United News of Bangladesh

Nigeria has imposed a temporary ban on the export of raw shea nuts, a key ingredient in cosmetic products, as part of a strategy to strengthen its domestic processing industry and increase its share of the global skincare market. Vice President Kashim Shettima announced the six-month ban, which will be reviewed afterward. The goal, he said, is to shift Nigeria from being an exporter of raw materials to a major producer of refined shea butter, oils, and other skincare derivatives. Nigeria joins several other West African nations, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, which have also restricted shea nut exports in recent years. "This isn’t about blocking trade but about adding value," Shettima explained. He said the move is intended to secure raw materials for local manufacturers, increase income, and create jobs for rural communities. Shea nuts, when processed, produce shea butter, widely used in lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers."It's a crucial ingredient for skincare, especially as people seek non-toxic products," said Zainab Bashir, a dermatologist based in Abuja. Although Nigeria supplies about 40% of the global raw shea nut output, it holds just 1% of the $6.5 billion global market for finished shea-based products, according to Shettima. This policy follows the recent launch of a large shea butter processing facility in Niger State, which officials described as among the biggest in Africa. Government officials believe the export ban could generate $300 million in short-term revenue, with projections reaching $3 billion by 2027 if sustained. However, some analysts say the ban needs to be accompanied by greater investment in domestic processing.Ikemesit Effiong, an analyst at SBM Intelligence, said the policy implies the government sees a supply shortfall, but that simply banning exports may not guarantee that raw shea nuts will stay in the country for local use. The ban also appears to clash with President Bola Tinubu’s pro-market stance. Since taking office, Tinubu has eliminated fuel and electricity subsidies, floated the national currency, and reversed previous import bans, signaling support for a more open economic approach.

With summer holidays in full swing, many travelers are heading to hot and sunny destinations — and taking their electronic devices along. But phones, tablets and other gadgets are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Southern European nations like Spain, Italy and Greece have been baking under soaring temperatures, while forecasters have issued repeated heat advisories across the United States, particularly in the Southeast. Here’s what device makers and experts say about keeping your electronics cool: What heat does to a phoneMost devices work best within a specific temperature range. Apple says iPhones and iPads are designed for use between 32-95 degrees Fahrenheit (0-35 degrees Celsius). In very hot conditions, Apple warns, battery life may be permanently shortened. Phones also tend to warm up during wireless charging, large downloads, video streaming or other power-intensive tasks. Samsung notes this is normal and does not affect long-term performance. What happens if it gets too hotIf a phone becomes uncomfortably hot, Samsung recommends stopping use immediately. An overheating iPhone will display a warning message until it cools down. Android devices show a similar alert, dimming the screen, closing apps and pausing charging. Eco-Friendly Online Shopping: What You Need to Know What not to doExperts advise against leaving devices in hot cars or in direct sunlight for long. Apple also warns against using features like GPS navigation, graphic-heavy games or the camera in high heat. Google, maker of Pixel phones, cautions against running resource-heavy apps while charging in hot weather. How to keep your gear coolThe most effective solution is to turn off the device completely. “Even background processes can generate heat,” said experts at British electronics chain Currys. “A full shutdown helps it cool faster.” Removing protective cases can also help, since they trap heat. Devices should be kept out of direct sunlight and placed somewhere cool — like an air-conditioned room or in front of a fan. But avoid overdoing it. “Never put your device in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can cause water damage,” Currys warned. Source: Agency 

