Lifestyle
Legal writer John Grisham pens a basketball thriller
“Sooley,” by John Grisham (Doubleday)
When you’ve written 35 novels and are working on a streak of 43 consecutive No. 1 New York Times bestsellers, you can write about whatever you want. That’s probably the simplest way to explain why John Grisham’s latest is a basketball story and doesn’t feature a single courtroom scene.
It’s not the first sports book for Grisham, of course, but it’s the first set in the big-time world of college hoops. Samuel Sooleymon, nicknamed Sooley, is a 17-year-old playing on dirt courts in his native South Sudan when we first meet him. Growing like a weed and with an infectious passion for the game, soon he’s in Orlando playing on a team of traveling Sudanese all-stars, showcasing his skills for college coaches.
The joy of a Grisham novel is turning the pages as the plot propels you forward, so I’ll avoid revealing too much. Suffice it to say “Sooley” follows the familiar Grisham playbook — short chapters, plenty of foreshadowing, and a rapid-fire prose that’s easy to read and hard to put down.
Grisham seems to enjoy moonlighting as a sportswriter. There are entire paragraphs that read like AP game recaps: “Central ripped off a 14-0 run and led by 15 at the half... Sooley grabbed 11 rebounds, for his first double-double... Sooley, still coming off the bench but playing 29 minutes, scored 31 and blocked four shots.” He relishes putting words in the mouth of Sooley’s fictional coach, who tells his team before their first-ever NCAA tournament game: “Men, we don’t deserve respect. Yet. Respect is out there on the floor, just waiting for us to go get it.” If they can get the casting right, it’ll make an action-packed sports movie.
Harder to recreate in a film adaptation will be the secondary plot of the novel, which focuses on the family Sooley leaves behind in Sudan. When a rebel group burns their village, they join millions of fellow refugees fleeing the country, eventually finding food and shelter in a Ugandan camp. They’re never far from Sooley’s mind as his basketball career takes flight in America and the juxtaposition of his fame and celebrity with his family’s plight back home is the heart of the story.
When Sooley’s college team, North Carolina Central, qualifies for March Madness, Grisham has a little fun with his fiction and history, writing, “Never in the tournament’s storied history had a No. 16 beaten a No. 1.” The novel is set in 2016, two years prior to Grisham’s favorite team, No. 1-ranked Virginia, losing to No. 16-ranked University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in the 2018 tournament.
It’s not spoiling too much to say that Sooley’s team makes history in Grisham’s world and their dream season continues. The pages turn even more quickly after that, building to a climax that won’t leave readers doubting whether this is a John Grisham novel.
Bangladeshi Imtiaj Rasel in the running for Sovereign Asian Art Prize
Bangladeshi artist Imtiaj Rasel is in the running for a prestigious art prize in Asia.
He is among 30 artists from the Asia-Pacific region who have been nominated for this year's Sovereign Asian Art Prize.
With his artwork, ‘Journey by Bus’, being shortlisted, Rasel is now competing with artists from India, Australia, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, Japan, Iran, Singapore, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and host Hong Kong for the prize.
Rasel, an ICCR scholarship recipient, holds an MFA degree in painting from Rabindra Bharati University (2019). He went to Kolkata for higher studies after earning a bachelor's degree in painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University in 2015.
“I received an email on September 18, 2020 from the Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) about my nomination, which was sent on behalf of me by artist Tayeba Begum Lipi. After that, I applied before the October 19 deadline. The authorities informed me by email about being a finalist on February 22, 2021,” he told UNB.
Using his travel experiences as a visual language, Rasel explores connections between places, culture, environment, time, and memory. Through this practice, he is instilled with a sense of wanderlust, through which new narratives are created.
On his 'Journey by Bus’, Rasel told UNB, "My travels instilled in me a wanderlust, which makes me explore the landscape from a visual and research point of view. I continued observing people during those bus journeys and made instant drawings, sometimes captured photographs. Later, I painted those elements on the bus tickets."
“Here I have tried to communicate with the characteristic of the local community, society and situations," he added.
Rasel has received the Artist Grant for the Brihatta Home Art Project, Brihatta Art Foundation (2020), and the Kazi Abdul Baset Memorial Award from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka (2016). His artworks were exhibited at the 52nd Annual Exhibition, Birla Academy of Fine Art, Kolkata (2019); 23rd National Exhibition, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka (2019), and All India Fine Art Annual Exhibition, Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata (2018), to name a few.
