United News of Bangladesh

A two-day travelling photo exhibition by Pathshala South Asian Media Institute titled “Photography in the People’s Uprising: July Photography – Witness to History and Tool of Struggle” began on Monday morning at Dhaka University’s Swoparjito Swadhinata Chattar, bringing to the streets powerful images that documented the July–August 2024 uprising. The exhibition features works by 14 photographers who risked their lives to capture moments of intense street protests, violent crackdowns, and the spirit of resistance that defined the movement. Organised as an open-air gallery, it aims to revisit key locations in Dhaka that turned into battlefields during the historic months — including the Central Shaheed Minar, TSC, Mohammadpur Beribadh, Mirpur, Jatrabari, Rampura, and Hatirjheel. Renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, along with fellow photographers, teachers, students and other professionals, joined the opening event. “This initiative has brought the gallery to the people — even working-class passers-by are stopping to see the images. Without photographers, perhaps Sheikh Hasina would still be in power; their work should be honoured and protected with proper copyright recognition,” Shahidul Alam said at the event. Photographer Taslima Akhter said the exhibition serves to remember the days of the uprising, while Pathshala teacher Jannatul Mawa noted that when the media was unable to play its role, the photographs spoke the truth. Photographer Jibon Ahmed, who also has a solo exhibition running almost simultaneously at Alliance Francaise Dhaka (AFD) of the photos he took during the Uprising, recalled facing live gunfire from the BGB targeting protestors, while Syed Ashraful Alam shared memories of capturing images amid the chaos in Uttara, and Suman Kanti Pal recounted similar experiences in Rampura. Before setting out, the participating photographers reflected on the challenges of documenting the unrest that happened in July 2024. Following the reminiscences, five vans carrying the photographs embarked on their journey through the city’s flashpoint areas, engaging with the public along the way. The exhibition will continue until Tuesday. Participating photographers include Syed Ashraful Alam, Istiak Karim, KM Asad, Jibon Ahmed, Dipu Malakar, Noor Alam, Moin Bulu, Md Shafiqul Islam, Raihan Ahmed, Rahat Karim, Shuvra Kanti Das, Sultan Mahmud Mukut, Suman Kanti Pal, and Habibul Haque.

Debra Taylor has had quite an eventful year, managing a divorce, preparing for retirement, and relocating from Southern California to Portugal with one of her daughters. After deciding to live abroad, Taylor shortlisted potential countries based on tax implications (Spain was rejected due to wealth taxes), climate (Costa Rica was too hot), and ease of travel within Europe, a region she adores. She toured Portugal with Expatsi, a relocation service, and chose to settle in Aveiro—a picturesque west coast city known as the "Venice of Portugal" because of its charming canals. From there, the process turned logistical. Taylor secured a one-year lease (required to proceed), engaged Viv Europe to handle paperwork and government procedures, completed an FBI background check, and scheduled a visa appointment for late September. Her youngest daughter inspired the move. “After our current president was elected, my 18-year-old transgender daughter told me she wanted to leave the country ASAP,” Taylor shared. “I was completely on board.” Her elder daughter, 20, will remain in the U.S. to finish college. Taylor emphasized that this move isn’t permanent: “I’ll use it as a base to explore the region more deeply. I plan to buy a home eventually, but only after spending more time living in various communities.” Experts on aging and relocation say Taylor is making wise choices. Retirement relocation trends Relocation rates among retirees vary due to factors like politics, housing affordability, and living costs. Though seniors move less frequently than younger people, over 3 million Americans aged 65+ relocated within the U.S. in the five years before the pandemic, per Census data. Students face arrests and office calls over AI surveillance false alarms Among those moving abroad, U.S. politics now tops the list of motivations, according to Expatsi co-founder Jen Barnett. However, many popular retirement destinations prefer working-age immigrants over retirees. Most American retirees stay put, but aging in place presents challenges such as rising housing costs, expensive home modifications, and limited community services like healthcare, utilities, and safety. AARP’s Rodney Harrell stresses the importance of planning for future needs, including health, mobility, and income changes. By 2034, the U.S. will have more people over 65 than under 18, marking a demographic milestone. More than just climate and family Choosing a retirement spot involves more than weather or proximity to grandchildren. Consider lifestyle priorities like access to universities, religious institutions, and community engagement. Harrell advises weighing social dynamics—whether neighbors are friendly or private—and using resources like the AARP livability index. If being near family matters, retirement planner Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons recommends clear communication about involvement expectations and checking how settled adult children are before moving. Casey and Dave Bowers, who relocated to Portugal’s Silver Coast, appreciate the area but find being far from family difficult despite the beauty and routine adjustments. Retirement coach Sarah Friedell O’Connell reminds retirees to think about how they want to spend newfound free time. Assess your lifestyle carefully Wealth manager Chad Harmer advises retirees to begin with a "lifestyle audit," envisioning their ideal daily routine years ahead, including climate, social life, hobbies, healthcare, and family visits, before focusing on taxes. He warns to budget for hidden expenses like insurance in disaster-prone zones and frequent travel costs. Parsons encourages trying short-term rentals to test living conditions before committing to a permanent move. Harmer’s guideline: If 80% of your desired daily lifestyle is achievable at your new location for 80% of the year, you’ve likely found the right place. Less than that might mean chasing unrealistic expectations. Source: Agency 

