United News of Bangladesh

Day and night will share almost equal hours on Monday as much of the world enters the fall season, marking the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. At the equator, the sun will be directly overhead at noon, while both the north and south poles will be illuminated simultaneously — a phenomenon that occurs only during equinoxes. In the Northern Hemisphere, daylight will gradually shorten each day until the winter solstice on December 21. Equinoxes have been observed and celebrated for centuries, often tied to harvest festivals. For instance, in Poland and parts of Eastern Europe, the fall harvest festival Dozynki traces its origins to the equinox. At Mexico’s Mayan site Chichen Itza, people gather during the equinox to witness the sun casting a shadow resembling a descending serpent on the El Castillo pyramid. This year, residents of Antarctica, New Zealand, and parts of Australia may also witness a partial lunar eclipse on Monday, adding a rare astronomical bonus to the equinox. Understanding the equinox The equinox occurs as the Earth orbits the sun at a tilt. For most of the year, the planet’s axis leans toward or away from the sun, causing unequal sunlight across the hemispheres. During the equinox, however, the Earth’s tilt aligns with its orbit, giving both hemispheres nearly equal sunlight. The term equinox comes from Latin, meaning “equal night,” as day and night last almost the same length, though minor differences can occur depending on location. The Northern Hemisphere’s fall equinox generally falls between September 21 and 24, while the spring equinox occurs between March 19 and 21. What is a solstice? Solstices mark times when the Earth reaches its maximum tilt toward or away from the sun, resulting in the greatest difference between day and night. During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere tilts toward the sun, creating the longest day and shortest night, typically between June 20 and 22. The winter solstice, between December 20 and 23, occurs when the hemisphere tilts away from the sun, giving the shortest day and longest night. Meteorological vs. astronomical seasons While astronomical seasons are based on the Earth’s position in its orbit, meteorological seasons follow the annual temperature cycle. According to meteorologists, spring begins on March 1, summer on June 1, fall on September 1, and winter on December 1.

Beyond the hum-drum of hectic cities, Bangladesh is home to several wildlife sanctuaries that conserve endangered species, maintain ecological balance, and offer natural habitats for wildlife and migratory birds. The Habiganj district, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is blessed with natural greenery, featuring lush forests, tea gardens, hills, and wildlife. Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1982 in Habiganj and was enlarged in 1996. Besides abounding in many rare plants and animal species, its scenic landscapes provide fresh air, biodiversity, and a peaceful environment for visitors and locals. Here is a detailed travel guide to Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary.  Location The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Chunarughat Upazila of Habiganj District in the Sylhet Division. It lies next to India's Tripura border and close to Srimangal in the Moulvibazar district. Approximately 130 km northeast of Dhaka, the city, lies the wildlife reserve. It includes the Kalenga, Rema, Chanbari, and Rashidpur portions of the Habiganj District's Kalenga Forest Range. Significance The Rema–Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest and wildlife reserve in Bangladesh. It is a dry and evergreen forest, and after the Sundarbans, it is the largest natural forest in Bangladesh. It is also the country’s second-largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the richest areas in terms of biodiversity. The sanctuary covers an area of 1,795.54 hectares. Among the few natural forests in Bangladesh that have survived in relatively good condition, Rema–Kalenga is one of the most notable. Read more: International Air Flights with Connecting Flights: Beginner’s Guide for Transfer-transit Passengers Among Bangladesh's natural forests, this sanctuary is still in good condition. However, the refuge is threatened by deforestation and careless tree theft. Flora The sanctuary is home to 638 species of plants, trees, and vines. Some of the most notable among them include Awal, Teak, Kakra, Neur, Hargaza, Gandharoi, Haritaki, Bohera, Jamun, Fig, Jackfruit, Champa Jackfruit, Kau, Kadam, Rata, Chikrashi, Chapalish, Neem, Bonmala, etc.