The weeklong printmaking workshop and exhibition 'From Darkness to Light: When Guanlan Meets Dhaka' recently concluded at the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio in the capital's Dhanmondi, with leading Bangladeshi artists praising the initiative for nurturing young talents. Eminent artist Professor Rafiqun Nabi attended the closing ceremony on Wednesday evening as the chief guest, while noted artist and freedom fighter Professor Abul Barq Alvi was present as the special guest. Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art Professor and renowned printmaker Professor Anisuzzaman Anis, who conducted the workshop, also joined the ceremony, which was presided over by artist Ahmed Nazir Khokon, founder of the Safiuddin Shilpalay. The workshop, held from August 20 to 27 with the participation of selected students from different universities and 40 artists chosen by Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio, ended with a certificate distribution ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Rafiqun Nabi reflected on the evolution of woodcut practice in Bangladesh. Sharing his own journey as a printmaker, he said, “In the early days, there were limited opportunities for printmaking training, and we had to overcome many obstacles." "Fortunately, I learned from various workshops at home and abroad. I hope the participants of this training will continue to practice not only academically but also at home as much as possible,” Prof Nabi said. Professor Abul Barq Alvi congratulated the participants, urged them to pursue regular practice, and lauded the activities of the Safiuddin Ahmed Printmaking Studio. Trainer of the workshop, Anisuzzaman Anis told UNB, “On the occasion of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed’s birth anniversary, the Safiuddin Shilpalay has previously organized a number of artistic initiatives. I have also been part of many workshops at different places, including Cosmos Atelier-71 of Gallery Cosmos. Recently, I visited Guanlan in China, and earlier in Japan, and I studied various aspects of woodcut art." "Inspired by those experiences, I have guided 40 participants from across the country, who worked here from August 20 to 27; and I only demonstrated the techniques, but they blended their own creativity into the work, which deeply impressed me. I believe more such workshops should be held so that aspiring artists can truly benefit,” Professor Anis told UNB. Coordinator of the workshop, artist Shakil Mazumder, told UNB, “In this workshop organized by Safiuddin Shilpalay marking the birth anniversary of master artist Safiuddin Ahmed, Professor Anis Sir taught us woodcut printmaking in a very friendly way. We worked for seven days, and on the last day we arranged the closing exhibition to demonstrate the 40 artworks of our 40 participants from Dhaka and other parts of the country, and the entire workshop was free of cost.” Chair of the event and Safiuddin Shilpalay founder Ahmed Nazir Khokon thanked the esteemed dignitaries of art alongside Professor Anisuzzaman Anis and all participants before formally concluding the programme. The event was also joined by Ekushey Padak-winning artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma, DU Faculty of Fine Art teachers Sheikh Mohammad Rokonuzzaman, Abdullah Al Bashir, Juton Chandra Roy, Asmita Alam Shammy, Mohammad Kamal Uddin, artist Shahanoor Mamun, and Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury, among others.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka, through its Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), on Thursday organized a cultural evening titled ‘Nazrul Sandhya’ at the ICC in Gulshan to commemorate the 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The programme drew a large audience, including eminent artistes, cultural dignitaries, Nazrul scholars, youth delegates and art enthusiasts, who together paid homage to the 'Bidrohi Kobi' (Rebel Poet). High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, in his address, reflected on the multifaceted legacy of Nazrul, describing him as “an icon of the shared cultural connection between India and Bangladesh.” Recollecting Nazrul’s role in India’s freedom struggle, Verma said, “His poems stirred a subjugated nation, awakened its soul and inspired an entire country to break free of the chains of colonial oppression.” Highlighting Nazrul’s relevance in today’s world, he added, “He is an ardent symbol of youthfulness, whose appeal for inclusive, plural humanism transcends national boundaries. He is a philosopher whose message of equality and harmony continues to inspire the world — a lighthouse of our collective conscience.” In her welcome remarks, IGCC Director Ann Mary George underscored the enduring cultural bonds between India and Bangladesh. She reaffirmed IGCC’s role as a hub for cultural exchange, noting its commitment to celebrating literary and artistic figures like Kazi Nazrul Islam who embody the region’s shared heritage. The highlight of the evening was the performances by acclaimed Nazrul Sangeet exponents Dr Chanda Chakraborty and Shahid Kabir Polash, whose soulful renditions brought alive the revolutionary zeal and lyrical beauty of Nazrul’s timeless works. Dr Chakraborty, an award-winning artiste and scholar, is an Assistant Professor at Government Music College and a senior instructor at leading institutions including Bangladesh Nazrul Institute. With a Ph.D. on Nazrul’s devotional music from Dhaka University, she has performed widely at home and abroad, receiving honors such as the National Nazrul Samaj Padak (2009) and Channel i Best Performance in Nazrul Sangeet (2018). Shahid Kabir Polash, a foremost Nazrul Sangeet and classical vocalist, trained under legendary maestros Sohrab Hossain and Sudhin Das. A ‘special grade’ artiste of Bangladesh Television and Betar, he has performed on prestigious stages internationally, including Nazrul Mela in Churulia, India. He has also been recognized with awards including the Citycell-Channel i Music Award (2010). Their renditions — from fiery verses of Bidrohi to Nazrul’s devotional and romantic compositions — deeply moved the audience, reaffirming the timelessness of his art. The evening served as a solemn musical tribute to Nazrul Islam (1899–1976) — poet, musician, freedom fighter and philosopher — whose writings championed freedom, equality and communal harmony, inspiring generations and symbolizing the shared cultural heritage of Bangladesh and India.