The Sovereign Asian Art Prize was launched in 2003 to increase the international exposure of artists in the region while raising funds for programmes supporting disadvantaged children using expressive arts. Held annually, the prize is now recognised as the most established and prestigious annual art award in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Prize invites mid-career contemporary artists, nominated by a board of independent art professionals, to each enter up to three artworks online. A judging panel comprising world-class art experts shortlist the 30 best artworks from a range of digital images.
The shortlisted artworks are then exhibited in Hong Kong, where they are judged for a second time and voted on by the public. The judges’ scores are aggregated, and a Grand Prize winner is named. The other shortlisted artworks are auctioned, and proceeds split evenly between the artists and SAF. Artists receive the same split as they would through a gallery and the artworks often fetch higher prices through the generous bidding from charity patrons.
All of these 30 shortlisted artworks for the 2021 Sovereign Asian Art Prize will be exhibited at Hong Kong’s famous 9 Queen’s Road Central building from May 5 to May 16, 2021.
To boost engagement and increase exposure for the artists, art admirers from all over the world are invited to cast a vote online or in-person for their favourite artwork displayed in the exhibition.
Art-admirers from Bangladesh and all over the world can vote and make Rasel the grand prize winner by visiting https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/art-prizes/2021-edition/?fbclid=IwAR15uwCkB3ChY3DxCi9PBrLwPltBnOBS27GU8D6-UxZuV-pxDeDL8PIvGrs.
Different forms of Vitamin D: Benefits, sources of Vitamin D1 vs D2 vs D3
Vitamins have been thrown around so commonly in advertisements that it becomes difficult to accurately distinguish this nutrient, its subcategories and the benefits each possess. Vitamin D in particular is one of the most flexible among the lot and flies under the radar more than one might think. Vitamin D has several forms that offer different ranges of benefits. Here is a deeper look at the health benefits and sources of different forms of Vitamin D.
What Is Vitamin D?
Otherwise known as Calciferol, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is normally commonly consumed in certain foods or when UV rays from the sun makes contact with the skin and begins a sort of synthesis of the nutrient. In order to process this vitamin, hydroxylations are necessary for absorption and conversion. The liver is responsible for converting it into hydroxyvtamin D, known as Calcidiol. The kidney also undergoes through this process and produces dihydroxyvtamin D, also called Calcitriol. Essentially, the gut is the primary source of absorption that allows the nutrient to do a number of things for the body.
Read Vitamin D: Benefits, food sources, recommended amounts, and risks
Different Forms of Vitamin D
Adolf Windaus, a renowned German researcher, discovered 3 different forms of vitamin D, which he referred as Vitamin D1, Vitamin D2, and Vitamin D3.
Vitamin D1 is an assortment of compounds instead of a pure vitamin D product. The other two forms (D2 and D3) are significant for humans.
Vitamin D2 is manmade. This synthetic form of Vitamin D is called ergocalciferol. Vitamin D2 is widely available in fortified foods and plant sources. Vitamin D3 can be consumed through vitamin D supplements like oral tablets, capsules.
On the other hand, Vitamin D3 is known as cholecalciferol. It is mainly the internal form of Vitamin D that human produces. Vitamin D3 is found in the vitamin D supplements of diverse strengths. Vitamin D3 comes from animal sources such as egg yolks, fish oil, fish, liver, etc.
Read Vitamin D can help reduce Covid-19 risk by 54 pc: Boston University doctor
Health Benefits of Vitamin D2 and D3
Good For The Bones
Working in tandem with calcium, one of Vitamin D’s most prevalent benefits is its role in regulating calcium and phosphorus within the blood. The two are recipes for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Naturally, calcium and Vitamin D are synonymous with each other and a deficiency in the latter can lead to the softening of bones, especially among children. Even with a surplus of calcium, the gut’s ability to process it highly depends on Vitamin D’s involvement.
It Can Fight The Flu
In 2010 and 2018, various studies have shown that Vitamin D has the ability to fight off the flu. As a relatively common illness, this perk alone should be an attractive reason to up the intake of this nutrient. Specifically, the lack of Vitamin D was shown in a 2017 study; demonstrating that the deficit of this nutrient can lead to respiratory infections. By no means can a Vitamin D surplus safeguard the body when one already has the flu, but regularly taking Vitamin D can help reduce the risk significantly.
