Category: VIEWS

Over 100 trees were felled at Jahangirnagar University to construct two new buildings, sparking protests from teachers, students, and two factions of the JU Chhatra Union. The university authorities were accused of unplanned construction without a new master plan. The JU Proctor deflected responsibility, while the project director claimed to have consulted stakeholders. Photo: Auritro Sattar

The article emphasizes the urgency of environmental conservation and sustainable living practices to safeguard the Earth’s fragile beauty and ensure a flourishing future for all life. It highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems, the threats posed by human activities like deforestation and pollution, and the need for immediate action from individuals, communities, and nations. By embracing minimalism, supporting conservation efforts, and advocating for robust environmental policies, we can fulfill our responsibility to preserve our only home for future generations. Photo : REUTERS

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck Bangladesh on May 29, with the epicenter in neighboring Myanmar. While no casualties were reported, it served as a reminder of Bangladesh’s high seismic vulnerability due to its location at the confluence of tectonic plates. Despite being prone to earthquakes, the country remains ill-prepared to face a potential powerful quake that could unleash catastrophic destruction, especially in densely populated areas like the capital, Dhaka. VISUAL: REHNUMA PROSHOON

The arrival of Western volunteer fighters in Myanmar to join the conflict against the Tatmadaw (Myanmar military) has raised concerns about potential foreign intervention and escalation of the crisis. Regional countries like Bangladesh, China, and India are unlikely to allow such foreign fighters access through their territories, as they wish for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, some international actors, particularly the U.S., which has expressed support for the opposition NUG/PDF groups, may have different motivations regarding the presence of these volunteers. PHOTO: REUTERS

Bangladesh’s freelancing industry, once hailed as a global powerhouse, is facing challenges due to market saturation and lack of skilled workforce. Despite contributing over $100 million in annual foreign remittances and being recognized by organizations like Oxford Internet Institute, Forbes, and Payoneer, the country’s reputation as a top freelancing destination is at risk if the situation worsens. Experts emphasize the need for developing the right skills and mindset to sustain the industry’s growth. VISUAL: ZARIF FAIAZ

The massive wealth amassed by former IGP Benazir Ahmed exposes systemic corruption at the highest levels of law enforcement during the Awami League’s tenure. His partisan stance and policies sidelined rule of law, allegedly enabling extortion. The revelations align with the US sanctioning him earlier for human rights abuses, raising concerns over the government rewarding compromised officials. This follows similar anti-kleptocracy action against another top official, signaling extensive corruption among the highest bureaucracy during this administration’s rule. Illustration: Biplob Chakroborty

A century-long societal obsession with diets and unrealistic beauty standards has fueled body image issues and eating disorders, particularly among women. Fad diets often lead to weight regain and adverse health effects. In 1992, Mary Evans, a former anorexic, founded Diet Breakers, sparking a global movement toward body positivity and self-acceptance, challenging the stigma surrounding body image norms perpetuated by the fashion and media industries. Visual: Star

The politically charged period from 1947 to 1971 in East Pakistan, leading to the birth of Bangladesh, witnessed remarkable architectural achievements. Prominent architects like Muzharul Islam, Louis Kahn, Constantinos Doxiadis, and others created iconic structures, raising intriguing questions about the interplay between political movements and architectural expression. These buildings, including the Parliament Complex, University of Dhaka Library, and Dhaka New Market, exemplified the socio-cultural spirit of the nation during its quest for self-determination. The Faujdarhat Cadet College campus, as seen on Google Earth.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders, accusing them of “war crimes and crimes against humanity” in the ongoing violence in Gaza. This unprecedented move highlights growing international pressure on Israel over its treatment of Palestinians, despite longstanding U.S. support. The ICC’s impartiality has been questioned, with critics arguing it disproportionately targets African nations and Western allies. The warrants have sparked debate over perceived moral equivalence between Israeli officials and Hamas militants. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

Automation and AI are rapidly transforming global labor markets. Bangladesh, with its robust workforce and growing economy, needs to reevaluate its labor laws and policies to strike a balance between technological advancements and worker protection. The textile and garment industry, employing over 4 million, is gradually automating, potentially threatening jobs but improving work conditions. Countries like the EU and France are prioritizing ethical AI principles, worker rights, and employee training to prepare for an automated future. Bangladesh must strategize to manage automation’s impact on its critical industries and workforce. VISUAL: CANVA

Bangladesh’s agrarian landscape faces a tug-of-war between capital’s demand for higher productivity and the traditional peasant mode of subsistence farming. As industrialization encroaches, the push for collectivization and state-enforced grain targets risks alienating peasants from their family-centric production motives. The availability of additional land to accommodate family farm cycles is limited, intensifying tensions between modernizing imperatives and deeply-rooted agrarian traditions. Policymakers grapple with balancing food security and preserving the peasantry’s way of life. FILE PHOTO: MOHAMMAD MONIRUZZAMAN

A US think tank report found strong evidence that increasing freedom leads to long-term prosperity, but noted Bangladesh’s freedoms have declined despite economic progress. The report implies Bangladesh’s current prosperity is unsustainable. It reignites the development vs. democracy debate, with government apologists arguing development should be prioritized over democracy, even if exploitative. However, the article argues Bangladesh can take time building an inclusive, rights-respecting development model benefiting all citizens. VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL

The proposal to impose a 15% VAT on Dhaka metro rail fares has sparked concerns over accessibility for lower-income commuters. While the current fare may seem affordable, the additional tax could make the service unattainable for those living below the poverty line. The road transport minister has requested the prime minister to reconsider the decision to ensure the metro rail remains inclusive and benefits the underprivileged segment of the population. PHOTO: MARUF AREFIN MIM

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to provide a $4.7 billion loan to Bangladesh, but with conditions that prioritize privatization and commercialization, leading to increased prices for gas, electricity, and transport. Critics argue that the IMF’s reforms protect corporate interests over public welfare and fail to address root causes of economic issues, ultimately burdening the general population. VISUAL: SHAIKH SULTANA JAHAN BADHON

Despite over a decade of negotiations, the world has failed to produce a complete adaptation framework to track adaptation actions. At COP28, the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience was approved, but it lacks measurable indicators to monitor progress. As a pioneer in community-based adaptation, Bangladesh can show a path by integrating equity and justice considerations into its National Adaptation Plan (NAP2050) indicators, ensuring a “just resilience” approach that leaves no one behind in the fight against climate change. PHOTO: STAR

Reminiscent of the 1968 anti-Vietnam War student protests that marked a watershed in US politics, major universities across the country are witnessing student demonstrations against Washington’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The younger generation finds the US government’s “unqualified” support for Israel amid the ongoing violence against Palestinians, including children and women, as unethical and unjust. Through these protests, students are demanding a course correction in the country’s policy that has largely backed Israel across the political spectrum, with few exceptions like Senator Bernie Sanders.  PHOTO: REUTERS