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The Mage, 10/J/1, Tolarbag Residential Area, Mirpur, Dhaka (2026)

16/04/2026

"From Sweetness to Sickness: The Sugar Threat"

A sweet tea or a cool, refreshing soft beverage is served on a hot afternoon in Bangladesh. The sweetness is indulgence to most people; that is a life. Universal taste, however, has a health crisis behind it. What is good to start with may turn out to be a disease.
Sugar is not bad in a given quantity of its intake. The issue is that it is incorporated into the daily diets in large amounts. The contemporary diets are being flooded with processed food and sweetened beverages, with excessive health effects. Sugar has also been attributed to the overconsumption of sugar, which has resulted in obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other metabolic diseases. Duncan claims that the sweetened beverages are especially harmful because they can provide a significant portion of sugar within a very short period and cause a skyrocketing of the blood sugar.
The problem is international in character. Miranda cites a big study that analysed dietary statistics concerning 184 countries wherein sugary drinks cause one-third of a billion new cases of type- 2 diabetes and 600,000 new cases of cardiovascular disease annually in the world. To add to the problem, the beverages lead to almost 9.8 percent of cases of diabetes throughout the globe and this shows the degree of influence that they have acquired.
This intake of sugar has been increased by a strong food industry. Manufacturers will most probably use sugar as a component of their products to increase consumer satisfaction as a means of making them palatable. This sweetness will have control over the pleasure centres in the brain and people will desire the product again and again. Consequently, desserts and breakfast cereal, packaged snacks, packaged sauces, and beverages tend to have sugar. The companies silently make high-sugar diets popular by making them appear attractive in colour and aggressively marketing them, particularly to children and young consumers.
It is also caused by the economic factors. Sugar is also relatively cheap, and could be added to processed food with relative ease and, therefore, appeals to the manufacturers who would like to maximize their profit. Meanwhile, contemporary living has transformed into fast food and drinks that may be taken anytime. The growing population in the urban areas and the fact that people are living an active life are putting packaged and processed foods on the spot- most of the foods being consumed contain hidden sugars.
The impact on health is turning out to be unbearable. Diabetes can cause serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks and strokes, which create an unimaginable burden to the health systems and even to the families.
Bangladesh is not an exemption of this trend in the world. The high rates of diabetes and obesity have been occasioned by high rates of urbanization, the shifting lifestyles, and easy access to sweetened beverages and desserts. Sweet tea is still a popular item among millions of people and sugary drinks are a popular item and readily available in the city and country. The health professionals worry about the trendy lifestyle people are opting to lead.
Governments should tax sugary beverages and label the nutritional value, restrict the child-targeted advertising to reduce the growing sugar epidemic, which has become a significant health concern. Public health campaigns should be used to create awareness of the harm of consuming sugar in high amounts. In Bangladesh, healthy food options and nutritional policies are more influential policies that could be reinforced to reduce the intake of sugars and help to eradicate the onset of diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.
The sugar crisis is one of the lessons that everything cannot be fun without consequences. Sweetness could be a temporary satisfaction, but its overabundance is dangerous in the long run. The hidden harms of sugar are aspects that should be tackled by societies today to meet the price tomorrow in terms of increased morbidity, increased health expenditure, and mortality. The only thing that is clear before us is that we can go to enjoy sweetness and not a route to an illness.

Muhammad Nasif Ahmed
Intern (15th Batch) || Communication Department

14/04/2026

🔷THE MAGE Newsletter Competition held at (10th April, 2026) brought together so many creative ideas and inspiring voices, and it was truly a joy to witness.

🔶With amazing hosting by Raisa Fairuz (MT of Communication Department ) and the thoughtful guidance of our respected judges - Ehsan Habib (Project Director of YSSE), Zabin Tasmin(Assistant Head of CWD) and Md. Kamrul Hasan ( Deputy Head of Communication Department ) ; the experience became even more meaningful for everyone involved. The event reminded us how powerful communication and teamwork can be. The guidelines of the honorable senior judges towards the interns was that much effective to implement those in upcoming ones.

