United News of Bangladesh

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.”

The month-long celebrations commemorating the historic July Uprising of 2024 will continue with a grand public event on Tuesday on Manik Mia Avenue in the capital, featuring cultural performances, a symbolic celebration of the fall of fascism, the historic reading of the July Declaration, and a special drone drama titled 'Do You Miss Me?' among daylong festivities. Organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) with support from the Bangladesh National Parliament Secretariat, the event will begin at 11am and run throughout the day. The cultural programme will kick off with performances by the band Tong, including songs like ‘July-er Puthi Gaan’, ‘Ami Chitkar Kore Kadite Chahiya’, and ‘Teesta Bachan, Dhobla Bachan’. This will be followed by Saimum Shilpigoshthi performing revolutionary songs including ‘Jegei Jokhon Uthechho Bondhu’, ‘Ei Andolon Sofol Hobe’, ‘Aay Tarunno Aay’, and ‘Boichhey Batash Boiree’. Kolorob Shilpigoshthi will present ‘Tribhubone Priyo Muhammad’, ‘De De Pal Tule De’, ‘Teer Hara Oi Dhewyer Shagor’, and ‘Delhi Na Dhaka’. Solo performances will include ‘36 July’, ‘Manush Manusher Jonno’, and ‘Palashir Prantor’ by Nahid, and ‘Bangladesh’, ‘Ami Banglay Gaan Gai’, ‘Chol Chol’, and ‘Karar Oi Louho Kopat’ by Tashfee. Following a break for Zuhr prayers, Chittagong Hip-Hop Hood will take the stage with tracks such as ‘Pehenol’, ‘Nawab’, ‘Rafqi’, and ‘Re 89’. Rapper Sejan will follow songs like ‘Kotha Ko’, ‘I Ain’t A Killer’, and ‘Hudai Hutashe’. Rock band Shunno will perform ‘Shotho Asha’, ‘Godhulir Opare’, ‘Behula’, ‘Bedona’, ‘Rajahin Rajjo’, and ‘Shono Mohajon’. At 2:25pm, a symbolic commemoration of the fall of fascism will be observed, followed by a performance by popular singer Shayan featuring ‘July-er Gaan’, ‘Ami Gaichi Sobai’r Jonno’, and ‘Tajjob Bone Jai’. Singers Ethun Babu and Mousumi will present ‘Deshta Tomar Baper Naki’, ‘Gonojagoroner Gaan’, ‘Maa’, and ‘Amader Bangladesh’. Iconic bands Souls and Warfaze will then perform back-to-back. Souls will play ‘Dekha Hobe Bondhu’, ‘Mon Shudhu Mon Chhuyeche’, ‘Brishti Dekhe Onek Kedechhi’, and ‘Nissongota’, while Warfaze will deliver ‘Maharaj’, ‘Osamajik’, ‘Nei Proyojon’, ‘Obak Bhalobasha’, ‘Purnota’, and ‘Tomake’. After Asr prayers, the historic July Declaration will be read, followed at 5:30pm by ‘Amra Korbo Joy’ performed by the Basic Guitar Learning School. Ethnic band F Minor will present ‘Meye’, ‘Mukti’, and ‘Dahuk’. Singer Parsha will perform ‘Chol Bhule Jai’, ‘Muktir Mondire’, and ‘Mora Jhonjhar Moto’. After Maghrib prayers, Elita Karim will present ‘Dhono Dhanno’, ‘Palashir Prantor’, and ‘Ghure Darao’. The highlight of the evening will be a special drone drama titled 'Do You Miss Me?' from 7:30pm to 8pm. Authored by The Anonymous and jointly presented by the Governments of Bangladesh and China, the show will feature 2,000 drones recreating key moments and slogans from the July Uprising, showcasing scenes of student and public mobilisation that led to the eventual victory. Finally, headliners Artcell will close the night with performances of ‘Swadhinota Medley’, ‘Dukkho Bilash’, ‘Pothchola’, ‘Onno Shomoy’, ‘Bangladesh’, and ‘Kandari Hushiyar’. The entire event will be open to the public, according to BSA.  

