United News of Bangladesh

The Trump administration revoked Harvard University's ability to enroll international students in its escalating battle with the Ivy League school, saying thousands of current students must transfer to other schools or leave the country. The Department of Homeland Security announced the action Thursday, saying Harvard has created an unsafe campus environment by allowing “anti-American, pro-terrorist agitators” to assault Jewish students on campus. It also accused Harvard of coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party, saying it hosted and trained members of a Chinese paramilitary group as recently as 2024. “This means Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” the agency said in a statement. Harvard enrolls almost 6,800 foreign students at its campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, accounting for more than a quarter of its student body. Most are graduate students, coming from more than 100 countries. Harvard called the action unlawful and said it's working to provide guidance to students. “This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” the university said in a statement. The Trump administration's clash with Harvard, the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, has intensified since it became the first to openly defy White House demands for changes at elite schools it has criticized as hotbeds of liberalism and antisemitism. The federal government has cut $2.6 billion in federal grants to Harvard, forcing it to self-fund much of its sprawling research operation. President Donald Trump has said he wants to strip the university of its tax-exempt status. The administration has demanded records of campus protests The threat to Harvard's international enrollment stems from an April 16 request from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who demanded that it provide information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation. Harvard sues Trump administration to stop the freeze of more than $2 billion in grants In a letter to Harvard on Thursday, Noem said the school's sanction is “the unfortunate result of Harvard's failure to comply with simple reporting requirements.” It bars Harvard from hosting international students for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. Noem said Harvard can regain its ability to host foreign students if it produces a trove of records on foreign students within 72 hours. Her updated request demands all records, including audio or video footage, of foreign students participating in protests or dangerous activity on campus. “This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said in a statement. The action revoked Harvard's certification in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which gives the school the ability to sponsor international students to get their visas and attend school in the United States. Harvard President Alan Garber earlier this month said the university has made changes to its governance over the past year and a half, including a broad strategy to combat antisemitism, but warned it would not budge on its “its core, legally-protected principles” over fears of retaliation. He said he wasn’t aware of evidence to support the administration's allegation that its international students were “more prone to disruption, violence, or other misconduct than any other students.” Students in Harvard College Democrats said the Trump administration is playing with students' lives to push a radical agenda and to quiet dissent. “Trump's attack on international students is text book authoritarianism — Harvard must continue to hold the line,” the group said in a statement. The administration drew condemnation from free speech groups, including the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which said Noem is demanding a “surveillance state.” "This sweeping fishing expedition reaches protected expression and must be flatly rejected," the group said in a statement. Harvard rejects Trump’s demands, faces multi-billion-dollar funding freeze The revocation opens a new front in a closely watched battle Many of Harvard's punishments have come through a federal antisemitism task force that says the university failed to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence amid a nationwide wave of pro-Palestinian protests. Homeland Security officials echoed those concerns in their Thursday announcement. It offered examples, including a recent internal report at Harvard, finding that many Jewish students reported facing discrimination or bias on campus. It also tapped into concerns that congressional Republicans have raised about ties between U.S. universities and China. Homeland Security officials said Harvard provided training to the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps as recently as 2024. As evidence, it provided a link to a Fox News article, which in turn cited a letter from House Republicans. Asked for comment on the alleged coordination with the Chinese Communist Party, a Harvard spokesperson said the university will be responding to the House Republicans' letter. Ted Mitchell, president of the American Council on Education, called the latest action an “illegal, small-minded” overreach. “I worry that this is sending a very chilling effect to international students looking to come to America for education," he said. The Trump administration has leveraged the system for tracking international students’ legal status as part of its broader attempts to crack down on higher education. What was once a largely administrative database has become a tool of enforcement, as immigration officials revoked students’ legal status directly in the system. Harvard president Claudine Gay resigns amid plagiarism claims, backlash from antisemitism testimony Those efforts were challenged in court, leading to restorations of status and a nationwide injunction blocking the administration from pursuing further terminations.

