United News of Bangladesh

In a bright indoor pool adorned with fish-themed decorations, young children cautiously kicked and floated during what appeared to be a basic swim class. But this session was far from ordinary. Each child received focused attention — one-on-one or even two instructors per child — with visual aids replacing verbal instructions. Whistles were absent, replaced by a calm, sensory-friendly environment. All of the participants at the Small Fish Big Fish swim school had autism, a condition that significantly increases the risk of drowning. While this danger has long been known to parents and professionals, recent data underscores its severity. In Florida alone, more than 100 children with autism or undergoing diagnosis have drowned since 2021, according to the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. This reveals a critical issue: Children with autism urgently need swimming instruction, yet accessing it can be a challenge. GamePlay, Hero League launch Guinness World Record-holding One Run Marathon 2025 “It’s life-changing,” said Lovely Chrisostome, who panicked earlier this year when her 6-year-old son wandered away from home in a neighborhood filled with lakes. Previous attempts to get him into swim lessons failed—he wouldn’t even enter the pool. But in the tailored environment at Small Fish Big Fish, he participated. When he became uncomfortable getting his head wet, the instructor gently shifted his position, keeping him relaxed. Autism affects about 1 in 31 children in the U.S., and the need for water safety has become more urgent in the wake of tragic incidents, such as the 2014 drowning of Avonte Oquendo, a New York teen with autism. Although formal studies are limited, 2017 research found that individuals with autism are at a significantly higher risk of drowning, largely due to their tendency to wander and limited perception of danger, said Dr. Guohua Li, a Columbia University researcher and parent of a child with autism. Local examples are heartbreaking. One child escaped through a dog door and drowned in a backyard pool. Another slipped through a playground fence and died in a canal. A third managed to bypass a makeshift barrier and drowned in a nearby lake. In response, officials are now compiling a national database of such cases. Dr. Li argues that swimming instruction should be considered a primary intervention for children with autism. Some children with autism thrive in the water, as highlighted in the 2017 documentary Swim Team. Others can learn essential survival skills in just a few sessions of specialized aquatic therapy, said occupational therapist Michele Alaniz. Still, many families hesitate to enroll their children in swim lessons. They fear overstimulation from loud noises or group settings, and some children are even removed from mainstream programs that aren’t equipped to support their needs. While private lessons offer a solution, they can be prohibitively expensive. “Having instructors who understand autism — how to communicate, how to prevent meltdowns, especially in a pool setting — is crucial,” said Lindsey Corey. Her son didn’t benefit from traditional or in-home private lessons but made meaningful progress in a program where teachers had specialized autism training. Efforts to address this gap are growing. Autism Swim, an Australian nonprofit, reports that over 1,400 instructors globally have completed its training since 2016. In Palm Beach County, local officials allocated $17,000 to the Autism Society of America to train swim instructors, along with another $13,500 to support the program at Small Fish Big Fish, according to Jon Burstein, the researcher behind the county’s drowning data. The current class includes a dozen children from a local autism-specific charter school. Although initially hesitant even to board the bus, by April, they were stepping into the pool more confidently. One girl practiced holding her breath while floating on a board. Another beamed as she swam with a foam noodle. Her mother, Jana D’Agostino, said the lessons are critical because her daughter is “fearless” and would jump into any body of water without knowing how to swim. At the pool’s edge, a boy carefully entered the water to join Small Fish Big Fish founder Melissa Taylor. After copying her underwater dip, he retreated, using hand gestures to signal he was done — which the instructors quickly respected. “It takes time to build trust,” said Taylor, who also knows how to interpret repetitive movements as signs of excitement rather than distress. As the class continued, Chrisostome’s son emerged from the water with a beaming smile. He had learned valuable skills — but for his mother, what mattered most was something simpler: “The happiness that he has.”

