United News of Bangladesh

Do you use buses or public transport for commuting to nearby or long-distance destinations after evening? To ensure safety while traveling at night on buses or public transport, certain precautions should be followed. Do’s and Don’ts for Evening or Night-Time Travel on Public Transport . Plan Your Journey Ahead Planning your journey makes travel safer. If there is an option to book a bus or train ticket in advance, choose a seat in the middle. When traveling at night, it is best to avoid the window-side or rear seats of the bus. If possible, inform a trusted person about your travel details (destination, expected arrival time). Read more: How to Stay Safe from Devil's Breath Choose Reliable Transport Select a reliable bus or public transport for your journey. Use government-operated or recognized transport services. Check the bus or vehicle’s route and schedule in advance. If using an app-based ride-sharing service (such as Uber, or Pathao), verify the vehicle details before boarding. Keep Your Location Private Nowadays, many people share their daily activities and personal information on social media, which can increase risks for traveling at night. Avoid sharing personal details with strangers. If possible, share your live location with family or friends while traveling. Read more: Safety Tips for Solo Female Travellers Stay Alert and Observe Your Surroundings Avoid conversation with unfamiliar or suspicious individuals and do not share personal information. Even if you are busy, do not focus entirely on your mobile phone; be aware of your surroundings. If you notice anything suspicious or feel uncomfortable, inform the bus driver or fellow passengers. Avoid Crowded Vehicles If a vehicle is overly crowded or the situation seems suspicious, it is better not to board. Keep important belongings such as your wallet, phone, or bag close to you. Carry Essential Self-Defense Items For self-defense, carry small safety tools (such as pepper spray, a whistle, a folding metal safety rod, etc). Keep your phone charged with mobile data so you can seek help if needed. Read more: How to Ensure Women's Safety in Educational Institutions Save Emergency Contacts Keep the contact numbers of local police, bus service helplines, and trusted persons easily accessible. In case of emergency, call 999 (Bangladesh’s emergency service). Do Not Accept Food from Strangers During travel, some passengers may offer food or drinks out of politeness or friendliness. However, criminals disguised as passengers sometimes mix chemicals in food to make travelers unconscious and then rob them. To avoid such risks, never consume food offered by strangers. Maintain Balance While Traveling When the bus or vehicle is moving, avoid standing up or moving suddenly. Hold onto a handle or support to prevent falling if the driver brakes suddenly. If possible, inform the bus assistant about your destination in advance so they can notify you when you reach your stop. Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women Keep Your Mobile Phone Secure Many passengers scroll through social media on their mobile phones while traveling. This habit increases the risk of theft, especially if seated by the window. Unless necessary, avoid taking out your mobile phone and keep it secure in your pocket or bag until you reach your destination. Conclusion Many people travel by public transport in the evening or late at night due to personal, emergency, or professional reasons. By following the above safety precautions, nighttime travel can be made much safer. Read more: Essential Snake Safety Tips for Hiking, Trekking, Camping, and Traveling

