 

But communal prejudice was not simply a 

matter of feelings and benign politics. As in any 

game where certain populations are privileged 

and others are not, it contained the seeds of 

ethnic cleansing. Each “riot” foretold what 

(Story continues overleaf) 


special feature | Commentary 

a harder division might entail. And when it 

came, that separation came with murder and 

massacre, the worst the year before in Calcutta 

and Noakhali. As mutual trust dissolved, it set 

off a huge wave of migration towards both 

countries. 

In multiple waves, Hindus were pushed out 

of East Pakistan. There were murders, rapes, 

and seizure of property. There were also 

Muslims who migrated east, some pushed 

out, some seeking security, some seeking 

opportunity. The biggest section of Muslims 

seeking safety came from Bihar, mostly poor 

people. 

Partition was a disaster. It meant blood, 

tears, broken families, broken friendships, 

broken love and attachments. Borders 

disrupted social, economic, and cultural 

relationships that had developed over 

centuries. 

Yet despite the tragedies, Partition is not 

seen as an unmitigated disaster on this side 

of the border. For the Bengali Muslim middle 

class, it opened opportunities. Even in Pakistan 

days, despite ceilings and restrictions, this 

middle class prospered. There were new 

government positions as well as a myriad of at 

least smaller business opportunities. 

At the same time, it resented that it had 

been tricked by smarter political players, now 

backed by guns and state power. It discovered 

that the intentions of the Pakistani state were 

not respectful but colonial. They successfully 

mobilised the nation behind the striving for 

self-determination. 

Partition was a disaster. It 

meant blood, tears, broken 

families, broken friendships, 

broken love and attachments 

Pakistan also miscalculated: deluded by 

their notion of Islamic loyalty, they did not 

realise that the communal mindset here was 

weak, in constant tension with the sense of 

Bengali identity. All the tragedies of 1947 went 

for a second round in 1971. The wounds of the 

old partition were somewhat healed, but there 

were many losses. 

As a community, the first victims were the 

Hindus of East Bengal. Never until now had 

so many Hindus been massacred or forced to 

leave their homes. The majority of the victims 

of the 1971 genocide were Hindus. 

In 1972, a secular state was declared. But 

the communal politics never went away. The 

Enemy Property Act was changed only in name 

to the Vested Property law. Left-behind Hindu 

property was seized by greedy Muslims. The 

1975 reversal only made things worse. And 

over time, a communal state was cobbled 

together. There have been adjustments since, 

but by and large the promise of 1971 has 

remained unmet. 

Just as in 1947 when we missed the 

opportunity to take stock of what it meant 

to come out from under the colonial legacy, 

sidetracked as we were by the Pakistan project, 

in 1971 we missed the need to have a national 

discussion about what it really meant to come 

out from the communal legacy that had been 

the foundation of the Pakistan project. The 

idea of a secular state had weak foundations, 

and it was easy for the Muslim Bengal 

partisans to push for their sort of state, a soft 

Islamic Republic. We have been Bangladesh 

longer than we were East Pakistan, and yet it 

feels that we have cobbled together something 

like a Banglastan. 

What is behind our amnesia 

towards 1947? 

We are uncomfortable taking a direct look at 

1947. Liberation in 1971 undid the Pakistan 

project, but that had been a project East 

Bengal had supported. Immediately it raises 

questions about the two-nation theory, about 

a subcontinent divided into Muslim and Hindu 

states. Some of us are nervous that if Pakistan 

was wrong, there is no basis for a separate 

East Bengal. 

But history creates new ground realities. 

1947 had fallen into the past. We fought for an 

independent Bangladesh, not for joining India. 

There are nations that fight for reunification; 

that was not our agenda. And thankfully India 

did not project this as their political plan, say, 

as Indonesia did after the Portuguese freed 

East Timor. 

There are, of course, those among us 

who feel that the two-nation theory was not 

wrong. They are the heirs of those who loyally 

fought for Pakistan. To them, Partition was 

the right option for Muslim Bengal, it was 

just unfortunate that West Pakistan treated 

the east with disdain. To them, the undoing 

of Pakistan does not negate a homeland 

for Muslim Bengalis. You might call this the 

two-nation theory modified by geographical 

reality. Or the two-nation, three states theory; 

some people seek the legitimacy of this in the 

Lahore Resolution of 1940 which spoke of 

independent Muslim states. 

