<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
                        <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/feed/opinion</id>
                                <link href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/feed/opinion"></link>
                                <title><![CDATA[Sunnews opinion Feed]]></title>
                                <description>Sunnews Latest opinion News Feeds</description>
                                <language>bn-BD</language>
                                <updated>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:10:12 +0000</updated>
                        <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[‘Which side are you on?’ Larijani]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/which-side-are-you-on-larijani/13365" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/which-side-are-you-on-larijani/13365</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Iran&rsquo;s security chief Ali Larijani has issued a message to the Muslim world saying that Iran remains &ldquo;steadfast&rdquo; in its fight against the US and Israel, reports AL Jazeera.

Larijani voiced disappointment with what he described as lack of support from Muslim-majority countries when Iran came under attack.

&ldquo;Some nations have gone even further, declaring Iran to be their adversary simply because it targeted American bases &ndash; as well as American and Israeli interests &ndash; situated within their own territories,&rdquo; Larijani said.

While Iran stresses that it is only striking US interests in the Middle East, its drones and missiles have targeted civilian sites, including hotels and energy installment in the Gulf region.

Larijani said Iran cannot be &ldquo;expected to stand idly by with its hands tied&rdquo; while US bases are located in neighbouring countries.

&ldquo;The confrontation today is, in reality, between America and Israel on one side, and Muslim Iran and the forces of resistance on the other. Which side are you on, then?&rdquo; the Iranian official said.

Larijani called for Muslim unity, stressing that Iran does not seek &ldquo;hegemony&rdquo; over the region.

&ldquo;You know full well that America has no loyalty, and that Israel is, in fact, your enemy,&rdquo; he said.

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:10:12 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Bangladesh’s upcoming polls: A strategic test for Democracy and Geopolitics]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/bangladeshs-upcoming-polls-a-strategic-test-for-democracy-and-geopolitics/13338" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/bangladeshs-upcoming-polls-a-strategic-test-for-democracy-and-geopolitics/13338</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Bangladesh&rsquo;s next national election is being closely watched by the international community, not only as a domestic political event but also as a key indicator of democratic governance in a strategically important Indo-Pacific state.
Western governments, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, are emphasizing the need for a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process. The credibility of the election will determine the democratic legitimacy of the next government and influence Bangladesh&rsquo;s diplomatic relations with Western partners.
Bangladesh sits at the crossroads of major power competition. China views Bangladesh as a critical partner in infrastructure and Belt and Road projects. On the other hand India prioritizes regional stability, security cooperation, and economic integration.
The United States and its allies focus on democratic norms, human rights, and Indo-Pacific security architecture. The political direction of the next government could shape Bangladesh&rsquo;s foreign policy alignment in this evolving geopolitical landscape.

International investors, multinational corporations, and financial institutions such as the IMF and World Bank are closely monitoring political stability. A credible election could boost foreign investment and economic confidence, while political unrest could trigger capital flight and economic uncertainty. Global human rights organizations and international media outlets are tracking election-related developments, including restrictions on opposition parties, digital laws, and press freedom. These factors may influence foreign policy decisions, including visa policies and potential sanctions.

For the global community, Bangladesh&rsquo;s election represents a critical balance between political stability and democratic accountability. The outcome will not only shape the country&rsquo;s domestic political trajectory but also influence regional power dynamics in South Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 09 Feb 2026 14:23:05 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Global Economic &amp; Oil-Market Implications for Venezuela crisis]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/global-economic-oil-market-implications-for-venezuela-crisis/13312" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/global-economic-oil-market-implications-for-venezuela-crisis/13312</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Juhi Jahan: The global economic and oil-market implications for Venezuela crisis is severe enough to disrupt governance, sanctions policy, or production. It focuses on impacts, not disputed operational claims.

The brief analysis on the crisis are:

1 Oil Supply Shock &amp; Price Volatility - Venezuela holds the world&rsquo;s largest proven oil reserves, but output is already constrained by underinvestment and sanctions.

Any sharp escalation: Raises global oil price volatility, even if barrels are not immediately lost. Adds a risk premium to Brent and WTI prices. Hits oil-importing countries hardest (South Asia, Africa, parts of Europe). Limited disruption can move prices because spare global capacity is thin.

2 Sanctions, Licenses &amp; Market Uncertainty - A crisis forces Washington and allies to choose between: Tightening sanctions (political pressure, reduced supply), Selective easing or licenses (to stabilize prices and inflation), Frequent policy shifts increase uncertainty for Traders, Refiners (especially U.S. Gulf Coast, which is optimized for heavy crude), Energy investors. However, Policy ambiguity itself becomes a market destabilizer.

3 U.S. Energy Strategy vs Inflation - For the U.S., Venezuela sits at the intersection of Energy security, Inflation control, Geopolitics. Higher oil prices push up fuel and food costs globally, Complicate interest-rate policy, Increase political pressure on governments already facing cost-of-living crises. Venezuela matters far beyond Latin America because energy prices are politically explosive everywhere.

4 Winners and Losers in the Oil Market

Potential winners are Other heavy-crude suppliers (Canada, Mexico), U.S. shale producers (short-term price boost), Gulf producers if prices rise

Potential losers are developing oil-importing economies, Countries with fuel subsidies, Shipping and airline sectors

5 Geopolitical Realignment is a prolonged crisis acceleration. China and Russia positioning as alternatives to U.S. influence. Latin American polarization over sovereignty vs regime change. A weakening of global norms against unilateral intervention. Energy becomes not just a commodity&mdash;but a geopolitical lever.