Documentary filmmaker and photographer Mohammad Rakibul Hasan's solo photographic exhibition ‘Keeping Childcare in the Picture: A photographic exhibition on childcare practices in Bangladesh' was opened on Sunday at Drik Gallery in the capital, organized by International Labour Organization and Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies-BILS. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was joined by Mamtaz Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs as the chief guest. Keya Khan, Director General at the Department of Women Affairs, also joined the ceremony as the special guest. Syed Sultan Uddin Ahmmed, Executive Director of BILS and Chairman, Labour Reform Commission, and Anne Drong, National Project Coordinator, ILO, were also present at the event, among the speakers. BILS Director Nazma Yesmin moderated the opening ceremony of the exhibition. With an increasing number of women joining the workforce, the demand for childcare services in Bangladesh is rising. To meet this demand, different types of childcare models are in operation, both formally and informally.

Dhaka Flow’s second annual Youth Wellness Festival officially wrapped up on Monday at East West University (EWU), completing a powerful tour across 10 major universities in Dhaka. Reaching thousands of students through transformational programming on mental health, movement, mindfulness, and leadership, the festival has become a beacon for a new era of youth, according to its organizers. Kicked off on April 13, the Dhaka Flow Youth Wellness Fest 2025 has touched hearts and minds across NSU, IUBAT, Canadian University, ULAB, IUB, Presidency University, UCB, BRAC University, AIUB, and lastly EWU on Monday, spreading the message that wellness is strength, therapy is courage, and every student deserves tools to thrive.

Black dandyism is taking center stage at the Met Gala, with cultural powerhouses leading this subversive, sharply tailored style into the global fashion spotlight. As a gala host committee member, Janelle Monáe and other trendsetters are helping shape the conversation, framing Black dandyism as a proud tradition — rather than a mere trend — claiming its long-overdue moment of visibility. “It’s always important to educate and reeducate to the world as much as we possibly can through art and through our greatness,” said Monáe, the Grammy-nominated performer who had made dandy style a signature of her fashion. Monáe, inspired by family members who proudly sported the look throughout her upbringing, views the spotlight as an opportunity to pay homage to the past and inspire the future. “Dandyism is pretty much a part of my fashion DNA through tailoring and suiting,” the singer-actor said. “I’ve honored my ancestors and my family who wore their uniforms, wore their suits to serve our community. It fell right in line with who I am, and the people I want to bring with me that helped build this country.” On Monday, with the world watching, a wave of fashion disruptors and stylists will usher Black dandyism from the margins to the Met Gala, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils its new costume exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” It marks the Met’s first show centered exclusively on Black designers and the first in more than two decades to spotlight menswear. It’s also a tribute to the rich legacy of dandyism, a style that has long carved space for radical self-expression, especially for those overlooked or misunderstood. An ode to Bangla grunge: junkhEäd's maiden track 'Shamprotik' enamors rock aficionados “It’s been a long time coming,” said Kyle Smith, the NFL’s first-ever fashion editor, who has styled the league’s top players, including Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Los Angeles Rams wideout Puka Nacua and receiver Kenny Stills. “It’s great to see the recognition that Black culture is having or has in fashion for years,” Smith said. “It’s been there and very subtle, or just not recognized. I think this year’s theme is long overdue. I’m excited to see everybody’s outfits and how they interact with the idea of Black dandyism.” Pillars of Black dandyism This year’s Met Gala co-chairs include Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and honorary chair LeBron James, with Monáe joining the host committee alongside the likes of Simone Biles, Spike Lee, Ayo Edebiri and André 3000. “I think honoring minorities, honoring Black and brown people in these spaces and outside every day, is important,” said Monáe, who plans to use the red carpet to debut an exclusive collaboration with 1800 Tequila. “The ones who have dedicated their lives to this country to serve, build and give us art to sustain us for a lifetime. We should continue to honor them and push forward and stand on their shoulders.” Several trailblazers helped popularize Black dandyism, a style whose roots trace back to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. From the beginning, dandyism served as a sartorial declaration, reclaiming elegance and luxury as tools of empowerment, challenging stereotypes and honoring Black legacy. This Met Gala moment stands on the shoulders of icons like Frederick Douglass, who wielded sharp dress as a form of power, and Duke Ellington, who transformed suiting into cultural brilliance. Host committee member Dapper Dan reimagined Harlem fashion, remixing luxury into bold statements of Black pride, while the late André Leon Talley — with his capes and commanding presence — redefined fashion authority. Today’s Black dandies carry that legacy forward, blending tradition and rebellion in every lapel for a style that speaks volumes before a word is ever spoken. “We are the walking versions that they imagined,” said El Lewis, an Atlanta-based stylist, who has worked with several entertainers including Usher, Young Thug, Chloe and Halle Bailey, and Justin Skye. “A lot of these people died not being able to have these realities come to fruition. We have a lot of autonomy to ourselves, and I think that’s what they were probably seeking. They wanted to be able to do anything at any moment at any time. And I think that’s what they get to see us do.”    

