My Publications

Fishing at the wrong river The Halda is considered one of the most important rivers in Bangladesh as a natural fisheries breeding ground. However, collection of a variety of fish spawns has decreased greatly in recent times due to man-made crises and a lack of management, writes Faizul Khan Tanim photo (dysfunctional sluice gate) by Al-Emrun Garjon The River Halda is believed to be one of the most important rivers for the fishing industry because of its once abundant supply of fertilised carp (a type of freshwater fish including popular species like rohu, katla and mrigal) and other types of fish eggs, and conditions suitable for the brood (egg-laying) fish that produce them. Additionally, the Halda is the only source of sweet water where fishermen can collect fertilised eggs from the river bed and arrange for them to hatch later on, whereas only hatched fish fry (young fish) – and not fertilised eggs - can be caught in other rivers. ‘These brood fish migrate to this part of the Halda ...

The forgotten vocalist Faizul Khan Tanim converses with Khurshid Alam, a gifted folk artist and freedom fighter, whose voice still possesses a magnetic quality despite his physical and economic hardship photo by Momena Jalil While most still remember the songs Holudia Pakhi and O Padma Nodi Re, it is a pity that they have forgotten Khurshid Alam, a man who played a part in making them popular. Khurshid, a freedom fighter and one of the most gifted vocalists of our nation in the folk genre, now lives a life of misery, suffering from a dislocated hipbone for over a decade, and immersed in the memories of his glory days. Unable to accumulate a sum of around Taka 60,000, as prescribed for an operation by the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation at Sher-e-Bangla nagar, he survives hand-to-mouth by selling tea near the Sadarghat Bangla Bazar and relives his golden days singing at customers’ requests. He describes that his fall from grace was triggered by his acci...

Diving in a pool of thoughts Faizul Khan Tanim reviews Ornob’s latest album Doob Ornob’s latest offering, Doob, is likely to evoke a range of responses, from disappointment to adoration, from his most ardent fans depending on the conclusions they reach after carefully delving into the emotions and sentiments layered in this album. That is what Ornob does best - he makes us think about his music. As usual, Ornob’s music is saturated with allusions. This deeply personal album, which lyrically depicts his reflections on the past six months, might be one of the most interesting contemporary musical diaries of feelings and thoughts. Because Ornob touches on an array of themes, Doob should provide a companion for those seeking comfort in difficult times. The album cover design encourages introspection and the questioning of one’s own mindset. Answers are immediately offered by the mind blowing track, Adhkhana. Starting with the intro guitar riffs and atmospheric composition a...

Starting a big sail Faizul Khan Tanim looks back at shipbuilding history and examines the enormous potential of Bangladesh as an emerging shipbuilding nation photo by Al-Emrun Garjon ‘Ship building and breaking has been going on in this country for a long time and we have such a highly experienced labor force that even today, the majority of the workers in Singapore shipyards are from Bangladesh’, says Kazi Salimul Kibria, manager of finance and accounts of WMSL. Bangladesh, a riverine country with huge coastal areas that are frequently lashed by cyclones and natural disasters, can, according to sources in the shipbuilding industry, actually generate vast amounts of revenue from its extensive coastline. Before becoming a ship building nation, there are four mandatory conditions in order to produce ocean-going vessels: international standard shipbuilding practice, quality management system, coastal and riverine country, and infrastructure with proper sheds and skilled manpower. Banglad...

Kal Boron boishakhi mela sheshey ghor e fera.. krishnochura/i (chawa) poth dhore hete chola akash e kalo megh er ghonoghota jhoro hawaii aam er mukul pora prothom brishti te mukhorito pran krishok er ghor e shukh er ban snighdho shobuj er opor ramdhonu'r rong chora shapla shaluk..dingee nao baiyye chola shochcho akash e nilav chaya ghuri kata kati...ononto khela shonali aash er shopne bhora tuli'r rong e kashful er boshundhora halka kuashaii shurjo otha shiuli phul er shubash makha komla rod er mishti hashi ochena shur e "patar bashi" lep muri diye ghumiye thaka ghash er (opor) shishir konai roudro khela otithi pakhi der kolokakoli nobanner utshob e mete otha fol er phul er shourobh e notun patar shomarohe projapotir borno rekhaii jolche jeno jibon shikha *this is written long time back...almost 5 years and although each para is dedicated to each Bangla season but since it starts with GRISHSHO or the month BOISHAKH...i'd like to dedicate everyone with this piece...