The use of cartoons in mass uprisings is a long-standing tradition, but the sheer volume of cartoons created in the last 20 days of July 2024 seems to be unprecedented in the country’s history. Many of these cartoons were produced by entirely new cartoonists, some of whom may have been drawing their first political cartoons. Yet, their work displayed a level of sharpness, awareness and expertise that belied their inexperience.

August 5, 2024 is two months behind us. That’s a much longer time than between citizens demanding the authoritarian Hasina step down and her actually fleeing. Yet, for many people, July-August 2024 will always shadow their present. Even by the end of August, pretty much all the beds of the ground floor casualty wards at the capital’s National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (NITOR) were occupied by those injured during the student-led movement. The wards at the National Institute of Opthalmology & Hospital (NIOH), too, were filled with those who had received severe injuries to their eye(s) during the movement.

Eye-witnesses would describe that as early as mid-day the police were shooting at protesters breaking curfew and trying to go to Shahbagh. When Hasina fell and Gono Bhaban was taken over, the protesters turned on the police. The police were armed—the protesters were not. Even though the government had fallen, they trooped out and shot everyone in sight.

How a student's movement for reform of the quota system for government jobs turned into a mass upsurge against a fascist government and led to the fall of Sheikh Hasina after 15 years in power

When students took to the streets on July 1, 2024, demanding reforms of the quota system, they did not imagine that this movement was about to rewrite the history of Bangladesh.

Although efforts were made to hide Hasina regime's bad governance by gagging the media and free speech and using fake statistics of economic growth and various visible infrastructure development projects, her downfall could not be prevented. It is important to learn from the history of the Hasina regime so that such incidents can be prevented in the future.

We have done the unthinkable—bring down a dictator—only to realise that the fascism within the body politic—and within ourselves—is much harder to dislodge than a once-invincible regime. If we are to do better as a nation than we have in the past, we must do the hard work of looking inwards and collectively figuring out the root causes of our dispossession and deprivation.

Gulshan, Baridhara, and Banani have experienced substantial increases in both residential and commercial real estate prices over the past decade. This surge is driven by factors such as land scarcity, exclusivity, high-quality amenities, and enhanced security.

When it comes to making an apartment a more pleasant place to live, fans are often the unsung heroes. They do much more than just beat the heat—they enhance air circulation, boost your décor, and are a boon for energy savings. Whether you’re a fan aficionado or just considering your first purchase, understanding the types, benefits, and smart ways to use fans can transform your apartment living experience.

The Daily Star (TDS): What inspired the founding of your organisation? Could you share the core values, mission, and vision that guide your company’s operations?

As the landscape of work shifts dramatically towards remote and hybrid models, the need for a well-designed home office has never been more essential. A thoughtfully planned workspace not only enhances productivity but also contributes to a healthier work-life balance. From ergonomic setups to personalised comfort, each element plays a pivotal role in creating an effective home office.

Wall paint, traditionally used to breathe life into bland interiors, has evolved. Today, it serves as a multifunctional tool that addresses safety, health, and environmental concerns.

Once considered a luxury, lifts have now become essential as high-rise buildings have become more common in big cities. Today, lifts are indispensable for apartment residents, creating promising opportunities for local manufacturers and offering benefits for buyers.

In today’s world of Instagram and Pinterest, where we’re constantly flooded with images of impeccably designed spaces, it’s hard not to feel inspired to decorate our own rooms to match the dreamy, magazine-like aesthetics we see online.

In the 21st century, it is almost impossible to imagine life without electricity. It powers every aspect of our daily lives, from our homes to our workplaces. However, electrical hazards, such as fires and the risk of short circuits, remain significant concerns, often worsened by poor cable quality.

In many Bangladeshi homes, space is often a luxury, and this is particularly true when it comes to having a dedicated reading room. However, for book lovers, even a small space can become a cherished reading nook, a personal sanctuary filled with the smell of books and the joy of reading.

Amidst the urban cacophony, finding tranquility even within the four walls can be challenging. In large cities, especially in Dhaka, noise levels consistently exceed the acceptable limits.

When decorating their homes, people often consider changing curtains, adding paintings or showpieces, and buying new furniture. While these changes can certainly make a difference, they can also be costly and time-consuming.

In 2022, the fire service officials in Dhaka evaluated 1,162 buildings and labelled 136 of them as “extremely risky” and 499 as “risky” in terms of fire hazards. The recent incidents in Bailey Road, Moghbazar and Narayanganj demand a closer inspection of the risks of fire hazards not only in commercial buildings but also in residential ones, especially when it comes to highrises.

Decorating your home with plants adds greenery and life, enhancing both the beauty and atmosphere of your living space.