Feeling groggy in the morning or drained after lunch? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with dips in energy throughout the day, but one of the best ways to combat this is by making smart food choices. Rather than relying on coffee or energy drinks to get through the day, focus on incorporating wholesome, energy-boosting foods into your meals—even if you haven’t had a full night’s sleep. Here are seven powerhouse foods that can help you stay alert and energized:   Bananas Bananas are a quick and easy snack packed with fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamins, all of which can help reduce fatigue, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nuts Loaded with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, nuts like almonds, cashews, walnuts, pistachios, and Brazil nuts provide lasting energy and help sustain your stamina throughout the day. Oats A fiber-rich grain with a bit of protein, oats are a great way to start your morning. They support steady blood sugar levels and help fend off tiredness. Lean Proteins Lean protein sources such as eggs, chicken, turkey, tofu, legumes, fatty fish, and soy products help fight fatigue by supporting muscle health, aiding digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes, and keeping you fuller longer. Whole Grains Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal are fiber-rich and promote digestion and satiety, making them perfect for sustaining energy through the day. Caffeine-Free Drinks Though it’s tempting to reach for coffee when you're sluggish, caffeine can lead to crashes, headaches, and sleep issues. Instead, opt for water, herbal teas, or decaffeinated drinks for better hydration and longer-lasting energy. Fruits and Vegetables Packed with vitamins and minerals, fresh seasonal fruits and veggies are essential for keeping your energy levels up. According to the CDC, consuming around 400 grams daily can help reduce fatigue. Next time you feel your energy dipping, try one of these foods to stay refreshed and focused.   Source: NDTV

In Namibia, Susan de Meyer runs a unique therapy program using horses to support children with learning disabilities. The animals seem to have a calming influence: hyperactive children become more focused, and those who are nonverbal begin to connect and express themselves. Her program, located just outside Windhoek, engages 8 to 10 students each weekday from special needs schools. The children ride, groom, and interact with the horses — often opening up and talking to them. Raised on a farm, de Meyer has always had horses in her life. She believes they offer something truly special: they accept children without judgment. “The horse is the real star here because many of these kids feel overwhelmed around too many people,” she said. Called "Enabling Through the Horse," her initiative is backed by the Namibian Equestrian Federation and has been internationally recognized. Last year, it received an award from the International Equestrian Federation for highlighting the horse’s intuitive and sensitive nature. Equine therapy is increasingly acknowledged for its benefits, particularly for those with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions. Animal-assisted therapy more broadly has proven helpful in a range of situations, such as aiding veterans with PTSD or comforting hospital and nursing home patients with therapy animals. Even victims of the 2023 Hawaii wildfires have found comfort through horse therapy during their recovery. De Meyer jokes that she has “two-and-a-half horses”: two full-sized Arabians — Faranah (a white mare) and Lansha (a brown gelding) — and a miniature horse named Bonzi, who is small enough to be eye-level with a kindergartener. She says the larger horses are particularly helpful in therapy because their size boosts children's confidence. “When they pet the horse, the therapy begins. These animals are huge to them, but they’re not afraid — they ride, they give instructions, and they grow more confident.” De Meyer works with children who face a range of challenges, including autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, nonverbal communication, sensory issues, and developmental delays due to fetal alcohol syndrome. Her work has drawn interest from countries in Africa and Asia interested in replicating the model. Chriszell Louw, a teacher at Dagbreek School — one of only two public schools in Namibia for children with intellectual disabilities — says the program has had a visible impact. “One of our students talks constantly, but during these sessions, she sits quietly in her place,” Louw said. “Others have grown more outgoing and joyful. Some were terrified at first, but now they’re eager to come and ride.” De Meyer explains that the program enhances physical skills like coordination, posture, balance, and muscle strength — all of which are critical for children who struggle with traditional classroom learning. One exercise involves children letting go of the reins and stretching their arms out to the sides, balancing with their core as a handler leads the horse. Many smile broadly during this activity, looking like they’re flying. “We’re changing the world for these kids,” de Meyer said.  