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants for being such an important part of this journey! 🌟

10/04/2026

"Sundarbans Day: Between Storms and Survival"

Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. This vulnerability stems not only from its exposure to climate change and intensified extreme weather events but also from the way adaptation policies and projects have been designed using a technocratic, top-down approach. As a result, much of the adaptation has led to negative consequences for certain groups often the most vulnerable who depend directly on nature for their livelihoods. The Sundarbans is not an abstract environmental concern ,it is the thin green line that stands between millions of people and the fury of a changing climate. Sundarbans Day is celebrated on 14 February in Bangladesh to highlight theforest’s ecological and cultural importance. The Sundarbans is home to the Royal Bengal tiger and many animals like deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and birds. It alsoprovides “Sundar Modhu” (wild honey) for local people. The forest is named after theSundori tree, which helps protect the ecosystem and supports biodiversity. The Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is made up of rivers, small islands, muddy land, and dense forests shaped by the tides of the Bay of Bengal. This forest spreads across Bangladesh and India and covers about 10,000 squarekilometers. Big rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna meet the sea here, creating a rich and unique environment. Bangladesh is very vulnerable to climate change because of its natural location. Mostof the country is made up of low land, and a large part is less than 10 meters abovesea level. Floodplains cover most of the land, and the country has a very largepopulation. Many people are poor and depend on farming and fishing for theirsurvival. These jobs depend heavily on weather and climate. Because of these reasons, Bangladesh is often considered one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in theworld. “In the coastal village near the Sundarbans, Abdur Gafur’s life is a story of storms, loss, and unbreakable resilience.”
Abdur Gafur, an 85-year-old fisherman from the Munshiganj range of theSundarbans, has weathered more storms than most can imagine.
In 2007, Cyclone Sidr robbed him and many others like him. He lost 13 familymembers. Now, it’s just him and his wife, navigating life against the odds, sustainedby their unyielding connection to the sea.When I went to meet him, a three-month ban was ongoing which prevented fishermen from entering the Sundarbans. Asked why he remains steadfast in his profession despite such hardships, Gafur said, “I have lived as a fisherman and will continue to do so, even if I fail to ensure twosquare meals every day. Despite losing 13 loved ones, I still chose to stay by the seabecause this is my home.”Gafur’s resilience reflects the spirit of the entire fishingcommunity in Shyamnagar’s ‘Jele Para’. These people depend heavily on the Sundarbans for their livelihoods, yet they face an uphill battle against climate change, natural disasters, and restrictive government policies. During this disaster, the Cyclone Sidr on 15 November 2007. hit the coastal areas ofBangladesh with very strong winds and storm surges. Thousands of people died—around 3,000 to 4,000 lives were lost, and millions were affected. Forests play an important role in protecting the environment in Bangladesh. However, forest areas are limited. Mangrove forests, like the Sundarbans, are especiallyimportant because they store large amounts of carbon. This helps reduce the amountof carbon dioxide in the air. When mangroves are cut down, they release this stored carbon, which increases global warming. So, protecting mangroves is important notonly for Bangladesh but also for the whole world. The Sundarbans also act as a natural shield. When cyclones come from the Bay ofBengal, the forest reduces the strength of the wind and waves. It helps protect homes, farmland, and people. Millions of people depend on the Sundarbans for their dailylives. They collect fish, crabs, honey, and wood from the forest. For them, the Sundarbans is not just a forest—it is a source of food, income, and safety. Whenstorms hit, people feel safer because they know the forest will absorb part of theimpact. But today, this protection is becoming weaker. Climate change is affecting the Sundarbans in many ways. Sea levels are rising, andsaltwater is moving further inland. This is damaging the soil and fresh water sources. Farmers are finding it harder to grow crops like rice. Fish are also becoming less
available because their natural breeding systems are changing. As a result, manypeople are losing their income. Scientists warn that if sea levels continue to rise, large parts of the Sundarbans coulddisappear in the future. This would not only damage the environment but also createserious social and economic problems. Millions of people would lose their homes andlivelihoods. The government of Bangladesh has made plans to deal with climate change. Policieslike the Delta Plan 2100 and the National Adaptation Plan highlight the importance of protecting and restoring mangroves. However, there are still many challenges inputting these plans into action. Bangladesh is on the frontline of climate change. Protecting the Sundarbans is not asymbolic environmental act—it is a matter of national survival. If restored withurgency and care, the forest can continue to protect us. If neglected, no embankmentwill be high enough to replace what we have lost. For Bangladesh, that reminder is not theoretical. It is personal. Protecting the Sundarbans means protecting Bangladesh, its people, its future, andits ability to endure.

