1.

**Title: The Persisting Issue of Dowry in Bangladesh: A Deep-Rooted Tradition with Devastating Consequences**

*Dhaka, Bangladesh* — Despite significant progress in various sectors, dowry remains a deeply entrenched social issue in Bangladesh, with far-reaching
consequences for both women and society at large. The practice, which involves the bride’s family providing substantial gifts, money, or property to the groom's
family, continues to contribute to gender inequality, financial burden, and even violence against women.

### A Cultural Tradition with Severe Implications

Dowry, or “Jahaiz” as it is called in Bengali, has been a longstanding tradition in many parts of South Asia, including Bangladesh. Although it is illegal under the
Dowry Prohibition Act of 1980, it persists in many communities, often hidden from the public eye due to social pressures, family expectations, and deeply
ingrained cultural practices.

For many, the dowry is not merely a symbolic gift; it is often seen as a measure of the bride’s family’s social status and wealth. However, in reality, it has placed a
significant financial strain on families, particularly those with limited resources. The amount demanded by the groom’s family can range from modest to
exorbitant, and in some cases, it can lead to tragic consequences.

### Financial Burden and Violence

For many families, the pressure to fulfill dowry demands has become unbearable. The situation has led to an alarming rise in cases of financial hardship, debt,
and even suicide. Some reports suggest that families often take out loans or sell property to meet dowry expectations, while others borrow from moneylenders
who charge high-interest rates. In some instances, the dowry has become a cause of violence and abuse within marriages, where brides face physical and
psychological torture if their families fail to meet the agreed-upon dowry demands.

The practice also contributes to a dangerous culture of gender inequality. Women, who are often treated as commodities to be exchanged, are subjected to
mistreatment when dowry expectations are unmet. Domestic violence, harassment, and even killings over dowry disputes are not uncommon. In 2023 alone,
more than 300 women were reported to have died due to dowry-related violence, according to a local human rights organization.

### Legal and Social Responses

While the Dowry Prohibition Act criminalizes the practice, enforcement remains weak. Many cases go unreported due to fear of social stigma or retribution from
the groom’s family. Additionally, the legal system often struggles with the complexities of proving dowry-related abuse, further discouraging victims from
seeking justice.

Bangladesh’s government, along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups, has been working to raise awareness about the negative
impacts of dowry. Campaigns aimed at educating communities on the legal repercussions of dowry and advocating for the empowerment of women have gained
traction in recent years. The government has also introduced measures to promote women's education and economic independence, aiming to reduce the
financial dependency that often fuels dowry practices.

Moreover, women’s rights groups in Bangladesh have been at the forefront of calls for stronger enforcement of existing laws and a cultural shift towards
equality. “Dowry is not only a financial burden; it’s an emotional and psychological trauma for women,” says Shahana Sultana, a women's rights activist. “We
need a collective effort to break the cycle of dowry and empower women to stand up against this practice.”

### Changing Attitudes and Hope for the Future

While the problem remains widespread, there are signs of progress. In urban areas like Dhaka, many young people are increasingly rejecting the traditional
dowry system, and some families are choosing to marry without exchanging any dowry at all. As education levels rise and awareness spreads, the younger
generation is beginning to challenge outdated norms and push for more equitable marriages.

The rise of women in the workforce and greater access to education has also contributed to shifting perspectives. Many women now see marriage as a
partnership based on mutual respect, rather than a transaction dictated by dowry demands. Some religious leaders have spoken out against the practice,
arguing that it contradicts the principles of equality found in Islamic teachings, which are predominant in Bangladesh.

### Conclusion

Dowry is a complex and deeply rooted issue in Bangladesh, but it is not insurmountable. The road to eradicating dowry-related violence and social inequality
requires a combination of legal action, cultural transformation, and continued advocacy for women’s rights. While significant challenges remain, the growing
awareness and activism in Bangladesh offer hope that, in time, dowry will become a thing of the past, replaced by marriages based on respect, love, and
equality.

2.

**Title: Child Labour in Bangladesh: A Persistent Crisis Amid Economic Struggles**

*Dhaka, Bangladesh* — In Bangladesh, child labour remains a pervasive issue, with millions of children working in hazardous conditions despite ongoing efforts
to curb the practice. According to recent reports, an estimated 3.2 million children in Bangladesh are involved in various forms of child labour, many of whom are
subjected to physical and psychological harm. This troubling statistic highlights the deep-rooted socio-economic issues that continue to fuel child labour in the
country.

