Why do different countries around the world keep thousands of tons of gold in reserves?

Central banks around the world hold gold as a reserve currency alongside dollars and other foreign currencies. Historically, central bank reserves were made up of gold, and in the past, the value of a country's currency depended on the gold reserves held by that country's central bank.

After the use of the dollar began in industrial development and trade transactions, central banks transferred their reserves to other countries' currencies and bonds.

Despite this, a portion of each country's central bank reserves is still held in gold.

The US financial institution JPMorgan says that central banks in many countries are converting their foreign exchange reserves into gold rather than keeping them in foreign currencies, i.e. dollars

The report said that gold prices are rising in the global market due to the purchase of gold by central banks of various countries.

By 2024, central banks around the world had a total of 36,200 tons (36.2 million kilograms) of gold reserves, which is 20 percent of the assets held by central banks. However, in 2023, the rate of gold-protected assets was 15 percent.

In 2024, China, Turkey, India, Iraq and Azerbaijan were among the countries that bought 20 tons (20,000 kilograms) of gold in a year.

Economists say that the weakening of the dollar internationally, the decline in interest rates in the United States, the economy and global instability: these are the reasons why investors and countries are looking at gold as a safe asset.

Because unlike other assets such as currencies or bonds, the value of gold does not fall very quickly as a result of any one decision.

JPMorgan says that given the US's volatile trade policy and uncertain geopolitical alliances, it is expected that central banks will add more gold to their reserves in 2025, possibly buying another 900 tonnes of gold.

How much gold does a country have?

It is generally believed that the more gold reserves a country has, the stronger its currency. Many central banks around the world store their foreign assets in the form of gold. According to the World Gold Council, the United States has the world's largest gold reserves. The United States holds a total of 8,133 tons (more than 8.1 million kilograms) of gold, which is 78 percent of its total foreign assets.

According to the IMF, the central banks of the United States, Germany, France and Italy will have 16,400 tons of gold by 2024. More than 70 percent of the foreign exchange reserves of the central banks of the United States, Germany, France and Italy are made up of gold.

China is currently leading the race to buy gold, and for the past two years, China's central bank has been shifting its reserves from other assets to gold. According to the World Gold Council, China's central bank holds 2,298 tonnes (2.298 million kilograms) of gold reserves, which is only 6.7 percent of its total foreign assets.

According to the World Gold Council, China had 2,279 tonnes of gold reserves at the end of 2024. In the first six months of 2025, China bought about 19 more tonnes of gold, while the United States did not buy any gold during this period. In 2023, China bought about 88 tonnes of gold.

In addition to China, the central banks of Poland and Turkey are also buying gold. The central bank of Bangladesh has 14.8 tonnes (14,800 kilograms) of gold reserves. According to the World Gold Council, this is worth more than 150 million and is 5.65 percent of the total reserves.

The central bank of Bangladesh's neighbor India has 880 tonnes (880,000 kilograms) of gold reserves. According to the World Gold Council, India holds gold worth $93 billion, which is 13 percent of India's foreign exchange reserves. Pakistan's central bank also holds gold in foreign exchange assets, along with currencies of various countries.

According to the State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan holds 6.4 tonnes (6,400 kilograms) of gold worth $7 billion.

Has the price of gold increased due to the US-China war?

The price of gold in the international market has declined slightly this month after reaching an all-time high. Economists believe that geopolitical factors are also behind the decline in prices after reaching a peak in October.

Commodity expert Shams-ul-Islam says that the trade war between the US and China is one of the reasons for the increase in gold prices.

He said that after the US announced its tariff policy, China first bought gold and later, when the price reached a historic level of $4,380 per ounce, they sold gold and made a profit.

Economic analyst Ahsan Mehanti says that the budget for the fiscal year starting from October 1 in the United States has not been approved and the US government has become inactive, as a result of which investors have withdrawn from the US market and invested in gold, which has increased the price of gold. He said that US President Trump is on a tour of Asia.

"Investors are closely watching the US President's Asia tour. President Trump is likely to meet the Chinese President and there is hope that the trade differences will be eased. Therefore, gold prices have fallen slightly for now."

According to Shams-ul-Islam, China and its BRICS allies are playing their cards very cleverly to damage the global trading currency, the dollar.

He said the US tariffs have also hurt the economies of the UK, Europe and Asia, and central banks in many countries, including India, are buying gold to support their currencies.

Source: BBC Bangla Report

Those who became famous after death!!

The contribution of inventors, engineers and thinkers to the advancement of human civilization is unique. Their creative thoughts and discoveries have changed the world and made life easier. However, not all ideas became reality during their lifetime. Some passed away prematurely, some lost money and support. Yet their dreams did not stop after death. History is witness to the fact that many revolutionary inventions achieved success after the death of the inventor. This article highlights the stories of some such inventors-

Throughout the history of human civilization, inventors, engineers and thinkers have changed our way of life time and again. Today's technology-dependent world, medical advances or the communication revolution - behind everything, there are some brave minds who have created a path to success through failure. Many people's lives began with adversity, ridicule or financial crisis; yet they did not stop. Their perseverance has become the main motivation for the progress of mankind.

Sir James Dyson's story begins with failure. He had to try 5,126 times to design the only effective bagless vacuum. Someone might have given up after failing so many times, but Dyson did not give up. Today, his brand is worth billions of dollars - proving that there is no substitute for perseverance. On the other hand, Walt Disney's life is also a symbol of inspiration. Once he was fired from his job saying that he 'had no good ideas'. Even after the first animation studio went bankrupt, he moved forward with a new dream in Los Angeles. The result - Mickey Mouse and a huge Disney empire. Disney stories teach that imagination and confidence make the impossible possible.

