New York
Why such large entourage when only 7 can attend UNGA
Chief Adviser of the Interim Government Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus went to New York in the United States to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Along with seven advisers and officials of equivalent rank, six leaders from three political parties accompanied him—BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Acting Chairman’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Nayeb-e-Ameer Syed Abdullah Muhammad Taher and Dr Nakibur Rahman, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain and Joint Convener Dr Tasnim Zara. Initially, Dr Nakibur Rahman and Tasnim Zara were not included in the delegation; they were later added at the request of Jamaat and NCP.
Expatriates struggling to live amid unhealthy political culture
After independence, the people of any country need to learn patriotism, civic responsibility, human duty, self-reliance and the use of conscience. But in Bangladesh we were taught politics. Where all those words are almost absent. And because they are absent, we cannot escape partisan political activities even abroad. Not only us, but our country too is being tarnished. Even while living in highly developed countries such as London and America, our overly patriotic politicians want to preserve or have preserved the unhealthy domestic political culture instead of practising advanced politics. This causes me deep pain. What more can be said about the country’s unhealthy politics. We all have some experience of this sick politics. Therefore, my advice to our over-enthusiastic and patriotic expatriate politicians would be that it is good to engage in politics, but let it be above party politics and in the interest of the country and the nation.
Computer chip: Bonafide hero of Gulf War
US F-117 bombers took off silently from an air base in Saudi Arabia at the dawn of January 17, 1991. The target was Baghdad.
UNGA, egg throwing, and few questions from conscious citizens
Every September, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meets in New York. Heads of state and government from almost every country gather there. They present their country’s position, challenges and priorities, seek international support, and take part in various meetings. For Bangladesh too, this visit has never been an exception. Since independence, almost every government has given special importance to the UNGA trip and highlighted it heavily.
Intel's turnaround: Where fear becomes motivation
Intel President Andy Grove was a dynamic individual and he had true stories of hard work. He was a refugee from Hungary who had fled the Soviets and the Nazis. Timidity and discipline were his main mantras in running a business. In his famous book 'Only the Paranoid Survive', he wrote: "Fear of competition, fear of bankruptcy, and fear of failure - these are powerful motivators for people to move forward."
Salutations to you, conversational poet Shaheed Quaderi
If one were to ask, who was the most passionate conversationalist among Bengali poets, one of the first names that would come up is poet Shaheed Quaderi. At one time, Shaheed Quaderi himself was synonymous with adda (casual intellectual gatherings). It was said of him that he could strike up a conversation even with a lamppost. The poet himself said, “I am an immigrant addabaj (conversation enthusiast).” He would lead the adda himself. Where did the adda not take place—Beauty Boarding, Rex Restaurant, the home of novelist Rashid Karim, the home of poet Shamsur Rahman, the office of educationist Fazal Shahabuddin, office of the magazine Sandhani, and Purana Paltan—everywhere. Adda was held regularly.
Rise of global chip industry and low-wage transistor girls
Female workers in Asia played an extraordinary role in the chip-making revolution from the beginning of the modern semiconductor industry. Although mainly men were working on the design of transistors, a group of skilled hands was needed to transform the designed chips into real products that would be fast, accurate, and low-budget. Women filled this gap, especially women workers on assembly lines.
Pete Seeger: A protester against war
Amid the global wars of the 20th century, one of the most vocal voices against them was American folk music legend Pete Seeger. A passionate singer devoted to folk music, Pete was a tireless advocate for peace.
Pohela Boishakh must be celebrated as a non-communal festival
Boishakh is the first month of the Bengali calendar. April 14, or Pohela Boishakh, marks the first day of the Bengali New Year — a celebration deeply rooted in the hearts of Bengalis. As Boishakh approaches, the end of spring is adorned with golden flowers lighting up the surroundings, spreading the radiant beauty of nature. Marigolds fade away, leaving behind their turmeric-hued petals. Unseasonal rain brings forth stunning new blooms, covering green leaves as if to announce their arrival.
May the human dignity of women in Bangladesh be established
Today, 8th March, 2025, is International Women's Day. The theme for this year's observance is "Rights, Equality, Empowerment - Development of Women and Girls." If we look at the theme, an inevitable question arises: What is the position of women in Bangladesh today? What rights do they have? How far have we come in establishing gender equality in society? What progress has been made in empowering women? And what role are we playing in the development of girls in society and the state