Executive Machines Limited, the Apple Authorized Reseller of Apple products in Bangladesh, is thrilled to unveil the long-awaited iPhone 16 Series. The lineup includes the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, each featuring groundbreaking upgrades designed to elevate the mobile experience for users nationwide.
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On December 19, 2019, a modest cloud-based pizza delivery service named Oven began its journey in Dhaka. Born out of a desire to satisfy late-night cravings with high-quality food, Oven aimed to fill a gap in the market by offering gourmet, square-shaped pizzas delivered directly to customers’ doors during the odd hours of the night. Their simple yet innovative concept focused on exceptional taste and service from midnight to 4 am, appealing to night owls seeking comfort food during those quiet hours.
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Last year, ARKA Fashion Week, which took place between 26-28 Oct, 2023 took the city by storm. With a staggering footfall of over 7000 people, the event proved to be extremely popular, especially among the youth. Like last time, this initiative of ARKA Studio will once again reaffirm its commitment to providing equitable opportunities to all kinds of designers and brands. The overarching objective of ARKA Fashion Week is to see Bangladesh graduate from exporting garments to exporting fashion – to see Bangladeshi brands and retail labels add value in terms of culture export. ARKA believes that this evolution in our fashion and textile industry will help raise the stature of our nation and further improve our economy.
Moreover, ARKA Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity for everyone in Bangladesh to immerse themselves in fashion. The event will feature specially curated runway shows, clothes and accessories by the best brands and designers, and most importantly, the event is a place for fashion savvy individuals to express their own sense of style. As usual, ARKA FW will have a food zone and diverse musical performances every night, along with the following segments:
MARKETPLACE
This section, which is the heart of the event, will house entrepreneurs and brands which work with fashion, fashion accessories, and fashion related products, made in Bangladesh. A core philosophy to expect among the brands to be found in the Marketplace is sustainability. Most participants of ARKA Fashion Week Marketplace are small boutiques and/or e-commerce/f-commerce brands. As the exposure of these talented, local brands is limited, they have a certain disadvantage. ARKA Fashion Week hopes to bridge that gap and give a platform to these incredible, locally-grown brands.
DESIGN LAB
This is an interactive space where one can create their own designs. The concept is to walk in and purchase a ‘canvas’ i.e. products like a plain t-shirt, hat, tote bag or scarf, which can then be customized at any of the seven different design stations such as block printing, screen printing, hand-paint, patchwork, different forms of embellishments and appliqués, etc. This is a segment that any age group will enjoy participating in and can use to channel their creativity. Since it’s a design lab and not a workshop, anyone can come in at any time, buy a product and head over to the station to work on their design.
THE RUNWAY
With 4 slots each day, the runway will take place over 3 days, showcasing a variety of designers – new and upcoming, trailblazers and some exclusive designer brands. Curated by Azra Mahmood, Mehruz Munir, Nawshin Khair and Zarin Rashid, each of the participants of the runway were carefully selected and guided by the team. Perhaps one of the most anticipated segments of the event, the ARKA FW runway will not only be unique in terms of the designs being showcased on it; this time ARKA will also be presenting the finalists of a headhunt for new models to debut on the ARKA SS24 Runway. Moreover, the runway will also feature some students from design institutions in a cue curated by Afsana Ferdousi.
EXHIBITION AND SEMINARS
In this edition of ARKA Fashion Week, a couple of new segments, workshops and seminars, will be introduced. ARKA FW wants to cover all aspects of fashion, including the challenges and issues faced by the industry. As a result, it seemed imperative to host some seminars to address some issues that are prevalent in the fashion industry of our country. Moreover, before the event takes place, ARKA FW is also facilitating an exhibition concerning Tangail weaving and ways to preserve the traditional art of handloom textile. Led by Tahsin N. Choudhury, Nawshin Khair, Sk. Saifur Rahman and Jewel A. Rob — the results of the workshop will be exhibited at ARKA FW SS24. The exhibition will be curated by Jewel A. Rob.
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Representatives from the prestigious UK university, the University of London, are in Dhaka this week to meet with students studying in its programs.
The team will visit two recognized teaching centers (RTCs) that the University works with in Bangladesh. They will be interviewing students and gathering their firsthand experience of what it’s like to study the University of London’s highly regarded degree courses while living in Bangladesh. They will also be finding out how a University of London degree will help students achieve their career goals.
Thanks to the flexibility of the University of London’s courses, students from Bangladesh can choose to study at any of the country’s seven recognised teaching centres which are affiliated with the University of London, or to study independently online. Currently, more than 1,600 students across Bangladesh choose to study a wide range of courses including Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons) and CertHE in Common Law. A University of London law degree (LLB) certifies that students who have completed the course have achieved globally recognized standards.
The team will meet students at the London College of Legal Studies (South) in Dhaka on 15 February. The college was established in August 2004 to provide high-quality education/tuition for students who are interested in qualifying as Barristers of the English and Welsh Bar.
On Friday 16 February, the team will move on to Bhuiyan Academy, Bangladesh’s oldest recognized teaching center. Bhuiyan Academy offers a range of high-quality courses from LLB to BSc Business Administration in modern facilities.
Many University of London law graduates have advanced to become advocates to the Supreme Court of Bangladesh or hold other prestigious legal roles. These include Advocates of the Dhaka Bar Association, Advocates of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Advocates of the District and Session Court, Chittagong.
Last week it was announced that one LCLS (South) alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who was previously recognized by Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, has won a British Council Study UK Alumni Award. Mohammad, a graduate of the University of London, received the award in the social action category. He is the co-founder of ‘Footsteps’, an organization working on sustainable community-centric initiatives.
“I’m so delighted to receive this award,” said Mohammad. “I do not doubt that studying for a degree with the University of London helped because the award recognizes those who have strengthened the links between Bangladesh and the UK. I chose to study in my own country to help my compatriots and the University of London made that easy for me. I would encourage anyone in Bangladesh thinking of studying to consider distance learning as a way forward.”
Speaking about the visit, University of London Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Stiasny OBE said:
“The University of London has been working with partners in Bangladesh for nearly 40 years and has strong links with RTCs across the country. We know that students in Bangladesh are passionate about the benefits that education can bring and we are looking forward to meeting students who are studying on our courses and hearing their stories. Later this year we will be sharing those stories to inspire people across Bangladesh to consider higher education and consider studying with the University of London.”
LCLS (South) said: “We are thrilled to witness the remarkable achievements of our alumni, Mohammad Taqi Yasir, who has not only excelled in his academic journey but has also been recognized with prestigious awards like the British Council Alumni Award and Forbes 30 under 30 for his social impact. As we continue to foster a dynamic environment for our students, we look forward to inspiring more success stories and contributing to the growth and development of our global community.
“We wish Taqi Yasir all the best for his future endeavors.”
Bhuiyan Academy said: “Bhuiyan Academy is a forward-thinking quality education provider institution that has offered the University of London programmes since 1989.
“With a diverse faculty, many distinguished in their fields, the Academy ensures a supportive environment for students. Student progression is regularly monitored through classes and assessments while mock trials, debates, and seminars are arranged to gain legal experience. With our spectacular setting and network of alumni, we strive for excellence.”
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Renowned luxury watch boutique Mohammad & Sons proudly announces a significant rebranding initiative by introducing a new logo and a captivating tagline – “The Time Has Come.”
This strategic move is a testament to the brand’s commitment to evolution, timeless elegance, and a celebration of the ever-changing essence of time, reads a press release.
The new logo is meticulously crafted to embody the essence of time.
Inspired by the classical hourglass, the logo symbolizes the seamless flow of moments, emphasizing the timeless beauty of their meticulously curated timepieces. It represents tradition and innovation, reflecting Mohammad & Sons’ rich heritage in luxury watches while embracing the future with an avant-garde spirit. The elegant and modern design of the hourglass within the logo captures the brand’s dedication to crafting watches that stand the test of time.
