The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

"Although he was at home in varied art forms, Nitun Kundu was essentially a brilliant modern painter. In the sixties he enlivened the cultural movement then taking shape in this country with his dedicated activism, but he also found time to paint regularly and thereby earn a place of honour in our modern art tradition. His work from this phase reflects his distinctive modern sensibility and questioning mind," art critic Mahmud Al Zaman said this about Nitun Kundu at his solo exhibition titled 'Nitun Kundu: The Creative Mind' at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in the capital.

The exhibition was inaugurated on December 3 on observance of his 72nd birth anniversary. In the exhibition Nitun's oil paintings, etchings and photographs of his unique sculptures took place. The exhibition was sponsored by AB Bank Ltd.

Eminent artist Qayyum Chowdury said, "It was only after the Liberation War that Kundu's first solo exhibition could be held. The exhibition highlighted the artist's ideas and views."

NItun Kundu was always meticulous in his work and aimed at perfection, whether it is in fine arts or crafts. His creativity was deep-seated, he said.

Nitun Kundu the painter dedicated himself to the pursuit of abstraction and in the sixties copiously produced both abstract paintings and abstract prints. Subsequently the national struggle brought about a sea change in his mental world. The Bengali national consciousness and their cultural movement inspired him with the dream of building a new nation. He endeavoured to shape the taste and cultural identity of this nation. This task involved a struggle with himself. As a result, a temporary break in his career as a painter. But when he dedicated himself once more to painting in the eighties, the manifestation of geometric forms in his work was more robust than in the earlier abstracts of the sixties and seventies. Increased use of geometry in fact added a new dimension to his work. The imaginative combination of lines and the varied use of colour endowed his abstract expressionist paintings with a special aura in the world of Bangladeshi modern art. In these paintings he has been able to capture the innate beauty of objects, thereby revelling his intense emotional engagement with aesthetic experience. At times he has also presented the lyrical beauty of nature through the geometrical deployment of line and colour.

Qayyum Chowdury mentioned that the master artist, who was his contemporary, combined art and industry in a superb manner and his initiatives to promote art was indeed unique as he was both an artist and a patron of crafts. He added that 'Otobi,' a furniture and interior design outlet, which Nitun had started, aspired to patronise the best artworks of the country in a gallery of its own. This ambitious dream however could not be fulfilled.

"Kundu's protests against the socio-economic and political injustices are deeply felt in his sculpture and art works," he said.

Luva Nahid Chowdhury, Director General of the Bengal Gallery, said, "NItun Kundu's incorporation of art and craft was a phenomenon that he envisaged decades back. He was an institution by himself and that he inspired many artists."

Amity Kundu, Nitun's daughter, a practicing architect and interior designer, said, "My father began with little but reached out to a greater height,"

"This was done with dignity, respect and hard work along with his integral talent. This was a great inspiration for his fellow artists and his juniors," she said.

While mentioning the greatest thing about him, Amity said, "It was not his creation of 'Otobi,' but his unsurpassed sincerity and diligence. He always carried his teachings of his seniors at the Art College. He worked at sculpture, which was his forte, even though he did not have academic training in the field."

Nitun Kundu, who won an Ekushey Padak, among a dozen local awards and accolades, reflected well the intrepid generation of artists during the Liberation War.

This exhibition is a testament to the purity of Nitun's artistic commitment from his student days onwards and affords us access to the vast dream world that he tried to construct. In this enchanted realm light and colour dance together, dream and reality coexist in harmony and intimations pf spring impinge on our consciousness.

The paintings were not merely abstract experiments that allude to reality and evoke strong feelings. They were extraordinary by virtue of their expressive techniques and were celebrations of the life force in nature. Anyone visiting the show will enter a magical world of beautiful forms. And will depart the firm conviction that Nitun was a painter of the first rank.

The exhibition will end December 17.

-WP Reporter

On 06 December, 2007 Pizza Hut Gulshan, the flagship restaurant of country's pioneering pizza brand 'Pizza Hut', observed its fourth successful year amid much fanfare.

Celebrating the 4th anniversary pizza hut brought a new addition - the Premium - a new line of Pizza for the pizza lovers. The Premium includes Red & Hot Pizza, Surf & Turf, Premium and Tropical Pineapple pizzas. These new additions will also be available at the Chittagong outlets. On this momentous occasion, Pizza Hut expressed its deep gratitude to all its loyal customers and well-wishers. The champion pizza brand also believes, without the enthusiastic support of the customers, it couldn't have come this far where it's now.