Indonesia has rolled out an attractive permanent residency programme, offering long-term stay opportunities for foreigners, including Indians, at a cost starting from under Rs 59,000. The residency permit, officially called ITAP (Kartu Izin Tinggal Tetap) or KITAP, allows foreign nationals to live, work and invest in the country with greater stability than short-term visas. Each KITAP is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely. According to Indonesian authorities, applicants must first hold a temporary residency permit (ITAS/KITAS) for five years before becoming eligible for ITAP. However, faster tracks are available through investment, marriage to an Indonesian citizen, or exceptional skills in fields such as science, sports or the arts. Residency vs citizenshipWhile permanent residency provides rights such as legal employment, access to banking, healthcare, and ease of travel in and out of Indonesia, citizenship offers additional political privileges, including voting rights and eligibility for public office. Costs involvedThe government application fee for ITAP ranges between Rs 58,000 and Rs 65,000 (IDR 10–12 million), depending on the category of application. Renewals, required every five years, cost between Rs 27,000 and Rs 33,000 (IDR 5–6 million). Additional charges may apply for applications through investment, marriage or work sponsorship, along with documentation and consultant fees. Benefits of Indonesian PR ·         Exemption from repeated visa applications ·         Easier entry and exit from Indonesia ·         Eligibility to open local bank accounts and obtain a driving licence ·         Access to employment with valid work permits ·         Stronger integration into Indonesia’s financial and social systems Application routesPermanent residency can be secured through: ·         Status transfer from ITAS after five years of residence ·         Marriage to an Indonesian citizen (eligibility after two years) ·         Investment visas (residency in three years with qualifying investment) ·         Exceptional talent or highly skilled worker visas ·         Humanitarian grounds in rare cases For renewal, applicants must apply at least 60 days before expiry, submit necessary documents including passports and residence proof, pay fees online, and complete an interview and fingerprinting process before collecting the new ITAP card. With its blend of affordable costs, business opportunities and cultural vibrancy, Indonesia’s permanent residency programme is being seen as a promising option for Indians seeking a stable long-term base in Southeast Asia.  

San Francisco’s City Hall, with its grand marble staircase, elegant balconies, and natural light pouring through massive art deco windows, is now a dream spot for quinceañera photos. “In 80 years, I found no day of sorrow:” Enam Ul Haque celebrated with tributes at Cosmos Centre The Beaux-Arts landmark has always been a popular wedding venue. But with the rise of social media, it has also become a must-visit backdrop for girls across Northern California preparing for their quinceañera — the traditional coming-of-age celebration in Latino culture marking a girl’s 15th birthday. Source: Agency 

Critically endangered yellow-crested cockatoos found an unexpected sanctuary among Hong Kong ’s towering skyscrapers, but like their human neighbors they now face trouble finding a place to call home. Native to Indonesia and East Timor, the snow-white birds, their crests flashing like yellow crowns, squawk through the urban parks of the Asian financial hub. They make up roughly 10% of the species' global wild population, which numbers only up to 2,000 mature birds. Research shows the city’s cockatoo population has stagnated as the birds, which live in tree cavities, are losing natural nesting spaces in old trees due to typhoons and government tree trimming for public safety. That's adding to global pressures on cockatoos such as the illegal pet trade and climate change. Hong Kong's conservationists have stepped in with a solution: installing artificial nest boxes that mimic these natural hollows. Astrid Andersson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong who led the project, said a pair of birds already settled in a nest box her team fixed onto a tree on her campus, the city’s oldest university. She aims to install 10 boxes by year's end and ultimately boost that figure to 50 in the next few years across Hong Kong Island. “And then they can continue to live in the city,” she said. Pet trade and habitat loss push species in Indonesia to the brinkOnce widespread across island chains from central to eastern Indonesia and East Timor, the yellow-crested cockatoo has vanished from many islands and clings to survival on others. The International Union for Conservation of Nature says as much as 90% of the population is thought to have disappeared since 1978, mainly due to trapping for the pet trade. Weak enforcement of a 1994 export ban by Indonesia has allowed the trade to persist, including targeting chicks. In 2015, Indonesian police arrested a man on suspicion of smuggling about 20 birds by stuffing them inside water bottles. Deforestation from farming and logging is another problem. Indonesia lost 107,000 square kilometers (41,300 square miles) of its original tropical rainforest between 2002 and 2024 — an area about the size of Iceland — accounting for about a third of all tree cover loss during that time, according to Global Forest Watch. Climate change is making things worse. Rising temperatures dry out forests, leaving them more vulnerable to fires. Many birds live on volcanic islands, where eruptions can spark wildfires in the parched landscapes. “The fires are humongous,” said Bonnie Zimmermann, director of the Indonesian Parrot Project, a nonprofit organization. Hong Kong bird market sales raise concerns The wild cockatoos in Hong Kong’s urban parks could be from escaped or released pets, Andersson said. One urban legend says they descended from pet birds released by a British governor before he surrendered to invading Japanese troops in 1941. Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese control in 1997.