Several alarming incidents have recently been reported in Dhaka, where unsuspecting pedestrians became victims of criminals using "Devil's Breath." According to eyewitness accounts, strangers approached passersby, asking for directions while holding slips of paper with addresses written on them. Moments later, victims reportedly lost awareness, willingly handing over valuables to the perpetrators without resistance. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the rising frequency of crimes involving this substance, known to swiftly incapacitate individuals, making them easy targets for robbery and theft. What is Devil’s Breath? Devil’s Breath, also known as scopolamine or burundanga, is a powerful and dangerous drug derived from the seeds of the Borrachero shrub, common in the South American country of Colombia. The drug is a tropane alkaloid with potent anticholinergic effects, often used by criminals to incapacitate victims, rendering them highly suggestible and unable to resist.  When administered in large doses, it causes amnesia, confusion, hallucinations, and loss of free will, making victims easy targets for robbery, assault, or even worse crimes. Unlike common misconceptions, Devil’s Breath is typically ingested through food or drink rather than being absorbed through the skin or inhaled. The drug blocks muscarinic receptors in the brain, disrupting cognitive functions and leading to severe disorientation. Read more: Should You Drink Hot or Cold Water? In medical settings, scopolamine is used in small doses to treat motion sickness, nausea, and gastrointestinal disorders, but when misused, it becomes a dangerous tool for criminals. Victims often wake up with no memory of the events, making it difficult to report or prosecute the crimes.  How to Stay Safe from Devil’s Breath? . Be Cautious with Strangers Criminals often pose as friendly individuals to gain your trust. They may offer assistance, ask for directions, or hand you an object laced with the substance. You should avoid accepting anything from strangers, especially in unfamiliar environments. If someone insists on handing you something, politely refuse and walk away. Never Accept Food or Drinks from Strangers One of the most common methods of administering Devil’s Breath is by spiking food or beverages. If you are in a public place such as a nightclub, or restaurant, always keep an eye on your food and drink. It is important to never accept drinks or food from strangers, and if you leave your drink unattended, discard it immediately. Read more: How to Fix Your Sleep Routine: Know the Do's and Don'ts Stay Alert in Crowded Places Busy environments such as public transport stations, markets, and tourist attractions provide an ideal setting for criminals to operate unnoticed. You need to be aware of your surroundings and stay vigilant. If you feel dizzy, disoriented, or excessively drowsy, seek help immediately from a trusted individual or law enforcement officer. Use Secure Transportation Unlicensed taxis and unverified ride-sharing services pose significant risks. Many cases of Devil’s Breath-related crimes involve victims being drugged in unauthorized vehicles. So, it is highly recommended to always use official transport services, verify the driver’s identity, and avoid getting into a vehicle with strangers, especially at night. Travel in Groups There is safety in numbers. Traveling with friends or family reduces the likelihood of being targeted. If you must go out alone, inform someone of your whereabouts and estimated return time. Also, you should avoid isolated areas and stay in well-lit public spaces. Read more: How to Stay Safe from Snakes During and After Flood   Wear a Face Mask or Cover Your Nose and Mouth Since Devil’s Breath can be administered in powdered form and blown into a victim’s face, wearing a mask provides a protective barrier. If you suspect someone is trying to use this method on you, cover your nose and mouth immediately and leave the area. Trust Your Instincts If a situation feels unsafe or someone’s behavior seems suspicious, you should remove yourself from the environment immediately. It is better to avoid engaging with strangers who make you uncomfortable and do not hesitate to seek help if needed. Secure Your Home and Accommodation Criminals may use Devil’s Breath in home invasions by blowing it through windows or air vents. It is necessary to ensure that doors and windows are locked, especially at night. If staying in a hotel or Airbnb, confirm that the place has adequate security measures in place. Read more: Effective Home Remedies to Combat Bad Breath Be Mindful of Personal Items Try to avoid handling unfamiliar objects given to you by strangers. Items such as business cards, flyers, money, or papers could be laced with Devil’s Breath. If you must handle such objects, wash your hands thoroughly afterward and avoid touching your face. Avoid Public Displays of Wealth Carrying large amounts of cash, expensive jewelry, or high-end gadgets makes you a target. Criminals are more likely to use Devil’s Breath on individuals they perceive as wealthy. It would be better to opt for digital payments and keep valuables concealed in public places. Stay Informed and Educate Others Knowledge is one of the best defenses against criminal activities. Stay updated on reports of Devil’s Breath incidents in your area and share safety tips with friends, family, and colleagues. Awareness helps prevent more people from falling victim. Read more: How to Teach Students to Accept and Overcome Academic Failures Have Emergency Contacts Ready It is a must to save emergency numbers in your phone and keep a physical copy as well. In case of an emergency, you should be able to reach out to law enforcement, medical services, or a trusted friend or family member. Know the Symptoms of Exposure If you suspect you have been exposed to Devil’s Breath, recognizing the symptoms early can be life-saving. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, dry mouth, blurred vision, and loss of muscle control. If you experience these effects, seek medical help immediately and inform healthcare providers of the suspected exposure. Seek Medical Attention Immediately If you or someone you know has been drugged, get medical assistance as soon as possible. Time is critical, and healthcare professionals can provide necessary treatment to minimize the effects. It is suggested to avoid going home alone, as symptoms may worsen over time. Read more: Strategies for Cooling Your Roof During Intense Summer Heat Report Suspicious Activity If you encounter suspicious individuals or situations that suggest an attempted Devil’s Breath attack, report them to the authorities. Providing information can help prevent future incidents and protect others. Final Words Staying safe from Devil’s Breath requires awareness, vigilance, and preventive measures. By being cautious with strangers, securing your belongings, and recognizing the signs of exposure, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Always trust your instincts, seek medical help if needed, and educate others about the dangers of this dangerous substance. Your safety and well-being depend on your preparedness and awareness.  Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock

Celebrating the joyous festivities of Spring in flair, Gallery Cosmos organized a special daylong art event titled ‘Live Drawing, Watercolour Session & Exhibition’ on Saturday at the Garden Gallery Cosmos, Baridhara in the capital. A unique venture of Gallery Cosmos, the event featured a captivating live drawing session followed by a daylong exhibition of 10 prominent and renowned Bangladeshi artists - Abdus Shakoor Shah, Kanak Chanpa Chakma, Biren Shome, Jamal Ahmed, Shohag Parvez, Kuhu Plamondon, Shahanoor Mamun, Fareha Zeba, Sourav Chowdhury, and Kamruzzoha. The artistic festivity, supervised by Gallery Cosmos Director Tehmina Enayet, was also joined by several other prominent and influential personalities, including Vice President of the Cosmos Group and Executive Director of Gallery Cosmos and UNB Nahar Khan, Singapore-based Bangladeshi artist Jamil Khan, Ekushey Padak recipient art maestro Farida Zaman, Grammy-nominated eminent Nazrul exponent-singer-educator Dr Nashid Kamal, prominent fashion designer and Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB) founding President Maheen Khan, esteemed members of Zonta Club of Greater Dhaka and others. From 11am to 3pm, the artists participated in live drawing sessions by drawing a florist woman as a live model and other beautiful, picturesque elements of nature, portraying the scenic beauty of Spring on their canvases with watercolour. 

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in assessing heart health, as it is a key factor in cardiovascular medical tests. While LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," is widely recognized, emerging research suggests that another type—remnant cholesterol—may be a more precise indicator of heart attack and stroke risk.  What is Remnant Cholesterol? Dr Sandeep Khasa, a cardiologist at Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, explains that remnant cholesterol is found in the remnants of lipoproteins left after triglycerides are extracted from very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). Unlike LDL cholesterol, which primarily transports cholesterol to tissues, remnant cholesterol is more likely to contribute to arterial plaque buildup, making it highly atherogenic.  Why is Remnant Cholesterol Significant? Elevated levels of remnant cholesterol are strongly linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, even in individuals with normal LDL cholesterol levels. According to Dr. Khasa, this is due to the behavior of remnant lipoproteins, which are more prone to accumulating in arterial walls, triggering inflammation and plaque formation—key contributors to atherosclerosis. Unlike LDL cholesterol, these lipoproteins tend to persist longer in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of arterial damage.  Study reveals why brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s differs from regular infections How Does It Impact Heart Health? Given its strong association with cardiovascular issues, doctors are increasingly considering remnant cholesterol in heart disease risk assessments. Managing its levels may require lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and, in some cases, medication. Dr. Khasa emphasizes that incorporating remnant cholesterol into standard cholesterol tests can lead to early intervention, helping prevent heart attacks and strokes.  By recognizing the significance of remnant cholesterol, healthcare providers can take proactive measures to safeguard heart health. Source: with inputs from Hindustan Times

Ahsan Manzil, one of Dhaka’s most historic landmarks, came alive with the melodies and rhythms of Sufi traditions as a daylong Sufi Festival was held on Thursday, organised by Shahbaz Foundation. Notably, this was the first time in 17 years that Ahsan Manzil hosted a Sufi festival, reinforcing its role as a historic venue for cultural and spiritual gatherings in the city. The event brought together Sufi scholars, musicians, and enthusiasts from home and abroad. The festival began in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag, marking the start of an immersive cultural experience. In the afternoon, audiences enjoyed traditional performances including Puthi recitation, Murshidi, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, and Marfati folk songs. As the evening progressed, attendees were captivated by Qawwali and Murshidi performances from Kalu Bala Sufi Band, Sufi dance by The Circle Troupe, and Sufi Hadra performances. Sheikh Fahim Faisal, the festival organiser, emphasised the importance of preserving and modernising Sufi traditions. “Sufism is an ancient part of Bengali heritage. We want to blend it with modern elements and introduce it to the younger generation,” he told UNB.  

Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has emphasised that state awards are not just mere accolades but also serve as a manifesto of a government’s political and cultural philosophy, and the interim government's ideology got reflected in Thursday's Ekushey Padak ceremony. Farooki shared his reflections on the event in a Facebook post on Thursday, highlighting a departure from the traditionally solemn atmosphere of such programs. Bangladesh’s youths also ready to take lead in building new world:  CA “From my previous experience of watching such events on television, I have witnessed a sense of grandeur and gravity; however, this time, I saw vibrancy and spontaneity. The entire auditorium today seemed to resonate with the emotions of a new Bangladesh,” he wrote. One of the significant aspects of this year’s Ekushey Padak ceremony, according to Farooki, was the break from conventional protocols. For the first time, award recipients were given the opportunity to share their emotions on stage, making the ceremony more engaging and heartfelt. “Usually, we do not get to hear from the awardees, despite them being at the heart of such occasions. This time, we broke protocol and invited them to share their feelings, which led to several emotional moments,” Farooki said in the post. All four Avro Developers to jointly receive Ekushey Padak: Farooki The adviser also pointed out the remarkable instances of protocol flexibility, including the separate photography sessions deviating from the standard format and impromptu adjustments during the program. “These changes were possible because the chief adviser and everyone present in the auditorium were overwhelmed with the same emotions,” he remarked. Expressing gratitude, Farooki extended his appreciation to key figures involved in organising the event, including advisers Wahiduddin Mahmud, Asif Nazrul, and Adilur Rahman Khan, along with Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, the Chief Adviser’s Office, and officials from his ministry. He also commended the members of the Special Security Force (SSF) for their cooperation and adaptability in accommodating the new arrangements. Conveying his heartfelt applause to the award recipients while acknowledging their contributions in elevating the prestige of the honours, Farooki wrote, “Your work will continue to inspire future generations to achieve greater excellence.” One of the most star-studded recipient's lineups of Ekushey Padak in history, this year's Ekushey Padak selection has received massive applause from all walks of life for including some of the most prolific and influential personalities and groups, including the four-person founding team of Bengali language software Avro and the Bangladesh National Women Football Team.

A 10-day theatre festival titled 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' jointly organized by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, kicked off on Wednesday at the open stage of Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, joined the inauguration ceremony as the chief guest and inaugurated the festival. Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Secretary General Kamal Bayezid presided over the inauguration ceremony. Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Deputy Director of the Theatre and Film Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, delivered the welcome speech. Khandaker Shah Alam, Convener of 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025,' also spoke at the ceremony. Speaking at the event, Dr Syed Jamil Ahmed reflected on the golden era of theatre in Bangladesh, saying: "During the 1970s and 1980s, theatre flourished across the country, largely due to extensive groundwork in the 1950s and 1960s at the district level." ‘Warrior Within Festival’: Dhaka Flow event fosters resilience, connection, and well-being He emphasized the role of theatre in addressing social and political anomalies, saying, "Through theatre, we must highlight the deviations in our society and state, planting dreams and aspirations in the minds of our people. Our theatrical productions should serve as a guide, a vision of what our country should be; because if we fail to create this space, if we neglect our responsibilities just like during the ousted fascist regime - a void will be created." Dr Jamil further mentioned the ongoing efforts of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to expand theatrical activities, stating, "We have already reached the district level and aim to extend our work to the upazila level in the future, covering theatre, folk drama, and music." He also urged all theatre groups to come together, adding, "We must move forward, and we must ensure that Baul music festivals, kite festivals, theatre, and dance performances continue uninterrupted. Any disruption to these activities will not only harm our artistic practices but also damage our reputation across the world. I call upon theatre groups to unite and present to the people our vision of the Bangladesh we desire." Following the inaugural session, the play 'Dwip' was staged by Natyatirtha as the inaugural play of this year’s festival. Open to all, the festival will continue till February 28, with two plays daily from 6 pm onwards.

