This episode discusses new guidelines in Bangladesh allowing government intervention in satellite internet services like Starlink, raising concerns about internet shutdowns and surveillance.

Kihak Sung, born in 1947 in Seoul, South Korea, is the chairman and CEO of Youngone Corporation. He graduated from Seoul National University with a degree in international economics. In 1974, he founded Youngone Corporation, focusing on manufacturing and exporting garments. citeturn0search0

In 1980, Sung established Bangladesh's first foreign-owned apparel manufacturing plant in Chattogram, significantly contributing to the country's emergence as a global garment production hub. Youngone's factories in Dhaka and Chattogram produce jackets, trousers, sports shoes, and leather goods for international markets. The company employs approximately 73,000 people in Bangladesh and about 95,000 globally. citeturn0search3

Sung played a pivotal role in developing the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram, emphasizing sustainable industrial growth. KEPZ has planted 2.7 million trees, created 33 water bodies to conserve 500 million gallons of rainwater, and established 43 state-of-the-art factories. The zone is also working on a 40 MW rooftop solar power project. citeturn0search14

Beyond his contributions to Bangladesh, Sung has held prominent positions in global textile organizations, including serving as president of the International Textile Manufacturers Federation from 2018 to 2020. citeturn0search3

In April 2025, in recognition of his significant contributions to Bangladesh's economy and the readymade garments sector, Kihak Sung was awarded honorary citizenship of Bangladesh. citeturn0search3

Bangladesh has officially joined the Artemis Accords with NASA, becoming the 54th nation to collaborate on space exploration. This agreement, as explained by the Chairman of BIDA, signifies a commitment to a future where a new generation engages in space travel and potentially inhabits other celestial bodies. While immediate benefits may take two to three decades to materialize, this step is crucial for realizing the long-term aspiration of sending Bangladeshi astronauts into space. By partnering with NASA and other signatory nations, Bangladesh aims to foster development in its space science sector, create employment opportunities, and open new avenues for its youth. This collaboration marks an initial but significant stride towards establishing Bangladesh's presence in space exploration.

This episode is about a distressing discussion surrounding the 2009 BDR tragedy in Bangladesh. A victim's family member shares her experiences and perspectives on the events, alleging mistreatment, raising questions about the investigation, and expressing distrust towards specific individuals and narratives. She recounts personal trauma, inconsistencies she perceives in official accounts, and accusations against particular figures. Participants in the discussion offer support and seek clarification on various aspects of the tragedy and its aftermath, including potential cover-ups and the role of different parties. The conversation highlights the lingering pain, unresolved issues, and the speaker's persistent pursuit of truth and justice for the victims.

These audio excerpts appear to capture conversations related to political mobilization and potential responses to perceived injustices. One speaker discusses organizing a large gathering of supporters in Dhaka at a leader's command. Another segment focuses on documenting property division and collecting testimonies from affected individuals, aiming to file complaints with international bodies against unnamed entities, possibly including UNIS. There's also discussion about the future, potentially large-scale public demonstrations, and the importance of self-reliance and defense despite current limitations. Finally, a reflection on past power and ongoing challenges against perceived conspiracies is mentioned.

This episode dives into the chaotic yet heartwarming experience of Eid family gatherings, where delicious food and festive cheer often come with an unwelcome side dish: the persistent "when are you getting married?" question. Join our protagonist as they navigate a minefield of well-meaning but nosy relatives, armed with a hilarious arsenal of strategies to deflect the annual marriage interrogation.

Will they successfully deploy the "food defence strategy," stuffing themselves with biryani to avoid answering? Or perhaps they'll attempt the daring "reverse psychology" tactic, turning the tables on their inquisitive uncles and aunties? Maybe they'll even feign a mysterious love life or get caught in a ridiculous attempt at the "fake busy tactic".

From recruiting an "escape partner" to embracing their "inner philosopher" with outrageous claims about marriage as a social construct, this episode promises a comedic look at the lengths one might go to maintain their sanity during the festive season. Will our hero manage the ultimate exit strategy before being cornered? Tune in to find out if they can survive Eid with their relationship status still a mystery.

As Bangladesh prepares for the upcoming elections, a new political force led by student activists has emerged following a Gen-Z uprising that challenged the long-standing authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This uprising, though met with violent suppression, propelled student leader Nahid Islam into the interim government and led to the formation of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), which aims to offer a fresh, centrist alternative to the country's established political parties like the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. While polls predict the BNP will dominate the next elections, the NCP seeks to capitalize on a perceived political vacuum and the aspirations of a significant youth population, advocating for systemic reforms and a new constitution. Analysts note the challenges the NCP faces in translating popular support into electoral success against established political structures and the existing allegiances of young voters.

https://aktiful.short.gy/nahid

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as Chief Adviser, addressed the nation on the eve of Independence Day, commemorating the martyrs of the 1971 liberation war. He highlighted the interim government's efforts to control inflation, restore the economy after alleged mismanagement, and increase remittances. The address also detailed initiatives against corruption, for digital governance, and to ease the lives of citizens and expatriates. Furthermore, it covered foreign investment, export growth, strengthened international relations, and plans for regional economic cooperation and Starlink internet. Finally, Yunus emphasized women's empowerment, minority rights, and the pursuit of free and fair elections while also addressing the issue of misinformation and the ongoing work of the National Consensus Commission.

This article from March 2025 discusses the challenges and actions of Bangladesh's Interim Government following the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The author, Jon Danilowicz, highlights the focus on justice and accountability for past human rights violations, including reforms to the International Crimes Tribunal. He notes a tension between the desire for swift justice, the time needed for proper procedures, and the absence of key figures like Hasina. The piece also emphasizes the importance of uncovering the truth about enforced disappearances through a Commission of Inquiry and suggests a potential future Truth Commission. Furthermore, it underscores the need for security sector and criminal justice reforms, building on initial steps taken by the Interim Government. Danilowicz concludes by assessing the Interim Government's mandate to enact reforms that will foster free and fair elections and prevent a return to past abuses.

This episode delves into the critical findings of the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2024, which analyzes the most pressing threats facing our world over the next one, two, and ten years. Drawing on the insights of nearly 1,500 experts from academia, business, government, the international community, and civil society through the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS), as well as over 11,000 business leaders via the Executive Opinion Survey (EOS), this report paints a sobering picture of the evolving global risks landscape.

Discover the top global risks anticipated in 2024, with extreme weather leading the concerns, followed closely by AI-generated misinformation and disinformation, societal and/or political polarization, the cost-of-living crisis, and cyberattacks. We explore how these risks are perceived to potentially trigger material crises on a global scale, impacting significant proportions of global GDP, population, and natural resources.

The episode further examines the emerging severe risks expected to play out over the next two years, including the radical disruptive potential of misinformation and disinformation on electoral processes across numerous economies. We also analyze the escalating concerns surrounding interstate armed conflict, particularly in key hotspots like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, and the far-reaching ramifications for the geopolitical order and global economy. Additionally, the episode addresses the looming threat of an economic downturn and its potential to further destabilize the global outlook.

Beyond the immediate horizon, the report also casts a light on critical long-term risks that could fundamentally reshape the world by 2034, including the potential for a 3°C world and the increasing influence of AI. We discuss the structural forces driving these risks and the potential for an "end of development" scenario due to factors like a lack of economic opportunity.

This episode provides an insightful overview of the most significant global risks identified by the report, highlighting their potential impacts and the interconnectedness that could lead to compounding crises. By understanding these risks across different timeframes and stakeholder perspectives, we aim to equip decision-makers and the public with a dual vision to balance short-term urgencies with the imperative of addressing longer-term challenges.