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:02:38 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Why the Liberation War was inevitable?]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/why-the-liberation-war-was-inevitable/13263" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/why-the-liberation-war-was-inevitable/13263</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Muktijuddho Keno Anibarjo Chhilo(why liberation war was inevitable) is the Bengali translation of Dr. Kamal Hossain&rsquo;s original English work which was written in 1974 and was compiled in the 15th volume of Bangladesh Shadhinata Juddho Dalilpatro.

Later it was successively published in Daily Bhorer Kagoj and was first published by Bhorer Kagaj Publication as a complete book. The book provides a historical account of Bangladesh&rsquo;s Liberation War and the events leading up to the immediate prior days, focusing particularly on the political and constitutional developments that led to the liberation war of 1971. This review evaluates the book&rsquo;s strengths, limitations, and its contribution to academic discourse on the Liberation War.

The author of the book Dr Kamal Hossain was born on April 20, 1937, He is a founding leader, lawyer and politician of Bangladesh, and is regarded as an icon of secular democracy in the Indian subcontinent. Dr Kamal Hossain studied at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Oxford, where he earned degrees in economics, jurisprudence, and international Law. He was called to the bar by Lincons-inn in 1959 and became an advocate in the high court at Dhaka in the same year. Dr. Kamal Hossain has held significant positions, including serving as the Law Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister of Bangladesh. He is one of the key architects of the Constitution of Bangladesh.

The central argument of Muktijuddho Keno Anibarjo Chhilo is that the Liberation War was an unavoidable outcome of prolonged economic, political, and cultural oppression by the ruling establishment of Pakistan.During the culminating preparation phase of Bengali&#39;s fight for independence, political and constitutional discussions were held under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibar Rahman. During those turbulent times, Dr. Kamal Hossain participated in numerous political debates and activities, both formal and informal. He has closely witnessed the violations of agreements and conspiracies by Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and their followers.He served as the chief legal negotiator for Sheikh Mujib during the tripartite talks with Yahya and Bhutto before March 1971.. As an eyewitness and stakeholder in these events, the author, Dr. Kamal Hossain offers a rare and insightful perspective, combining narration of personal experience with a commitment to maintain objectivity in looking at the incidents.

The book details the political climate of East Pakistan from the 1965 Indo-Pak war to the events of March 25, 1971. It describes the disparity between East and West Pakistan in legal, administrative, and economic spheres. Dr Hossain, a key figure in constitutional discussions under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, describes discrimination against East Pakistan and the political maneuvering systematically.

After the 1965 war, the Punjabi army and political leaders were dissatisfied with Ayub Khan, to weaken Ayubs Position they sought to align with Bengalis to form a national government. The Bengalis prioritise the issue of regional autonomy. In 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a leader of the Awami League, proposed regional autonomy of Bengal in a meeting with Ayub Khan but was rejected. As a result, Sheikh Mujib initiated the six-point movement with the people&#39;s mandate. The majority population in Pakistan contributed significantly to the national economy through exports such as jute, but East Pakistanis felt politically deprived. This consequent and persistent discrimination created agitation among economists, politicians, and intellectuals led to the historical six-point movement.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman showed unwavering determination despite countless obstacles from the central government and other East Pakistani political parties. His firm stance and leadership, mass support made him the symbol of Bengali nationalism. However, the Ayub administration labelled Sheikh Mujib and the six-point movement a militant nationalist trend and declared to answer the protests in the language of weapons. On April 18 Sheikh Mujib was arrested, triggering widespread crackdowns, including the shutdown of the Bengali newspaper Ittefaq, the then spokesman of Bengali Nationalism, arrested its editor Manik Mia. Ayub Khans&#39; Administration suited the historical Agartala Conspiracy case. The author shared Intricate details of the legal proceedings and the political tension surrounding the case as he served as a layer of the Agartala Conspiracy case.

Ayub Khan&#39;s stock was down in both east and west Pakistan and a mass movement against his rule gained momentum in 1968. During this period, DUCSU president Tofayel Ahmed formed a new student committee that introduced an 11-point demand charter, expanding upon the six-point movements. After prolonged negotiations and legal battles in which the author played an active role, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was released on 22nd February 1969. The next day, in a mass gathering of over a million people, he was given the title Bangabandhu.

This book provides a detailed account of the political tension between the central government and the people of East Pakistan. Sheikh Mujib&rsquo;s refusal to compromise on the Six-Point Plan despite government resistance and military threats further credited his position among the people of East Pakistan.However, the Awami League&rsquo;s overwhelming victory in the 1970 elections, securing 167 out of 169 seats in East Pakistan, gave Mujib an unassailable political mandate.After leading several rounds of meetings between the East and West wing leaders, the negotiations ultimately failed due to their unwillingness to be reasonable with the people of the West.

Inan incident of an Indian Airlines plane hijacking in Lahore, India suspended all overflights of Pakistani aircraft overIndian territory, significantly increasing travel difficulties between east and west Pakistan. By this time Sheikh Mujib and the student leaders were considering a declaration of independence as an option. The author was tasked with drafting the declaration while Awami League leaders continued pressing for the convening of the national assembly. Bhutto however remained opposed to negotiations.

