Laila Khondkar

We need literature for all people, in all languages

In Bangladesh, visually challenged people have little access to the rich world of literature, an exclusion that limits their ability to experience the joy of storytelling.

1m ago

A vision for a child-friendly book fair

Are we truly creating an environment that fosters love for books among children?

2m ago

Protecting adolescents from the harm of social media

Studies reveal startling trends: adolescents spending over three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to face anxiety and depression.

3m ago

Bring back married adolescent girls to schools

Child marriage in Bangladesh hinders girls' education and lifelong opportunities.

4m ago

Conversation about youth mental health must evolve

In Bangladesh, 361 students, a significant percentage of whom were elementary students, succumbed to suicide between January and August in 2023.

5m ago

We must help girls realise their dreams

It is our responsibility to make society safe for girls by strengthening child protection system at the community and national levels.

6m ago

A tolerant society must respect differing opinions

Listening to others does not mean agreeing with them, but acknowledging that different opinions exist and seeking to understand them is crucial.

7m ago

Let’s end the ‘princessification’ of girls, ‘machofication’ of boys

Children are born with immense potential. Isn’t it a tremendous waste of human capacity to confine them to limited roles?

9m ago
April 30, 2024
April 30, 2024

Ending corporal punishment needs a change in mindset

More than 1.3 billion children aged between one and 14 years are subjected to corporal punishment at home each year.

March 24, 2024
March 24, 2024

The case for child-friendly infrastructure

Child-friendly infrastructure, design, and services require little to no cost if we only care to look at things through the eyes of a child.

February 29, 2024
February 29, 2024

Climate change is fuelling child marriage in Bangladesh

Climate change adaptation programmes must support efforts that promote greater access to quality education for adolescent girls.

February 1, 2024
February 1, 2024

Save children from the spread of fast food

Research shows that eating fast food has a direct correlation with weight gain

January 17, 2024
January 17, 2024

Applying to Harvard University: Tips for a successful application

Having an advanced degree from a reputed university will significantly add to your learning and help you realise your professional dreams and ambitions. So, invest time and energy in the process. 

March 14, 2023
March 14, 2023

The statelessness of Rohingya children and the world’s responsibility

States can end the statelessness of Rohingya children if they want to.

April 2, 2022
April 2, 2022

Creating an autism-friendly society

“During the lockdown, our teachers offered online classes, but it was extremely challenging for autistic children to understand the instructions through a screen.

March 6, 2022
March 6, 2022

Boi Mela is bringing kids to books. We can take this further.

“During school holidays, my coaching centre is closed. I encourage students to read books, play or do things they really enjoy.

February 12, 2022
February 12, 2022

Are we listening to our adolescents?

To understand what our adolescents dream about the future, researchers at the Economic Relations Division (ERD) under the finance ministry conducted an explorative survey between August and September 2021.

January 13, 2022
January 13, 2022

Not just law, we need social change to end corporal punishment

Corporal punishment is defined as any punishment in which physical force is used with the intent to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.