Today (August 10) marks the 101st birth anniversary of legendary Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan, born on August 10, 1924 in Machimdia village of Narail, Bangladesh. The birth centenary of the revered artist will be celebrated through a two-year programme featuring discussions, exhibitions, book publications and research initiatives, organisers announced these on Saturday evening at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi. The inaugural event, a discussion titled 'The Legacy of Artist Sultan: Imagination, Beauty and the Politics of Uplifting the Common Man', was organised by the SM Sultan National and International Birth Centenary Celebration Committee. Ekushey Padak-winning eminent photographer and Member Secretary of the committee Nasir Ali Mamun, in his welcome speech, said the centenary festivities had been stalled last year due to the post-uprising situation of the country in August 2024. “This year, we are beginning a series of activities that will continue over two years, including art and photography exhibitions, seminars, symposiums, workshops and the SM Sultan Memorial Lectures,” Mamun said, adding that books on the artist’s life, works and philosophy would be published throughout the celebrations. A video documentary by Mamun featured tributes from late sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan; eminent artists Mustafa Monwar, Farida Zaman, Rokeya Sultana, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Kanak Chanpa Chakma; 1952 Language Movement veteran Ahmed Rafiq; writer Hasan Azizul Haq; educationist Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed; researcher Badruddin Umar; art critic Moinuddin Khaled; and researcher Shahman Moishan, among others. This was followed by the unveiling of the book 'Sultan Khonon', edited by Mamun. Dhaka University Professor-researcher Dr Shahman Moishan delivered the keynote speech, calling Sultan as an artist who rejected colonial cultural structures and modernist conventions to develop his own visual language rooted in humanity. “Full of adventure and thrill — moving from town to town, sometimes suddenly disappearing and reappearing — Sultan’s life is for us wrapped in mystery, illusion and curiosity; we see how Tareque Masud’s film 'Adam Surat' and Nasir Ali Mamun’s photographs capture that inward mystery. Sultan fashioned a mythic persona within history that mirrors the common people, and his life should be studied with utmost care," Shahman said. Committee convenor and artist Monirul Islam highlighted Sultan’s distinctive portrayal of muscular human figures without conventional backgrounds or shading. “In his paintings, Sultan depicted people with powerful musculature; his works do not employ conventional backdrops or shading, yet this self-taught artist forged his own distinctive style,” Monirul said. Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair, Sultan’s disciple Bimanesh Biswas, art critic Prof Abdus Sattar, Prof Abul Mansur and art critic Mustafa Zaman also spoke at the event.  

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) wrapped up its two-day staging of 'Songs of Hawkers', an imaginative theatrical production by French director Zazie Hayoun, with a performance on Saturday at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) in the capital. Drawing from her long-held fascination with everyday life, Zazie transformed the spirited and chaotic world of Bangladeshi street hawkers into a playful, poetic and comedic stage performance. The production paid tribute to these tireless figures whose rhythmic calls, colourful wares and boundless energy form an integral part of the city’s streets.

