United News of Bangladesh

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.

Violent protests swept across Nepal this week, as demonstrators set fire to the parliament, forced the prime minister to resign and flee the country, and torched luxury hotels in Kathmandu. The demonstrations, widely dubbed “Gen Z protests,” were fueled by public anger at the country’s wealthy elites and the stark contrast between their lavish lifestyles and widespread poverty in one of the world’s poorest nations. The capital’s skyline was engulfed in smoke when arsonists set fire to Hilton Kathmandu, the city’s tallest hotel, reducing the glass tower to a blackened shell barely a year after its opening in July 2024. Images and videos of the blaze quickly went viral on social media. Led primarily by young protesters, the unrest targeted government buildings, politicians’ residences, and symbols of elite wealth. As clashes escalated and citywide curfews were imposed, the death toll neared 51. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu Attacked Nearby, the iconic Hyatt Regency Kathmandu also suffered attacks by protesters. Located on 37 acres near Boudhanath Stupa, the hotel is known for blending traditional Newari architecture with luxury. Front office manager Bhushan Rane told Reuters that the building was damaged, but no staff or guests were injured. However, a 55-year-old Indian woman from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, died while attempting to escape from the fourth floor, and her husband sustained injuries. Guests had tried to flee using makeshift ropes made of bedsheets and curtains as the building was set ablaze. The Hyatt Regency and Hilton Kathmandu both temporarily closed, posting notices on their websites advising guests to defer bookings until the situation stabilizes. Varnabas Museum Hotel Damaged Arsonists also targeted Varnabas Museum Hotel, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Located about a kilometer from Hilton Kathmandu, the hotel was set on fire this week. Opened in February 2024, the hotel’s modern design reflects the surrounding peaks of Kathmandu, with a dining hall inspired by Everest Base Camp. Protests Against the Elite The unrest erupted after the government abruptly banned 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, prompting widespread criticism. Young protesters saw the ban as an attack on free speech and a way to silence dissent against corruption, nepotism, and the extravagant lifestyles of the elite. The movement quickly evolved into a nationwide anti-government campaign, demanding not only the lifting of the social media ban, which was soon reversed, but also greater accountability and an end to corruption. High youth unemployment and stark social inequality added fuel to the demonstrations, leading protesters to target the country’s most visible symbols of privilege: parliament and luxury hotels. Source: NDTV

During the winter of 2024, Rachel Martin realized that nearly all her free time revolved around screens. “I couldn’t really think of hobbies or things that I did that took a break from the digital world,” said the 33-year-old from Sydney, Australia. Between television, video games and digital art, Martin often spent more than 12 hours a day in front of screens. Wanting an offline alternative, she experimented with different activities before discovering journaling with fountain pens and specialty inks. “It’s quite a cool tactile experience,” she said. The hobby even introduced her to a community of fountain pen enthusiasts in her city. “It’s something that I definitely didn’t expect to love,” Martin said. “But it actually really helped me go (mostly) screen-free.” Her motivation was also health-related, as screens tend to trigger her chronic migraines. Experts say taking up a new hobby can be an effective way to reduce screen time. Enjoyable pastimes not only provide a mental reset but can also lower stress and benefit physical health. Sarah Pressman, professor of psychological science at the University of California, Irvine, said there is no “perfect” hobby. “Having a mix of small enjoyable activities — a little bit of pickleball, cooking something new, chatting with a friend over coffee, spending some time in your garden — can have a cumulative effect on your mood and health,” she explained. Matthew Zawadzki, associate professor of psychological sciences at the University of California, Merced, suggested starting small. Even short bursts of activity lasting 5 to 20 minutes can be refreshing. “A pastime may not reset your life, but instead it’s going to reset the next hour,” he said. Trying different activities is also key, experts said. Hobbies from childhood, fitness routines, reading, volunteering or creative work can all serve as starting points. Zawadzki added: “It’s about being more intentional about how you use your time.” For those struggling to move away from screens, experts recommend keeping hobbies visible and accessible, setting clear goals and enlisting friends for accountability. Still, they cautioned against demonizing screen time altogether. Watching a movie with family or exercising while following a TV show can also have positive outcomes. “Any kind of activity has the potential to be positive,” Zawadzki noted. “But you have to optimize it a little bit to serve your goals.” Ultimately, experts said, the key is not perfection but balance. “Step one is actually experiencing that positivity when you engage in these activities,” said Gabriela Tonietto, an associate professor of marketing at Rutgers Business School. “The consequences of that are feeling more relaxed, feeling less stressed, feeling happier.”