On 19th February, The tension among everyone intensified as signs of military action began to surface in Dhaka. Yahya Khan indefinitely postponed the national assembly session, effectively depriving Bengalis of their majority and the announcement provoked outrage. Sheikh Mujib called a non-cooperation movement. D. Kamal Hossain, along with Tajuddin Ahmed and Amirul Islam, played a crucial role in drafting the central directives.A formal declaration of independence was widely anticipated, but in the speech of 7th March Sheikh Mujib balanced restraint and defiance with a defining statement &ldquo;Our struggle now is for independence our struggle now is for freedom&rdquo;.

In final chapters of the book delve into the critical moments of March 1971. Through consecutive ongoing negotiations, Yahya Khan ordered General Tikka Khan to initiate Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown on Dhaka on March 25.Dr Hossain&rsquo;s firsthand account of these discussions and the subsequent genocide provides a crucial understanding of the inevitability of the war.

A major strength of the book is its emphasis on constitutional discourse. Dr. Hossain, being instrumental in drafting Bangladesh&rsquo;s post-independence constitution, provides a detailed legal analysis of the struggles faced by East Pakistanis in securing political autonomy. He also critiques the failure of legal frameworks, such as the Government of India Act 1935 and Pakistan&rsquo;s successive constitutions, in addressing the demands of Bengali self-determination.

In the book Dr. Kamal Hossain used an autobiographical approach and this is one of the strengths of this book. He critically examines constitutional and administrative issues, offering readers an in-depth understanding of the historical context.This book is the narrative of the personal experience of the author of those turbulent days of history, he remained objective while describing the events, even when he wrote about the killing of a close one, srg Jahurul Haque, one of the accused of the Agartala Conspiracy case, who had been shot dead by a military guard while in the custody. The author made a conscious effort to remain unaffected by his surroundings and remained committed to presenting the events and their aftermaths with integrity. The date, time and detailed facts are marked in every event, which makes the book important evidence for Bangladesh&#39;s liberation war history. As the author is a lawyer the events he has inscribed he did critically, he answered the legal and administrational facts that will resolve the the curiosity of the readers concisely.

The book also critiques West Pakistan&#39;s official narratives, including the government&#39;s white paper for distortion of history and provides well-researched arguments to counter any attempts to downplay the necessity of the war. The book offers invaluable insights into the political, economic and military developments leading to 1971, providing a factual narrative of the emergence of Bangladesh.

The book primarily emphasizes the constitutional and political failure of Pakistan but does not deeply explore the mass uprisings, the role of student movements and grassroots activists, which played a crucial role in mobilizing the masses, is not given enough emphasis. While Pakistan&#39;s actions and repressions are well discussed this book does not deeply analyze the role of international actors, such as India&#39;s strategic decisions, the soviet union&#39;s support and the US-China-Pakistan nexus.

Muktijuddho Keno Anibarjo Chhilo is an essential resource for scholars and students of South Asian history, political science, and constitutional law. It provides a detailed and well-reasoned argument on why the Liberation War was not just a spontaneous rebellion but a necessary historical event shaped by decades of systemic oppression. The book is particularly useful for understanding the legal and political underpinnings of the conflict, making it a valuable addition to academic discussions on postcolonial state formation. Dr. Kamal Hossain&rsquo;s legal expertise and personal involvement lend credibility to the narrative, making this book a significant contribution to the historiography of the Liberation War.

The writer is a final year student at Department of Drawing and Painting Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka.

Courtsy: Bangladesh Observer

Sun News/ra]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:12:19 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Trump’s Next Foreign Policy and Bangladesh]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/trumps-next-foreign-policy-and-bangladesh/13189" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/trumps-next-foreign-policy-and-bangladesh/13189</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Shrabasti Chakma: With Donald Trump getting ready to get back to the White House in January 2025, concerns emerge regarding how his administration could influence foreign relations with countries like Bangladesh. Although the United States has not typically focused on the South Asian country in its foreign policy, its geographic position and expanding economy are making it more important in global geopolitics, which could present both advantages and difficulties. During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump&#39;s foreign policy emphasized the importance of &quot;America First,&quot; giving priority to trade agreements, one-on-one interactions, and addressing growing Chinese influence throughout the globe. Even though Bangladesh was not a significant factor in this regard, its significance in the Indo-Pacific area and its growing economy were still acknowledged. There is a lot of talk about how Trump could change his approach toward the South Asian nation.

Bangladesh has become a significant player in the textile and garment industry on a global scale, especially in the context of international trade. Bangladesh&#39;s exports exceed $10 billion annually. A second term for Trump could present both obstacles and advantages for Bangladesh, a major exporter of textiles and garments, in their trade relations. Throughout Trump&#39;s initial four years in office (2017&ndash;2021), his administration placed a strong emphasis on decreasing trade imbalances and reworking trade deals that were viewed as detrimental to U.S. interests. Although Bangladesh&#39;s trade surplus was not the main focus of his trade agenda, its export-driven economy may come under increased scrutiny if Trump decides to bring back his tough stance on trade imbalances and protectionist measures. Once more, experts advise that tariffs on products from Bangladesh, like clothing, may rise in the U.S. during Trump&#39;s presidency to boost local production. Trump&#39;s inclination towards bilateral trade agreements instead of multilateral structures might change the dynamics in the relationship between the United States and Bangladesh. Despite the absence of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the U.S. at present, Trump&#39;s focus on one-on-one discussions could lead to a custom trade arrangement that is probably skewed in favor of U.S. interests. Agreements could involve requiring Bangladesh to enhance labor protections in its garment industry and enhance compliance with intellectual property and copyright standards.

