Zarif Faiaz

Zarif Faiaz is a writer, journalist, and a tech policy researcher based out of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is the In-Charge of the Tech & Startup section at The Daily Star and a Fellow at the Tech Global Institute.

Key considerations for getting bancassurance

In Bangladesh, bancassurance is gradually becoming a popular and convenient way for customers to purchase insurance products through their banks.

3w ago

Why it’s wise to start insurance at an early age

Starting insurance early is one of the smartest financial decisions a person can make—especially in Bangladesh, where insurance penetration remains low while the need for financial protection is rising.

3w ago

Bridging Bangladesh’s skills gap

Bangladesh’s vocational training sector has expanded rapidly in recent years, particularly in information and communications technology (ICT). Thousands of private training centres now operate across the country, offering similar types of courses in areas such as web development, hardware maintenance, and digital marketing. However, the absence of a standardised system of curriculum design, delivery, and assessment has contributed to wide disparities in the quality of training offered.

1m ago

Disinformation campaigns target women and minorities in Bangladesh: Study

Study reveals how gendered abuse, misinformation and disinformation on Facebook threaten democratic participation in Bangladesh, especially for women and gender-diverse individuals.

1m ago

Rewriting the future: Bangladeshi innovation in home appliances

The domestic appliance sector in Bangladesh is no longer playing catch-up with global markets, in many cases, it is leading them.

1m ago

Too old to hire? The quiet bias keeping skilled professionals out of jobs

In a world that prizes innovation and adaptability, one would assume experience is a critical asset. Yet, for many older professionals, particularly those over 50, the job market tells a different story—one where decades of service are quietly disregarded in favour of youth. Age discrimination, or ageism, in the workplace remains a pervasive but often under-acknowledged issue globally, and Bangladesh is no exception.

1m ago

The skills premium: how AI became essential for marketers

The marketing world is undergoing a seismic transformation. As generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) matures from a technical novelty into a strategic necessity, marketing professionals are being forced to adapt at a pace unprecedented in recent memory. No longer confined to the realms of data science or IT, AI has become central to the everyday operations of marketing departments, not just enhancing productivity, but fundamentally reshaping the structure, skills, and strategy of marketing teams worldwide.

1m ago

The colonial legacy in our digital infrastructure

How Bangladesh and the Global South remain trapped in digital dependence

2m ago
February 26, 2025
February 26, 2025

Climbing the corporate ladder: top strategies for career advancement

Climbing the corporate ladder requires a strategic approach that encompasses continuous learning, strong professional relationships, and a proactive attitude towards growth. Employees who want to advance must demonstrate their value in ways that align with both personal ambitions and the evolving needs of their organisations.

February 11, 2025
February 11, 2025

Lifelong learning: Staying relevant in the age of AI

The rise of AI isn’t a distant phenomenon confined to Silicon Valley boardrooms; it’s here, woven into the fabric of Bangladesh’s economy. Jobs once considered secure are evolving—or disappearing—while new roles, unimaginable a decade ago, are emerging at breakneck speed.

January 27, 2025
January 27, 2025

Will the home adviser go big or go home?

Post-August 5, muggers, robbers, and criminals run rampant in the city as the law and order situation has fallen to an all-time low.

December 3, 2024
December 3, 2024

Revitalising Bangladesh’s jute industry through pioneering worker training

Bangladesh, historically known as a major player in the global jute industry, has long depended on the "Golden Fibre" as a key economic driver. Yet, in recent years, the sector has faced substantial challenges, ranging from reduced demand for raw jute exports to outdated processing techniques. 

October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024

BTRC's draft satellite internet guideline risks becoming a digital gatekeeper

This draft policy is hiding a central duality in plain sight: Bangladesh is eager to welcome cutting-edge satellite technology, yet appears equally intent on tightly controlling its operation.

September 6, 2024
September 6, 2024

Rebranding and rebuilding Bangladesh

Now that the dust is starting to settle down, there are growing calls for reforms across the nation.

July 30, 2024
July 30, 2024

5 signs of toxic leadership in the workplace

Some leaders exhibit toxic traits that can undermine morale, stifle creativity, and create a culture of fear and resentment. Understanding the signs of toxic leadership is the first step towards advocating for change.

July 18, 2024
July 18, 2024

Right to access the internet is a human right

A world without internet is unimaginable in this age and time.

July 18, 2024
July 18, 2024

The future of leadership is kindness

In recent years, the business world has seen a paradigm shift in the qualities we value in leaders. Long gone are the days when assertiveness and strength were seen as the sole indicators of effective leadership.

June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024

How to not handle a crisis communication: A lesson from Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola's botched ad campaign highlights the pitfalls of crisis communication.