Mya Rose Craig is known around the world as Bird Girl. She is also an ornithologist and author. At the age of 17, She became the youngest British Bangladeshi person to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol. Teenagers now publishing her exclusive interview.
Q:We know that birds fly in the sky without just ostriches. Now the question is why the ostrich is called a bird even though it cannot fly?
Mya: Whether a species is a bird or mammal is not dependent on whether it can fly but on its scientific status. Ostrich’s have become non flying because this has benefits in its habitat for food and breeding and they still retain the remnants of flight feathers. Mammals generally give birth to live young whilst birds, fish and amphibians lay eggs.
Q: Why birds fly south for the winter?
Mya: Many birds fly south for the winter to Bangladesh as they are looking for a warmer climate to live in during the winter. So for example, the very rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper breeds in the Russian Siberian Tundra in the summer before migrating south to Bangladesh for the winter. This is also true of birds that come to the UK during the summer, such as Barn Swallow, which come to the UK in spring, breed, before flying south in the autumn to Africa to escape our harsh winter.
Q: There was a time when birds ruled the world. There is no calculation of how many species of birds there were. But now that number is decreasing day by day. Many species of birds are endangered. Who is responsible for this? How do you think this extinction can be prevented?
Mya:There has been a dramatic decline of birds all over the world in the last 30 years. For example, in Europe there are 400 million fewer grassland birds. In Bangladesh, there are tiny numbers of birds left. When my mum visited her paternal family village in Sunamgonj in the 1970’s they were shooting huge numbers of water birds including Boks and Bogla that would not be good to eat. As people’s wealth has increased, more people can afford guns leading to indiscriminate killing of birds. The main reason for the huge decline of birds in Bangladesh is due to hunting with guns and nets, destruction of habitat such as cutting down trees, draining marshland & wetlands and the lack of protection of birds by the government.
The main change needed to save our birds is for big changes in the law, protecting birds and punishment of those who break the law. First we need to fund research into the reasons for the decline of different species and then what laws are needed to protect habitats and birds. Some of the issues will also impact on the increased risks of flooding.
Q: We know you are the youngest person to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol in 2020. So now we call you Dr. Maya Rose Craig. I would like to hear your feeling when you find out that you will be awarded a doctorate degree.
Mya: In December 2019, I received an email from someone at Bristol University telling me that they would like to give me an honorary degree and attached a letter from the Pro-Vice Chancellor. I was so shocked that I thought it was a hoax from one of my friends so I didn’t click on the attachment until my mum had phoned the university and found out it was a real offer.
It was incredible to be awarded something so fantastic & being the youngest British person to receive an honorary Doctorate of Science D.Sc. h.c. It was all really exciting, going onto The One Show a popular BBC chat show and doing lots of interviews. At the ceremony, the university made me feel like a real VIP. There were lots of TV camera crews who came and it was amazing to see them cram into see me.
I think it’s only as I get older and am at Cambridge University myself that I understand how enormous it was to be given an honorary doctorate at age 17.
I am really proud of being an Ambassador for Greenpeace and Oxfam amongst others.
Q: From Chew vally School to St. John’s College, Cambridge University.This is the journey of your education life, how have you prepared yourself at this time?
Mya:The Chew Valley is made up of a few villages outside of Bristol. It is a really small area and I knew most of the people in my year at school. I had been attending lots of events and speaking, so I was a lot more outward looking than many people at school. I had a gap year planned between 6th form and university when I had planned to travel and spend time in Sylhet. However, due to covid-19 I was unable to travel, so instead wrote 3 books and went to the Arctic with Greenpeace. That was an incredible experience and allowed me to highlight the terrible impact climate change is having on the Arctic and so the planet.
Q: Do all birds migrate? If not all birds migrate, why do some migrate?
Mya: Most birds do not migrate but live in the same place all the year around. There is variation within the same species. For example, in the UK, some blackcaps, song thrushes and robins migrate but other do not. It depends on food and resources.
Q: You are an ornithologist. What is it actually? I want to know the details about this.
Mya: An ornithologist is someone who has studied birds for science. I have studied the science of birds since I was 9 years old, obtaining my licence to ring birds from the British Trust for Ornithology at 16 years old, which is the youngest age possible to obtain a licence in the UK. Bird ringing is when you catch birds in delicate nets, then carefully remove and examine them, taking measurements and weighting them before releasing them. I had to have a very detailed knowledge of birds ID before I could even start the training to obtain my trainee licence. I have done lots of bird ringing demonstrations and find that children and adults love to see the birds close up and even getting to hold or release them.
Q: How did your love for birds come about? Why do you love birds so much instead of other animals ?
Mya: My parents and older sister Ayesha loved birds and went out birdwatching all the time. When I was born, they carried on but just taking baby me with them. When I was 3, Ayesha was 15 years old and was obsessed with birds but also very beautiful and very cool. I wanted to be like her and so if she loved birds, I was going to love birds too. I was also good at bird ID and got a lot of pleasure from watching them.
Q: If there were no more birds on earth, just like the dinosaurs became extinct. In that case, what do you think what type of damage will have to face the world?
Mya: If birds became extinct this would have a drastic impact on our planet as nature relies on them and so in turn do we. For example, hummingbirds in South America and sunbirds in Asia use their long bills to feed on nectar and in turn pollinate flowers and food crops. Fruit eating birds often spread the seeds in their droppings. The planet has developing over millions of years, with each species having a place in the world, so extinctions have a huge impact on our environment and ultimately on us.
Q: You are a writer. We want to know how many books you have published and what their names are. What are your published books written about? Will you publish your book in Bengali?
Mya: I have been writing blog posts for my website and articles since I was 11 years old. During the Covid-19 pandemic I had a year off as a gap year between school and university and I wrote 3 books. The first was published by Magic Cat, a small sustainable publisher. It was called We Have A Dream and in it I interviewed and highlighted the work of 30 young environmentalists of colour from around the world. It came out in August 2021 and was beautifully illustrated. This book was really important to me, amplifying the voices of young people who are otherwise not heard as the environmental movement in the Global North is very White and mainly only promotes people who are White.
My second book is called Birdgirl and is a memoir about birding around the world as s child, how our love of birds helped our mental health and about becoming an activist. I am really proud of this book, which is available from Amazon.com and which I hope will one day be published in Bengali.
My last book is a large illustrated children’s book about bird migration called Flight.
Q: Since you are a British-Bangladeshi, we think you have learned Bengali as well as English. Can you speak Bengali as well as you can speak English? What language do you speak with your parents at home?
Mya: My Nanu lives in Bristol and has one brother living on one side and another brother on the other side. When I was a child, until I started school age 4 years old, one of my Nanis looked after me and one of my cousins. So I was surrounded by Sylheti and programmes on Channel S. When I started school, I was totally bi- lingual in English and Sylheti but I suddenly felt very self conscious about speaking Sylheti and refused to speak it. I think it’s really sad that my sister can speak Sylheti but not me. I had planned to spend 6 months in Sylhet during my year off but had to cancel due to covid-19 but now plan is to stay in Sylhet after I graduate and learn to start speaking Sylheti again. I think it a shame that my cousins who are my age can’t speak Sylheti either but things are harder as we are third generation British-Bangladeshi and the first generation in our family all speak good English and so we don’t have the need to learn.
Q: Now what is your advice for those who are young and love birds like you? And what is your message to those who hunt, sell, or capture birds?
Mya: My message is to all Bangladeshi’s, whether they are interested in birds or not; birds are fantastic, they can fly, so how incredible is that? What is there not to like about them? Try taking a closer look at the wonderful birds of Bangladesh and understand how important they are to humankind. Stand up and protect the birds of our beautiful world. Point your finger at those who are harming our birds and try to make them understand the harm they are doing to all of us. To those who kill or capture birds, your business will end soon as bird species disappear. Why don’t you stop now and become bird guides, showing Bangladeshi and foreign birdwatchers or bird photographers the birds in your area, using your bird sighting skills for birdwatching?
Will higher education in Bangladesh continue to produce only job seekers, or will it also nurture entrepreneurs, innovators, and future job creators? This question has become increasingly important today. On one hand, the country’s unemployment rate stands at 3.51 percent, with nearly 2.59 million unemployed people. On the other hand, around 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the labor market every year. Although the average unemployment rate in 2023 was 3.36 percent, pressure on the labor market has not eased; rather, anxiety among educated youth has continued to grow. In this context, the question of why seed funding is important for young people deserves national attention.
Against this backdrop, the idea of introducing seed funding on university campuses is highly significant. The announcement and commitment made by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to launch seed funding initiatives in universities carries an important message: encouraging young people to move beyond a job-dependent mindset toward entrepreneurial thinking. If policymakers can integrate this initiative into broader higher education reforms and employment strategies, it could become not just a political promise, but a genuine tool for transformation.
What Is Seed Funding?
Seed funding refers to financial and institutional support provided to a new initiative, startup, or innovative idea at its earliest stage. For example, a student may have a promising idea related to agricultural technology, food safety, dairy and poultry, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, healthcare, or digital services, but lack the capital, training, or guidance to begin. Seed funding can open that first door of opportunity.
In other words, seed funding is not just about giving money; it is about helping transform an idea into a real initiative. When combined with training, mentorship, and market access, it enables students to become creators of opportunities instead of merely searching for jobs.
Why Is It Important for Young People?
To understand its importance, we must look at the realities of Bangladesh’s labor market. The country’s total labor force stands at 73.05 million, of which 70.47 million are employed. However, a large portion of these jobs are informal and lack stability, productivity, and long-term security.
At the same time, every year another 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the workforce. It is impossible for the government or private sector alone to absorb all of them through conventional employment. Therefore, new sources of employment must be created. This is where seed funding becomes crucial, because it encourages young people to shift from seeking jobs to creating jobs.
Does Money Alone Create Entrepreneurs?
No. Simply providing money does not create entrepreneurs. Turning a good idea into a sustainable business requires training, mentorship, business planning, market understanding, technological support, and accountability. Therefore, seed funding should not be viewed merely as financial assistance; it must be part of a comprehensive support system.
If universities establish innovation and entrepreneurship cells involving teachers, researchers, successful entrepreneurs, bankers, industry representatives, and technology experts, students receiving funding will also receive guidance and direction. This would reduce the risk of wasted resources and increase the likelihood of successful ventures.
Should Universities Only Provide Degrees?
This discussion naturally raises questions about the role of universities. Educated unemployment has become deeply concerning. Nearly 800,000 university graduates in Bangladesh are unemployed. The youth unemployment rate stands at 10.6 percent, while unemployment among graduates and postgraduates is nearly 45 percent. In addition, 83 percent of unemployed people are between the ages of 15 and 29.
These statistics clearly show that universities cannot remain institutions that only distribute certificates. They must become centers of research, innovation, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Students’ ideas in agriculture, food safety, dairy, poultry, healthcare, technology, education, and environmental sustainability should be transformed into practical products and services. Only then will higher education become truly meaningful.
From Political Commitment to National Program
To make this new university role effective, campus-based initiatives alone are not enough; a coordinated national strategy is required. Another important reality is that the government recruits only around 71,000 people into public sector jobs annually. Furthermore, only about one-quarter of “decent” jobs exist in the public sector. For each BCS position, nearly 200 candidates apply. At the same time, 78 percent of young people express concerns about employment.
This means that most young people are still competing for a narrow employment path that cannot accommodate everyone. Therefore, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s seed funding initiative should not remain just a promise—it should evolve into a national program. University-based funding, idea competitions, mentoring, prototype support, industry partnerships, and market access should all be integrated into a comprehensive ecosystem. Only then will young people have meaningful alternatives.
Which Sectors Should Be Prioritized?
Seed funding should focus on sectors closely connected to Bangladesh’s economy, society, and future development goals. These include:
Agricultural technology
Food safety and food processing
Dairy and poultry industries
Fisheries
Healthcare services
Environmentally friendly products
Waste management
Artificial intelligence
Cybersecurity
Digital services
Educational technology
This approach would ensure that startups are not merely personal business ventures but also contributors to solving national challenges.