Jayonti sarker
Intern of Communication Department
15 batch

09/04/2026

"Certificate Race: Are Students Chasing Degrees Instead of Knowledge? "

In today’s world, academic certificates and degrees are often seen as the main path to success. Students compete to earn diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorates.
These qualifications are believed to open doors to better careers, higher salaries, and social respect.However, a growing concern among educators and researchers is whether students are truly focusing on learning or simply collecting certificates.This growing phenomenon is often called the “certificate race.” While education should encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, many students now focus mainly on obtaining degrees. To understand this issue, it is important to look at global education trends, employment data, and the changing demands of the modern job market.
Over the last two decades, higher education has expanded rapidly across the world. According to
international education statistics, more than 260 million students were enrolled in universities
globally in recent years, compared to about 100 million in 2000. This significant growth shows
that university education is becoming more accessible to people from different social and
economic backgrounds. Many governments encourage this expansion because educated populations are linked to economic growth and technological development. As a result, universities and colleges have increased in number, and more students are pursuing degrees than ever before. However, this rapid growth has also created intense competition. When large numbers of students graduate with similar qualifications, having a degree alone may no longer be enough to stand out in the job market. Economists use the term “degree inflation” to describe a situation where the number of degree holders increases faster than the number of skilled jobs available. In such situations, employers begin to require higher qualifications even for jobs that previously needed fewer credentials. For example, many administrative or office jobs that once required only a high school certificate now demand a university degree. This creates pressure on students to continue studying simply to remain competitive. In some countries, this situation has led to graduate underemployment, where degree holders work in jobs that do not require higher education. Studies in several developed and developing countries show that a noticeable percentage of university graduates work in positions unrelated to their field of study or that require lower levels of education.
This raises an important question: if degrees are becoming more common, are they losing their
value? At the same time, the modern job market is changing rapidly. With the rise of digital
technology, artificial intelligence, and automation, employers are increasingly looking for practical skills rather than only academic qualifications.
Research on labour markets has shown that many companies now prioritize abilities such as
problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and technical skills. For example, skills related to
data analysis, programming, and digital tools have become highly valuable in recent years. In fact, some companies are beginning to remove strict degree requirements from job advertisements. Instead, they focus on whether applicants can demonstrate the skills needed to perform the job effectively. This shift suggests that knowledge and ability may be more important than the number of certificates a person holds. Another factor behind the certificate race is social expectation. In many societies, higher education is strongly associated with success and social status. Parents often encourage their children to pursue advanced degrees, believing that more qualifications will lead to better opportunities. As a result, students may choose academic programs not because they are passionate about the subject, but because the degree is considered prestigious. This mindset can shift the purpose of education from learning and discovery to simply achieving the next academic title.
The rapid expansion of higher education has made university degrees more accessible than ever before. While this progress has created new opportunities for millions of students, it has also led to a growing “certificate race,” where degrees sometimes become more important than knowledge. Data from education systems and labour markets show that degrees alone are no longer a guarantee of success. Employers increasingly value practical skills, creativity, and the ability to solve real- world problems. Therefore, the true purpose of education should not be limited to earning certificates. Instead, it should focus on developing knowledge, critical thinking, and meaningful skills that help individuals contribute to society. In the long run, knowledge remains far more valuable than any certificate.