The new logo is accompanied by a powerful tagline encapsulating the essence of the brand’s philosophy – “The Time Has Come.” This tagline invites watch enthusiasts to experience more than just a watch; it beckons them to embrace each moment’s luxury and significance. Whether it’s a milestone celebration, a cherished memory, or a daily achievement, Mohammad & Sons will be part of the wearer’s journey. The tagline also signifies a pivotal moment in the brand’s history, emphasizing its continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation in luxury timepieces.
About Mohammad & Sons:
Founded in 2018, Mohammad & Sons has been synonymous with luxury watches, offering an exquisite collection that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. It has consistently provided a curated selection of timepieces from renowned international brands, earning a reputation for excellence and sophistication.
Website: mohammadandsons.com
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Miniso Bangladesh has achieved its 2nd consecutive global recognition at the biggest stage of Miniso’s 10th Anniversary Global Conference. Miniso held its prestigious global conference at the InterContinental Exhibition Center in Guangzhou, China. With 100+ countries and 3000+ attendees Miniso celebrated its establishment of the past 10 years. Along with the big International markets such as Mexico, Indonesia, France and UAE, Miniso Bangladesh has also received an award for their outstanding performance for the year 2023.
Miniso has emphasised in this conference on how important social media and online marketing is for today’s generation and how much more prominent it will be for the coming years and have appreciated Miniso Bangladesh’s continuous exciting and effective use of it. Jack Ye, the Chairman of Miniso has said in the conference “The last 10 years have been amazing and for the next 10 years we have more exciting things to come and we are more hungrier than ever. The goal is to make Miniso a Super Brand”. His vision and speech has inspired and excited the Master Franchisees who were present at the event.
Miniso handed over the award to the Miniso Bangladesh team who were in attendance. Amongst the team were the 3 directors of Miniso Bangladesh Shah Adeeb Chowdhury, Shah Rayeed Chowdhury and Chowdhury Asifuzzaman. Upon receiving this prestigious award Mr. Adeeb said “It’s an honour for us to be able to represent our country so proudly. We feel like we are a very strong force at the Miniso global table”. Adding to this Mr. Asifuzzaman said “Miniso is strongest currently in terms of IP collaboration and after what we have seen today I am excited for the Miniso Bangladesh market for the coming years. Starting with Sanrio product launch in mid this year”. Mr. Rayeed also shared his view on the future of Miniso Bangladesh, “We are aligned with Miniso Headquarters vision and we are now planning to open bigger and better stores and give our customer the Miniso experience that is unique and exciting”.
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Executive Motors Limited, the exclusive and authorized dealer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated first-ever brand-new BMW i7 eDrive50. This groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) marks a new era of sustainable and luxurious mobility in Bangladesh. The first-ever BMW i7 eDrive50 is the latest addition to BMW’s innovative BMW “i” lineup, offering cutting-edge technology and world-class craftsmanship. With the car’s debut in Bangladesh, Executive Motors Limited continues to lead the way in delivering the future of automotive excellence to discerning customers.
The first-ever BMW i7 eDrive50 is notable for its calm ride and lightning-fast acceleration (5.5 seconds from zero to one hundred kilometers per hour). The amazing 611 km electric vehicle range is made possible by the latest generation of BMW eDrive technology. Innovations in chassis technology, including air suspension and Integral Active Steering, improve the car’s agility and strike a better balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Inside, you’ll find a plush and roomy cabin outfitted with high-end materials and the latest in-vehicle technology like the BMW Curved Display and the Operating System 8. BMW’s Iconic Sounds Electric provides an innovative form of audiovisual pleasure. The electric motors are environmentally benign because they don’t use any rare earth metals vital to their operation. Customers in Bangladesh have access to 16 different destination charging points, and installation of the wall box chargers is free.
Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director – Operations, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are proud to introduce the BMW i7 eDrive50 to Bangladesh, as it represents a bold step towards sustainable and luxurious mobility in the region. With the BMW i7, we are reaffirming our commitment to providing the people of Bangladesh with the very best in automotive innovation, performance, and sustainability.”
For more information about the first-ever brand new BMW i7 eDrive50 launch and the event, please contact:
Executive Motors Limited
Ground Floor, 222 Bir Uttam Mir Shawkat Sarak, Dhaka 1208
Contact number: 01709-674488
For more information about Executive Motors Limited and BMW vehicles in Bangladesh, please visit; www.bmw.com.bd.
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Bengali-American filmmaker and emerging actor, Sheikh Niloy, has captivated audiences with his sitcom, “Narcissists of New York City” (NNYC). The 12-episode series, originally on Amazon Prime, now streams on Vimeo, boasting a stellar 9.1 rating on IMDB.
Created, produced, and starring Sheikh Niloy, the show tackles generational narcissism through a comedic lens, following four self-absorbed roommates chasing fame to validate their self-worth.
In an exclusive interview, Sheikh expressed his aspiration to pave the way for Bengali talent in Hollywood while breaking stereotypes against careers in the Arts. He highlighted the show’s intention to shed light on generational insecurities, transitioning into a quest for self-realization in its upcoming second season.
Despite challenges and limited resources during filming, Sheikh credits the project’s success to the dedication and talent of the cast and crew, emphasizing the support received from friends and family.
With its recent shift to Vimeo in 2K quality for global audiences, the series promises a blend of entertainment, education, and a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes camaraderie. Sheikh remains committed to propelling both his career and the representation of South-Asian talent in the entertainment industry through this groundbreaking series.
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Bazar365, the trusted online grocery store with a strong commitment to sustainability, has been recognized with the prestigious “Most Sustainable Brand” award at the Marvel of Tomorrow Season 3 awards. The event, organized by The Marvel – Be You, was a grand celebration of influencers and their exceptional work in 29 different categories. Bazar365’s focus on sustainability, along with its role as a sustainable partner for the event, underscores its commitment to fighting the global plastic pollution problem.
The award ceremony took place on November 3, 2023, at the beautiful Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. It was a significant moment in acknowledging leaders in various industries. Bazar365’s dedication to sustainability stood out as it was crowned the “Most Sustainable Brand.”
What’s even more inspiring is that Bazar365 collected about 10 kilograms of waste from the event, showing a practical approach to dealing with the plastic pollution challenge. The company, with its focus on making a real impact, is setting a powerful example for sustainable practices in the world of e-commerce.
Alec Mithun, the CEO of Bazar365, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. He said, “We are incredibly honored to receive the ‘Most Sustainable Brand’ award. This is a clear validation of our mission to confront plastic pollution. We’re not just another online store; we are here to bring positive changes. Our goal is to raise awareness and inspire sustainable habits, one step at a time.”
Bazar365’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond just receiving awards. The company aims to partner with more events, spreading the word about plastic pollution and fostering sustainable habits. It’s a mission that not only inspires but also serves as a beacon of hope for a cleaner, greener future.
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Tiger New Energy has successfully closed a ground breaking US$2.5 million USD seed funding round, a notable achievement for green mobility in Bangladesh. This round is led by Wavemaker Partners, a leading Southeast Asian venture capital firm with a strong track record of backing sustainable and innovative startups, and is followed by several reputable international and local investors.
At a time when luxury brands worldwide are just starting to embrace the electric vehicle revolution, Bangladesh has been leading with an innovative approach. Every day, 2.5 million electric vehicles traverse the nation’s streets. But these aren’t the typical sedans. They are three-wheeled electric vehicles, becoming a symbol of urban transportation in Bangladesh. This remarkable transformation has taken place without extensive government subsidies, demonstrating the power of innovation and commitment.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. Issues like range anxiety and the transition to more efficient lithium batteries have been a barrier for many. Recognizing this, two Harvard alumni, Nicole Mao and Yiwei Zhu, set forth a vision with Tiger New Energy. Their ground breaking battery-swapping technology is not just a solution to these challenges but a revolution for Bangladesh’s mobility landscape.
By enabling drivers to quickly swap out depleted batteries for fully charged ones, they eliminate the prevalent range anxiety, allowing drivers to save both time and money. Moreover, with a commitment to sustainability, Tiger New Energy uses renewable energy sources for its battery swaps, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7.