The strategic position of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal makes it an important player in the Indo-Pacific region, where the U.S. is now placing more attention on pushing back against China&#39;s expanding power. During Trump&#39;s former presidency, the Indo-Pacific Strategy focused on building relationships with countries in the region to limit the impact of China&#39;s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Trump&#39;s comeback could result in heightened U.S. diplomatic and economic efforts to counter the growing influence of China, as Bangladesh continues to receive substantial Chinese investments in infrastructure. A Trump government could push Dhaka to cooperate more with the U.S., possibly providing financial benefits or security partnership to balance out Chinese investments. Nevertheless, this might create a predicament for Bangladesh, as it depends on China for development initiatives while also nurturing strong relationships with other major countries like India and Japan.

Although Trump usually did not focus on human rights and labor conditions in his foreign policy, the labor practices in Bangladesh&#39;s garment industry have frequently been a topic of disagreement. Advocacy organizations in the United States have consistently urged for more stringent enforcement of labor rights in Bangladesh, especially following the 2013 Rana Plaza tragedy. A Trump administration could utilize these topics as bargaining tools in trade negotiations, but would probably not prioritize them in the relationship, considering Trump&#39;s business-like approach to diplomacy. In terms of humanitarian issues, Bangladesh&#39;s continuous work to accommodate close to one million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar may not receive much focus from a White House led by Trump. Although the Trump administration did offer assistance for the refugee crisis, their main priority was decreasing America&#39;s support for global entities.

For Bangladesh, navigating a Trump presidency would require careful diplomacy. As it seeks to maintain its non-aligned foreign policy stance, balancing relationships with the U.S., China, and other global powers will be critical. A second Trump term could present opportunities for Bangladesh to deepen economic and security ties with the U.S., but these would likely come with conditions that challenge its autonomy in foreign policy and economic decision-making. In conclusion, Trump&rsquo;s potential foreign policy toward Bangladesh would reflect his broader themes of transactional diplomacy and strategic competition with China. While this could bring new avenues for cooperation, particularly in trade and security, Bangladesh would need to tread cautiously to protect its national interests in an increasingly polarized global landscape.

Writer: Student of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Wed, 27 Nov 2024 11:57:01 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Qatar&#039;s Achievement in Multilateral Mediation]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/qatars-achievement-in-multilateral-mediation/12874" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/qatars-achievement-in-multilateral-mediation/12874</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Antara Afroz: Many countries in the modern world want to present themselves as peace-loving countries to the international community. Apart from the United States of America, Turkey and Germany are notable among these countries - Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman. The United Arab Emirates has once played a leading role in the Middle East crisis. At present the country cannot focus on solving the problems of other states due to its internal financial problems. Here, Qatar is ahead of the rest of the countries. Above all, Qatar has emerged as a leading country in crisis resolution and negotiation. At various times, Qatar has been seen mediating at the negotiating table in various global crises.

Also Read: 2 killed in miscreant firing

The Al-Thani tribe of Saudi Arabian origin has ruled the region of Qatar as an emirate since the late 18th century. Like Bangladesh, Qatar also gained full independence in 1971. The Emir of Qatar, a monarchical country with about two million citizens, is both the head of state and the head of government. The current Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani took over from his father Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in 2013. Since 1995, the country&#39;s Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has contributed to giving the country a strong foundation. It was then that the current Emir Tamim brought the island nation to the highway of development.

Just as Qatar has given the United States the opportunity to set up a military base in the country, it has also allowed the Taliban, Israel, and all the conflicting groups in the world to open an office to keep the door open for negotiation or compromise. Even the world&#39;s most powerful media has allowed Al Jazeera to operate independently and safely. Qatar was once boycotted by neighboring countries Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman for Al Jazeera. Yet Qatar has not wavered in its support for Al Jazeera.

In 2017, Qatar tried to negotiate the release of hostages in the Russia-Syria war. Qatar also mediated hostages held by the Taliban in 2019. When the Taliban came to power in 2021, the evacuation of thousands of people was highlighted. At the same time, Qatar came forward as the host country in reconciliation talks with the United States and the Taliban.

Also Read: Illegal brick kilns to be evicted

Although Qatar is a small country, the country rich in liquefied natural gas has made itself indispensable at the international level. The neighboring two dominant countries, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, independently control everything outside the ring.

Apart from the state agreement, elites and internationally renowned people are also given the opportunity to spin. Indian painter Maqbool Fida Hussain, Dr. Zakir Naik is one of them. In 1975, many sought refuge in Qatar to escape Israeli assassination attempts in Jordan. On the other hand, the supreme leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, also lives in Qatar. Having been able to build their position as a result of such good relations over decades.

In 2008, Qatar tried to mediate between the Yemeni government and the Houthi rebels. Later, Qatar played a major role in the settlement on behalf of Lebanon in 2009 and the 2012 reconciliation between the Palestinian movement between Hamas and Qatar.

The wealthier the country is, the more important it is in world politics. Qatar has ample oil reserves. Which is one of their biggest sources of income. Many countries in Europe and America are dependent on Qatar&#39;s oil. Seizing this opportunity, Qatar is building itself into a different approach called mediation.