The Warrior Within Festival, an immersive wellness event organized by Dhaka Flow, concluded successfully at the Airforce Basecamp in Agargaon, Dhaka. The three-day festival, held from February 13–15, attracted hundreds of participants seeking holistic well-being through activities centered on healing, resilience, and self-discovery. Running daily from 10 am to 8 pm every day, the festival aimed to reconnect attendees with their inner strength through yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and storytelling sessions. The serene surroundings at the Airforce Basecamp, enriched with lush greenery, created an ideal space for reflection, healing, and community bonding. A highlight of the event was the participation of wellness practitioners, artists, and spiritual leaders, who led workshops on emotional resilience, creative expression, and mindful movement. Attendees engaged in yoga sessions, guided meditations, and interactive art therapy, learning practical tools to manage stress, anxiety, and personal challenges. “This festival was about more than just wellness; it was about transformation,” said celebrated yogini and Dhaka Flow Co-founder and CEO Shazia Omar. “We saw people confront their fears, embrace vulnerability, and walk away with a deeper understanding of their own power.” '12 Stories': Gallery Shilpangan's group art exhibition underway at Bhumi Gallery

A new study has shed light on the differences between how the immune system responds to Alzheimer's-related inflammation compared to infections. While inflammation is a key immune response, in Alzheimer's disease, it becomes chronic and harmful rather than short-term and protective. Researchers have been working to understand why this prolonged immune reaction occurs. The findings, presented at the 69th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, highlight crucial variations in immune activity when exposed to Alzheimer’s-related proteins versus bacterial infections. How the immune system reacts The research focuses on how immune cells respond to amyloid-beta (Ab) plaques, a defining feature of Alzheimer's, and how this differs from their reaction to bacterial toxins. "Bacteria cannot directly enter the brain due to the blood-brain barrier," explained Arpan Dey, PhD, a postdoctoral associate at the University of Cambridge. "However, small proteins might be mimicking bacterial activity in the brain, triggering inflammation that contributes to dementia." Dey and his colleagues used immune cell models and exposed them to either Ab aggregates or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin that strongly activates immune responses. They specifically studied the formation of myddosomes, structures that play a key role in initiating inflammation. Can sleep position affect your heart and brain health? Their results showed that larger Ab clusters prompted significant myddosome formation, whereas smaller clusters failed to do so even after prolonged exposure. This suggests that the size of Ab aggregates is a crucial factor in triggering an immune response in Alzheimer’s. On the other hand, LPS caused a much faster and more intense myddosome reaction than even the largest Ab clumps. This difference in speed and strength may explain why inflammation in Alzheimer’s is persistent and prolonged, whereas infection-related inflammation is typically brief and resolves quickly. "Our research highlights a fundamental difference in how the brain’s immune system reacts to bacterial infections versus amyloid-beta aggregates," said Dey. "The slower, sustained immune activation in Alzheimer’s may be a key factor in its chronic inflammation." The researchers now plan to investigate myddosome markers in blood samples from dementia patients and brain tissue from the UK Brain Bank. By uncovering the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s inflammation, they hope to aid in the development of treatments targeting chronic neuroinflammation. "This study opens new possibilities for drug discovery," Dey added. "By identifying and targeting inflammatory pathways, we may develop therapies to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases." Source: with inputs from Indian Media

A special group art exhibition titled '12 Stories' is currently underway at Bhumi Gallery in the capital's Lalmatia, organized by Gallery Shilpangan. Opened on Sunday, February 9, the exhibition showcases a total of 60 artworks made by 12 renowned, young and promising artists. The inauguration event of the exhibition was joined by Ekushey Padak-winning renowned artist Kanak Chanpa Chakma as the chief guest, while the distinguished artist and art critic Javed Jalil and art connoisseur Muntasir Moin joined as special guests. Participating artists of this group art exhibition are Azmeer Hossain, Nabaraj Roy, Kamaluddin, Moazzem Jhony, Tarek Amin, Ajoy Sannyal, Sourav Chowdhury, Babul Hossain Shohagh, Manik Bonik, Deepika Bhuiyan, Azmol Hosen and Khaidem Sithi Sinha. "This exhibition is showcasing five artworks of each artist, and in total, there are 60 artworks," artist Nabaraj Roy informed UNB. "With cordial participation by renowned and promising artists of our country, this exhibition has become a rendezvous of senior-junior artists," Nabaraj said regarding the exhibition. Deepika Bhuiyan, another participating artist in the exhibition, said: "We, the 12 participating artists in the exhibition, have tried to showcase our country’s culture and heritage through their individual artistic expertise. For example, I have amalgamated folk art with the traditional imagery of our Bengali women, to portray their emotions and feelings through my artworks." The exhibition will be open daily from 3pm to 8pm till February 20.