What began as “No Mow May,” a campaign encouraging homeowners to skip mowing in the spring to help pollinators and support soil health, has evolved into a broader year-round movement. For some, the neatly trimmed lawn is a thing of the past. Variations like “Let It Bloom June” and “Leave the Leaves” in fall are also gaining traction. Environmental and gardening groups promote these low-maintenance practices, saying they can reduce drinking water usage and benefit ecosystems over the long term. Amanda Beltranmini Healen moved into a well-manicured Nashville home in 2016. Over time, she transformed her yard by planting native species and allowing natural growth in place of constant mowing. Initially, the city objected, even sending her a warning letter. But she pushed back with support from the Cumberland River Compact, which provided signage showing her yard was part of a conservation initiative, not neglect. Today, Healen mows selectively—keeping areas near the street tidy while letting the backyard flourish with knee- to waist-high native plants. Her yard now hosts wildlife from skinks and insects to birds and deer. "It's full of life," she said, describing the morning birdsong and abundance of animals drawn to her thriving mini-ecosystem. The No Mow movement, supported by UK-based conservation group Plantlife, questions the American obsession with traditional lawns—imports from European aristocracy. Critics argue lawns consume excessive water and chemicals while offering little biodiversity. According to the EPA, lawn irrigation alone accounts for over 30% of residential water use. Some skeptics dismiss No Mow May as a fleeting trend, warning it could invite invasive species. But experts like Aaron Steil of the University of Iowa recommend mowing less frequently and incorporating year-round pollinator-friendly plants for lasting impact without violating city codes. Jason Sprouls of the Cumberland River Compact notes that less frequent mowing allows native plants with deeper roots to thrive, improving soil structure and water retention. Healen isn’t letting her yard go wild unchecked—she actively manages it by removing harmful species and encouraging beneficial ones. Similarly, Nashville resident Brandon Griffith started mowing less simply out of convenience. But when he noticed native flowers and pollinators flourishing, he leaned into it, adding more plants intentionally. His garden now attracts neighborhood kids who come to look for butterflies, while his young son enjoys bug-hunting. “It’s peaceful,” Griffith said. “I like walking around and seeing what’s growing.”

Travelling during the summer in Bangladesh often comes with a major challenge: the persistent heat wave. Scorching temperatures, humidity, and overcrowded destinations make conventional holiday plans uncomfortable and exhausting. Amid such conditions, the need for cooler travel destinations becomes essential, especially during Eid vacation, when relaxation is a priority. Quiet retreats surrounded by greenery, water, or hill breezes offer a welcome break from the sweltering weather and festive rush. Let’s explore 10 peaceful Eid summer escapes across Bangladesh that offer both comfort and tranquillity. 10 Summer Getaways in Bangladesh for the Eid Celebration . Hill of China Clay, Netrokona Tucked away in Bijoypur, Durgapur, in the Netrokona District, ‘China Matir Pahar’ presents a rare geological charm in the northern part of Bangladesh. Positioned close to the Meghalayan border, the area offers scenic glimpses of distant Indian hills, enriching the visual appeal of the terrain. The hills themselves are modest in height but carry a distinct sense of adventure. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with a quiet, elevated view, simple yet striking. Nearby, the Blue Water Lake gently mirrors the surrounding slopes, its still waters tinted with a soft, soothing blue that adds to the tranquil setting. Read more: Wales’s Stream in the Sky: World’s Tallest Navigable Aqueduct Pontcysyllte Unlike other Eid destinations, this retreat remains largely untouched by crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful holiday escape. It's well-suited for a single-day outing, with a timely return before nightfall. Regular train and bus services leaving Dhaka ensure convenient access, with train travel offering a more economical choice. New Zealand Para, Khagrachari A village called ‘Pankhaiya Para’ lies just within one and a half kilometres from the Khagrachari district headquarters. It blends seamlessly with parts of nearby Perachhara, creating what locals fondly refer to as ‘New Zealand Para.’ The road linking the two villages carries the fitting name New Zealand Road. This area presents the district’s sole stretch of true plain land, yet it rests in graceful harmony with surrounding emerald hills. Croplands ripple toward the horizon, while distant waterfalls and a murmuring river animate the scene. White clouds drift across a cobalt sky, and newly built homesteads nestle between slopes. They complete a panorama reminiscent of the South Pacific countryside. Khagrachari can be reached directly by bus from Dhaka. From the town centre, a short ride by CNG or auto-rickshaw can take visitors to the New Zealand Para. The celebrated Hazachhara waterfall lies close at hand and may be added to the same day’s excursion. Read more: Smiling Quokka Turned Rottnest Island into a Global Tourist Hotspot Niladri Lake, Sunamganj Sunamganj offers a magical combination of rewarding sights. Among these, Niladri Lake in Tekerghat, Tahirpur Upazila, stands out as a priority destination. Also known as Shaheed Siraj Lake, it captivates with still waters, scattered stone beds, and glimpses of Meghalaya’s hills on the horizon. Located close to the renowned Tanguar Haor, many visitors combine both sites into one seamless trip. The natural symmetry between the lake, hills, and haor creates a tranquil experience. Reaching the location is straightforward. A direct bus journey from the capital to Sunamganj and a short autorickshaw ride complete the journey to Niladri Lake. Boga Lake and Sangu River, Bandarban Tucked into the hills of Bandarban, both Boga Lake and the Sangu River present landscapes that blend silence with spectacle. Sangu, with its ever-winding course through dense green hills, offers one of the most captivating river journeys in the country. A boat ride across its glassy surface feels almost surreal, as if chasing a hill that never arrives. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh Boga Lake, resting at 1,246 feet above sea level, contrasts with its stillness and myth. Encircled by deep green highlands, the lake draws attention not just for its beauty but also for local legends surrounding a mythical dragon. Reaching this remote lake involves a rugged ride on a 'Chander Gari.' Cottages near Boga Lake offer lodging options, making overnight stays feasible. A lakeside barbecue amid the hills is a popular Eid activity. For those seeking more, a trek to Keokradong, one of Bangladesh’s highest peaks, awaits, provided time and stamina align. Bichnakandi, Sylhet Gowainghat's Bichnakandi presents a spellbinding travel destination, located about 40 km from Sylhet City. Here cascading waters meet rocky riverbeds in a serene embrace. One stream flows from the base of India’s Khasi Hills into the Piain River, while another has carved its own natural course. Small river islands, dotted with houses, add an ethereal layer to the already surreal landscape. Distant mountains seem to shield this little paradise, enhancing its seclusion. Passing through the Sylhet Airport Road bypass, you can reach Hadarpar within about two and a half hours. A one-hour boat ride from there leads to Bichnakandi. To experience the area in full, nearby sites like Barahil, Panthumai Falls, and Lakshanachara are worth including. Read more: City Guide to Bangkok, Thailand for Bangladeshis Khoiyachora Falls, Mirsharai Hidden deep within the folds of Mirsharai, Khoiyachora Waterfall flows through nine distinct cascades, each echoing its rhythm. The sound of rushing water reaches as far as Thakurda Dighi, while the journey leading to it unfolds like a living landscape. The enthralling village trails, narrow bamboo bridges, and forest-carved paths will gradually lead you upward across four hills. Every step forward feels like stepping away from the noise of modernity. The soothing murmur of water blending with chirping cicadas and rustling leaves can remove your stress from routined life. Bathing beneath the falls offers a sense of renewal, while a night in a tent under firefly light and full moon glow will leave lasting impressions in the travellers' minds. Access begins with a bus from Dhaka to Chittagong, getting off at Baratakia Bazar near Khoiyachora Ideal School. Alternatively, intercity trains can drop travellers at Feni station. From Mahipal, local buses take visitors to the school, where a CNG ride marks the final approach to Jhiri, the beginning of the trek. Read more: City Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal for Bangladeshis Tea Garden and Lawachhara, Moulvibazar Sreemangal and Kamalganj Upazilas hold a distinct charm, enriched by the Manipuri community and their traditions. Nature and heritage seamlessly coexist here. Kamalganj, a tourism hotspot, houses Lawachhara National Park, one of Bangladesh’s few evergreen forest reserves. Its wild trails lead to the remote Hamham waterfall, while the tranquil Madhabpur Lake and Adampur forest showcase the region’s biodiversity. The surrounding region boasts Hakaluki Haor, Madhabkunda Falls, Baikkabil bird sanctuary, Gagan Thila, and the floating village of Antehari. From tea gardens in Mathiura to the iconic seven-layer tea in Sreemangal, the area is