Author: Student, Tejgaon College]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Fri, 02 Feb 2024 08:58:19 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Threat of plastic pollution on the rise]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/threat-of-plastic-pollution-on-the-rise/12275" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/threat-of-plastic-pollution-on-the-rise/12275</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Sazzad Hossain Sourov : United Nations Environment Programme found that plastics may take 500-1000 years to c, even then it becomes microplastics without fully degrading. Sustainability of environment creates sustainable tomorrow. But this non-biodegradable element adversely impact on environment including land, oceans, coastline and air. Since man has created the plastic pollution, only man can save the environment from detrimental impact of such pollution to ensure sustainable environment.

Read more : Two city elections begin

Plastic pollution is the most global pressing issue for its detrimental impact on environment and human life. It is the most enduring material man has ever created. It causes extinction of marine species, health problems for human beings and the destruction of our ecosystem.

The objectives are promoting the awareness regarding plastic pollution to ensure sustainable development of environment. Engage with policy makers, advocating for regulations and policies that reduce plastic waste, promote recycling and encourage sustainable alternatives. Global plastic industry may take specific measures to minimize the plastic pollution.

Read more : 10 killed in Australia bus crash

There is a movement to reduce plastic waste called Plastic Free July Movement in which participants reduce their household waste including millions of single-use drink bottles, coffee cups, packaging, straws and plastic bags and recycling 21 kilos per person in every year. Thus they contribute to a total savings of 940 million kilos of plastic waste every year.

Marine Plastic Pollution: International Union for Conservation of Nature published a report on November 2021 and found that 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year and 80% of all marine pollution occurs due to plastic waste. Main sources of plastic debris found in the ocean coming from urban and storm-water runoff, sewer overflows, industrial activities and single use item such as shopping bags, cups and straws.

Read more : Three killed in two truck clash

 Plastic wastes are the reasons of ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. The marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. Thereby floating plastics threatening marine biodiversity. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that plastic pollution contributes to climate crisis.

 The production of plastic is one of the most energy intensive manufacturing process. The materials are fossil fuels such as crude oil, which are transformed into polymer via heat and other additives. UNEP also found that plastics produces 1.8 billion metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 which is 3.4 per cent of the global total. Million tons of plastic throughout the world reeling in the oceans have obtained a lot of media attention recently.

Read more : Five burnt in N&rsquo;ganj fire

But plastic pollution more aggressively threats to the plants, animals and humans who are based on land. UNEP expressed the plastics we use in our daily life ends up in landfills where it may take up to 1,000 years to degrade. It emits toxic substances into the soil. In Germany, the researchers are warning that the impact of microplastics in soils adversely effect on ecosystems.

Fossil fuels like oil and natural gas are the main raw- materials producing plastic. These materials release toxic emissions into air when extracted oil and gas from our earth. The recycling industry of plastic adversely impact on air quality by burning of plastics. Researchers estimate that over 40% of the world&#39;s garbage is burned. Burning plastic releases dangerous substances such as heavy metals and other toxic chemicals into the air.

Read more : Cocaine seized at airport

UNEP published a new report to show the roadmap reducing plastic pollution. The report expressed if countries and companies make effective policy and using existing technology, it could reduce 80% of plastic pollution by 2040. The method of reuse, recycle and reorient can reduce plastic pollution in where reusing method can reduce 30% of the pollution. The report recommends a global fiscal framework as an international policy to enable recycled materials.

So far, there is no single comprehensive international law that specifically address plastic pollution. The members of United Nations agreed on a resolution to end plastic pollution. To reduce the negative impact of plastic pollution Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is developing a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Read more : 3 killed in bus-auto clash

Another method to reduce the plastic pollution is, moving away from the current linear plastic economy to a circular plastic economy. For achieving this method countries need to encourage to those businesses that do away with unnecessary plastics. Individuals should not use single-use plastic products whenever possible. They need to reuse and recycle the products as well as not depositing the plastics into water.

The most important thing which individuals may take is to raise their voice against plastic pollution and supporting business which reducing single-use plastics. 

Read more : 721 Bangladeshis return home

Plastic pollution is now global problem. It adversely impacts on the marine species, human lives, plants and animals. To ensure sustainable tomorrow, at first sustainable development of environment is essential. But plastic pollution causes environmental degradation.

 Individuals, state and business industry should come forward to maintaining free environment of plastic pollution by avoiding single-use plastics. Absolute plastic free environment is not possible without recycle and reuse of plastic products.

The writer is a student, Department of Law at Jagannath University]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:23:46 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Our half-life of choking on polluted air]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/our-half-life-of-choking-on-polluted-air/11983" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/our-half-life-of-choking-on-polluted-air/11983</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Farzana Misha: Did you know that, according to the global air quality watchdog IQAir, Bangladesh ranked as the most polluted country in the world between 2018 to 2021? Dhaka has topped the air pollution index for several weeks in a row this year. It appears to be doing everything it can to cling to that top seat. And, as we all know, &quot;success&quot; comes at a cost, and this is no exception. But who is going to pay for it?

Read more: US wants stronger relationship

Allow me to take you down memory lane for a moment. According to a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the air quality of Dhaka is 11 times worse than the standard set by the organisation. This is a startling statistic that should be taken seriously. Another peer-reviewed study published in a well-reputed international journal found that long-term exposure to air pollution in Dhaka is linked to an increase in respiratory diseases among adults and children, as well as an increase in the number of deaths due to air pollution-related illnesses. Moreover, a survey conducted by the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) found that air pollution has been linked to an increase in the number of days that people have to take off from work due to illness, as well as a rise in hospital visits due to respiratory illnesses.