The troubling surge of the free-living microbe infamously called the brain-eating amoeba is casting a shadow of deadly threat across Kerala in India. Once spotted mainly in a few districts such as Kozhikode and Malappuram, infections are now surfacing more widely. The organism heightens concern among doctors and health officials. Its characteristics, equal parts scientific fact and public dread, stem from the severe infection it can trigger once it reaches the brain. Let’s take a closer look at how this elusive brain-eating amoeba spreads and outline the key causes, symptoms, and treatments. What is Brain-eating Amoeba: How It Spreads A rare but devastating brain infection, Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), is caused by ‘Naegleria fowleri’ – a tiny organism more chillingly nicknamed the ‘brain-eating amoeba’. Though infrequent, it strikes with alarming severity, targeting the central nervous system and rapidly destroying delicate brain tissue. Victims often experience sudden swelling of the brain, and in most cases, the illness proves fatal. This amoeba thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater such as ponds, lakes, or poorly maintained pools. It typically invades the body through the nose, passing along the olfactory nerves and through the cribriform plate before advancing toward the brain tissue. Importantly, swallowing contaminated water does not lead to illness. Those swimming, diving, or bathing in untreated water are most at risk – yet the infection cannot spread between people. Read more: First Aid Tips for Snake Bite: On-field Do’s and Don’ts for Emergency Response The Alarming Prevalence So far this year, more than 70 people have fallen ill, with 61 confirmed cases of PAM and 19 deaths recorded in Kerala – several of them in just the past few weeks. The age range of patients has been strikingly broad, from a tiny three-month-old infant to a man in his nineties. In late August, a three-month-old baby and a 52-year-old woman in Kozhikode succumbed to the infection, only weeks after a nine-year-old girl’s death earlier that month. State hospitals continue to treat several active cases, stretching from small children to older adults. Root Causes of the Infection Rising global temperatures are quietly shaping the conditions in which ‘Naegleria fowleri’ thrives. As climate change warms lakes, ponds, and other freshwater bodies, the amoeba gains a wider window to multiply. The sweltering heat also drives more people to seek relief in natural water sources, unwittingly increasing the likelihood of contact. Read more: How to Stay Safe from Devil's Breath Moreover, PAM is far more common during hot months, particularly when people swim, dive, or bath in warm, often stagnant freshwater.

Feeling like an impostor at work—doubting your abilities despite a strong track record—is common, especially among women and marginalized groups. Negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m failing” can create a cycle of self-doubt that’s hard to break. Experts say cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help by identifying harmful internal monologues and replacing them with neutral or positive perspectives. “We help people evaluate these thoughts and see how accurate they are,” said Judith Beck, president of the Beck Institute for CBT. Randolph Public Schools, near Boston, recently held a seminar teaching students to reframe negative feelings using CBT. Staff, including assistant principal Christin Brink, found the techniques valuable for themselves, too. Turn houseplants into living art with Japanese kokedama Therapists advise examining recurring negative thoughts and asking: “Is this really true?” or “What evidence supports this?” Challenging assumptions like “I’m not good enough” and identifying personal strengths can reduce impostor feelings. Creative exercises, such as rewriting or visualizing negative thoughts differently, can also help. Over time, replacing self-critical thoughts with specific positive mantras—like “I made good choices today” or “I’ll try again tomorrow”—can build confidence and reduce anxiety, allowing professionals to focus on their work and ideas. Source: Agency 

The third week of September marks National Houseplant Week, a time when plant lovers turn their attention indoors. It also offers the perfect opportunity to try kokedama, a Japanese gardening technique that transforms ordinary houseplants into striking pieces of living art. Kokedama, which literally means “moss ball,” involves growing a plant in a soil ball wrapped in moss instead of a pot. The result is a minimalist, sculptural display that works equally well on a decorative plate or hanging from a hook. These creations also make thoughtful gifts. Plants that require less water are best suited for kokedama since exposed soil dries out faster than in pots. Spider plant “pups,” pothos, philodendrons, and succulents are all popular choices. How to make kokedama You will need: peat moss, bonsai or potting soil, preserved moss sheets, scissors, waxed thread or fishing line, two bowls, water, and a small plant. After mixing peat moss and soil into a firm, snowball-like shape, split it in half and enclose the plant’s roots inside. Wrap the ball with moss, trim the excess, then secure it with thread or line. Soak the finished kokedama in water for 15 minutes and drain. Rewater when it feels noticeably lighter. Care and display Kokedamas can be grouped as centerpieces or suspended for a floating garden effect. To prevent them from drying out, keep them in a humid environment or near a humidifier. Prune the plant each spring to prevent overcrowding, and fertilize lightly once a year with organic plant food. With a little creativity, kokedama brings artistry and elegance to any indoor plant collection.  

