United News of Bangladesh

Thousands of Catholic faithful marked Good Friday across Latin America with vibrant processions and ceremonies recreating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In Antigua, a historic colonial city in southern Guatemala, devotees dressed in traditional purple and white robes walked through cobblestone streets under the morning sun. Many were penitents known as “cucuruchos,” while others carried centuries-old statues of Jesus. The শহর hosts more than a dozen processions during Holy Week, set against dramatic volcanic scenery. Marcos Bautista, 63, said he has attended the annual observances since infancy. He described the experience as deeply emotional and beyond words. In Bolivia, President Rodrigo Paz joined Good Friday events in the southern city of Tarija. His participation marked a shift from past leaders, who largely avoided religious ceremonies despite Bolivia’s strong Catholic roots. In the capital, La Paz, processions featuring hooded penitents and military bands moved through the streets, with participants carrying representations of the Holy Sepulcher. Many welcomed the visible presence of authorities at the events. Although Bolivia is constitutionally secular, Catholic traditions remain influential. In some households, people observe the day by eating only fish and preparing symbolic dishes representing the apostles, though such customs have declined in recent years amid economic hardship. In Ecuador, where a large majority identify as Catholic, major cities held processions. In Quito, the “Jesús del Gran Poder” procession drew more than 150,000 people, filling the historic কেন্দ্র with prayers and chants as they accompanied an image of Jesus carrying the cross. Meanwhile, in neighboring Colombia, thousands climbed Monserrate Hill in Bogotá to attend Mass at the summit basilica. Similar reenactments of the Stations of the Cross were held nationwide. In Mexico, home to one of the world’s largest Catholic populations, observances included the “Procession of the Chained” in the town of Atlixco. Participants, some wearing chains and cactus spines as acts of penance, walked through the streets in a display of devotion and sacrifice. Attendee Marcela Ramírez described the event as both solemn and moving, calling it an act of reverence. While the proportion of Catholics in Latin America has declined in recent years, the religion remains the region’s largest. In countries such as Peru and Argentina, more than 60% of adults still identify as Catholic, according to recent surveys.  

Weight-loss drugs are not the quick fix solution that many people believe, especially if you hope to keep the pounds off in the long-term. Sarah Le Brocq has direct experience of the transformative effects of weight-loss drugs. She has lived with obesity for most of her adult life and tried numerous diets. "Anything that came out, I thought, 'I'll try that because that might work for me'." Unfortunately, the weight always came back, she told the BBC's Inside Health. After taking weight-loss drugs for more than two years, she has lost almost eight stone (51kg/112lb). "All of a sudden I wasn't thinking about food anymore," she says. "I've just got more energy, I'm doing things I couldn't do before… it's kind of given me a new freedom in life again." Millions of people like Sarah are now accessing medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, better known by their popular brand names Ozempic and Mounjaro. The numbers of people on weight-loss medication is only likely to increase as new drugs appear on the market too, including pills rather than the current jabs. It's clear that these drugs are opening up a new era in the treatment of obesity. The condition, is now a "mitigatable" issue, David Cummings, professor of medicine at the University of Washington tells me. "They are the closest thing I've seen to miracle drugs". Other academics, however, warn that we risk losing sight of the need for behavioural change, especially as weight tends to be regained quickly when people stop taking the drugs. So what should anyone planning to use weight-loss medication consider before they start? How they work Weight-loss drugs work by suppressing an individual's appetite by mimicking hormones that tell our body when it is full. The most common are known as glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP. The drugs bind to specialised molecules on the surface of our cells known as GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which play a key role in telling our body when it has had enough food. Typically someone taking these drugs will begin to lose weight within the first few weeks. Although the drugs are only approved for weight loss in people with obesity, there is a rapidly growing private market for those not considered clinically obese. Their popularity has been rising because they are extremely effective, with weight loss of between 14-20% in 72 weeks. But about 10-15% of people lose very little weight, so called "non-responders". GLP-1s are like "a chemical shield" that protects individuals against our "modern obesogenic environment, filled with cheap, calorie-dense foods", says Naveed Sattar, a professor of cardiometabolic medicine at the University of Glasgow and leads the UK Government's Obesity Healthcare Goals programme. He has also consulted on medical trials with several companies who produce weight-loss drugs but does not own any shares. "There's food everywhere," he says – and within half an hour anyone "can pick up the phone and order 10,000 calories of food". If you stop, you'll gain weight If someone living with obesity starts to take weight-loss drugs, they need to