Ayman Anika

Founded on the pillars of compassion, innovation, and inclusivity in 2014, Hashimukh Somaj Kallayan Songstha operates with the mission to serve underprivileged communities through inclusive educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and nutritional support. Founded by Nusrat Akter, alongside a group of driven individuals, Hashimukh began its journey on the streets of Paribagh, Dhaka.

Nishat Khan, a professional boxer and fashion designer, has been breaking stereotypes with her jab and hook, proving that boxing prowess has nothing to do with gender, but entirely on skill and dedication.

In an era where the push for gender equity and inclusivity has become a central theme across various sectors, Star Lifestyle brings forth the stories of four incredible women, who are thriving in fields traditionally dominated by men. Their journeys inspire not only women but also societies to strive towards inclusivity, equity, and recognition of talent beyond gender constraints.

The landscape of investment has traditionally been male-dominated, with women significantly underrepresented in the field. However, Sayma Rahman has carved a niche for herself, transcending the conventional barriers that often side-line women in this sector.

Recently, Dune actress Zendaya made headlines wearing a Mugler robot suit. With Star Lifestyle, Mehnaz shares the backstory of how this iconic robot suit made it to the premiere of Dune: Part Two (2024).

The National Botanical Garden in Mirpur is not only a place of beauty and serenity but also an important habitat for a diverse range of bird species. By hosting a diverse number of plants, botanical gardens create microhabitats that support the avian population and for bird enthusiasts and photographers, this place can be a treasure trove.

With its emphasis on mindfulness practices and physical stretches, Yoga — an ancient practice born in India and practised by sages and yogis for thousands of years — is still as relevant in our modern times as it was back then, and can offer solutions to many of our contemporary health challenges.

Not long ago, Dhaka's botanical gardens were the city's lungs, offering a much-needed breath of fresh air amidst the urban sprawl. However, the relentless march of urbanisation has transformed the once-verdant landscape of the capital into a concrete jungle, dominated by towering structures and swarms of mechanical vehicles.

With a surge in awareness about the impact of food on our wellbeing, people are turning to diets not just to look good, but also to feel good. In the ever-evolving landscape of nutritional science, fad diets such as Intermittent Fasting, the Keto (Ketogenic) diet, and the GM diet, among others, have garnered noteworthy attention for their promises of rapid weight loss and health improvements.

On 23 February, 2024, under the shimmering lights of Sheraton Dhaka at Banani, House of Ahmed, founded by the husband-and-wife duo of Ahmed Tuhin Reza and Tanzila Elma, launched its latest apparel collection Elaf Al Dubai, which promises to redefine modest fashion with its unique blend of elegance and tradition.

On any other day, a 10-minute walk from the TSC to Bangla Academy may seem mundane.

Reputed designer and artist, Faiza Ahmed — proprietor and fashion designer of the clothing brand Manas — has decided to combine these mediums and feature them in her design collection.

Founded on a deep-rooted passion for the print industry, Saqlain Moustaq and his team aimed to rekindle the love for traditional writing with SEVENDAYS NOTES in an age dominated by digital screens.

The Ekushey Boi Mela has been a memorable cultural odyssey and this year has been no different. For you, Star Lifestyle brings forth the top 5 highlights from the Ekushey Boi Mela 2024!

Wetlands, often referred to as the kidneys of the earth, perform numerous vital functions that go largely unnoticed. To educate people and create awareness, World Wetland Day is celebrated globally on 2 February. A special project titled Biodiversity for Resilient Livelihood (B4RL), supported by the Swedish Embassy and run by the Center for Natural Resource Studies (CNRS), has been initiated to teach kids about the importance of wetlands.

Not often can 20 young and well-known influencers be seen disconnecting from the digital world and engaging in guided yoga and meditation sessions along with immersing themselves in heartfelt conversations and forging bonds that transcend the superficial. Thanks to Dhaka Flow, a unique gathering unfolded on 29 and 30 January, 2024 at the lush greenery of Seagull Resort and Spa Village in Tangail.

Amidst the cacophony of the fairground, the sound of the flute came floating in the air. An elderly man was seen immersed in playing the bansuri (flute). He sat on a mat, with his craft — bamboo flutes — in front of him. Clad in a worn-out hoodie and faded pants, he looked no less endearing than a character from a modern-day fairy tale. Hailing from the district of Jhenaidah, Kamol Sarker, now 80, attends fairs in the city, hoping to sell his handmade bamboo flutes.

Originating from the Tangail district in Bangladesh, Tangail saris have been a part of our cultural heritage for ages. However, West Bengal has been awarded the geographical indication (GI) tag for Tangail saris — a decision that has stirred up a considerable amount of debate and concern. On 1 February, 2024, India’s Ministry of Culture wrote in a post on Facebook, “The Tangail saree, originating from West Bengal, is a traditional handwoven masterpiece.”

Washing towels and sheets is perhaps one of those mundane chores we may not think about much. From dirt, dead skin cells, and sweat to bodily fluids, bedsheets and towels accumulate a plethora of germs and bacteria over time. This accumulation not only makes them feel less comfortable but can also lead to skin irritations, acne, and even health risks if pathogens are present.

The wedding pictures of celebrated actor, Mousumi Hamid clad in a red Benarasi with a radiant smile on her face still lingers in our minds. The designer of her bridal attire, Shafayet Hossain Khan, owner and designer of KhanSaab Studio, has tirelessly worked day and night to turn Mousumi’s vision into a reality. While Mousumi Hamid’s wedding outfit has garnered plenty of attention, the genius behind this well-crafted ensemble, Shafayet Hossain Khan shares his story with us.