For Mia Palacio, the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina felt like losing a part of herself. In the months that followed, she withdrew from loved ones, angry that her family had no permanent home and that many others couldn’t escape. Moving between high schools only deepened her sense of isolation until, a year later, she finally sought help. Hundreds of students share Palacio’s experience of ongoing trauma. The Hawaii Department of Education estimates more than one-third of Maui students lost relatives, suffered serious injuries, or saw parents lose jobs after the fires, which killed 102 people and damaged over 3,300 properties. While many Lahaina residents are eager for normalcy, therapists warn that youth mental health struggles are intensifying. “The crisis isn’t over,” said University of Hawaii researcher Christopher Knightsbridge, explaining that children often feel numb immediately after a disaster, but years later face the long-term stress of displacement and uncertainty. On Maui, the problem is worsened by a shortage of specialists. The number of youth psychiatrists has fallen from four to two in recent years. Long waiting lists mean many students rely on telehealth or peer support instead of in-person care. “Even just to get evaluated … it’s literally months,” said senior DayJahiah Valdivia, who still struggles with anxiety whenever strong winds or small brush fires spark memories of 2023. Finding joy beyond screens: How new hobbies can reset your daily life Teachers say some students have disengaged completely, unable to focus or dropping out of in-person classes as their families shuffle between temporary housing. Nonprofits have stepped in with programs such as the Maui Hero Project, which combines outdoor activities with counseling. Yet stigma remains strong in Lahaina’s large Filipino and Latino communities, where teens report the highest rates of depression, PTSD and anxiety. The state has introduced initiatives like YouthLine, a peer-to-peer crisis support program, while young survivors such as Keakealani Cashman hope to become future mental health providers. “This horrible, horrible thing happened … but I don’t have to let it kill the rest of my life,” Cashman said. “I can really help my family, my community in school, and just make an impact in what I know how to do.” Source: Agency 

“I have always been a happy man. In these 80 years, I could not find a single day of sorrow in my life,” said noted nature enthusiast, ornithologist, mountaineer, photographer and writer Enam Ul Haque, as his 80th birthday was celebrated on Friday evening at the Cosmos Centre Rooftop with tributes, music and reflections from friends, family and admirers. Hosted by WildTeam CEO and former Dhaka University Professor of Zoology Prof Dr Md Anwarul Islam, the evening began with a remembrance of Cosmos Group Chairman Amanullah Khan on his maiden death anniversary, and Jahangirnagar University Fine Arts Assistant Professor Jannatul Ferdous, who recently passed away while on duty during the JUCSU election. A soulful flute recital by Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy with Tabla accompaniment by Anjan Sarker set the tone for the evening, followed by the unveiling of a portrait of Enam Ul Haque by artist Monjur Rashid, signed by the guests. Distinguished personalities attended the ceremony, including Cosmos Group and WildTeam Founder, Cosmos Foundation Chairman, and UNB and Dhaka Courier Editor Emeritus Enayetullah Khan; 'Nisorgo-Manob Enam Ul Haque' book editor Golam Shafique; Bangladesh Bird Club President Dr Niaz Abdur Rahman; former Bird Club President and Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) Chairman Jalal Ahmed; UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman and ArtCon Founder ARK Reepon, among others. In his reflections, Enam Ul Haque said he felt fortunate to receive greetings from so many who came out of love, not obligation. “I know one day I will be gone, but Bangladesh will continue and surely become beautiful. If you look at the history of this country and then look at today’s Bangladesh, you will not be disappointed,” he said. Adding to the joyous atmosphere, Catherine Grace Gardner, Creative Artistic Director, Cosmos Global, led the guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to Haque and shared her reflections. Artist Zemrina Haque and the cultural group Addopanto, centred around Haque, presented bouquets to honour him. In his welcome speech, Enayetullah Khan recalled the many events held at the Cosmos Rooftop but called this one exceptional.