In his will made public on Friday, fashion icon Giorgio Armani revealed his desire for a major luxury group to acquire a 15% stake in his multi-million-euro empire. Armani, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 91, named LVMH, L'Oreal, and EssilorLuxottica as his preferred buyers, though he was open to similar companies. Armani’s company spans high fashion to hospitality, and he had maintained strict control over it for decades. Should a sale not materialize, he requested the company be listed on the stock market, with his foundation retaining 30.1% of the shares. L’Oreal, which has collaborated with Armani on perfumes and cosmetics since 1988, expressed gratitude for being considered, while the designer's foundation will retain strong influence over strategic decisions. Armani’s will also outlined the future governance structure, with Leo Dell'Orco and family members overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations. Armani’s estimated $11.8 billion net worth was bequeathed to his foundation, which will hold 10% of the shares. His real estate assets were passed to his sister and other relatives. The designer’s final collections will be showcased at Milan Fashion Week later this month, marking 50 years of the Armani brand.   Source: NDTV

Armen Kirakosian recalls the challenges of his early days as a call center agent nearly a decade ago: upset callers, endless menu navigation, and manually jotting down notes after every call. Now 29 and working in Athens, Greece, Kirakosian’s experience has changed dramatically thanks to artificial intelligence. He no longer has to take notes or endlessly click through systems. When a customer calls, their profile and likely issue are often already on his screen—allowing him to focus more on solving the problem. “A.I. has taken the robot out of us,” he said. Around 3 million Americans and millions more worldwide work in call centers, handling billions of customer inquiries each year—from tech support to online orders. Kirakosian is employed by TTEC, a global outsourcing firm that manages customer service operations for clients in sectors like banking and automotive. Call center jobs are notoriously stressful and repetitive, contributing to high turnover rates—about half of agents quit within a year, according to McKinsey. Many of these jobs involve "break/fix" scenarios—resolving issues with broken or malfunctioning products or services. Increasingly, the question is not whether the issue can be fixed, but whether the fix will come from a human, an AI agent, or a combination of both. AI’s Growing Role in Call Centers Artificial intelligence now handles many routine tasks in call centers. While some positions have been lost to automation, experts suggest predictions of mass job losses—up to 50% of roles—may be overstated. As customer issues become more complex, companies are still finding that human agents are essential, albeit more highly trained and specialized. Klarna, the Swedish "buy now, pay later" company, cut 700 of its roughly 3,000 customer service jobs in 2024, replacing them with AI and chatbots. While the move saved money, it also revealed the limitations of AI. For example, cases involving identity theft still required human intervention. Klarna ended up rehiring a small team of experienced agents to handle those sensitive tasks. “Our vision is that AI agents will handle most customer interactions, with fewer, better-trained, and better-paid human agents stepping in for the most complex issues,” said Gadi Shamia of Replicant, an AI firm that helps chatbots sound more natural. Customers Still Face Frustrations While AI has improved the efficiency of call centers, the customer experience isn't flawless. Most service calls still begin with interactive voice response (IVR) systems—the automated menus that ask callers to “press one for sales” or “press two for support.” These systems evolved in the 2010s to allow voice commands, but they remain frustrating for many. Customers often “zero out”—hitting the “0” key repeatedly to bypass the system and reach a human. This sometimes leads to being placed on hold or sent to the wrong department. Due to public dissatisfaction with IVR systems, U.S. lawmakers have introduced the “Keep Call Centers in America Act,” which would mandate clear paths to human agents and reward companies that keep support jobs domestic. To address these frustrations, companies are now developing AI tools that can interpret full customer requests and route them accurately—without menus. OpenAI’s upcoming “ChatGPT Agent” is an example. It can understand complex phrases like, “I need a hotel for a wedding next year and suggestions for gifts and clothes.” Real-World AI in Action Bank of America has found success with “Erica,” its AI chatbot launched in 2018. Erica now handles more advanced queries and can predict customer needs—like helping someone with repeated low balances or managing duplicate subscriptions. When Erica can’t solve an issue, it seamlessly transfers the customer to the appropriate department. According to the bank, Erica has been used more than 3 billion times and continues to take on a growing share of service tasks. TTEC’s VP of Product and Innovation, James Bednar, says AI is on track to eliminate IVR altogether. “We’re getting closer to a future where AI gets you to the right person without having to go through those frustrating menus,” Bednar said.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival wrapped up Saturday after 10 days of premieres and red carpets. Beyond the stars and awards, the event can also be told through numbers — from record ovations to pricey cocktails. 4,580: Films submitted for consideration, including 1,936 feature films. Submission costs 200 euros ($234) each. To qualify, a film must have been completed after Sept. 7, 2024, and make its world premiere at Venice. 21: Films in the main competition. That’s just over 1% of the features submitted. Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Bother won the Golden Lion. 7: Members of the main jury, chaired by U.S. director Alexander Payne. 22 minutes: Length of the longest standing ovation, for Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab. 1932: Year the festival was founded. 65: Countries represented in the lineup. 156 minutes: Longest runtime of a competition film, Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin. 90 minutes: Shortest runtime, for The Voice of Hind Rajab. ‘Colour Rhymes’ at AFD brings children’s imaginations to life 10,000: Estimated turnout at a Gaza anti-war march held during the festival. 2: Lifetime achievement Golden Lions, awarded to actor Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. 5,370 dollars: Cost of a one-night stay at Hotel Cipriani, a celebrity favorite. 34 euros: Price of the “Buonanotte” cocktail at the Cipriani, invented with George Clooney. 2:3:1: Campari spritz ratio — Campari, prosecco, soda water — the unofficial festival drink. 4.5 km: Distance from Venice’s Piazza San Marco to the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, the festival hub. 71 feet: Lowest depth of the Venetian Lagoon, crossed daily by stars and guests on water taxis. 1,032: Seats in the Sala Grande, the main theater for premieres and awards. 44: Suggested font size for subtitles at Venice screenings. Non-Italian films must have Italian subtitles, and Italian films must have English subtitles. Source: Agency 