Read Vitamin C: Where to Found and How Much to Consume
Reduces Risk Of Allergies For Children
As their bodies develop, children tend to be more susceptible to allergies, however Vitamin D can reduce these risks considerably. Studies have shown that the deficiency of the nutrient has contributed to tolerance over potential allergic reactions. Foods rich in Vitamin D are ideal staples for babies between four to six months of age as the early years will determine how the body develops immunity. Also, Vitamin D is shown to have anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids which is a booster to asthma immunisation.
It Can Help Strengthen Muscles
Vitamin D doesn’t exactly function as a source of muscle growth like protein does, but it does preserve the health of muscles overall. It means preserving the integrity of muscle fibres and general movement for those who face muscle deterioration such as the elderly. For that demographic, having a good amount of Vitamin D is critical in order to avoid potential fall risks at a senior age. These falls can consequently lead to disabilities due to poor muscle maintenance which is where this nutrient arguably sees its greatest function.
Read Higher Vitamin D in 1st year of life can help against obesity in adolescence: study
Best Sources of Vitamin D2 and D3
Sunlight
Sometimes known as the “Sunshine vitamin”, Vitamin D (Specifically, Vitamin D3) has possibly one of the easiest ways to get into the body, that being standing under the sun. Interestingly enough, when the nutrient comes from the sun, it stay in the body for twice as long. It is difficult to find the right amount of exposure to the sun, but can be roughly gauged as long as the skin does not suffer from sunburns or drastic tans. Despite how enticing this sounds, this source should not be a replacement for food sources and serve as a complementary role.
Seafood
If you’re a fan of seafood, getting your fix of Vitamin D3 will be a treat. Seafood like tuna, oysters, sardines, anchovies and mackerel are all rich sources of the nutrient and arguably provide one of the highest count per serving. A can of salmon can provide up to 386 IU of Vitamin D which is already part of the regular daily intake. These seafood options are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, therefore moderation will be key to pile up without taking the drawbacks of excess.
Read 4 Vitamin D-Rich Drinks You Must Add To Your Diet To Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another treasure trove of Vitamin D2, should you wish to stay far away from seafood. Mushrooms can also create their own Vitamin D when exposed to the UV from sunlight, however their Vitamin D is ergocalciferol. Not as effective as the ones humans produce, but still high in quantity and certainly a valuable source when in need of a fix. Different mushrooms will have varied amounts of Vitamin D per serving, but it is still worth committing to.
Egg Yolk
Classically, egg whites have been the favorite among many fitness buffs for its rich protein count, while egg yolk has been notorious for spiking cholesterol levels. While the concern has validity when egg yolk is consumed in excess, under the healthy amount of intake, it is an excellent source of Vitamin D3. Depending on how the environment that the chickens are raised in, the vitamin count differs between each egg - varying between two to five percent of the recommended daily dose. It may not offer the highest vitamin count, but it is a flexible ingredient that is worth more attention.
Read Vitamin D deficiency may increase risk of getting Covid-19: Study
World Book Day: Discovering the pleasure of reading
Book enthusiasts around the globe marked World Book Day on Friday, which falls on April 23 every year, without any festivity amid the pandemic.
Book lovers celebrated the day with their favourite paperbacks or digital editions.
Since its inception, it has been observed in different countries to raise public awareness about reading books, printing books, circulations, preserving copyrights of the writers-publishers and other aspects.
Read Develop the habit of reading: PM Hasina
Regarding this special day, UNESCO’s official statement says: “23 April is a symbolic date for world literature. It is on this date in 1616 that Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors, such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.”
“It was a natural choice for UNESCO's General Conference, held in Paris in 1995, to pay a worldwide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those, who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity.
“With this in mind, UNESCO created World Book and Copyright Day. The Day is celebrated by a growing number of partners and since its launch has shown itself to be a great opportunity for reflection and information on a significant theme,” the official statement stated.
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Each year, UNESCO and international organisations representing publishers, booksellers, and libraries select the World Book Capital for a one-year period. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, has been selected as the World Book Capital for 2021.