layered in diversity. Travellers can reach Sreemangal by bus or train originating in Dhaka. From there, Kamalganj is accessible via local transport. Kaptai Lake in Rangamati As the largest man-made lake in South Asia, Kaptai Lake appears like a stretch of sky trapped in water. Surrounded by green hills and dotted with waterfalls, the lake offers quiet grandeur. Read more: Safety Precautions for Traveling on Buses or Public Transport at Night A boat ride across its vast expanse becomes a meditative experience. With nothing but sky above and deep green below, the stillness feels infinite. The famed suspension bridge and the cascading Shuvolong waterfall mark its signature sights. After reaching Chittagong from Dhaka, travellers can take a Kaptai-bound bus from Baddarhat Bus Stand to reach Rangamati. Chalan Beel, Natore Spanning parts of Natore, Sirajganj, and Pabna, Chalan Beel stands as Bangladesh’s largest pond (beel). It is a combination of small wetlands that merge into one vast sheet during the monsoon. The true beauty of this wetland emerges during the rainy season. The journey begins in the heart of the capital, with a Rajshahi-bound bus best exited at Kachikata in Natore. From there, Khubjipur village near Chachkoir Bazar offers the most vivid view of this sprawling beel. The Chalan Beel Museum, located nearby, adds context to the region’s ecological and cultural depth. Read more: Top Reasons Why London Is Tripadvisor's Best Travel Destination for 2025 Don't miss Natore’s signature Kachgolla. Here you can experience an exclusive local sweet treat and create an unforgettable memory. Nikli Haor, Kishoreganj Scattered settlements resemble floating islands, while boat rides reveal scenes of fishing nets, shimmering water, and wetlands brimming with natural beauty. The Nikli Upazila of Kishoreganj is a heavenly place where the haor becomes a stage for bringing sky, water, and village life together. Visitors often spot nightshade groves rising gently from the water. Freshly caught fish from the haor are a culinary highlight for many. Trains from Dhaka reach Manikkhali or Gachihata stations, just before Kishoreganj Sadar. From either of these points, Nikli is about 14 kilometres away. You can reach there by local transport like a bike or CNG. Read more: Visa-free Travel for Bangladeshi Passport Holders in 2025: Top Destinations to Explore Alternatively, you can reach Katiadi Upazila by bus. Arriving at the Katiadi bus stand, it will take about a 22km ride by CNG to reach the haor’s gateway at Nikli Sadar. Bottom Line Ten stunning travel destinations promise serene summer escapes for peaceful Eid celebrations across Bangladesh. China Clay Hill, New Zealand Para, Bichnakandi, and the serene trails of Tea Gardens and Lawachhara whisper nature’s calm. Niladri Lake shimmers beside the rugged charm of Boga Lake and the winding Sangu River. Khoiyachora Falls roars through hills, while Kaptai Lake reflects a vast green silence. Chalan Beel stretches in monsoon glory, and Nikli Haor floats in still, watery wonder. These exotic tourist spots within Bangladesh can offer quiet, scenic, and mysterious experiences during the Eid vacation. Read more: Langkawi Travel Guide 2025: Top Things to Do in Malaysia’s Jewel of Kedah

In a bright indoor pool adorned with fish-themed decorations, young children cautiously kicked and floated during what appeared to be a basic swim class. But this session was far from ordinary. Each child received focused attention — one-on-one or even two instructors per child — with visual aids replacing verbal instructions. Whistles were absent, replaced by a calm, sensory-friendly environment. All of the participants at the Small Fish Big Fish swim school had autism, a condition that significantly increases the risk of drowning. While this danger has long been known to parents and professionals, recent data underscores its severity. In Florida alone, more than 100 children with autism or undergoing diagnosis have drowned since 2021, according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. This reveals a critical issue: Children with autism urgently need swimming instruction, yet accessing it can be a challenge. GamePlay, Hero League launch Guinness World Record-holding One Run Marathon 2025 “It’s life-changing,” said Lovely Chrisostome, who panicked earlier this year when her 6-year-old son wandered away from home in a neighborhood filled with lakes. Previous attempts to get him into swim lessons failed—he wouldn’t even enter the pool. But in the tailored environment at Small Fish Big Fish, he participated. When he became uncomfortable getting his head wet, the instructor gently shifted his position, keeping him relaxed. Autism affects about 1 in 31 children in the U.S., and the need for water safety has become more urgent in the wake of tragic incidents, such as the 2014 drowning of Avonte Oquendo, a New York