TV icon on current state of the industry In conversation with Nawazish Ali Khan
October 11, 2008
Ershad Kamol
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“In most cases recruitment is not based on the background of the applicant; rather individuals are recruited according to the dictates of the owners. Nepotism is rampant and many people without any technical or aesthetic knowledge on programme-making are recruited.”
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In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Khan gave an update of the current scenario of the small screen industry in Bangladesh.
Going back in time, Khan pointed out that the boom in the TV medium was initiated at the start of the 21st century. A diversity of programmes — TV plays, musical programmes, talk shows, news analyses, among others — have gone on air on 11 private and one public channel. In the process, the industry has spawned many talents.
However, Khan says, most of the programmes are not up to scratch. He points an accusing finger at the government for giving the green light to so many TV channels.
In his words, “Since the mid 2000s the media boom gained a momentum; many private TV channels went on air without first verifying the market. During that period, politics dictated the allocation of licenses to many of these channels. However, the ad market is not big enough to cover so many channels. Many of these recent TV channels can’t even pay the producers their dues.”
“Even the budget for package programmes has been reduced because of the limited ad market. For this reason sometimes professionals don’t get an adequate financial allocation to make quality programmes,” he added.
Khan also attributes the declining standard of TV shows to the shortfall of qualified professionals. He said, “We face an acute shortage of talented playwrights, directors and actors in the country. Hence we see the same faces on different channels. Juggling multiple projects, busy artistes and technical hands can’t invest their time to quality programmes that require focus.”
Why don’t we get diverse programmes apart from TV plays? Khan responds: “It’s not true that diverse programmes are not aired; however, the number is insufficient. There are two reasons behind this. First of all, everyone wants shortcuts. It requires much table work and technical know how to make good documentaries and other offbeat programmes. The reality is that sponsors do not pay much for such programmes, and the makers of these shows don’t get the kind of exposure TV play directors get.”
Sharing his personal experiences, Khan said, “During the early stages of my career I had a passion for making documentaries and educational programmes. Though I’d made several documentaries, hardly anyone can recall those. Most people remember Bahubrihi, a TV serial.”
Regarding professionalism in the TV industry, Khan said, “I don’t think this emergent industry has achieved professionalism in terms of recruitment, and to some extent in programme selection.”
According to Khan, because of the flawed recruitment process most of the in-house programmes aired by the channels are not up to the mark. He said, “In most cases recruitment is not based on the background of the applicant; rather individuals are recruited according to the dictates of the owners. Nepotism is rampant and many people without any technical or aesthetic knowledge on programme-making are recruited.”
However, what irks Khan the most is that some of the independent makers also do not have the required technical knowledge. According to him, “Sometimes they manipulate the management and bully them into airing substandard programmes. Another reason behind airing second-rate programmes is the influence of the sponsors. They prefer entertaining programmes, especially drama, featuring artistes of their choice.”
Khan is less than impressed by the ongoing trend of mega-serials. “At least 10 mega-serials are aired each week on different channels. Most of these mega-serials are monotonous and mediocre,” he observed.
Why are such shows aired then? Khan responded, “What usually happens is that renowned directors submit episodes of their shows to the preview committee and these look impressive. However, once the shows go on air, the makers fail to maintain the standard after 10/15 episodes. On top of that influential directors put pressure on the channels to continue airing these substandard mega-serials.”
All is not lost, however. Khan emphasises on the need for a training institute in the country. As he asserted, “Professionals have to have both aesthetic and technical knowledge on programme making. Most of them learn on the job. In the absence of a training institute in Bangladesh, it is not possible to get qualified individuals working in the small screen industry.”
And despite all odds, Khan is optimistic about the long term potential of the industry.
Dhaka takes a breather
October 7, 2008
Dhaka is transformed for a few brief days during the festive period, into a city free of traffic gridlock, blaring horns and teeming crowds as its inhabitants make an exodus to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their loved ones up and down the country.
A trip from Gulshan-1 to Dhanmondi 27 by CNG-autorickshaw takes an unbelievable 15 minutes, or even less, compared to an hour or more on any other day of the year.
The usual hot spots in the city, including the Gulshan-1 and Bijoy Sarani intersections, Airport and Mirpur roads and Mohakhali rail crossing, were almost empty of traffic on Wednesday.
