Shams Rashid Tonmoy

Sub-editor & Feature Writer, Tech & Startup, The Daily Star

A personal goodbye to Skype; the app that connected worlds

Today, Skype, the app that once connected me to so many important moments, is officially gone. It’s a strange feeling. Sure, I have switched to Messenger for chats and Zoom for meetings like everyone else. But I can’t help but feel a little sad. Few things else carry the same level of nostalgia as that familiar blue icon.

4d ago

Bangladeshi scientist invents smart pill to track gut health

Dr Yasser Khan, Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC), is leading groundbreaking research in AI-enabled medical devices. His latest innovation? A GPS-like ingestible smart pill that could revolutionise how we understand the gut-brain connection.

1m ago

Will overworking get you ahead? 

We’ve all been there—burning the midnight oil, skipping lunch breaks, or replying to emails at 2 am because we believe that grinding harder than everyone else is the golden ticket to promotions and respect. But is it really? The truth is far more nuanced than a simple 'yes' or 'no'.

2m ago

Skills vs. networking: why you need both in your job hunt

New job hunters often wonder which is more important: skills or networking? The truth is, you need both. Your skills are the magic you bring to the table—everything you know and can do to get the job done. Networking, on the other hand, is all about making sure the right people know just how capable you are.

2m ago

How to identify and brand your most marketable trait

Your standout trait is your personal brand’s signature move. It’s the thing people remember you for, whether it’s your knack for solving problems, your ability to connect with people, or your expertise in a specific area. And once you’ve nailed it, you can weave it into everything—your resume, your LinkedIn profile, even how you introduce yourself at networking events. 

2m ago

Pokémon TCG Pocket: A simplified spin on a beloved classic

Within just two days of its global launch, the game amassed over 10 million downloads.

3m ago

Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Racing ahead, but tripping along the way

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a solid popcorn flick that delivers what fans have come to expect.

3m ago

Realistic work resolutions to make 2025 your best year yet

It is important to keep realistic goals in mind when charting out your New Year's resolutions, especially when it involves your work. Here are some down-to-earth career resolutions you could work towards to boost your professional life - one small step at a time - in 2025.

4m ago
August 13, 2024
August 13, 2024

A 30-something's guide to modern job hunting

Whether you were suddenly let go of your previous job or looking to start anew, job hunting in your 30s can be an especially difficult experience. Here is a quick breakdown of some challenges and strategies you should be aware of when looking for a new job in your 30s.

July 30, 2024
July 30, 2024

Refocusing on work when nothing feels right

Amid an urge to return to normalcy, you wouldn't be shamed for feeling a bit overwhelmed. Unfortunately, whether we feel ready or not, we have to return to work. The bills don't pay themselves, after all.

July 9, 2024
July 9, 2024

Future-proofing your finances: Saving up the first paychecks

While your first paychecks might seem like a ticket to financial freedom, your current financial habits will impact your future. Instead of spending it all on a shopping spree, consider saving some of that money. Here's 'why' and 'how' you should go about saving up your first full-time paychecks.

July 3, 2024
July 3, 2024

Capitalising on market trends: the secret sauce to success

Nvidia's recent meteoric rise provides a compelling example of the power of capitalising on current market trends. Let’s take a look at how capitalising on market trends can be the secret sauce to your startup’s success.

June 25, 2024
June 25, 2024

AI is making way for a new era of soft skills. Here's how

With AI gaining popularity across various workplaces, there arises a demand for skilled professionals capable of effectively operating AI models to yield the most desirable outcomes. Moreover, beyond these roles, there is a growing need for positions that AI simply cannot replicate, owing to its inherently non-human nature.

May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024

From fringe hobby to national pride

For years, gaming in Bangladesh was seen as a waste of time -- often dismissed as a frivolous activity or a distraction from more “serious” pursuits. Traditional societal norms placed little value on gaming, perceiving it as an endeavour devoid of any real-world benefits.

April 23, 2024
April 23, 2024

Navigating the big, scary world of your first career break

Whether it's for studies or personal development, stepping away from work can be scary, especially when you're new to the full-time world. In our world of constant hustle, taking a break to recharge and refocus takes guts. But, if you're up for it, the rewards can be worthwhile.

April 8, 2024
April 8, 2024

PriyoShop: Connecting local brands and mom-and-pop shops by facilitating product distribution

In the bustling streets of Bangladesh, mom-and-pop shops, also known as 'mudir dokan' in Bangla, stand as pillars of commerce, signifying an economic revolution that is steadily reshaping the retail landscape. At the forefront of this transformation stands PriyoShop, a B2B e-commerce startup that is connecting the dots between brands and mom-and-pop shops.

March 12, 2024
March 12, 2024

Cover letters: are they relevant anymore?

The efficiency of parsing through standardised resumes and extracting relevant information has led many employers to prioritise resumes and online application forms over cover letters. Thus, brings the obvious question: are cover letters even relevant anymore?

January 25, 2024
January 25, 2024

Pokémon Concierge: A stop-motion for all ages

Pokémon Concierge tells the story of Haru, a 20-something young adult riddled with anxiety, coming to the luxurious Pokémon Resort to start a new life as a concierge.