BICN 20 Apr - 3 May 2000
Volume 3 Number 15
IN THIS ISSUE
+News &
Announcements
-- Pulitzer for
Bengali-American Writer --
-- UTSHOB 2000
Gala Fund Raising Dinner & Dance Event 27 April --
-- Support the
Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed: Book Your International Air
Travel at Bextrade --
+This Week's Sponsors
-- Expats &
Bangladeshis, Plan for a Sound Financial Future Now with Sovereign --
-- Badhon, The
Largest Matchmaking Agency in Bangladesh --
-- Contemporary
Bengali Instruction --
+Events Calendar, Dhaka & Beyond
+New Regular & Ongoing Events
+Webby!
-- New World
Bank Health Sector Report On Line --
-- About Islam
--
-- Another
Bengali Font --
-- Motoring in
Dhaka? --
--
Bangladesh-Related Environmental Economics --
+Non-Commercial
Advertisements
-- Help Wanted:
Teachers for Grace International School --
-- Help Wanted:
CARE-Bangladesh Assistant Country Director for Administration & Finance
--
-- Independence
War Video Sought --
-- Journal of
Bangladesh Studies --
-- Passbook Car
Wanted --
BICN is
published first & third Wednesdays September to May from Dhaka Bangladesh by
Sara Bennett. To SUBSCRIBE, email subscribe@bicn.com
BICN welcomes your community event announcements, personal classified ads,
letters to the editor, short articles - all appear FREE. Commercial
advertisements appear for a small fee.
Next issue submission deadline Tue 2 May 2000. Email items to news@bicn.com
.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
-- Pulitzer for Bengali-American Writer --
By South Asia correspondent Aasiya Lodhi
[From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/south_asia/newsid_709000/709518.stm
]
A Bengali-American writer, Jhumpa Lahiri, has won this year's Pulitzer Prize
for Literature. She was awarded the prize for her debut work, Interpreter of
Maladies, a collection of short stories, which reflects on life in the United
States and in her parents' native Calcutta. At the age of 32, she is one of the
youngest recipients of the prize and was chosen over many other award-winning
novelists.
Ms Lahiri, although not born in India, has travelled to Calcutta several
times, and says her experiences there have provided a rich creative source for
her writing. She says she still feels a sense of emotional exile in the US,
which she has tried to capture in her stories.
Ms Lahiri, who recently won the Pen-Hemingway prize for best first fiction,
has received widespread critical acclaim for her short stories, which first
appeared in the New Yorker magazine last year. The magazine named her as one of
the 12 most promising young writers in the US. She is now writing her second
book, a novel.
-- UTSHOB 2000 Gala Fund Raising Dinner & Dance Event, 27 April --
[At the Winter Garden Hotel Sheraton, 8:30pm. Live music by the musical bands
the Adequettes, Bangla, Renaissance, and others, art auction and raffles with
airline tickets. Email fsiddiqi@bangla.net
.]
UTSHO is a residential school for children whose mothers cannot keep their
children with themselves. In some cases the mother is in prison, in some cases
she is garments factory worker and works long hours, in some cases she is a
live-in domestic servant and in others she is a commercial sex worker.
There are 40 children who live in UTSHO and another 21 are non-residential
children. The school serves the dual purpose as a refuge and a school for both
its students and its staff as many of the teachers at the school are themselves
women who have sought shelter facilities in the city.
UTSHO is located in the East Rayer Bazar area of the city and has been in
operation since the end of 1983. Each child is sponsored locally by individuals.
The other expenses of the school are met through fund raising activities which
include a canteen and catering service which operates out of Green Road; a
garage sale held in the Rayer Bazar playground once a year and several cultural
programmes which are supported by local artists.
Last year for the first time a dinner and dance event was organised at the
Winter Garden, Hotel Sheraton. This was a great success not only in terms of
raising funds but also for publicity. In the following is a brief description of
UTSHOB 2000.