Will Universities Outside Dhaka Receive Equal Opportunities?
Another important issue is whether these opportunities will remain limited to Dhaka and a few major universities. If the initiative becomes too capital-centric, its impact will be limited. Universities in Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet, Barishal, Rangpur, and Mymensingh must receive equal importance.
Every region of Bangladesh possesses unique economic strengths and opportunities. Local universities should be connected to local challenges and industries so that entrepreneurship development can directly benefit regional economies.
What If Transparency Is Missing?
Even the best initiative can fail if transparency and accountability are absent. Favoritism, political influence, paper-based projects, and opaque management systems could weaken the entire program. Therefore, project selection must be conducted through open competition. Independent evaluation boards should oversee the process. Information regarding funding allocation, project selection, and progress updates should be made public.
Step-by-step funding mechanisms would also increase accountability and reduce misuse of resources.
The Role of Teachers and University Administration
Teachers are not merely classroom instructors; they can become mentors, advisors, and guides for innovation. University administrations must create environments where students can experiment with ideas, launch pilot initiatives, and learn even from failure.
Developing a culture of entrepreneurship within campuses requires active support from both faculty members and administrators.
Implementation Matters More Than Announcements
Ultimately, Bangladesh’s labor market realities are clear: on one side, there are nearly 2.59 million unemployed people; on the other, another 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the workforce every year. At the same time, there are around 800,000 unemployed university graduates competing intensely for limited jobs.
In this reality, seed funding is not merely a financing initiative—it can become a practical pathway toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment generation.
If Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s announcement is implemented effectively, universities in Bangladesh could produce not only job seekers, but also job creators. With proper planning, transparency, mentorship, and institutional support, seed funding could truly become a new pathway for empowering young entrepreneurs.
Written by: Dr. A.K.M. Humayun Kabir (Teacher, researcher, and writer) at Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Email: [email protected]
Tius Luka jogs off after performing with Katy Perry before the start of the World Cup Group D soccer match between Paraguay and the United States in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea)
When millions of football fans around the world tuned in to watch the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, they expected dazzling lights, superstar performances, and celebrity appearances. And they got all of that. Pop icon Katy Perry delivered a spectacular performance at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium, while celebrities — including former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — watched from the audience.
But surprisingly, one of the biggest talking points of the night was not a global superstar. It was a small boy standing beside Katy Perry, singing confidently in front of the world.
That boy is Tius Luka.
At just 10 years old, Tias Luca suddenly became an internet sensation after appearing with Katy Perry during her emotional performance of Wonder at the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening ceremony.
A Voice That Inspired a Song
Tius Luka is originally from Norway, and according to several entertainment reports, Katy Perry first discovered his voice years ago. The singer reportedly heard recordings of Tius when he was only five years old, and his innocent, emotional singing later inspired her song Wonder from her 2024 album 143.
That connection between a global pop star and a young child eventually led to one of the most memorable moments of the World Cup opening ceremony.
As Katy Perry appeared on stage in a shimmering silver gown, she invited Tius Luka to join her for the performance. Together, they sang Wonder while dancers carrying flags from different nations surrounded them, symbolizing unity and hope — values closely associated with the FIFA World Cup.
From Unknown Child to Global Attention
Before the World Cup ceremony, very few people outside social media circles knew who Tius Luka was. But within hours of the performance, clips of the young singer spread across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit.
Fans praised his confidence, stage presence, and surprisingly mature vocals for someone so young. Many viewers described the duet as the emotional highlight of the ceremony. Even on online forums and fan communities, discussions quickly shifted from Katy Perry’s performance to curiosity about the little boy beside her.
For many viewers, Tius represented something special: the reminder that music can create stars overnight, regardless of age.
Singing on the World’s Biggest Stage
Performing at a FIFA World Cup opening ceremony is something many established artists only dream about. The 2026 tournament itself is historic — hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and featuring some of the world’s biggest musical acts.
The U.S. opening ceremony included performances from artists like LISA, Anitta, Future, Tyla, and Rema. Yet among all those international stars, Tius Luka still managed to leave a lasting impression.
For a 10-year-old child, sharing a stage with Katy Perry in front of tens of thousands inside the stadium — and millions watching worldwide — is an extraordinary achievement.
The Beginning of a Bigger Journey?
Very little official information about Tius Luka’s personal life has been publicly released so far. That mystery has only increased public interest in him. Fans are now eager to know whether he will continue singing professionally, release music of his own, or appear in future collaborations with Katy Perry.
What is already clear, however, is that the World Cup performance changed his life overnight.
In football, the opening ceremony is usually remembered for fireworks, famous artists, and spectacular visuals. But in 2026, many people may remember it for something simpler and more human: a child with a powerful voice holding Katy Perry’s hand and singing fearlessly before the world.
And perhaps that is exactly why people are calling Tius Luka the “wonder boy” of the FIFA World Cup.
Tius Luka lives with his family in the city of Drammen, Norway. His father, Kent Sundberg, is a member of a pop band, while his mother, Malin Mello, is a content creator. Tius’s uncle is also involved with his father’s band, Donkeyboy.
As a result, Tius grew up in a musical environment from an early age. Creating songs, recording music, and performing at concerts have always been among the most familiar parts of life for Tius Luka.
For many children, a lonely cat might seem like a small problem. For fifth grader Margaret Brown, it became the inspiration for an invention.
Margaret, a student at Ward Traditional Academy in Tempe, teamed up with classmates to create Cat Company Cat Toys — interactive toys designed to keep cats entertained while their owners are away from home.
“I thought it was a really good idea because one time we came back from camping and our cats had somehow turned on the water,” Margaret explained. “That showed us they can get into trouble when they’re left alone.”
Her invention was one of hundreds showcased at the 2026 Invention Convention Arizona, held Saturday at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. More than 263 young inventors participated in the statewide competition, presenting creative solutions to real-world problems ranging from pet care and medicine safety to household messes.
This year, over 5,700 K–12 students from across Arizona took part in the program, which is supported by the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute at ASU. After competing in five regional events, top students advanced to the state competition, with winners earning the chance to compete at the national convention in June.
At its core, Invention Convention is designed to teach students the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and innovation. Participants identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, research existing ideas, build prototypes, test them, revise their designs, and ultimately market their inventions.
For Margaret, testing her invention was simple — her two cats eagerly volunteered.
“The moment we put the toys down, the cats immediately started playing with them,” she said with a laugh. “We actually had to move them out of the room so they wouldn’t destroy the toys before the competition.”
The program uses a free curriculum developed by The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. Students can participate during school hours, through after-school clubs, youth organizations like Scouting, or independently with support from parents.
According to Jeanine Ryan-Frandsen, program manager for youth entrepreneurship at the Edson Institute, the goal is to give students hands-on experience with innovation while introducing them to ASU’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“It mirrors the kind of experience students later have in college pitch competitions and startup programs,” she said. “We want them to understand that an idea can evolve into something bigger — maybe even a real business.”
She emphasized that the process itself matters just as much as the final product.
“This is all about critical thinking and iteration,” Ryan-Frandsen explained. “Students test ideas, discover what doesn’t work, redesign their prototypes, and improve them again and again. That’s the essence of STEM design thinking.”
As students grow older, the projects become increasingly sophisticated, often involving market analysis, patent research, and consultations with professionals.
Animals, in particular, proved to be a major source of inspiration for many participants.
Seventh grader Matt Pulido from Madison Meadows Middle School in Phoenix won his division with the Animal Waste Picker Upper, a multi-purpose cleaning device designed to safely remove pet waste.
“I noticed there were a lot of stray animals in my neighborhood, and they often left messes in our yard,” he said.
While researching the issue, Matt learned that handling pet waste with plastic bags could expose people to harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. His invention combines several tools into one system, including a scooper, scrubber, alcohol dispenser, and cleaning solution.
“It’s basically a bunch of mini inventions combined into one,” he explained proudly.
Another pet-inspired innovation came from fifth grader Cecily Hart of Broadmor Elementary School in Tempe, who created Pet Perfection, a rolling support bed for animals with mobility problems.
“It’s kind of like a wheelchair for pets,” Cecily said. “You can push it like a stroller, and it has silk side cushions because silk helps animals with sores and aches.”
For younger students, research often begins at home.
Second grader Caden Maxfield and his classmates at Fuller Elementary School kept losing toys underneath their refrigerator, inspiring them to invent the Fridge Bumper — a magnetic barrier that blocks the gap beneath the appliance.
When the students asked their families to pull out their refrigerators to investigate, they discovered far more than missing toys.
“There was dust, mold, pet fur, cereal spills, sticky juice — and even a hanger,” Caden said.
For older participants, however, the research process becomes far more advanced.
High school students Vyshal Sreenivas and Iraj Shroff developed a Smart Medicine Dispensing System after witnessing the dangers of medication misuse firsthand. One of their friends nearly overdosed on opioid medication, while a family member struggled to remember taking daily pills.
The two students — friends since childhood — consulted lawyers and a pain management specialist while developing their invention. Their device is a locked medicine dispenser that alerts users when it is time to take medication.
Sreenivas estimated that the product could be sold for around $50 with a monthly app subscription fee of $5, making it significantly cheaper than many existing systems on the market.
“Most current devices cost over a thousand dollars and are very bulky,” he said. “Our product not only helps prevent medication non-adherence, but could also reduce the billions spent on hospitalizations related to missed medication.”
A major component of the competition is feedback from judges, many of whom are university students and professionals.
One of Saturday’s judges, ASU engineering junior Charlotte Moenich, said she was amazed by the creativity and technical skill displayed by the participants.
“Some of these prototypes are honestly out of this world,” she said. “The creativity is flowing through everything they build.”
For her, the competition offers a glimpse into the future.
“It’s inspiring to see what this new generation wants to improve in the world,” she added. “They’re already thinking like real innovators.”
For decades, humanity has dreamed of one day building a civilization on Mars. Across the world, scientists and engineers are working to turn that dream into reality. To inspire the next generation of innovators, the Mars Society in the United States organizes the University Rover Challenge (URC) every year — one of the world’s most prestigious robotics competitions.
This year, among teams from some of the world’s leading universities, a group of students from Bangladesh stunned everyone.
Competing at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Hanksville, Utah, the United International University (UIU) Mars Rover Team secured third place globally at the 2026 URC finals. The competition, held from May 27 to May 30, featured 38 teams from 15 countries.
For the Bangladeshi students, however, the achievement meant much more than a trophy.
It was the culmination of years of persistence, countless sleepless nights, and a dream that once seemed impossibly distant.
The team’s journey began modestly in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their workspace was a tiny room on campus furnished with only a few chairs and tables. Shops were closed, equipment was difficult to find, and the team lacked sophisticated laboratories, expensive machinery, and major funding.
What they did have was ambition.
Slowly, step by step, the project evolved. The university administration began supporting the students, and the results improved every year. In their first appearance at URC in 2022, the UIU team finished 13th in the world. They climbed to ninth place in 2023, fifth in 2024, sixth in 2025, and finally third this year.
Back in 2022, when the students first arrived at the Mars Desert Research Station, they were mesmerized by the rovers built by universities like Michigan and Monash. The machines looked so advanced that they seemed ready to be deployed directly to Mars.
The Bangladeshi students approached those teams with curiosity, asking endless questions about simulation systems, mechanical design, and software architecture.
Quietly, they made a promise to themselves: one day, they would build a rover capable of competing at the same level.
This year, the roles had reversed.
After the award ceremony, members of the University of Michigan team approached the UIU students during a barbecue gathering. This time, it was the Americans asking questions.
“How did you do the simulation?” “How did you design the wheels?” “We tried something similar, but it didn’t work.”
Some even took photographs of UIU’s rover system for reference.
For the Bangladeshi team, it was a surreal moment.