teen with autism. Although formal studies are limited, 2017 research found that individuals with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning, largely due to their tendency to wander and limited perception of danger, said Dr. Guohua Li, a Columbia University researcher and parent of a child with autism. Local examples are heartbreaking. One child escaped through a dog door and drowned in a backyard pool. Another slipped through a playground fence and died in a canal. A third managed to bypass a makeshift barrier and drowned in a nearby lake. In response, officials are now compiling a national database of such cases. Dr. Li argues that swimming instruction should be considered a primary intervention for children with autism. Some children with autism thrive in the water, as highlighted in the 2017 documentary Swim Team. Others can learn essential survival skills in just a few sessions of specialized aquatic therapy, said occupational therapist Michele Alaniz. Still, many families hesitate to enroll their children in swim lessons. They fear overstimulation from loud noises or group settings, and some children are even removed from mainstream programs that aren’t equipped to support their needs. While private lessons offer a solution, they can be prohibitively expensive. “Having instructors who understand autism — how to communicate, how to prevent meltdowns, especially in a pool setting — is crucial,” said Lindsey Corey. Her son didn’t benefit from traditional or in-home private lessons but made meaningful progress in a program where teachers had specialized autism training. Efforts to address this gap are growing. Autism Swim, an Australian nonprofit, reports that over 1,400 instructors globally have completed its training since 2016. In Palm Beach County, local officials allocated $17,000 to the Autism Society of America to train swim instructors, along with another $13,500 to support the program at Small Fish Big Fish, according to Jon Burstein, the researcher behind the county’s drowning data. The current class includes a dozen children from a local autism-specific charter school. Although initially hesitant even to board the bus, by April, they were stepping into the pool more confidently. One girl practiced holding her breath while floating on a board. Another beamed as she swam with a foam noodle. Her mother, Jana D’Agostino, said the lessons are critical because her daughter is “fearless” and would jump into any body of water without knowing how to swim. At the pool’s edge, a boy carefully entered the water to join Small Fish Big Fish founder Melissa Taylor. After copying her underwater dip, he retreated, using hand gestures to signal he was done — which the instructors quickly respected. “It takes time to build trust,” said Taylor, who also knows how to interpret repetitive movements as signs of excitement rather than distress. As the class continued, Chrisostome’s son emerged from the water with a beaming smile. He had learned valuable skills — but for his mother, what mattered most was something simpler: “The happiness that he has.”

Researchers have identified biological markers in blood and urine that may reveal how much ultraprocessed food (UPF) a person consumes, offering a more objective tool to study diet-related health risks, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine. Led by Erikka Loftfield of the National Cancer Institute, the study is the first to pinpoint specific metabolites—byproducts of digestion—that correlate with higher intake of UPFs like sodas, chips, and frozen meals. These foods, which make up nearly 60% of the American diet, are associated with numerous health issues, but difficult to track through self-reported dietary data. Using samples from more than 700 older U.S. adults, researchers developed a set of 28 blood and 33 urine markers that reliably predicted UPF consumption. The method was validated using data from a controlled 2019 NIH study, where participants alternated between UPF-heavy and unprocessed diets. Some markers, including two amino acids and a carbohydrate, appeared frequently across tests and were linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings could help scientists explore how different UPFs and additives affect health. Nebraska to ban soda and energy drinks from SNAP under first USDA waiver Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian of Tufts University, who was not involved in the study, called it a "major scientific advance" that could eventually guide more targeted research on the health effects of food processing. Loftfield hopes to apply the tool in broader studies to examine links between UPF intake and diseases such as cancer—but emphasized the need for more research funding to support this work. “There’s growing scientific and public interest in understanding whether—and how—ultraprocessed foods impact health,” she said.