For more information, contact: Safia Azim, UTSHO BANGLADESH, A2-7 Kalindi
Apts., 36 Indira Rd. Dhaka 1215, email fsiddiqi@bangla.net
.
-- Book Your International Air Travel at Bextrade & Support the Centre
for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed --
Mention CRP when you book your next trip with Bextrade, and CRP will receive
a donation. You or your organization will also receive a monthly statement of
your contributions.
CRP is a national voluntary non-profit organization committed to improving
the lives of the disabled in Bangladesh.
Bextrade contact info: tel 8618220-7, 8611891-5 x1280 or x1284, cell
017-522083, fax 8617744, email bextrade@bol-online.com
. Address Bextrade Ltd. Travel Services, BEL Tower, 19 Dhanmondi R/A, Rd #1.
[I just booked some trips at Bextrade with an agent named Tohorul, who has
been very efficient and courteous. Not only that, but he now has the distinction
of being the first travel agent in Dhaka to send me my itinerary by email. Nice
touch! -Ed.]
COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS
-- Attention Expats & Bangladeshis - Plan for a Sound Financial Future
Now --
Your time abroad represents the perfect opportunity to
1. Utilize your
tax status
2. Maximize your
returns on your savings & investments
3. Plan for a
sound financial future
Sovereign is an international financial consultancy firm represented in
Bangladesh by Peter Doran, senior consultant and portfolio manager based in
Bangkok. He will be visiting Dhaka the last week of April, and he can meet
privately with you to provide free confidential advice on such matters as:
-Pension
planning
-Education fee
planning
-Multi-currency
mortgages
-Regular
contribution saving plans
-Lump sum
investments
-Offshore
banking
-Portfolio
management
-Financial
planning
-Offshore
companies and trusts
For a no-cost appointment with Mr. Doran in Dhaka last week of April, email sovereign@bicn.com
or contact Mr. Doran by fax or telephone as follows:
Before Fri 21 April: Bangkok fax +66(2) 631 1556, tel +66(2)631 2047
From Fri 21 April to Sat 29 April: Dhaka tel/fax +880(2)8822148
Sovereign also has offices in Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul and Tokyo - email sovereign@bicn.com
for more information or to make an appointment.
-- Badhon, The Largest Matchmaking Agency in Bangladesh --
Now you can find your match through the Badhon on-line database! If you are
fed up with the tiresome process of 'arrangements' for finding a match, try
Badhon. We have been offering matchmaking services in Bangladesh for the last
five years. For more information, check out http://www.badhon.com/
or email us at badhon@bdonline.com .
This week's featured candidate:
"27 year old, eldest daughter of a Dhaka-based industrialist, comes of a
well-educated family background. SSC in 1987, MSc Dhaka University, currently in
USA pursuing MS course leading to Ph.D. 5 ft 5 inches, divorced with no
children. Suitable candidates residing in Bangladesh or elsewhere contact Badhon
with reference code # B 1886."
-- Contemporary Bengali Instruction --
Nondita Chowdhury offers Bengali instruction to individuals and groups:
+Course 1, Survival Bangla - 20 2-hour sessions focusing on speaking and
understanding
+Course 2, Basic Bangla - 20 2-hour sessions with the introduction of reading
and writing
+Individual instruction - tailored to students needs
Ms Chowdhury was principal of Heed Language Centre (1991-97), and has over 20
years experience in Bengali instruction. Lessons given at her school in Gulshan
or learner's home or office. Courses cost Tk6000 per person for groups of two to
seven, or Tk7500 for one person, includes all materials. For more information,
email bangla@bicn.com, include your name & telephone number.
WEBBY!