This year’s rover was named Orion, a Greek word meaning “new dawn” or “new beginning.” The name reflected a bold decision made by the team before the competition.
Although their previous rover system had brought considerable success, the students realized they needed something faster, smarter, and more mission-oriented to compete at the highest level. So they made a risky choice: they completely abandoned their existing software and hardware architecture and rebuilt everything from scratch.
“Our old system was good,” said team leader Saif Al Sad. “But if we truly wanted to move forward, we needed the courage to leave our comfort zone. Rebuilding everything was risky, but we believed that transformation required bold decisions.”
That courage would soon be tested in dramatic fashion.
The most critical challenge arrived moments before the autonomous navigation mission — one of the competition’s toughest stages. The rover must independently navigate the desert terrain, avoid obstacles, identify targets, and make decisions entirely on its own without human control.
Just before the mission began, the UIU team discovered that their IMU (Internal Measurement Unit), the sensor responsible for determining the rover’s position and orientation, had stopped functioning. The rough 70-mile journey from the hotel to the field had likely damaged the device.
Panic spread instantly.
The students had only 40 minutes before the mission deadline. Replacing the IMU and reprogramming the system consumed 15 precious minutes, leaving them just 25 minutes to complete everything.
Then Orion began its mission.
The rover moved through the harsh desert terrain, avoiding obstacles and identifying targets one after another. Team members watched anxiously as the clock continued counting down.
With only four seconds remaining before time expired, Orion successfully identified the final target.
The audience erupted in surprise. Even the judges were astonished by how efficiently the rover had completed the mission under such pressure.
Out of seven targets, Orion successfully reached six and earned the highest score of 84 points in the autonomous category, winning the “Best Autonomous System” award.
“When the results were announced, we all jumped with excitement,” recalled senior lead Md. Mushfiqur Rahman. “Years of sacrifice, hard work, and waiting suddenly felt worthwhile in that one moment.”
The UIU Mars Rover Team consisted of 32 members this year. Alongside Saif Al Sad and Mushfiqur Rahman, the leadership team included co-team lead Sheikh Sakib Hossain. The students were guided by mentors and faculty members including Professor Hasan Sarwar, Professor Suman Ahmed, and lecturer Md. Abid Hossain.
UIU was not alone in representing Bangladesh. Three other Bangladeshi universities also reached the main competition stage this year: BRAC University’s “BRACU Mongoltori,” Military Institute of Science and Technology’s “MIST Mongolbarta,” and Aviation and Aerospace University of Bangladesh’s “Rover 71.”
Yet among all Asian teams, only UIU managed to secure a place in the global top three.
Still, the students are not fully satisfied.
Behind their success are nights spent inside laboratories during exam periods, festivals sacrificed for debugging sessions, and endless cycles of failure and improvement. For them, third place is not the destination — only another milestone.
“We gave our best,” said team mentor Abid Hossain. “But we do not want to stop here. Our goal is simple: we want to become world champions.”
From a tiny campus room during lockdown to the deserts of Utah, the journey of the UIU Mars Rover Team stands as a powerful reminder that innovation is not defined by resources alone.
Sometimes, all it takes is a dream bold enough to survive failure — and a team determined enough to chase it to another planet.
Abu Zayed Masum did not come from a prestigious university with a globally recognized alumni network or state-of-the-art research facilities. His journey began at Gono University, far from the spotlight of elite academia.
Yet today, he holds fully funded PhD offers in Chemistry from multiple renowned universities in the United States.
Behind this remarkable achievement lies a story of hardship, persistence, and an almost stubborn refusal to give up.
Masum’s struggles began even before he completed higher secondary school. His father suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed, abruptly changing the family’s future. As the only son, the responsibility of supporting the entire household fell on his shoulders at a young age.
At one point, financial pressure became so overwhelming that he seriously considered dropping out of education altogether to work in a garment factory, where he could at least earn a guaranteed monthly salary of 12,000 taka.
But somewhere deep inside, the dream of higher education refused to die.
To continue his studies while supporting his family, Masum took on private tutoring jobs from morning until late at night.
“I used to teach batches and private students from morning until 11 PM,” he recalled. “People insulted me constantly and said many discouraging things. But I knew I was enduring all of it for one dream. My greatest strength was this: every time I failed, I would stand up again.”
That resilience slowly transformed his life.
At Gono University, Masum built his academic foundation in chemistry and graduated with a CGPA of 3.24. Later, Jahangirnagar University introduced him to the world of research and helped him develop a passion for scientific inquiry.
His journey took a decisive turn when he joined Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where he experienced an international-standard research environment for the first time.
“At BUET, I found an environment where nobody looked down on anyone,” Masum said. “The laboratories felt like home. Someone from the next room was going to Florida, another to Texas. The moment I entered BUET, studying in the United States no longer felt impossible. It started to feel normal.”
But getting there required extraordinary patience and determination.
Toward the end of 2025, Masum sent emails to more than 500 professors in the United States. It was not a matter of sending generic messages randomly. He carefully studied each professor’s research, learned about their work, and tailored every email individually.
It became a test of endurance.
“I started drafting my emails as early as April,” he explained. “From October to December, I sent them according to a schedule. Out of 500 emails, only four received positive replies. But I knew that even a single positive response could make the entire journey successful.”
That belief eventually paid off.
If all goes according to plan, Masum will soon begin his PhD journey at the University of Massachusetts.
For younger students struggling with self-doubt or limitations, he carries a simple but powerful message.
“It does not matter where you come from,” he said. “What matters is how relentlessly determined you are. Professors in the United States may not even know the name of your university. So you have to pull yourself up on your own. In the end, this battle is really a battle with yourself.”
Masum’s story is not merely about academic success. It is about refusing to surrender to circumstances, about carrying responsibilities without abandoning ambition, and about proving that determination can bridge even the widest distances.
From tutoring students late into the night to earning fully funded PhD opportunities in America, Abu Zayed Masum has shown that dreams are not reserved for the privileged — they belong to those willing to fight for them.
Three hours. No phones, no internet, no laptops, and no outside help.
Inside a closed room, a team of university students is handed a 20-page business case based on a real-world corporate crisis. Their task: analyze the situation, identify the core problems, develop a realistic strategy, and present their solution before an international panel of judges.
This is the intense reality of the HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Competition — widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and most prestigious undergraduate business competitions.
And this year, a team from Bangladesh stood proudly among the best.
Competing against top universities from 20 countries, four students from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) secured third place in the global round of the competition held in Hong Kong. Alongside the international recognition, they also won a prize of 2,000 US dollars.
Their team name? Team Six Seven.
At first glance, the name sounds unserious — and that is exactly the point.
The phrase “Six Seven,” two random numbers that recently became a viral meme among Generation Alpha on social media, was chosen purely for fun. “Most business cases are very serious and intense,” said team member Sakhawat Selim. “We wanted something that would make things a little lighter.”
Behind the playful name, however, stood months of discipline, preparation, and extraordinary teamwork.
The team consists of Mohammad Ridwan Sakib, Mohammad Faiyad, Sakhawat Selim, and Navid Abrar — all fourth-year students from BUP’s Department of Business Administration. Their mentor from HSBC was Israt Jahan.
The four friends first met during their freshman year at university. Over time, they became close friends and regular teammates in different competitions. Earlier this year, another team involving Faiyad and Sakhawat also became national champions in the CFA Institute Research Challenge.
For Ridwan, forming the team felt natural.
“We are extremely close friends,” he said. “We thought participating together would be fun. In many ways, we were lucky that BUP brought us together.”
Their chemistry became one of their biggest strengths.
Each member developed a specialized role during competitions. Navid focused on analyzing the business situation and identifying the key problems. Ridwan worked on strategic planning. Sakhawat handled the financial aspects, while Faiyad evaluated implementation feasibility.
Still, they insist the process was always collaborative.
“Our team is structured in a way that if even one person is removed, we lose half of our capability,” Ridwan explained. “You can call it teamwork or friendship — either way, that bond is our biggest strength.”
Their journey to Hong Kong began on June 1 under HSBC’s sponsorship and supervision. During the four-day global competition, teams from around the world were divided into groups and faced multiple competitive rounds before the final stage, where only four teams remained. The University of Sydney from Australia eventually became the champion.
But Team Six Seven’s experience in Hong Kong was far from glamorous.
The students spent nearly every day preparing for rounds, leaving little opportunity to explore the city. To make matters more difficult, Navid suffered from severe food poisoning during the competition.
“After the first round, I became seriously sick,” Navid recalled. “Before one of the rounds, I was literally vomiting. I was scared to eat anything. I took medicine and kept working.”
Despite the illness, he believes his performance did not suffer — largely because of the support of his teammates.
Preparation for the competition itself was another battle.
To compete internationally, the team had to study global economics, geopolitics, corporate strategy, and market trends. They regularly followed publications such as Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and The Economist.
However, accessing those resources came at a significant financial cost.
“Other universities had institutional subscriptions,” said Faiyad. “We often had to rely on free YouTube videos from Bloomberg Originals instead of getting daily updates through subscriptions.”
Beyond financial limitations, the team believes Bangladeshi universities also lack a stronger “case competition culture.”
Ridwan emphasized the need for dedicated “Case Clubs” in universities — organizations that train students in solving business cases and preparing structured solutions.
“When we became runners-up in the national round, we already understood the gap,” he said. “International universities have established case clubs where students are trained professionally. Our universities need that too.”
Despite those challenges, Team Six Seven managed to reach the global stage and compete among the world’s best.
Their story is more than just a competition result. It is a story of friendship, resilience, preparation, and the growing potential of Bangladeshi students in global business leadership.
From a meme-inspired team name to an international podium in Hong Kong, Team Six Seven proved that behind every joke can exist serious talent — and behind every limitation, extraordinary ambition.
Five Bangladeshi college students have achieved what many could only dream of. With limited resources, no advanced laboratories, and in some cases not even a personal computer, they carried out theoretical research in particle physics and emerged as winners in one of the world’s most prestigious international science competitions organized by CERN.
The team, named Polaris after the North Star, consists of Salman Alam, Abdul Rahim, and S M Tausif from Chowmuhani Government Saleh Ahmed College; Nazia Titim from Rangpur Collectorate School and College; and Nazifa Tasnim from Birshreshtha Noor Mohammad Public College in Dhaka. Guiding them throughout their journey was their mentor, Md. Nishad Ahmed, a student of Noakhali Science and Technology University.
Their remarkable success came through CERN’s global competition, Beamline for Schools, where high school and college students from around the world submit proposals for experiments related to particle physics. This year’s competition featured around 4,500 participants from 89 countries, with 712 project proposals submitted. Polaris stood out among them and secured a place among the winning teams.
What makes their achievement extraordinary is not just the award itself, but the story behind it.
The journey began when Salman Alam discovered the competition through YouTube. Excited by the opportunity, he searched online for teammates through a Facebook group related to the program. After failing to join any existing team, he decided to build one himself. Along with two friends from his college, he formed Polaris — a name inspired by the guiding North Star and connected symbolically to their research material, polysiloxane.
Soon, they approached their private tutor Nishad Ahmed for guidance. Despite being a university student himself, Nishad enthusiastically supported the team. Later, through the same Facebook group, Nazia Titim and Nazifa Tasnim joined the project.
For Titim, the experience was personally transformative. An introvert by nature, she described the collaborative journey as something deeply meaningful and special.
The team focused on improving scintillators — materials used in radiotherapy equipment that emit light under radiation exposure. Current radiotherapy systems largely depend on plastic scintillators based on polyvinyl toluene, which gradually degrade under high radiation and temperature. This increases maintenance costs and reduces efficiency over time.
To address this challenge, Polaris proposed a new scintillator material based on polysiloxane. Although the material does not yet exist in practical form, the students theoretically demonstrated its feasibility. If successfully developed, the innovation could significantly reduce costs in the radiotherapy industry and improve the durability of medical equipment.
