Views / Reviews

Clear vision changes lives

Clear vision changes lives

When we talk about healthcare and human rights, one vital aspect is often overlooked: vision. Eye care is not a niche concern-it is a fundamental component of health, productivity, and dignity. Imagine the daily challenges faced by someone who cannot see clearly: reduced productivity, limited earni


My brief brush with Osman Hadi

My brief brush with Osman Hadi

In the aftermath of last year’s anti-Hasina uprising in Bangladesh, several student leaders emerged from obscurity, propelled by a mix of anger and a demand for justice. Sharif Osman Hadi was one of them. I first encountered Osman Hadi in September 2024 at the TSC junction of Dhaka Universit

In memoriam of a warrior woman

In memoriam of a warrior woman

The curtain dropped on a different warrior four years ago. Freedom fighter, writer, and activist Begum Mushtari Shafi passed away at 84. While many knew her as ‘Shaheed Jaya’ (the wife of Shaheed), this title does not fully capture her lifelong efforts for upholding the spirit of Bangla

From beaches to green yards

From beaches to green yards

On the opening day of the 12th National SME Product Fair 2025, visitors entering booth F-006 encountered something unexpected among the displays of local innovation, handcrafted goods, and emerging technologies. The Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board (BSRB) had stepped into the seven-day fair with a c

Time for piloting CDBC in Bangladesh

Time for piloting CDBC in Bangladesh

In the era of massive technological diffusion, digital transformation, and aggressive cashless transactions, Bangladesh has been in a strong position. Online banking, digital banking and mobile banking through mobile apps are growing faster than ever before. Bangladesh is also relentless in its dig

Legendary singers & musicians of Bangladesh

Legendary singers & musicians of Bangladesh

In early 1940s, the folk song composer and singer Abbas Uddin Ahmed (1901-59) met a young man named Hemanta Mukherjee (1920-89) at a Kolkata radio station.  After listening to him singing, Abbas praised Hemanta profusely. “Please bless me,” Hemanta beseeched him.  Abbas’

Steel industry landscape of Bangladesh

Steel industry landscape of Bangladesh

One of the basic indicators of a nation's sustainable growth is its year-on-year demand for steel. Globally, economists consider a drop in steel demand as a reliable and earliest indication of an economic slowdown or recession. A nation with versatile steelmaking capacity progresses in automotive,

Bangladesh's ESG moment: an ESG whisperer's viewpoint

Bangladesh's ESG moment: an ESG whisperer's viewpoint

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away was there a country where in any programme, people would wear a heavy complete suit with a flashy red or orange tie, despite being drenched in sweat like sauna in the hottest summer. Reason? It was a style statement, it oozed sophistication. Now people ma

ESCAP and the next frontier of Asia-Pacific development

ESCAP and the next frontier of Asia-Pacific development

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is one of the five Regional Commissions under the jurisdiction of the UN Economic and Social Council. It was established in order to increase economic activity in Asia and the Far East, as well as to foster economic

A journalist's journey through history and the craft

A journalist's journey through history and the craft

Journalism is not only a profession; it demands passion, devotion and commitment. It also comes with the responsibility to serve readers, viewers and listeners with unbiased information and perspectives they need to make important decisions in everyday life. Aspiring journalists may wonder how the

Rising heat, rising risk: regional policy actions

Rising heat, rising risk: regional policy actions

2024 was the hottest on record globally. In Asia and the Pacific, Bangladesh was the worst-hit country, with about 33 million people affected by lower crop yields that destabilised food systems, along with extensive school closures and many cases of heatstroke and related diseases. Children, the el