Bangladesh-US trade deal: prospects and pitfalls
The signing of a trade deal with the United States at the fag-end of the interim government's tenure has understandably raised many eyebrows, particularly because of its non-disclosure clauses. The limited information released so far suggests a mixed picture-one that promises new opportunities but also poses significant questions about long-term...
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Those responsible for low CPI ranking must be held accountable
That Bangladesh is world's 13th most corrupt country among the 182 states assessed by the Berlin-based Transparency International (TI) is disgraceful. Only more so because the improved ranking from 2006 to 2017 could not be maintained! The highest ever score for the country was 28 in 2017. During the period...
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A poster-free election and a lesson for Dhaka
Bangladesh voted in a national election without the familiar scene of posters plastered all over the wall, electric poles, footbridges, roadside trees, and public transports. This phenomenon is a first in the history of national elections in the country. The decision of the Election Commission in banning the use of...
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Reviving Bangladeshi cinema through Santao
Recently, Bangladeshi actress Ainun Nahar won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the dramatic film Santao. The term "Santao," widely used in northern Bangladesh, refers to continuous rainfall lasting seven days. The film offers a heartfelt portrayal of rural life, highlighting the deep bond a...
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Mental health crisis of youth
The sharp rise in mental health struggles among young people is a growing yet often overlooked emergency worldwide. Across every region, youth are reporting increased levels of stress, depression, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. What was once hidden within individuals has now emerged as a collective crisis, demanding urgent attention.Several interconnected...
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