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Rafeed Elahi Chowdhury on winning INMA 30 under 30 Award

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Rafeed Elahi Chowdhury is the Lead of Content and Product Growth at The Business Standard. He won the title for Rising Star, under the Content category in the Global Media Industry 2021 at 30 under 30 Awards by International News Media Association (INMA). Star Youth, The Daily Frontline recently caught up with him to learn more about his journey.

How do you feel about being included in this year’s INMA 30 under 30 list?

To be honest, I did not expect this result while applying. I was watching the award announcement ceremony just to see if someone from Bangladesh makes it to the list. When I heard them announce my name, I was surprised and delighted. I feel honoured and grateful that out of all the applications made all over the world, I am the awardee from Bangladesh.

Tell us more about your professional background.

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I began my journey as a freelance journalist at The Daily Star. I also co-founded Torun, a youth content platform, with some of my seniors. As a part of my current role, I formed a youth network with university campuses throughout the country and co-initiated a few campaigns that would enhance the brand name of our company. Other than being associated with content marketing, I am also an author, with two published books, and a trainer.

What motivated you to apply for the award?

My current boss, Ehsanur Raza Ronny, and former boss, Md Tajdin Hassan, asked me to keep track of the projects I am working on, so that when the time comes, I can apply. I never actually thought I could make it, so my boss had to push me to apply and I submitted my application on the deadline day. I am lucky to be surrounded by such supportive people in my workplace, who believe in my potential and appreciate my ideas.

What was the application process like?

Following INMA’s announcement, I filled out an application form, consisting of short essays that reflect my work, vision, and contributions to my field of work. A recommendation letter from my boss was also required. INMA adds a bunch of nominated professionals to a number of slack groups. We need to communicate with everyone in a friendly, professional, and fruitful manner. INMA assesses the nominees through that conversation.

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How did you develop a passion for content marketing?

I pursued my undergraduate studies in Marketing from North South University and was always passionate about writing. Content marketing was a merging point for my interest and academic background. So, the desire to be a storyteller and my passion for writing and marketing brought me where I am today.

What are your future plans?

I intend to come up with more courses on content marketing and branding. I also plan to write more books. Two of my books are expected to be launched in the Boi Mela next year.

The author is a medical student and a freelance journalist who likes reading, scribbling, and blogging. Email: mislammonamee@gmail.com.

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The most influential and award-winning tech journalist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. President of Bangladesh Tech Journalists umbrella association name Bangladesh ICT Journalist Forum(BIJF).He works for The Daily Ittefaq and is responsible for covering news, editing posts, reviewing devices, producing video reviews, and communicating with the reader base. Journalist, editor, technology, personal technology, reviews, features, analysis, media.

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Youth

Dhaka Flow inaugurates ‘Transformation’ At Dutch Embassy

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The Transformation: Art of Alchemy exhibition was officially inaugurated on Wednesday at the Residence Gallery of the Dutch Embassy.

Guests explored evocative works by featured artists Vinita Karim, Rokeya Sultana, Asma Akber, Abdus Shakoor, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha, Biplob Chakraborty, and Ranjit Das.

The exhibition space allowed for meaningful dialogue on the transformative power of art in healing and wellbeing.

“Community healing begins with the shared processing of grief, joy, confusion, and hope,” said Shazia Omar, founder and CEO of Dhaka Flow.

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“Through this visual exhibition and our workshops, we wanted to curate a multi-dimensional experience that highlighted the importance of shared creative expression in community healing.”

“Transformation: Art of Alchemy” was a powerful step forward in Dhaka Flow’s mission to create spaces where art and wellness intersect.

As we look ahead, we are committed to deepening this work—especially by uplifting emerging and youth artists across Bangladesh. Our vision is to keep expanding opportunities for shared creative expression, and to continue exploring the ways art and community can support collective wellbeing.

Alongside the artwork, Dhaka Flow has conducted a breathwork—meditation session in the space, with another one coming up soon.

They are also hosting three art workshops at the Dhaka Flow studio, and attendees are invited to sign up using the link below.

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The Dhaka Flow team was present to greet visitors and share their vision for more events that celebrate artists and create space for transformation through movement, breath, and art.

In August, the space will host another exhibition presenting youth artwork from around the country.

The exhibition remains open until the end of July, and paintings can be viewed every Saturday from 12–5pm by appointment only.