To comment on the occasion Mr. Akku Chowdhury, Executive Director, Transcom Foods limited adds, "Pizza Hut's vision is to be the best casual dining restaurant in Bangladesh, where consumers can enjoy a wide array of food in a cozy and relaxed ambience. Today, celebrating our 4th anniversary, we would like to reiterate that we are constantly striving to be the favorite restaurant of our customers. Pizza Hut Gulshan outlet have a seating capacity of 200 persons- where customer get a new dimension to the dine-in experience. Customers can have same experience at all our outlets. I express my heartfelt gratitude to our customers and extend my sincere thanks to 'all my colleagues at Pizza Hut for their outstanding contribution to make Pizza Hut an exemplary restaurant among country's burgeoning food business."

Added here, Pizza Hut is the first ever-international restaurant chain commenced business in Bangladesh market by opening its flagship restaurant in December 06, 2003 at Gulshan. In September 12, 2005 its second outlet was opened in Chittagong GEC moar. Very soon Pizza Hut will open the third outlet in Dhanmondi Sat masjid road. In Bangladesh, Transcom Foods limited, a subsidiary of Bangladesh's leading business group, Transcom, operates Pizza Hut. Besides Pizza Hut, Transcom Foods limited is also the franchisee of KFC - the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Gulshan.

-WP Reporter

A locally owned eco-cottage named 'Nishorgo Tarafhill Eco-Cottage' was inaugurated at the Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary to encourage nature lovers to visit the pristine natural forest there.

Nishorgo Support Project (NSP) of the Forest Department is facilitating development of nature tourism services in the 5 pilot protected areas for the benefit of the local community. This will help to reduce dependency on the forest for the forest dwelling people. International experience strongly suggested the strong correlation between the eco-tourism and Protected Forest Area Conservation. Nishorgo Program received financial assistance from the USAID through its support project.

The NSP has initiated seven eco-cottages in the five protected forest areas and of them first one was inaugurated at Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary by the Divisional Forest Officer Abdul Mabud, USAID's Environment Team Leader Dr Azhar Mazumdar, NSP's Communication Coordinator Mehrin A Mahbub and Co-management Committee Chairman Nurul Momin Chowdhury on November 30.

The local people were very enthusiastic and happy to see the eco-cottage running as they view it as a way to promote Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary and a source of income for the locality. The co-management committee chairman announced that the he would take responsibility to ensure security to the tourists staying at the eco-cottage.

It has two bedrooms with modern attached bath and dining facilities. The other sites where similar eco-cottages were being made are at Lawachara National Park, Satchari National Park, Chunati Wildlife Sanctuary and Teknaf Game Reserve.

These eco-cottages were owned by the local people. The NSP provided technical support for building the eco-cottages. Hotel Water Garden Radisson as a good will gesture provided training on hygiene, house keeping and kitchen management to the Eco-cottage owners and managers.

The Eco-cottage owners will provide a fixed percentage of the profits to the Co-management Committee who would use it for PA conservation and local development.

The Nishorgo Tarafhill Eco Cottage is situated within the Rema Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary, an ideal location for those nature lovers who seek silence in pristine nature far away from the madding crowd.

Rema Kalenga is one of the largest tracts of the natural tropical forest remaining in the country. It is one of best site for bird watching. The eco-cottage will be the first ever place in Rema Kalenga where eco-tourists can stay there. Undoubtedly the nature lovers will be delighted to find such a place for their stay.

-Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Country's two prominent music production houses recently launched five new albums in the market. Of them, G-Series released two telefims and one video film and Agniveena released two solo albums.

1) Vela

Genre: Telefim directed by Badal Khaondakar

Production: G-Series

Story: Mujtaba Saud

Editing: Khaled Mahmud Rajon, Shawkat Ali Rana and Naved Hossain Rohan.

Camera: Anwar Hossain Bulu

Background music: Emon Saha

Starring: Zahid Hasan, Mousumi, Challanger, Mir Sabbir and others.

