quota reform 2024

Quota issue in promotions sparks outrage among admin cadres

They fear that such a move would weaken their cadre strength

A cape of hope: Honouring Bangladesh’s remittance warriors at Mr World 2024

At pageants, the spotlight often shines on glamour and charisma. However, this year, Mr World Bangladesh 2024, B Proshad Das, and designer Tasmit Afiyat Arny, elevated the platform with a meaningful tribute to an unsung segment of Bangladesh’s population through a costume, titled “Tribute to Remittance Warrior.”

57 Bangladeshis convicted in UAE granted pardon

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus disclosed the development at a meeting with editors today.

POETRY / Survival tactics for “peaceful” protests

Stay in a group, never in alleyways

ESSAY / Rhymes, rebellion, and revolution

Movements leave an indelible mark on the psyche of the people, and thus, the culture. As people are pushed to the brink of intolerance through oppressive measures,

POETRY / Magic boys and girls of Bangladesh

Magic boys and girls of Bangladesh, I love you.

POETRY / All hail July

The July wind brought in the scent of new beginnings

#Perspective / Students vs society: Why our kids need more than just grades

I’m not here to take sides, but I want to ask: Why are we so quick to question the students when reports started coming in of some crossing the line?

#Perspective / Non-resident Bangladeshi voices in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement

Bangladesh has recently witnessed extraordinary times. In July 2024, what began as a student movement demanding a restructuring of the government job quota system escalated into a countrywide mass movement for equality, justice, and democratic freedom.

August 19, 2024
August 19, 2024

Shawarma and solidarity: How Dhaka’s restaurants supported student heroes

Bangladesh’s recent student protests sparked a transformative shift, with youth taking on roles as impromptu traffic controllers in Dhaka, showcasing resilience and unity. Hotels and restaurants, like Beirut in Banani, supported students by providing free meals, symbolizing solidarity. This act of kindness boosted morale and highlighted the power of community support.

August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024

Rediscovering patriotic songs: Old melodies that united a new generation

What can songs do? A lot, actually! They can win hearts and also aid in unsettling an entire system and dethroning the powerful. We have been reminded of the latter during the recent student protests and a powerful reminder it was as the Gen Z of Bangladesh took old, patriotic songs and used them in a modern context.

August 15, 2024
August 15, 2024

Rickshaw art turn Dhaka University walls into an art gallery

On 13 August 2024, the Bangladesh Rickshaw Art Society transformed the walls near Sheikh Russel Tower at the Dhaka University campus into a vibrant canvas of rickshaw art.

August 14, 2024
August 14, 2024

March to the beat: How hip-hop music shaped Bangladesh’s quota reform movement

If we flip the pages of history, we will find that rap and hip-hop music has been a powerful medium for expressing discontent, rallying causes, and standing up to authority. Although other forms of music also contributed in their own way, there is something about hip-hop music when it comes to challenging established power structures that sets it apart from the others.

August 13, 2024
August 13, 2024

Post quota movement campus: What do the students expect from their university campus?

How will these students feel safe on campus upon their return?

August 12, 2024
August 12, 2024

Were we too quick to dismiss the efforts of student traffic volunteers?

The public reception up until now begets the question: did we dismiss the efforts of the students too easily?

August 10, 2024
August 10, 2024

The power of education in ‘Bangla Bashanta'

Identity and ideology politics also played an essential role in brewing the Bangla Bashanta.

August 10, 2024
August 10, 2024

‘Colours for Reform’: Student-led campaign restores Dhaka's walls

The "Colours for Reform" campaign, which kicked off in the Science Lab area yesterday, comprises over 50 artists and 300 volunteers. The campaign seeks to preserve meaningful graffiti painted during the protests while refreshing Dhaka's walls with messages of hope and unity.

August 8, 2024
August 8, 2024

Journalists protest against attacks on cultural institutions

The protest meeting was moderated by journalist Maksudul Haque Imu and began with a minute of silence to honour the martyrs of the anti-discrimination student movement. The gathering was marked by strong condemnations of the vandalism and attacks on cultural venues, as well as the targeted attack on the residence of musical artiste Rahul Anand, known for his involvement with the student movement.

August 8, 2024
August 8, 2024

When students take charge: A lesson in civic responsibility

In the wake of the political upheaval following the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August 2024, the country found itself in a precarious situation. Students have emerged as key figures in maintaining stability and order during this period.