Why We Ignore the Ghosts of Boishakhs Past
Thousands of people in Dhaka will come out in droves to celebrate Pohela Boishakh, eating hilsha fish and panta bhaat across hundreds of restaurants. Our social media feeds will be abuzz with activity. But what will we do about the…
Shevolution: a New Platform for Women Empowerment
Every year, women’s day gives birth to several women empowerment initiatives. This year was no different. Shevolution is the first ever all-women Olympiad in Bangladesh. The event was organized by an all-female organizing committee with the help of Bangladesh Debating…
Ides of March: Why There Was Never Going to be a United Pakistan
It’s strange that the ghosts of genocide continue to haunt us, 48 years after our independence. Two generations removed from the Liberation War, the story of the Liberation War, and how it was ignited is, perhaps, little different to me…
Why is ‘Consent’ So Complicated?
Remember the photo taken after World War II was over, the photo of a Navy quartermaster kissing a nurse, the iconic photo? Did you also know that the Navy quartermaster kissed the girl without her consent? They hadn’t e even…
The Magic in the Art of Resistance: Why We Love Artists, and Others Fear Them
There's a chance you have heard that quote about the definition of insanity, especially if you played a video game called FarCry 3. "Do you know what the definition of insanity is?" Vaas asked, talking to the protagonist, and thus…
Why Christchurch is a Water Shed Moment for Both Ends of the Political Spectrum
Growing up, I have always felt that I was desensitized to violence. This was, in some ways, related to my gaming habits, which bordered on the horizon of six to eight hours of play per day. I know that it’s…
Are You Having a Boy or an Abortion?
You have probably heard this line a couple of times throughout your life. It can seem like a piece of harmless humor, but it’s poking fun at a very real issue through biting satire. You may even know that this…
Why I can never be “strong”: Empowerment ≠ Domination
The only time people are willing to engage in dialogue about women’s rights is perhaps once a year on Women’s Day. Even then, there are people complaining left and right about how this day is “unnecessary”. There’s this very common…
A History of Abuse against Women, and the Fight Against It
Violence against women hasn’t only been prevalent throughout history, for the longest time, it was encouraged for specific circumstances. However, the fact remains that this violence is a heightened behavior, motivated by factors and supported by social structures that malign…
A Journey to Live in Harmony
The sun was about to set beyond the horizon of Rangamati when five madrasah girls stepped out of the bus after a long journey. Albeit exhausted, they were curious to find out what was awaiting them in their very first…