This recent seed funding round, led by Wavemaker Partners SG, is a testament to the belief in Tiger New Energy’s mission and will fuel their expansion across Bangladesh. The fresh infusion of capital will drive their battery swapping station network, propelling the nation further into sustainable transportation.
Nicole Mao, CEO of Tiger New Energy, emphasized the company’s mission, “Our dedication goes beyond technology. It’s about shaping a sustainable future for Bangladesh and showcasing the potential of emerging markets.”
For more information, please contact: swapbd@tigernewenergy.com
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The Wider Collective, in partnership with The Marvel – Be You, has accomplished a monumental feat by introducing Bangladesh’s first-ever AI-generated influencer, Marvella. This reveal occurred during the prestigious Influencer Awards ‘Marvel of Tomorrow: Season 3,’ hosted by The Marvel – Be You.
The AI-Influencer named Marvella is a 22-year-old graphic designer who embodies the Gen Z spirit. She has a deep passion for traveling and art. Marvella possesses the ability to curate content that resonates seamlessly with the diverse interests and preferences of the mass population.
Marvella was developed by The Wider Collective, a creative software agency specializing in experimental technology. They harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to create a digital persona that embodies the essence of contemporary influencer culture.
The event marks a significant turning point in the creative industry and technology landscape of Bangladesh, shining a spotlight on the potential of AI in the influencer marketing sector. Marvella’s introduction was met with excited applause from the audience, signaling a new era in digital influencing.
Ehfaz Rezwan, and Mehraab Anwar, the founders of The Wider Collective, shared their excitement about the project.
Ehfaz said “We’re very excited to be at the forefront of technological innovation in Bangladesh, with the unveiling of Marvella being just the tip of the iceberg. Here at The Wider Collective, our mission revolves around using the most cutting-edge technology to create products and services that push the limits of human imagination. We cannot wait to see how creative industries around the world make use of the innovations we bring forth.”
Mehraab shared his thoughts “Artificial Intelligence is poised to spearhead a global transformation across all industries, catalyzing innovation, enhancing efficiency, and personalizing experience. We aim to propel Bangladesh to the forefront by advocating for the widespread adoption of these cutting-edge technologies, enabling the nation to compete on a global stage.”
In addition to the founders Ehfaz Rezwan and Mehraab Anwar, a dedicated team of talented individuals at The Wider Collective worked tirelessly to bring Marvella to life. This collaborative effort included the expertise of Nirvana Islam, Ali Hasib, Akhlaq Siddiqi, and Pew Hossain, who played integral roles in the development of Bangladesh’s first AI influencer. Their combined skills, creativity, and commitment were essential in achieving this groundbreaking innovation.
The Marvel – Be You, distinguished for its expertise in influencer management, played a pivotal role in bringing Marvella to life.
Marvella redefines the influencer role across branding, social engagement, and content creation. The global virtual influencer market is rapidly expanding, transcending time and location constraints. It spans various categories, from fashion and advertising to music and brand launches. Notable influencers include Lil Miquela, with 2.7 million Instagram followers and a #47 Billboard ranking. Figures like Shudu, the first virtual supermodel, and Imma, Japan’s inaugural virtual model, have substantial impacts in this field.
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The iPhone 15 series, the latest flagship product from Apple Inc, has been introduced in Bangladesh by Executive Machines Limited (EML).
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, Abdul Matin, the Director of EML (Executive Machines Limited), confirmed the launch of their latest products. EML is recognized as an Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider in Bangladesh and has been releasing new Apple gadgets to the market since 2008.
The iPhone 15 series may be purchased at an initial cost of BDT 4,444 on an Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) basis, facilitated by many banks’ credit card options. Apple’s policy guarantees that every consumer is provided with a one-year warranty for official component replacement.
The iPhone 15 series has seen remarkable advancements in its features compared to previous iterations. The iPhone 15 Pro is noteworthy for its pioneering features, particularly its aerospace-grade titanium design. This design is made using the same material that is utilized in spacecraft missions to Mars. This development is considered to be pioneering. The A17 Pro chip signifies a significant advancement, introducing a novel classification of CPUs for iPhones. The introduction of this chip represents a significant advancement in graphics capabilities, particularly in the domain of gaming, since it incorporates a Pro-class GPU that establishes new benchmarks for performance.
In addition, the newly introduced Action button provides a convenient shortcut to access preferred functions. After customizing the settings according to your preferences, press and hold the designated button to initiate the desired action promptly.
In a statement released on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, Abdul Matin, the Director of EML (Executive Machines Limited), confirmed the launch of their latest products. EML is recognized as an Apple Authorised Reseller and Apple Authorised Service Provider in Bangladesh and has presented new Apple gadgets to the market since 2008.
From October 26, 2023, the iPhone 15 series will be available in the Executive Machines Limited showroom. Executive Machines Limited have their showroom in Gulshan-2, Bashundhara City, and IDB Bhaban. For more detailed information, please call: +8801977727753, +8801979727753, +8801973827753, +8801978827753, and +8801729227753.
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The third season of Influencers Fest & Award, Let’s Vibe with Marvel of Tomorrow – the flagship event of The Marvel – Be You, will premiere this 3rd November 2023 at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden. The theme of this year’s event will be “Go Global, Go AI” where impactful social media celebrities, influencers, and content creators will be recognized for their artistic and impactful achievements.
The selection in terms of finding the nominees of each category has gone through intensive research in quantitative data as well as qualitative analysis. Kantar Bangladesh, a consultation based on data and evidence, provides insights and actionable recommendations, and collaborated with The Marvel – Be You to conduct quantitative research to find out the shortlisted candidates. The honorable jury panel consisting of industry experts, provided their valuable analysis in order to get the top 3 nominees in each category from the shortlisted candidates.
The Marvel – Be You is introducing 28 categories of awards strictly based on data and jury analysis this year. The categories for awards include entertainment content creators, food vloggers, fashion vloggers, fashion designers, makeup artists, cooks, travel vlogs, tech reviewers, video game streamers, writers, photographers, artist, community engagement, social welfare, and many more.
The 29th category will be Popular Choice where all the nominees and winners of 28 categories will get votes from the general audience and the one who will get the highest votes will be titled as Popular Influencer of the year.
Breity Sabrin Khan, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of The Marvel – Be You said, “This time we are looking forward to presenting a season with loads of exciting surprises lined up which has never been seen before in Bangladesh. With the ‘Go Global, Go AI’ theme we are proudly introducing multiple global engagements as well as innovations in futuristic artificial intelligence.”
ANM Ziaul Islam Mithu, Managing Director of Kantar Bangladesh said, “From the very first season of Marvel of Tomorrow, Kantar Bangladesh has developed a unique formula through which content creators of Bangladesh in different categories are being ranked justly for shortlisting and then in forward the juries ensure that the top three nominees for each category are being selected amongst the shortlisted candidates based on the quality of their contents.”
This year’s Marvel of Tomorrow is presented by Let’s Vibe and driven by Chery. The Experience Partners are Polar Ice Cream, Pickaboo and Service Partners are Axpert Productions, Bazar365, CThreeSixty Bangladesh, Cablgram, Dream Weaver, GoodyBro, Kantar Bangladesh, Lavish Boutique Salon, Nagorik TV, Safiya Sathi, The Front Page- confirmed till date.
For more information contact- Sheikh Nafi, +8801740260388
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Executive Motors Limited, the esteemed representative of the BMW brand in Bangladesh for over two decades, is thrilled to announce a momentous milestone in the automotive industry with the introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever Electric Vehicle (EV) from BMW in Bangladesh.
The BMW iX3 M Sport represents a paradigm shift in the realm of sustainable mobility, combining BMW’s iconic design language and innovative technologies to deliver an exhilarating, emission-free driving experience. With this revolutionary model, Executive Motors Limited reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship and brings cutting-edge electric mobility to discerning customers in Bangladesh.