After 1971, we had a chance to show the 

world that a Muslim majority country could be 

an example where all its citizens have equal 

rights. The private sphere would necessarily 

reflect the beliefs of its citizens. Clearly, in 

a majority Muslim country, there would be 

more mosques than temples, churches, and 

monasteries. But the state would recognise 

that it should not privilege one religion over 

others. Unfortunately, we went the other way. 

The constitution was repeatedly amended. 

Islam was sanctified as the state religion. By 

the state favoring one religion, it has made 

second class citizens of the rest: those who 

belong to other religions, as well as skeptics 

or atheists. And the ethnic cleansing of Hindus 

has continued. 

Sadly, we have proved ourselves too 

shackled by our historical legacies to consider 

a truly equitable, democratic outcome. On the 

70th anniversary of August 1947, let’s take out 

a moment to reflect on that. • 

14 


tech 

The best for a new semester 

We take a look at the best laptops, tablets or hybrids to boost your 

educational experience 


The prices will vary, but that’s expected when you might find yourself at a university of a healthy mixed crowd. What actually matters is that there is 

something for everyone, no matter if it’s a laptop or a tablet. 

most of the models are fan-less. Of all the 

Windows devices, this is the best tablet-laptop 

you’ll find anywhere. While the cheapest option 

is the Intel Core M, 4GB RAM, 128GB model, we 

recommend you opt for the Core i5 and higher 

models. With proper specs, it can run you up 

to Tk75,000. 

slightly lower processing power, it makes for a 

wonderful full-time laptop and converts into a 

tablet for those on-the-go moments. 

2017 Apple iPad (9.7-inch) 

We’re starting off slightly small, respectfully 

taking a side step to the iPad Pro (10.5-inch, 

2017). While the latter premium might be 

the most ideal choice, not all of us can afford 

one. The latest edition of the iPad Air, if you 

will, is still a damn good tablet. If you want a 

functioning tablet that let’s you do more than 

just read books, the iPad remains the best 

tablet in any market. You would also be paying 

more than half the price of the newest iPad 

Pro. 

Microsoft Surface Pro 

Hands down, of its kind, the Surface Pro leads 

the pack. Not only do the newest Surfaces have 

longer battery life, which is a huge upgrade, 

Toshiba Portege X20W-D 

It’s not usually a name that people will cling 

on to or are in a rush to buy. The fact is, even 

though the brand isn’t as popular as it used 

to be, Toshiba has been developing and 

producing impressive tech related products 

for a very long time. This pen-enabled 2-in-1 is 

meant for business, but it can really be used 

by anyone because of its durable build and 

long battery life. If you can manage to get your 

hands on this device, you will have found quite 

the gem. 

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1 

Another name that has been 

dependable since the Internet boom 

is Dell. This particularly attractive 

model is one of the best, if not the 

best, 13-inch ultraportable devices. 

While it may put a lovely Tk80,000 

or higher dent in your pockets, this 

is definitely worth the investment. 

The hybrid hinge, thinner body, 

almost bezel-free display really takes 

advantage of the space given. If you 

can look past the lack of ports and 

Wacom MobileStudio Pro 16 

It’s not all just about textbook, lectures and 

research papers for those who are eager 

to learn. This sophisticated device is aimed 

towards the young professionals in the 

creative field. This Windows 10 tablet is a 

dream for most art students to have. Yes, they 

are definitely not cheap, but when there is 

so much this tablet can do, and how sturdy it 

feels, it’s worth the purchase. Serving multiple 

functions, it feels good in the hands and has 

an excellent pressure-sensitivity capability. 

Knowing you’ll be shelling out quite the 

amount, this device can last you for years, if 

taken care of properly.• 


Healthcare | Solutions 

When delays cost lives 

Getting a doctor’s appointment on time is a huge challenge in the health sector 

Saudia Afrin 

Shefali Rahman has been suffering from 

health problems for over two years, 

characterised by abrupt, high fevers with 

back pain that usually lasts two to three 

days. A mother of three, she is hardly ever 

able to succumb to the pains of her physical 

condition and put her feet up. 