At Eckerd College in Florida, dogs, cats and other animals are as much a part of campus life as the students themselves. The liberal arts school allows pets to live in dormitories, giving students daily companionship that eases stress, anxiety and homesickness. “It’s like I’m not even there,” said senior Sophie Nocera, who often hears greetings for her Border collie, Zuko, while walking across campus. “People know pets’ names better than their owners.” Across the U.S., more colleges are opening dorms to pets, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to Stephens College in Missouri. School officials say the policy not only supports student well-being but also helps them build community. Federal law already requires colleges to allow service and emotional support animals. But a growing number of institutions now go further, setting specific guidelines for pets. MIT, for instance, permits only cats in preapproved dorm spaces. At Eckerd, pets must have been part of students’ homes for at least six months before moving to campus, and aggressive or venomous animals are barred. The University of Northern Colorado allows dogs and cats up to 40 pounds in select residence halls, with students limited to one pet. “It’s a marker of adulthood — being able to care for another living being,” said housing director Jediah Cummins. Nursing major Molly Cheer said she chose the school partly for its pet-friendly policy. “Whenever I’m stressed, I pick up my cat Louie, and it helps,” she said. Vermont’s dog mountain honors the bond between humans and their pets Eckerd has hosted animals ranging from rabbits, ferrets and turtles to snakes and even a tarantula since 1973. For Nocera, Zuko provided support when she struggled with changing her major. “No matter what, I knew we’d go to the dog park the next day. That stability made a difference,” she said. Other colleges report similar experiences. At Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania, administrators say pets have helped shy students integrate into campus life. Some institutions charge pet fees, require roommate agreements or mandate liability insurance, while ensuring pets are vaccinated and restrained in public. Eckerd even includes pets in graduation ceremonies. Nocera plans to walk across the stage with Zuko in his own pet commencement. “For those it suits, it’s so worth it,” she said. Source: Agency 

The nation on Wednesday is observing the 49th death anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, recalling his undying legacy of defiance against injustice as well as his profound messages of love, humanity, and equality. The poet, lyricist, composer and revolutionary voice of Bengali literature and music, affectionately known as ‘Dukhhu Mia,’ passed away on 12 Bhadra, 1383 (August 29, 1976) at the then PG Hospital (now BSMMU) in Dhaka. Various socio-cultural organisations chalked out elaborate programmes to mark the day, including discussions, prayers and cultural events. National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Institute organised a discussion titled 'Mrityunjayi Nazrul' alongside Hamd-Naat recitations and doa mahfil. Bangla Academy paid tributes at the poet’s grave and arranged solo lectures and cultural performances. National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam’s 126th birth anniversary today In a Facebook post, the Nazrul Institute said, “On the morning of the 49th death anniversary of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, we gathered beside his grave to pray for his eternal peace. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Nazrul Institute jointly offered prayers, attended by Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman and Additional Secretary Abdullah Khan. The dua was conducted by Nazrul Institute’s Executive Director Md Latiful Islam Shibli, who prayed that tomorrow’s Bangladesh becomes the egalitarian, fraternal, and harmonious nation envisioned by the poet.” Although Nazrul’s creative period lasted only 23 years, his literary works — poems, songs, essays and novels — remain timeless treasures of Bengali literature, inspiring generations in their struggles against exploitation and oppression. At the same time, he is revered as the eternal poet of love. Following Bangladesh’s independence, Nazrul was brought to Dhaka with his family on May 24, 1972, with special permission from the Government of India. He was accorded the status of National Poet, provided state accommodation in Dhanmondi, awarded an honorary D.Litt. by Dhaka University in 1974, and granted Bangladeshi citizenship in 1976. The same year, he was honoured with the Ekushey Padak. Despite being popularly revered as the National Poet for decades, no official gazette notification had been issued until this year. In January 2025, the interim government formally declared Kazi Nazrul Islam as Bangladesh’s 'National Poet' effective from May 4, 1972, finally granting him long-awaited state recognition.

