The O/A level conundrum: Stay in school or opt for private registration?

Why is it that students feel compelled to opt out of school and take either one or both of their exams as a private candidate?

Green colonialism: Explained

Green colonialism masks exploitation as climate action.

The A Level dilemma: Recheck, retake or rethink?

The exams are done, the pens are down, and the results are in. You’ve survived the endless revision sessions, late-night cramming, and the exhausting exam days. Then comes results day – the moment of truth. But what if those grades staring back at you aren’t what you expected?

Annual Cultural Competition 2025 held at St. Joseph International School

The two-day event turned into a celebration of creativity, rhythm, and cultural unity.

Survivors of the Milestone jet crash and the road to emotional recovery

The weight of the loss that the survivors have collectively endured cannot be erased from their minds, nor can we take away the grief they are yet to learn to live with. However, what we can offer those affected by the event is utmost consideration and support.

Should part-time work opportunities be open to high school students?

Part-time work opportunities can serve as a great way for school students to gain real-world experience and practical skills, given that they are presented under the right circumstances.

UCBD brings world-class foundation programmes within your reach

UCBD is currently onboarding students for the next MUFY and UIFY intakes.

The curious case of the vanishing bees: Explained

The vanishing of bees isn't a distant environmental tale, it's a local, urgent reality.

Education

Education

How play-based learning is the key to your child’s development

Play-based learning is a method that focuses on the use of play in promoting multiple areas of children's development and learning.

From Chattogram to the world: UCBD’s role in shaping global futures

Global success doesn't always begin with a plane ticket; it can start right here at home, with the right guidance.

ISD scholarship unlocks access to international education

ISD is offering a breakthrough scholarship programme to meritorious candidates.

What you should know about US college applications

College applications are a very subjective process. Once you have played the hand you are dealt well enough, things are really determined by factors outside of your control.

Are schools ensuring adequate medical safety for their students?

A proper medical facility is not only a necessity but serves to benefit every student, teacher, parent, and staff.

What it takes to get into top US universities

What does it really take to get in? We sat down with students who made it this year, sharing their journeys and well-earned wisdom.

Recognising high achievers at the 24th O & A Level Awards

On April 26, 2025, The Daily Star hosted the 24th edition of its prestigious O & A Level Awards at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Dhaka Bypass Expressway, Sector 4, Purbachal.

Pop culture

Pop culture

A story of cards, consoles, and anime: My life growing up with Pokémon

Pokémon were not just characters on a screen; they were companions that guided me through the trials of childhood.

Another 104 days of summer vacation

Phineas and Ferb revival brings back the summer fun

Anime / The Apothecary Diaries is the anime to put cookie-cutter female protagonists to sleep

Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries redefines female leads in anime.

Movies to enjoy this Eid with your family

To make this time somewhat more enjoyable, here are a few movies you can watch with your family.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a timeless masterpiece about the passage of time

The passage of time can be cruel, but there is so much beauty in the little moments shared with each other as you live. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End encapsulates and explores this very idea – and it does so masterfully.

Nostalgic holiday movies to rewatch

Nostalgic holiday movies to enjoy this time of the year.

Explained

Explained

How are black holes detected

How scientists detect invisible black holes.

Tariffs and trade wars: Explained

Tariffs may target nations, but the public often bears the burden.

The relationship between consumerism and the climate crisis: Explained

Unchecked consumerism threatens planetary stability, urging a shift toward sustainability.

The pitfalls of AI: Explained

It's astonishing to see how AI has revolutionised industries, streamlined operations, and even attempted to emulate human creativity. But alongside these advancements, an unexpected challenge has surfaced – AI hallucinations, a phenomenon as intriguing as it is complex.

The menstrual cycle: Explained

How does the menstrual cycle work? Does the menstrual cycle impact how you feel? Does everyone have the same experience of menstruation? The menstrual cycle broken down.

Gen-Z lingo: Explained

As you begin to lose yourself in the stream of internet lobotomisation, you will realise that you can’t send a single text anymore without at least three accompanying emojis that make no sense contextually, and you’ll wonder what you've become.

Horoscopes: Explained

A long history and cultural heritage give astrology a sense of legitimacy and tradition that can make it seem real to many people.

Fiction

Fiction

Reader Submission / It’s all in my head

In the silence, her mind ruminated on every little detail.

Reader Submission / Maybe a mirage

Something you may... You may never find again.

How to: live

My love always arrived wrapped in silence, wrapped in dust. But that was childhood.

Heart, cling to me

We will make meaning out of the holes in the sun

Fiction / Once, spring stayed longer

He brought the jasmine to his nose, inhaled its narcotic sweetness, and wondered if maybe, just maybe, it was true.

Fiction / When they look away

“Do you think they think about us?” Asgar muttered.

Interests

Interests

Should you consider spaying or neutering your pet?

Is spaying or neutering your pet really necessary for their health?

Lost in a real-life Charlie’s chocolate factory

A few thousand miles away from Dhaka, in a small town located in the outskirts of Zurich lies a place known for its signature centerpiece worldwide, a fountain of real chocolate.

Girls stepping into the world of robotics

Bangladesh, often overlooked in global tech discussions, has quietly cultivated a thriving robotics culture, particularly for young women.

Eid enchantments and us

A special cover of Rising Stars where we look back at how Eid has changed for us over the years. 

Saving your Eid salami for the future

What if you were to save your Eid salami for later and also learn about saving money and managing finances from an early age?

Easy Eid recipes to prepare for your loved ones

If you’ve been thinking of pitching in this year, here are five easy and familiar recipes that are always a hit on Eid.

Handmade with Love: DIY Eid gifts for your loved ones

Eid is not just about new clothes and food. Above all else, perhaps, Eid is a celebration of friends and family. And what better way to celebrate the ones close to you than to make them handmade gifts with a personal touch.

Stars on the rise

Stars on the rise

Glenrich students bag first place in NSS Space Settlement Design Contest

A team from Glenrich International School, Uttara has secured first place in the internationally-acclaimed NSS Gerard K O'Neill Space Settlement Contest.

Md Moynul Islam’s story calls for a profound shift toward inclusion

Visually impaired Bangladeshi student Moynul defied odds, excelling in education despite systemic barriers, showcasing the need for accessible tech and support.

A trip to the Midwest

From June 9 to June 22, I had the privilege to be a participant of a creative writing and cultural exchange programme called “Between the Lines (BTL): Peace and the Writing Experience” at the University of Iowa.

Sunnydale School runner-up at international youth handball tournament

Sunnydale School’s under-10 (U-10) boys handball team became the runner-up at the 2024 Partille Cup, the world's largest International youth handball tournament. 

Bangladesh wins bronze at European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad

212 students from 55 countries competed in the global olympiad this year.

Keeping a family tradition alive through knitting

How Rudaba turned her passion into a business