Key Features of the BMW iX3 M Sport:
Electrifying Performance: The BMW iX3 M Sport boasts BMW’s advanced electric powertrain, delivering breathtaking performance with instant torque and seamless acceleration. The electric motor is complemented by the M Sport package, adding a touch of sportiness to this environmentally-conscious vehicle.
Elegant Design: As expected from BMW, the iX3 M Sport exhibits an elegant and dynamic design, emphasizing aerodynamic efficiency and distinct M Sport styling cues. Its athletic stance and premium detailing set new standards in the luxury EV segment.
Long-Range Capability: Equipped with a high-capacity battery, the iX3 M Sport offers an impressive electric range, enabling drivers to embark on extended journeys without compromise.
Intuitive Technology: The BMW iX3 M Sport is equipped with the latest innovations in automotive technology, including a user-friendly infotainment system, advanced driver-assistance features, and seamless connectivity options.
Sustainable Materials: Sustainability remains at the core of BMW’s vision, and the iX3 M Sport reflects this commitment with its use of eco-friendly materials throughout the vehicle’s interior and production process.
Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director – Operation of Executive Motors Limited, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are immensely proud to introduce the BMW iX3 M Sport, the first-ever BMW Electric Vehicle in Bangladesh. This marks a pivotal moment for both the BMW brand and our valued customers here. With our longstanding history of representing BMW in Bangladesh, Executive Motors Limited is dedicated to pioneering sustainable automotive solutions, and the iX3 M Sport perfectly embodies this dedication.”
He further added, “The entire world is experiencing an electric vehicle revolution, which will eventually supplant automobiles that run on fossil fuels. In keeping with that, Executive Motors Limited began the iX3’s journey within the entire country. The vehicle maintains BMW’s performance, technology, and tradition while promoting for a cleaner and better environment in our nation. Additionally, Executive Motors Limited will install BMW standard charging stations at 16 locations across the nation for the convenience of customers, which will mark an important milestone for the nation’s journey of electric vehicles.”
Executive Motors Limited unveiled the BMW iX3 M Sport at their prestigious showroom in Tejgaon, where customers can explore the exceptional features and reserve their own electric masterpiece.
About Executive Motors Limited: Established in 2003, Executive Motors Limited has been the exclusive authorized importer and distributor of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh. Over the years, they have earned a distinguished reputation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and providing top-notch sales and after-sales services. The introduction of the BMW iX3 M Sport further solidifies its dedication to innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector.
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In the bustling culinary landscape of Dhaka, a distinctive aroma has been captivating the taste buds of pizza enthusiasts since February 2020. This aromatic journey began with the inception of Oven, a trailblazing pizza brand that introduced the concept of square pizzas, to the city’s food scene. What started as a humble cloud kitchen venture soon transformed into a gastronomic sensation, overcoming unprecedented challenges along the way.
The nascent days of Oven were marked by promise and innovation. Embracing the unique concept of square pizzas, the brand sought to redefine traditional pizza consumption. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store. Just as Oven was beginning to establish its foothold, the global Covid-19 pandemic swept across the world, casting a shadow of uncertainty over countless businesses, including the food industry.
Amidst the uncertainty, Oven demonstrated remarkable resilience. When circumstances dictated the temporary closure of its operations, the brand swiftly adapted its strategy. Rising to the occasion, Oven resumed serving its loyal customers in the Mohammadpur and Dhanmondi areas from 4 pm to 4 am, a testament to its commitment to satisfying cravings even in the most challenging times.
The crisis inadvertently gave birth to an unforeseen demand. Oven’s square pizzas had gained a loyal following, transcending geographical boundaries. Customers from diverse areas clamored for a taste of the innovative culinary delight that had earned Oven its reputation. The irresistible aroma of Oven’s square pizzas had become synonymous with comfort and indulgence, fostering a community that transcended physical limitations.
In November 2020, Oven embarked on a new chapter. Establishing a pick-up point and kitchen in the affluent neighborhood of Banani, the brand expanded its reach and solidified its presence. This strategic move not only catered to the growing demand but also laid the foundation for future growth.
Fast forward to January 2023, and Oven stands as a testament to perseverance and evolution. With unwavering determination, the brand has ventured into uncharted territory by introducing a small dine-in section at its Banani location. The carefully curated menu now extends beyond its signature square pizzas to include a tantalizing array of culinary delights. From mouthwatering hotdogs and delectable pasta dishes to exquisite seafood creations, Oven has successfully broadened its culinary horizons.
A true showstopper on the menu is the signature dessert, the chocolate lava, a fitting finale to a culinary journey that began with innovative square pizzas. This dessert encapsulates the essence of Oven’s evolution – a fusion of creativity, resilience, and unwavering commitment to providing a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary.
The story of Oven is one of triumph over adversity, a tale that resonates with food enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike. From its modest beginnings in a cloud kitchen in Mohammadpur to the bustling outlet on Banani Road 6, Oven has carved a niche for itself as a pioneer of square pizzas and a symbol of culinary ingenuity. As we savor each slice of Oven’s delectable offerings, we are reminded that innovation knows no bounds, and the pursuit of passion can transform challenges into opportunities that enrich our lives and palates.
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Executive Motors Limited, the authorized dealer of BMW vehicles in Bangladesh and a concern of Meghna Executive Holdings, is thrilled to announce the launch of the highly anticipated all-new BMW X1 at the prestigious BMW showroom on July 8, 2023, in Tejgaon, Bangladesh, attracting numerous stakeholders and automotive enthusiasts.
“We are delighted to introduce the all-new BMW X1 to the Bangladeshi market,” said Mr. Ashique Un Nabi, Director Operations of Executive Motors Limited. “This SAV embodies the perfect blend of bigger dimensions and interior space, style, performance, and cutting-edge technology, offering our customers an unrivaled driving experience. We are confident that the all-new BMW X1 will exceed expectations and set new standards in the luxury SAV segment.”
The third-generation BMW X1 boasts larger dimensions, offering a spacious and luxurious driving experience. With its striking design elements, the vehicle captures attention from every angle. The front fascia features a commanding presence, highlighted by the signature BMW kidney grille and slim Adaptive LED Headlights with High Beam Assistant that ensure optimal visibility in all driving conditions. The 18-inch light-alloy wheels, long roofline, flat roof rails, 3D LED taillights, and square wheel arch contours add to the SAV’s sporty and sophisticated appeal.
The Ambient Lighting, Digital Key Plus with Comfort Access, Luxury Instrument Panel, Parking and Reversing Assistant, Automatic 2-Zone Climate Control, Active Sports Seats, Wireless Charging, Panorama Glass Roof, and a 12-speaker audio system deliver a truly luxurious and comfortable journey.
Setting new standards in technology and innovation, the all-new BMW X1 is equipped with an array of high-end features. The BMW Live Cockpit Plus with Intelligent Voice Command provides an intuitive and connected driving experience, while the latest BMW Curved Display with Operating System 8 has variable, configurable widgets that display information in real time.
The all-new BMW X1 is powered by a compact 1.5-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in front-wheel drive. The engine is paired to a 7-speed Steptronic double-clutch transmission, delivering 136 hp and 230 Nm of torque. The SAV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 208 km/h.
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Executive Motors Limited, the luxury automotive arm of Meghna
Executive Holdings has introduced the seventh-generation flagship model of The
BMW 7 Series which is synonymous for sheer driving pleasure, lounge-like comfort
and digitalization to the next level.
The launch event of the BMW 735i took place at Radisson Blu in Dhaka on
Saturday.
The front-end design of the all-new BMW 7 Series is dominated by features that are
typical of the brand, but a clear distinction is maintained between the new luxury
model and its stalemates in the BMW range. Unique equipment features, such as
the multi- sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive with BMW Curved Display,
highlight its status as a symbol of the BMW Group’s innovative strength.