-- New World Bank Health Sector Report On Line --
>From Syed Akhtar Mahmood, The World Bank: "For those of you
interested in the health sector of Bangladesh, the World Bank has just published
a comprehensive report that is available on-line" at:
http://wbln1018.worldbank.org/sar/sa.nsf/2991b676f98842f0852567d7005d2cba/2e30c761189c87c5852568950075b9e3?OpenDocument
-- About Islam --
Very nice site about Islam, well worth a visit:
http://www.themodernreligion.com/index1.html
-- Another Bengali Font --
Recently I found the Univ. Oregon's font web site, which for Bengali has the
font Sonar Gaon at:
http://babel.uoregon.edu/yamada/fonts/bengali.html
-- Motoring in Dhaka? --
>From raihanrezwan@freeuk.com
: "I would like to inform you about a new website about motoring in Dhaka:
Drive Time Dhaka at http://DriveTimeDhaka.homepage.com [no longer online]. It contains details of all cars and motorcycles in Dhaka, including dealer
information and car prices. It is a guide for car buyers and is not a commercial
site. I am sure it would be helpful for expatriates living in Dhaka."
-- Bangladesh-Related Environmental Economics --
If this is your cup of tea, see http://www.listserv.emory.edu/archives/ben.html
.
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
BOOKS FROM MR KASHEM
Email books@bicn.com for more info
or to order. Free delivery service in Dhaka. Overseas customers, please visit
the UPL website at http://www.uplbooks.com
.
EVENTS CALENDAR, DHAKA & BEYOND
All events are in Dhaka unless otherwise noted. Entry to some events is
restricted eg to members - contact the organizers for information.
--Late April / Early May Events
7-21 Apr: "Image of the City", 10th solo painting exhibition,
miniatures, by Kazi Salahuddin Ahmed, Alliance Francaise de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Rd.
Dhanmondi. Open daily 5-8pm. Email alliance@vasdigital.com
.
Fri 21 Apr: Service with Good Friday liturgy, St. Thomas's New Centre, New
Eskaton Road, 10:00am. English-speaking Congregation of St. Thomas's, Church of
Bangladesh.
Fri 21 Apr: Pop Quiz & Tex-Mex Buffet. Quiz starts promptly at 8p. Buffet
tickets Tk350 at BHC bar - quiz is free. Buffet served at half time. Purchase
tickets by Apr 19.
Fri 21 Apr: Good Friday Service, Dhaka International Christian Church,
4:30pm, at the Korean Church in Bashundara. For a map showing how to get there,
see http://bicn/bangladesh/refshelf/localmaps.htm
.
Sat 22 Apr, Washington DC/Alexandria VA: Kabbya Jalsha. "Washington DC
Kobitanuragi proudly presents its first KABBYA JALSHA, a different kind of
program ever in the DC area, a unique combination of carefully selected poems
and songs... Join us in this extraordinary evening of Poetry and Music: At
Patrick Henry School Auditorium, Alexandria VA, FREE ADMISSION. Performers
include: distinguished individuals from Voice of America, Bangla Department,
eminent celebrities from New York and local artists. For further details
contact: shawkatkhan@yahoo.com
or hchowdhury@att.com .
Sun 23 Apr: Easter communion service at the Armenian Church, Armanitola, 5pm.
English-speaking Congregation of St. Thomas's, Church of Bangladesh.
Sun 23 Apr: Easter Egg Hunt/Party, sponsored by DAWC at the U.S. Embassy
Club. For toddlers aged to 7 years old, chaperoned by an adult expat club card
holder. Cost Tk100. Activities include: Egg Hunt (we hope to find them before
the crows do), egg decorating, cookie decorating, and egg relay games.
Mon 24 Apr: UNWA members lunch, Kasturi Restaurant. Email unwa@bicn.com
.
Thu 27 Apr – BWA welfare visit to Tikhana House, 3:30pm. This is the home
for acid victims that has been set up by the Acid Victims Foundation. Email bwa@bicn.com
.
Thu 27 Apr: UTSHOB 2000 - Gala fund raising dinner & dance event, Winter
Garden Hotel Sheraton, 8:30pm. Live music by the musical bands the Adequettes,
Bangla, Renaissance, and others. There will be an art auction and raffles with
airline tickets. See UTSHO item above in "News & Announcements".
Email fsiddiqi@bangla.net .