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Youth

Mystery at the Station: Youth Who Attacked ASI Found Dead in Pond Near Gaibandha Police

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A bizarre and chilling chain of events unfolded at Saghata Police Station in Gaibandha, leaving a community in shock and a mystery in its wake. A young man who had barged into the station, attempted to snatch a rifle, and stabbed an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), was found dead in a nearby pond early Friday morning.

The drama began around 10:00 PM on Thursday, when the unidentified youth, believed to be in his late twenties, entered the police station claiming he wanted to file a complaint. Things quickly escalated. According to police and eyewitnesses, an argument broke out when the computer operator asked the youth to write down the complaint himself and bring it in.

Suddenly, the youth lunged at a constable, trying to grab his rifle. In the chaos that followed, ASI Mohsin Mia and others rushed in to stop him. A scuffle broke out, and the youth managed to stab ASI Mohsin before fleeing into the night.

As it happened, a local arbitration meeting was being held right outside the station. Locals and police joined forces in hot pursuit. Moments later, the youth was seen diving into the pond beside Saghata Pilot High School, trying to hide under thick water hyacinths.

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The area was cordoned off, and police kept vigil overnight. Locals eventually went home. But when dawn broke, the Fire Service recovered the youth’s lifeless body from the pond. Whether he drowned or succumbed to other causes is still unknown. His body was taken to the station and later sent to Gaibandha General Hospital for an autopsy.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Officer-in-Charge Badsha Alam confirmed the incident, saying:

“We cannot confirm the cause of death until we receive the post-mortem report. A legal investigation is underway, and we are working to identify the individual.”

He added that ASI Mohsin suffered injuries to his hand and forehead and was treated at Saghata Upazila Health Complex. A formal briefing on the incident is expected soon.

One eyewitness, Abdullah Mondal, recounted the surreal scene:

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“There was a loud commotion, and then I saw this unknown young man running like his life depended on it, with cops and locals behind him. Then—splash—he dove into the pond. But after that… nothing.”

As authorities dig into the circumstances surrounding this strange encounter, one question lingers in the air: Who was he, and what drove him to charge into a police station with chaos in his eyes and a knife in his hand?

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Youth

Words That Win: Global Spell Bee 2025 National Final Wraps Up at North South University

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The air at North South University buzzed with brains and big dreams as the national finale of Global Spell Bee 2025 reached its crescendo. Students from across the country battled it out with syllables and synonyms, showing off not just stellar spelling skills but razor-sharp thinking and academic brilliance.

Organised by EduPro Concepts BD Ltd. in collaboration with GateKeepr and Help the Future, and proudly hosted by the North South University Debate Club, this event wasn’t just a spelling showdown—it was a stage where young minds from grades 4 to 12 danced with words, discovered their potential, and learned to roar (politely, of course) in perfect English.

The event is a part of the internationally recognized Global Spell Bee, and the stakes were sky-high. Winners from this round will pack their dictionaries and dreams for Dubai this October, where they’ll go head-to-head with contestants from nearly 50 countries for a shot at global recognition—and one life-changing educational journey.

The grand finale drew in an impressive crowd of guests and dignitaries. Chief Guest Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU and Chairman of Grameen Bank, lit up the stage with encouragement:

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“Competitions like the Global Spell Bee help students become smarter, more confident, and better at expressing their thoughts. The moment you stepped in and competed, you already won.”

Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council Bangladesh, chimed in with wise words wrapped in inspiration:

“Education gives you choices. The more you learn, the more life brings you options.”

Also present was Mohammad Inzamul Haque, Assistant Personal Secretary to the Education Adviser at the Ministry of Education, who praised the competition for going beyond grades and grammar:

“It builds confidence, discipline, and communication—skills that are essential for the world these students are stepping into.”

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The competition itself? Oh, it was fierce. It had everything—from intense written and oral rounds to workshops, mentorship marathons, and plenty of “spell-offs.” Contestants had access to premium vocabulary resources and coaching that leveled up their comprehension and communication game.

In the senior category, the finale was so tight, it needed a tiebreaker—because apparently, excellence decided to show up twice. Eventually, Nabiha Tahseen Nubah from Sunnydale School claimed the crown. Over in the junior category, Ibnat Namira Ahmed from Summerfield International School stole the spotlight.

Every participant walked away with medals and certificates, but more than that—they carried home confidence, connections, and a renewed love for learning.

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Editor : Jashim Uddin ; Publisher: Rafiqul Alam Address: Bengal Centre (6th floor), 28 Topkhana Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Ph :+8802-7124586 e-mail:dailyfrontlinebd@gmail.com Copyright © 2020 Daily Frontline. Bangladesh Independent Daily.