An evening at Pitha Utshob 2012

Pitha Utshob, in the Washington DC metro area, has become one of the largest festivals for Bangladeshi community members for more than seven years.  Since it was first organized by the Bangladesh Center for Community Development, Inc. (BCCDI), it has become an annual extravaganza for hundreds of Bangladeshi descendants living in the greater Washington DC area who pleasantly rediscover themselves in a pure Bangladeshi traditional home-made cake (called pitha in Bengali) festivity right here, so far away from home.

From Bangla to Bangladesh

Monument of the Martyrs (শহীদ মিনার)

If language matters to the human kind, then one South-Asian country called “Bangladesh” is a living example of our time that shows the world how a country could proudly become independent through the path of language movement. Though Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan in 1971, the liberation war actually began 60 years ago when the then West Pakistan (now Pakistan) tried to impose “Urdu” as the only state language on the Bangla (Bengali) speaking community who had an overwhelming majority at that time. 

Beautiful Bangladesh: An Exclusive Video

Bangladesh has been promoted in this exclusive video presentation that shows its beautiful and panoramic landscape through the eyes of an explorer.  Visiting the land of the largest mangrove in the world situated in the southern part of Bangladesh, the longest sea-beach in Cox's Bazar and the historical sites is going to be a timeless journey to any explorer who loves nature and history. Bangladesh proudly brands the word "resiliency" in action where people have always fought and won against all the adversaries and have proudly prevailed. Visit Bangladesh to explore the real school of life through the following video!

Bangladesh as a rising IT Destination

Bangladesh is rising as an IT destination in Asia. It's IT sector is rapidly growing as 23 countries have already partnered with the IT companies in Bangladesh. Watch this video as Bangladesh is showing the potential to become the silicon valley of South Asia.

Families Living in Cars

The US news network CBS produced 60 minutes recently aired the other side of the American dreams where the homeless children of Florida have been forced to live in cars.  They're part of more than 16 millions of children who are living in abject poverty.  This heartbreaking story reflects the break down of our safety net that should have protected the most vulnerable population of our society. Why should our children pay the price when Washington, DC has been pretty busy with partisan bickering?

Please watch the full episode of the 60 Minutes:

National Book Festival 2011

National Book Festival 2010

Mark your calendar for the National Book Festival 2011 at the national mall on September 24.  The good news came from the Library of Congress, the event organizer, that the event would be extended for 2 days.  Last year, around 150,000 people attended the one day event at the mall. The expansion was made possible by a gift from financier and philanthropist David M. Rubenstein, who donated $5 million over five years for the festival.

It's not Spring yet, It's Bosonto

Spring in Washington DC has not come yet, it won't until March 20th, at least officially. But Bangladeshis all over the globe have started joyously celebrating the arrival of spring as the the first day of the Bangla month Falgun arrives on February 13th. They're singing: "Whether birds are singing or not, flowers are bloomed or not, today is spring". Let's welcome Spring "the queen of seasons" when nature graciously blesses our lives with blooms and festivities.

It's just a beginning for Egypt



Photo Credit: The Washington Post

After 18 days of protest, victory finally came for the Egyptian protestors. Hosni Mubarak's autocratic regime has been over as he fled Cairo after 30 years' iron rule. Egyptians are celebrating freedom as they're hoping to begin a new chapter of democracy. They've won the path for "a clean start" (BBC News) towards democracy, but their destination is still far away.  The Washington Post suggests, "...the best way forward is to institutionalize the dialogue taking place today and convert it into a national conference or round- table negotiation between state institutions, youths, the political forces and independent national figures."

Does privacy really exist?

How private is your information over the internet? CBS News features the story of a high school teacher who lost her job when her privacy was compormised in the social network. The internet is managing a dossier based on our phone numbers, shopping or chatting. So, be careful before your next surprise brings any embarrasement for you. Watch the story of Ashley Payne whose picture cost her school teacher job.

Asians growing in Virginia

The newly released census report shows Hispanics and Asians contributed to increasing Virginia's population over 8 million in the past decade. This surge transformed Virginia into a far more diverse place, according to the recent census figure. The Washington Post reports, Asian's grew 68% as their number rose from 90,000 to 233,000 in the past decade. A third of the growth was in Northern Virginia, and most of the rest was in the Hampton Roads area and Central Virginia.

Documentary on Climate Change in Bangladesh

Credit: National Geographic

Rosa Rogers directed documentary the "Climate Change in Bangladesh: Who Will Pay"? has won the 2nd prize under the Film Category of Indigenous People. The contest was organized by the World Bank. The documentary shows how climate change is causing havoc in the southern Bangladesh as fertile land becomes encrusted with salt, killing crops and fouling drinking water.

Are We Safer?

FRONTLINE presents this three episode investigative report called: Are we safer?

FRONTLINE's series launches with the latest from Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post reporter Dana Priest, who investigates the sprawling terrorism-industrial complex that has grown up in the wake of 9/11. Her report, Are We Safer? -- produced and directed by FRONTLINE veteran Michael Kirk (The Warning, Obama's Deal) -- explores the growing reach of homeland security into the lives of ordinary Americans.

Code of Ethics for the Economists?

The American Economic Association is seriously considering code of ethics for the economists in its national convention. A documentary last year called "Inside Job" raised critical issues about conflicts of interests for the professionals. Marketplace has recently broadcast an interview on this topic: Should there be a code of ethics for economists?

An old Bangla Song - Pankouri

An old Bangla song presented by Sandhya Mukherjee and Manabendra Mukherjee on Pankouri. Listen it here:

Mental Health Laws in the USA

Michael Fitzpatrick talked about mental health in the U.S. including diagnosis, treatment, funding, and legislation. He responded to telephone calls and electronic communications. The program was hosted by C-SPAN's Peter Slen.

Remembering Kobi Guru Rabindranath Tagore

In order to express our tribute to Robindronath Thakur's (May 7, 1861–August 7, 1941), on his death anniversary, I've put this documentary made by Satyajit Ray. Tagore will always stay alive in our heart as a Bengali poet, novelist, musician, painter and playwright who reshaped Bengali literature and music.

কোথাও আমার হারিয়ে যাওয়ার নেই মানা

ব্যস্ত সময়ে যখন একটু অবসর পাই তখন মনে হয় কোথাও আমার হারিয়ে যাওয়ার নেই মানা। কবিগুরুর মতো মনে মনে নয়। সত্যি সত্যি। এখানকার দর্শনীয় স্হানের মধ্যে রয়েছে ন্যাচারাল ট্রেইল, ঘন সবুজ বন, পার্ক আর নদী।