Special Content
Bangladesh at a crossroads: Protect lives, not tobacco industry
Bangladesh has long stood as a pioneer in global public health, becoming one of the first nations to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). At the heart of this treaty lies Article 5.3, a powerful provision that recognizes a simple truth: the interests of the tobacco industry are fundamentally and irreconcilably opposed to public health. By signing this treaty, the government made a solemn pledge to protect its citizens from the devastating harm of tobacco and to keep policymaking free from industry interference. This was not a symbolic promise but a binding commitment to shield the nation from one of the most destructive commercial epidemics in human history.
People should see ponds, canals not as past, but as part of future
Once upon a time, Dhaka was a city of canals, ponds and rivers. Today, that aquatic network is disappearing under the pressure of encroachment and development. To the present generation, that image of Dhaka perhaps sounds like a tale, as most of its canals and ponds have now vanished into thin air. Journalist and writer Helemul Alam has been consistently working for over two decades on urban life, the environment and civic crises. His two recently published research-based books — “Oasis Lost to Urban Sprawl: An In-Depth Look into Dhaka’s Lost Ponds” and “Dhaka’s Canals on Their Dying Breath: An In-Depth Look at How the Capital's Waterways Are Being Choked” — have earned readers’ praise as significant documents of urban history and the environmental movement. Recently, on behalf of Views Bangladesh, General Secretary of the Urban Development Journalists Forum-Bangladesh (UDJFB) Faisal Khan interviewed him about his journalism, field research, childhood memories and commitment to protecting waterbodies in the capital.
Where lies the controversy over Machado's Nobel Peace Prize
Maria Corina Machado has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her efforts to establish democracy in Venezuela and fight against authoritarianism. The Nobel Committee praised her courage and steadfastness, highlighting her significant role in uniting opposition political parties even in the face of political threats and dangers.
Poison in name of medicine: The invisible war of medical trade against humanity
The advancement of medical science has taken the world to an unprecedented height today. Human life expectancy has increased, methods of curing diseases have improved—but hidden behind this progress lies a cruel reality: medicine has now become a profitable business, and human beings have turned into laboratory subjects.
What is the mystery behind Swarnamoyee’s suicide?
Since Saturday midnight, Facebook feeds have been flooded with the image of an enchanting face bearing a soft smile reminiscent of the Mona Lisa. The photo, in black and white, feels strangely appropriate as an epitaph of life.
Dhaka airport's fire safety system lags behind international standards
Airports are such facilities, where a large number of passengers, employees, and aircraft operations are carried out every day. A large quantity of fuel, electrical equipment, and mechanical materials is used here which can create the apprehension of fire incidents. So, an effective and well-organized fire safety plan is essential for protecting lives, minimizing property damage, and ensuring business continuity. However, unfortunately, the grade of fire safety systems at our international Hazrat Shahjalal Airport is far behind international standards.
Why is Nobel Prize revered worldwide
The Nobel Prize, established in 1901, is the most prestigious award in the world. Every year, it is given to individuals and institutions for outstanding original research, discovery, and innovation. The Nobel Prize is awarded in five categories—Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. It is given according to the will of Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel. The laureates receive a gold medal, a certificate, and a significant monetary prize in an official ceremony. This recognition of scientists, writers, and peace advocates devoted to the welfare of humanity guides the world towards new directions
Writer of epic of melancholic world wins Nobel Prize for Literature
For most ordinary readers, the Nobel Prize in Literature may seem as remote as “a trader of ginger keeping track of ships.” Yet, each year when the prize is announced, curiosity is suddenly rekindled—who has won it, why, and what has the winner written? There is a reason for this interest. Literature, after all, mirrors our lives—our laughter and tears, our love and loss, our hopes and despair. For thoughtful minds, literature is not merely entertainment; it is a deep engagement with life itself. But in this age of social media, where fleeting distraction has replaced reflection, only a handful of people now follow world literature. Even so, when the Nobel announcement arrives, the old excitement returns, and once again, people everywhere begin to discuss, analyse, and wonder. In that sense, the Nobel Prize in Literature remains one of the most anticipated global events in the cultural world.
Trust reliable sources, not social media
Recently, a rumour has been circulating on social media that a massive comet named 3I/ATLAS is hurtling towards Earth, bringing destruction for humanity. People have been debating how to divert it from striking the planet. Some posts even claim that international military preparations have begun. The entire issue has created widespread panic.
Why Gaza still looks to the sea for true peace
On October 10, a ceasefire in Gaza was officially announced. International news media were quick to focus on what they now call “the peace plan”. United States President Donald Trump, they announced, will go to Cairo to oversee the agreement and then to Israel to speak at the Knesset. The air strikes over Gaza, they reported, have stopped.