Since this year started, Dhaka&#39;s position in the Air Quality Index (AQI) has been consistently teetering above the &quot;severe&quot; or &quot;hazardous&quot; conditions. The worst part is that the pollutants here are dominated by forms most detrimental to health: fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5).

Read more: Earthquake shakes Sylhet

PM2.5 particles are small enough that they can bore through our lungs, enter the bloodstream, and damage most of our larger internal organs. Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and shortness of breath are just some of the short-term health impacts associated with exposure to fine particles.

According to the recent study by the World Bank in Bangladesh on air pollution, the average exposure of PM2.5 in major construction sites in Dhaka is 150 percent above the limit standardised by WHO &ndash; equivalent to smoking 1.7 cigarettes per day. Consider the irony of this if you are a conscientious non-smoker or an ex-smoker. The same study found that feeling blue was already increasing from the PM2.5 exposure.

Read more: Two killed in Turag accident

Ironically, this topic has been discussed many times before. Since Bangladesh first made its debut on the list of worst offenders with air pollution, many of us ranted, raved, and complained about the poor quality of our air, as well as the underlying causes of air pollution. Slowly, but surely, the government started to take action to address some of the problems.

However, a closer look will tell you that even with meticulous planning and execution, the dividends to be reaped from these actions are likely only in the long-term, leaving us choking in the present.

Read more: AL opted qualified person

These include traffic management plans, introduction of cleaner fuels, investment in renewable energy, and the promotion of rapid mass public transit. On the policy front, the government introduced a clean air action plan (CAAP) in 2019 to reduce air pollution in Dhaka and other major cities. Included in this plan are implementation of traffic management plans, improvement of energy efficiency, investment in renewable energy, introduction of Euro IV fuel in Dhaka, expansion of access and utilisation of public transportation, establishment of an air quality monitoring network, and establishment of a vehicle emission testing system. But how many of these have been implemented?

While these actions start to have positive effects at some point in the future, do we simply wait, holding our breath? What plans do we have to address the growing public health risks posed by air pollution? Given the government&#39;s serious approach towards this issue, what are their plans to bring about immediate relief? How much worse does the air have to get to trigger some corrective action?

Read more: School-feeding program in June

Both China and India, like Bangladesh, have a strategy to decrease pollution levels over time. But unlike Bangladesh, for when air pollution levels exceed acceptable thresholds, cities in China and India have a set of emergency response plans in place.

In Beijing, the city may issue a &quot;red alert,&quot; which requires factories to suspend operations and schools to close. If necessary, the city may also implement a &quot;blue alert,&quot; which requires additional factories to close and further restricts the use of private cars. Likewise, New Delhi has the Graded Response Action Plan, which mandates swift action on days when air pollution is severe, including shutting down all construction activities and brick kilns, spraying water in areas with high levels of dust and PM2.5, closing down polluting industries and institutes, restricting the use of diesel generators, etc.

Read more: ChatGPT will change our world

Why do we not have a similar emergency response plan addressing the current air pollution issue for Dhaka? Air quality in Bangladesh is constantly monitored by a network of stations. Cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet all have air quality monitoring stations set up by the Department of Environment (DoE). These stations keep tabs on a wide range of toxins, including PM2.5. The air quality in various regions of the country is evaluated using the data provided by these stations.

But when was the last time you heard a public service announcement warning us about how dangerous the air quality is and what you can do to protect yourself? Do I not have the right as a citizen to make an informed decision about whether I want to leave my house when the air is worse than usual? Should I take my asthmatic mother for a walk in the park as prescribed by the doctor? Should I send my child, who is severely allergic to dust, to school?

Read more: Heart Pounding Scenes

You, at this point, may be thinking, &quot;I know it&#39;s horrible, but this is hardly a shocking revelation.&quot; That, if anything, is our biggest issue.

People become so acclimated to an issue that they no longer recognise it as a problem and, as a result, cease trying to solve it. This phenomenon is known as the normalisation of deviance. But if this piece elicited any thoughts, before you think it over, take a deep breath&hellip; or maybe don&#39;t?

Dr Farzana Misha is assistant professor at the James P Grant School of Public Health, Brac University.]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:27:47 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Ardern a great example of female leadership]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/ardern-a-great-example-of-female-leadership/11928" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/ardern-a-great-example-of-female-leadership/11928</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[AJMAL SHAMS: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern&rsquo;s unexpected resignation last week was a shock for many around the world. Ardern had become a figure with global respect and recognition. She had developed a niche for herself as an influential changemaker. Many admired her for her leadership skills and crisis management during her time as prime minister.

Read more: 7 sentenced to death among son

It was mainly for two reasons that she rose to fame globally. First, she was a woman prime minister in what is largely a male-dominated world. Secondly, she did extremely well as prime minister, proving many wrong who still believe that women are inherently incapable of delivering the same quality of leadership as men do.

Ardern&rsquo;s remarkable premiership was testimony to the fact that womanhood and leadership can go hand in hand and the art of governing is not solely a masculine business. Despite significant progress in women&rsquo;s involvement in the social and public domains and a paradigm shift in the way society views women in politics, there are still millions around the world who fervently believe that a woman&rsquo;s first and foremost duty is to her family and home. A woman holding public office is still a taboo for millions around the world, especially in the developing world. Ardern, through her five-year tenure as prime minister, can speak loudly for women around the world.

