Priyam Paul

Small Enterprises, Big Impact: Why MSMEs matter more than ever

The micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector is central to Bangladesh’s pursuit of inclusive development and sustainable industrialisation.

14h ago

Chilling the heat: Inside Bangladesh’s booming ac market

Once seen as a luxury reserved for the elite, air conditioners (ACs) in Bangladesh have become an everyday essential. Today, the AC market is booming, with locally manufactured brands leading the charge and transforming the electronics landscape of the country.

1d ago

Plastic isn’t cheap: We’re all paying for it

In the back alleys of Dhaka, plastic bags flutter like defeated flags—caught in drains, wrapped around tree roots, buried in the dust of everyday life.

3w ago

The bancassurance breakthrough in Bangladesh

For decades, insurance in Bangladesh has been a tough sell—marked by limited access, low public trust, and a penetration rate that barely scratches the surface. But a quiet transformation is gaining momentum, not through traditional agents or state campaigns, but via a trusted institution embedded in everyday financial life: the banks.

4w ago

The rebel poet who foretold planetary crisis

As a visionary, he foresaw both life’s vitality and the world’s potential destruction.

1m ago

Smart home appliances: Revolutionising home comfort

Over the past decade, Bangladesh’s electronics industry has witnessed remarkable growth.

1m ago

Saving Wise, Building Strong

At a busy branch on Green Road, Lipi Monowar opens a school banking account for her young son—a small but significant step in securing his financial future. “There is no alternative to saving,”

1m ago

Bangladesh’s Cosmetics Industry on the rise

Once reserved for special occasions and elite circles, beauty and personal care in Bangladesh are now everyday essentials for millions.

2m ago
April 10, 2025
April 10, 2025

The Legacy of Thomas Bata in Bengal

Whenever Bata shoes come to mind, we are reminded not only of how footwear became woven into the fabric of everyday life but also of an extraordinary figure linked to its history in Bangladesh

April 8, 2025
April 8, 2025

How did Pahela Baishakh become a public celebration?

Although the Bengali calendar has been in use for centuries, the tradition of celebrating Pahela Baishakh as a public festival is a relatively modern development.

March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025

‘The truths written in blood cannot be erased by lies’

Bimal Biswas—veteran politician and noted writer—played an active role in several battles against the Pakistani junta during the 1971 Liberation War, particularly in the Jessore, Narail, and Khulna regions. In this exclusive interview with The Daily Star, he recounts his wartime experiences and sheds light on the inner workings of his party, the EPCP (M-L).

March 26, 2025
March 26, 2025

1971 in Fiction: A Literary Dilemma

Writing literature is, by nature, a creative pursuit—one that demands both technical skill and an innate artistic sensibility.

March 25, 2025
March 25, 2025

The coolest AC deals this summer

As temperatures rise, Bangladeshis are turning to ACs to stay cool—and brands are turning up the heat with irresistible offers.

March 20, 2025
March 20, 2025

Festive finances: Embracing cashless payments for Eid

As the crescent moon marks the beginning of Ramadan, Bangladesh transforms into a bustling hub of spiritual devotion and celebratory preparations. The holy month is not just about fasting and prayer—it also brings a surge in shopping,

March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025

Legal checks before you buy a smart move

Proper paperwork before purchasing a property is crucial, as buyers often struggle to manage it effectively—especially when verifying the authenticity of land and apartment deeds provided by realtors.

March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025

Shifting commercial tides: What’s Next for Motijheel?

Motijheel, once a thriving commercial hub in Dhaka, has recently lost its prominence as businesses increasingly shift towards Gulshan and Banani.

March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025

‘We do not have a critical culture in architecture’

The Daily Star (TDS): What is the current state of living spaces in Dhaka?

March 8, 2025
March 8, 2025

Women making their mark

The gender gap in the banking sector has been a persistent challenge, but encouraging developments indicate a shift towards greater inclusivity.