Bangladesh is gearing up to join a globally synchronized sporting celebration as GamePlay Limited, in collaboration with Russia’s Hero League, officially soft launched the One Run International Half Marathon 2025 at a vibrant ceremony on Tuesday at the Russian House in Dhanmondi. The event marks a milestone in Bangladesh’s sporting journey, strengthening ties between Dhaka and Moscow through a shared commitment to unity, peace, and community empowerment through athletics. Distinguished guests at the ceremony included Pavel Dvoychenkov, Counsellor at the Russian Embassy and Director of the Russian House; Ekaterina Semenova, Minister-Counsellor; and Evgeniia Konareva, Press Attaché. From the organizing side, Kustareva Liubov, Chief Legal Officer of Hero League, attended alongside GamePlay Limited Chairman Faisal Md Titumir and CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain. The event, attended by diplomats, sports officials, volunteers and media representatives, featured the unveiling of race kits and a symbolic jersey handover to local running community leaders. The program concluded with a media briefing that emphasized the global nature of the initiative. “This isn’t just about miles run or records set,” said Pavel Dvoychenkov. “It’s about building a legacy of peace, unity, and global friendship through the spirit of sport.” 'Face of Life': maiden solo exhibition of Aminul Islam Ashik opens at DU Zainul Gallery The One Run International Half Marathon, which holds a Guinness World Record for synchronized participation, is scheduled for May 24. Hatirjheel has been chosen as the starting point in Dhaka, where runners will join others across the globe to mark the occasion. The marathon features several categories: the 21.1 km half marathon starting at 4 AM, a 10 km race from 5 AM, a 5 km race from 5:30 AM, and a 1 km kids’ run beginning at 6 AM. Race kits can be collected on May 23. “This collaboration is not just about sport—it’s about showcasing Bangladesh to the world,” said GamePlay CEO Maksum-Ul-Hossain. “We are thrilled to be part of a movement that unites nations through running.” The title sponsor of the event is Chuti Resort and Group. Its Brand Manager, Morshedul Islam, announced special discounts for all registered participants. Cosmos Group is serving as one of the co-sponsors, alongside Brothers Furniture, and Green Heaven Cottage. Supporting partners include Active Plus (hydration), Treat (nutrition), United Healthcare (medical), Dr Water (beverage), Jheel Maestria (café), and Swing by Pavilion (gifts). Registration for the event is open via [gameplayglobal.com](https://gameplayglobal.com/step/store-checkout-02/), and additional details are available on the [event’s Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/share/19Zng5xa5Z/). With Bangladesh joining the global platform, organizers believe One Run 2025 will inspire a powerful message of peace and solidarity, one step at a time.

A special solo exhibition titled 'Face of Life’ by artist Aminul Islam Ashik is currently ongoing at Zainul Gallery, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, inaugurated on Monday. The week-long exhibition is featuring over 40 sculptures and drawings, and two video artworks. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was joined by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Dhaka University Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed as the chief guest, while Professor Dr Azharul Islam Sheikh, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University; eminent art maestro Hamiduzzaman Khan; and Britto Art Trust co-founder and artist Mahbubur Rahman were present as the special guests. A special publication on the exhibition, published by ARTCON, was also unveiled at the inauguration ceremony. The publication is designed by ARTCON Founder ARK Reepon. “It is with great pleasure that we celebrate the first solo exhibition of Aminul Islam Ashik, a distinguished alumnus of the Faculty of Fine Arts,” Dr Mamun said at the event. Inaugurating the event and unveiling the publication, he said Aminul's work stands as a testament to his deep engagement with both the sensory and cognitive dimensions of the human experience. “His art reflects an ongoing dialogue with the complexities of human emotion, identity, and the socio-political forces that shape our world; his portrayal of the human face as a symbol of existential transformation is deeply personal and universally relevant, and his sculptures and installations transcend the individual, probing the collective struggles of identity, power, and survival that define our shared humanity,” Dr Mamun said. ‘Keeping Childcare in the Picture’: ILO, BILS launch photo exhibition on childcare in Bangladesh Eminent artist Hamiduzzaman Khan said that one can observe an expansive realm of thought in the works of Ashik. Lauding his student, Khan said: “Ashik was one of my direct students. From the beginning of his academic journey, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft with remarkable skill and diligence.” “His intellectual world, even at that time, was contemporary and modern, I once told him, "One day you will achieve great recognition," and I am proud that his work has garnered national and international praise,” Hamiduzzaman Khan said.

