Abida Rahman Chowdhury

Can we look beyond the seasonal activism against animal cruelty?

But is animal cruelty something we only condemn during this particular time of year? What are the subtle and not-so-subtle acts of cruelty we exhibit as we interact with/rear/raise/consume livestock/pets/wildlife?

1y ago

‘Science has to be for the masses’

Prof Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury  is one of two Bangladeshis who were recently named among the top 100 Asian scientists. In an interview with Abida Rahman Chowdhury of The Daily Star, she talks about her current projects, the scope of Bangladesh's policies and why they do not work, and how to encourage more women to take up STEM.

1y ago

More roads are not the answer to Bangladesh’s traffic problem

The more roads you build, the more cars there will be to fill them up. I am no expert, but the numbers don’t lie.

1y ago

What stops people from evacuating to shelters during cyclones?

Cyclone Mocha was just the first of the season, and Bangladesh will face more in the days to come. We need to focus on a more holistic approach to disaster management, especially the evacuation process and recovery aspect, and not just rely on warnings and people’s willingness to move to shelters.

1y ago

Heatwave: Inside the boiling pot of inequality

Do we all feel this heat similarly? The answer is no. It is no secret that if you are among the well-off in this not-so-well-off nation, you are better equipped to deal with this heatwave. There is a deep running inequality as to how the heat affects people.

1y ago

The role of bystanders during a crisis: An impediment or asset to rescue efforts?

Just one bystander can cause enough distraction to move the focus from the real situation on hand—which is to stabilise the emergency situation and save lives. So, who is responsible?

1y ago

World Wildlife Day: Conversations with conservationists

Bangladesh supports nearly 1.7 percent of the world's wildlife. How is that wildlife doing? Why does the chirping of birds no longer wake us? When was the last time a frog just showed up in our bathrooms?

1y ago

Are Bangladeshis best in the world in naming businesses?

As a traveller or visitor, if you have been to Bangladesh, you are no stranger to the shocking green everywhere, the chaos of Dhaka city, the absolute absence of rules anywhere, and if you have a keen eye then the straightforward, smooth and sometimes borderline funny naming of our businesses will surely intrigue you.

2y ago
September 10, 2013
September 10, 2013

The humble sandwich -- deconstructed!

Julia Child, a prominent 1920's chef once said “The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook.

September 3, 2013
September 3, 2013

When fashion meets music

Many a youth has toiled away hours learning to play the guitar, mastering the drums, making notes flow from the flute or even go as far as taking up an eclectic mix of household objects in pursuit of playing percussion. Music for many people is a means of life -- a canvas for expressing their aspirations.

August 27, 2013
August 27, 2013

For a free man

Gone are the days when extended families were the default arrangement. As the city expands, grows and vibrates with activity we see a rise in the number of people moving out of their parents' home into single units.

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