consider that they may be on the drug long-term, says Cummings, who runs a weight management programme for individuals with obesity who have BMIs of 50 and above. A common question he is asked by his patients before they start taking a weight-loss drug is how long they will be on it. Typically, they stop taking the drugs after about a year, he says. One analysis of scientific studies involving more than 9,000 patients indicated the average treatment duration was 39 weeks. People believe they can continue to lose weight using their willpower, he says, but the evidence suggests that is not the case. People stop for various reasons, either due to the expense of treatment, their insurers stopping coverage or individuals not wishing to be on drugs for a prolonged period of time, Cummings has found. And when people do stop the drugs, their weight tends to rebound. A recent study found that weight regain happens up to four times more quickly after stopping weight-loss drugs compared to someone ending a weight-loss programme that focuses on changing their behaviour. Another study found that those on weight-loss drugs gained 1.5kg (3.3lbs) eight weeks after they stopped the medication, with their weight continuing to climb with the more time that passed. The same study also found that other health concerns, such as high blood pressure, also returns. New research has also found that people who stop taking weight-loss drugs gain back around 60% of the weight they lost a year later. It returns quickly because of something researchers call "food noise", which consists of persistent and intrusive thought around food, says Sattar. Hormones play a role too. When an individual tries to lose weight, it triggers a powerful hormonal response that tells your body to regain the weight you lost. Cummings explains that because of this, the brain interprets a calorie drop as an energy deficiency, so after stopping weight-loss drugs, hormones that stimulate appetite increase while the rate at which you burn energy – the metabolic rate – decreases. "If these biological defences are strong enough, they can blunt the drug's effectiveness," he says. Lifestyle change Sattar has observed that for a small proportion of people who make lifestyle changes, it may be possible to reduce the dose or use the drug intermittently instead. Some really do make "fundamental changes in their diet", he says. "Others might need it at a lower dose than they would when they started. But the majority will probably still need some dose of the drug because the [food] environment is still the same." There's also increasing concern that individuals are taking weight-loss medication as a substitute for making life-style changes – even though evidence shows that modifying lifestyle in combination with weight-loss drugs is what will lead to greater weight loss. Experts have recently cautioned in a scientific review of the evidence that when there's a lack of behavioural and lifestyle support for those on weight-loss drugs, it can leave individuals vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies. "We need to make sure people are getting enough protein and are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need," says Marie Spreckley a nutrition and behavioural scientist at Cambridge University and lead author of the report. "You don't want to have longer-term unintended consequences, like frailty and muscle loss. We don't want to replace one health concern with another." Because these medications cause a dramatic appetite reduction, patients tend to eat less overall, she and her colleagues note. This can lead to a "missed opportunity" if patients are not supported long-term and their food choices remain poor. No quick fix The World Health Organization has therefore stated that medication alone won't "reverse the obesity challenge". Early interventions, screening and creating healthier environments are also needed, the organisation has stated in its guidelines on using GLP-1 drugs. This is easier when people are still taking the drugs, Sattar says. "You have more mental space to think about your diet." But behavioural change is extremely challenging, says Amanda Daley, a professor of behavioural medicine at Loughborough University in the UK. She says there needs to be better communication with patients about how quickly they can regain weight once they stop taking GLP-1 medication. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition, she says, which means it cannot be "cured" with a drug alone. That's why additional support and "wraparound care" is key to ensure patients make dietary changes as well as increasing their physical activity. It's unclear whether private providers are providing this crucial additional support, she says, which she finds concerning since so many people access the drugs privately and it is hard to monitor continuation of care. Micro-nudges help change behaviour To overcome some of this – researchers at Stanford have looked at how they can help support and encourage lifestyle changes. In one recent study, researchers tested whether small nudges – or "microsteps" – could help encourage healthy behavioural change for those taking GLP-1 medications. The tiny changes focused on nutrition, physical activity, sleep and stress management. Crucially, the microsteps were small and manageable, such as swapping sugary drinks for water, no longer drinking coffee after lunch, taking a deep breath when stressed or popping outside for five minutes. They found these helped improve behavioural expectations. It's this "expectation" that's a first necessary step for behavioural change, says Maya Adam, a clinical associate professor of paediatrics at Stanford