Gold prices and the hidden economy of Bangladeshi weddings
Behind the glitter of bridal jewellery lies an invisible economy, one that thrives on social pressure, consumerism, and gender inequality.
Spotlight
Identity, unity and pride: Everything in a K-pop light stick
K-pop artists each have their own "bong" -- the Korean word for stick -- and it's more than a gleaming accessory. Light sticks reflect a group's official fandom color, logo,…
Postcard from Nazimabad: How a forgotten memorial invite opens window into Karachi neighbourhood’s literary past
A found vintage postcard — inviting a 1975 memorial for broadcaster Z.A. Bukhari — offers a glimpse into the cultural legacy of Nazimabad, once a hub for artists and…
What’s holding back Bangladesh’s book industry?
The industry's stagnation reflects a deeper national problem—the absence of a coherent vision, according to an expert.
South Korea can’t live without dawn delivery. Can it still protect the workers behind it?
For tens of millions of South Koreans, ultra-fast overnight delivery is not just a convenience. It’s almost a lifeline. But this level of speed comes with hidden costs.
‘Siargao is not for sale’
A luxury resort is catching major heat from locals and residents of Siargao Island after allegations that the developers illegally excavated parts of the protected reef in front…
In Korea’s ring-heavy dating culture, is wedding band still essential?
A separate survey by matchmaking service Gayeon found that couples spent an average of 3.6 million won on their wedding bands, but approximately 10 percent of Koreans in their 20s…
How Bengal discovered Japan: A 150-year chronicle
Some researchers opined that Bango Mohilar Japan Jatra was the first Bengali book on Japan. However, later studies revealed that, from the early decades of the 20th century, the…
Art and odyssey of female cartoonists in Bangladesh
Every cartoonist begins with a story. For many women, it starts not with ambitions of fame but with a personal urge to express.
A grieving father’s quest to expose negligence behind Nepal’s deadliest air crashes
After losing his daughter, grandson, and son-in-law in the 2024 Saurya Airlines crash, Prakash Khatiwada’s relentless campaign for justice continues.