Story: The story evolves round two landless poor bamboo vendors, father and son, who on their way from Kurigram to Dhaka by a raft met accidentally a just married young woman. Jamal and his father set out from Chilmari on a raft made of bamboo for selling in a weeklong cruise through three big rivers. Following a stormy night, they found the young girl lain half-dead on their raft wearing precious ornaments. They found a bulk of money with her and came to learn she met a launch accident while she was with her husband on their way to Dhaka. Both the father and son grew a sort of affection for the bride. As they approached near Dhaka, a trawler came into view and the woman found her husband standing on it. What happened next?

2) Nishad

Genre: Telefim by Humayun Ahmed

Production: G-Series

Script and Direction: Animesh Aich

Editing: Kazi Shah Maksud

Camera: Niaz Mahbub

Chief Asstt Director: Mostaque Ahmed Titu

Executive Director: Md Abu Nazem Ripon

Background Music: Zaglul Alam

Starring: Ashish Khondkar, Dr Inamul Haque, Nova, Shahriar Shuvo, Alok Basu, Adar, Monisha Dhar, Abul Bashar Chowdhury, Ratan Basu, SM Sulok, Gurudash Mondal, Pompa, Prithu, Biplob, Shamim, Animesh Aich, Titu, Mili Akhter Rita, Aklima Parvin, Shahnaz Akhter and Tanveen Sweety as a guest character.

Story: This is a sequel of Misir Ali and it is suspicious story. Munir aged 30 or 31 is moving two worlds doubtfully. In one world, his father died ten years ago and other world, he called on a doctor for his father. As a result, his father recovered. He went to Misir Ali to solve this two stimulating characters. Misir Ali felt anxiety to solve this problem. In the meantime, Munir was staring living with various amazing atmospheric conditions.

His office colleague Mr Nizam was arranging his daughter's bridal ceremony. He took Munir to his house. But Munir stalled between true and false. He found Binu, Nizam's daughter, as his wife of the other world. Then he felt helpless in this case. Multi dimensional activities of Munir were increasing day by day. Munir went to other world while staying on the hospital's bed. Misir Ali also became helpless to solve the problems of Munir. In the meantime, bridal ceremony of Binu was coming near and Munir died on Shraban 20.

3) Shunchen, ekjon radio jockey'r golpo

Genre: Video film by Redoan Rony

Production: G-Series

Story: Shafaet Mansur

Script and Direction: Redoan Rony

Camera: Subrata Ripon

Editing: Kazi Shah Md Maksud

Duration: 42.42 minutes

Format: DV

Starring: Hasan Masud, Dipa Khandokar, Mithila, Rupok Talukdar, Bappi Ashraf, Shafique Al Mamun and others.

Story: Radio jockey, a person who listens to all listeners to all stories and activities of other people, presented a vivid picture of his own life style in the video film.

4) Charta dewal hothat kheyal

Genre: Solo album by Fahmida Nabi

Production: Agniveena

Music: Fuad Naser Babu, Bappa Majumder, Said Hasan Tipu, Tomal, Kaya and Enamul Karim Nirjhar.

Total songs: 11

Songs: 1) Charta Dewal Hothat Kheyal, 2) Somoyer Dhula, 3) Aar Nei, 4) Bhul Ghore, 5) Shunnota Anki, 6) Jotil Boro, 7) Jolchhabi, 8) Tui, 9) Ekhoni Chole Jabo, 10) Class Two and 11) Ektu Darao.

5) Tin dhaap

Genre: Solo album by Nayan Mehedi

Production: Agniveena

Music: Bappa Majumder

Total songs: 11

Songs: 1) Swapnoghuri, 2) Maya, 3) Tin Dhaap, 4) Sure Sure, 5) Bedonar Rong, 6) Tomar Sure, 7) Bangalee Noi, 8) Ki Kore, 9) Tomaro Lagi, 10) Sharir Anchal and 11) Majhire.

- By Aninda Rahman

The history of Sonargaon dates back to thirteenth century. Here one can see how intricately antiquity coincides contemporariness. Newer and smaller unadorned villages now surround the ruins of Panam Nagar, once an ornate capital. This dialectics of new and old in terms of architecture can similarly be found in terms of social relationship too. Keeping in mind the prospect of tourism industry renovation of centuries old structures is indispensable for the prosperity the newer village in the vicinity. However, similarly necessary is the renovation the long-established social norms so that the new generations can grow more prosperously. All these might or might not be the view of Movah! when it had made Patalipara, a small village at stone-throwing distance from Panam Nagar, as one of its test areas. But what Movah! is doing here is definitely a kind of social renovation.

