United News of Bangladesh

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.  

Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong is set to request a 700 million baht (S$27.6 million) budget from the Cabinet for a domestic flight giveaway programme aimed at drawing at least 200,000 international tourists to destinations across the country. Sorawong on Wednesday said the Ministry of Tourism and Sports plans to submit a proposal to the Cabinet next week for the budget allocation to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The programme, titled “Buy International, Free Thailand Domestic Flights,” is designed to encourage foreign visitors to explore locations beyond Thailand’s main tourist cities. Foreign couples rush to marry in Denmark, Copenhagen moves to prioritize locals The TAT will work with six domestic airlines—Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International (Thai), Thai Lion Air, and Thai VietJet—on joint promotional campaigns to strengthen Thailand’s tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth. “The government will support domestic flight tickets priced at 1,750 baht per one-way trip and 3,500 baht for round trips. The initiative aims to attract at least 200,000 foreign tourists, covering destinations across Thailand, with a particular focus on Unesco-designated cities, popular tourist spots, and key destinations nationwide,” Sorawong explained. “The total budget for this project is 700 million baht, which will run from August to December, with travel to take place from September to November.” Italy's Cala Goloritze Ranks Top among the World's 50 Best Beaches in 2025 International visitors purchasing standard airfares to Thailand—either through airline websites, multi-city options from Thai and Bangkok Airways, or fly-thru/check-through services from Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Thai, or via online travel agents (OTAs)—will receive free round-trip domestic tickets along with a 20kg luggage allowance. The programme is expected to generate at least 8.81 billion baht in direct revenue from foreign tourist spending, with total economic benefits projected at 21.80 billion baht. The initiative is inspired by Japan’s “free domestic flights” campaign, which seeks to spread tourist traffic from major cities to secondary destinations. It supports the Thai government’s designation of 2025 as the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year.”

A special photography exhibition titled 'Shotoborshe Sultan' will begin on Friday evening at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi marking the birth centenary of legendary Bangladeshi artist SM Sultan. Bengal Foundation organised the exhibition in collaboration with HSBC Bangladesh. The exhibition will showcase a rare and intimate visual journey of artist Sultan through the lens of eminent photographer Nasir Ali, widely known as the 'Poet with the Camera.' It will feature portraits of the iconic artist alongside original negatives, handwritten letters, diary entries, drawings, and other memorabilia from Mamun’s private collection.  Many of these artifacts will be displayed publicly for the first time, offering an evocative glimpse into the extraordinary life of one of Bangladesh’s most visionary painters. Marking his 65th solo exhibition, Mamun described the initiative as a significant milestone in his artistic career.  “For the first time, items from my personal collection— including three of his teeth, handwritten letters, diary pages with writings and drawings, unpublished sketches, and original negatives—will be on public display. To mark the occasion, Bengal Foundation and HSBC Bangladesh are jointly publishing a 160-page catalogue titled 'Seeding the Soul' - and altogether, this will be an important exhibition,” Nasir told UNB. "It feels like the State has finally honored me with what I deserve:" Nasir Ali Mamun 'Shotoborshe Sultan' will remain open to visitors every day from 4 to 8 pm (except Sundays) until September 27 at Bengal Shilpalay, House 42, Road 27, Dhanmondi. The inauguration ceremony will be attended by distinguished artist Monirul Islam and Matiur Rahman, Editor of The Daily Prothom Alo, as Guests of Honour. Md Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh, will also be present on the occasion.

The Cambridge Dictionary has added more than 6,000 new words this year, including social media-driven slang like “skibidi” and “tradwife.” “Internet culture is reshaping the English language, and it’s fascinating to capture these changes in the dictionary,” said Colin McIntosh, lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, the world’s largest online dictionary. Skibidi — coined from an animated YouTube series — can mean “cool,” “bad,” or be used playfully with no specific meaning. Meanwhile, tradwife is short for “traditional wife,” describing a married woman who embraces homemaking and often shares her lifestyle online. Another addition, delulu (from “delusional”), refers to believing things that are not real, often by choice. Christian Ilbury, a sociolinguistics lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, noted that many of the new entries emerged on platforms like TikTok, where younger generations communicate. He added that terms such as delulu actually predate social media, but wider online use boosted their visibility. Other additions reflect broader trends: mouse jiggler — a gadget or software used to fake computer activity while not working, a term popularized by remote work — and forever chemical, describing persistent and harmful environmental pollutants. Students face arrests and office calls over AI surveillance false alarms Cambridge Dictionary said its decisions are guided by the Cambridge English Corpus, a database of over 2 billion written and spoken words, which helps track real-world usage. “A dictionary is a public record of how language is used,” Ilbury explained. “If people are saying skibidi or delulu, the dictionary should reflect that.” McIntosh stressed that only words with “staying power” were added. Source: Agency 

The 76th birth anniversary of eminent playwright and theatre personality Selim Al Deen, widely known as 'Natyacharya', is being celebrated across the country through theatre festivals, seminars, exhibitions, processions and commemorative programmes. On Monday morning, teachers, students and cultural organisations paid floral tributes at Selim Al Deen’s grave on the Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus. The JU Drama and Dramatics Department arranged daylong programmes featuring theatre songs, a photography exhibition, a commemorative rally, and a seminar where Dhaka University’s Theatre and Performance Studies teacher Sudip Chakraborty presented a keynote paper. Meanwhile, Dhaka Theatre and Gram Theatre jointly organised a four-day festival at Bangladesh Mahila Samity, which began on Friday with the staging of Deen’s Liberation War-based play 'Deyal'. The festival will conclude Monday evening with the Dhaka Theatre Awards ceremony and the staging of Deen’s play 'Nimmojon', directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff. Theatre troupe Swapnadal launched its two-day festival titled 'Natyacharya Selim Al Deen Janmotsab 2025' on Monday at Jahangirnagar University and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The programme features special stagings of Deen’s iconic plays 'Hargaj' and 'Chitrangada', directed by his student Zahid Repon. On Monday evening, 'Hargaj' will be staged for the 49th time at BSA’s Experimental Theatre Hall, while 'Chitrangada' will be staged on Tuesday evening to close the festival. In Gaibandha, Sarathi Theatre is hosting a three-day festival at Dariapur featuring tree plantations, art competitions, cultural performances, and the staging of Kalindir Git on Wednesday. Bogura Theatre is also marking the occasion with art competitions, recitations, and theatrical readings at its office premises. Separately, Selim Al Deen Sangrohashala arranged a two-day programme including a seminar on “Henrik Ibsen and Selim Al Deen: Eastern and Western Theatrical Forms and Modernity” at the National Theatre Hall, followed by a staging of 'Rupchan Sundarir Pala' by Bangalok. Born on August 18, 1949, in Senerkhil village of Feni’s Sonagazi upazila, Selim Al Deen studied Bangla literature at Dhaka University and later joined Jahangirnagar University, where he founded the Drama and Dramatics Department. A co-founder of Dhaka Theatre and Gram Theatre, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2007, the Bangla Academy Award in 1984, and the National Film Award for Best Dialogue in 1994. Selim Al Deen passed away on January 14, 2008, and was laid to rest near the central mosque of Jahangirnagar University.