Few private and public vehicles, with only a smattering of rickshaws, were seen out on the hushed streets of the capital, allowing Dhaka to take a well-earned breather.
Siblings Amit and Anita, who were unable to reach their village home this Eid as they failed to get tickets, were enjoying a walk without the usual jostling crowds. “We don’t mind being left in Dhaka at this time,” said Amit. But, as the saying goes, there is no pleasing some people.
Taxi driver Hamidullah complained: “As people leave Dhaka for Eid, our income gets very low. We can’t get any passengers.”
Drivers of CNG-autorickshaws were seen to approach people for fares—taking prospective passengers, used to being snubbed most days, by surprise.
Abdur Rahman, trying to get to New Market for last-minute Eid essentials, however, was another grumbler: “I faced a lot of trouble to get a rickshaw. The rickshaw pullers are all demanding extra fares!”
Though the number of vehicles on the roads was thin, the markets were still bustling with shoppers.
Sufia Khatun, emerging from Meena Bazar in Dhanmondi, said: “I finished my shopping hastily yesterday, thinking that Eid would be today. I forgot to buy some stuff in my hurry.”
Police constable Ariful Haque, remaining in the capital for Eid duty, was glad to bask in the pollution-free air and especially happy to reach his workplace in minutes.
“It’s nice during Eid vacations to remember that Dhaka can actually be a very pleasant city,” he said.
Source: bdnews24
Aarong’s Eid collection
September 29, 2008
Using semi-precious stones with gold or silver, Aarong has created beautiful jewellery pieces that depict traditional themes in modern interpretations.
Cultured pearls, rubies, zircons, and emeralds have lent colour and a dash of festivity to oxidized earrings and necklaces that come in many styles, detailed and glamorous or modern and minimalist.
Comet shaped earrings are prominent this year and so are chandelier earrings. Circular and oval designs have also been extensively used; small tops will also be featured for young ladies who prefer to be simple and chic.
Keeping true to global fashion trends, Aarong has explored the realm of metallic shades for shoes and purses. Quilted purse in golden, silver, bronze tones, and colourful ones made from Dupian silk, which would be prominent in this seasonal collection.
Metal studs, coins, and beads have embellished leather sandals and sandal-shoes that can be paired with saris and shalwar kamiz. Mirror-work and stone patterns have added zest to classic sandals that can be worn with comfort.
As a twist to the Kolapuri, Aarong has also brought forth tribal sandals that can be worn with tribal wear for a unique finish. Beads, and tassels adorn these sandals, which have been inspired by the landscapes, cultures, and traditions of the indigenous people around the world.
Source: The Daily Star
Social cohesion excluding Muslims?
September 25, 2008
Several UK newspapers at the end of July 2008 published worrying news stories based upon a new report entitled ‘Islam on Campus’ by the Centre for Social Cohesion (CfSC) and a YouGov poll also commissioned by the CfSC. The website of the CfSC explains its purpose as trying to generate: “New thinking that can help bring Britain’s ethnic and religious communities closer together while strengthening British traditions of openness, tolerance and democracy.”
The newspaper headlines included: ‘A third of Muslim students back killings’ (Sunday Times); ‘One third of British Muslim students say it’s acceptable to kill for Islam’ (London Evening Standard) and ‘Killing for religion is justified, say third of Muslim students’ (Sunday Telegraph).
You can see how these headlines are designed to bring people ‘closer together’ can’t you?
Now I have written previously about my misgivings concerning the “findings” of several agenda-driven anti-Muslim outfits falsely posing as think tanks. And this particular case has proved to be no different. A look at the YouGov poll revealed that a far more ambiguous question was actually posed to the Muslim students who took part in the survey.
The question was: “Is it ever justifiable to kill in the name of religion?”
The responses were as follows:
Yes, in order to preserve and promote that religion (4%)
Yes, but only if that religion is under attack (28%)
No, it is never justifiable (53%)
Not sure (15%)
Are the results really that surprising given that, “Yes, but only if that religion is under attack” can bear so many different meanings? Now it is very likely that the vast majority of those who answered ‘yes’ to the above question were thinking of a scenario where Muslim majority countries were under attack by hostile forces. After all, Islam is not a pacifist religion and allows the use of violence to defend oneself and one’s family, property and homeland. Would it be too cynical to suggest that the question may have been worded deliberately vaguely in order for the CfSC to obtain the results it wanted?