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated a three-day art exhibition titled ‘Colour Rhymes’ on Thursday at its La Galerie in Dhanmondi, showcasing the imagination, innocence, and wonder of childhood through the expressive works of young artists. Organised by Painting Workshop–Dhanmondi and coordinated by artist Sarah Jabin, the exhibition features a vibrant collection of paintings created by children. The event aims to nurture their creative expression while inviting audiences to step into the unique world of their dreams and reflections. Each artwork is accompanied by the child artist’s own description, providing a direct glimpse into their thoughts. In one such piece, 'Dancing with the Rain', a young participant wrote, “I jump in puddles and the rain claps for me,” turning a rainy day into a joyful symphony. Another painting, 'Ice Cream Sadness', reflects a moment of disappointment with the words: “I request my father to give me an ice cream. He replied that I will catch a cold and that’s why he didn’t buy me ice cream.”

Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who defined understated elegance and built a $10 billion global fashion empire, has died at 91, his fashion house confirmed. Armani passed away at home in Milan. Known for his timeless suits, soft fabrics, and muted tones, he revolutionized fashion in the 1970s with his relaxed yet sharp silhouettes, worn from Hollywood red carpets to Wall Street boardrooms. His designs became symbols of power and style, from the iconic “power suit” for women to Richard Gere’s look in American Gigolo. Over five decades, Armani expanded beyond clothing into accessories, perfumes, cosmetics, furniture, hotels, restaurants, and even sports, owning basketball team EA7 Emporio Armani Milan. By 2023, his empire employed more than 9,000 people with over 600 stores worldwide. Born in Piacenza in 1934, Armani co-founded his label in 1975 with Sergio Galeotti, starting with just $10,000. He never sold or merged his company, always remaining in control. Known as “Re Giorgio” (King George), Armani was celebrated not only for his fashion but also for philanthropy, including AIDS awareness and refugee support. Armani, who had no children, is survived by close family, including his niece Roberta, a key figure in his company. Plans to mark the 50th anniversary of his fashion house at Milan Fashion Week were underway at the time of his passing.   End/AP/UNB/SS