Zarif Faiaz

Zarif Faiaz is a writer, journalist and communications expert. He works as a sub-editor at The Daily Star's Tech & Startup desk.

Regulating Dhaka traffic: Are ‘gate lock’ and speed caps all that it takes?

Unless things change on the street level, no rules or infrastructure can efficiently resolve Dhaka's traffic gridlock.

Now

The creative industry was already suffering. Then came AI

The rapid advancement in the field of AI, particularly in the creative sector, raises a multitude of questions Is AI truly more creative than humans? What are the ethical implications of AI-generated art that imitates existing styles? How will the rise of AI impact the job market for creative professionals?

21h ago

Looking to get hired? You may have to fight it out with AI first

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hiring process has ushered in an era of both promise and peril. As employers and job seekers adapt to increasingly sophisticated AI tools, the landscape of recruitment is undergoing a profound transformation, raising essential questions about fairness, efficiency, and the future of work.

1w ago

How to raise funds for your startup: A guide

Launching a startup is an exhilarating journey, but one of the greatest challenges lies in securing the necessary funding to turn your vision into reality. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the strategies and steps that aspiring entrepreneurs can undertake to raise funding for their startups.

2w ago

Why the culture of glorifying over-work needs to stop

The glorification of overworking and the expectation to stay late in the office have become long-ingrained in the corporate culture of many countries, including Bangladesh. But in this modern age, while many countries across the world are doing away with this culture, staying late is still often seen as a sign of dedication and hard work in Bangladesh.

1m ago

How to effectively deal with job searching fatigue

Application fatigue sets in when the initial enthusiasm for job searching gives way to the despair of repeated rejections. This emotional toll not only saps one's energy but can also lead to a reluctance to apply for new positions, for fear of facing further disappointment.

2m ago

Beyond RMGs: Why Bangladesh is emerging as Asia’s next startup hotspot

For decades, headlines surrounding Bangladesh have largely focused on its challenges: poverty, natural disasters, and the struggles of a developing economy. While these realities remain, a new narrative is quietly unfolding, driven by resilience, innovation, and an economic trajectory that has surprised many.

2m ago

Startups are fuelling the Bangladesh of the future

Bangladesh’s tech startup ecosystem is navigating through an era of unparalleled growth and innovation, underpinned by robust economic fundamentals, a tech-savvy youthful population, and proactive government policies. The year 2023 has marked a significant stride in this journey, showcasing the resilience and dynamism of Bangladeshi startups amidst global economic uncertainties.

2m ago
August 13, 2021
August 13, 2021

Gender gap in mobile phone usage remains to be closed, study finds

GSMA, an industry organisation that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide has recently published a report on the gender gap in mobile use.

August 6, 2021
August 6, 2021

A very different beginning

As I write this note, I have lost count of how many days it has been since we’ve resorted to home-office. It takes a toll on your mental health, and I can’t begin to imagine what a different world it must be for those who are just beginning their careers.

July 28, 2021
July 28, 2021

Jamuna’s investment in Evaly: What does it actually mean?

Since yesterday, one of the most talked-about topics in Bangladeshi social media is industrial conglomerate Jamuna Group’s announcement of investing up to Tk 1,000 crore in the e-commerce platform Evaly. The sheer figure astounded many as it is the largest amount of investment the country has ever seen in its e-commerce industry. Initially, Jamuna Group will invest Tk 200 crore, and the rest in phases. 

July 2, 2021
July 2, 2021

Facebook gets into the newsletter game with ‘Bulletin’

With a new service called Bulletin, Facebook is getting into the subscription newsletter business, allowing writers to create free and paid newsletters that can be shared across

June 25, 2021
June 25, 2021

How a group of rural freelancers made internet available at flat rate across the country

On June 6, Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), fixed the maximum tariff for broadband internet across the country at Tk 500 a month for using a broadband connection with a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps. Behind the scenes, the credit goes to a small community of freelancers in Kushtia who have been campaigning for internet equality for the last 5 years or so. This is their story.

June 11, 2021
June 11, 2021

It’s all about finding your worth

This week, we ask an ages-old question: are unpaid internships worth it? Do you really want to spend your valuable time (and money, in some

May 23, 2021
May 23, 2021

Army of the Dead: Zack Snyder’s new zombie flick is ridiculously fun to watch

It’s 2021, and shooting a zombie in the brain is still fun. Throw in a little Dave Bautista, a dash of mindless action, and a bit of slo-mo, and you have Zack Snyder’s latest Netflix flick, Army of the Dead.

May 21, 2021
May 21, 2021

The Palestinian struggle on the tech front: A case for digital apartheid

Since the beginning of the conflict, Palestinians have taken to Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #SaveSheikhJarrah to protest and highlight the extent of the brutality by Israeli forces in Sheikh Jarrah. But many found their posts, and even their accounts blocked.

May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021

Work, when does it end?

In case you needed a stern reminder, where here to tell you this week that work from home does not mean working 24/7. We get it—there’s

May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021

Twitter attempts to get into news subscription service by acquiring Scroll

The Scroll service is a clever hack that tells websites not to serve you advertisements by using third-party cookies or browser extensions. It’s not exactly an ad-blocker, but it does give a portion of your subscription fee to the websites you visit that participate. It will no longer welcome new signups now that it has been purchased by Twitter.

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