A friend of mine, age 60, is considering early retirement after a long career. He has saved and invested wisely, but burnout has prompted him to think seriously about stepping back. While his financial advisor has assured him of his portfolio’s strength, the bigger questions extend beyond money — to lifestyle choices. Here are four key decisions he faced: 1. Will you continue to work in some capacity?Working part-time or in a reduced role can delay portfolio withdrawals, extend Social Security benefits, and maintain healthcare coverage until Medicare. My friend chose a 30-hour schedule to balance income, identity, and health. For others, a full break may be necessary. 2. What lifestyle changes will you make?Housing costs, location, and spending habits matter. My friend considered moving to a less expensive region but decided to stay put for now, as his work and social ties remain important. Planning to retire and relocate? Consider a comprehensive strategy 3. Can you be flexible with spending?Adapting spending when markets are down can help portfolios last longer. Flexible strategies often lead to higher lifetime spending than rigid rules like the 4% withdrawal guideline. 4. How do you weigh lifetime spending against leaving a bequest?Some retirees want to maximize spending during their lifetime, while others prioritize leaving money behind. My friend, who has no heirs, values income he can enjoy now rather than preserving assets for later. Source: Agency 

From its humble beginnings in Chinatown in 1936 to becoming a household name across Singapore and beyond, Woh Hup has been a key part of the nation’s culinary legacy for nearly nine decades. Best known for its noodles and the iconic Oyster Sauce, the brand continues to shape kitchens while balancing tradition with innovation. Over the years, Woh Hup has earned recognition for its contributions to Singapore’s food culture, including a place in the National Heritage Board’s 50 Made in Singapore Products (2015) and the Top Influential Brand in Sauces award (2018, 2023). A delicious guide to frozen drinks this summer Building on this legacy, Woh Hup has launched its China Flavour Instant Noodles series, designed to bring authentic regional tastes to modern dining. The series features three varieties: Dried Shanghai Scallion Oil Noodles – rich and savouryDried Sichuan Pepper Noodles – hot and flavourfulDried Shanxi Spicy Oil Noodles – aromatic and spicyCatering to health-conscious consumers, the noodles are non-fried, cholesterol-free and trans fat-free, offering a lighter option without sacrificing taste. Convenient and quick to prepare, they suit today’s fast-paced lifestyles while preserving authentic flavours. Now available at major retailers in Singapore, the China Flavour series reinforces Woh Hup’s position as a trusted homegrown brand that honours tradition while embracing modern tastes. Source: Agency 

When Hurricane Katrina struck 20 years ago, it devastated New Orleans and transformed its schools, leaving behind the nation’s first all-charter district. For many who lived through that upheaval, the experience shaped their futures — inspiring some to become educators themselves. Ahead of the storm’s anniversary, three survivors shared with The Associated Press how Katrina altered their lives and careers. A displaced student finds inspiration in TexasChris Dier, now a history teacher in New Orleans, was starting his senior year in neighboring Chalmette when Katrina hit. Evacuated to Texas, he finished school there after months in a trailer offered by strangers. Teachers stepped up in his darkest moments — providing supplies, tutoring, and even soccer cleats. “They made me feel like I belonged, not just a statistic,” he recalled. Once determined never to follow his mother into teaching, Dier said Katrina changed his outlook. “I saw how teachers responded. That inspired me.” An eighth grader longs for New Orleans’ ‘love and attention’Jahquille Ross, now an educator and nonprofit leader, was in eighth grade when he evacuated. Shuttled through four schools in a year, he felt isolated and struggled academically. “The teachers didn’t go out of their way. I didn’t get the love and attention I was used to in New Orleans,” he said. Returning months later, he found strength in family and community. Inspired by supportive educators, Ross chose to teach, hoping to give young children — especially from Black communities — the same encouragement he once received. Vermont’s dog mountain honors the bond between humans and their pets A teacher loses her school and memoriesMichelle Garnett, who taught kindergarten for three decades, recalled the heartbreak of finding her school destroyed. Floodwaters ruined her classroom, along with irreplaceable keepsakes her parents had given her. “All was lost,” she said. Still, living with 23 family members in Baton Rouge, she found comfort in safety and togetherness. Garnett entered teaching out of necessity while caring for her ill daughter, but Katrina deepened her sense of purpose. “We think we choose a path, but God puts us where he wants us. Teaching is where I needed to be.” Their stories reflect how Katrina’s devastation reshaped not just schools but lives — and how resilience, care, and community became lessons for a new generation of educators. Source: Agency 

