
NASA's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion or DEI chief Neela Rajendra, is an Indian origin, has been sacked by the US space agency in compliance with Donald Trump's executive order, reports NDTV.
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Just two days after the appointment, the Ministry of Public Administration has cancelled the appointment of Muhammad Abu Abid as its spokesperson.
At first glance, one might think they’re walking along the bank of a small river, with waves crashing against both shores. But that illusion vanishes within seconds. There are no launches or boats here—only hundreds of vehicles braving the waterlogged road, and thousands of people wading through it daily.
The official academic calendar for 2024 lists 76 days of holidays. However, education insiders argue that the actual number is much higher. One key reason is that classes are suspended in thousands of schools during public exams like the SSC, though these closures aren’t reflected in the annual schedule.
The relationship between Europe and the United States traces its origins back to the battlefields of World War II. From those war-torn grounds emerged the foundations of geopolitical blocs. In the post-war world, the growing influence of the socialist bloc led by the Soviet Union heightened anxiety and sparked escalating tensions. A multi-dimensional competition took shape between the two blocs, each accusing the other of trying to destroy its internal unity. Just as American troops couldn’t establish a presence in Eastern European countries, Soviet tanks couldn’t roll into the Prussian fields due to the U.S.'s opposition. This attempt to separate the U.S. from Europe was once termed “decoupling.” What decades of Cold War hostility failed to accomplish, former U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to achieve within mere weeks.
Although a temporary ceasefire was established between Hamas and Israel in the third week of January this year, it collapsed by March. The Israeli military continues to carry out what many are calling acts of genocide in Gaza. This brutal war has triggered global outrage, with mass protests erupting in the United States, Morocco, Turkey, Bangladesh, and numerous other countries. Now, joining the chorus of dissent are Israeli writers, poets, and journalists themselves. In a powerful act of resistance, at least 350 Israeli literary figures have signed a letter urging their leaders to end the war.
“When people on the street say you should stay for another five years”—this remark by Home Affairs Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury closely resembles a Facebook status posted by Sarjis Alam, the Northern Regional Chief Coordinator of the National Citizen Party (NCP).
Of course, Hamas has driven this violent man crazy. Due to its excessive confidence and belief in its own power, Hamas has suddenly attacked inside Israel and killed, tortured, and taken hostage Israeli civilians. In retaliation, Israeli soldiers are shooting wherever there is movement inside Gaza, silencing it. There is no hesitation in the words of the Israeli soldiers, Hamas fighters killed them in October 2023, now they are killing Palestinians. One soldier said, ‘We came to kill them. We are killing their wives, children, dogs, cats - everything.'
We are a strange nation - we can wake up, we can burst into protest, we can stand on the streets. But is the achievement of that movement limited to banners, posters, and police baton charges? We have proven time and again, 'we can'; but have we ever thought - what exactly can we do? What else can we not do? Why can't we? For years, we have seen - that the student community of Bangladesh has sometimes roared against quota reform, sometimes against educational inequality, sometimes against salary inequality, admission corruption, question paper leaks, or housing problems. The Raju Sculpture of Dhaka University, Shahbagh, Press Club, and the protest sites in Chittagong are silent witnesses to these movements.
Implementing the desired reforms in Bangladesh is extremely difficult, primarily due to the complexities of political and social realities. The main political parties' reluctance, the influence of vested interests, and the weak social demand play significant roles in obstructing the reform process. Although Bangladesh has taken initiatives for policy reform at various times, these efforts have failed to take structural and effective shape. The existing political culture and the centralized nature of power have become major obstacles to implementing reforms. Since the major political parties in Bangladesh lack internal democracy, they are also disinterested in implementing democratic and governance reforms at the national level. The overwhelming dominance of party leaders, hereditary leadership, and the irregular process of decision-making within political parties are significant barriers to political reform.
The first District Commissioners (DC) conference of the interim government holds significant importance in the current administrative context. This conference will involve discussions between the DCs and various ministries, where important directions will be given. In light of the changed political scenario, special policy decisions and administrative directions are expected to emerge from this conference.
At first glance, one might think they’re walking along the bank of a small river, with waves crashing against both shores. But that illusion vanishes within seconds. There are no launches or boats here—only hundreds of vehicles braving the waterlogged road, and thousands of people wading through it daily.
Around 14 years ago, I was working as a young careerist for a national NGO in Bangladesh. At the time, a case story by one of my colleagues working under the Violence against Women and Girls (VAW) component, caught me one day. What I found really gruesomely disturbing at the time was the fact that a destitute girl with disability was made to marry her rapist. To me it showcased, an even more alarmingly perpetuating vicious cycle against survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Bangladesh. What were her families thinking? Were they so concerned about saving the girl’s family from so-called-shame and dishonour? Or was her family forced into compliance instead to save the heinous criminal’s family from shame? That’s an untold story I never had the chance to dig deep enough into though …
Every year, before Eid, factory workers take to the streets over their unpaid wages and bonuses. In many factories in Gazipur, Ashulia, and Savar, workers' wages and bonuses are not paid before Eid. As a result, they protest on the streets. This is an issue we witness every year in one form or another.
Just two days after the appointment, the Ministry of Public Administration has cancelled the appointment of Muhammad Abu Abid as its spokesperson.
Community Bank Bangladesh PLC is pleased to announce the immediate appointment of Mr. Kimiwa Saddat as Managing Director & CEO (Current Charge). Prior to this, Mr. Saddat served as the Deputy Managing Director of Meghna Bank PLC.