Their research, however, was carried out under severe technological limitations.
Salman did not own a computer and completed much of his work using a basic smartphone. His parents initially believed he was simply wasting time on his phone rather than studying. Tausif faced similar struggles. Many complex calculations had to be done manually with pen and paper.
Even their mentor Nishad struggled with insufficient computing power. After installing software necessary for computational physics simulations, his laptop repeatedly crashed. At one point, during his university examinations, the device remained unusable for over two weeks.
Eventually, the Department of Computer Science and Telecommunication Engineering at Noakhali Science and Technology University stepped in to support the team by granting them access to laboratory facilities.
Now, the young researchers are preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In August, they are expected to travel to Germany’s ELSA Research Center, where they will spend 14 days testing their proposal using advanced particle beamline technology. The organizers will bear all official expenses.
Yet uncertainty remains.
Four members of Polaris are currently preparing for their higher secondary examinations. While the written exams are expected to finish before the Germany trip, the dates for practical examinations remain undecided. The students have already contacted their colleges requesting an earlier schedule, but so far they have received little assurance.
There is another dream they hope to fulfill — visiting CERN’s main laboratory in Geneva, Switzerland. However, the additional travel costs are beyond the financial capacity of most team members. Australian-based Bangladeshi PhD researcher Salauddin Pathan has been trying to help them secure sponsorship, but no support has yet been confirmed.
Still, despite financial hardship, limited technology, and academic pressure, the story of Polaris shines as a powerful example of determination, curiosity, and the limitless potential of young minds.
From handwritten calculations and smartphone screens to international recognition at CERN, these five Bangladeshi students have already proven that talent can rise from anywhere — even from the most modest circumstances.
Anannya Basak had dreamed of becoming a senior government official since her childhood. After passing her Higher Secondary Examination, she could not get admitted to her preferred university, which made her determination even stronger. In the 45th BCS examination, she has been recommended for the Tax Cadre.
How does it feel to become a BCS cadre?
I was extremely happy after hearing the result. I am deeply grateful to the Almighty for rewarding my hard work appropriately. Above all, I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to serve the Republic. My hard work has paid off—my dream has come true.
Tell us about your childhood and educational background.
I was born and raised in Thakurgaon district. I completed my SSC from Thakurgaon Government Girls’ High School and my HSC from Thakurgaon Government College. After that, I completed my undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University. My family consists of my parents and my only younger brother.
Was there any obstacle in your journey that later became your inspiration?
After higher secondary, I did not get the opportunity to enroll in my preferred university. I did not perform very well in the admission test, which remained a regret in my life. However, at that moment I made a firm decision that I must perform well in competitive job examinations. That determination constantly inspired me.
What challenges did you face as a woman?
In our society, everything—from education to the workplace—can be challenging for women. However, personally, I did not face any specific challenges as a woman. My family and my husband were extremely supportive. They encouraged me and stood beside me throughout this entire journey. Their contribution to my success is undeniable.
What advice would you give to those who want to become BCS cadres?
One must remain steadfast in their goal. The BCS is a long-term process. Along this long journey, many obstacles and challenges will arise, but you must not give up. No matter what happens, you have to nurture your dream and continue working hard to turn it into reality. There is no substitute for hard work.
Was becoming a BCS cadre always your dream?
Yes. Since I have no plan to go abroad, I always dreamed of joining the cadre service if I stayed in the country. From a social perspective, the cadre service holds a prestigious position.
How was the journey from engineer to BCS cadre?
I enrolled in the Electrical Engineering department at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University with the dream of becoming an engineer. However, later I realized that by joining the civil service, I would have a greater opportunity to actively serve the country and its people. Moreover, in this era of information technology, I want to utilize my engineering knowledge to help make the civil service more efficient, modern, and people-friendly.
How much focus should be given to academic studies?
Achieving good academic results is very important. It creates a positive impression in the viva voce. Strong academic performance sends the message that a person has been diligent and responsible at every stage, which indicates good future performance as well. Additionally, academic knowledge can be helpful in both the preliminary and written exams of the BCS. Therefore, maintaining at least a minimum level of focus on academic studies is essential.
How was your preparation period?
After completing my graduation, I prepared entirely from my home in Thakurgaon. I studied regularly because once you lose your study momentum, it becomes very difficult to regain focus. During preparation, I tried to understand topics on my own and studied through making notes. I believe one must learn a lot, know a lot, and understand a lot. Beyond the commonly available books in the market, I collected information from newspapers and the internet and added them to my notes. Instead of writing stereotypical answers, I tried to present them neatly and attractively, using blue ink, diagrams, and charts where necessary. The number of study hours varies from person to person. One should study as long as needed to fully complete the preparation. For some, five hours may be enough; for others, it may take ten hours. I used to set daily targets and continued studying until I achieved them.
Advice for BCS aspirants
First, set a clear goal. The BCS journey is long, so you must prepare yourself mentally. Regular study is extremely important. Disorganized preparation is not very effective. Taking a lot of model tests is essential, as they help sharpen preparation. Above all, with faith in the Almighty and consistent hard work, success will eventually come. However, one should not make BCS the only goal in the present time. It is important to participate in all job examinations. The success rate in BCS is very low. Since preparation for most job exams is similar, candidates should try for other opportunities alongside BCS preparation.
Your future plans?
My future plans revolve around how I can contribute to the country’s economy. By developing various skills and working in revenue collection, I want to play an active role in strengthening the national economy. Fully dedicating myself to serving the Republic will be my ultimate success.
The paper-based IELTS test is no longer available in Bangladesh. According to the official website of IDP, one of the co-owners of the IELTS test, the paper test format has been discontinued from 31 January this year. From now on, anyone wishing to take the exam must sit for the computer-based IELTS.
Computer-delivered IELTS had already been introduced in Bangladesh several years ago alongside the paper-based version. While many candidates find the computer format convenient, others may feel somewhat uncertain about it. However, there is no reason to worry. By keeping a few important points in mind, you can perform at your best in the computer-based test as well.
If you’re planning to apply for higher studies abroad but your IELTS score or required documents are not ready yet, don’t panic. Here’s what you can do:
1️⃣ If IELTS Is Not Yet Taken
Check university requirements carefully. Some universities allow you to apply first and submit the IELTS score later.
Look for application deadlines—you may still have time to take the test.
Some universities offer conditional admission, meaning you can submit IELTS later.
If you studied in English-medium institutions, some universities may waive IELTS (depending on country and policy).
2️⃣ If Academic Documents (Transcripts/Certificates) Are Not Ready
Request a provisional certificate or official transcript from your university.
Many universities accept scanned copies during application and require originals only after admission.
If your final results are pending, you can often apply with latest available transcripts and submit final documents later.
3️⃣ Write to the Admissions Office
If you are close to the deadline, email the admissions office:
Explain your situation briefly.
Ask whether you may submit IELTS/documents after the deadline.
Request clarification about conditional submission.
4️⃣ Plan Smartly
Book the earliest available IELTS date.
Prepare documents (passport, CV, SOP, recommendation letters) in parallel.
Keep soft copies ready in PDF format.
Important
Application systems are usually flexible—but you must communicate early and follow instructions carefully.
Where Is the Difference?
IELTS trainer Md. Ashikuzzaman explained the differences between the computer-based and paper-based tests. He said, “In the computer-based test, you do not need to fill in circles with a pencil or write answers by hand. In the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections, you type your answers on the computer. However, the Speaking section remains the same in both formats. You must attend an interview with an examiner. The examiner may be physically present or may conduct the interview online.”
Md. Ashikuzzaman also highlighted several advantages of the computer-delivered test. “Previously, securing a test date could sometimes be difficult. With the computer-based format, test dates are available almost every day of the week. Candidates can choose their preferred time slot—morning, দুপুর (midday), or afternoon. While paper-based test results take 13 days to be published, computer-based test results are typically available within just two to five days.”
When taking the computer-based IELTS, it is important to keep certain strategic advantages and challenges in mind. One clear benefit is that you no longer need to worry about how neat your handwriting is. Instead, you can focus more on spelling accuracy and sentence structure. However, you must develop good typing speed. If you cannot type quickly, it may be difficult to complete the test within the allotted time.
You should also be comfortable reading long passages on a computer screen for extended periods. In the Reading section, the screen is divided into two parts—questions on one side and the passage on the other—making it easier to locate relevant information. During the Listening test, each candidate is provided with noise-canceling headphones.
Ellora Sharme, Head of IELTS Exam at IDP Bangladesh, says, “Computer-delivered IELTS is a modern version of the test. It offers several conveniences for candidates. Test-takers can book their preferred time slot almost every day. At IDP, results are available within 24 to 48 hours. In the Writing module, word count is displayed automatically. Features such as copy, highlight, drag, and drop help save time. The computer-based format has been introduced to make IELTS more candidate-friendly.”
How to Prepare
To perform well in the computer-based IELTS, you may need to adjust your preparation strategy. Young professional Bidhan Saha scored a 7 in the computer-based IELTS at the end of last year. He advises, “It is no longer enough to rely only on hardcopy books from Nilkhet. Regularly practice using the free materials available on the official British Council or IDP websites. Try to practice typing on a computer for at least 30 minutes daily. Pay special attention to correct punctuation and capitalization. Develop the habit of reading English news or blogs online. This will improve your eye movement and your ability to quickly locate information on a screen.”
The Importance of Mock Tests
One of the biggest advantages of the computer-based test is that you can become familiar with the user interface in advance. The format you see in mock tests is the same as in the actual exam. Repeated practice builds confidence and efficiency.
Rubina Haque, a researcher at North South University, took the computer-based IELTS on the 6th of this month. She says, “A major part of preparation should involve mock tests. The British Council website offers a free computer-delivered IELTS familiarization test, which is a demo software similar to the real exam. By taking it, you can learn how to submit answers, highlight text, and manage your time using the on-screen clock. Sitting for the actual exam without taking at least three to five full-length mock tests is not advisable.”
She also shares some useful tips:
In the Writing section, you do not need to count words manually—the word count is displayed automatically at the bottom of the screen, saving time.
You can highlight important parts of the passage using the mouse.
You can take virtual notes.
In the Writing task, if you feel a sentence is incorrect or want to add a new idea, you can easily cut and paste—something that was not possible in the handwritten format.
For those planning to take the exam soon, first watch the computer-based test videos on the British Council website to become familiar with the interface. Before enrolling in any coaching center, try a free mock test to assess your current level. Maintain a regular study routine. Allocate at least one hour daily each for Listening and Reading practice. Use headphones while practicing Listening.
It is not enough to understand the exam format—you must also strengthen your vocabulary and grammar, the foundation of the English language. One important point to note is that during the Speaking test, the examiner may be physically present or may join online from the test center. Practice speaking comfortably in both situations.
Faatiha Aayat: The 13-Year-Old Prodigy Rewriting IELTS Standards
In a feat that has inspired thousands of aspiring students, child rights activist and climate campaigner Faatiha Aayat achieved a staggering 8.5 overall band score in the IELTS academic exam at just 13 years old. This rare achievement places her in the top tier of English speakers globally, a level usually reserved for seasoned academics and native-level professionals.
The Breakdown of a Masterclass
While a score of 8.5 is impressive for any adult, Faatiha’s performance was particularly noted for her Speaking skills. In real-time mock sessions, she demonstrated a level of fluency and vocabulary that earned her a perfect 9.0 in practice segments. Her ability to articulate complex global issues—a skill honed through her speeches at the United Nations and TEDx—translated seamlessly into the rigorous requirements of the IELTS.
Turning Achievement into Opportunity: “IELTS with Faatiha”
Faatiha didn’t stop at her personal success. Recognizing the hurdles many students face, she launched an educational initiative called “IELTS with Faatiha”. Through this platform, she mentors learners using her signature “Hit the Ground Running” strategy.
Her program offers specialized tracks such as:
ExamMatters: Focused on foundational techniques.
ExamWise: Strategic deep dives into test modules.