Pandemic hits book industry
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Bangladesh - like the rest of the world - has experienced a dramatic drop in terms of garnering revenue from printed books, and the most unfortunate victim of the situation has been the recently concluded traditional Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2021.
Despite the odds, the number of online consumers has increased in recent times, just like the other e-commerce businesses. In addition to that, a large number of readers are also being attracted to e-books and audiobooks, both of which are seeing growing popularity in the western world.
Read A book fair unlike any other
From online-based book-selling platforms like Rokomari to well-reputed bookstores such as Bengal Boi, Batighar, Anyaprokash and more have been consistently utilising this opportunity to remain the bridge between the authors and the readers through online marketplace.
In terms of readers, although the general idea is that the number of readers has decreased over the years - there is still a good number of readers passionately continuing the practice and habit of reading.
This readership is not only being evaluated based on the number of readers of paperback editions, but the e-book phenomena too, which is now a more convenient option for many readers.
Read Best Online Book Selling Websites in Bangladesh in 2021
The best companion
"Books are the lifelong guardians, partners and friends that can have a positive effect on many things in our lives. A good book is also a great companion in times of our loneliness. During last year's pandemic and lockdown, people opted to pursue many positive and creative ways to battle against anxiety and depression, which, in my case, were my books," Masud Parvez Ove, debate facilitator and college teacher at South Point School and College told UNB.
Echoing the love of books and the importance of World Book Day, Tanisha Ahmed, a teacher at Lakehead Grammar School, Dhaka and an English literature graduate from East West University, said: "Marquee occasions like World Book Day remind us about the significance of reading as a lifehack.
“During my undergraduate years as a student of English literature, I came across reading some of the incredible literary creations which not only enlightened and delighted me as a reader, but also broaden my vision and perspective towards life.
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“Carrying those learnings forward, now I teach my students to be in love with books, which is undoubtedly the best companion to anyone."
Ronni Ahmmed’s solo exhibition explores mysticism of Sufism
Month-long exhibition ‘NOOR’ by artist and painter Ronni Ahmed recently begun in the capital in both offline gallery and virtual platform.
The exclusive, solo exhibition started on April 14 at Bengal Art Lounge, Gulshan Avenue, marking both the occasions of the first day of Ramadan and Pahela Baishakh 1428.
But the ongoing countrywide lockdown forced the exhibition to go virtual in association with art agency ARTcon.
Showcasing Ahmed's personal and artistic journey toward Sufism, NOOR features 48 paintings and five installations, along with a premiere screening of the film ‘Taslima’s Garden’.
Read Two-month long art show on Sheikh Hasina ends with tributes to Bangabandhu
The works in the exhibition are themed on the mystical and romantic aspects of Sufism, where light and enlightenment are emphasised. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) art project by the artist can also be viewed in a VR tour of his own studio.
Kishwar wins Australians hearts with her Bangladeshi recipe on Masterchef
A Bangladeshi woman has won much applause following her participation in MasterChef Australia, a competitive TV cooking show that is a global phenomenon.
The Bangladeshi expatriate Kishwar is a 38-year-old lady with two kids who finds delight by presenting Bangladesh dishes to her family members, she said at the programme.
Kishwar, who lives in Melbourne of Victoria with her family, prepared a Bangladeshi dish with sardines at the competition.
Her dream was to write a cooking book presenting Bangladesh food recipes and Bangladeshi flavor, she explained at the show with wet eyes.
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“If I don’t do that this food recipe and flavor will fade with me, I really want to pass them to my children,” she said while describing her small dream.
The judges of the show immediately passed her a Yes card after tasting the food, making her qualify for the round of 24 in the competition. One of the judges said “This is testament to the fact that simple food, you have nowhere to hide with it, can be the best and most triumphant in the world.”
MasterChef Australia is an Australian competitive cooking show based on the original British MasterChef.
Initial rounds consist of a large number of hopeful contestants from across Australia individually "auditioning" by presenting a food dish before the three judges in order to gain one of 50 semi-final places.
Also read: Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes dies at 59 with wife by his side
The semi-finalists then compete in several challenges that test their food knowledge and preparation skills.
The contestants will then be whittled down through a number of individual and team-based cooking challenges and weekly elimination rounds until a winning MasterChef is crowned.
The winner plays for a prize that includes chef training from leading professional chefs, the chance to have their own cookbook published, and $ 250,000 in cash.
