Views / Analysis


Ekushey's dignity in the age of word bombs

Ekushey's dignity in the age of word bombs

February 21 is the self-awakening day to the Bengali nation. Through the Language Movement, Bengalis realized that state identity is not built on religion. It is built by language and culture. This realization led to the rise of Bengali nationalism which later played a decisive role in the birth of

What the new govt and embassies can do

What the new govt and embassies can do

Bangladesh's economy is significantly supported by expatriates' income, or remittances. Millions of Bangladeshi workers employed across the globe enrich the country's foreign exchange reserves through their labour, skills, and sacrifice. The money they send not only supports the reserves but also p

Down the rabbit hole

Down the rabbit hole

With so much infighting around, from schoolroom killings to ethnic cleansing, the world today is a violent place to live in. More so with the rise of social media. It quickly exposes the wrongdoings that would have otherwise remained hidden under the carpet. Rich or poor, anyone can be caught unawa

Beggars may not have a choice but the government should have

Beggars may not have a choice but the government should have

Who says beggars have no choice? They surely have choices for selecting their way of drawing their would-be benevolent public's attention. The range of ways to attract notice is vastly wide. Some of those are ingenious and some others are crude or macabre and still some others are in between the tw

How to ensure peaceful work environment

How to ensure peaceful work environment

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, marked by self-control, spiritual purification, and worship. However, this period also presents special challenges for industrial establishments in safeguarding workers' well-being and maintaining a healthy and balanced work environment. Long abstinence from foo

Mismanagement and banking sector reform

Mismanagement and banking sector reform

For nearly two decades, Bangladesh's banking sector has remained under persistent public scrutiny. While weaknesses in governance and financial discipline are not new, the scale and frequency of mismanagement have intensified markedly over the last 10 to 15 years. Rising non-performing loans, repea

Language compatibility in an age of AI-driven automation

Language compatibility in an age of AI-driven automation

Political hegemony often imposes language and cultural hegemonies. The dismantling of colonial power following the World War II may have withdrawn the political stranglehold across the continents but the influence of the two others refuses to go. This subcontinent and the French colonies in Africa

The affable relationship between crows and humans

The affable relationship between crows and humans

Of the birds that live close to human habitation, crow is one. Although unlike sparrows which fabricate their nests in strategic corner of a house, the clever crows build their nests not exactly within a residence but at more strategic points such as on a tree or electric poles. Not far from human

How a single project can reshape a region

How a single project can reshape a region

As a development analyst, I have spent much of my career studying how large infrastructure projects alter regional economies. Too often, such projects promise transformation but leave behind only partial gains. Rooppur, however, tells a different story. What is unfolding in this quiet corner of Pab

Learning a lesson of cosmopolitanism in the capital

Learning a lesson of cosmopolitanism in the capital

Is Bangladesh a nation of forgers? When such denigration comes from none other than the head of the government, one who is a recipient of the highest award on offer in the world, people cannot but look askance. In fact, any generalised perception of any race, people or nation is faulty. But this ki

Navigating fog is like driving blindfolded

Navigating fog is like driving blindfolded

GENERAL EXPERIENCE OF DRIVING IN FOG From the cab, we do not see the tracks ahead. It just looks like a white wall, and we drive through that. Navigating fog is like driving blindfolded. We sound the whistle frequently, at least four times in a minute. Depending on fog density, we drive at reduced