The resident of Sunamganj has tried 

multiple avenues for medical advice, starting 

from Sunamganj Sadar hospital to private 

chambers. Waiting at the lobby of yet another 

hospital for a follow-up from her orthopedic 

physician, Shefali’s eyes fill with tears while 

sharing her story. She says, “Honestly, this 

doctor was my last hope. And from him I got 

to know that I have certain bone problems 

and after his diagnosis and prescription, I am 

better now. But why did it take two years to 

find this out?” 

How do you find the doctor you 

need? 

Shefali’s story is not new to our country. 

According to the Bangladesh Economic Review, 

for a population of 158.9 million, we have one 

doctor providing treatment to 2039 people. 

Every single day, there are approximately 0.6 

million patients paying visits to doctors. 

The numbers show how difficult it can be to 

provide good health services to the population. 

Uttam Kumar Saha, professor at the National 

Institute of Neuroscience and Hospital, says, 

“Every patient has the right to seek out the best 

treatment. However, most of the time they get 

lost amidst the confusion. The main factors are 

what should be the diagnosis, where to go and 

to whom. Finding a skilled doctor is another 

question all by itself in our contemporary 

circumstances.” 

Sadaf Ahmed has been suffering from skin 

problems for years. According to the patient, 

“I have received treatment and my skin is 

healthier than before. Yet I want to be treated 

by a more prominent doctor. They are wellknown 

because they’re good, right?” 

This point is stressed by Mohammad Abdul 

Matin Emon, managing director and CEO of 

Doctorola, the first ever online platform for 

doctors’ appointments in Bangladesh. He 

says, “The situation gets even worse when 

every single patient tries to go to the doctor 

who is popular in his field. There are a lot of 

doctors from different government medical 

hospitals, colleges, other reliable institutions 

and caregivers who are great in their fields, yet 

people hardly know about them.” 

“It is a human tendency to depend more on 

word of mouth of unauthentic sources, rather 

than a reliable one,” he continued. 

One-stop solution for healthrelated 

woes 

Aiming to condense diagnosis and treatment 

delays in the health sector and raise health 

awareness, Doctorola.com is an online 

platform helping people to get doctors’ 

appointments. 

In talking about the services offered by 

Doctorola’s counselling section Mohammad 

Abdul explains that this is where a confused 

patient can get basic health information, as 

well as appropriate suggestions on which 

doctor to visit, if needed. All of this advice is 

provided by general practitioners online, or by 

phone. According to Abdul, “We have a skilled 

team of general practitioners to deal with the 

counselling of patients and to orient them 

about their problems. Everyday, Doctorola 

provides around 400 to 500 free medical 

advice sessions.” 

He adds, “We get roughly 60 percent of our 

patients from Dhaka and other cities, and the 

rest from outside.” 

The platform also disseminates health 

related information through over 250 videos 

and its blogs to build awareness on different 

diseases, their symptoms, prevention 

techniques and most important of all, to dispel 

myths regarding said diseases. The topics 

are decided through an experienced medical 

practitioners’ team, and citizens’ queries on 

health issues are always prioritised. 

To make the treatment process stronger, 

Doctorola is currently working on an 

Electronic Health Record (EHR) to store all the 

information from each patient in one place. It 

is also listing different health care providers 

according to factors such as tests, treatment, 

cost etc. Abdul says, “The listing is being done 

on the basis of information from the service 

providers as well on authentic feedback from 

users.” 

For appointment call 16484 or visit https:// 

Doctorola.com/ • 

16 WEEKEND TRIBUNE | FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2017

Healthcare | Autism 

‘There’s no single treatment path 

for autism’ 

A chat with therapists and trainers Karen Purdie and Renee Townson 

Saqib Sarker 

LifeSpring, a mental health counselling service provider, organised two workshops on autism on August 11 and 12. Titled ‘Autism Workshop for Parents 

and Professionals’ and held at the KIB Auditorium in Dhaka, LifeSpring invited expert trainers from Australia for the event. 

Two autism specialists, Karen Purdie and Renee Townson provided training at the workshop. Karen Purdie is an occupational therapist with over 17 

years of experience and has trained professionals across three different continents. Renee Townson is a speech pathologist working in multiple health 

institutes in Melbourne. 

