Latest news with #BracUniversity
The Guardian
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Guardian
Dhaka builds for a wetter future
With nearly 20% of its landmass expected to be underwater by mid-century, Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries on Earth. But new buildings and public spaces across the capital city of Dhaka are (sometimes literally) rising to meet the challenges of a hotter, wetter future. Brac University's new campus, seen here, opened in central Dhaka in 2024 Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Coined the 'floating university', Brac sits atop a bio-retention pond, which captures and treats storm runoff Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian The campus's lush lower levels are integrated with surrounded neighborhoods to offer cool public gathering spaces Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Planted facades and passive design reduce the buildings' cooling needs, with green surfaces adding up to nearly 127% of the site area Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Solar panels on Brac's upper gardens produce electricity and provide rooftop shade. Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Designed by the Singapore-based firm Woha, the 13-story campus has received accolades for its regenerative plans Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian The university, first opened in 2001 on another site, has nearly 20,000 students Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian The design firm of local architect Rafiq Azam has designed some 20 climate-resilient parks across Dhaka, such as the Gulshan Society Kids Zone Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Like Brac University, many of Azam's parks and playgrounds sit atop trenches that collect and store rainwater, which is then filtered and pumped to community taps Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Gulshan Society Kids Zone Park sits within the larger Gulshan Society Lake Park Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian On the north-western outskirts of Dhaka, the Zebun Nessa mosque offers a cool respite for the area's garment workers Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Designed by Dhaka-based Studio Morphogenesis, the structures are elevated to deter overflow from monsoons Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian The mosque's perforated walls provide ventilation to keep the building's interior cool. The soft pink color was created by mixing pink pigments into the concrete Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Greenery, which contrasts with the mosque's industrial surroundings, helps to cool the space and absorb rainwater Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian Wong Mun Summ, lead architect of the new Brac University campus, has said he hopes the building's climate-smart design will be 'replicated and scaled up' in other cities around the globe Photograph: Anik Rahman/Guardian
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts expose exploitative conditions behind working life in major textile factories: 'I can't get by on what I earn'
As the second-largest textile manufacturer in the world, Bangladesh often boasts its ready-made garment industry as a feminist revolution. It employs about 4 million workers, 80% of whom are women, according to Economics Observatory. But the outlet noted that the facade of prosperity hides a darker side of the industry that feeds fast fashion and frequently violates workers' rights. Starting in the 1980s, Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry saw explosive growth because of market deregulation. Economics Observatory cited RMG Bangladesh data that said apparel made up about 4% of the country's total exports in 1983. In 2022, garments accounted for nearly 85% of all exports. This growth called for a workforce to support it. Bangladesh's garment industry still employs mostly women, though a Brac University survey, shared by The Daily Star, reported it's closer to 60% today due to rapid automation. The numbers point to a population of women who have found empowerment through work. However, despite the economic freedom women have gained from working in the garment industry, many feel disenfranchised, pointing to low wages and violations of workers' rights. According to Economics Observatory, Bangladeshi garment workers are among the lowest paid in the world, with the minimum wage of around $113 a month significantly lower than the estimated local living wage of $460 a month. "I can't get by on what I earn," one worker told NPR. "I have to pay for my son's schooling, I have to pay rent, I have to look after my mother and my parents-in-law. It's just not enough." However, Economics Observatory noted there is "no incentive" among the state or investors to increase wages for fear of undermining the nation's reputation as a leader in garment production. Right now, dozens of brands source their apparel from Bangladesh, contributing to an industry built on worker exploitation. This, in turn, feeds fast fashion, an industry that generates more than 101 million tons of waste each year, per A few companies sourcing from Bangladesh have been vocal about their sustainability efforts. Some have come under fire for amplifying words over actions. What should be done to make home solar panels cheaper? More tax incentives Lower installation costs Better loan options They're cheap enough already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Consumers should educate themselves about greenwashing efforts by apparel companies as sustainability campaigns become more popular. Various industries utilize misleading marketing tactics to make customers feel good about buying from them. It's important to research companies before making a purchase. Cutting out fast fashion completely can also help the situation. Alternatives such as thrifting keep clothes out of landfills and reduce harm to the planet. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
