Asrar Chowdhury

Asrar Chowdhury teaches economic theory and game theory in the classroom. Outside he listens to music and BBC Radio; follows Test Cricket; and plays the flute.

Adelaide win revives Australia’s BGT hopes

With the series level at 1-1, it is now effectively a three-match series as the BGT lives up to its reputation for bringing excitement to Test cricket. 

4m ago

Taking folk melodies of Bangladesh to the world

Folk Melody of Bangladesh: An Anthology of Bangladesh Folk Music in Standard Notation is a music anthology that compiles 204 carefully chosen folk songs of Bangladesh that date from the 16th century.

5m ago

With and beyond Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Pierre Alain-Baud, (Pyaro), the author of Le Messager du Qawwali (Voix du Monde) (Demi Lune 2008), and Kazi Abdullah Al Muktadir, the book’s Bangla translator in Shahen Shah E Qawwali: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Pathak Shamabesh 2022) talked with Nazia Manzoor, Editor of the Daily Star Books. The authors shared anecdotes. What started out as a fun experiment, ended as a lasting experience in the hearts of all of us who were present that day.

1y ago

Recovering a sunk cost

When we realise we have entered a situation due to a bad decision, the sooner we can make an effort to get out, the better.

1y ago

Starting a degree in Economics? A teacher tells you what to expect

Economics has a unique way of looking at the world through unique tools and mechanisms. The problem, however, starts here. If you ask the question: What is economics, you could be misled.

1y ago

SOULS: Through the eyes of its founder, Sazed Ul Alam

I returned to Chattogram from the Liberation War on December 20, 1971 with my nephew,

1y ago

How many eggs are there in our basket?

In a highly competitive market like the egg market, one would expect prices to remain stable. They can rise, but over time.

1y ago

Why you need to know about contract cheating

Contract cheating is a process through which students (or academics) get original work done for them through a third party.

1y ago
September 22, 2022
September 22, 2022

Checking exam scripts: One moral side of teaching

I can safely proclaim that one of the hazards of teaching is checking exam scripts.

September 8, 2022
September 8, 2022

Two Sides of Dorm Life

Arun and Barun came from two different parts of Bangladesh, and from two different social backgrounds.

August 29, 2022
August 29, 2022

‘Bulbuli’: Nazrul’s music for future listeners?

We were at the dinner table. My wife asked if I had seen Bulbuli, the Coke Studio Bangla song. Till then I hadn’t. The upload was only a few days old.

August 16, 2022
August 16, 2022

Remembering the heavenly harmonies of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Today marks the 25th death anniversary of the Qawwali legend.

July 23, 2022
July 23, 2022

Remembering the honest and natural voice of Amy Winehouse

Once you hear a voice like that, you know there’s a story behind all this.

July 14, 2022
July 14, 2022

SHOUT at 9!

SHOUT was born in 2013, with an established legacy behind it.

July 11, 2022
July 11, 2022

Ananta Jalil's "Din-The Day": A Bond movie for the family

Din-The Day goes one step ahead of James Bond. The family can enjoy the movie, too.

June 18, 2022
June 18, 2022

An ode to Paul McCartney, on his 80th birthday

Paul has written many great songs. Each one of them has a special story for each listener.

June 16, 2022
June 16, 2022

Claustrophobia, and the lack of open spaces in Dhaka

Ever since I started living in Dhaka, I feel suffocated.

June 2, 2022
June 2, 2022

Adapting students from diverse academic backgrounds

Helping first year students from diverse academic backgrounds adapt is a challenge for universities.