Nafsin Jahan Afnan
Intern
15th Batch
Communication Department
Youth School For Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE

07/04/2026

Crowds Over Courts: Mob Violence in Bangladesh

A rumour spreads. A crowd gathers. An accusation that someone is a thief, or that he is a kidnapper, or still more--a blasphemer. In a few minutes, the reason is drowned in anger. Sticks are put up, stones are hurled, and justice--however that it may be justice--not in the courtroom but in the street, administered. The scenes are no longer outrageous exceptions in Bangladesh today. They are emerging as a harmful trend.
Mob violence can be termed as mob justice when common citizens mob punish a person that they suspect has done wrong without involving the law. Though most of the participants consider them to be protecting their community, the situation is much more distressing. Mob violence is the breakdown of trust in the institution and the increasing feeling that crowds are more likely to provide justice more quickly than the courts.
The recent statistics show the extent to which the issue has escalated. According to The Daily Star, the human rights surveillance organizations reported that 19 individuals were killed in mob attacks in February 2026 alone, and this is a very alarming trend of vigilantism in the country. The bigger picture reveals 413 cases of mob beatings in 17 months, which have led to at least 259 fatalities, and this indicates the prevalence and commonality of the phenomenon. According to Bonik Barta, the same trend could be observed even in the previous numbers: 168 individuals were killed in 292 cases of mob violence in 2025, which proves that mob justice is turning into a systematic threat rather than an isolated form.
Behind these figures, there are untold human tales of horrifying nature. One incident was widely argued about in which a garment worker in Mymensingh was brutally lynched after rumours went around that he had committed blasphemy. The claims were later reported to have been unchecked, but the mob had already passed its judgment. This is evidenced by such tragedies and how easily facts and due process can be overwhelmed by misinformation and emotion. In the cases of mob justice, it is difficult to arrest and punish a whole crowd for killing a person.
In Bangladesh, mob violence is gaining momentum because of many factors. The slow pace of the judicial system is one of the most important issues. Criminal proceedings can take years before they are finalized, and it is always frustrating to the victims, which makes the community doubt whether justice will be served at all. Under such a condition, some people start thinking that instant violence is the best punishment. Political and social tensions are also one of the factors that have led to the problem. Electronic upheavals and unstable political times tend to increase people's anger and lack of trust in institutions. The citizens may become empowered to break the law when they believe that the state is either ineffective or distracted.
The aftereffects of this pattern are extremely frightening. The courts are there to review the evidence, guard the rights of the accused, and also see to it that the punishment is just and proportional. All these safeguards are absent in a mob that is motivated by anger and rumour.
Second, mob justice fosters an atmosphere of fear, especially among minority groups or the vulnerable population. When the deadly violence can arise because of the accusations that are based on religion, identity, or rumour, the social trust starts to be eroded. Previously existing communities that lived harmoniously might be separated through suspicion and fear.
Lastly, mob violence undermines the rule of the state itself. When people start thinking that crowds are more effective than courts, the legitimacy of the law-enforcing agencies and the courts slowly disintegrates. In a society where anger determines who is a criminal and who is not, no democracy and long-term stability can be maintained.
There is a need to deal with this crisis urgently and in a coordinated manner. Stamping out mob cases should be a quick response by the police, who should make sure that the culprits are taken to court. The court system should also strive to alleviate case overloads and deliver justice in a more effective way, and in the process, build public confidence in legal institutions. The other important aspect is ensuring that there is digital literacy and responsible media behaviour so that rumours and misinformation do not erupt into violence. Mob violence can be prevented only by effecting a cultural change in society's perception of justice. The citizens must resist the urge to automatically punish and recognize that the rule of law is the pillar of a stable and just society.
Bangladesh has achieved impressive development in most of its aspects of growth and governance. These gains are threatened by the emergence of mob violence. Justice must never be left to go out of the courtroom to the mob. To protect its democratic principles and social peace, Bangladesh needs to re-establish a simple and crucial postulate: justice is in the courts, and not in the mob.
Muhammad Nasif Ahmed
Intern (15th Batch) || Communication Department