One way to be climate-friendly: Shop sustainably. But figuring out which products count as “sustainable” can be hard, especially when buying online. As ordering with a computer or phone becomes more ubiquitous, the number of online products labeled sustainable is also increasing. Yet there is no single seal of approval across e-commerce platforms that verifies whether something is climate-friendly, partly because there are multiple ways to define sustainability. Third-party nonprofit organizations study manufacturers and sellers' practices and offer certifications that are displayed online. Government programs such as the Agriculture Department's organic certification or Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star efficiency standard are also often listed. Large e-commerce websites may highlight the certifications with special icons, hyperlinks to certification programs or written descriptions. The mixture can invite homework from buyers. Elwyn Grainger-Jones, who leads a nonprofit that certifies product sustainability, said there also isn't a single clearinghouse that tracks which third-party certifications are the most credible. “Therein lies an issue and a challenge,” said Grainger-Jones, CEO of Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute. “What we haven’t seen so far is a third-third party step in and be the information portal on what a good certification is." And while shopping online might come with more packaging, it doesn't always come with more emissions. A person shopping online may even emit less than if they went to the store in person, according to a study published in Environmental Science and Technology. But there are a lot of variables, including which e-commerce site they use, the shipping speed they select and how close they live to a brick-and-mortar alternative. There might not be one surefire way to tell sustainable products from unsustainable ones, but certification experts shared tips on what to look for. Many apply to in-person purchases, too, so you can keep them in mind for the supermarket or furniture store. Know how sustainability is measured There are multiple measures of sustainability, and sometimes positive attributes can be offset by negative ones. Third-party certification is meant to show that an independent group studied these factors. Some focus on one issue, while others look holistically at how different factors fit together. Manufacturing an item might have low emissions but use lots of water. A company might reduce plastic, but if its products don't last long, they can still wind up in the landfill. Other sustainability concerns include energy efficiency, how far the item has traveled and how resources were extracted to make it. Certification labeling also varies. Sometimes it's printed on the product, sometimes it's listed on the manufacturer's website and sometimes the certifying body lists the products that have earned its approval. Large retail websites, in turn, often list certifications in a product description. Check whether it’s verified by a third party Third-party verification is a core avenue for determining whether a manufacturer's sustainability claims are legitimate. “Ideally you want to look for some certifying bodies because they’ve removed some of that up-front labor that as a consumer you otherwise might have to do," said Clementina Consens of B Lab, which certifies companies that meet environmental and social standards. Grainger-Jones said some companies create their own self-certifications that look convincing but don't mean much. “You can go and buy a self-declared certificate for a couple of thousand dollars,” he said. Look for quantifiable and transparent climate goals If a company is serious about sustainability, it should have its practices assessed and make that information easy for customers to find, Consens said. She said she looks to see whether a company has completed an environmental impact assessment, whether it publicizes its findings or whether there is any tangible data on the company's greenhouse gas emissions, water or energy use. Large e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Walmart and Target have set emissions benchmarks and other climate-related targets for their suppliers and list their own companywide sustainability goals. Walmart, for example, has released extensive information on its Project Gigaton, including a list of participating suppliers, definitions of its recognition tiers and science-based requirements for suppliers' goals. Target publishes its climate goals, and has provided updates on where the company has surpassed expectations, and where it has fallen short. It also displays icons and hyperlinks next to products that meet sustainability goals. Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly program vets products based on a set of verified third-party certifications and posts a green leaf label alongside products that meet the certifications, along with hyperlinks. “Having those third-party standards is super important for credibility,” said Nneka Leiba, Amazon's principal sustainability specialist. Certifications that aren't quantifiable or are too permissive don't meet Leiba's bar for inclusion in the program. She said when evaluating a certification, she looks to see whether it’s following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, or other relevant standards. She said certifications should be backed by scientific rigor and require companies or products meet specific benchmarks. Leiba said manufacturers' efforts to become certified can be good for their business. She said products in the Climate Pledge Friendly program experience a 12% sales increase in the first year after earning the green leaf badge. “That cycle is really beneficial to our customer, and beneficial to the environment,” she said.