Abida Rahman Chowdhury

Can we look beyond the seasonal activism against animal cruelty?

But is animal cruelty something we only condemn during this particular time of year? What are the subtle and not-so-subtle acts of cruelty we exhibit as we interact with/rear/raise/consume livestock/pets/wildlife?

‘Science has to be for the masses’

Prof Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury  is one of two Bangladeshis who were recently named among the top 100 Asian scientists. In an interview with Abida Rahman Chowdhury of The Daily Star, she talks about her current projects, the scope of Bangladesh's policies and why they do not work, and how to encourage more women to take up STEM.

More roads are not the answer to Bangladesh’s traffic problem

The more roads you build, the more cars there will be to fill them up. I am no expert, but the numbers don’t lie.

What stops people from evacuating to shelters during cyclones?

Cyclone Mocha was just the first of the season, and Bangladesh will face more in the days to come. We need to focus on a more holistic approach to disaster management, especially the evacuation process and recovery aspect, and not just rely on warnings and people’s willingness to move to shelters.

Heatwave: Inside the boiling pot of inequality

Do we all feel this heat similarly? The answer is no. It is no secret that if you are among the well-off in this not-so-well-off nation, you are better equipped to deal with this heatwave. There is a deep running inequality as to how the heat affects people.

The role of bystanders during a crisis: An impediment or asset to rescue efforts?

Just one bystander can cause enough distraction to move the focus from the real situation on hand—which is to stabilise the emergency situation and save lives. So, who is responsible?

World Wildlife Day: Conversations with conservationists

Bangladesh supports nearly 1.7 percent of the world's wildlife. How is that wildlife doing? Why does the chirping of birds no longer wake us? When was the last time a frog just showed up in our bathrooms?

Are Bangladeshis best in the world in naming businesses?

As a traveller or visitor, if you have been to Bangladesh, you are no stranger to the shocking green everywhere, the chaos of Dhaka city, the absolute absence of rules anywhere, and if you have a keen eye then the straightforward, smooth and sometimes borderline funny naming of our businesses will surely intrigue you.

July 7, 2023
July 7, 2023

Can we look beyond the seasonal activism against animal cruelty?

But is animal cruelty something we only condemn during this particular time of year? What are the subtle and not-so-subtle acts of cruelty we exhibit as we interact with/rear/raise/consume livestock/pets/wildlife?

July 4, 2023
July 4, 2023

‘Science has to be for the masses’

Prof Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury  is one of two Bangladeshis who were recently named among the top 100 Asian scientists. In an interview with Abida Rahman Chowdhury of The Daily Star, she talks about her current projects, the scope of Bangladesh's policies and why they do not work, and how to encourage more women to take up STEM.

June 3, 2023
June 3, 2023

More roads are not the answer to Bangladesh’s traffic problem

The more roads you build, the more cars there will be to fill them up. I am no expert, but the numbers don’t lie.

May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023

What stops people from evacuating to shelters during cyclones?

Cyclone Mocha was just the first of the season, and Bangladesh will face more in the days to come. We need to focus on a more holistic approach to disaster management, especially the evacuation process and recovery aspect, and not just rely on warnings and people’s willingness to move to shelters.

April 18, 2023
April 18, 2023

Heatwave: Inside the boiling pot of inequality

Do we all feel this heat similarly? The answer is no. It is no secret that if you are among the well-off in this not-so-well-off nation, you are better equipped to deal with this heatwave. There is a deep running inequality as to how the heat affects people.

April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023

The role of bystanders during a crisis: An impediment or asset to rescue efforts?

Just one bystander can cause enough distraction to move the focus from the real situation on hand—which is to stabilise the emergency situation and save lives. So, who is responsible?

March 2, 2023
March 2, 2023

World Wildlife Day: Conversations with conservationists

Bangladesh supports nearly 1.7 percent of the world's wildlife. How is that wildlife doing? Why does the chirping of birds no longer wake us? When was the last time a frog just showed up in our bathrooms?

July 10, 2022
July 10, 2022

Are Bangladeshis best in the world in naming businesses?

As a traveller or visitor, if you have been to Bangladesh, you are no stranger to the shocking green everywhere, the chaos of Dhaka city, the absolute absence of rules anywhere, and if you have a keen eye then the straightforward, smooth and sometimes borderline funny naming of our businesses will surely intrigue you.

June 11, 2022
June 11, 2022

Masked finfoot under threat: A canary in the coalmine of climate change

I want to tell you why the loss of a bird somewhere far away from home should bother you.

October 17, 2021
October 17, 2021

Reversing the tide against Sawfish loss from the Bay of Bengal

By the fishing villages of Alipur and Mohipur municipalities in Kuakata, things are afoot. A team of conservationists, field workers, researchers, artists and videographers have put their heads together to drive home a crucial message in favour of Sawfish, lovingly dubbed the king of fishes.

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