Her first panic attack came at a company-wide meeting, right before her scheduled presentation. Carolina Lasso had given many similar talks about her marketing team's accomplishments. When her name was called this time, she couldn’t speak. “I felt a knot in my throat,” Lasso said. “My head, it felt like it was inside a bubble. I couldn’t hear, I couldn’t see, and it felt like an eternity. It was just a few seconds, but it was so profound, and in a way earth-shattering to me.” Lasso was struggling after a cross-country move followed by a divorce. Her boss suggested a mental health leave, a possibility she didn’t know existed. She worried whether taking time off would affect how her team viewed her or cost her a future promotion, but in the end she did. “I’m thankful for that opportunity to take the time to heal," Lasso, 43, said. “Many people feel guilty when they take a leave of absence when it’s mental health-related. ... There is some extra weight that we carry on our shoulders, as if it had been our fault.” Despite a fear of repercussions, more adults are recognizing that stepping back from work to deal with emotional burdens or psychological conditions that get in the way of their lives is a necessary choice, one that a growing number of employers recognize. ComPsych Corp., a provider of employee mental health programs and absence management services, encourages its business clients to make the well-being of workers a priority before individuals get to a breaking point while also having processes in place for those who require leaves of absence. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, collectively we’ve just been in this constant state of turmoil,” Jennifer Birdsall, the senior clinical director at ComPysch, said. “We just have had this barrage of change and uncertainty.” Depression, anxiety and adjustment disorder, which involves excessive reactions to stress, were the top three diagnoses of employees who took mental health leaves in the past two years among clients of Alight, a Chicago-based technology company which administers leaves and benefits for large employers.   Structuring a leave A mental health leave can last weeks or months. In some cases, workers get approval to work a reduced schedule or to take short periods of time off when needed, using an approach called “intermittent leave.”   At most U.S. organizations with 50 or more employees, people can request leaves through the Family and Medical Leave Act. The federal law entitles workers with serious health conditions to paid or unpaid leaves of up to 12 weeks, depending on state and local laws. Some employers require people to use sick days or accumulated vacation days to continue receiving a paycheck while out. For longer leaves, workers can access short-term disability plans, if their employer offers one. Lasso's leave lasted six months, and included therapy and travel to India for additional treatment. She returned to her job but decided after a year to leave for good. She later launched a business to train people on fostering a more humane work culture. A mental health leave is “not only OK, but it can really unlock new possibilities once we have the time to do the work — therapy, medication, whatever it is — and have enough distance from work to be able to reconnect with ourselves,” Lasso said.    

Daily chores and brisk everyday movements could benefit heart health just as much as formal exercise, according to new research from the University of Sydney. Published Monday in the journal Circulation, the study observed over 24,000 adults who did not engage in structured workouts. It found that moderate to vigorous incidental physical activity—such as fast-paced housework, brisk walking, or carrying groceries—was strongly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Using activity trackers, researchers monitored participants over a week. Those who regularly engaged in more intense everyday movements experienced fewer heart-related issues, strokes, and premature deaths. Diet, exercise combined best for tackling belly fat in kids: study  In contrast, light-intensity activity showed little impact on heart health. The study also noted that just one minute of vigorous activity offered similar cardiovascular benefits to about three to three-and-a-half minutes of moderate activity. Researchers said this approach may offer a practical alternative for people who struggle with or avoid regular fitness routines, highlighting the value of simply moving more vigorously during day-to-day tasks.  