### A Growing Crisis

Child labour in Bangladesh is widespread across both urban and rural areas, affecting children as young as five years old. These children work in a range of
industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, domestic work, and the garment sector—one of the country’s largest and most critical industries.
Many of these young workers toil for long hours in poor conditions, often for little or no pay.

In rural areas, children are frequently employed in the fields, cultivating crops such as rice, tea, and jute, and often working alongside their parents. In urban
centers like Dhaka and Chittagong, children are commonly found working in brick kilns, street vending, and even as domestic servants in wealthier households.
The dangerous nature of many of these jobs puts children at risk of injury, exploitation, and even trafficking.

### Economic Factors Driving Child Labour

The root causes of child labour in Bangladesh are complex, but poverty and lack of education are the primary drivers. With an estimated 20.5% of the population
living below the poverty line, many families rely on the income generated by their children to survive. For parents struggling to make ends meet, sending their
children to work is often seen as a necessity rather than a choice.

"The economic pressure on families is immense. When parents can't afford to send their children to school or provide basic needs, they push them into the
workforce to help," says Rehana Akter, a social worker in Dhaka. "In many cases, it’s a matter of survival, but it comes at a cost to the child's future."

The issue is compounded by a lack of accessible education. In rural areas, schools are often far from children’s homes, and even when schools are available, the
quality of education is poor. For many families, the cost of sending children to school—such as fees, uniforms, and transportation—remains unaffordable,
leading to a vicious cycle where children miss out on education and are forced into labour at a young age.

### The Impact on Children

The physical and mental toll on children involved in labour is severe. Many children work in hazardous environments, handling dangerous machinery or toxic
chemicals, and face constant exposure to physical harm. In the garment industry, for instance, children are often employed in cramped factories, where they
may be exposed to dangerous working conditions, such as poorly ventilated spaces, long working hours, and exposure to harmful substances.

The psychological damage is just as harmful. Children working long hours in grueling conditions are denied the opportunity for play, rest, or a proper education.
Many suffer from feelings of isolation, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which can persist into adulthood. Without education or skills, these children often find
themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty, with limited opportunities for upward mobility.

### Legal Framework and Government Efforts

Bangladesh has laws in place to combat child labour, including the Labour Act of 2006, which prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in most
Bangladesh has laws in place to combat child labour, including the Labour Act of 2006, which prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14 in most
industries. In 2010, the government also ratified the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 182 on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Despite
these legal measures, enforcement remains weak, and many children continue to work in violation of these laws.

One of the major challenges in tackling child labour is the lack of effective monitoring and regulation in informal sectors, where much of the child labour occurs.
In rural areas, where child labour is often seen as a family tradition, law enforcement is minimal, and government resources are stretched thin.

To address this issue, the government, in partnership with international organizations like UNICEF and ILO, has implemented various programs aimed at both
eliminating child labour and providing children with alternative opportunities. These programs focus on improving access to education, offering vocational
training for at-risk children, and raising awareness about the harmful effects of child labour.

### Civil Society and the Role of NGOs

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local activists have been at the forefront of addressing child labour in Bangladesh. Groups such as BRAC, Save the
Children, and Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF) have implemented programs that focus on educating children, providing support for families, and
creating safer work environments for those who are already working.

One of the key strategies used by these organizations is community mobilization. By working with local communities, NGOs can help change attitudes about
child labour and encourage parents to send their children to school. BRAC, for example, has established thousands of schools in rural areas and provides
stipends to families to reduce the economic burden of sending children to school.

“Eradicating child labour requires a collective effort,” says Farida Yasmin, an advocacy officer at Save the Children. “It’s not enough to just enforce the law. We
need to create an environment where families don’t feel compelled to send their children to work, and where children have access to a better future through
education.”

### The Way Forward

While progress has been made in reducing child labour in Bangladesh, much more needs to be done. Economic inequality, lack of access to education, and weak
law enforcement continue to perpetuate the problem. To create lasting change, a multifaceted approach is needed—one that addresses the root causes of child
labour, strengthens the legal framework, and ensures that all children have access to quality education and a safe childhood.

As Bangladesh’s economy continues to grow, the hope is that the country will invest more in its future: the children. Ensuring that every child is free from labour
and has the chance to learn and grow is essential for building a more just and prosperous society for all.

3.

**Title: Padma Bridge: Bangladesh’s Landmark Infrastructure Achievement**

*Dhaka, Bangladesh* — In a groundbreaking moment for Bangladesh’s infrastructure, the Padma Bridge, a mega-project spanning the mighty Padma River, has
officially opened to the public, marking a new era in connectivity and economic development for the country. The bridge, which has been under construction for
over a decade, is poised to revolutionize transportation, foster regional economic growth, and symbolize the resilience and determination of the Bangladeshi
people.