The Director of the Centre for Social Cohesion is an excitable chap called Douglas Murray. He wrote a book a couple of years back called Neoconservatism: Why We Need It. He has lavished praise on the ‘ex-Islamist’, Ed Husain, and more pertinent to this article, Murray has publicly expressed views about Muslims that give us a better idea of what he understands by “social cohesion”.
In a February 2006 speech entitled ‘What Are We To Do About Islam?’ delivered at the Pim Fortuyn Memorial Conference in The Hague, Murray asked: “Why is it that time and again the liberal west is crumpling before the violence, intimidation and thuggery of Islam?”
Ah, those liberals, eh? So what did Murray propose to do about this then?
“I promised to propose some of the solutions to this problemt”
Oh good, so let’s hear your number one option.
“All immigration into Europe from Muslim countries must stop.”
Now we’re getting somewhere! Are all black people to be excluded too, or would advocating that position more obviously contravene our racial discrimination laws? Yes, I think it might, so perhaps it is best to stick to Muslims. Anything else you have in mind?
“Conditions for Muslims in Europe must be made harder across the board: Europe must look like a less attractive proposition.”
A prophet! You appear to have anticipated Martin Amis’s outburst in which during a ‘thought-experiment’ he advocated that the Muslim community be made to suffer “until it gets its own house in order”. And what sort of suffering did Amis have in mind? In his own words, “Not letting them travel. Deportation - further down the road. Curtailing of freedoms. Strip-searching people who look like they’re from the Middle East or from PakistantDiscriminatory stuff, until it hurts the whole community and they start getting tough with their children.”
Come on Mr Murray, surely you can match that?
“And of course it should go without saying that Muslims in Europe who for any reason take part in, plot, assist or condone violence against the West (not just the country they happen to have found sanctuary in, but any country in the West or Western troops) must be forcibly deported back to their place of origin.”
But of course. And what about those Muslims who are born in Europe and have European citizenship but are convicted of terror-related acts, should we treat them like other criminals or can we be a little bit more stern?
“Where a person was born in the West, they should be deported to the country of origin of their parent or grandparent.”
Mr Murray, you appear to have planned for everything! A solution for every eventuality. Almost a final solution one might say! How about those Muslims who are overseas though. Can’t we do something about them too?
“Abroad we must continue our work at taking the war to the terrorists. We are winning that war, and we should extend that war.”
Yes, social cohesion, you say. You know I think I understand just exactly what you mean.
(Source: Muslim News. Inayat Bunglawala is a well-known Muslim activist. He writes a regular blog column for the Guardian’s Comment is Free website and is also a co-presenter of the Politics and Media Show on the Islam Channel.)
Source: The New Nation
Dig pinpoints Stonehenge origins
September 22, 2008
Archaeologists have pinpointed the construction of Stonehenge to 2300 BC - a key step to discovering how and why the mysterious temple was built. Reports BBC.
The radiocarbon date is said to be the most accurate yet and means the ring’s original bluestones were put up 300 years later than previously thought.
The dating is the major finding from an excavation inside the henge by Profs Tim Darvill and Geoff Wainwright.
The duo found evidence suggesting Stonehenge was a centre of healing.
Others have argued that the monument was a shrine to worship ancestors, or a calendar to mark the solstices.
A documentary following the progress of the recent dig has been recorded by the BBC Timewatch series. It will be broadcast on Saturday 27 September.
Date demand
For centuries, archaeologists have marvelled at the construction of Stonehenge, which lies on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire.
Mineral analysis indicates that the original circle of bluestones was transported to the plain from a site 240km (150 miles) away, in the Preseli hills, South Wales.
This extraordinary feat suggests the stones were thought to harbour great powers.
Professors Darvill and Wainwright believe that Stonehenge was a centre of healing - a “Neolithic Lourdes”, to which the sick and injured travelled from far and wide, to be healed by the powers of the bluestones.
They note that “an abnormal number” of the corpses found in tombs nearby Stonehenge display signs of serious physical injury and disease.
And analysis of teeth recovered from graves show that “around half” of the corpses were from people who were “not native to the Stonehenge area”.