ExamNext: Real-time feedback and advanced mock tests.
More Than Just a Score
Faatiha’s IELTS success is another feather in the cap of a girl who is already a published author and a recipient of the U.S. President’s Education Award. Currently studying at The Aga Khan Academy, she continues to balance her roles as a global youth advocate and a mentor, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to mastery and impact.
A PhD is considered the highest academic degree. Students usually prepare for a PhD after completing their undergraduate and master’s studies. However, it is also possible to begin the PhD journey even before finishing a master’s degree. In Bangladesh, many students are now starting their PhD right after completing their bachelor’s degree. This is the story of one such student.
It was the final semester rush at BUET. Classes, projects, thesis—everything combined to make it the most demanding phase of academic life for Abrar Rahman. Right in the middle of that hectic period came a piece of good news via email. Even before completing his undergraduate degree, he received a PhD offer from Cornell University in the United States. Later, the BUET Computer Science and Engineering student received fully funded PhD offers from six more universities.
From the time he enrolled at BUET, Abrar knew that students could apply directly to PhD programs in the United States during their fourth year of undergraduate studies. So his plan was long-term. He says, “From the very beginning, I decided that I would go straight into a PhD without doing a master’s. So I prepared myself accordingly from the first year. I knew that good grades alone would not be enough. I had to prove myself in research and produce work of international standard.”
Abrar’s research interests lie in machine learning and computational biology, both of which are deeply rooted in mathematics. His love for mathematics drew him to this path. He had been interested in math since childhood. Abrar says, “Mathematical analysis has always been my favorite. I used to study it with great interest from an early age. After getting admitted to BUET, I started reading about machine learning even before classes formally began. Toward the end of my first year, I got my first research opportunity. That’s when I realized this was the right place for me.”
His first research opportunity came through his elder brother. That experience led him to become actively involved in research from then on.
Abrar’s CGPA stands at 3.96 out of 4.00. However, it was not only his academic performance that set him apart—he also demonstrated strong research credentials. So far, this young researcher has published seven research papers. Abrar says, “It’s not just about increasing the number of publications; the quality of the work matters. I have always focused on methodological novelty. The real goal is to contribute something new to research. And for those who want to work in computer science or machine learning, having a strong mathematical foundation is absolutely essential.”
Abrar’s academic journey was further strengthened by his experience of working with professors from various universities abroad. From his third year, he began collaborating with international researchers. This later helped him secure strong recommendation letters. He explains, “To get into top universities, academic results, research, and recommendation letters—all are important. The competition is so intense now that even a small weakness in any area becomes noticeable. In my case, recommendations from foreign professors were very helpful.”
Beyond these factors, Abrar believes that performing well in interviews also plays a crucial role. In the case of the University of California, Berkeley, he had to go through five rounds of interviews. He says, “The application process is time-consuming, but the most important stage is the interview. Without a deep understanding of your own research, it’s difficult to succeed there.”
The Dhaka University Entrepreneurship Development Club (DUEDC) began working on entrepreneurship-related initiatives on campus several years ago, though it was formally launched in 2019. The club works to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students of the University of Dhaka and to build connections with the industrial sector. Its core objective is to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world business experience.
The club organizes a range of activities, including startup and business analysis competitions, outreach programs, and publication initiatives. One of its flagship programs is “Skillneur,” through which students get the opportunity to acquire various skills directly from experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. Another initiative, “Powerpreneur,” allows students to analyze successfully operating startups in the market, helping them understand business models, strategies, funding mechanisms, and other key aspects.
DUEDC also runs “Creaventure,” a platform designed to transform students’ innovative ideas into real ventures. It brings together creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking. Creaventure activities include idea development sessions, mentorship programs, workshops, pitching sessions, and innovation competitions. These initiatives help students develop practical business plans, identify problems, analyze markets, and design effective solutions. At the same time, by connecting them with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, the platform creates pathways to take ideas to the next level.
DUEDC has effectively become a factory for nurturing entrepreneurs. More than a hundred club members have already launched their own startups, and the number continues to grow. A major source of inspiration for members is the club’s moderator, Professor Rafiuddin Ahmed, who has long been working to cultivate entrepreneurial skills even among school-level students. His experience is considered a significant added value for the club’s members.
Club members are involved in businesses ranging from food and clothing to books and other products. Through various club events, they have had opportunities to meet and listen to successful figures from these sectors, which has further motivated them to pursue entrepreneurship.
Club President Sifat Al Rashid says,
“Financial support is our biggest limitation. We have many innovative ideas, but lack sufficient funding to move them forward. If we could present these ideas to investors through incubation centers or ideation hubs and secure initial investment, many more startups could emerge from here. In the future, I want to see the club become a nationally recognized ideation hub—one from which groundbreaking ideas will emerge and be implemented with administrative, governmental, and private-sector support.”
After two failed attempts the startup Zatiq succeeds on the third try. The journey of the startup Zatiq began in 2022 with two initiatives launched in two phases to make business easier and more digital. The two initiatives were called Pocket Pay and Digital Calculator. However, within the first two years, the company incurred losses of nearly 50 million taka. Even then, Zatiq’s founder, Sultan Moni, did not give up. In 2024, he introduced new initiatives—Zatiq Easy and Zatiq Plus—to the market, and these ventures proved to be successful.
Zatiq primarily provides digital business services to e-commerce and online business organizations. The company offers a total of 25 types of services, including website development, marketing, inventory management, product delivery, and customer data management. Zatiq has two types of service packages. One is Zatiq Easy, which mainly serves small e-commerce businesses. The other is Zatiq Plus, designed for large enterprises and e-commerce companies.
How Zatiq Began
Zatiq officially started its journey in 2022. Although there are three founders, the startup was primarily initiated under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sultan Moni. Sultan Moni was born and raised in Dubai. In 2012, he moved to Canada for higher studies. During that time, he launched a startup called On Grocery in Canada.
From a young age, he dreamed of becoming a technology-driven entrepreneur. Therefore, he chose Computing and Information Systems (MIS) for his higher education. While studying in Canada, he was involved in founding more than ten startups across various sectors, including car wash, food, health, and product delivery. Among these, three startups became successful. In 2022, Sultan Moni returned to Bangladesh from Canada.
Services Provided by Zatiq
Zatiq Easy creates instant sub-domain websites for small entrepreneurs at a cost of 500 taka.
In addition, Zatiq Easy offers a total of 25 services, including inventory management information and local payment gateways.
Products worth 2.6 billion taka are sold every month using Zatiq’s platform.
Sultan Moni said that he initially came to Bangladesh for three months at the request of the founder of a local venture capital firm. A return ticket had already been booked. He came mainly to understand market demand. With that goal, he traveled around with a small team, meeting small business owners, grocery shopkeepers, and online entrepreneurs. At the very beginning, he planned to develop a digital payment service device.
Zatiq’s journey started from Sultan Moni’s Gulshan residence with a four-member team. In August 2022, Zatiq launched the digital payment service device Pocket Pay. At that time, Zatiq received an investment of USD 250,000 from a Canadian angel investor. However, in the end, the initiative did not achieve commercial success.
After the failure of its first initiative, Zatiq began working on a second initiative called Digital Calculator in 2023. This calculator was designed to manage all shop-related records, including sales, inventory, and daily accounts. Initially, the digital calculator received a positive response. Zatiq sold more than 20,000 calculators, and there were purchase orders for an additional 30,000 units. However, at that time, due to a foreign currency crisis, the cost of importing raw materials increased significantly. As a result, the production cost of each calculator rose from 3,000 taka to nearly 13,000 taka, which caused the second initiative to fail as well.
The Beginning of Zatiq Easy
Zatiq’s CEO Sultan Moni’s wife, Mumtahina Anika, used social media to run her business. While managing this business, she frequently faced difficulties related to website creation, financial transactions, product delivery, and inventory management. These personal challenges inspired the idea of creating an e-commerce builder platform for small entrepreneurs. From that idea, Zatiq Easy was born.
Through Zatiq Easy, a small entrepreneur can instantly create a sub-domain website for just 500 taka. In addition, Zatiq Easy offers a total of 25 services within this same cost, including inventory management, order tracking, customer data management, automated digital invoices, delivery spreadsheets, local payment gateways, social media integration, and marketing services.
Speaking to Prothom Alo, Zatiq CEO Sultan Moni said, “Initially, our target was to register one business per day—that is, 30 businesses per month. However, in the very first month, more than 50 businesses registered on average every day. Currently, more than 165,000 e-commerce, F-commerce (Facebook commerce), and entrepreneur businesses are registered on the Zatiq Easy platform. Through websites created using Zatiq’s platform, these businesses receive more than 145,000 orders every month. Altogether, they sell products worth 2.6 billion taka per month using Zatiq’s platform. On average, more than 8,000 new businesses are joining Zatiq’s services every month.”
Services Provided by Zatiq
By registering through Zatiq’s website or mobile app, users can create a website within a very short time. Digital payment methods can also be integrated into the website. In addition, Zatiq’s services allow direct integration with various courier and delivery service providers. As marketing tools, Zatiq Easy also offers services such as SMS, email, Facebook integration, and more.
Alongside this, Zatiq has launched Zatiq Academy for new entrepreneurs, which offers free courses, webinars, and workshops. Zatiq is also preparing to launch another service called Zatiq Capital, aimed at helping entrepreneurs start businesses without initial investment or products.
Zatiq CEO Sultan Moni said, “We are also providing services in Middle Eastern countries. Currently, more than 3,000 businesses in Dubai alone are registered with us. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with two banks. Through these banks, we plan to support new entrepreneurs with business investment.”
Engineer Nayeem leaves his job and freelancing to pursue agriculture.In the field stands a Malta (orange) orchard. Most of the trees are laden with yellow-colored Malta fruits. Between rows of trees, vermicompost (worm compost) is being produced in beds. This compost is being supplied to various parts of the country.
This modern vermicompost farm inside a fruit orchard can be seen in Baikunthapur village of Chirirbandar upazila in Dinajpur. The entrepreneur behind the farm is Nayeem Huda (32), son of Fazlur Rahman.
Using several methods—including beds, tubs, and ring systems—Nayeem produces 25–30 tons of vermicompost every month. Alongside this, he has planted Malta, orange, mango, and litchi on six bighas of land. He also sells organic pesticides. Fish farming is carried out in a pond adjacent to the farm. On the pond embankment, he has planted betel nut, Malta, year-round mango, and jackfruit trees. Vegetables are cultivated on trellises nearby. After expenses, Nayeem earns between 200,000 and 250,000 taka per month from all these activities. Farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural officers, and general visitors crowd the farm every day to see it.
How Nayeem Started
In 2016, Naim Huda completed his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from a private university in Dhaka. The following year, he began his career at Nilphamari EPZ. Alongside his job, he also worked as a freelancer. However, considering the time and labor required, the salary was relatively low. After a few months, he quit the job and focused entirely on freelancing. In 2020, his freelancing work declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nayeem says, “After quitting my job, I had to hear many things from my family. I thought I should start something that would last as long as the world exists. With that thought, I focused on agriculture.”
In 2020, he began farming on one bigha of ancestral land beside his house by planting QJ mango and China-3 litchi orchards. The same year, he planted Malta, orange, lemon, and papaya on another four bighas of land. While doing this, he realized that fertilizer costs in agriculture were comparatively high.
He says, “I came into agriculture with the idea of producing safe food, but I had to buy a lot of fertilizer and pesticides. On the advice of the Upazila Agriculture Officer, I took training and started producing vermicompost at home using 10 rings and several plastic tubs.”
Gradually, Nayeem began to see the benefits of using organic fertilizer. He visited agricultural farms in different areas. Eventually, he started producing more compost than he needed. He began selling it to local farmers at 12–15 taka per kilogram. Later, he collected cow dung from nearby farms and started full-scale compost production.