Regarding the latest edition from the BMW 7 series, Executive Motors Limited &
Meghna Executive Holdings’ director operations Mr. Ashique Un Nabi said that the
luxurious sedan embodies the epitome of automotive excellence and combines
state-of-the-art technology with, unmatched comfort, and exhilarating
performance.
“We are confident that the all-new BMW 7 Series will redefine the standards of
luxury and driving pleasure in the Bangladeshi automotive market,” he added.
The upright front end and new interpretation of the twin headlights and BMW
kidney grille – both are signature BMW design elements. The standard BMW crystal
headlights and the iconic glow of the kidney grille enhance the impressive presence
of the front end by creating an aura of premiumness.
The BMW 735i comes as standard with adaptive LED headlights including matrix
high beam and the selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant. The light
functions are divided into two separate areas.
This fully digital screen grouping consists of a 12.3-inch information display behind
the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches. The
steering wheel and the gear selector on the centre console also have a new design.
The BMW Interaction Bar makes its debut here as a new breed of control/operation
and design element. This functional unit, which boasts highly effective backlighting,
extends across the full width of the instrument panel and well into the door panel
trim.
Customers in Bangladesh now have the option power of a petrol engine combined
with 48 Volt mild hybrid technologies. The all-new BMW 735i comes with a super
smooth in-line six-cylinder engine reputed for the inherent butter smooth operation
& developing a power output of 286 hp.
The new multi-sensory vehicle experience BMW iDrive included as standard in the
all-new BMW 7 series allows drivers to enjoy intuitive, multimodal control of vehicle,
navigation, infotainment and communication functions.
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Bangladesh Metal Alliance, Trident of Chaos, Cloven Hoof BD, and Coup de Grâce are about to present the first-ever thrash metal festival “Bangladesh Thrashfest 2023”. This historic event brings together six amazing thrash metal bands from Dhaka’s underground scene, marking the first-ever, dedicated thrash metal concert in Bangladesh. With Powersurge being the show-stopper, the audience will also get to see bands like Thrash, Karmant, Goddamn, Burning Democracy, and Kaizen on the same day.
With several underground and DIY music releases throughout the last decade, thrash metal has garnered enormous appeal in the Bangladeshi metal scene. This gathering of thrash metal performers and fans intends to highlight the genre’s strong history in Bangladesh while promoting it to a wider audience in order to recognize its enduring legacy.
The “National Library Auditorium” returns to the underground after a five-year hiatus to host the “Bangladesh Thrashfest 2023.” Alongside the Russian Cultural Centre (RCC), the “National Library Auditorium” is a historic venue located at the heart of Dhaka on Sayed Mahbub Morshed Avenue, Agargaon, and has long been a fixture of Dhaka’s underground music scene. The event will take place on June 2 and will cost BDT 400 to enter.
Metal music and fashion merchandisers such as Metal Freak T-shirts, Bonk T-shirts, and The Rock Shop Bangladesh are supporting the event. Moreover, the country’s leading reseller of musical equipment and accessories, “Guitars & Gears,” is also supporting the event!
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On the dawn of April 4, 2023, a massive fire broke out in Bangabazar in Dhaka. It took nearly six and a half hours for 48 fire engines, and the firefighting force of the army, navy, air force, and BGB to bring the situation under control. Amidst all the chaos, thousands of onlookers stood there watching as one of the biggest clothing markets in the country was being reduced to ashes. To understand this behavior of the passive crowd first, we need to understand a social phenomenon called the “Bystander Effect”.
What is the Bystander Effect?
A bystander is a person who observes a potentially dangerous situation but does nothing. The bystander effect, on the other hand, is a social phenomenon where people are less inclined to intervene and help someone in need when other people are present.We have to keep in mind that, the bystander effect is not a conscious decision on the part of individuals. Rather, it is a result of social and psychological factors that can influence our behavior in social situations. Most often, it occurs because people assume that someone else will step up and intervene or someone in the crowd is more qualified to handle the particular situation than the individual; which diffuses responsibility that makes individuals feel less personally responsible for taking action and decreases the likelihood of assisting the one in need. Fear of embarrassment and fear of personal safety are also factors why the effect may occur.
Social Impact
People tend to conform to the actions of others in social situations. If no one else is helping, individuals may assume that it is not a socially acceptable thing to do and may refrain from helping as a result. People of Bangladesh tend to gather in crowds whenever a tantrum is going off on the streets. Bystanders observe rather than help the victim or stop the perpetrator. Moreover, in some cases, they worsen the situation further by intervening without understanding the situation. We are still a long way from having steady emergency services. Whenever law enforcement is not available in a country like Bangladesh, bystanders must play a crucial role in protecting citizens from life-threatening dangers. Something as simple as informing the police or calling an ambulance can save a life in a critical moment. It takes only one person to take an initiative for the whole crowd to take necessary actions. In a large group, it is easy for one to not take responsibility for the victim personally and think someone else will step up. This effect creates a diffusion of responsibility; as a result, the whole crowd stands passive. In our everyday life, we might be a bystander even without us realizing it. It can be a brawl on the street or someone needing urgent medical help or even cyber-bullying. One might not address these first because thinking that might not be socially acceptable. Thus this works like a chain effect and consequently, no one comes to aid the victim.
The role Bystanders in gender-based violations
Men and women experience the same trauma when they are subjected to crime, but women have to deal with more factors than men. For example, when a man acts fiercely toward his perpetrator it is seen as a rational reaction, and a woman’s public protest is deemed as an overreaction. Other than that, women are prone to sexual harassment on the streets. When a woman faces a crime, it has become the norm for onlookers to blame the woman’s disposition rather than denounce the crime when she is the victim of a persistent offense. They scrutinize her behavior as well as how decently she is dressed, with whom she is there, and for what reason and when.
Tragic examples of the effect
Here we look again at the Bangbazar case. Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defence, Brig Gen Md Main Uddin said, The crowd of onlookers was the biggest hindrance to firefighting efforts and caused a delay in bringing the devastating fire at the Bangabazar Shopping Complex under control. There were numerous instances of people using Facebook Live. At the fire-damaged spot, many people were taking selfies. Due to the enormous number of people, the rescue teams were unable to bring in equipment and vehicles, according to eyewitnesses.
New Market Fire incident: On 15th March, a massive fire broke out at New Supermarket in the capital. Here, curious bystanders crowded the area; making it harder for civil service and volunteer groups to intervene and control the fire. The Prime Minister said that unnecessary crowding must not be allowed during extinguishing the fire by the firefighters and strict action will be taken in case of any obstruction regarding this.
The Attack on Professor Zafar Iqbal: In 2018, a prominent Bangladeshi physicist named Professor Zafar Iqbal was attacked with a knife while attending a public event. Bystanders reportedly failed to intervene, allowing the attacker to inflict serious injuries before being apprehended by security personnel.
Woman assaulted on the bus: In 2020, a video surfaced on social media, showing a woman being assaulted on a bus in Dhaka. The woman was crying and pleading for help, but no one on the bus intervened. Passengers continued to sit silently, ignoring her pleas. The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many people criticizing the bystander effect in Bangladesh.
The Rana Plaza incident: On April 24, 2013, in Savar, Bangladesh, was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history. The incident claimed the lives of over 1,100 people and injured thousands more. There were several bystanders who witnessed the building collapse and could have intervened to help those in need. However, many bystanders failed to take action, and their inaction had dire consequences.
Virtual Bystander
In this modern age, we can be a bystander to something as regular as cyberbullying. We may see online harassment and choose to do nothing for reasons like we may not know the person well or we are waiting for someone else to protest first. It would be irrational to ask everyone to stand up to every harassment online but for those of us who can we should at least stand up for those being harassed around us. Being bullied online can have a notable impact on one’s mental health. In some cases we are truly powerless to do anything; for instance- watching a live stream of a disaster or witnessing a graphic image or video online. Naturally, out of frustration, we might blame the person streaming or clicking photos for not doing anything rather than us lending a helping hand through NGOs, volunteer groups, or relief programs. A popular example of this is- Kevin Carter, a south african photojournalist, who, in 1993 captured a picture of what appeared to be a little girl who had collapsed to the ground out of hunger as a vulture surrounded the girl. After capturing the scenario on his camera, he frightened the vulture away. After New York Times published the picture that year, he received hundreds of phone calls and emails criticizing him for not taking any action. As a bit of context, the journalists were told not to touch the locals for it may spread disease. Three months after the photo was published, Kevin committed suicide due to depression. In conclusion, blaming someone for their inability to act at the moment does nothing more than calling a greater mishap.