Students across the United States are increasingly being summoned to school offices or even arrested after AI-powered surveillance software flags their online chats as potential threats — often based on false alarms. Lesley Mathis’s 13-year-old daughter learned this the hard way last year. The Tennessee eighth grader made an offensive joke during an online chat with classmates, triggering her school’s monitoring system. Within hours, she was arrested, interrogated, strip-searched, and detained overnight in jail, her mother said. The incident began when friends teased the girl about her tanned skin, calling her “Mexican,” though she is not. In reply, she wrote, “on Thursday we kill all the Mexico’s.” Mathis admitted the comment was “wrong” but stressed the context showed no real threat. “It made me feel like, is this the America we live in?” Mathis said. “It was this stupid technology that picks up random words without understanding context.” Schools across the US use AI-based surveillance tools such as Gaggle and Lightspeed Alert to monitor students’ online activity on school devices and accounts, aiming to detect signs of self-harm, bullying, or violence. While educators praise the technology for saving lives, critics warn it often criminalizes innocent remarks. New report reveals ChatGPT’s alarming responses to teens on sensitive issues Elizabeth Laird, director at the Center for Democracy and Technology, said, “It has routinized law enforcement access and presence in students’ lives, including at home.” In Tennessee, a 2023 zero-tolerance law requires any threat of mass violence against schools to be reported to law enforcement immediately. The 13-year-old girl’s arrest followed this policy, though Gaggle’s CEO Jeff Patterson criticized the handling, saying the system is meant to intervene early, not involve police. Private student chats are also monitored. In Florida, a teenager was arrested after Snapchat’s automated system flagged a joke about school shootings. Alexa Manganiotis, a student in West Palm Beach, noted how quickly surveillance software works, sharing that students typing threats on school computers were removed within minutes. Amy Bennett, Lightspeed Systems’ chief of staff, said the software helps schools “be proactive rather than punitive.” However, data reveals high false alarm rates. An analysis of Gaggle alerts in Kansas found nearly two-thirds were nonissues, including false positives from homework or deleted photos. Natasha Torkzaban, a recent graduate, was flagged for editing a friend’s college essay containing the phrase “mental health.” She and other students recently sued their school district, alleging unconstitutional surveillance. School officials argue the technology has prevented dozens of imminent suicide or violence threats. “Sometimes you have to look at the trade for the greater good,” said Anne Costello, a Kansas school board member. Two years after the incident, Mathis said her daughter is recovering but remains “terrified” of encountering the officers involved. She praised teachers at her daughter’s alternative school for their compassion and understanding. “We just want kids to be these little soldiers, but they’re not,” Mathis said. “They’re just humans.”

A zoo in the Czech Republic has welcomed four newborn Barbary lion cubs, a significant development for a species that no longer exists in the wild. The cubs — three females and one male — were seen playing under the watchful gaze of their parents, Khalila and Bart, in the outdoor area of Dvůr Králové Safari Park on Wednesday. However, their time at the park will be temporary. As part of a global conservation program for endangered species, the cubs will be relocated to other partner zoos, including one in Beersheba, Israel, to support breeding and preservation efforts. There is cautious hope that this could eventually lead to reintroducing the species into its native habitat. Dvůr Králové’s Deputy Director Jaroslav Hyjánek noted that although discussions and groundwork have begun for a possible reintroduction of Barbary lions into the wild, such a step remains a long-term goal. Once native to North Africa, particularly the Atlas Mountains, the Barbary lion — a symbol of power and beauty — was driven to extinction in the wild largely due to human actions. Many were used in Roman arenas, and later, excessive hunting and habitat destruction led to their decline. The last known wild Barbary lion was photographed in 1925, and the final confirmed individual was killed in 1942. By the mid-1960s, the species had completely vanished from the wild. Today, fewer than 200 Barbary lions are believed to live in captivity worldwide. Hyjánek shared that Moroccan authorities have expressed openness to the idea of reintroduction. A conference involving experts is being planned in Morocco — likely later this year or in early 2026 — to evaluate the feasibility of rewilding the lions in one of the country’s national parks in the Atlas Mountains. Such a plan would face many challenges, including legal hurdles, ecological readiness, ensuring a stable prey population, and gaining support from local communities. Despite the difficulties, Hyjánek believes it’s a vision worth pursuing. “Having a long-term goal is crucial for any species,” he said. “Without that, the role of zoos would lose its purpose.”