Read Iftar Items, Recipes for Ramadan in Bangladesh
Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits and Risk of Regular Consumption
When we think apple juice, we think of a refreshing beverage that is sweet and packed with nutrients. Crushed apples made into fermented juice, however, is an unfiltered version of the aforementioned that surprisingly provides more health benefits than the ingredient may lead you to believe. Functioning as an ingredient to many dining staples, here’s how apple cider vinegar can benefit you and the risks associated with it under regular consumption.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar Used For?
Despite the sounds of it, apple cider vinegar isn’t exactly a viable choice to pick up and drink. When the juice begins to ferment, its sugar is replaced with alcohol. The”vinegar” in its name is the one you’ll want to pay closer attention to - it is not commonly drunk straight like other types of apple-based liquids, and functions best as an ingredient for salad dressing, baking, cooking and preservatives. It isn’t abnormal to consume it directly, but that comes with its own set of risks if taken in excess.
Strangely enough, the ingredient has tons of medicinal properties that can cure colds, warts and even bug bites. The ingredient also has a place in cosmetics - serving as a natural conditioner. Because of its strong acidic properties, apple cider vinegar can also act as a household cleaner and odor remover. That is not to be confused with being inedible, as it can safely be used in soups, sauces, hot beverages and much more.
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Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Weight Loss
According to a study, all it took for weight loss was two tablespoons (30ml) of apple cider vinegar daily for three months to generate weight loss. Like other natural foods, this isn’t a cure for being overweight, but it does suppress one’s appetite enough to slow food urges throughout the day. With apple cider vinegar being a completely natural product, calories and sugar levels are incredibly low. If your diet would couple this ingredient with other healthy food options and exercise, results are guaranteed!
Improves Digestion
Because apple cider vinegar contains heaps of acid, naturally that means that the digestive tract will be affected. The higher acidity count enables the body to create pepsin which is an enzyme that breaks down protein. Studies have shown that this ingredient was effective specifically for protein-based diets, which indirectly leads to mitigating constipation or other bowel irregularities.
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Lowers Blood Sugar
Type 2 diabetes is a serious threat that grows every year and apple cider vinegar does a good job to reduce overall blood sugar levels. The fermentation process that creates the ingredient does away with sugar, which makes its natural count extremely low when added into foods. Additionally, apple cider vinegar has proven in research to improve the sensitivity of insulin in carbohydrate-heavy meals, which lowers blood sugar already in the body. It is not an antidote for high blood sugar levels, but it is one of the best ingredients to complement low sugar diets.
Good Skin Treatment
The high acidic content in apple cider vinegar also plays a role in balancing the PH levels of the skin. Conditions like eczema, dry skin, and insect bites are responsible for skin irritation - and alkaline-based cleansers can harm to the skin when overused. The ingredient also boasts anti-bacterial properties and can be applied on the skin sparingly to prevent acne breakouts and odor. Although its benefits lie in a more medicinal approach, apple cider vinegar can work just fine as a cleanser.
Read Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses
Good For The Hair
Apple cider vinegar tackles the hair on two fronts: the first, and arguably most important is its ability to get rid of dandruff. This is thanks to vinegar's acetic acid that alters the scalps PH level that prevents yeast build up - one of the culprits that creates dandruff in the first place. When applied in between washes, this ingredient can also moisturise the hair to a certain extent and prevent overall dryness. Once again, the vinegar serves as a catalyst more than a solution to existing hair conditions.
Side Effects & RIsk of Apple Cider Vinegar
Slows Digestion
As anything that is taken in excess, too much of apple cider vinegar can cause a lot of health problems; the first also being indigestion. High acidity comes at a cost when overconsumed. Granted, this ingredient can do wonders for the digestive system, but things can get significantly worse when taking in too much. Although it does reduce blood sugar levels, the result of this also leads to food having a prolonged stay in the stomach. This slowed rate of absorption into the bloodstream can cause damage to the nerves of the stomach called gastroparesis. Other side effects to this condition include bloating, heartburn and nausea.
Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters
Weakens The Bones
The body faces a severe reduction in potassium levels when apple cider vinegar is consumed too frequently. The lack of potassium causes brittleness in bones. This is once again the byproduct of the incredible amounts of acidity found in the ingredient. Because of this, mineral transportation is interfered within the bloodstream which leads to this malnourishment. It also hampers the ability for new bone to grow, but it can be avoided if apple cider vinegar isn’t consumed daily in copious amounts.