School of Medicine, who was involved in the study. "Achieving your best health involves a lot more than pharmacotherapy alone," she says. "We found that giving people these little nudges may be very effective." She calls these steps "too small to fail" because even small daily changes and habits make a real difference over time. Side-effects These kind of interventions are crucial to help give people the tools they need to enact change, Daley says, especially considering the known side effects. These include gastrointestinal issues. There has also been an observed increase in pancreatitis and gallstones. Muscle loss is another concern, especially among individuals who are not exercising. Recently a study found links to bone and joint conditions too. While we now have several years of data on the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs, we don't yet know what the long-term outlook will be or whether the results will wear off over time. There is also a lack of data on how these drugs affect pregnancy outcomes or future generations, as the advice is not to take weight-loss drugs during pregnancy.  But given the negative health outcomes for those living with obesity, the side effects pale in comparison, both Sattar and Cummings say. This is particularly the case for individuals with multiple weight-related conditions. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the leading causes of death worldwide – and all are linked to obesity. A changing landscape What is clear is that the landscape for weight-loss medication is rapidly evolving. There are other health benefits too beyond weight loss. In one major study involving two million people, the drugs were linked to better heart health, fewer infections, lower risk of drug abuse and lower incidences of dementia. It's also been shown to improve sleep apnoea, arthritis and substance abuse. A new drug called retatrutide has also shown promise in recent trials. It mimics three hunger-regulating hormones, and early evidence indicates weight loss of nearly 29%, after 68 weeks according to manufacturer Eli Lilly. The drugs are but one tool for obesity care, Daley says. More important is the need to make it easier for people to make healthier changes that last beyond medication. And because of the abundance of people eating calorie-dense ultra-processed foods, obesity will continue to be a growing health concern, experts warn. Our ultimate goal, Daley adds, should be to change the food environment to offer better choices and influence government policy so that the next generation won't need these drugs at all.   Source: BBC

As the world observes Autism Awareness Day on Thursday, experts are highlighting an important but often overlooked issue: many women and girls on the autism spectrum are diagnosed later in life than their male counterparts. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects people of all genders, but long-standing diagnostic frameworks and social expectations have historically made it harder to identify in females, reports GulfNews. Experts note that the delay in diagnosis is not due to autism being less common in women, but because autism often presents differently in females, and women may develop coping strategies to adapt to social expectations, a phenomenon known as masking. These differences often lead to misdiagnoses, such as depression or anxiety, and can mean that women are only identified later in life. For some women, autism is only identified later in life, often during periods of burnout, when the effort of constantly adapting becomes unsustainable. Others may recognize it when parenting, noticing patterns in themselves that mirror behaviors in their children. Harris emphasizes that being on the spectrum is not a limitation: “A neurodiverse mind is a brilliant one, capable of many extraordinary things.” Signs to Look Out For While every autistic person is unique, certain patterns may indicate autism in women: Intense focus on specific interests or hobbies Social exhaustion or difficulty maintaining long social interactions Sensory sensitivities Repetitive motor movements (stimming): These can include hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, etc. These signs can easily be misinterpreted, which is why awareness and understanding are crucial. Supporting women and people with Autism Harris emphasizes that support starts with acceptance and understanding. “Recognizing that autism reflects a different way of experiencing the world, rather than something to be changed, is key,” she explains. Practical ways to support someone include: Listening to and believing their experiences Avoiding repeated criticism for behaviors that may be challenging to others Allowing for differences in communication, social interaction, and behavior without expecting conformity Respecting autonomy and working collaboratively rather than making assumptions “Feeling understood and accepted can significantly reduce the pressure many autistic people experience,” Harris notes. This supportive environment can make a big difference, helping reduce the need for masking and promoting mental well-being. Moving towards awareness Autism awareness is evolving. Increasingly, clinicians, educators, and families are recognizing that autism does not always look the same in everyone. By learning to identify signs earlier, society can reduce misdiagnosis, provide timely support, and celebrate the unique strengths that neurodiverse people bring to their communities. For Autism Awareness Day, experts like Harris encourage everyone to go beyond stereotypes, listen closely to women’s experiences, and foster environments where differences are accepted and valued.