The recent removal of a reference to Donald Trump’s impeachments from a Smithsonian museum exhibit has triggered renewed debate over how history is preserved, presented — and potentially manipulated — especially when it involves powerful political figures. On Friday, the Smithsonian Institution confirmed it had taken down mention of Trump’s 2019 and 2021 impeachments from a temporary exhibit panel on the U.S. presidency. While the museum denied facing political pressure from the Trump administration, the move has drawn scrutiny amid broader concerns about the politicization of historical memory. The museum said the exhibit will soon be updated to reflect all presidential impeachment proceedings throughout American history. Trump, now seeking a return to the White House, has long called for institutions under federal oversight to focus on “national achievements” rather than what he labels “divisive” topics. In response to the panel’s removal, the White House issued a statement, without addressing impeachment directly, saying it supports updating displays to “highlight American greatness.” But historians and scholars argue that historical accuracy cannot be compromised for political comfort. A wider campaign to reshape historical narratives?The Smithsonian's decision comes against a backdrop of past actions by Trump’s administration to reshape cultural and historical institutions — such as removing a gay rights activist’s name from a Navy ship, seeking to defund public broadcasting, and reshuffling leadership at major cultural centers. How to protect yourself from wildfire-related air pollution “This is part of a broader effort by the president to influence and shape how history is depicted at museums, national parks, and schools,” said Julian E. Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. “It’s not just about the country’s narrative — it’s about his place in it.” The debate echoes similar struggles elsewhere. In authoritarian regimes like China and the former Soviet Union, history has often been rewritten or censored to maintain state power and suppress dissent. In such systems, inconvenient facts and figures are erased from textbooks and public memory alike. Jason Stanley, a leading scholar on authoritarianism, emphasized how crucial control over history is for political dominance. “If they don’t control the historical narrative,” he said, “then they can’t create the kind of fake history that props up their politics.” Presidents shaping their own legacy — and limitsThe impulse to manage historical memory is hardly unique to Trump. U.S. presidents and their families have long sought to influence how they are remembered — from Jackie Kennedy’s editorial influence over accounts of JFK’s assassination to Ronald and Nancy Reagan orchestrating sympathetic documentaries. Yet, scholars argue that Trump’s approach goes further. Rather than merely shaping his legacy, critics say he is fostering an atmosphere where institutions may feel pressured to choose between political loyalty and historical truth — even without direct orders. Robin Wagner-Pacifici, a sociologist at the New School, said such museum exhibits are essential for helping people “situate themselves in history.” Without them, she warned, “it seems like we just kind of burst forth from the Earth.” China’s traditional Baijiu spirit gets a makeover to woo younger drinkers Timothy Naftali, who helped overhaul the Nixon Presidential Library to give a more objective account of the Watergate scandal, called the Smithsonian’s decision “concerning and disappointing.” “Museum directors need red lines,” said Naftali, now at Columbia University. “Removing this panel crosses one.” Power and memoryDespite his immense influence, Trump’s fixation on museum exhibits and public memory shows that legitimacy in politics is never fully secure, experts say. “He’s constantly working to reshape how the public sees him and the country,” said Wagner-Pacifici. “Power has to be reconstituted constantly. It can never rest on its laurels.” Trump has previously accused the Smithsonian of promoting a “divisive, race-centered ideology,” reinforcing how the presentation of history — especially in public institutions — has become a battleground in America’s ongoing cultural and political struggles. Source: Agency 

Smoke from wildfires can travel vast distances and significantly deteriorate air quality far from the fire's source, posing health risks even in areas not directly affected by the flames. Fires burning in one region can spread smoke across multiple states, and wildfires in Canada have also sent polluted air into U.S. cities. Here's what you need to know to stay safe when air quality worsens due to wildfire smoke: Understanding bad air quality The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) to rate air pollution. A lower AQI means better air quality: 0–50: Good51–100: Moderate101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groupsAbove 150: Unhealthy for allSensitive groups include individuals with asthma, lung conditions, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Dr. Sanjay Sethi of the University at Buffalo. “If you have heart or lung problems, then you’ve got to be definitely more careful," he said. Staying indoors or wearing an N95 or at least a dust mask is recommended in such conditions. How to check your air quality Sometimes you can see or smell smoke, but even if it's not visible, the air can still be harmful. The EPA provides real-time air quality updates on its website. In addition, PurpleAir offers detailed, hyper-local data through a citizen science-based monitoring network. Blood sugar monitoring devices gain fans, experts advise caution For indoor air readings, Joseph Allen of Harvard University’s Healthy Buildings Program suggests buying a low-cost air quality monitor, widely available online. If you need to go outside Brief outdoor exposure usually doesn't cause long-term harm for healthy individuals. However, experts recommend wearing an N95 mask, which can block 90–95% of harmful particles. “If you have a respirator-type mask, that’s even better,” said Jennifer Stowell of Boston University’s Center for Climate and Health. If you start to wheeze or feel short of breath, return indoors or move to an area with cleaner air. Improving indoor air quality Keep windows closed and set your air conditioner to circulate indoor air.Use blankets or towels to seal gaps under doors or around windows where outdoor air might enter.Upgrade your air conditioner filter to a MERV 13, if possible, and ensure it’s properly installed.Use a portable air purifier, especially in the room where you spend most of your time.Stowell emphasized the value of using even a basic room air purifier to reduce indoor pollution.

A special group art exhibition titled 'The Trendsetters' featuring works by 10 talented Bangladeshi artists has been inaugurated on Friday evening at Bhumi Gallery in the capital’s Lalmatia. The opening ceremony began at 6:30 pm and was inaugurated by internationally acclaimed artist Monirul Islam as the chief guest. Art connoisseur Gitanka Debdip Datta attended the ceremony as the special guest, and a number of renowned and emerging artists, art critics and art lovers were also present at the event. Organised by Bhumi Gallery, the exhibition showcases artworks by Anukul Chandra Majumder, Azmeer Hossain, Kamal Uddin, Sadek Ahmed, Kazi Shahid, Sohag Parvez, Abdullah Al Bashir, Kamruzzoha, Shahanoor Mamun and Sourav Chowdhury. Highlighting the exhibition’s theme, the organizers said that art reflects human thought, struggle, and society. Each generation gives rise to creative minds who challenge norms, redefine practices, and inspire others. 'The Trendsetters' presents the artistic journey of 10 promising and established young artists who are developing their own visual languages and occupying a significant space in the contemporary art scene. The exhibition features 70 artworks in diverse styles and mediums—ranging from realism and abstraction to experimental and traditional expressions. Despite their artistic differences, all works are unified by originality, persistence, and passion. These artists not only represent individual success but also serve as role models for emerging creators. Their works embody a strong sense of cultural identity while engaging in global artistic dialogues. According to the gallery, 'The Trendsetters' is more than just an exhibition—it is a forward-looking initiative where bold creatives are guiding, inspiring, and becoming voices of the future. Their works demonstrate that with dedication, integrity, and creative courage, Bangladeshi art can proudly take its place on the global stage. The 12-day exhibition will remain open to all every day from 4 pm to 9 pm until August 12.