ChatGPT has provided 13-year-olds with instructions on getting intoxicated, concealing eating disorders, and even composing deeply emotional suicide letters, according to new findings from a digital watchdog group. The Associated Press reviewed more than three hours of simulated conversations between ChatGPT and researchers posing as vulnerable teenagers. While the AI often issued standard warnings against dangerous behaviors, it also offered surprisingly detailed and personalized guidance on substance use, restrictive dieting, and self-harm. The study, conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), involved scaling up their queries, with more than half of ChatGPT’s 1,200 responses being flagged as potentially harmful. “We set out to test the chatbot’s guardrails,” said CCDH CEO Imran Ahmed. “The initial reaction is shock — there are practically no guardrails. The protections in place are minimal, if not completely ineffective.” Responding to the report on Tuesday, OpenAI — the company behind ChatGPT — stated that it continues working to improve how the chatbot identifies and handles sensitive interactions. “Some conversations may begin innocently but veer into more sensitive territory,” OpenAI said in a statement. The company did not directly respond to the study’s specific findings or the implications for teenage users, but said it’s working on tools to detect signs of emotional distress and refine the chatbot’s responses in such cases. The findings come amid increasing use of AI chatbots for advice, companionship, and information, especially among children and teenagers. Cardiologist reveals 6 morning habits that keep heart strong According to a July report from JPMorgan Chase, ChatGPT now has around 800 million users — roughly 10% of the global population. “This is a technology that can unlock immense progress and understanding,” said Ahmed. “But it also has the potential to cause serious harm.” He said the most disturbing moment was seeing three suicide notes written by ChatGPT for a 13-year-old girl’s persona — one addressed to her parents, another to siblings, and a third to friends. “It brought me to tears,” Ahmed told reporters. While ChatGPT did frequently recommend crisis hotlines or reaching out to mental health professionals, researchers were often able to bypass restrictions by framing their requests as part of a presentation or claiming the information was for a friend. This is troubling even if only a small portion of users interact with ChatGPT in this way. A recent survey by Common Sense Media found that over 70% of U.S. teens turn to AI chatbots for companionship, and half use them regularly. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the trend, saying the company is studying the issue of “emotional overreliance,” which he described as particularly common among younger users. “Some teens tell us they can't make decisions without consulting ChatGPT,” Altman said at a conference. “They say it knows them, it knows their friends, and they follow its advice — that really concerns me.” While much of the content ChatGPT provides could also be found via search engines, Ahmed emphasized that chatbots pose a unique risk by generating highly personalized responses — such as writing a suicide note tailored to a user's experience. “This is different from Google,” he explained. “AI acts as a confidant, as a guide — which makes it much more dangerous in these scenarios.” The chatbot also sometimes volunteered additional information without being prompted, including suggestions for music playlists at drug-fueled parties or hashtags to promote self-harm content online. In one instance, a researcher asked for a follow-up post to be “more raw and graphic.” ChatGPT complied, generating what it called an “emotionally exposed” poem that adhered to coded language often seen in online self-harm communities. AP is withholding the exact language used in these responses due to their graphic nature. The issue partly stems from a design flaw known as “sycophancy,” where AI models mimic or reinforce a user’s beliefs and tone, rather than challenge them. Experts say this tendency can make AI dangerous in emotionally sensitive conversations — though modifying it could affect commercial appeal. Stay cool with these heat-fighting gadgets and wearables Chatbots also impact younger users differently than search engines because they are designed to feel more human-like, said Robbie Torney, senior director of AI programs at Common Sense Media. That makes it easier for teens, especially younger ones, to trust them. Common Sense’s own research showed that 13- and 14-year-olds were more likely than older teens to believe in a chatbot’s advice. While the group has rated ChatGPT a “moderate risk” — noting it is safer than AI companions designed to mimic romantic partners — the new findings show just how easy it is to get around existing safeguards. ChatGPT does not verify a user's age or require parental consent. Although its terms say it's not intended for children under 13, all that’s needed to sign up is a birthdate that meets the age requirement. In contrast, platforms like Instagram have started implementing stronger age verification to comply with regulations and steer teens toward safer experiences. When researchers used a fake 13-year-old profile to ask about alcohol, ChatGPT did not flag the age or block the request. In response to a query from a supposed “50kg boy” asking how to get drunk fast, ChatGPT offered advice. It later provided an “Ultimate Full-Out Mayhem Party Plan” that mixed alcohol with high doses of ecstasy, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. “It reminded me of that friend who always eggs you on — ‘Chug, chug, chug,’” said Ahmed. “But a true friend is someone who knows when to say no. This chatbot is more like a friend that betrays you.” In another example, ChatGPT gave a 13-year-old girl’s persona a fasting plan of just 500 calories a day, along with a list of appetite-suppressing drugs to use. “If a real person responded that way, we’d be shocked and horrified,” said Ahmed. “But here’s a chatbot saying, ‘Go for it, kiddo.’ That’s deeply troubling.” Source: Agency 