What is Movah!

Movah! stands for the 'Movement for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health'. It is a JOICFP-executed, UNFPA-supported Asia Regional Project for the period of 2004-2007. Its prime purpose is to strengthen national capacity in advocating through youth initiative for increased access of adolescents and youth to Sexual and Reproductive Health information. In simple words it helps the adolescents to ensure their right to information (about sexual and reproductive health) and social practices based on equity and justice. Bangladesh is one of the two countries where Movah! is set up as a pilot project. A workshop titled "Movah! Regional Dissemination Workshop 2007" is ongoing now. It is as a part of the workshop, some 35 participants from 10 countries and international Organizations have visited Patalipara and discovered many fascinating truths.

Faith-based Advocacy

When in 2004 Movah! started its journey in Patalipara many thought the major challenge would be faced from local religious leaders. To many, talking about sexuality, gender, reproductive health or deep-rooted social systems of dowry or early marriage are 'too sensitive' to be appreciated by the religious leaders. However, time has proven this a total misconception. A conservative society like ours where education of sexual and reproductive health is most likely to be considered as a provocation for promiscuity - to the astonishment of many, local imams, muajjins and kazi's have taken the dissemination of these essential knowledge as a part of their service to the society. In Patalipara they have properly utilized their ability, credibility and popularity to motivate the society on these issues. Yes, there was an insistence upon them from the part of authority to take part in the advocacy, but they all are in reality more or less self-motivated. "Religion" says a local religious leader, "is above all for the betterment of Humanity". Sadia, a 19 years old village girl complemented, "hujurs are in fact the most hard line campaigners!"

Youth Initiators

Though support from all ages and all quarters of society is necessary the youth should be at the center of all activity. As, Mr. Md. Obaidur Rahmanthe, the UNO of Sonargaon told, "the untold stories of the youngsters suppressed by the social customs and religious misinterpretation have got the way of being unveiled for each other to solve their own problems by themselves." In Sonargaon, this program is being implemented by two youth organizations: Patalipara Pathagar and Burundi Nabarun Sangha. Each organization consists of five youth initiators. Each youth initiator is exclusively trained in the issue of adolescent sexual reproductive health, sexual relation, sexually transmitted diseases, unhygienic abortions, family planning and many other issues like these. Each youth initiator commands over ten peer groups and arranges group meetings twice per months. Initially the youth initiators faced many obstacles from the local people, but as 18 years old Sanjeeda explains, "as important and powerful adults are incorporated people suspicious of the program have changed their attitude".

Local Support Team

Local Support Team is a group of influential people who have the power to motivate the mass as well as lead them towards newer direction. They have mainly motivated the guardians and made them aware of concerning issues. Though physical growth is a personal matter - how it is viewed is totally a matter of social attitude. "Inequality towards a female child is manifested first when she gets less food than her brother of same age" - a male youth initiator expressed. From this point a psychology of inferiority started to grow inside a male child. Therefore, if to train up minds of the adults is as necessary as to train up the minds of the youth. Therefore the provision of local support team is one of the effective innovations in the framework of Movah!. "Problems concerning adolescence" as Mr. Saiful Huda, a journalist closely following the project since its inception, said, "cannot be solved individually, rather we need to concentrate more on the social and collective aspect of the problem".

Community Involvement

Though its unique approach of "community advocacy" it has been able to bring out positive social changes in terms of ensuring reproductive health, matrimonial health, gender equity as well as preventing unwanted pregnancy, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases etc. Ms Makina Rahman Mimi, a youth ambassador of the project shared her experiences in these words: "Girls like me are dying everyday due to pregnancy related complications, becoming the prey of sexual violence, early marriage and so on. I felt from within to fight against all these social evils."

Role of the Government

Invoking this "urge within" is one of the advocacy strategies of Movah!. However, along with the youth the workshop also targets to equip the managers and trainers to deal with concerning issues.

It also has an objective to link the national level advocacy with community level ASRH activities. It is through the combined action both at the policy and grassroots level the project aspires success. However, within this universal strategic framework, Mr. Arthur Erken, the representative from UNFPA, insisted on recognizing local variations too.

