Indiscriminate use of Digital Security Act against journalists

We are worried at the way the Digital Security Act has increasingly been used to arrest and intimidate journalists across the country.
3 May 2020

Reduce test seekers’ sufferings

It is a matter of grave concern that we still do not have enough designated hospitals or institutions to conduct Covid-19 tests. While initially only the
2 May 2020

Still no list of those unemployed by pandemic

An overwhelming number of people, both in the formal and informal sectors, have lost their jobs in Bangladesh due to the pandemic, but unfortunately the government lacks any data on the actual number of people who may have been impacted.
2 May 2020

Stop the toxic ship from docking at our shores

We are alarmed to learn that a highly toxic ship named J Nat, once used for storing oil by offshore oil and gas companies, is headed towards Bangladesh from Indonesia carrying toxic waste and may reach our coast in a week’s time.
30 April 2020

Why are RMG workers coming back from the villages?

In a shocking development amidst the countrywide lockdown, thousands of garment workers have returned to work in Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj
30 April 2020

Countries must look after their migrant workers

Sixteen Bangladeshi civil society organisations have urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Gueterres to request host countries to put a hold on
29 April 2020

Editorial: Why is it taking so long to make ICUs functional?

It is most unfortunate that many of the 17 dedicated hospitals for Covid-19 treatment in the country do not yet have their intensive care units
29 April 2020

Doctors at private hospitals left vulnerable

There appears to be no end to the crisis facing frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus. Earlier this week, we got confirmation from a
28 April 2020

Editorial: Don’t overlook dengue danger

At a time when the country is seized with the virulent virus, the prospect of onset of dengue looms ominously on the horizon. In this very column
28 April 2020

Asymptomatic carriers pose severe risks

Coronavirus infections in Bangladesh crossed the 5,000 mark recently. To make matters worse, the silent spread of the virus is beginning to take a toll as more and more asymptomatic cases are being detected.
27 April 2020

Bangladesh has very little social protection

It is worrying that a UN position report has found that Bangladesh has the fewest social protection initiatives in the Asia Pacific region.
27 April 2020

Fighting social stigma associated with coronavirus infection

That many people infected with coronavirus are hiding information about the disease is a cause for concern because such behaviour is putting
26 April 2020

Homegrown Covid-19 test kit

Among the depressing news about the galloping rate of the coronavirus infection in Bangladesh, it is very heartening to learn that our doctors have
26 April 2020

Keep prices of essentials in check during Ramadan

Every year, prior to and during Ramadan, prices of daily essentials go beyond the reach of common people, despite the steps taken by the
25 April 2020

Healthcare providers at tremendous risk

Healthcare providers at community clinics across the country are risking their lives—and that of their loved ones—by providing services to
25 April 2020

Fish farmers in need of support

Bangladesh has had the distinction of ranking amongst the top inland fish producing nations in the world. But the Covid-19 crisis, which has
24 April 2020

The spirit of Ramadan during Covid-19 crisis

As we begin the holy month of Ramadan with devotees around the world observing it with fasting and prayers, we must acknowledge that it has
24 April 2020

Pandemic exposes gaps in education system

With the number of coronavirus cases in Bangladesh jumping by around 300-400 per day and the ongoing nationwide shutdown extended to May 5, it is clear that we still have a long way to go in dealing with this crisis. Academics have warned that this prolonged shutdown will lead to a significant increase in session jams at public universities.
23 April 2020

Editorial: A grim picture ahead for Dhaka

It is worrying that the number of Covid-19 cases has been increasing alarmingly in Dhaka, with over 85 percent of all confirmed cases recorded in the division.
23 April 2020

Making people stay at home

It is most unfortunate that many amongst us have taken the directives given by the government to stay at home and maintain social distancing very lightly, despite the fact that the numbers of new infections and deaths from Covid-19 are increasing every day in the country.
22 April 2020