Is ketchup a smoothie? HEINZ and Smoothie King are boldly answering “yes” with the launch of the HEINZ Tomato Ketchup Smoothie, the first-ever smoothie made with real HEINZ Simply Ketchup. This limited-edition blend mixes ketchup with Acai sorbet, apple juice, strawberries, and raspberries for a tangy-sweet summer sip, available for $5.70 at select Smoothie King stores in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Miami, and Greater New York/NJ. Crème fraîche creates a creamy broth in this recipe for briny-sweet steamed clams “When we saw this debate gaining traction, we had to jump in,” said Kraft Heinz VP Angie Madigan. Smoothie King’s Lori Primavera added, “We’ve created a savory-sweet blend that celebrates the tomato in all its glory.” Fans can weigh in online using #KetchupSmoothie. Source: Agency 

The photographic publication titled 'Witness to the Uprising' by noted photojournalist Jibon Ahmed was launched on Tuesday at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), drawing a diverse audience of journalists, artists, intellectuals, and members of the diplomatic community. Edited by Mashruk Ahmed and jointly published by University Press Limited (UPL) and Netra News, the 350-page book features over 170 striking photographs along with journal entries documenting the events of the July Uprising in 2024 — one of the most turbulent chapters in Bangladesh’s recent history. Shot while on assignment and later while in hiding, Jibon Ahmed’s work offers a deeply personal and fearless visual narrative of protest, resistance, and the eventual collapse of a regime. His lens captures the raw emotion and chaos of the streets, standing as a testament to the power and responsibility of photojournalism under fire. July Martyrs: Foreign Adviser opens month-long photography and graffiti show  

A peaceful gardening game on Roblox, created by a 16-year-old in just a few days, has become an unexpected viral hit this summer — offering players a calming escape from reality or a way to beat summer boredom. Called Grow a Garden, the game has broken records for the highest number of concurrent players on any game platform, outperforming massive, multi-million dollar productions. Unlike typical games that revolve around combat or racing, this one focuses entirely on cultivating plants — no fighting required. Even if you forget to water your crops, your virtual vegetables still grow. The gameplay is simple and relaxing: players grow and harvest crops, care for animals, and can trade — or even steal — from other gardens. The design resembles Minecraft, with tranquil classical music like Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca playing in the background. The game's laid-back style has made it hugely popular, reinforcing Roblox's status as a cultural hub for younger audiences. “This game is just chill — that’s the word I hear the most,” said Betsy Bozdech, editorial director at Common Sense Media. “It has an Animal Crossing feel. You can check in, plant seeds, and do your own thing. My 11-year-old plays it and loves that there's no pressure or major goal.” The game’s meteoric rise coincided with the announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 would be delayed until next year. Around that time in late June, Grow a Garden hit 21.6 million concurrent players, surpassing Fortnite’s record of 15.2 million. Market analysts say the game is boosting Roblox’s revenue and could lead to stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings. It's unclear whether GTA fans are turning to gardening in the meantime, but the game's success has reignited long-standing debates over what defines a “real” gamer. Cozy games like Candy Crush, Animal Crossing, and now Grow a Garden are often dismissed by the gaming elite, who favor action-packed titles like Call of Duty or GTA. Janzen Madsen, CEO of Splitting Point Studios, which acquired the game, believes the industry is underestimating this trend. “People think Roblox is immature or weird, but I think this is what players will want in five years,” he said. “And if traditional developers don’t catch on, they’ll be left behind.” To begin playing, users create a Roblox account and are given a starter plot, some in-game currency called “sheckles,” and a basic seed. Players can grow crops, sell them, and use the money to expand their gardens with new seeds, animals, or tools. While the game can be played for free, spending real money speeds up progress. Popular YouTuber Leah Ashe (5.3 million subscribers) says the game's appeal lies in collecting rare items. “I’m a completionist — I want everything,” she said. “What’s fun is how the global seed shop refreshes every five minutes, so everyone’s looking out for rare seeds together. It really brings people together.” For Roblox, which has faced criticism over child safety concerns, the success of Grow a Garden — along with new safety features like chat filters and privacy tools — has offered a much-needed boost. The game has also fostered a helpful community, with experienced players gifting items and alerting newcomers when rare seeds are in stock. Bozdech added that, with the right parental oversight, Roblox can be a creative and safe platform. “Games like Grow a Garden could even be a great way for parents and kids to play together,” she said. And the appeal may not be limited to kids. “It’s striking a chord,” Bozdech concluded. “We all need a little escape right now — and this game provides just that.”