The Role of social media
When a digital bystander livestreams an incident, it is easy for the individual to be consumed by likes and reactions. Addiction to social media and a lack of morals can cause this. On the other hand, because of digitalization, it has become easier to help out in cases of national tragedies even more in this country because Bangladesh is prone to natural disasters. It has become easier for us to donate money to NGOs and relief organizations through digital payment methods. All in all social media can be used to spread consciousness which can play a pivotal role in overcoming tragedies.
Remedy
There is no easy fix for this phenomenon but taking some steps can help reduce the damage it does. Such as-
Increase Awareness: One of the most important steps in overcoming the bystander effect is to raise awareness about the issue and the impact it can have on individuals and society as a whole. This can be done through public campaigns, educational programs, and media coverage of incidents where bystander intervention could have made a difference.
Foster a Sense of Responsibility: Fostering a sense of responsibility among individuals and communities can help create a culture of intervention and promote personal responsibility for the well-being of others. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, community events, and education programs that emphasize the importance of taking action to help others in need.
Create Support Systems: It is essential to create support systems for victims of violence and injustice, including hotlines, counseling services, and safe spaces where individuals can seek help and support. Even though we have a national emergency number (999), it is not enough in some cases as sometimes it can take more than 30 minutes for help to arrive considering the traffic conditions of the country especially in the capital. Dedicated regional helplines or community-based emergency support systems can ease up this issue to a great extent.
Improve Safety Regulations: Improving safety regulations and enforcement in commercial buildings and public spaces can help create a safer environment for individuals to intervene in situations where someone may be in danger. This can include implementing better fire safety measures, improving access to emergency services, and enforcing safety regulations in commercial and public spaces.
Empower Individuals: Empowering individuals to take action and intervene in situations where someone may be in danger can help overcome the diffusion of responsibility that is often associated with the effect. This can be done through training programs, workshops, and community-based initiatives that provide individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to take action.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” this a quote by Edmund Burke that emphasizes the necessity of taking action. Doing nothing can cost us social security and sometimes even lives. The choice of taking action is a powerful choice in itself. Learning about this social effect can help us understand the situation better and take responsibility when it is necessary.
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Project Trishna, a core program of Footsteps Bangladesh, a next-generation organization, has reached
Goal100- ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water for 100 schools across Bangladesh. In April
2019, Footsteps declared a commitment of reaching 100 schools with safe water access through Project
Trishna, which the project has achieved amidst a global pandemic on April 4, 2023 with its latest school
water system installation in Kewdala Government Primary School in Narayanganj. Project Trishna is one
of Footsteps’ core development programs which empowers communities with safe water and sanitation
access. Implemented in 2015, Project Trishna takes a unique approach in implementing safe water
systems in schools, hospitals, public spaces and households and teaches communities how to maintain
these systems in order to ensure the water solution sustains in the long run. The project is supported by
both local and international companies and individuals, which includes the City Bank Limited, BURO
Bangladesh, Olympic Industries, United Group, etc. In 2021, the project partnered with global celebrity
singer Shawn Mendes in ensuring safe water for schools in Northeast Bangladesh. Access to safe
drinking water has been a primary social challenge in communities across Bangladesh, especially for
children who are at risk of falling sick and missing classes due to drinking contaminated water. Project
Trishna is addressing this challenge by creating a unique WASH solution which ensures safe water for a
school for a lifetime.
“Since our declaration of Goal100 in 2019, our team has been working tirelessly to achieve this feat over
the past 4 years. We faced many hurdles in the middle, especially the COVID-19 Pandemic where
schools remained closed for several months, but we are ecstatic of finally reaching this goal which would
not have been possible without our partners and stakeholders. Now that Goal100 is achieved, we will
now set a new target to achieve and work towards empowering everyone in Bangladesh with safe water
and sanitation access, step by step” said Shah Rafayat Chowdhury, co-founder and president of
Footsteps Bangladesh.
Footsteps Bangladesh has been actively working in Bangladesh’s development sector since 2013 and has
impacted over 400,000 people across 33 districts in Bangladesh with WASH, Climate Action, and Public
Health initiatives. Project Trishna is currently ensuring safe water for over 60,000 children in 100 schools
across 9 districts in Bangladesh. The organization received the Diana Award, AFS Prize for Young Global
Citizens, Joy Bangladesh Youth Award and has been enlisted on Forbes 30 Under 30 List for its
innovative work in Bangladesh’s development sector.
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In recent years, Bangladesh has seen the emergence of a large number of young writers
whose works have been well-received by readers of all ages. Owakila Tabassum Mumu is
one such writer who has successfully carved a place in the hearts of readers from all
walks of life with the magic her fingers have woven into the pages of her books.
Her first book, Jhajhin Sheyola was published in the Ekushey Boi Mela (Bangladesh’s
national book fair) in 2021. The book was also a best-seller on Rokomari.com,
Bangladesh’s biggest online bookshop.
Her second book is Go te Gali Fo te Feminist, a research-based book on gender roles and
feminism that was released in February of 2022. This book is being widely used in
research by various NGOs and as a teaching material by many trainers in gender
capacity-building training. The book will be translated in English very soon.
Mohuar mod o koyekti prempatra, her third creation, is a novella that was released at
the Ekushey Book Fair 2023 and has received positive feedback from readers of all ages.
Aside from being an author, she works for the International Maize and Wheat
Improvement Center (CIMMYT), an INGO and research organisation in the
communication department. She is currently pursuing a postgraduate degree in
Development Studies at BIGD (BRAC Institute of Governance and Development), BRAC
University. She has authored several articles for national newspapers and magazines.
In this interview Owakila Tabassum Mumu reflects on her journey as an author,
discusses the challenges that aspiring authors face in Bangladesh, and shares her top
three pieces of advice for aspiring authors.
How did you get started as an author? What inspires you to write?
There are stacks of books everywhere in our house because almost everyone in the
family is a bookworm. So, naturally, I became drawn to books and stories from my
childhood.
But this isn’t the only thing that inspired me to write. There’s a story behind it that has
stayed with me even years after I first learned about it, and it will continue to motivate
me to write until the end of my life.
I was in sixth grade, getting ready for lunch, completely unaware that I was about to
witness something that would change my life forever. Our housekeeper’s aunt came
through the door of my room, which I was about to leave to go to the dining table, and
began crying uncontrollably in front of me and my mother, who was standing next to
me, as perplexed as I was.
Although I cannot go into great detail about what happened to her here for personal
reasons, I can say that on that day, I learned about the plight of women in this society,
particularly those who are unaware of their rights, through her words. Following this
incident, I vowed to become the voice of women who needed to be heard through my
writings, and I am still working tirelessly to keep this promise I made to myself.
What difficulties might an aspiring writer face in Bangladesh?
It takes a lot of patience, hard work, and sometimes luck to become an author. I’ve dealt
with numerous internal and external issues.
The intrinsic challenges are very personal and vary from person to person. Extrinsic
challenges, on the other hand, are common and difficult to overlook in Bangladesh.
The difficulties begin with the search for a suitable publishing house. Although there are
thousands of publishing houses, only a few value and respect new writers.
The royalty percentage is also unsatisfactory, and it is unfortunate that many authors do
not receive the royalty they deserve, especially from their first book.
Furthermore, even in today’s internet-based world, publishers use outdated methods to
promote the books, which makes it difficult for aspiring writers to survive and grow. The
distribution channels are not modern either.
What are your plans for the future? What are some of your key suggestions for
aspiring authors?