“Stonehenge would attract not only people who were unwell, but people who were capable of [healing] them,” said Professor Darvill, of Bournemouth University.
“Therefore, in a sense, Stonehenge becomes ‘the A & E’ of southern England.”
Modern techniques
But without a reliable carbon date for the construction of Stonehenge, it has been difficult to establish this, or any other, theory.
Until now, the consensus view for the date of the first stone circle was anywhere between 2600 BC and 2400 BC.
To cement the date once and for all, Professors Darvill and Wainwright were granted permission by English Heritage to excavate a patch of earth just 2.5m x 3.5m, in between the two circles of giant sarsen stones.
The dig unearthed about 100 pieces of organic material from the original bluestone sockets, now buried under the monument. Of these, 14 were selected to be sent for modern carbon dating, at Oxford University.
The result - 2300 BC - is the most reliable date yet for the erection of the first bluestones.
Strictly speaking, the result was rounded down to “between 2400 BC and 2200 BC” - but 2300BC is taken as the average.
An even more precise date will be produced in the coming months.
“It’s an incredible feeling, a dream come true,” said Professor Wainwright, formerly chief archaeologist at English Heritage.
“We told the world we were going to date Stonehenge. That was a risk, but I was always confident,” said Professor Darvill.
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The archaeologists reveal the first accurate carbon date for Stonehenge
Intriguingly, the date range ties in closely with the date for the burial of the so-called “Amesbury Archer”, whose tomb was discovered three miles from Stonehenge.
Some archaeologists believe the Archer is the key to understanding why Stonehenge was built.
Analyses of his corpse and artefacts from his grave indicate he was a wealthy and powerful man, with knowledge of metal working, who had travelled to Salisbury from Alpine Europe, for reasons unknown.
Post mortem examinations show that he suffered from both a serious knee injury and a potentially fatal dental problem, leading Darvill and Wainwright to conclude that the Archer came to Stonehenge to be healed.
But without an accurate date for Stonehenge, it was not even clear whether the temple existed while the Archer was alive.
His remains have been dated between 2500 BC and 2300 BC - within the same period that the first stone circle was erected.
“It’s quite extraordinary that the date of the Amesbury Archer is identical with our new date for the bluestones of Stonehenge,” said Professor Darvill.
“These two things happening within living memory of each other for sure is something very, very important.”
Earliest occupation
Professor Wainwright added: “Was the Amesbury Archer, as some have suggested, the person responsible for the building of Stonehenge? I think the answer to that is almost certainly ‘no’.
“But did he travel there to be healed? Did he limp, or was he carried, all the way from Switzerland to Wiltshire, because he had heard of the miraculous healing properties of Stonehenge? ‘Yes, absolutely’.
“Tim and I are quite convinced that people went to Stonehenge to get well. But Stonehenge probably had more than one purpose, so I have no problem with other people’s interpretations.”
Among other key finds, the team uncovered organic material that indicates people inhabited the Stonehenge site as long ago as 7200 BC - more than 3,500 years earlier than anything previously known.
They also found that bluestone chippings outnumbered sarsen stone chippings by three to one - which Wainwright takes to be a sign of their value.
“It could be that people were flaking off pieces of bluestone, in order to create little bits to take away… as lucky amulets,” he said.
The duo are preparing to publish an academic report of their excavation, and will announce their findings to their peers next month, in a lecture at London’s Society of Antiquaries.
Ongoing debate
Experts on Stonehenge said the new date was a major milestone in understanding Britain’s most famous monument.
Dr Andrew Fitzpatrick, of Wessex Archaeology, said: “This is a great result - a very important one.
“The date of Stonehenge had been blowing in the wind. But this anchors it. It helps us to be secure about the chronology of events.
“The theory that it was a centre of healing is certainly a plausible one, but I don’t think we can rule out the other main competing theory - that the temple was a meeting point between the land of the living and the dead.
“I am not yet persuaded that the Amesbury Archer came to Stonehenge to be healed. I favour the interpretation that he was one of the earliest metal workers, who travelled to the area to make a living from his skills.
“In any case, it is still not clear if his burial predated Stonehenge.”
Dave Batchelor, Stonehenge curator at English Heritage, said: “We are pleased that the professors’ precision in targeting that small area of turf and their rigorous standards in archaeological excavations have produced such a rich collection of physical evidence.