At Greenland Girls School in Kenya, 19-year-old Valerie Wairimu barely gets a break between classes. During recess, she grabs a quick snack before heading to the school’s on-site nursery to care for her baby, Kayden, who is looked after by a team of nannies while she attends lessons. Greenland Girls School is the only institution in Kenya exclusively dedicated to teenage mothers, providing both education and child care. The school supports 310 students and more than 80 children, offering young mothers a second chance at education in an environment free from stigma. Experts consider it a model for reintegrating adolescent mothers into the school system. “When I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Wairimu, who consistently ranks near the top of her class and dreams of becoming a doctor. Founded in 2015, the boarding school has enabled hundreds of girls and young women to complete secondary education while supporting their children. Some graduates have pursued successful careers in fields such as government and medicine. The school is managed by the nonprofit organization Shining Hope for Communities, and many students attend through grants. Most students come from Kajiado County, south of Nairobi, where Greenland maintains outreach officers to identify and refer pregnant girls. The school also works with social services and is recognized by teachers across Kenya, including in more distant regions such as Wairimu’s home in western Kenya. Her grandmother had referred her to the school because her family lacked the resources to care for a newborn. Many students come from challenging circumstances, including pregnancies resulting from sexual assault or forced marriages. Paul Mukilya, the school manager, said parents are often unsupportive, and outreach officers must sometimes negotiate with community elders to allow students to attend. “Some of the challenges the students face come from family and community. Most have not been accepted as they are,” Mukilya said. “Here, we provide psychological counseling and mentorship.” In Kenya, sexual activity involving minors under 18 is illegal, but only the male partner is held criminally responsible. Teenage pregnancies frequently lead to legal proceedings, and Greenland supports students while coordinating with local authorities in cases of underage marriage. While students are in class, the school’s staff manage child care and provide guidance on parenting. Caroline Mumbai, a caregiver at Greenland and mother of two, said, “Some of the mothers see their children as a burden. We also teach them how to mother.” Making education accessible to teenage mothers remains a challenge in Kenya, a country with a rapidly growing youth population. National statistics report that over 125,000 births in 2024 involved adolescent mothers under 19. According to a 2015 Population Council study, two-thirds of teenage mothers cited pregnancy as the reason for leaving school, while research by IDinsight in 2022 showed that unintended pregnancy was the second-leading reason girls dropped out, after inability to afford school fees. In response to growing demand along Kenya’s coast, Greenland Girls School plans to open a second campus in Kilifi County. “Every girl who becomes pregnant and leaves school should be allowed to return,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, CEO of Amref Health Africa. “Special schools are critical in complementing scalable policy frameworks and helping close the education equity gap.” Students at Greenland also value the school’s stigma-free environment, which encourages learning. Mary Wanjiku, 20, whose son is nearly 18 months old, said, “People used to judge me for getting pregnant. The moment I came here, I was received with love. Now, I hope to become a lawyer.”

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library has revealed a 1,000-year-old manuscript titled “Gharib Al Quran”, authored by the early scholar Abu Ubaidah Mamar Ibn Al Muthanna. The manuscript, dating to the fourth century, consists of 23 folios measuring 17 by 22 cm, reports GulfNews.  It is written in clear Andalusian script, with the names of surahs inscribed in Kufic script, and remains an unpublished work in Quranic sciences. The library said its collection includes a wide range of rare manuscripts on Quranic interpretation and linguistics, spanning several centuries. Among them are works by Abu Ishaq Al Zajjaj and Ibn Qutaybah Al Dinawari, as well as parts of Tafsir al Tabari, copied in the sixth century. The archive holds more than 185 rare manuscripts on Quranic exegesis, alongside hundreds of texts covering recitation, grammar and interpretation. The library said it aims to showcase its rare collections of manuscripts, documents, photographs, coins and artefacts, while opening new avenues for studying and engaging with heritage in its diverse forms. It also seeks to support academic research by making these rare manuscripts more accessible to scholars.  