The future is unpredictable! All I can say is that I want to continue writing and giving my
readers new perspectives on life, while also reinventing myself with each book.
Along with my writing career, I hope to make a significant contribution to the
development sector and social research in Bangladesh.
These are my suggestions for aspiring writers:
Read, read and read: The more we read, the more words, thoughts, ideas, and
conversations we consume. When all of these factors come together, we can generate
innovative ideas and gain the ability to present these ideas to others in an organized
manner. It goes without saying that new ideas, as well as how you communicate them
to others, play an important role in making an author successful.
Determine why you wish to write: This is a difficult question because there is no
definitive answer, but we should consider it. If an author can find the answer by asking
his or her heart and mind, he or she will be able to predict which path he or she will
take, giving him or her a reason to write whenever they struggle to do so.
Every time, go all out: Given how competitive the industry is, it will be difficult for an
author to survive and succeed without high-quality content. I think, every author is
connected in the sense that we all want to connect with people by sharing our thoughts.
To make that connection, we must give our best effort every time we pick up a pen to
write.
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Bengali.AI is a non-profit research initiative established for the democratization of Bengali language technology research. Formed by a group of graduates from BUET, KUET, and BRACU back in December 2017, the aim of Bengali.AI is to accelerate Bengali language research by creating large standardized open-sourced datasets – the absence of which has been a major bottleneck for Bangla research. Bengali.AI operates with a two-pronged approach. Firstly, they crowdsource language data through community-driven campaigns and curate the data with rigorous validation standards. Secondly, they crowdsource algorithms/solutions built on the datasets, through international competitions. For example, in 2019, the Bengali.AI team had crowdsourced+curated a dataset of over 500,000 handwritten Bengali graphemes. Following that in 2020, they launched an international Kaggle competition in collaboration with Google. Over 2,000 teams from all over the world partake in this competition regardless of their native tongue. These teams consisted of some of the biggest names in artificial intelligence like NVIDIA and H20.AI – all joining forces to build algorithms for Bengali optical character recognition.
Bengali.AI is asking people to submit their voice samples for a public-domain research dataset. They are running a campaign called ‘৫২ এর ৭১ বছর পূর্তি’. Since February 21st of this year, they have accumulated around 2000 hours of speech data from 23000 users through online campaigns – a major milestone that had taken English a significant amount of time to achieve. The objective of this campaign is to assist in the development of powerful and publicly available automatic speech recognition systems – paving the path for our own Bengali Siri or Alexa.
The team is also working towards a domain study on Bangladeshi Sign Language (BdSL) diversity. They aim to target 20 major regions in Bangladesh and run a survey of sign language users from these regions. This will provide the policymakers with much-needed context for sign language dissemination in the country.
On a global stage, Bengali.AI will be co-hosting the first-ever Bangla NLP workshop at arguably the largest NLP conference in the world – Empirical Methods on Natural Language Processing (EMNLP) 2023. Bangla NLP practitioners and enthusiasts will be called upon to present their amazing research works in Singapore as well as participate in research competitions on Bangla language technology.
Bengali is one of the world’s richest languages, yet, existing language technology for this language is often quite lacking, earning Bengali the unfortunate tag of a low-resource language. Moreover, there exists a large demographic for whom, access to technology is limited due to their ineptitude in English. Bengali.AI dreams of bridging this gap and making technology accessible to everyone in Bangladesh via Bengali voice, text, and signs.
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Film Alliance Bangladesh is an alliance of the stakeholders of the film and media industry
professionals based in Bangladesh who are considered as the think-tank. Today’s world
demands the film industry of Bangladesh to cope and redefine its business model, policy,
and strategy for a sustainable future. FAB has arranged a day-long summit on 30 December,
FABfest 2022, in the presence of the decision-makers, investors, and mass media sharing their
aspects and opinions allowing them to strengthen their views to cope with the hostile situation
the industry is facing. Besides, a film screening and music performance will be held. The slogan
for this event is “Reform Now.”
The summit is sponsored by Chorki, Ekattor TV, Star Cineplex, Channel I, Nagad, HoiChoi,
Toffee, SMC, and City Bank. The event will be graced by the presence of the likes of Mostofa
Sarwar Farooki, Amitabh Reza Choudhury, Piplu R khan, Syed Ahmed Shawki, Iresh Zaker,
Nuhash Humayun, Nur Safa Julhaj.
The new laws of the creative field are frightening to aspiring filmmakers. The process of
ensuring freedom has to start right now. Successful and renowned personalities will execute many sessions and joining them will allow the participants to explore deeper. There is no
registration fee for students.
To register and for further information, visit: https://filmalliancebangladesh.com/
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From the 18th to the 20th of December, Scholastica Senior Campus Uttara hosted the sixth edition of its renowned Scholastica Model United Nations Conference. This conference observed 350+ participants (commonly referred to as delegates in the MUN circuit) from over 15 of the most prestigious schools in Dhaka City.
The event was kicked off by a musical performance by the school band and an insightful speech by none other than CEO of the 10-minute school, Ayman Sadiq. Mr. Sadiq gave a fun and exciting speech on removing negativity in life and changing perspective; like treating life in percentages instead of raw numbers. The Principal and Head of the Section of Scholastica SRU, Ms. Farah Sophia Ahmed, was also in attendance at the opening ceremony. She shared words of inspiration and encouragement with all delegates while wishing them luck for the conference. Delegates were then escorted to their committees which hold mock sessions of real-world UN committees, for instance: SOCHUM, UNHRC, UNHCR, and DISEC amongst many more.
This event had been months in the planning, led by the Secretary General of the Conference, Shah Zaowad Ahnaf, and his 60+ person team. The organizing throughout all three days was flawlessly coordinated, from an extensive menu of food to beautiful decorations. There was even a Grand Dinner on the second day sponsored by Le Meridien Hotel Dhaka.
SCHOMUN VI was sponsored by title sponsor Suvastu Space, accompanied by Asia Insurance Limited, Brothers Furniture, and Erfan Traders. Stalls from Thanda Garam, Madchef, Cheez, Butter the Bakery, Love Triangle, and Waffle Up were also present. In addition to that, SCHOMUN VI also partnered with Le Meridien, PRAN, The Front Page, and Valore.
The three-day event came to a close as delegates received awards for their efforts. SRU concluded its sixth successful MUN conference, leaving all those involved with an unforgettable experience.
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Footsteps Bangladesh, a renowned next-generation organisation, is extensively working to ensure safe water access in marginalised communities across the country through its venture Project Trishna.
Since 2015, Project Trishna has been working to create water accessibility by installing filtration units in government and non-government schools where safe water availability is very limited due to high levels of contamination.
Besides providing water facilities to schools children, thousands of people in several public places and government hospitals have been served every day through the water filtration units that Footsteps has provided.
Since last year, the project has expanded its operation by setting up tubewells in rural communities where the people struggle to meet their daily need for water in their regular activities. Till date, Footsteps impacted over lives of 3,00,000 people in 27 different districts through its projects.
Like every year, Footsteps has launched a month-long campaign in this holy month of Ramadan where they are accepting donations and Sadaqah from the loving hands of mass people. Taslima Begum is one of the beneficiaries whose family has been provided with a tubewell by a portion of the funds Footsteps collected from last year’s campaign.
Following this year, Footsteps is working diligently with an aim to ensure water accessibility for 5,00,000 people across Bangladesh this year only. With your participation in the campaign, you can spread and share their joy across boundaries where people are devoid of even the basic necessities of life.
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Have you seen people write words in a dramatic fashion using the Batman Name Generator in the past month? Well, it turns out the creator of the name generator is a Bangladeshi University Student named Shajid Hasan.
Shajid, your Batman generator was incredibly popular. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling great! And yeah, it’s alright. Yeah, it kinda blew out of proportion. I had absolutely no clue that this would get this big.
When did you first realize that it went viral? What was your reaction?
