New and international trends appeal to Bangladesh’s new generation, writes Abdullah Al Hasan, 23, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, and the impact is being felt in society and the marketplace. Bangladesh’s very large number of young people is a dynamic and trendy generation. To keep pace with the current world they try to transfigure themselves and …

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On International Women’s Day, Summaya Afaq, 23, a Correspondent from Karachi, Pakistan, urges women to take responsibility for empowerment through grassroots changes in parenting and society. As 8th March approaches every year, we witness women’s day celebrations across the world. But I find it a dilemma not to have found any considerable change in women’s lives as …

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International Women’s Day raises a fundamental issue, says Monica Islam, 24, a Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh, who argues women too often suffer or are disadvantaged because of issues around menstruation. “I face extreme period pains every month. It gets intolerable. It’s been this way since my first ever periods. My lower body feels so …

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Cricket is a passion that India and Bangladesh share, but as Abdullah Al Hasan, 23, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Dhaka in Bangladesh writes, intense rivalry can threaten good relationships between the two countries. India and Bangladesh are neighbouring countries. They have almost the same types of people, cultures, religions and lifestyles. Back in 1971, India …

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Real democracy means more than casting a ballot on election day, writes Asim Nawaz Abbassi, 27, a Correspondent from Islamabad, Pakistan, who argues democracy also involves being aware of rights and responsibilities. Democracy is believed by many to be the best political system on earth, as it provides the opportunity for marginalized groups in society to showcase their opinions. The …

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A World Cup cricket victory is more than a sports achievement. It can unite a country and build a positive national identity, writes Atikul Islam, 24, a Correspondent from Bogra in Bangladesh. Cricket is one of the most popular games in our country and in the world. The World Cup is a competition that allows the cricket-loving world to …

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Children brim with positive spirit and eagerness to learn in spite of dire surroundings, writes Geetha Kanniah, 18, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Malaysia who is volunteering to teach at a refugee centre.  I hope I can get you to picture this: I get off the bus, a two hour journey from home and walk towards …

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Looking past the stereotypes of a culture can reveal the benefits of traditional ways, writes Zainab Shamim Potrick, 22, a Correspondent from Karachi in Pakistan. I belong to a very simple religion. I can hardly find things like mores, traditions or culture in my religion. On the other hand my identity, my country Pakistan, exists …

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Festivals celebrate culture and affirm national identity, writes Atikul Islam, 24, a Correspondent from Bogra in Bangladesh as he describes the events that mark Bangla New Year. Pahela Baishakh is the first day of the Bangla New Year and the first day of Bangla’s new month, Baishakh. Pahela Baishakh is celebrated more or less all …

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Indulging in a five-day festival gave Madusha Erandi, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka, new understanding and appreciation of a neighbouring culture. A five-day long event gave me an immense amount of experience and knowledge about Indian society and culture. It happened when I participated in the South Asian Universities Festival, or SAUFEST, as …

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