“We are looking forward to seeing the results of the full analysis, but from what we understand so far, we believe they have added valuable information to the chronology of Stonehenge.”
Source: bdnews24
Film goes back to the future with 3D
September 14, 2008
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“Kung Fu Panda” producer DreamWorks will make all its animation in 3D from 2009.
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Movie audiences will soon find themselves donning a pair of 3D glasses that will enable them to see animation films in higher definition.
But these aren’t like the ordinary red and green cardboard glasses of old.
3D experience provider RealD, for example, has already begun production of very hi-tech lightweight 3D specs that look just like a pair of sunglasses.
Since Disney released “Chicken Little” entirely in 3D in 2005, the number of Tinseltown’s biggest studios and directors making 3D animation films has risen significantly.
Also, the success of “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour,” released this year in 3D, has only served to increase Hollywood’s appetite for the technology.
“Kung Fu Panda,” another one of this year’s biggest hits got a huge thumbs up during a 3D screening at an industry event.
DreamWorks, the studio behind the animated film, has said that come 2009, most of its animated movies will be produced in the third dimension.
Directors James Cameron and Peter Jackson also have climbed aboard the 3D bandwagon — Cameron’s “Avatar” is due out in 2009, while Jackson will produce “The Hobbit,” with Guillermo del Toro directing.
Techno pundits and industry experts at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), held in August were hailing 3D films as the next big thing.
At the forum, CEO of DreamWorks Jeffery Katzenberg, said 3D filmmaking was the “greatest innovation to occur in the movie business in 70 years.”
So, what’s all the fuss about? And for those who remember 3D the first time around, is it really anything to get excited about?
For RealD CEO Michael Lewis, likening the new-generation 3D to its old counterpart is like “comparing the space shuttle with the Wright brothers.”
MG Siegler, who writes on technology and digital media for California-based “Venture Beat,” believes we will be able to live the experience. He is impressed with what Katzenberg had to show at IDF and believes 3D is here to stay.
Siegler, who is also behind Elite Tech on Reddit, told CNN: “I think for animation, it will be an important part. Companies like DreamWorks finally feel that technology is advanced enough to make it viable to make films from scratch in 3D.
“I was in the crowd at IDF and even sitting near the back in a room filled with thousands of people, the clip Katzenberg showed of ‘Kung Fu Panda’ in 3D was pretty amazing. It looked great, but the new ‘Monsters vs Aliens’ film trailer they showed off looked arguably better.”
Siegler believes that the technology could advance so much over the next 10 years that glasses will not even be required to view 3D elements on screen.
But not all films will get the 3D treatment in future, just as only a few blockbusters, like “The Dark Knight,” get the IMAX treatment, largely because of the high production costs, he argues.
The film industry is clearly banking on the technology to lure back moviegoers to the cinema screens as they shun it for computer screens.
As the options for bringing movies over the Internet into the living room grow bigger with devices like Apple TV, Vudu, Roku and the Xbox 360, consumers will watch movies more and more using sites (like Netflix,) downloading films to desktops.”
Experts say that eventually the disc formats (DVD and Blu-ray) will give way to fully digital distribution, similar to the way music is now downloaded via iTunes.
But theatre owners are fighting back against the technological onslaught that threatens their trade.
Experts believe that 35mm film reels will ultimately disappear and pictures will become sharper. Digital projectors will be able to produce images that trick the eye into perceiving depth.
Healthy iftar options
September 9, 2008
During the month of Ramadan, we tend to lose out on our required intake of calories by fasting throughout the day. And while that has to be compensated for, a common misconception for making up for the lost calories is by overloading the body with various fried foods, as they are a rich source of calories.
According to Nutritionist Shahida Karim, BIRDEM, the food options that are also rich in calories and a healthier alternative to fried foods are sweets and fruit juices. These are also rich in saccharides and are easy to digest. Foods that are deep fried tend to take a toll on the digestive organs, especially when taken on an empty stomach, which is why most people complain of various problems during Ramadan, such as gastric and heart burn, which often occurs due to indigestion.