Currently, using 40 rings, more than 50 tubs, and 55 beds, Nayeem’s farm produces 25–30 tons of compost every month. He stores the compost in a designated warehouse next to the farm. In addition to retail sales, he supplies compost to agricultural farms in nearby districts as well as Tangail, Cumilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, and Khulna. With the slogan “Always beside the farmer,” he has established Nayeem Organic Agro.
Golden Dreams in the Malta Orchard
Over the past seven years of working in agriculture, Nayeem Huda has practically become a researcher. Currently, his mixed fruit orchard has over 700 Malta trees. In 2023, the trees bore fruit for the first time, but he did not harvest them. The following year, he harvested around 70 maunds of Malta, but the fruits were green instead of yellow, resulting in a poor price. In 2024, following advice from the Agriculture Department and an orchard owner from Thakurgaon, he adopted the “root pruning” method. That year, the Malta fruits turned yellow.
A recent visit to Nayeem’s Malta orchard shows yellow fruits peeking through green leaves on small trees. The juicy, sweet-and-sour Maltas are relatively large in size. Bamboo supports have been placed under branches bending under the weight of the fruits. Locals visit the orchard daily, taking photos.
Fourteen workers—both men and women—are employed at the farm. Some are harvesting Malta and packing them into crates; others are turning dung mixtures in the compost beds. Some are netting with machines, while others are drying compost in the yard. A permanent building beside the pond serves as an office and sales center. Nayeem said he has trained over 500 youths to become entrepreneurs over the past few years and has supplied earthworms to many interested individuals.
Shamsuddin Alam, a visitor to the farm, said, “I knew Malta as an imported fruit. It has been cultivated in our country for a few years, but the fruits were green. This is the first time I’ve seen yellow Malta fruits directly on trees.”
Naim said that not all trees bore fruit this year, but the fruit size has increased. Relatively fewer pesticides were used. He expects to harvest at least 250–280 maunds of Malta this season and hopes to sell them wholesale at 170–180 taka per kilogram.
Farmers’ Trust in Organic Pesticides
Nayeem did not stop at vermicompost alone. He also sells solid microbial fertilizer made from cow urine, molasses, chickpea flour, and soil. He produces and sells juice made from ten types of leaves, including neem, mahogany, bael, custard apple, dhutura, and castor leaves. This helps resolve nutrient deficiencies in crops. His sales center also offers powdered eggshells, snail shells, dried fish, tobacco powder, and oil cakes made from peanut, neem, coconut, and sesame. Using these ingredients, his farm produces Trichoderma compost fertilizer.
Local farmer Ershad Ali said, “Fertilizer and pesticide prices are very high in the market. Agricultural officers repeatedly encourage the use of organic fertilizers. Many of us in the area have been using organic fertilizer regularly for years. This has reduced costs and improved yields.”
At one point, Nayeem’s father, Fazlur Rahman, was unhappy when his son left his job for farming. Now, seeing his success, he is pleased. He keeps track of his son’s work, spends time at the farm, and talks with farmers at the sales center.
Fazlur Rahman said, “At one time I scolded my son, but today the farm stands strong because of his effort and hard work. Every day, 10–12 people work here.” He believes educated youths should come forward in agriculture.
Regarding Nayeem Huda’s initiative, Chirirbandar Upazila Agriculture Officer Johra Sultana said that the use of vermicompost has increased in the upazila over the past few years, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. There is no alternative to vermicompost for safe food production and soil health conservation. Currently, Nayeem’s farm is the largest vermicompost production farm in the district.
Deva nandha is a child artiste who has gained wide attention for her excellence in acting and her mature behavior in public spaces. She entered the film industry through the movie Thottappan. Later, after acting in several films, she captured audience attention with Malikappuram, in which Unni Mukundan played the lead role.
Deva Nandha: The Child Artiste Who Won Hearts with Talent and Grace
In an industry where child artistes often struggle to balance innocence with performance, Deva Nandha has emerged as a rare exception—an actor whose talent, discipline, and emotional maturity far exceed her age. With a strong screen presence and an equally composed public demeanor, she has earned admiration from audiences and critics alike in a remarkably short span of time.
Rise to Prominence
The turning point in Deva Nandha’s career came with the 2022 film Malikappuram, where she played the character Kallu (Malikappuram). Sharing screen space with actor Unni Mukundan, Deva delivered a performance that was both emotionally powerful and spiritually grounded.
Her portrayal of a devoted young girl, driven by faith, resilience, and inner strength, struck a deep chord with audiences across age groups. Critics widely praised her ability to carry intense emotional scenes with remarkable restraint and authenticity—qualities rarely seen in performers so young.
Notable Works
Apart from Thottappan and Malikappuram, Deva Nandha has acted in several notable Malayalam films, including:
My Santa (2019)
Minnal Murali (2021)
Simon Daniel (2022)
Neymar (2023)
Gu (2024)
Each project further reinforced her reputation as a dependable and emotionally intelligent child actor.
Awards and Recognition
For her outstanding performance in Malikappuram, Deva Nandha won the Kerala Film Critics Association Award for Best Child Artist (2022). The recognition confirmed what audiences already believed—that she was not just a promising child actor, but a serious performer with long-term potential.
Beyond the Screen
What sets Deva Nandha apart is not only her acting ability but also her mature conduct in public spaces and interviews. She speaks with clarity, confidence, and awareness, often surprising viewers with her thoughtful responses. This maturity has made her a role model for many young viewers and a subject of admiration among parents and educators.
At the same time, her journey has not been without challenges. Like many young public figures, she has faced online criticism and cyberbullying. Her family’s decision to address such issues legally highlighted an important conversation about protecting child artistes in the digital age.
A Promising Future
Deva Nandha represents a new generation of child artistes—talented, articulate, and grounded. As she continues to grow, both as an individual and as an actor, expectations remain high. Whether she chooses to continue in cinema or explore other creative paths, her early contributions to Malayalam cinema have already left a lasting impression.
In Deva Nandha, audiences see not just a child star, but a young artist with depth, discipline, and dignity—qualities that promise a bright and meaningful future.
Deva Nandha who primarily appears in Malayalam and Tamil-language films. She began her acting career in 2019 and has since portrayed a range of characters in various films. She is known for her roles in Malikappuram (2022), Thottappan (2019), My Santa (2019), Simon Daniel (2022), and Neymar (2023).
Career
She began her acting career in 2019 with a role as the younger version of Sarah in the Malayalam film Thottappan. In 2022, she appeared in the film Malikappuram, portraying the character Kallu/Malikappuram. Her performance in the film received attention from critics, and she was honored with the Best Child Actress award at the Kerala Film Critics Association 2022. Kerala Film Critics Association Awards 2022.
Filmography
All films are in Malayalam language unless otherwise noted
†
Denotes film or TV productions that have not yet been released
In 2024, Deva Nandha was involved in an incident related to cyberbullying after a modified version of an interview clip from a promotional event was circulated online. The video, which had been edited out of context, prompted a wave of negative responses on social media.In response to the online reactions, her father submitted a complaint to the Ernakulam cyber police, expressing concerns over the spread of misleading content and its potential impact.
The Sixty Dome Mosque is located in Bagerhat District of Khulna Division, Bangladesh. It was built in the mid-15th century under the leadership of a Muslim governor named Khan Jahan Ali. The mosque is considered a unique example of Bengali architecture and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
History
In the Middle Ages, a Muslim colony developed in the Bagerhat region, where Khan Jahan Ali built the city. Under his leadership, construction of the mosque began in 1442 AD and was completed around 1459. Although it was primarily built for religious worship, it is of particular historical value due to its architectural and cultural significance.
Architectural features
The mosque is rectangular in shape and has 60 pillars inside. These pillars support 77 domes, which gives the mosque its name “Sixty Domes”. There are actually 81 domes: 77 in the main Prayer Hall and four in the corners. The mosque has 11 doors on the east side, and 7 doors each on the north and south sides. This keeps the interior bright and cool. There are round towers at the four corners, which were once used for the call to prayer.
Cultural importance
The Sixty Dome Mosque is not only a religious center; it is also important from an architectural, historical and cultural perspective. It is one of the largest mosques of the Bengal Sultanate era. Every pillar, dome and arch of the mosque is a unique example of local architecture.
Inspection
The mosque can be easily reached from Bagerhat city by autorickshaw or CNG. Morning or evening is the best time to visit. It is best to pay attention to dress and decency before entering the mosque. Tourists can experience the beauty of history and architecture together here.
The Sixty Dome Mosque is a proud piece of history in Bangladesh, a shining example of our country’s architectural and cultural heritage. The intricate beauty of its domes, pillars, and arches will captivate you upon first sight.
Going through puberty can be a challenge for any child. But children who experience early puberty can have physical, social and emotional challenges that their peers may not, according to researchers. Early puberty or precocious puberty describes puberty that begins before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Girls are much more likely than boys to experience this condition. If your child experiences early puberty, how can you help?
Puberty is a major developmental transition in a child’s life, but when it happens earlier than expected, it can bring unique challenges for kids and their parents. For girls, early puberty (also known as precocious puberty) is defined as the onset of puberty before age 8. This includes the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development, and eventually the onset of menstruation.
Age of puberty has been declining for decades
The mean age of puberty in girls has been falling in Western populations for the past 150 years. The average age of puberty onset in girls is now 10½. Girls get their period on average at age 12½ to 13. More than 1 in 7 (15%) of American girls start puberty at age 7, and more than 1 in 4 (28%) by age 8, according to the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research. Boys are now reaching puberty by age 10, which is six months to two years earlier than previous generations of boys.
Once started, the whole process of puberty takes three to four years. One of the most noticeable parts of puberty is that girls usually grow taller than boys around 11 or 12 years old. Boys catch up and pass them by around age 14 or so. There is no definitive cause for why boys and girls are reaching puberty at younger ages, but childhood obesity, environmental factors and stress could play a role.
Resources for parents
S. Paige Hertweck, M.D., pediatric and adolescent gynecologist with Norton Children’s Gynecology, recommends a couple of helpful resources:
Girlology: A Girl’s Guide to Stuff that Matters,” a book authored by a pediatrician and OB/GYN. Girlology also has an online community.
“The Care and Keeping of You,” a book divided into two age-appropriate volumes for reading and discussion.
When it comes to early puberty, boys and girls can begin to feel isolated, embarrassed and ashamed about their body and experience issues with their peers, including bullying. Girls are more likely to experience the negative psychological and social consequences of puberty. Studies show that girls are more likely to internalize these feelings, which can prolong the unease and increase their risk for depression. Further, a 2018 study shows girls who begin puberty earlier are at higher risk for mental health issues. The study showed that these girls are more likely to become depressed during their teen years, which can persist into adulthood.
Dad with his 10 years old kid girl cooking in the kitchen, casual lifestyle photo series. Child making breakfast with parent together. Cozy homely scene.
How can parents or guardians help children who are experiencing early puberty?
Helping kids navigate social and emotional hurdles during puberty that are tricky at 13 can be even more so when a child is 7 or 8 years old. But these hurdles call for parenting skills that apply at any age: being emotionally present for children during developmental milestones, witnessing their growing pains and providing comfort to help them build resilience when life throws them curveballs. What else can parents do?
Start a conversation.Caregivers shouldn’t be afraid to start the conversation about puberty early, so the transition can seem less foreign and scary. Caregivers should consider talking about sexual development by age 6 or 7, and keep the lines of communication open for questions and worries their child may have.
Be an advocate.When your child experiences issues with school, sports or extracurriculars, talking with teachers and coaches may lead to adjustments that can improve your child’s situation.
Don’t be afraid to get help.Maybe your son starts refusing to shower or wear deodorant. Maybe your daughter has lost interest in a sport she’s always loved. It’s OK to get help from your child’s pediatrician about how to manage the ebb and flow of early puberty. Your pediatrician also can refer your child to a pediatric gynecologistor pediatric urologist for further care regarding puberty.
