Youth
PM for use of familiar words to make science education easier, accessible
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today laid emphasis on the use of familiar words instead of terminology in developing contents to make science education easier and accessible to all.
“We have to accept the words that are widely familiar and mostly used in internationally,” she said.
The Premier said this while inaugurating the four-day long programmes at the auditorium of International Mother Language Institute (IMLI), joining virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban. The IMLI organised the event on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2022.
She urged all to avoid terminology in developing content, saying that everyone should keep in mind that the content becomes inaccessible and non-understandable due to more use of terminology. “I don’t believe that we need to use terminology in everywhere.”
Referring to the incorporation of over 8,000 foreign words in Bangla language, she called upon all not to be much conservative in using foreign words rather put emphasis on developing easy and accessible content in Bangla using the conventional and familiar science terminology worlds.
Sheikh Hasina also asked the International Mother Language Institute to continue their research to ensure that how the language can be made accessible and understandable to all alongside their regular works.
With Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, MP in the chair, Secondary and Higher Secondary Division Secretary Md. Abu Bakr Siddique delivered welcome address.
Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury, MP and the Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Beatrice Kaldun also spoke.
International Mother Language Institute Director General Md. Belayet Hossain Talukdar gave vote of thanks.
Besides, Professor Dr Lafifa Jamal, Chairperson, Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Dhaka, made keynote presentation.
At the outset of the function, Ekushey song was presented while one minute silence was also observed in respect to the martyrs of February 21.
The Prime Minister advised all to be careful in using the terminology, saying that the Bengali word for “content” is “adheya” but many people will not understand if is said where as if content is said it would be understandable easily to all.
Putting priority on developing Bangla content on computers and internet alongside making Bangla Keyboard easier to use, said work is going on it.
Sheikh Hasina said easy use of scientific terminology in Bengali language is needed to attract more students in science education in the country as no nation can make progress without flourishing the science-based education.
“I think no nation can step further without flourishing the science based education,” she opined.
She added science-based education, science-based research and knowledge-based research must be used for the welfare of the people that is the most important matter.
She continued “Research in every sector such as health, education, science even in industry is utmost needed.”
The Premier said research in all subjects including language, literature, culture and science is urgently needed to transform the country from developing to developed one.
“Keeping eyes on that we are trying to do our works,” she said.
Mentioning that Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had given utmost importance to the practice of science and scientific research, she said he (Bangabandhu) had given the responsibility to Dr Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda, the best scientist of that time, to form the country’s Education Commission during the reconstruction of the war-torn country.
Turing on the history of the Language Movement, the Prime Minister said although the February 21, 1952 saw the tragic incident, the movement for mother language began much earlier and Bangabandhu was one of the initiators of the movement.
At the proposal of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said, the State Language Action Council was formed comprising Chhatra League, Tamuddin Majlish and other student organisations in 1948.
She said the government has developed apps in nine languages and created many opportunities for freelancers, and added that her government has also adopted learning and earning project so that people in grassroots level can earn money through computers staying at home.
Highlighting that her government has ensured the identity of freelancers through registration and certification as well as eliminating the problem of withdrawing money from banks, she said now freelancers can work easily and more scopes would be created if it is possible to develop good Bangla contents.
“I think it is important to create content, use it in Bengali and get it widely publicized, so that they can learn it from an early age,” she said.
She also mentioned the initiative of her government to diversify education by establishing universities based on different subjects.
Bangladesh
Tarique outlines plan for employment exchange centres, expansion of overseas labour markets
The government will establish Employment Exchange Centres across Bangladesh to strengthen domestic labour market management, improve skills development and expand job opportunities, Tarique Rahman has said.
Responding to a question from Tangail-6 MP Robiul Awal in parliament on Wednesday, the prime minister said the centres would be created in line with the government’s election manifesto.
He also said the government is working to reopen the Malaysian labour market, expand opportunities in Thailand, South Korea and Japan, and revive or widen labour markets in Oman, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates through diplomatic efforts.
The government is also actively negotiating to set up visa centres in Dhaka for European nations like North Macedonia, Serbia, Mauritius, and Portugal to ease the migration process for skilled Bangladeshi workers, he said.
He added that the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) will introduce more demand-driven language courses and increase the number of training institutions.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani on Tuesday officially launched the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), as more than 100,000 young New Yorkers prepare to begin paid jobs across the city’s five boroughs.
The six-week program, running from July through August, places participants in thousands of workplaces, including community organizations, small businesses, hospitals, cultural institutions and government agencies. The initiative gives young people valuable work experience while helping them develop professional skills and earn an income.
“For so many young New Yorkers, a summer job is more than just a way to pass the time—it is a step toward their future,” Mayor Mamdani said. “For years, SYEP has helped thousands of young people launch their careers, develop professional skills and give back to their communities while earning a paycheck. Congratulations to this year’s participants. I hope you not only learn new skills at work but also discover more about yourselves this summer.”
Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said the program provides young people with essential workplace experience while promoting long-term economic success.
“The road to professional and personal success is paved by programs like SYEP,” Arteaga said. “Beyond workplace experience, the program also offers education in financial literacy and creates opportunities for young people in high-risk communities to build stable and successful futures.”
Marking its 63rd year, SYEP remains the nation’s largest youth employment program. NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) Commissioner Sandra Escamilla-Davies said the initiative continues to open career pathways by connecting participants with employers, mentors and meaningful work experiences.
“SYEP helps young people explore their interests, build professional skills and prepare for the future while strengthening communities across New York City,” Escamilla-Davies said. “Together with programs such as Summer Rising, Saturday Night Lights and Summer Night Lights, it offers safe and engaging opportunities that continue to benefit participants long after the summer ends.”
Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani released a video encouraging young New Yorkers to apply for the program, resulting in a record number of applications.
The program is designed to support young people who often face barriers to employment, including residents of NYCHA housing, homeless youth, young people with disabilities, those involved with the justice system, youth in foster care and individuals at high risk of gun violence.
Studies have found that participation in SYEP improves school attendance, builds workplace skills and reduces crime and incarceration. A 2021 study found that participants were 17 percent less likely to be arrested and 23 percent less likely to face felony arrests. Research also shows that participants are significantly less likely to be incarcerated in New York State more than five years after completing the program.
As part of its partnership with the city, Lyft will provide 1,200 free two-month Citi Bike memberships to SYEP participants, helping them commute to work and travel across the city. The company will also host interns on its Social Impact team, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills.
“We’re proud to continue partnering with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development because access to transportation is access to opportunity,” said Inbar Kishoni, Senior Manager of Community & Equity Programs at Lyft Urban Solutions. “Since 2022, Lyft has provided free Citi Bike memberships and practical work experience to help young New Yorkers build skills and confidence. When young people move, cities move with them.”
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.
“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.
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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