Australian researchers say the best way to reduce excess tummy fat in children is through a mix of healthy eating and regular physical activity. Combining diet and exercise was significantly more effective at reducing central obesity than either approach alone, according to a study released on Saturday, which analysed data from 34 clinical trials involving over 8,100 children aged 5 to 18. Central obesity, which refers to fat stored around the stomach and internal organs, is considered more dangerous than general obesity due to its link to heart disease, diabetes, and other long-term health issues, said the researchers from Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University. Standalone strategies like diet-only, exercise-only, supplements, or medication didn't show significant results in reducing waist size, said the study published in JAMA Network Open. Your Water Bottle Says More Than Just "Stay Hydrated" The most successful programs included Mediterranean-style or low-fat diets paired with up to 150 minutes of physical activity per week, lasting 6 to 9 months. Experts say the findings highlight the urgent need for action as global rates of childhood obesity continue to rise, affecting an estimated 94 million girls and 65 million boys worldwide in 2022. The researchers stress that coordinated efforts from governments, schools, and health organizations are needed to address the issue, and the results support global goals to end malnutrition and cut early deaths from noncommunicable diseases by 2030.

If you’re the type who never leaves home without a water bottle—or owns a small army of them—you’re not alone. Whether you're a tech lover, fashion follower, fitness fan, or someone who cares about the planet, there’s a reusable bottle that fits your lifestyle. These days, water bottles do more than hold water. Some clean themselves, some track your intake, and others turn into bold fashion statements with eye-catching colors and designs. Staying hydrated has become a full-blown expression of personal style. What Makes a Great Water Bottle? According to Kit Dillon from Wirecutter, a top-notch water bottle checks four boxes: it’s the right size, it won’t leak, it feels good in your hand, and it keeps drinks the right temperature. But what’s best for you depends on how and where you use it. Eva Bleyer from the Good Housekeeping Institute adds that personal preferences—like sipping straws or handy handles—play a big role. For bottle enthusiasts, the latest colors or patterns trending on social media can be irresistible. “It’s a personal choice,” Bleyer says. “Even if we know which bottles perform best in tests.” From Lab to Lifestyle Reusable water bottles have come a long way. One of the earliest versions was developed by Nalge in Rochester, New York, which discovered in the 1960s that its tough lab bottles were being repurposed by staff for outdoor adventures. That led to the birth of the iconic Nalgene bottle. Since then, the market has exploded with options—from plastics and bioplastics to stainless steel and aluminum. Lids now come in every style imaginable: flip tops, screw caps, built-in straws, and more. Bottles Go High-Tech Technology has taken water bottles to the next level. Bleyer has tested everything from flavor-enhancing models like Air Up to carbonating and hydration-tracking bottles. Some notable innovations: Philips GoZero UV: A self-cleaning bottle with UV technology that sterilizes itself every two hours or at the push of a button. It has a month-long battery life, ideal for camping or remote travel. LARQ PureVis 2: Another self-sanitizing option with a filter that removes chlorine, bacteria, and forever chemicals. It also monitors your water intake and is sold at the Museum of Modern Art’s design store. HidrateSpark Pro: A smart bottle that tracks how much water you drink via a Bluetooth-connected app tailored to your lifestyle and body metrics. For those who prefer something simpler, the classic Hydro Flask consistently earns top marks for durability, insulation, and ease of cleaning. Hydration Meets Style Reusable water bottles have also become fashion items. Limited-edition designs from brands like Owala can resell for hundreds of dollars. Their seasonal designs—like a Valentine’s bottle or the leap-year special “Clover the Rainbow”—have fetched over $200 on resale sites. S’well has collaborated with artists and brands like illustrator Steffi Lynn and Crayola. One standout design is the moody “Midnight Botanical.” S’well also offers custom bottles for special events or gifts. Meanwhile, YouBottles, an Italian brand, partnered with street artist Banksy to create bottles featuring his iconic art, including “Girl with Balloon” and “Flower Thrower.” Pantone, known for setting color trends, offers its own BPA-free bottles in bold shades like aubergine, red, and greenery. Carrying in Style Even bottle bags have gotten a makeover. Some are insulated to maintain your drink's temperature, like PackIt’s crossbody carriers, available in fun prints and featuring phone pouches. WanderFull, a brand that’s made Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list twice, offers puffer-style bags with crossbody straps and vegan leather options with chain details for a more polished look.