### A Monumental Engineering Feat

The Padma Bridge, which stretches 6.15 kilometers (3.8 miles) across the Padma River, is the longest bridge in Bangladesh and one of the most ambitious
engineering projects in the country’s history. The bridge connects the southwestern region of Bangladesh with the capital, Dhaka, and the rest of the country,
which was previously limited by the river’s wide and treacherous expanse.

Constructed with both road and rail components, the Padma Bridge consists of 41 spans supported by 42 pillars and is designed to withstand the harsh
conditions of the river, including strong currents and monsoonal flooding. The project also incorporates advanced technology to ensure durability, with the
conditions of the river, including strong currents and monsoonal flooding. The project also incorporates advanced technology to ensure durability, with the
bridge built to handle high volumes of traffic, including heavy trucks and passenger vehicles, as well as trains in the future.

### Economic and Social Impacts

The opening of the Padma Bridge is expected to have profound economic and social implications for Bangladesh. For decades, the southwestern regions of the
country—comprising districts such as Shariatpur, Madaripur, Barisal, and Khulna—faced limited access to Dhaka and other major cities due to the geographical
barrier posed by the Padma River. The bridge is set to drastically reduce travel time between the capital and these regions, cutting down the journey from 6-8
hours to just 1-2 hours.

This enhanced connectivity will not only make transportation more efficient but is expected to boost trade, commerce, and tourism. It opens up new economic
opportunities for local businesses and industries, particularly in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, by facilitating quicker and cheaper transportation of
goods to the capital and international markets. Additionally, the bridge is expected to promote greater access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities,
thereby improving the overall quality of life for millions of people in the southwest.

"Before the bridge, it would take a whole day just to travel to Dhaka for business or medical treatment. Now, it's just a matter of hours," said Ariful Islam, a
businessman from Barisal. "This will transform the entire economy of the region."

### Overcoming Challenges: The Story of Determination

The completion of the Padma Bridge is not just an engineering triumph but also a testament to Bangladesh's resilience and determination. The project faced
significant challenges along the way, both financial and political. Initially, Bangladesh sought international funding for the bridge, but the World Bank and other
lenders pulled out in 2012 due to corruption allegations. The government of Bangladesh, undeterred, decided to finance the project entirely with domestic
funds.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government played a key role in ensuring the success of the project, with the Prime Minister herself overseeing the progress at
various stages. The decision to self-fund the bridge not only showcased Bangladesh’s growing self-reliance but also underscored the country’s commitment to
realizing its infrastructure ambitions.

The construction faced additional hurdles, including difficulties related to the river’s unpredictable currents, difficult terrain, and the need to construct complex
supports in deep water. Despite these challenges, the government remained steadfast, and over 12,000 workers were employed throughout the construction
period, with a focus on utilizing local labor and resources.

### Environmental and Social Considerations

While the Padma Bridge is expected to deliver numerous benefits, the project has also raised concerns regarding its environmental and social impacts.
Environmental groups have raised alarms about the potential effects of the bridge on the Padma River’s ecosystem, particularly in terms of sedimentation, water
flow, and the potential disruption to aquatic life. The government has committed to conducting environmental assessments and implementing mitigation
strategies to minimize these impacts.

Additionally, the bridge’s construction led to the displacement of some communities and farmland along the river’s banks. The government has made efforts to
compensate displaced individuals and provide them with new opportunities, though the full social impact of the project remains a subject of ongoing debate.

### The Future of the Padma Bridge

With the bridge now open to the public, Bangladesh has taken a monumental step toward modernizing its infrastructure and boosting economic growth. The
Padma Bridge will be a crucial link for the future rail network connecting the southwestern region to Dhaka, and further developments are expected to integrate
the bridge with regional highways and other infrastructure projects.

In the long term, the Padma Bridge is expected to play a significant role in Bangladesh’s goal of becoming a middle-income country by 2041. As the country
continues to experience rapid urbanization and industrialization, the bridge will be a key element in supporting sustainable economic development and
improving the lives of millions.

### Conclusion

The Padma Bridge is more than just an engineering marvel—it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s ambition, resilience, and potential. By connecting regions, boosting
the economy, and reducing geographical divides, the bridge will help pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous future for Bangladesh. As the bridge
opens to traffic and trains, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s infrastructure history, and stands as a testament to what can be achieved
when a nation’s collective will is determined to overcome obstacles and reach for the future.