Many people experience a puzzling phenomenon: going to bed very hungry but waking up the next morning with little or no appetite. A recent Quora post asked why this happens, prompting experts to explain the science behind it. Dr Mohnish Kataria, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology at Paras Health Panchkula, says this is a common occurrence. “During sleep, the body adjusts energy use and hormone levels. Appetite-regulating hormones like ghrelin (hunger hormone) and leptin (satiety hormone) fluctuate overnight, which in some people can suppress morning hunger,” he told media. Additionally, the body’s energy requirements drop significantly during sleep. Since the body isn’t actively burning calories, there’s no urgent need to eat immediately upon waking, leading to a temporary lack of hunger. For many, appetite builds gradually as the day goes on, so skipping breakfast occasionally is not a concern. Several factors influence this phenomenon: Sleep patterns: Poor or irregular sleep can disrupt hunger hormones and reduce appetite. Metabolism: A lower metabolic rate at night and early morning weakens hunger signals. Eating habits: Going to bed hungry or late meals can temporarily alter energy needs. Circadian rhythm: The body’s internal clock may delay hunger until later in the day. Experts note that morning hunger is not necessarily strong for everyone and usually increases as the day progresses. When to seek medical adviceIf lack of morning hunger becomes persistent and is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate an underlying issue. Dr Kataria recommends consulting a doctor if you notice: Continued loss of appetite throughout the day Continued loss of appetite throughout the day Unexplained weight loss Fatigue or weakness Nausea, bloating, or digestive discomfort These signs could point to gastrointestinal or metabolic conditions that require professional attention. #From Indian Express

Thieves made off with three paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions of euros (dollars) from a museum near the city of Parma in northern Italy, police said on Monday. The heist took place on the night of March 22-23, with thieves forcing open the entrance door, police said. The three stolen paintings are “Fish” by Auguste Renoir, “Still Life with Cherries” by Paul Cézanne, and “Odalisque on the Terrace” by Henri Matisse. The Magnani Rocca Foundation, a private museum, lies in the heart of the countryside 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Parma. Local media reported that the thieves were able to nab the paintings in less than three minutes and escape across the museum gardens. Established in 1977, the foundation hosts the collection of the art historian Luigi Magnani and also includes works by Dürer, Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya and Monet. The museum believes a structured and organized gang was responsible for the theft, which was interrupted by the alarm, local media reported. The museum didn't post any statement about the theft on its website and wasn't reachable for a comment, as it is closed on Monday. The crime in Parma comes after a series of high-profile heists at major European museums, including a major incident in October where thieves stole jewels and other items worth 88 million euros ($101 million) from the Louvre in Paris.