Fri 28 Apr - 4 May: "Mandi - Dying Rituals", a photography
exhibition by Shameem Hasan at Alliance Francaise. 9am-noon & 5-8p
Sunday-Friday, closed Saturday. Email alliance@vasdigital.com
.
28-30 Apr, Atlantic City NJ: "Tech Transfer-2000: North America"
(TT2000:NA) convention. See http://www.TechBangla.org
. Email Tech2000@bangladesh-web.com
or srahman@calc.vet.uga.edu
.
Sat 29 April – BWA Monthly lunch at the Skyroom, 12:30pm. Email bwa@bicn.com
.
30 Apr - 7 May, London: Week Long " Bangladesh Film Festival"
organised by Rainbow Film Society at Genesis Cinema, Mile End Road, London-E1.
For ticket/invitation & more information email MK0301@aol.com
or RainbowFS@aol.com Films to be screened: Suprovat by Kabir Anwar, Onna Jbon by Sheikh Niamot Ali,
Abdar by Shuvash Datta, Golapi Ekhon Traine by Amjad Hussain, Chitra Nadir Pare
by Tanvir Mokammel, Ekhoni Shomoy by Abdullah Al Mamun, Banglar Bodhu by
A.J.Mintu, Siphahi by Kazi Hayat, Emiler Goenda Bahini by Badal Rahman, Dipu
Number Two (Sub-Title) by Murshedul Islam, Muktir Gan by Tareq / Kathrine Masud
Fri-Sun 5-7 May: "Do You Believe in Fairy Tales?" Adult musical
comedy, 8:00pm snacks & punch, show at 8:30pm. BHC Club, tickets Tk500, all
proceeds to CSKS, an NGO working with street children.
5-7 Jan 2001, New Orleans LA: "Efficiency vs. Equity: Emerging Issues in
Capital and Labor Markets in Bangladesh", conference of the Association for
Economic and Development Studies on Bangladesh (AEDSB), at the Allied Social
Science Association (ASSA) Annual Meetings. AEDSB invites authors in all
disciplines to submit papers for review by an independent committee of scholars;
the five best papers will be selected based on academic merit, relevance, and
significance for public policy in Bangladesh. Submit complete papers by June 1,
2000. For more info, email khan@uwp.edu
or mkhef@uno.edu
NEW REGULAR & ONGOING EVENTS
GAP is a youth club for 7-11 year olds, meets every Thursday from 3pm to
4:30p at Grace International School. More info, email gisdhaka@citechco.net
.
Lifestyle is a youth club for 11-14 year olds, meets every Sunday from 7pm to
8:30pm. More info, email gisdhaka@citechco.net
.
A LITTLE LATER ON
5-7 May - Bengal Studies Conference, 34th Meeting,University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh. See http://www.uwosh.edu/bengal/
, email khan@uwosh.edu .
Sun - Tues 14-16 May, Oslo: European Network of Bangladesh Studies Sixth
Workshop, "Bangladesh - Changing Identities and Economic
Transformation," hosted by the Department of Sociology at the University of
Oslo, with NORAD funding. For more information, see the website http://www.bath.ac.uk/Centres/CDS/enbs.htm
16-19 May: Dhaka Stage presents Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the
Water", AIS/D auditorium 7:30 pm. Tickets will be Tk 350, available soon at
AISD, American Embassy, BHC, Bagha Club, and the International Club. Don't miss
this hilarious comedy about embassy life. Email arussell@ais-dhaka
.
27-28 May, Chicago USA: 5th North America Bangla Literature & Culture
Convention. Assembly Hall Auditorium, Illinois State Building, 9am to midnight.
Admission, both days $20, one day $15. Dance, drama, music, video clips,
seminars and workshops. Sponsored by the Illinois Bengali Communtiy and Bangla
Literature & Culture, Inc. Previous conventions were: 1993 &1997 in
Chicago, 1998 in New York, and 1999 in Dallas. For more information, email ektara_2000@yahoo.com
or call 847-490-0036 / 847-673-6353.