We tend to take various kinds of fried foods, such as piyaju, beguni, pakora, which are favourites this time of the year, all in one meal. However, a healthier option would be to plan an iftar menu with only one of the above each day. Another Ramadan favourite is the halim, which contains everything from pulses and grains to meat. Simply having a bowl of halim along with a fruit and juice is in itself, a very healthy iftar.
Love affair…with chocolate
September 7, 2008
For years, you’ve tried to break it off. You’re certain this relationship is wrong, even sinful. But try as you might, you just can’t end it; your will power inevitably crumbles, and you always go back for more.
We’re talking of course about your love affair with chocolate, that dark seducer even more likely to attract as you’re surrounded by heart-shaped displays. Long thought to be an aphrodisiac, chocolate has been inextricably linked with the cupid and lovers since it was discovered among the ancient Aztecs and carried to the Old World. But, whether you’re the giver or receiver, just how sinful is chocolate? There is mounting evidence showing some health benefits of eating chocolate in moderation. Studies have found that dark chocolate helps prevent heart disease and cancer, and has also been shown to improve mood by boosting the brain chemical serotonin. Some even consider chocolate an effective diet food, claiming that a chunk of chocolate before meals diminishes your appetite.
Chocolate is made up of about 300 chemicalssome which in theory have mood-altering effects. It contains negligible amounts of the stimulant caffeine, as well as theobromine (which stimulates the heart and the nervous system) and phenyethylamine (an amphetamine-like substance said to simulate the feeling of falling in love). A University of Michigan study says chocolate causes the brain to release b-endorphin, a naturally occurring chemical similar to opium, which dulls pain and increases your sense of well-being. Chocolate contains a wide assortment of vitamins and minerals that the body needs, including potassium, sodium, iron, fluorine and vitamins A, B1, C, D, and E. In fact, researchers at Harvard University believe chocolate may help people live longer! A study tracking older men found that those who ate chocolate lived almost a year longer than those who didn’t.
Researchers believe this has something to do with the fact that chocolate contains flavonoids(compounds that may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer while slowing the aging process) and stearic acid, a heart-friendly fatty acid that doesn’t promote cholesterol increases.
The bottom line: Chocolate may be getting a bad rap as a sinful food, but moderation may be the key. If you simply must indulge, here are some tips for controlling your chocolate cravings and consumption:
-Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Studies based on dark chocolate tend to show benefits that those based on milk chocolate does not.
-Partner your chocolate with nutrient-rich foods, like chocolate covered strawberries, apple slices or bananas. Add a few chocolate chips in your berry-nut trail mix. Try a refreshing glass of chocolate-flavored milk or soymilk.
-Buy smaller sizes of chocolate bars or hot fudge sundaes, since research shows you tend to eat the entire amount you’re served.
-Order fruits for dessert, with a small chocolate truffle on the side.
-Savor, don’t chew, your chocolate. Sit down, take your time, and focus on the taste in your mouth. Enjoy it thoroughly. If you pop it in your mouth while you are driving, watching TV, or talking on the phone, you’re likely to keep reaching for more.
-Give in to your chocolate cravings! Ever try to stifle a craving by eating something else? You usually just end up eating more and more of the other food, eventually giving in to your original desire anyway. Save yourself the calories and the torment! A small portion may be all you need for satisfaction.
Umm…chocolate…it’s truly a love affair of not so guilty pleasure!
Source: The Daily Star
ramadan essentials
September 6, 2008
And we were off to shop! The spiritual enlightenment of Ramadan seemed to have caught us early, and there we were, out to shop for the coming Ramadan.
First stop- Baitul Mukarram
Everyone is aware of the presence of the Baitul Mukarram bookshops that exclusively sell Islamic literature, but few know the exact location. Opposite Dhaka GPO, behind the glamorous goldsmiths, line make-shift shops with bamboo and sheets of bluish polythene. From Namaj-made-easy, to the stories of the Prophets, to fragrance, prayer mat, surma and counting beads: the place has it all. Being the compulsive buyer that I was, the whole ambience seemed overwhelming but my friend who had a cool head on his shoulders muttered, “let me do the haggling,” and that put a leash on my frenzy.