For many people, starting the day without a cup of coffee is unthinkable. Beyond providing a quick energy boost and helping with bowel movements, coffee may offer several health benefits. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, recently shared on Instagram how drinking black coffee daily for two weeks can positively affect the body. He said regular coffee consumption may support liver health by lowering the risk of conditions such as fatty liver, fibrosis and cirrhosis. While not a cure-all, it can help reduce the buildup of harmful scar tissue in the liver. According to Dr Sethi, coffee also helps improve metabolism. Compounds like chlorogenic acid may enhance insulin sensitivity, while studies suggest black coffee can increase metabolic rate and fat burning. It may also act as a natural appetite suppressant, helping control calorie intake. Caffeine in coffee can boost alertness, focus and overall mental performance. Though it cannot replace proper sleep, it may help improve concentration when needed. The drink may also aid digestion. Coffee can stimulate bowel movements and improve gut activity. Research from the Cleveland Clinic shows that nearly 29 percent of coffee drinkers feel the urge to use the bathroom after drinking it, partly due to increased levels of the hormone gastrin. However, Dr Sethi advised caution for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as coffee may trigger symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhoea or bloating. He recommends one to three cups of black coffee daily but suggests limiting intake if it causes anxiety, heart palpitations, reflux or sleep problems. Adding excess sugar or processed creamers should also be avoided. Source: NDTV

Zhang Tong, 36, oversees his family farm along the Yellow River in Shandong Province, blending tradition with cutting-edge technology. Unlike past generations of farmers, Zhang relies on drones, smart machines, and precision irrigation to manage his 300-hectare wheat fields. A sleek silver drone maps the plots, plans spraying routes, and checks for water stress, while snake-like pipes deliver water and fertilizer directly to plant roots, reducing water use by nearly 30 percent. “The pipes work like the fine blood vessels of the human body,” Zhang explained. Since starting his farming career in 2019, Zhang has embraced automation. Intelligent seeders planted his entire farm in a month, while a fertilizer blender adjusts nutrients based on soil tests. Driverless harvesters and unmanned scout vehicles monitor crops and control pests. These innovations have pushed his annual wheat yield to 3,000 tonnes. Across China, agriculture is undergoing a similar transformation. In the south, rice seedlings grow in climate-controlled facilities, while winter wheat in the north thrives under drone-guided care. The centuries-old image of farmers with oxen and hoes is giving way to high-tech operations powered by AI, robotics, and data-driven planning. Zhang is also experimenting with soybean-corn intercropping and custom seeders to optimize harvest timing. Researchers like Feng Lingyang of Peking University support farmers by using computer vision, machine learning, and gene editing to improve crop yields and create new revenue streams. China produced a record 715 million tonnes of grain last year. Under the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), the country aims to increase production to 725 million tonnes, focusing on stabilizing rice and wheat while expanding corn and soybean output. Experts say technology will be key to achieving these goals. On a neighboring farm, over 500 sensors track soil moisture, temperature, and wind across 660 hectares. Yu Long, general manager of Jinan Chengfa Agricultural Technology Co., said the goal is to cut grain loss by 5 percent, raise yields by 15 percent, and reduce fertilizer and pesticide use. “We are installing water-saving sprinklers and larger harvesters to further minimize losses,” he added. The fields along the Yellow River reflect a new era of Chinese farming, where science and machinery are transforming how the nation feeds its 1.4 billion people.

The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, stands as a vital natural barrier along the coast, protecting millions of people from cyclones, storm surges, and rising sea levels. Often likened to a nurturing mother, this unique ecosystem not only endures harsh environmental conditions but also shields vulnerable communities from the increasing threats of climate change. Beyond its protective role, the Sundarbans supports rich biodiversity and sustains local livelihoods, making its preservation crucial for both people and nature. Recently, I have been to the Sundarbans with my grandsons, Tanzif and Tawfeeq, and their parents, Shahrin and Asif, and came back on the 26th instant. It took me quite a while to convince my daughter that it’s much more rewarding to visit the Sundarbans than Cox’s Bazar! I was referring to her perceptions of people who have visited the Sundarbans. I was wondering what the Sundarbans meant to our younger generations and discovered Samia Jahan Shefa ([email protected]), a student of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, between her lines. Samia, on June 3, 2024, wrote to the editor of the Financial Express: “The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, is like our mother who endures adversity but protects us. It safeguards the coastal areas, offering protection from Nature's fury. In recent memory, two of the deadliest super cyclones—Sidr in 2007 and Aila in 2009—hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh. After these devastating cyclones, other severe storms made landfall, including Fani and Bulbul in 2019, Amphan in 2020, and Yaas in 2021. Each time, the protective Sundarbans played the role of a saviour against Nature's ferocity. It was no different at the time of Remal. The Sundarbans, our first line of defence against natural disasters, once again safeguarded the nation from Cyclone Remal. It saves us but pays a heavy price in terms of the forest's ecosystem, wildlife, and biodiversity. The flora and fauna of the forest sacrifice their lives to save us. ……………….. If the Sundarbans survive, Bangladesh will survive, as it takes care of us. But who will take care of it? Bangladesh aims to be a developed country by 2041. What will be the condition of the Sundarbans then? Will it become a scapegoat for ‘development’? We don't want a developed Bangladesh at the cost of destroying our ‘saviour mother,’ the Sundarbans.”