How Does Precocious Puberty Affect Kids? As early as puberty ends, kids with precocious puberty usually fail to reach their full adult height potential. Their skeletons mature and bone growth stops earlier than normal, which means they do not reach their full height as adults.
The early growth spurt may result in them initially being taller than their peers, but they may stop growing too soon, resulting in a shorter height than they would have otherwise achieved [6]. Experiencing puberty too early can also be difficult emotionally and socially for children. Girls who experience precocious puberty, for instance, may feel confused or embarrassed about getting their periods or having enlarged breasts well before other girls. Even their moods and behaviours can change when they experience precocious puberty. Girls may become moody and irritable. Boys may become aggressive and develop inappropriate sex drives.
On A Final Note… A child going through early puberty may struggle emotionally and socially. They may not feel that they fit in. They might become depressed, moody, or aggressive. As parents, you should support and guide them the right way. There are times when treatment of a related health problem can stop precocious puberty, but most of the time, there is no other disease present, which means that hormone therapy is required to stop sexual development.
How Common Is Early Puberty?
Studies show that the mean age of pubertal onset for girls has been falling over the past century, to an average onset of 10.5 years old. About 15% of girls will go through puberty “early” (before age 7), and around 28% will start puberty around age 8. Factors such as genetics, weight, environmental influences and the effects of stress may contribute to earlier development. While true “early puberty” affects only a minority of girls, the onset of puberty can be earlier than many parents expect.
Why Early Puberty Can Be Difficult for Girls
Girls who experience early puberty often face emotional and social challenges. For example, they may feel self-conscious about their changing bodies, leading to feelings of isolation, embarrassment and shame. Additionally, studies have shown that early puberty is associated with an increased risk of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and body dysmorphia which can persist into adulthood.
Socially, girls who develop earlier may receive unwanted attention from peers and adults and are at risk of being perceived as older than their chronological age. They are athigher risk of bullying and even sexual harassment and can have more difficulty navigating friendships.
The Challenges for Parents
Many parents feel unprepared to discuss puberty with their daughter at such a young age or feel uncomfortable navigating conversations about changing bodies or sexual maturation. Parents may also struggle with their own emotions and reactions and find it hard to tolerate the changes in their child.
What Steps Should Parents Take If Their Child Shows Signs of Early Puberty?
According to Specialist Level I, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, MD, MSc in the Internal Medicine Department at FV Hospital, children with early puberty should receive timely intervention to prevent short stature and potential psychosocial issues. However, many parents are still unclear about what early puberty actually is, often missing the critical window for supporting their child.
Early Puberty: Risk of Short Stature and Emotional-Psychological Challenges in Children
Recent media reports have highlighted a significant rise in the number of children receiving treatment for early puberty. Some children, as young as 6 to 8 years old, are already showing signs of puberty, raising concerns among many parents.
Dr Nguyen Thi Thu Huong from the Internal Medicine Department at FV Hospital, explains that early puberty refers to the onset of pubertal signs earlier than expected – specifically, before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys.
Common signs of early puberty include rapid height growth, acne, body odour, body hair growth, and mood changes. Girls may develop breasts and begin menstruating, while boys may experience voice deepening, enlargement of the testicles and penis, and even ejaculation. Studies show that early puberty is four times more common in girls than in boys,” explained Specialist Level I, Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, MD, MSc in Internal Medicine Department at FV Hospital.
Most cases of early puberty have no identifiable cause. However, a small percentage are linked to underlying conditions such as pituitary tumours, hormonal disorders, or genetic factors. In today’s modern lifestyle, several contributing factors have also been noted, including obesity, unbalanced diets, poor food quality, environmental pollution, and psychological stress.
Early puberty is not just a matter of “growing up too soon”, it can significantly impact a child’s physical and mental health. “One of the main concerns is height. The early rise of sex hormones accelerates bone maturation. While children may initially grow taller rapidly, the early closure of growth plates caused by this hormonal surge can limit their final adult height – typically around age 12 for girls and 15 for boys,” Dr Huong explained.
Furthermore, that early development of vaginal discharge and the onset of menstruation in girls – or testicular growth and ejaculation in boys – can pose hygiene challenges. At such a young age, children often lack the awareness and skills needed to care for their bodies properly, increasing the risk of infections.
“The early physical changes can also expose children to potential abuse, with serious consequences. Emotional and psychological changes, such as irritability, anxiety, and feeling different from peers, can lead to depression or even social withdrawal,” she added.
Early Puberty Requires a Comprehensive Treatment Strategy
When early signs of puberty appear, such as breast development in girls before age 8 or voice deepening in boys before age 9 – parents should consult a paediatric endocrinologist for proper evaluation.
With over 15 years of experience in diagnosing and treating early puberty, the Internal Medicine Department at FV Hospital provides a comprehensive approach. Children are first examined by endocrinology specialists, who conduct essential evaluations to determine a diagnosis. These include breast and abdominal ultrasounds to assess the uterus and ovaries in girls, testicular ultrasound in boys, and a hand X-ray to determine bone age.
Next, blood tests are performed to measure sex hormone levels and identify potential underlying causes, such as elevated prolactin, thyroid dysfunction, or tumours that secrete beta-HCG. If hormone levels appear low but imaging indicates ongoing pubertal development, a stimulation test using Diphereline is conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Finally, an MRI scan of the pituitary gland is performed to rule out tumours – an essential step before initiating puberty-suppressing treatment.
How Parents Can Support Their Daughters Through Early Puberty
Navigating early puberty requires a thoughtful and compassionate approach. Here are some tips to get you started.
Start Open and Age-Appropriate Conversations
Even if puberty seems far off, it’s never too early to talk about puberty and bodily change in simple and reassuring ways. Ideally, these conversations begin well before puberty. Books such as “The Care and Keeping of You for Younger Girls” and “Celebrate Your Body and Its Changes, Too” are great to read with your child. If your daughter is developing early, explain what’s happening in a way she can understand, and normalize these changes so she doesn’t feel like something is wrong.
Validate Her Feelings
It’s important to acknowledge and validate any emotions your daughter may have. If she expresses embarrassment, anxiety or confusion, listen and reassure her that what she’s going through is completely normal. Let her know she’s not alone and that many other girls experience the same thing.
Provide Practical Support
Help your daughter feel prepared by providing the necessary products, such as bras, deodorant or menstrual supplies before she needs them, and teaching her how to use them. Your daughter will also need you to be her advocate. This may involve communication with teachers or coaches, or with other parents, to make sure your daughter has whatever accommodations she needs (e.g. bathroom breaks, private places to change, etc.).
Encourage Positive Body Image or Work Towards Body Neutrality
Girls going through early puberty may struggle with their body image and experience shame about their changing bodies. Be mindful about how you talk about your body and don’t comment on a child’s body. Help your daughter focus on what her body can do rather than how it looks, normalize different body types, and reinforce the idea that all bodies develop at their own pace and that differences are normal.
Monitor Her Emotional Well-Being
Because early puberty is linked to higher rates of anxiety and depression, keep an eye out for changes in mood, withdrawal from activities or signs of distress. Consider consulting with your pediatrician or a trained therapist if you are concerned about your daughter’s emotional well-being.
Final Thoughts
Early puberty can be a challenging experience for girls, but the right support can make all the difference. Remember to also put on your own oxygen mask first. Taking care of your own emotional needs as a parent is a critical part of parenting your daughter through this experience.
Shirtless teenager boy holding a razor. Fear to first time shaving concept.
If you’ve noticed early signs of puberty in your son or daughter, you’re not alone. Parents in South Africa and around the world are increasingly concerned that their children will enter puberty too soon.
Puberty typically begins in girls between the ages of eight and 13, and in boys between the ages of nine and 14, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some children, however, reach puberty earlier.
Puberty, also known as precocious puberty is considered to be early in boys before the age of eight, and in girls before the age of nine.
What exactly is precocious puberty?
Precocious puberty occurs when your child’s body matures faster than usual. While this does not necessarily imply that there is something wrong with your child, it’s important to understand how your precocious puberty can affect your child.
Good to know: The onset of puberty has been gradually declining for some time, but it is only in recent years that it has taken such a sharp drop and has begun to occur universally.
Sexual and emotional growth
Puberty starts when the body is becoming fully prepared for reproduction, but this does not imply that emotional development is progressing at the same rate. Adolescence was once a time when both sexual and emotional development occurred as boys and girls entered their teen years. However, children as young as six years old have sexually developed bodies long before their minds can comprehend what is going on.
This can be dangerous because it makes children more vulnerable to sexual abuse and can lead to experimentation and, in the case of girls, pregnancy at very young ages. As a result, parents are dealing with a whole new set of issues, and doctors are dealing with medical issues they have never seen before.
Other complications associated with precocious puberty
Early puberty can lead to the following complications:
Short stature: Children with precocious puberty may grow quickly and be taller than their peers at first. However, because their bones mature faster than normal, they frequently stop growing earlier than normal. As a result, they may be shorter than average as adults. Early treatment of precocious puberty, particularly in very young children, can help them grow taller than they would otherwise.
Social and emotional issues: Girls and boys who reach puberty earlier than their peers may be extremely self-conscious about the changes taking place in their bodies. This may have an impact on self-esteem and increase the likelihood of depression or substance abuse.
What is causing this dramatic shift in the onset of puberty?
Scientists have looked into the subject to try and determine what might cause these kinds of changes as the age of children entering puberty has decreased. The precise answers are still unknown, but they have identified a couple of modern-day factors that may hold a key.
An unusual genetic mutation in some children can result in the release of sex hormones.
Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism (a common condition in which the thyroid does not produce and release enough thyroid hormone into the bloodstream).
The rising rate of childhood obesity. Children with excess body fat will enter puberty earlier, on average, than those without additional body fat.
Toxic and chemical exposure (everything from plastic baby bottles to food wrappers can contain harmful chemicals that can cause a variety of physiological problems, including early puberty).
Early puberty symptoms
Precocious puberty signs and symptoms include the emergence of the following before the age of eight in girls and before the age of nine in boys.
In girls, female breast development and the first period
In boys, enlarged testicles and penis, facial hair, and a deeper voice
Underarm or pubic hair
Acne
Body odours
Good to know: Make an appointment with your child’s doctor for an evaluation if your child has any of the signs or symptoms of precocious puberty.
How is precocious puberty diagnosed?
To diagnose precocious puberty, your child’s doctor may do the following:
Examine your child’s and family’s medical history.
Perform a physical examination.
Perform blood tests to determine hormone levels.
Take x-rays of your child’s hand and wrist. These X-rays can assist the doctor in determining your child’s bone age, which indicates whether the bones are growing too quickly.
Identifying the type of premature puberty
There are three types of precocious puberty that may affect a child: central precocious puberty (the most common type), peripheral precocious puberty and incomplete puberty. Your child’s doctor will also need to determine the type of precocious puberty they have. They may do so by administering a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test.
The doctor will take a blood sample and then administer an injection containing the GnRH hormone to your child during this test. More blood samples are then taken over time to see how hormones in your child’s body react. The GnRH hormone causes other hormone levels to rise in children with central precocious puberty. Other hormone levels remain constant in children with peripheral precocious puberty.
Girls who hit puberty after 12 had 12% less bone strength than earlier growers
Similar results were for boys, with puberty being measured by growth in height
As adults, the late-growers still had almost 5% less bone strength
Researchers said this puts them at greater risk of osteoporosis
Children who enter puberty early have the strongest bones as adults, a study has shown.
Scientists at the University of Bristol studied thousands of British children, taking bone scans over the course of 15 years.
They found the later a child hit puberty – defined as the later they had their growth spurt – the weaker their bones were.
Growth in bone strength starts to halt in the early twenties, therefore those who hit puberty late still had weaker bones into their adult life.
This can be a crucial factor for whether an adult goes on to develop conditions such as osteoporosis later in life, experts said. Researchers collected data on 6,389 children who had bone scans between 10 and 25 as part of the Children of the 90s Study.