04/04/2026

"Shaping Identity and Society: Media’s Youth Influence"

In a world where all scrolls, likes, and shares can transform a generation, the children of Bangladesh are not only consuming the media but also are forming the future identity of this nation. The young population in Bangladesh is on the edge of a digital revolution that is transforming society. The youth are no longer spectators; they are active participants, through which they use the media to form narratives, organize action, and create collective identity. Media is not only a source of news or entertainment; it is also a potent tool that determines the way young mind processes the world and the way it is a part of it.
The internet has emerged as a common debate, cultural, and political arena. Digital activism by young people has boosted movements, structured communities, and maintained social campaigns in the country. The July reform movements' activities in 2024 against the fascists were regularly covered by some channels siding with the students and showing them to the whole world. The citizens of Bangladesh got to know what was happening and why the students' voice mattered. The media helped the people to understand the situation. According to analysts, young Bangladeshis are beginning to view themselves not as consumers, but as creators of social reality, able to impact society using the media. Such influence can be extremely positive.
Media enables the youth to communicate with themselves, find other individuals with whom they can relate, and voice their common values like justice, equality, and participation in the democratic processes. The social networks enable the youth to raise voices that have been marginalized, and in the process, a sense of collective identity and civic participation is created. The sharing of stories, videos, and discussions over the internet allows the youth to engage in a nationwide conversation that was previously geographically or institutionally restricted.
Nevertheless, there are challenges associated with the influence of the media. In Bangladesh, fact-checking organizations often discover cases of misinformation that are circulated on social platforms, usually on politically tense issues. Viral tendencies, fake videos, and emotionally charged false information may create a false perception and mislead young people. The demand to acquire new followers, likes, and shares also promotes sensationalism instead of a constructive discussion, and in some cases, determines identities formed due to validation but not authenticity. One of the pages named “Desperately Exposing Bots” is actively exposing the false information that is being circulated every day.
Psychological strains are also brought about by social media. Most youths confuse popularity in the online world with success, and the distinctions between real and online success are very thin. This may develop unrealistic expectations and anxiety, as well as excessive dependence on online approval. Also, some influencers will sit in podcasts to promote hate against men or women by targeting them, show fake lives, and create negative content targeting this youth. They do it to get more views, as they know it is much easier to confuse and fool them than anyone who is much older. The use of AI with made-up information makes it much harder for the youth to differentiate the fake facts from the real ones.
It is essential to promote digital literacy: young people should be taught to check facts, doubt the sources, and find out how algorithms shape their perception. Media literacy can be incorporated into the curriculum and training programs at educational institutions and other community programs. Also, youth content creators would be advised to create ethical, balanced, and community-oriented media, as opposed to sensational and divisive content. A mixture of online and offline civic action through volunteering and neighbourhood conversations would allow the youth to have a more authentic sense of identity.
Media power is neither good nor bad; it can be beneficial only if it is directed by consciousness and priorities. The young people in Bangladesh can create this as an opportunity to make the media not a means of distraction but of positive transformation. Media can be used as a mirror of identity and as a driver towards a more informed, empathetic, and inclusive society by young people by embracing critical thinking, responsible creativity, and collective purpose. Limiting the consumption of negativity can help the youth to use the media for their own benefit.
Muhammad Nasif Ahmed
Intern (15th Batch) || Communication Department

02/04/2026

"Future-Proof Careers: Skill-Based Learning – Higher Education Game-Changer"