Read more: 7 killed in California shootings

Her COVID-19 management, which involved closing New Zealand&rsquo;s borders to all travelers, kept the country largely safe from the devastating impacts of the pandemic. New Zealand is among the countries with the fewest COVID-19 deaths. However, this approach also earned her some criticism at home, as the economy might have been affected due to extended lockdowns and travel restrictions. But Ardern resorted to the toughest possible measures for the greater good of her country. Yes, women can be tough when there is a need to be, even though toughness is still seen by some as being mostly a male characteristic.

When two mosques in Christchurch were attacked in March 2019, with at least 50 worshippers killed, Ardern managed the situation excellently. Her message to New Zealand was very clear. It was one of inclusiveness and unification. It emphasized that the Muslim community was an integral part of New Zealand&rsquo;s society. She reached out to the families of the victims, winning admiration from Muslims around the world for her sympathy, support and unifying role in a moment of growing Islamophobia.

Read more: Presidential polls on February 19

Ardern&rsquo;s decision to resign from office says a lot about her values in politics. What is typical of politicians is to cling to power and be desperate to win elections, even when their popularity diminishes. But Ardern chose to step down when she realized, in her own words, that she &ldquo;no longer (has) enough in the tank,&rdquo; implying she could be less effective in delivering for her country and people going forward. So, she decided it was the right time to go and let someone else in her party lead the country.

When someone seeks election merely out of a lust for power without any superior purpose, it is nothing more than moral corruption. The purpose of power should be service to the people, while continuing to strive to change their lives for better. Being the head of a government is no ordinary job and, as the saying goes, with greater power comes greater responsibility. There is enough in Ardern&rsquo;s time as prime minister and the manner in which she left office for others around the world to emulate.

Read more: UN adopts Rohingya resolution

While women are being systematically deprived of their just right to education and work in my home country of Afghanistan, in another part of the world a woman prime minister happily resigns with dignity after serving her people and country for more than five years. If Afghans are to learn anything from the global community, Ardern&rsquo;s political journey &mdash; all the way from getting elected as prime minister to running her country with success and voluntarily ending her tenure &mdash; is a great example.

Source: ARAB NEWS ]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Wed, 25 Jan 2023 12:58:36 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Pele,  football synonymous]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pele-football-synonymous/11883" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/pele-football-synonymous/11883</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Md Arafat Rahman: Legendary Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, died on December 29, 2022 at the age of 82 after suffering from various diseases including colon cancer. After retiring more than four decades ago in 1977, the former player is still one of the most recognized and respected footballers in the world. Pele is famous for winning the World Cup three times. He is the only player - who has won the World Cup so many times. He also played 1,363 matches for his club and country and scored a total of 1,279 goals which is a world record.

Read more: Bangladesh police will be &lsquo;smart&rsquo;

The skill that Pele displayed in football was beyond human imagination. His story spread beyond sports. Pele played as an attacking player. He is called the king of football. He participated in the 1958, 1962, 1966 and 1970 World Cup football competitions for Brazil. He is the all-time top scorer for the Brazilian national team.

Pele was born on October 23, 1940 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. His father&#39;s name is Dondinho and mother&#39;s name is Celeste Arantes. His father was also a footballer and played for Fluminense FC. Pele was the older of two siblings and was named after American inventor Thomas Alva Edison. His parents decided to call him &quot;Edson&quot;. His family nickname was &quot;Dico&quot;. He earned the nickname &quot;Pele&quot; while in school.

Read more: 31 cases recorded in 24 hrs

When asked for his preferred nickname in school, he uttered the name of local Vasco da Gama goalkeeper Bile. But he pronounces it wrong. Although Pele later complained, his nickname at school remained Pele. Pele wrote in his autobiography that he and his old friends had no idea what the name meant.

Pele grew up in poverty in Bauru, Sao Paulo state. He used to earn extra money by working in a tea shop. His father taught him to play soccer, but he couldn&#39;t afford a soccer ball, so he played by making a ball out of newspaper, rope, or grapes inside a sock. Pele played for several amateur teams in his youth, including Sete de Setembro, Canto do Rio, So Paulinho, and Ameriquinha.

Read more: 9,951 killed in road crash in 2022

Pele led Bauru Atletco Club Junior to two Sao Paulo State Youth Championships. Their coach was Waldemar de Brito. In his mid-teens, Pele played for an indoor soccer team called Radium. Indoor football was just starting to become popular in Bauru at that time. He participated in the region&#39;s first futsal. Pele and his team won the first championship and several other competitions.

According to Pele, futsal was much faster than playing football on grass and the players had to think quickly as everyone was close to each other on the pitch. Pele credits futsal with helping him think better about the sport. Additionally, Futsal allowed him to play with adults at the age of 14. In one of the tournaments he participated in, he was initially thought to be too young to play, but Pele eventually finished as top scorer with 14 or 15 goals.

Read more: Two youths beaten to death

In 1956, de Brito took Pele to Santos, to play for professional club Santos FC. He pointed to Pele and told the Santos managers that the 15-year-old would one day be &quot;the best soccer player in the world.&quot; Pele impressed Santos coach Lula during a trial at the Estadio Villa Belmiro. In June 1956, Pele signed a contract with the club to play for Santos. At that time, Pele was widely promoted as a future superstar in the local media.

Pele made his debut at the age of 15 on 7 September 1956 against Corinthians de Santo Andre and produced an impressive performance in a 7-1 win. It was in this match that Pele scored the first goal of his long and prolific career. Pele played his first international match against Argentina on July 7, 1957 at Maracana Stadium. In a 2-1 loss, Pele scored his first goal for Brazil at the age of 16 years and 9 months, making him the youngest international goal scorer.