On the eighth annual “World Bee Day,” the bees did not seem bothered. They should be. Bees and other pollinators have been on the decline for years, and experts blame a combination of factors: insecticides, parasites, disease, climate change and lack of a diverse food supply. A significant part of the human diet comes from plants pollinated by bees — not just honeybees, but hundreds of species of lesser-known wild bees, many of which are endangered. In 2018, the UN General Assembly sponsored the first “World Bee Day” to bring attention to the bees' plight. Steps as small as planting a pollinator garden or buying raw honey from local farmers were encouraged. May 20 was chosen for “World Bee Day” to coincide with the birthday of Anton Janša, an 18th century pioneer in modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia. British climber sets record with 19th Everest ascent In Germany, where bees contribute 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in economic benefits, they’re key to pollinating the iconic yellow rapeseed fields that dominate the countryside in the spring. On Tuesday, around 400,000 bees in urban rooftop hives in the western city of Cologne — where the yellow fields flower — were busy at work making honey. They seemed oblivious to the threats that endanger their survival. Scientists and bee experts like Matthias Roth, chairman of the Cologne Beekeepers Association, hope World Bee Day can raise awareness. For Roth, it’s crucial to protect both honey bees — like the ones in his rooftop hives — and wild species. His organization has set up nesting boxes in the hopes of helping solitary bees, which don’t form hives, but Roth fears that it’s not enough. “We must take care of nature,” Roth said Tuesday. “We have become far removed from nature, especially in cities, and we must take care of wild bees in particular.”

Nebraska is the first state to receive a federal waiver to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks under the benefit program for low-income Americans long known as food stamps. The move, announced Monday by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, would affect about 152,000 people in Nebraska enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which helps families pay for groceries. “There's absolutely zero reason for taxpayers to be subsidizing purchases of soda and energy drinks,” Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said in a statement. “SNAP is about helping families in need get healthy food into their diets, but there's nothing nutritious about the junk we're removing with today's waiver.” Six other states — Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Indiana, Iowa and West Virginia — have also submitted requests for waivers banning certain foods and drinks or, in some cases, expanding access to hot foods for participants, according to the USDA. The push to ban sugary drinks, candy and more from the SNAP program has been key focus of Rollins and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Rollins called Monday's move “a historic step to Make America Healthy again.” Details of Nebraska's waiver, which takes effect Jan. 1, weren't immediately available. Anti-hunger advocates criticized it, saying it adds costs, boosts administrative burdens and increases stigma for people already facing food insecurity. Homemade Refreshing Iftar Drinks: 10 Ramadan Special Mojito Recipes The waiver “ignores decades of evidence showing that incentive-based approaches — not punitive restrictions — are the most effective, dignified path to improving nutrition and reducing hunger,” said Gina Plata-Nino, a deputy director at the Food Research & Action Center, a nonprofit advocacy group. SNAP is a roughly $100 billion program that serves about 42 million Americans and is run by the U.S. Agriculture Department and administered through states. The program is authorized by the federal Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, which says SNAP benefits can be used “for any food or food product intended for human consumption,” except alcohol, tobacco and hot foods, including those prepared for immediate consumption. Over the past 20 years, lawmakers in several states have proposed stopping SNAP from paying for everything from bottled water and soda to chips, ice cream and “luxury meats” like steak. Summer Drinks: Refreshing Homemade Sherbets to Beat the Heat Until now, USDA rejected the waivers, saying there were no clear standards to define certain foods as good or bad. In addition, the agency had said restrictions would be difficult to implement, complicated and costly, and would not necessarily change recipients' food purchases or reduce health problems such as obesity.

Documentary filmmaker and photographer Mohammad Rakibul Hasan's solo photographic exhibition ‘Keeping Childcare in the Picture: A photographic exhibition on childcare practices in Bangladesh' was opened on Sunday at Drik Gallery in the capital, organized by International Labour Organization and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was joined by Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the chief guest. Keya Khan, Director General at the Department of Women Affairs, also joined the ceremony as the special guest. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Executive Director of BILS and Chairman, Labour Reform Commission, and Anne Drong, National Project Coordinator, ILO, were also present at the event, among the speakers. BILS Director Nazma Yesmin moderated the opening ceremony of the exhibition. With an increasing number of women joining the workforce, the demand for childcare services in Bangladesh is rising. To meet this demand, different types of childcare models are in operation, both formally and informally.