Arafat Rahaman

Reporter, Print/Digital, The Daily Star

‘Concerns genuine, but reforms need planning’

Polytechnic students across the country resumed protests on Saturday, demanding urgent reforms through a six-point charter to fix long-standing problems in recruitment policies, education standards, and job opportunities.

1w ago

A milestone to treasure

Miftahul Jannat Ashra travelled all the way from Chattogram with her parents to claim the reward of years of hard work.

1w ago

Pry, secondary schools: Millions of students still without textbooks

With students now on their Ramadan and Eid holiday, Wahiduddin, on his final day as adviser yesterday, once again promised that the books would be delivered by March 10.

2m ago

July uprising: AL govt, oppositions used children as pawns

Both the previous government (Awami League) and opposition groups recruited, paid, and used children in violence during the July uprising, a United Nations Fact-Finding Mission has reported.

2m ago

Mohammadpur 'gunfight' follows a disturbingly similar script

Instead of dismantling organised crime, the interim government appears to be using law enforcement as another tool for political persecution

2m ago

Are they even trying? Or have they decided not to act?

A month on, there is still no justice for violence against adivasis

2m ago

Set up waiting list system to recruit teachers

The government’s advisory committee on primary education reform has proposed a new system for teacher recruitment.

2m ago

July Uprising: State forces, AL perpetrated gender-based violence

The United Nations fact-finding report has exposed disturbing accounts of gender-based violence during the July uprising last year, with women protesters facing physical assaults, rape threats, and arbitrary detention.

2m ago
February 11, 2024
February 11, 2024

Audiobooks: when stories come alive

While taking a stroll at the  Amar Ekushey Boi Mela yesterday, a voice narrating a passage from Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay’s classic “Adarsha Hindu Hotel” grabbed this correspondent’s attention.

February 10, 2024
February 10, 2024

A palace by the river

Leave behind the tangled streets and chaotic symphony of Old Dhaka for a while. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a different era, stepping onto a gilded boat that glides through the sun-dappled Buriganga.

February 7, 2024
February 7, 2024

One generation to next, Humayun Ahmed lives on

What makes a writer truly live on?

February 4, 2024
February 4, 2024

A tapestry of colours and cultures

Forget just books stacked on tables -- the Ekushey Boi Mela is also a vibrant spectacle for the eyes.

February 2, 2024
February 2, 2024

Biggest event for booklovers returns

Excitement filled the air around 4:00pm yesterday, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina officially inaugurated the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela.

February 1, 2024
February 1, 2024

Metro sees huge crowd as book fair kicks off

At the Dhaka University station, hundreds of passengers were seen waiting at packed platforms, hoping to board already overflowing trains

January 27, 2024
January 27, 2024

Banglabazar: All things book

Walking past the Jagannath University and Dhaka Collegiate School, amid heavy noise of construction work at Dhaka Sadar Post Office, these correspondents heard a voice that cut through the cacophony in narrow lanes of Old Dhaka.

January 25, 2024
January 25, 2024

Restoring Dhaka’s lost past with ‘Dhaka Gate’

In the heart of present-day Dhaka, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant energy, stands a silent sentinel, a relic of a bygone era -- the Dhaka Gate.

January 21, 2024
January 21, 2024

Metro at night!

First day sees huge response as service extends till 8:40pm

January 15, 2024
January 15, 2024

Parties in parliament second lowest since 1991

The number of political parties in parliament since the restoration of democracy in 1991 seems to be shrinking.