They trained both parents and professionals on how to effectively diagnose and intervene autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many psychotherapists, 

psychiatrists, doctors, community workers, teachers and parents attended the workshop, which was followed by two days of consultation, where the 

therapists met with parents of autistic children and counselled them about treatment options. 

We sat down with Karen Purdie and Renee Townson on August 13 to ask them a few quick questions, just before the therapist duo were set to start 

seeing patients at the LifeSpring office. 

WT: Explain a little bit about what you do 

and also tell us how the workshop turned 

out. 

Karen Purdie: On this trip the idea was to 

provide training here in Bangladesh. So, the 

workshops that we have done this time, one 

was a day for professionals and one was a 

day for parents, with the aim to share some 

really practical skills and knowledge that help 

support children with autism in their families 

and communities. 

As an occupational therapist working with 

children with autism, usually I work with 

people who have autism or some difficulty 

with their communication, their social skills, 

and with an area we call sensory processing, 

where their bodies and brains cope with all 

the different sensory stimuli that’s in the 

environment. So, my role as an occupational 

therapist is usually to come up with strategies 

that help children and young people to do the 

everyday things they need to do at home and 

at school despite the challenges that come 

from sensory processing. 

Renee Townson: It’s a lot more than just 

working on speech. We are really looking at 

communication because communication and 

social skills, as Karen said, are one of the big 

difficulties that everyone with autism has. 

A lot of that is about working with families 

to help them develop the style that they use 

to interact with their children to help them 

communicate most successfully. A lot of the 

time we find other ways in addition to or 

instead of speech to communicate, because 

speech can be very difficult for many people 

with autism. 

WT: Why does it seem that autism is more 

prevalent compared to to that in the recent 

past? Is this empirically correct or is it just 

because there is more awareness? 

Renee Townson: I think there are a 

couple of different reasons. Definitely 

one of the things is that there’s more 

awareness. So, I think that some of the 

children may have been given another 

diagnosis before. We are getting 

much better at identifying autism. 

We have better tools for identifying 

those kids who are perhaps at the 

higher end of the spectrum, in terms 

of their functioning. It’s more obvious to detect 

children who are severe. 

Karen Purdie: But I think there is also 

the understanding that the prevalence is 

increasing internationally. So, there’s still many 

questions about the cause of autism. But I 

think, often there is a general agreement that it 

is a combination of genetics and environment. 

Renee Townson: Certainly since I started 

my career the prevalence dial has changed 

significantly. I think there’s multiple factors 

there. 

WT: Tell us about your experience in 

Bangladesh, in terms of what you are 

seeing in autism treatment. Therapy is not 

very accessible, as you may have learned 

and good quality treatment is also not easy 

to come by. What should the policy makers 

prioritise? 

Karen Purdie: I haven’t had enough 

experience in Bangladesh to comment on that 

really. I think based on the trips that I have 

made and on and people that I have met, 

there’s a lot of great beginnings for providing 

support for children and families. Of course, 

the population is very large. And as is true for 

a lot of countries you have to invest first in 

the primary health. So, you need doctors and 

nurses to keep people alive. And then there’s 

the ally help for increasing the quality of life, 

which is often the next professional area to 

develop. I think Bangladesh is after that. 

With early intervention and the appropriate 

resources, how much improvement is 

possible for someone suffering from 

autism? 

Karen Purdie: We know that currently there’s no 

known cure for autism. So, autism is a life long 

condition that stays with people throughout. 

But we do know that every child, young person 

and adult has a lot of capacity to learn new skills 

and develop functional abilities. It’s really about 

equipping the family with the right tools. Early 

intervention is definitely important. We know for 

a fact that early intervention – that is identified 

early, diagnosed early, and having access to 

activities and therapies that promote their 

development – is going to give the best outcome. 

Renee Townson: I think the other thing is 

that there’s no single treatment path. There 

are many different therapy approaches and 

approaches to working with children and 

families with autism. There’s strong evidence 

that in some children this works very well, but 

we do know also that one approach that works 

for one child may not work for the next. But 

the key is that early intervention is one of the 

biggest factors. • 


Environment | Conserving water 

6 ways people waste water 

without realising it 

Tasfia Huda 

The average person wastes up to 30 gallons of 

water every day. In a world where so much of 

the population lack access to safe water and 

sanitation, it’s shameful that we still waste so 

much water, especially in cities like ours. And 

let’s admit it – we’ve all had a role to play. 