“Do you have the translation of the Qur’an by Mohammed Asad?” I asked enthusiastically. After rummaging through a stack of books, the shop-keeper brought out a translation by Mohammed Yousuf Ali, printed in lavish art paper with an impressive, brown cover, “Saudi print”, he said with a sense of pride. Realising the confusion, Sahil explained that we wanted Asad not Yousuf Ali. But the aged man resembling Gandalf the Grey, gave a blank look. And he was not the only one. Our enquiry pretty much yielded the same expression from everyone.
Between the two of us, we had more or less all the notable English translations sans Asad. I already had a copy of Yousuf Ali, which I brought from my last visit to Saudi Arabia and also Shakir; Sahil had Pickthall.
We opted to set realistic goals this Ramadan. We were not habituated in reading the Qur’an on a daily basis. We figured, if we zero in on a certain aspect of the Qur’an and try to understand the religious position of the matter, the goal seemingly becomes achievable. But as it seemed, Asad had to wait!
A young brother with an impressive beard and an interesting haircut came to our help. “You will get the English translations in bookshops of Gulshan. Here you get only Bengali translations.”
He was like an angel in disguise. We needed help. There we were in a bibliophile’s world without a road map. We wanted Asad, yes, but we also wanted Bengali tafsirs (explanation of the Qur’an along with translation), we wanted a sirah (biography of Prophet Mohammed, peace and blessings be upon him) and so much more.
“If you want pragmatic tafsirs you must try the modern scholars and Asad does give a different view of Islam. But you should not ignore giants of the field like Ibn Kathir, who can give you an insight into the realms of spirituality. The work transgress time, it is relevant today as it was centuries ago”, said Abdul Quadir.
“Do you have the volume that has Surah Nisa?” We had decided to concentrate only on Chapter Four, this Ramadan. We planned to read as many tafsirs as we possibly could on the chapter, along with pertinent literature from the Internet. We had questions in our mind that needed answers. We were pleased to get the relevant volumes of Ibn Kathir, Tafhimul Qur’an and Fi Jilalil Qur’an, best sellers we were told.
Somewhere down the lane, the bookstores blended into shops that put up flamboyant displays of brightly coloured tupi and soft, velvet prayer mats. A good thing, as we were looking for a jaenamaj- something light, something that can be tucked inside a small bag and carried around. The idea was simple, to pray wherever we were, as soon as the call for prayer, adhan was made. It seemed like the only realistic way of battling Satan. We were determined not to miss the five daily prayers at any cost.
Now, this is where my friend came to some use. His huge physique intimidated people and Sahil’s haggling skills were legendary. I chose a thin, fabric jaenamaj in brown and he chose a similar design in green. I still wonder with utmost amazement how he managed two prayer mats for takas 140 only, when the vendor had asked a staggering 400. It seemed like an ‘eighty takas store’ when we also got a compass (that always points towards the Ka’ba), two tupis and two tajbihs (counting beads) all at takas 400! Before we came out, we also picked two Zaitun meswaks. Free!
Next stop- Kataban
We still needed the biography and books on hadith. Not that these were unavailable at Baitul Mukarram but we thought we would get cheaper prices at the Islamic book stores of Kataban mosque. And we got Asad! The hadia was a good thousand takas, but worth every poisha.
The Kataban shops presented a wider variation in titles. There were books on the lives of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) of the prophet (may peace and blessing be upon him), books on the crisis Muslim youth faced, and there were volumes after volumes of hadith literature. Some very authentic, while others, obscure.
A collection of hadith is a must have, but they are widely available in the Internet. We were more interested on a sirah. No study of the Qur’an can be made without under standing the life of RasulAllah (peace and blessings upon him). Sirah and books on hadith are akin to references necessary for better understanding of the Qur’an, the words of Allah.
“Do you have the sealed nectar?”
Once again, we got the dreaded ‘blank’ look. “You know the sirah, Ar-Raheeq Al-Maktoom by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri?”
“I have the Bengali translation.”
Good enough! The shopkeeper suggested we also buy a CD called Alim. He ran the software for us and we could not help but be amused with its content. There was the recitation of the whole Qur’an in Arabic in no less than three different styles; English translation by Asad, Pickthal, Ali and Shakir (the CD can solve your problem of buying expensive titles if you are comfortable reading ebooks). It had the entire Bukhari sharif, and a good collection of biographies on the lives of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them). The price was an astonishing eighty takas!