Future-proof careers depend on skills learned through practice, not just degrees from long lectures.
Reports from trusted groups like the World Economic Forum (WEF) and OECD paint a clear
picture: skill-based learning is transforming universities into real-world training grounds, helping students grab jobs that last in a fast-changing world.
Imagine a whirlwind reshaping work: AI chatbots handle routine tasks, green energy booms with
solar farms, and aging populations need more nurses. WEF's Future of Jobs Report 2025, surveying over 1,000 companies covering 14 million workers, forecasts a massive shift by 2030, with 170 million new roles created, but 92 million wiped out, for a net gain of 78 million jobs. Businesses struggle: 63% say skills shortages stall growth, while 85% plan to train staff in AI, data analysis, and cybersecurity. Traditional college degrees? Their star fades; only 47% of leaders tie them to success, with LinkedIn noting 81% of firms now prioritize skills in hiring.
OECD data adds depth: 40% of today's jobs demand major reskilling due to tech like machine learning and automation, urging a "skills-first" mindset where proof of ability trumps paper credentials. In numbers, 39% of current skills will become outdated by 2030, hitting clerical and manual jobs hardest while boosting tech and care roles.
Envision the work landscape as a living, breathing map, some paths bursting with opportunity like sunlit highways, others fading into dusty trails. By 2030, AI and digital tools will touch 86% of businesses, demanding skills like AI mastery and big data crunching that grow by 66%, as experts build smart systems to predict weather patterns or spot fraud in real time. Cybersecurity wizards rise to guard against hacks, their networks shielding banks and hospitals, while software developers craft apps that power daily life jobs, expanding 30-40% as every industry goes digital.
Shift to the green wave, impacting 47% of firms: Picture wind turbines spinning on hilltops and
electric vehicles zipping silently through Dhaka streets. Here, environmental stewards and
renewable energy engineers thrive, designing solar grids that light rural Bangladesh or EV batteries for global export, with skills in sustainability surging as climate pledges demand action.
Demographic tides bring a human touch: With aging societies worldwide, including Bangladesh's growing elderly care needs, roles for nurses, social workers, and teachers multiply. These jobs prize empathy, holding a patient's hand during telehealth calls or mentoring young minds in classrooms, blending resilience with people skills that machines can't copy.
Yet shadows loom over the old ways. Manual data entry clerks, once buried in paperwork, dwindle by 25% as AI scans documents instantly. Cashiers and bank tellers fade 20-30%, replaced by app-based payments and self-checkout kiosks, while fossil fuel workers step aside for cleaner tech.
Overall, 59% of workers must train anew, with analytical thinking topping employer lists at 70%, the power to break down problems like a detective, followed by leadership to guide teams and adaptability to pivot mid-storm.
This isn't abstract; WEF data from giants like PwC and IBM maps these trails from employer
realities, showing how Bangladesh's youth can chase rising suns while dodging sinking paths.
Across the globe, higher education sheds its old skin. Only 22% of institutions fully embrace skills frameworks, per CAEL studies, but pioneers lead the charge. Take Western Governors University:
its online programs let students advance by mastering competencies like coding a full app or
diagnosing patient cases, not clocking hours. University of Houston-Downtown rolls out 2026
"Decision-Making" badges, blending tech savvy with communication for instant LinkedIn shares.
In India, the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) mandates practical training amid an 81% tech skills gap. Seton Hall University offers self-paced badges in leadership and data ethics. Micro- credentials: short, stackable courses, bridge gaps: complete Python basics, then AI ethics, building to a full credential. Gen Z drives this: 70% prefer job-aligned paths over general degrees.
Skills win real games. McKinsey and LinkedIn track a boom: skills-based hiring jumped from
40% in 2020 to 60% in 2025, with firms like Google and IBM dropping degree barriers. Employers rank analytical thinking first (70%), followed by agility and tech fluency. Results? Upskilling retains 29% of workers in roles and redeploys 19% to new ones, cutting turnover costs.
Descriptive examples abound: A nurse retrained in telemedicine via badges lands a remote role
amid post-2020 demand. An engineer stacks green energy certs, jumping to EV design. OECD
urges governments to fund these shifts, predicting 50% productivity gains.
For Bangladesh, this aligns with SDG4 education goals, think tech hubs in Dhaka training youth
in AI and digital health, closing the 60% skills mismatch in garments-to-green jobs. Universities like BUET could pioneer CBE in robotics, echoing BUNIAD's grassroots wins.
Nafsin Jahan Afnan
Intern
15th Batch
Communication Department
Youth School For Social Entrepreneurs (YSSE

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