Can Cause Sore Throat
Adults may not deal with the brunt of this side effect but children have been reported to suffer from this when consuming this ingredient. Vinegar’s high count of acetic acid specifically has been proven to be the leading cause of throat burns among children, which presents a risk that can easily be avoided with proper supervision. Adults have also faced a similar issue when consuming apple cider vinegar pills, which has caused severe throat irritation over the course of daily consumption.
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Iftar Items, Recipes for Ramadan in Bangladesh
After a long day of fasting, we tend to get more interest in delicious food in iftar. But iftar food should not only be tasty and nutritious, but it should also be healthy. Most of the iftar items sold in the market are adulterated, which are deadly harmful to our health. Hence, Proper and healthy iftar is a very important issue to maintain physical health during the month of Ramadan. Only a balanced and healthy iftar can meet the proper nutritional needs as well as keep the body healthy and active. The iftar menu should be arranged in such a way that it is suitable for everyone. Here will discuss popular and healthy iftar item you can make at home.
Popular Iftar Items
When it comes to popular iftar items, we understand the different fried items. Our iftar remains incomplete without the fried items such as Chop, Peyaju, Pakora, and other oily items. However, these iftar items are not healthy for our body, especially when we eat them for months. The continuous consumption of this item may cause issues with gastric ulcers, heartburn, and more. You may take them once in a while or a small amount every day during Ramadan.
Also read: Islamic Foundation releases Sehri, iftar timings
Here we have listed a few popular fried iftar Items.
Egg Chop
Many of us would like to have egg chop in our iftar. Especially children like this food very much. That's why many people tend to buy egg chops from outside or make this at home. However, making egg chop can be tricky for some people. For those who don't know the easiest recipe for egg chop, here we have explained briefly.
Ingredients you will need boiled eggs, boiled potatoes, chopped onions, chili, chili powder, salt, bread crumbs, beaten eggs, and oil.
Boil the eggs and potatoes and peel them off, and cut each egg in half (depends on individuals).
Mix the boiled potatoes with onion powder, raw chili powder, coriander leaf powder, chili powder, and salt very well. Now fill the whole boiled egg inside the potato mixture and make it in the shape of a chop. Beat 2 eggs with a little salt. Dip the chops in the egg yolks, wrap them in bread crumbs and keep them in the fridge for some time.
Also read:'No iftar gatherings, sehri in mosques during Ramadan'
Now take the chops out of the fridge and deep fry them in oil so that the brown color comes. When done, serve hot on the iftar table.
(we did not mention the amount of each ingredient as it varies on individual's taste the required quantity, you can use ingredients according to your needs)
Beguni
Beguni is one of the different foods in Iftar and adds an extra flavor to Iftar.
Required ingredients are thinly sliced eggplants, finely ground, 1 cup of gram lentils, 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/3 teaspoon of cumin paste, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger paste, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic paste, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cornflour, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, amount of salt, amount of water, 1 egg, amount of oil for frying eggplant.
To make the Bason mixture, take the gram flour in a bowl and mix all the ingredients well except the eggplant, water, eggs, and oil.
After that, heat the taken oil in a saucepan to start frying. Then dip the thinly sliced eggplant in the besan mixture and fry it in deep oil till it turns brown. The fun item of Iftar became purple.
Piyaju
Piyaju is one of the main ingredients of Iftar and Iftar is not complete without it. However, Piyaju making procedure is simple, like a piece of cake.
Also read: Shops finally start selling Iftar delicacies on a limited scale
Ingredients you need, Lentil paste 1/2 cup, onion powder 1 cup, raw chili powder 1 teaspoon, coriander powder 1 tablespoon, ginger paste 1 teaspoon, garlic paste 1 teaspoon, mint leaf powder 1 tablespoon, salt and oil as required.
Mix all the ingredients with the lentil paste and fry in different sizes, from large to small, as per your choice. You can add any sauce or chaat masala if you want during the service.
Healthy Iftar Items
Healthy iftar items provide full nutrition and keep the body light. Following healthy food items should be your top priority during Ramadan to ensure a healthy life.