Last stop: Bashundhara
We had got almost everything we set out for, except attar! The shops at Kataban did not have attar but a good-hearted fellow gave us the direction, “you will get good attar at Baitul Mukarram and if you want expensive ones, Bashundhara city.”
The shop was not easy to locate, situated deep into the maze that we call Bashundhara City. The perfumery seemed copied right out from the streets of Mecca and pasted against the backdrop of Dhaka.
Tinted in burgundy and green with metallic gold foil, or patterned floral prints, bottles lined rows after rows of the store. The names matched the elegance of the fragrances- Kishwatul Kaba, Full, Jannatul Fedaus!
White Oud seemed to be the most expensive with a price tag ranging from takas 1600-16000 per tola, depending on its purity and nature. The perfume made of wood extracts gave a fragrance that lingered in sweetness, not over powering the olfactory senses, as is common in some attar. Ruh al Musk was strong in its scent and contrary to Oud, spiked the senses. The star attraction, however, was an array of non-alcoholic fashion statements- CK, Azzaro, Cool Water, Kenzo- all imported from Saudi Arabia. My friend opted for a tola of CK ONE while I chose Fawaki- a fragrance from floral extracts that simply mesmerised the senses - neither pungent nor bland, just right!
As we were coming out of the complex, the call for Asr prayers came from the distance. What we experienced in those few moments would take eons to put in words. Our bodies shook intensely, the load of the words too much for us to bear. Without speaking a word, we turned, together, responding to the call for salah, and as the mellifluent Muadhin proclaimed, we repeated.
Source: The Daily Star
Planning Ramadan
September 2, 2008
One way to make the most of Ramadan is to plan beforehand. Here are few reasons why you should plan for Ramadan:
To be in “Ramadan mode”- By planning for Ramadan before it arrives, you put your mind in “Ramadan mode”. If you plan, you will mentally prepare for it, and it will force you to see it as the special month outside of your regular routine the rest of the year.
To adjust your schedule- By planning in advance, you can adjust your work, sleep and meal schedules in such a way as to make time for most of your regular chores. That means, for instance, that if you normally go to bed at midnight, in Ramadan you would sleep earlier in order to get up early for sehri. Or if you usually study late, you can instead sleep earlier and start studying after sehri in the early morning hours. Planning in advance allows you the luxury to make time for the change in schedule that Ramadan brings.
Budgeting for this particular month is a must- Ramadan involves a lot of shopping. Make sure you plan a festival budget before the month begins. This way, you know exactly how much you can get out of your bonus. Plan the parties ahead, menus and all, plan the gift items, and try to reason between need and want. Make sure you plan for meaningful zakat items instead of buying tons of saris and lungis.
You can squeeze in Eid shopping- Eid shopping is an obvious duty this month, while it is fun shopping for everyone, it is a total put off being stuck in traffic jams and wasting valuable time. Planning in advance in this regard helps. Try to seal all-important dealings during the first week of the month, and plan and save for that grand chand raat shopping. This will allow you to do your ibadah as well as allow you more free time.
You can plan Ramadan family time- Iftar is a lovely family time, in fact it is during iftar that the whole family sits together for a special meal. They pray together and have after iftar tea or knick knacks or fruits before heading off to individual errands.
To make the menu- While Ramadan may mean extra Ibadah to some of us, it usually means extra cooking for most of us as well. Making a Ramadan menu for Iftar and meals, and working out when you want to invite relatives, neighbours and friends for Iftar will give you the opportunity to catch Tarawih and various other advantageous Ibadat instead of spending Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days stuck in the kitchen. (On a different note to men folks, try helping out with cooking or cleaning at least this time. It’s a very hectic month for women specially for working ones. Moreover it was a practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him).
You can plan an Iftar at your home- There is blessing in feeding a fasting person other than yourself and your family. Planning in advance gives you the luxury of calling friends over the month before and setting a date, so you can “grab” them before others get an opportunity to.
To try and help others- You can be a good neighbour this year by helping out a fellow Muslim in your neighbourhood who wants to get to the mosque for Tarawih every night but doesn’t have a car. Try and feed a person during iftar and don’t forget to pack his or her dinner and sehri. Make time at least once a week to sit with your children and read important ayats from the Holy Quran and their translations to them. Help out in local orphanages. Be kind and practice Ramadan in the true sense.
Source: The Daily Star