Nayeem-Shahriar | Daily Observer

Digital dawn, toxic dusk: Bangladesh's looming e-waste catastrophe

Nayeem Shahriar

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) promises a future of hyper-connected cities, intelligent automation, ubiquitous sensors, and AI-driven efficiency. For Bangladesh, embracing these technologies is not just a dream-it is a necessity for economic advancement, better governance, and the improvement of millions of lives. However, amid the excitement and rapid adoption of digital tools, a serious ...

Innovative recycling techs needed to handle haphazard waste

Nayeem Shahriar

Bangladesh, a highly populated country of over 170 million people, is facing enormous environmental challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and insufficient waste treatment infrastructure. The indiscriminate generation of garbage poses significant threats to public health, ecosystems and the environment, as evidenced by unregulated disposal, inadequate segregation, and defective recycling infrastructure. A considerable amount of ...

Can Dhaka be transformed into an eco-friendly city?

Nayeem Shahriar

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a city of contrasts. Home to over 22 million people, it is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce and chaos. Its streets pulse with energy, but they also bear the weight of unchecked urbanization, pollution and environmental degradation. As one of the most densely populated cities in the ...

Why Dhaka is getting warmer

Nayeem Shahriar

Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, has long been a symbol of rapid urbanization and economic growth. With a population now exceeding 24 million, the city has transformed from a modest urban center in the 1970s to a sprawling megacity. However, this growth has come at a steep environmental cost. The relentless expansion of concrete ...

Effects of UHI and increased use of air conditioners in Dhaka

Nayeem Shahriar

The challenges of accelerated urbanization in the Global South are exemplified by the vibrant capital of Bangladesh. The city is a crucible of economic opportunity, with a population exceeding 21 million. However, it is also grappling with escalating environmental crises. Among these, the urban heat island (UHI) effect has emerged as a significant hazard to ...

What Ramadan teaches us

Nayeem Shahriar

By the end of the holy month of Ramadan, how much mortification have we practiced? We consumed more food in Sahri and Iftar than we usually had for three times meals. This is a chance to emendate ourselves by decerning the spirit of Ramadan. It's not just a religious ritual. The essence of sustainable living ...