They calculated the age a child hit puberty by looking at when they had their largest growth-spurt – called ‘age at peak height velocity’.
Children who hit puberty earliest – before 10.5 years in girls and before 12.5 years in boys – had 12 per cent more bone strength during puberty than those who hit it later – from 12.7 years in girls and 14.5 years in boys.
Although teens who had their pubertal growth spurt later than their peers had lower bone-strength, they did ‘catch-up’ to some degree.
By the time they were 18, their bones had acquired density at a much quicker speed. Particularly, boys had a more intense growth.
But it wasn’t quite enough – by age 25 those who hit puberty later still had almost five per cent less bone strength than early maturers.
Puberty is a key life milestone when teenagers go through a growth in their skeletal system, among other things.
The greatest gain in bone size and strength occurs during adolescence because of hormones.
But bones keep growing in strength well after puberty, reaching their maximum strength – called ‘peak bone mass’ – in the early 20s.
The study, considered to be the first of its kind, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association’s Network Open.
Peak bone mass at the end of teenage growth spurts is thought to be an indication of later risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
One previous study found an increase of 10 per cent in bone density would delay osteoporosis by 13 years.
The condition is estimated to affect three million people in the UK, according to The International Osteoporosis Foundation.
Growth-spurts are an accurate marker of puberty, the researchers said, but it does have limitations.
Lead author Dr Ahmed Elhakeem said they also used the age at which girls started their period as an indicator of starting puberty, and got the same study findings.
Dr Elhakeem said: ‘I’d like to see more advice available for people who reach puberty later on measures they can take to strengthen their bones.
‘The next steps should involve more detailed assessments of the long-term effects of puberty on growth and bone development.’
Alison Doyle, of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, claimed the research filled a gap in understanding how bone density in puberty affects adult life.
She said: ‘Investment in this area of research is vital in furthering our understanding of the causes of osteoporosis and helping people to maintain good bone health throughout life.
‘Understanding changes in bone density during puberty, and the interventions that people can take for their bone health now to prevent osteoporosis and fractures in the future, is an important step forward in finding a cure for this disease.’
The researchers said teenagers going through puberty later than their peers should do more exercise to increase and maintain their bone density.
The study was not able to make any conclusions about fractures or bone disease later in life because the study finished when participants were 25.
Because weight and height increase rapidly during adolescence, an adequate intake of protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and minerals is essential. Without sufficient nutrition, muscles do not develop properly, bone density decreases, desired height may not be achieved, and fatigue sets in easily. As a result, the body becomes weaker in adulthood and overall physical capacity declines.
During adolescence—especially among girls—iron deficiency is very common. This can lead to anemia, dizziness, reduced concentration, difficulty with physical exertion, and frequent illness. These problems also interfere with education and daily activities.
In adolescence, the brain develops skills related to decision-making, emotional regulation, and concentration. A deficiency of essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids reduces learning ability, weakens memory, and lowers tolerance to mental stress. In this way, malnutrition can gradually hinder academic progress.
If an adolescent girl suffers from malnutrition, her future pregnancies may be high-risk. The baby may have a low birth weight, and maternal malnutrition increases the risk of malnutrition in the child as well. Thus, malnutrition can pass from one generation to the next—a phenomenon known as the “vicious cycle of malnutrition.”
Foods That Should Be Included
As sources of carbohydrates, unpolished rice, whole wheat flour, red flattened rice, and oats should be included. Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, okra, eggplant, bitter gourd, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, snake gourd, carrots, and radish are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
For protein, one should consume milk, yogurt, eggs, fish, meat, lentils, and legumes. Calcium and vitamin D can be obtained from milk, yogurt, cheese, small fish, taro leaves, drumstick leaves, pumpkin seeds, and light exposure to sunlight through walking outdoors. Meat, fish, lentils, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc.
For iodine, milk, yogurt, eggs, shrimp, and marine fish should be consumed. To meet iron requirements, fish, meat, eggs, taro leaves, Malabar spinach, watermelon, blackberries, dates, and ripe tamarind are beneficial. Vitamin C is found in guava, hog plum, amla, lemon, olives, rose apple, ripe tomatoes, star fruit, ripe papaya, pineapple, and similar fruits.
Irregular eating habits, unhygienic fried foods from outside, fast food, foods high in oil and fat, excessive salt intake, and soft drinks should be avoided. At the same time, eating in moderation is important. Unhealthy dietary habits and excessive food intake are responsible for adolescent obesity.
Different country, different language, different culture—studying abroad brings multiple challenges beyond academic pressure. When the degree is in a demanding field like medicine, those challenges become even tougher. Overcoming all of these, Stuti Rimal from Nepal secured tenth place in the MBBS final professional examination conducted under the University of Dhaka.
In the beginning, Stuti faced the same shock that many foreign students experience upon arriving in a new country. Before she could fully grasp the complexities of medical science in the classroom, she first had to understand the language. While her Bangladeshi classmates worried about “items” (exams), Stuti’s main concern was learning the language.
The Beginning of the Journey
From an early age, Stuti was involved in drawing, recitation, and creative writing. She also played the violin and practiced dance, and she was the captain of her school basketball team. However, when she thought about her future, she felt drawn to doing something that could have a positive impact on people’s lives. That thought led her toward this respected profession.
Stuti learned that medical colleges in Bangladesh have a very high number of patients, which allows students to closely observe more cases and learn more in practice. This motivated her to consider studying here. Under the SAARC scholarship, 19 Nepali students get the opportunity to study in Bangladesh each year—and she took that opportunity.
Language Is Not a Barrier, Language Is Love
Stuti received all kinds of support from the community of international students. When she had difficulty understanding lessons due to her lack of Bangla, she later clarified topics with Bangladeshi classmates. Seniors also extended their help generously. Even when she fell ill and had to go to the hospital, they took care of all the arrangements for her.
Medical education is not limited to books, notebooks, and laboratories—it extends to hospital wards, where learning happens directly from patients. Stuti says she learned a large part of the language from the patients themselves. As a foreigner, she received special respect from ordinary people seeking treatment. In addition, her friends, classmates, and even dormitory staff at the medical college became her “Bangla teachers.”
In the MBBS final professional examination, it is impossible to pass without communicating with patients in their own language. Skillfully understanding a patient’s problems and conducting examinations is extremely important. Stuti’s success in this regard is clearly reflected in her exam results. It is also worth mentioning that when we spoke to her for this interview, the entire conversation took place in Bangla.
Other New Experiences Beyond Language
Coming from Kathmandu to Dhaka, Stuti initially struggled with the hot climate. She grew up in a land of hills and seasonal breezes. Food was also somewhat challenging at first, but later she started cooking for herself.
She came to understand Bangladeshi culture after arriving here. Before coming, she had heard that conservative dress codes for women were mandatory. Later, she realized that people in Bangladesh are not actually rigid but rather quite liberal. As a result, she blended in easily. She said, “There are many times when, unless I speak, no one can even tell that I’m not Bangladeshi!”
She has also traveled outside Dhaka several times—visiting Sylhet and Rangpur—and has seen the sea in Cox’s Bazar and Kuakata.
Currently, Stuti Rimal is working as an intern doctor at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. For students who come from Nepal to study MBBS in Bangladesh, internship is mandatory. Undoubtedly, this experience will be a valuable asset for her future. However, there is one lingering disappointment. Bangladeshi intern doctors receive a government stipend. Foreign interns used to receive it as well until 2008, but it has not been provided since then. Stuti said, “If we received a stipend, it would give us extra motivation.”
After completing her internship, Stuti will return to Nepal to be with her mother, father, grandmother, and sister. She plans to prepare for working as a doctor in the United States. This talented young physician aspires to become a neurosurgeon in the future.
Spreading a quiet, mesmerizing charm through her painted sarees—Mashhun Jahan Mugdho’s world is filled with silence. The soft patter of rain or the loud blaring of traffic horns—none of these sounds reach her ears. Yet, even in a world without sound, this young woman continues to color her own universe.
Her colors spill onto sarees—sometimes with block prints, sometimes with brushes. A boutique house in Dhaka’s Sipahibagh runs solely on her work. Its name is Mom Fanus. The boutique operates out of a small three-room rented apartment with five employees. This is where sarees named Alokananda, Banalata, Padma, and Chitrolekha are made.
Every design at Mom Fanus is created by Mugdho. The block-print patterns are also her creations. She sketches the designs on paper, which are then carved into wooden blocks. Every brushstroke on hand-painted fabric comes from her own hand.
Silence and Fear
Mugdho was born in October 2005. Her childhood brought deep worry to her mother, Mushfera Jahan. When Mugdho was only six months old, her mother suspected she might not be able to hear. The doctors’ words brought more pain: Mugdho might never be able to speak.
Mushfera told Prothom Alo, “When other children screamed with joy, my daughter would only stare at them in surprise. Only a mother knows how that feels.”
Even though the family felt their world collapsing, they did not give up. When Mugdho turned three, they enrolled her in art classes in Bogura, where they lived at the time. She was also admitted to Prayas School at Bogura Cantonment.
Mugdho’s first art teacher, Zakia Sultana, said, “Mugdho was my youngest student. She used to hold a feeder bottle while attending class. Sometimes she didn’t want to leave. Give her a pencil and she’d draw beautifully.”
Being speech- and hearing-impaired, Mugdho learned to understand language by watching people’s lips. Zakia said, “While speaking, we look into someone’s eyes. But Mugdho watches lips. I used to show her colors and use hand gestures to guide her during drawing.”
Lively in Colors
From an early age, Mugdho painted exceptionally well. She has won many national-level awards—competitions by Shishu Academy, World Children’s Day and Child Rights Week celebrations, World Breastfeeding Week events, and various state programs.
She later adapted her childhood drawing skills to clothing design. One day, her mother posted a photo on Facebook of a panjabi painted by Mugdho. Immediately, 33 more orders came in for the same design.
This was in 2014, when Mugdho was just a sixth grader. Mushfera said that Mugdho painted every panjabi by hand within the deadline. This marked the beginning of Mugdho’s journey in fashion design.
Mushfera started the boutique in 2020, thinking about her daughter’s future. Today, the business runs almost entirely on Mugdho’s artistry.
Mushfera works as a sewing trainer at the Bangladesh National Deaf Association and conducts workshops in different places.
She said, “Mugdho’s father once held a high-ranking private-sector job. Since the COVID pandemic, he hasn’t been employed. Her elder brother studies in the Theatre and Performance Studies Department at Dhaka University and tutors a few students. For now, the family depends mostly on the boutique.”
Mom Fanus mainly handles wholesale orders. Mushfera manages orders, deliveries, and accounts. Mugdho focuses on creating new color palettes, perfecting brush designs, arranging block-print plates, and transforming plain fabrics into something unique.
The family is now planning to expand Mom Fanus—possibly even outside Dhaka—because they can no longer handle the rising number of orders with limited space and staff.
A Silent Marriage
Mugdho is now an HSC student at Habibullah Bahar College under the Open University. She got married earlier this year. Her husband is also hearing-impaired, so they communicate through sign language.
However, she continues living with her mother, as she still needs her assistance to run Mom Fanus.
We communicated with Mugdho through written messages over the phone. When asked what she enjoys during leisure time, she replied that she loves watching movies with English subtitles.
She shared with us some of her paintings—most of them centered around eyes. She is particularly fascinated by different human gazes.
A Mother’s Ache, A Daughter’s Art
Although many admire Mugdho’s talent, her mother still carries deep sorrow. She said, “My daughter is so talented and so patient. As a mother, it hurts when I see even a myna bird can mimic speech, but my child cannot speak.”
But Mugdho pays no attention to such grief. Each day she immerses herself in new colors and new ideas. From this quiet world are born sarees named Banalata, Alokananda, and Padma, which find their way to various brand stores across the country. Buyers may never know that each design holds the story of a young woman rising above her limitations.
Mugdho cannot speak—but through colors, she keeps saying: “I can.”