Chicken Salad
1 Cup of chicken salad and other ingredients can get you 508 calories. Required ingredients are 1 cup of boneless chicken, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of onion powder (can also be made with onion), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika powder/half teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, Half a teaspoon of oregano (available in super shops), a little bit of dried chili powder, 1 tablespoon of tomato ketchup, salt to taste, 1 tablespoon of oil, cucumber slices, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce slices and lemon juice, a little olive oil.
Mix all the ingredients of the meat without oil and marinate for 10 minutes. One hour is better. First, heat the oil in a pan and cook the marinated meat on medium heat. When fried, take it down. Now add chopped cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce to the salad with a little salt, fried crispy noodles, lemon juice, and a little olive oil.
Juice
It is very healthy to drink the juice of different fruits like orange, mango, apple, mixed fruit, etc. You can blend it if you want; you can also buy good quality juice. Eating cold juice also keeps your stomach cold and boosts up digestion. Also, it can relieve dehydration. Juice from one cup or 249 grams of fruit can get you roughly 136 calories.
Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters
Soup
Soup but very effective, is a healthy option for iftar. You can easily make soup with ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, prawns, chicken, vegetables, etc. Soup is high in protein, minerals, fiber, vitamins, low-calorie, and low-fat, which is 100% nutritious and delicious. Depending on the ingredients, one cup of soup can be a source of 50-140 calories.
Chira
Chira is an excellent item for iftar, and it can satisfy hunger by keeping the stomach cool by eliminating the lack of water. It can be made by soaking them in water or cooking chira in different ways. However, banana slices, yogurt, and soaked chira mix can retain your energy after fasting the whole day. Depending on the yogurt type, you can get approximately 200 calories from this iftar item.
Apart from these items, you can also easily make very tasty and healthy iftar items with eggs, flour, rice, potatoes, honey, etc. Besides, try to use a very little amount of oil if your fry something.
You can also easily make very tasty and healthy iftar items with eggs, flour, rice, potatoes, honey, etc. And try to oil the folds very little.
Read Pink Chai: Kashmiri Tea Health Benefits, Recipe.
Bangla Academy Chairman Shamsuzzaman Khan loses battle with Covid-19
Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, legendary folklorist and Chairman of Bangla Academy, passed away at a city hospital Wednesday (April 14, 2021) after losing his battle with Covid-19.
The 80-year-old was on life support after being tested Covid-19 positive and was undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Hospital for other illnesses as well.
Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Siraji confirmed the news to UNB, saying: "Professor Shamsuzzaman breathed his last at around 2pm at BSMMU after fighting with Covid-19 for two weeks."
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The folklorist will be laid to rest at his family graveyard in Manikganj later in the day.
Professor Shamsuzzaman was put on life support on Monday as his condition had worsened. He and his wife tested positive for Covid-19 on March 30.
Born in 1940 in Manikganj's Charigram, Shamsuzzaman is recognised as one of the most respected folklorists of the country.
As a folklorist, researcher and writer, Shamsuzzaman penned and edited more than 100 books including "Folklore Charcha," "Muktabuddhi," "Dharmanirapekshata O Samakal," "Bangarashtrer Galpasamagra," "Kishore Rachanasamagra," and "Bangladesher Utsab."
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He was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 2001, Ekushey Padak in 2009 and Independence Award in 2017 for his great contribution to the arts and culture of Bangladesh.
The folklorist completed his post-graduation from the University of Dhaka and started his career as a lecturer for Haraganga College in Munshiganj and Jagannath College (now university) in 1964.
He was appointed as the director-general of Bangla Academy on May 24, 2009, and continued till May 23, 2018.
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Shamsuzzaman was named the new Bangla Academy Chairman in June 2020 after the death of former president National Professor Anisuzzaman, who also died from Covid-19.
In his esteemed career, Shamsuzzaman also served as the director-general of Bangladesh National Museum and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Shamsuzzaman worked as a faculty member of Bangladesh Agricultural University from 1968 to 1973 and National University from 1998 to 2001, too.
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After lives & livelihoods: Covid strikes at culture, with Pahela Baishakh forced indoors
The country will be forced to abandon its traditional Bengali New Year celebration on April 14 for a second consecutive year, as the local outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic witnesses a resurgence, forcing the festive occasion of Pahela Baishakh to be welcomed and celebrated once again through online platforms and symbolic programmes like the last year.
