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.

4w 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.

4w 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
May 25, 2024
May 25, 2024

Government mishandling of personal data: Where does it end?

Are these incidents of data breach and data leaks not contradictory to the very image of the smart, digital, developed Bangladesh that they are desperately trying to portray or advertise?

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.

May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024

Regulating Dhaka traffic: Are ‘gate lock’ and speed caps all that it takes?

Unless things change on the street level, no rules or infrastructure can efficiently resolve Dhaka's traffic gridlock.

May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024

The creative industry was already suffering. Then came AI

The rapid advancement in the field of AI, particularly in the creative sector, raises a multitude of questions Is AI truly more creative than humans? What are the ethical implications of AI-generated art that imitates existing styles? How will the rise of AI impact the job market for creative professionals?

February 27, 2024
February 27, 2024

How to effectively deal with job searching fatigue

Application fatigue sets in when the initial enthusiasm for job searching gives way to the despair of repeated rejections. This emotional toll not only saps one's energy but can also lead to a reluctance to apply for new positions, for fear of facing further disappointment.

January 25, 2024
January 25, 2024

Startups defied economic downturn in 2023: study

The startup ecosystem in Bangladesh showcased a notable degree of resilience and adaptability in 2023, when economic uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions spread worldwide.

October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023

Xiaomi Pad 6: Balancing price and performance

Finding a device that balances performance, aesthetics, and price can be a challenge in today's saturated gadget market. Enter the Xiaomi Pad 6: a tablet that not only promises top-tier specs but does so without burning a hole in your pocket. Join us as we delve deeper into what makes the Pad 6 stand out in a crowded field.

July 14, 2023
July 14, 2023

Who watches the watchmen?

The meek responses to cyberattacks showcase how authorities fail to comprehend the dangers of these security breaches.

July 9, 2023
July 9, 2023

Hackers feast on government sites

With the general election around the corner, data leaks and cyberattacks have intensified alarmingly, with the latest being a suspected leak of five crore citizens’ data from the Office of the Registrar General, Birth & Death Registration (BDRIS).

July 8, 2023
July 8, 2023

Over 5 crore Bangladeshi citizens' data 'remains exposed' online

The leaked data includes names, birth dates, and National Identification (NID) numbers of over 50 million users which is alledgedly easily accessible through a simple Google search