NON-COMMERCIAL CLASSIFIED ADS
-- Help Wanted: Teachers for Grace International School --
Grace International School is a multi-cultural Christian School teaching
English National Curriculum to expatriate children from 32 countries.
The school is seeking applications for a Reception Teacher and two Primary
School Teachers. The candidates sought are enthusiastic, committed Christians
who have appropriate qualifications and preferably two years' teaching
experience, for posts in 2000/2001 and 2001/2002. Package includes ....
· 2 year contract · Airfare · Accommodation · Living Allowance
For further details of the teacher package and an Application Form contact
Andrew Gordon, Principal, phone/fax: +880 2 88 100 88 email gisdhaka@citechco.net
.
-- Help Wanted: CARE-Bangladesh Assistant Country Director for Administration
& Finance --
CARE-Bangladesh invites applications from qualified candidates for the
position of Assistant Country Director for Administration & Finance. Job
Summary: The purpose of this senior management position is to assure the
integrity and efficient functioning of CARE-Bangladesh administrative and
finance operations in Dhaka and the 23 field offices. The annual budget exceeds
$50 million. The position reports to the Country Director and, in his absence,
assumes the role of Interim Director. It oversees Administration, Finance,
Budgeting, Transport Services, Resource Acquisition, Internal Audit,
Procurement, and MIS. Interested candidates are requested to apply with a
forwarding, detailed bio-data, a copy of Photograph mentioning two referees to
the Manager-HRM, CARE-Bangladesh, House # 61, Road # 7/A, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka
by May 10, 2000. Females are specially encouraged to apply. Candidates who
applied earlier need not apply again.
-- Independence War Video Sought --
"I am looking for a copy of a video on Bangladesh's Independence or on
the War of Independence or whatever. It seems I heard one was available at
Aarongs but I have asked there recently and they said 'No.' I know one has been
shown on TV and there is one showing now at Dhaka in the Museum. I would really
like to locate one. I am an American who runs an English-medium school in
Chittagong called the William Carey Academy. We have 234 students up through 7th
grade. Most of these children are Bangladeshi. I really want these students to
know more about their heritage. I would prefer the video to be in English since
we are an English medium school but it would be OK if it were in Bangla since we
teach Bangla every day too. Thanks for any help you can give or find or any
referrals. Marilou Long, WCA Administrative Director, email jmlong@spctnet.com
."
-- Journal of Bangladesh Studies --
JBS is a peer-reviewed journal sponsored by the Bangladesh Development
Initiative (BDI) and the Association of Economic Development Studies on
Bangladesh. The second issue of the Journal of Bangladesh Studies (JBS) is in
preparation and will be available in June 2000.
JBS invites academics and experts to submit scholarly papers for the December
2000 issue. For more information, contact an editorial board members: Ashraf
Ali, Bangladesh Development Initiative, email esas@uswest.net
; Syed Saad
Andaleeb, School of Business, Penn. State Univ., email: ssa4@psu.edu
; Farida Khan, Dept. Economics, Univ. Wisconsin-Parkside, email: khan@uwp.edu
;
Munir Quddus, Dept. Economics, University S. Indiana, email MQuddus@usi.edu
.
Subscriptions to JBS (two issues annually) are US$15 for individuals in the
United States; US$100 for institutions; and US$30 for individuals in other
countries (includes first class postage). To reserve your copy of the June 2000
issue, please subscribe by mid-May. Send subscriptions to: Syeda Khan, c/o
Bangladesh Development Initiative, 812 Hope Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15220, USA.
-- Passbook Car Wanted --
Wanted: A passbook car in good condition for personal use. Contact Dr.
E.G.P.Haran (Tel: 011-801337) or email: haran@citechco.net
+Visitors to BICN website since inception (Apr 98): 26,022 (2447 in the last
month). BICN ezine subscribers: 660 (+38 in the last month)
+Personal classified ads and community organization and event announcements
appear FREE. Advertising rates apply to other items. Discounts available for
small businesses, advertising packages, etc. Contact news@bicn.com
.
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