Here are six, easy ways you can end your 

part in wasting this valuable, natural resource. 

water. However, if you use a simple bucket and 

sponge to scrub the car, it will not just get your 

car clean, but will also give you some good 

exercise while saving water. 

can waste up to 22 gallons of water every day 

which adds up 8,000 gallons of water in a year. 

If you notice a leaky pipe, faucet, or toilet, get it 

fixed immediately. 

Down the drain 

One of the most common ways in which 

people waste water is by leaving the water 

running when brushing their teeth, shaving 

or doing the dishes. Turn the tap off as soon 

as you start brushing, shaving or doing the 

dishes. For washing the dishes, fill one sink 

with clean rinse water and one with soapy 

water. For rinsing your mouth, simply keep 

a glass of water at hand instead of drinking 

directly from the tap. 

Flush wisely 

Your toilet could be flushing away up to five 

gallons of water every time you flush. People 

tend to flush every time the toilet is used, 

which can waste hundreds of gallons a week. If 

it’s just urine, flush every two or three times to 

save water. 

Washing the car 

Using a hose to wash the car can use up 

gallons of water. If you leave the hose running, 

you can end up wasting almost 150 gallons of 

Long showers 

Did you know that taking long showers wastes 

five to 10 gallons of water? You can either 

invest in a low-flow shower head, aim for quick 

showers or simply bathe using a bucket and 

pail. A water-efficient shower head can help 

save nearly 750 gallons of water a month. 

Leaky faucets and toilets 

Leaky tank valves draining water into the toilet 

waste up to 1,000 gallons of water a month. 

One of the most common culprits of water 

wastage at home is the leaky faucet and toilet. 

It may seem insignificant but the little drips 

can actually add up. A constantly leaking toilet 

Wasting water in the kitchen 

The kitchen uses a lot of water and there are 

plenty of ways in which one may unknowingly 

waste it. Washing fruits and vegetables in 

running water will not get them any cleaner 

than washing them in a pan filled with water. 

If you feel better only when you wash fruits 

and vegetables under running water, then 

at least collect that water and use it to water 

potted plants. Cooking also uses a lot of water, 

especially when you boil or steam vegetables. 

Reuse that water when making a curry or a 

soup. You’ll get valuable nutrients while saving 

water as well. • 


Education | Digital Learning 

Teach Through Tech 

An initiative by Smallfoot to provide futuristic learning to children 

Moumita Ahmed 

In a country like Bangladesh, education can 

often be more of a privilege than a right. 

Especially in cities like Dhaka, there are 

hundreds of underprivileged children trying 

to make a living on the streets, with little or no 

thought about what the future might hold. 

This is where Smallfoot, a youth driven 

community of more than fifty members, 

comes in to make a change, one step at 

a time. They have been responsible for 

providing quality education (free of cost) to 

a group of underprivileged kids in the slum 

area of Janata Housing, in Mirpur. They 

aim to not only educate these children, but 

also help the families gain social upward 

mobility. 

experience through visuals, and 

also to teach basic computing 

skills and how to navigate 

for information. This will aid 

in creating a better learning 

process, along with laying a bold 

 

Photos: Courtesy 

Collaborating for change 

It all began in January, 2013, when 

Smallfoot collaborated with the YES Alumni 

Bangladesh, an association of alumni 

which successfully completes the Kennedy- 

Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (KL-YES) 

program funded by the United States. In 

collaboration with the organisation, Smallfoot 

started its program to teach 12 students, the 

objective of which was to provide them with 

the same standard of education which more 

privileged children in the country are blessed 

with. 

These children were initially recruited 

through an announcement around Janata 

Housing at Mirpur in the capital, and children 

who used to go to schools and then couldn’t 

study further, or kids who have never been 

to a school before and were eager to study, 

were admitted. After doing this for a year, 

the students were transferred to Time 

International Academy, where they are 

studying with all the other children in the area 

till date. 

This year, Smallfoot has won a grant from 

Harpur Edge through the Harpur Fellows 

Program for the purpose of launching another 

initiative - “Tech Through Tech.” The purpose of 

this initiative is to provide futuristic learning to 

children – including students of Smallfoot and 

other children aged between 8-12 years from 

nearby slum areas, who don’t have access to 

computers. 

