Over the past five years, driven by Bangladesh Bank’s directives, low-interest loan facilities, preferential treatment from correspondent banks and multilateral lenders, and their own initiatives, banks and non-banking financial institutions (NBFIs) have increasingly prioritised environmentally friendly and sustainable projects for lending.

For Bangladesh, developing a workforce equipped with these skills is not merely a long-term goal but an immediate necessity

Yet, online sales still account for only 3–5 percent of total retail —a reminder of both the immense opportunity ahead and the fragility of an industry still in its early stages.

A PwC study found that 37% of workers worry their jobs are at risk due to automation and AI, even as most recognise its potential to make work easier.

Nine-year-old Safkat Samir was a fifth-grade student in an Ibtedayi (primary) madrasa. He was the apple of his parents’ eyes—Sakibur Rahman and Faria Ibnat. They had a thousand dreams centred on him.

Is it necessary for everyone to always push beyond their comfort zones? The answer, quite frankly, is no.

Leadership has long been romanticized as an infallible position where authority is mistaken for accuracy and obedience is confused with effectiveness.

Imagine a city where greenery isn’t a luxury—it’s woven into the fabric of daily life.

Generative AI, a subset of the broader AI field, consists of machine learning systems that can produce content, insights, and solutions with intuition and efficiency similar to humans.

Dhaka’s real estate story isn’t just a tale of square feet and glass facades.

For many prospective homeowners, finding the right flat or apartment is a complex journey.

Air pollution remains one of the most severe public health challenges of our time, ranking among the leading global causes of illness, disability, and premature death.

The Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) now mandates rainwater harvesting for all new buildings constructed on plots larger than 300 square metres, marking a significant regulatory shift towards water-conscious development.

In Bangladesh, when people talk about pollution, it’s rarely about what’s inside their homes.

Purchasing an apartment in Bangladesh, particularly in urban centres like Dhaka, is a significant financial commitment. While the listed price per square foot is the most visible cost, numerous additional expenses can substantially increase the total outlay. Understanding these hidden costs is crucial for prospective buyers to budget effectively and avoid unexpected financial strain.

Modern residential architecture is undergoing a global transformation, shaped by environmental priorities, technological advances, and evolving cultural values.

A conversation with Saiqa Iqbal Meghna, internationally acclaimed architect recognised by TIME’s World’s Greatest Places, Assistant Professor at the Department of Architecture, BRAC University, and Director & Partner at Studio Morphogenesis Ltd.

The Daily Star (TDS): Tell us about your journey into sustainable construction. Where did it all begin?

The Daily Star (TDS): What makes KY Two Tone’s housing solution more sustainable compared to traditional construction methods?

In Dhaka, a 900-square-foot flat is now considered a luxury. With rents soaring and every square inch worth its weight in gold, we’re all trying to do the impossible: fit our full lives into half the space. The good news? You can make your home look and feel bigger, without knocking down walls or knocking out your savings.