OWSA Contributor

The health of cities and their residents is deeply intertwined with the planning, design, and construction of the built environment. The interaction of the built and the unbuilt, of the grey with the green and blue infrastructure, is a key determinant of the quality of life in a city.

The number killed in violence last year was the highest since the military coup in 2021. Over 1,800 civilians were killed in 2024, many in indiscriminate airstrikes and artillery shelling, with attacks on schools, places of worship and healthcare facilities having become routine.

Given the complex history of water disputes between the two nations, continued diplomatic engagement and technical collaboration will be essential in ensuring a fair and sustainable solution for both sides, officials say.

Khan used the article to highlight what he described as an ongoing erosion of democracy in Pakistan. He labelled the current period as one of the most challenging in the country’s history and stressed that his imprisonment was part of a broader attempt to suppress democratic principles.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party held an extended meeting to strategise its electoral approach and reinforce party discipline.

In more positive developments and despite a global rise in executions, a growing number of countries are abolishing the practice – spurred by the Global South.

According to the United Nations in Sri Lanka, over 35 per cent of all gender-based harmful speech recorded in November was targeted at women candidates campaigning for the parliamentary elections.

Beyond social business, Yunus also sought Sweden's support in addressing Bangladesh's energy crisis. He proposed importing hydroelectricity from 'neighbouring' Nepal, which possesses significant untapped resources.