The Maya app is probably one of the biggest initiatives helping to create a virtual safe space for people from all walks of life in Bangladesh. • None Will the Smartphone Foment an ultra-Orthodox Revolution? The digital platform offers a unique and crucial opportunity for users to seek information and foster discussions on a range of topics that society has for too long deemed taboo. The app builds on the popularity of the open “Question and Answer” platform of the website Maya Apa Ki Bolen –

Consumption fell and millions were left out of work. In Nigeria, the external shock from nose-diving oil prices has been compounded by a lockdown that forced shopping malls, markets and schools to close their doors. As a result, the country is slipping into recession, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “I’m now a private security guard,” said a Nigerian teacher, who did not wish to be named. His salary stopped at the beginning of lockdown, back in March, because the school he w

DHAKA — As the dust settles on the Awami League’s landslide victory in the December 30 polls – where the party secured an unprecedented 288 out of 298 seats – the people of Bangladesh look towards the future with bated breath. In view of both allegations of vote rigging and praise from foreign powers, the 2018 election could go on to be a watershed moment for Bangladesh and its future. For now though, many people believe they have not spoken. “I have no hopes,” quipped Saad Adnan, who’s pursuin

On 25 May last year, Hasina Akhter, the then country director for BRAC in Uganda, received a call from her colleagues alerting her to a possible outbreak of Ebola — a rare but deadly virus — in the landlocked East African country. When the message came, Hasina was in the US to attend her daughter’s graduation programme. But the call for duty took precedence over everything else and she set off for Uganda, reaching the country two days later. “When I heard, I knew that if a suspected case was c

Shuttered shops and vacant alleys present quite a different picture of the usually bustling corridors within Geneva Camp, located in the capital’s Mohammadpur. And perhaps it had changed long before the October 6 protests. On the day, Geneva camp residents took to the streets demanding uninterrupted electricity. While that may sound like something many Dhaka dwellers want, in Geneva camp load shedding had become an altogether different beast. For over two to three months, load-shedding had be

A politically-affiliated murderer may just be planning his big comeback. At least that is what the locals in his area believe. For them, it is a nightmare come true. “He is a monster,” a mother of one of his many victims said, when asked to describe him. “He is just a monster.” Former Banani Jubo League Joint Convener Yusuf Sardar Sohel, whose brutality was captured on a close-circuit camera, reportedly fled the country in July soon after allegedly killing Kazi Rashid alias Rashidul, former vi

On March 13, a day after the worst civil aviation disaster the country, a Bangladesh Biman plane was getting ready to land at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, the scene of the crash. Just when it was time to land, the pilot informed the passengers that there would be a one-hour delay. As the flight hovered, the passengers seemed a little uncomfortable; trepidation was thick in the air. Finally, when the greenlight to land was given, the plane began its descent. As the wheels slamme

Mohammad Amin is one of the few people to afford a reception to the Rohingya refugees at Shah Porir Dwip. Instead of a red carpet and garlands, they come bearing cucumbers, water, biscuits and small sums of cash. “We are here to help. These people have suffered a lot and we are welcoming them to our country,” Amin, a member of Tablighi Jamaat said. He informed that they have had members from their group here since the very first day of the ongoing Rohingya influx from Myanmar. Many of them hai

The day after the Eid moon was sighted, while the Muslim world collectively celebrated, Khurshida, 32, sat in her home in Buthidaung in Maungdaw, watching her two sons play, a seven-year-old and one-year-old, Hayat. They weren't allowed to be too excited though. They were only allowed to survive, a dark spot in the shining visage of Myanmar's newfound democracy. Today Khurshida sits in Sadar Hospital, Cox's Bazar in Bangladesh, a whole country away, with Hayat lying on the hospital bed, recount

Rafique Ahmed sits relishing his 300 taka coffee. An employee at a top MNC, Rafique is one of thousands of citizens affected by the latest law that resulted in the federalisation of the VIP areas of the country. “It had to be done. We cannot be expected to be held to the same standards as the rest of the country. We do so much more,” he said. A recent landmark ruling declared that VIP areas will now have the right to self-govern and distance themselves from the utter rubbish that makes up the r

Bangladesh took remarkable strides towards a fully fair and functioning democracy by officially inaugurating the brand new Ministry of Civil Movements. The scope of the Ministry is captured aptly by their catchy slogan: “Think Like Us, Think For Us”. The government body was formed to approve, design and plan civil unrest movements in an efficient manner so as to preserve the ideals of democracy whilst ensuring that “terrorists” do not hijack or politicise such assemblies. Against the grim backdr

The Telenor Youth Forum 2015, which concluded in December of last year, brought back the highly popular arena for debate, discussion and experience sharing. This time, the Telenor team scoured through 13 countries with Telenor’s presence to find 25 of the brightest young minds. With the theme “Knowledge for all”, participants worldwide were challenged to come up with different views and solutions for the topic and the best 25 among them were given the chance to not only present their ideas to an

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