Read more: UN adopts Rohingya resolution

Pele played his first World Cup match against the Soviet Union. Garrincha, Zico and Bhava were teammates with Pele and he was the youngest player at that World Cup and the youngest player in any World Cup game to date. The goal in the quarter-final against Wales was Pele&#39;s first and only goal of the competition, helping Brazil progress to the semi-finals. Pele was 17 years and 239 days old at the time of the match, the youngest of all World Cup goals scorers.

In the 1966 FIFA World Cup, Brazil won the first group match against Bulgaria but lost the second match against Hungary. Earlier, pele suffered a serious injury despite winning against Bulgaria. Still, coach Vicente Feola surprised everyone by taking Pele in the final group game against Portugal.

Read more: No alternative to PM Hasina

Pele&#39;s Santos FC football club was one of the most popular clubs in the world in the sixties. This club used to participate in friendly matches in different parts of the world. Due to this reputation they also got some additional benefits. One such friendly was in war-torn Nigeria on 4 February 1969. In that game held in Benin City, Santos beat the local XI 2-1. A bloody civil war was going on in Nigeria. There were a lot of concerns among Brazilian officials about sending players to Nigeria in such a situation. Therefore, the warring parties then agreed to a truce.

Brazil won the world cup title again in 1970, erasing the failure of the previous World Cup. They won the trophy in three of the four consecutive tournaments. Pele played the last of his fourth World Cups. Captain Carlos Alberto crushed Italy by 4-1 in the final. The Jules Rimet trophy was given to Brazil after the team won the title three times. Pele was named the best player. After the 1970 World Cup, Pele proved himself as the best football player of all time.

Read more: 14 killed in Mexican prison

While other Brazilian footballers played for foreign clubs, Pele was barred from playing abroad during the prime of his career. Santos FC have been approached by clubs like Real Madrid and AC Milan to sign Pele. There was pressure from the highest levels of government to keep Pele in Brazil. In 1961, then-President Janio Quadros issued a decree declaring Pele a &quot;national treasure&quot; and declaring him &quot;not to be exported&quot;. Pele later played for a foreign club only in 1975. At that time he joined New York Cosmos, an American football club.

From 1995 to 1998, he served as Brazil&#39;s Minister of Sports for three years. During that time he led legislation that gave professional footballers some bargaining power with clubs that footballers of his own generation did not have. In 2016, a film called &quot;Pele: Birth of a Legend&quot; was made about Pele&#39;s life story. The film depicts the ups and downs of his life and all his achievements.

-Md Arafat Rahman, Columnist &amp; Asst. Officer, Career &amp;Professional Development Services Department, Southeast University]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:37:07 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[The Second Wave of Corona is knocking]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/the-second-wave-of-corona-is-knocking/10710" />
            <id>https://en.sunnews24x7.com/news/article/the-second-wave-of-corona-is-knocking/10710</id>
            <author>
                <name> <![CDATA[Sunnews Admin]]></name>
            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Staff Correspondent: A section of public health experts have been saying for a long time that the second wave of corona will come to Bangladesh in the winter of December. The Prime Minister has also said several times that the transition will start for the second time.

However, many public health experts say that the second wave has no scientific basis and has nothing to do with winter. However, some are arguing that the second wave has begun.

Senior Research Associate at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom. Khandaker Mehdi Akram said, the second wave of corona has started in Bangladesh, there is no room for uncertainty about it. It is clear from looking at the data.

He said the type of wave is understood by drawing graphs based on how many new patients are being identified each day. The number of transitions on the graph of the wave expression must be linear or actual number, the wave cannot be understood with the converted number. So to understand the wave pattern of transition in a graph, one must first notice whether the graph is on a linear scale or a logarithmic scale.

Dr. Mehdi Akram said looking at the UK&#39;s Covid-19 pandemic wave, the first and second waves are well visible. The first wave starts in mid-March and ends in mid-July. Then the second wave started at the end of August which reached PK in mid-November. Then began the downward slope of the second wave. This has happened due to the lockdown from November 2 to December 2 by the order of the government.

Looking at the United States, three waves of corona are visible there. The first wave extends from mid-March to mid-June. The second wave began on June 18 and ended on September 9. The third wave started in early October, which is now rushing towards the peak. This third wave recorded the highest daily death of 3,100 people on December 4.

Looking at the corona graph in Bangladesh, it is seen that the first wave did not end, then where did the second wave come from? The first wave in Bangladesh started on April 10. From then on, the number of infections per day increased at a proportional rate, reaching the peak on July 2, and the number of infections gradually decreased thereafter. By the end of September, the infection had stabilized. And this is how the first wave is done.

Then from the end of October the number of infections gradually increased again and the second wave started. The pandemic in Bangladesh is now on the verge of a second wave of development.

In this regard, Dr. Mehdi Akram said that if the number of Tests is increased properly, then perhaps the second wave will be clearly understood. In India, on the other hand, the pandemic is still confined to the first wave. Therefore, it can be said with certainty that the second wave of pandemic is about to start in Bangladesh.

In the last 24 hours, 36 more people have died due to corona virus in the country. The death toll in Corona stood at 6,838.]]>
            </summary>
            
            
            <updated>Tue, 08 Dec 2020 04:27:31 +0000</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