Although millions are bound to be disappointed by the turn of events, most of them would not be surprised that it came to such a pass, where the year 1428 in the Bengali calendar will be ushered in by most people indoors, same as 1427 was a year ago.
With its celebration of the changing of the seasons, rooted in nature through its relation with the spring harvest, and rife with symbolism drawn from the region's flora and fauna, Pahela Baishakh is an essentially outdoor event. No one can look forward to recreating any of its traditional magic in an indoor setting. Besides, Covid restrictions mean very few can even gather under the same roof to be with their near and dear ones at least.
Renowned cultural organizations and institutions including Chhayanaut, the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) of Dhaka University, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum Bangladesh (LWM) and more will observe the day with online-based festivities and programmes, to welcome the new calendar year 1428.
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The marquee events of the dawn are the traditional Borsho-Boron programme by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul in the capital and the Mangal Shobhajatra parade of the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University, which will not be arranged live this year.
However, both Chhayanaut and FFA have informed UNB that they are going to showcase pre-recorded programmes on national televisions in the morning.
First observed in 1989 by FFA as a colourful procession celebrating the Bengali New Year with the participation of people from all walks of life, the annual Mangal Shobhajatra has received the recognition of UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage on November 30, 2016.
With the theme "Kal Bhoyankorer Beshe, Abar Oi Ashe Sundor", FFA was forwarding to celebrate this year's procession and started preparation for making props on April 6, as it could not organize the parade last year due to the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions.
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Unfortunately, plans for organizing the large procession this year had to be cut down, and instead of cancelling the event, FFA has pre-recorded a symbolic programme at the premises of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
"Initially, the Dhaka University authorities decided to arrange a symbolic event on FFA premises on the day of Pahela Baishakh, as it has always been culturally very significant and this year marks the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. As per the government's directive regarding the lockdown restrictions to curve the ongoing pandemic, we decided and pre-recorded a symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra for 1428 on a very limited scale at the premises of FFA with the participation of our State Minister for Cultural Affairs and fewer than 20 people, showcasing our banner and 100 prop items made by our students and teachers including face shields and masks," Nisar Hossain, Dean of the FFA, told UNB on Tuesday.
The press and electronic media were not allowed to broadcast the recording, however, The DU authority will provide a video and press elements of the programme to the press and electronic media tomorrow, he informed.
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On Monday, Chhayanaut general secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa stated, “As we could not celebrate Pahela Baishakh 1427 through arranging our traditional cultural festivity under the banyan tree at Ramna Park, we had been preparing and rehearsing to organize the festivity this year without the crowd at the venue and also we had plans to pre-record the programme if the situation restricts us to arrange on that day. Sadly, as we have been observing the recent surge of the pandemic and also as some of our artists are being infected with COVID-19 - we have decided to broadcast this year’s festivity through a special collaborative programme with Bangladesh Television (BTV) as last year."
“The programme will broadcast from 7 am to 8 am, and it will be showcasing a compilation of some of the new and previous performances of Chhayanaut artists, and this year we are featuring performances focusing on the Golden Jubilee of our glorious Independence. Aside from BTV, Chhayanaut will also broadcast the programme on its YouTube Channel Chhayanaut Digital - Platform," she added.
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Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will broadcast a live webinar and cultural programme on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel from 11 pm onwards, which is scheduled to be joined by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor as its chief guest.
BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky will preside over the virtual event, which will also be joined by prominent eductator and writer prof Syed Manzoorul Islam as the speaker and renowned cultural personalities including Nazrul Sangeet maestro Khairul Anam Shakil, folk singer Akramul Islam, Rabindra Sangeet singer Lily Islam, performing students from the Govt Music College and more.
Liberation War Museum (LWM) will also broadcast a virtual programme on its official Facebook page at 11 am.
Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes
Wrishiz Shilpi Goshthi will arrange an online programme on Facebook as well. It will be broadcast at 9 am on Pahela Baishakh, according to legendary folk icon Fakir Alamgir, President of the cultural group.
Earlier, the government restricted all sorts of outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh and asked to organize virtual events for online celebrations. Therefore, all the major outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh are called off for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
This year, April 14 also marks the first day of Ramadan in Bangladesh and some other Muslim countries in the world.