Preparing them for the future 

“The idea is to encourage learning through 

technology and provide an interactive learning 

infrastructure that will enable the project to 

expand and grow to become a model for a 

futuristic education platform,” said Gulshan 

Jubaed Prince, one of the initiators of the 

project. 

So on August 12, their first step 

towards ensuring proper execution and 

implementation of the program took place. 

The inauguration of “Teach Through Tech” was 

conducted by Smallfoot at Hive, in Dhanmondi, 

along with the YES Alumni Bangladesh and 

Harpur Fellows Program, who are the initiators 

of the project as well. 

“We have already started taking the lab 

classes in our school and have even managed 

to take four classes before the 

inauguration,” said Gulshan. 

Children who couldn’t even turn 

on computers before are now 

learning how to use software 

such as Paint and MS Word, and 

surfing the internet. 

“Smallfoot will be hosting 

these lab classes for two hours 

during the weekend (Friday and Saturday) 

for the next six months at Time International 

school, in the Janata Housing area. These 

sessions will consist of 10 students, who will be 

assisted by five volunteers who have returned 

after the completion of their exchange 

programs,” informed Jubaed. 

“Teach Through Tech” has also gotten 

support from ecommerce store Daraz.com. 

bd. They gave the laptops at a discounted 

price and provided additional goodies to the 

children. Techynaf, an IT Firm based in Dhaka, 

is providing the technological support and 

necessary training for the project. • 


stay in 

Clues 

Mini cryptics 

Sudoku 

MAKE YOUR OWN 

WIND CHIME 

diy 

ACROSS 

1 Money paid for Lone 

Ranger’s mount (6) 

6 Yankee loses tail and 

changes country (5) 

7 Games of kings, and 

castles (5) 

8 Fly one around crime (6) 

DOWN 

2 Used with quills I knew 

about 50 50 (7) 

3 Deer transformed in 

ovens (7) 

4 Paddle in wine and spoke 

like a lion (6) 

5 Remakes fun ice for world 

charity (6) 

Use the numbers 1-9 to complete 

each of the 3x3 square grids such that 

each horizontal and vertical line also 

contains all of the digits from 1-9 

Tasfia Huda 

You will need: 

• 3 metres of 5cm diameter 

bamboo 

• String 

• Drill 

• Saw 

• Long 5mm drill bit 

• Ruler 

• Large metal ring 

• Scissors 

1. Take the 

bamboo 

and cut the 

tube into 

six separate 

pieces. The 

first piece 

needs to 

measure 

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month of the Dhaka Tribune. 

Last week’s solutions 

30cm and 

this will act as the base from 

which the other bamboo tubes 

Last week’s solutions 

will hang. Two further pieces will 

measure 30cm, two must measure 

35cm in length and the final piece 

must measure 40cm. 

2. Take the hanging tubes and 

measure 2cm down on the nonslanted 

end. Mark this with a 

pencil on all five tubes. Next, drill 

a hole through the side of each 

tube. On the base tube, measure 

in 5cm from the edge and 

ACROSS 

1 No return after a group leave 

(7) 

4 Cat naked in show (7) 

6 Rare confusion about lie 

before (7) 

7 California DNA returns for 

country (7) 

DOWN 

1 Her cars destroyed Cupid and 

Eros (7) 

2 Resin used by Team Bermuda (5) 

3 Catch sun up on mountain 

without artifice (7) 

5 Feeling sorry for disrupted GI run 

(5) 

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win one free month of the Dhaka Tribune. 

continue to drill straight through 

every 5cm to the other side. 

3. Cut five lengths of 70cm 

string. String your bamboo tubes 

together and pick up your base 

tube. 

4. Pick up the 30cm hanging tube 

and thread the string through the 

drilled hole on the non-slanted 

edge. Next, push the string back 

through the bottom of the hole 

on the base and back through to 

the top hole. Repeat for each tube 

until all five are hanging from the 

base. 

5. Cut another piece of string 

measuring 70cm. Thread this 

through the entire length of the 

bamboo base tube and knot the 

two ends together, inserting a 

large metal ring so it can hang 

more easily. Your wind chime is 

ready to use.•

Weekend-5-16

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