As an example he said, "in Bangladesh Movah! is unique in its implementation style" - referring to the fact that unlike the other countries where similar programs are implemented by NGOs, here Bangladesh government has taken the responsibility. It could only happen because the department of youth development has shown us that their strong communities network through almost about 7-8 thousand youth clubs can play a vital role in reaching the youth and adolescents. However, even though the government is allowing and inviting many NGOs to work in this area now. Different ministries like health, education, youth, LGRD etc are incorporating projects working on ASRH agenda. In 2006 the Government of Bangladesh has approved the 'Adolescent Reproductive Health Strategy', which is now in the process of developing the action plan. Still, as Mr. Ismail Hossain, Director General, Department of Youth Development admitted, "we still have a long way to go". The organizers expected that Movah! will only contribute to make this way shorter.

What next

Movah!'s pilot projects in Bangladesh will end this year. During its operation it has achieved many success, though in a short scale. However, during this time there has been a great increase in the level of awareness about adolescent reproductive and sexual health. There are many incidents where the community has prevented attempts of early marriage.

Occurrences of eve teasing are surprisingly fewer. Though dowry is still present, people have identified it as a mal-practice. So, if in this micro-level achievements can be translated into national success - Movah! will reach its real destination. However, in order to accomplish this mission more resource mobilization is immediately needed. As the workshop ends, Mr. Noor Mohammad, UNFPA's National Project Officer (Youth and Education), has proudly expressed his expectations told, "Movah!'s success in the pilot projects will not only pave the way for a comprehensive national level program, but also positively inspire many other countries to replicate it."

A year back platinum and silver were quite the rage, but gold is in vogue once again. Explore the charisma of the precious yellow metalt

Gold since ages has adorned kings and queens, nobility, brides and grooms across the world. It is said to be an auspicious offering to the gods and brides are traditionally welcomed to their new homes with a gift of gold.

No auspicious ceremony - be it the birth of a child, a marriage, an eighteenth birthday, a festival or a special celebration - is complete without it. Little wonders that gold continues to be a favourite with millions across the country.

Today, gold is sought for reasons beyond investment and traditionalism. Gold is no longer carefully locked inside only to be brought out on special event or a big fat wedding. Gold is now allowed to spread its sheen and sparkle every day.

Though a year back platinum and silver were quite the rage, gold is in vogue once again. In fact, the onset of the marriage and festival season in Bangladesh has seen a surge in gold prices.

According to a jeweler, named Arun Kumar, "Gold prices are going up and though other metals are gaining popularity that has not made much difference to the gold market. Going by market trends and bridal choice gold is still a preferred metal. It's just that the taste for designs has changed."

According to figures released by World Gold Council (WGC), global demand for gold in mid 2007 touched a record of $14.5 billion mark, 37 per cent more than the corresponding period of 2006. The trend of gold prices in Bangladesh in the last few years reveals that the yellow metal has appreciated 95-fold. This reappearance in the demand for gold and the desire for more wearable and lightweight designs has forced many jewellery houses to launch daily wear gold jewellery.

"Bangladeshi gold jewellery is clearly the flavor of choice for ladies as well as young girls now. Today's jewellery shop collection for gold has been inspired by two major categories of buyers- traditional and modern, we have been able to revive both.

The availability of sleeker and hipper gold jewellery has also helped to break away from the mindset that gold is only meant for older women. You don't have to be in your 40's or 50's to wear gold. "When I was young I used to think that only old people wear gold. But gold is not just for oldies. Gold has an understated style and I love wearing gold. I have been collecting lots of gold since I got married. Gold has also become more youth-oriented. Now gold blends with all kinds of fashion and style. It's not only about saris, it even goes with westerns," says Monika.

Besides remoulding itself to a trendier avatar, traditional designs have also been reworked to suit modern tastes.

Traditional styles of hand-made jewellery that are unique, like precious and semi-precious stones set in gold (kundan work) are in vogue, coloured enamel painting on gold (meenakari work) especially with a traditional 'peacock' pattern and gold filigree on coloured glass (thewa work).

Women from all walks of life - housewives, models, designers, students and even corporate women are turning to gold. Suvra Rani who made her foray in jewellery design couple of years ago says, "Women are completely driven by gold. Gold makes an Bangladeshi woman look far more dressed up and is casting its spell even internationally."

If you are also touched with yellow fever or you are a woman who loves flaunting her precious assets, then it's time glam up yourself with gold. As they say old is always gold; millions of women and men in Bangladesh still love their gold. Despite numerous attempts by the fashion mafia to sideline the metal, it has succeeded in regaining its lost glitter.