Okay, so I shared the link in some Bangladeshi communities and people seemed to like it. I was happy and then I kind of forgot about it. The next evening, I was checking my emails and I saw someone wanted to contribute to the project in GitHub. GitHub is a place where you can host codes for a program/website/app. It was quite surprising, but I was absolutely blown away when I visited the GitHub page of this project and found out there were 97 stars!
Now, 97 stars is a big deal because a very small percentage of the common internet users are actually developers. So the fact that there were 97 stars meant a lot of people must have visited this website and 97 of them cared enough to visit its GitHub page and put a star there.
Then, to investigate how it happened, I did a Google search and found a publisher called Collider covered this website. There were lots of posts about it on Twitter too. I literally gasped and showed everything I found to my friends and family. This was honestly a huge surprise because never in a million year would I think this would get this big. I was super happy.
Screenrant covered your website and it’s a really amazing deal. How did you feel when you realized an international outlet recognized the generator?
I was, of course, on top of the world when I spotted it. I casually searched for “The Batman” to take a look at the reviews of the film. I saw ScreenRant covered the website, and it was right there on the front page! I was triumphantly happy! Not long after, I also found publishers like CBR also posted about it.
Does it bother you that not many not know you yet or are aware of the fact that you’re behind the generator? Honestly, a lot of people don’t know that it was created by a Bangladeshi.
Umm, I saw many people mad about it, that their compatriot didn’t get much credit for this. But frankly speaking, no it doesn’t bother me. I’m just happy that a lot of people had fun with it. I mean, if they mentioned my name somewhere obviously, I would love that but overall, it doesn’t matter a lot to me. If I’d care for credit, I would’ve put my name on the website. I left the GitHub link there just so someone can take a look at the source code of the app.
What tools did you use to make the generator? Did you use any framework or did you make everything from scratch?
I don’t know how technical you need me to get here but basically I used JavaScript, HTML Canvas and a little bit of math. I used the Svelte framework!
Have you been programming before starting university or is this everything from university knowledge?
I just got into university this year. I’ve been programming for quite a while now. Doing little projects every now and then. I happen to have an Android app that has over a million downloads a year too! The app is called Likhon- Bangla on Photos.
What inspired you to create the Batman name generator?
Oh, it’s just that some people were posting their names that looked like the Batman logo. And a lot of people were commenting on those posts, saying they wanted one for themselves too.
I thought I could automate the whole process so I went ahead and built the web app. To help everyone get this logo in a jiffy.
Are you planning on working on something in the near future?
Oh yes! I have loads and loads of plans. I have a couple of apps, but I need some data and some marketing materials to launch them. I firmly believe these apps would benefit a lot of people in a very awesome way.
I mean I’m already working on a lot of stuff.
How long have you been programming to be specific?
Since 2014, I guess. Although I’ve developed interest in web development only recently.
Do you have any message for us or people read this interview?
“Do what you love and magic will happen!”
The Front Page had a really nice time talking with Shajid and we hope to see many more initiatives by Bangladeshis in the future.
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A Bhelpuri-Panipuri wala mama in Dhanmodi area of Dhaka is so famous that he is available on Food Delivery platform Foodpanda as well.
He is seen setting up his stall near Dhanmondi Lake beside Road 5/A.
Selling bhelpuri and panipuri for 25-30 Taka, Mama said prices of commodities have gone up, that’s why he is also forced to increase prices of his bhelpuri and panipuri items.
He also takes order for Marriage and Holud events and sets up stalls in the event places as well.
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Model United Nations Conferences. An academic simulation that delineates the art of diplomacy, negotiation skills, lobbying, public speaking and keeping up with the foreign policies of each delegation. Model United Nations or MUN has grown popular worldwide in contemporary times. MUN is a student-run model of the United Nations, which is associated with the modeling of hundreds of entities that comprise the renowned international organization. MUN provides an unprecedented opportunity to hone public speaking, international relations, and diplomacy abilities.
It has expanded much beyond this traditional framework. The first conference to model UN practice was held at Swarthmore College in 1947, and included debates about nuclear weapons, refugees, and postwar rebuilding, all of which are still discussed at conferences today.
The popularity of High School MUN grew substantially in the second half of the twentieth century, as more and more conferences began to form throughout the world. Currently, it includes models of everything from General Assembly organs like the United Nations Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM) to regional supranational entities like the European Union (EU) to cabinets, corporate boards, and more! Delegates from all over the globe go to attend MUN conferences, where they mimic one of dozens of committees and collaborate to solve the world’s main problems in accordance with policies and perspectives of their assigned country.
BUP Global Affairs Council is a recognized club in the Bangladesh Model United Nations community that has been keeping its prestige and excellence since 2015 by organizing innovative and successful MUN conferences every year. BUP Global Affairs Council held its first model United Conference in 2016. is one of the best MUN conferences that the country has ever seen. BUP Global Affairs Council set up BUP Intra MUN 2017 as another way to find bright people who need to improve their skills. In the same year BUP International Model United Nation conference, BUPIMUN 2017 was held with much prestige. BUPIMUN 2018 preparations began soon after that.
In 2019, BUPGAC organized its first non-MUN event called “Lead It.” It got a lot of attention and turned out well. BUP Intra MUN 2019 gave out some of the best prizes to the people among the participating delegates.
History changed for BUPGAC in the year 2020. A lot of events, like QuaranTeen Week, EiFAC-Exchanging Ideas For A Change, and Brink 2.0, were put on to make the pandemic as big as possible. “BUP International Model United Nations Conference 2020 ” was a huge success as well.
BUPIMUN 2020 took into account the COVID-19 issue’s sensitivity by adhering to social distancing norms. As a result, the entire four-day conference was held online, making it easier for delegates to work and giving each person more chances to be heard. In 2021, Brink 3.0 came out which was a great way to address important issues with new ideas and empower these future leaders. On top of that, the club also made a web show about the Palestine-Israel conflict. BUP Global Affairs Council is still working at an exceptional level, exceeding all expectations, in order to help young people learn more about this field through skill development.
BUPGAC has hosted a bunch of Model United Nations conferences and other seminars. BUPIMUN anticipates unique phenomena from its delegates and executive board members, and strives to create successful conferences worth remembering for a lifetime. Students take satisfaction in MUN’s hospitable capacity and also in the full-fledged best academic learning recorded in their thoughts. The Secretariat members have the compatibility and commitment to deliver the best experience possible for the delegates, and they have never failed to impress. With the goal of serving the greater good and arranging an educational and intellectual conference for students each year, the forthcoming event is the BUP International Model United Nations Conference 2021, which will take place from February 10 to February 12. In terms of commitment and promise, this time around, the allure and excitement are greater. The excitement of the sessions with eight energetic committees is poised to raise the conference’s flag with an exceptional flag bearer named Md Nazmul Hasan Swapan, the Secretary General of BUPIMUN 2021. The 14 departments and their extraordinary sense of hospitality, which awakens delegates’ dormant spirits, welcome guests with boxes of surprises.
Event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1268650440318672
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COVID-19 has created a new chapter in the digital and e-commerce sectors all over the world; as well as in Bangladesh.
And, in this new chapter with the beginning of the New Year, a group of young and creative individuals has come up with an innovative business idea called Sell Bee.
‘???? ???’ is a ‘B2B2C’ (business to business to consumer) platform that handles all aspects of e-business. Bee360° and Bee180° are the two primary services that they offer. Bee360° is for those who want to start a new online business from scratch, while Bee180° is for those who already have a business and want to improve it.
Through these two prominent services mentioned above, they provide a wide range of facilities, such as Website, Product Supply, Product Packaging, Product Photography, Delivery System, Online Marketing & Boosting service, E-business Analysis, and Promotional Content.
Sell Bee is integrating all of these services under one roof, which makes an online trader’s work easier and motivates them to make more engagement with their business to accomplish their desired goals.
Did you know? you can follow us on instagram too! Check out our feed: https://instagram.com/thefrontpagebd
On LinkedIn? Why not follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefrontpagebd
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