Poet Maya Angelou said, ‘You may face many defeats, but you will never be defeated. In fact, you need to face defeats so that you know who you are, what you have risen from, and how you can deal with it.’

And Henry Ford revolutionized the automobile industry, but his path was also thorny. Even after the failure of his first company, he did not stop. Later, by founding the Ford Motor Company, he showed that failure can be a ladder to success. His concept of mass production is still a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. Moreover, Robert Goddard’s idea of ​​liquid-fueled rockets was initially ridiculed in the scientific community. But his research laid the foundation for modern rocket technology, which has taken mankind into space. He was recognized only after his death - which proves that the right thoughts and plans never go in vain.

Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, also had a tough fight. After years of research, legal battles and technical challenges, he came up with an invention that changed the way people communicate forever.

Similarly, Albert Einstein's childhood did not indicate talent at all. Despite failing in school, failing in exams - his curiosity and depth of thought transformed him into a world-famous theoretical physicist. His theory of relativity changed not only physics, but also the world of thought. The Wright brothers, who invented the airplane, also faced one failure after another. Although their airplane crashed repeatedly, they wrote a new chapter in human history with their first successful flight in 1903. Their success proves even today - people can reach the sky with the wings of perseverance. Thomas Edison, who said, 'I have not failed, I have only discovered 1,000 wrong ways' - his life is also a unique example of perseverance. He was labeled a 'nerd' in school, could not hold down a job, yet he became one of the most influential inventors in the world. From the electric light bulb to the phonograph, his inventions are the foundation of our modern life.

In the modern era of technology, Steve Jobs is the successor of this trend. Being expelled from Apple, business failures - he transformed everything into creative energy. From the founding of Pixar to the iPhone, MacBook, iPad - each invention has changed the history of modern communication and design.

It is not necessary to name a few more in this trend. Nikola Tesla, who is the pioneer of the AC power system, did not receive due recognition during his lifetime. He died destitute, but today the world stands on his invention. Again, Marie Curie, although she won the Nobel Prize twice for her research on radioactivity, suffered financial hardship towards the end of her life. Yet her work is still the foundation of medicine and nuclear science. Even modern inventors like Elon Musk have achieved success through failure. SpaceX's first three rocket launches failed, but the fourth one showed the world that space exploration is possible through private enterprise.

All in all, each of these stories from history teaches us that innovation is not just the fruit of genius, but a combination of perseverance, failure, and determination. Every innovator has stumbled once or twice, but never gave up. They have proven that failure is never the end - it is just the beginning of a new beginning. For today's young generation, these stories convey a message - Dyson, Disney, Ford, Einstein, or Jobs - they were all once just like us; the only difference is in one thing, they never stopped.

1. Bill Lear

With the dream of building a light aircraft - groundbreaking invention

In the late 1970s, inventor and founder of Lear Jet Corporation Bill Lear began a revolutionary project - the 'Lear Fan 2100'. It was an aircraft; its structure was mainly made of carbon-graphite composite - which was lighter than aluminum but twice as strong. The aircraft used two turboprop engines, which were able to drive a single rear propeller to give it the same speed as a jet. However, when Lear presented the project for FAA approval, questions arose about the gearbox and aerodynamics. And before his design was finally proven, he died of leukemia in 1978. But his wife Moya Lear was determined to complete the project. Later, with the help of the British government, she completed the prototype. Finally - in 1981, Lear's invention 'Lear Fan' flew for the first time - a symbol of an unfinished dream. Which was a triumph of perseverance. Even today, all three of Bill Lear's prototypes are preserved in museums in Seattle, Dallas, and Oklahoma City as a testament to the inventor's endless courage. Every aircraft today is his creative genius, even though he never saw it fly during his lifetime.

2. Enrico Forlanini

Inventor of new technology for controlling space travel

After World War I, Italian inventor Enrico Forlanini, in search of a safe and easy-to-maneuver airship, created the groundbreaking airship Omnia Dir – the full name of which is Omnia Dirigible, meaning ‘omnidirectional airship’. Built in 1930, the vehicle was 56 meters (184 ft) long and could hold 4,000 cubic meters of gas. Its greatest innovation was the compressed-air jet propulsion system; which provided unprecedented control and thrust at the front and rear by means of jets. Unfortunately, Forlanini died later that year, and with him the momentum of the project faded. In short, Forlanini’s death halted the progress of the project. Although limited to a brief test flight, the design of the Omnia Dir later inspired modern auxiliary thrust systems and flight control technology - although the airship was not commercially successful, its influence on aviation continues to this day.

3. Charles Babbage

The birth of the modern computer began with Charles Babbage

In the early 19th century, making arithmetic tables by hand was time-consuming and error-prone. To solve this problem, British mathematician Charles Babbage designed an automatic calculating machine in 1822 - the Difference Engine. It was powered not by electricity, but by toothed gears and mechanical wheels that could carry numbers and print the results on a metal plate. In 1823, he began construction with engineer Joseph Clement, but the project was stalled due to funding shortages and technical difficulties. The British government withdrew its support after spending 17,000 euros. Babbage died in 1871 with his dream unfulfilled. Before his death, he was disappointed and believed that his machine would never be built. But 120 years after his death, in 1991, the Science Museum in London succeeded in building a fully functional Difference Engine using the technology of the time. This machine, consisting of about 4,000 parts and weighing three tons, worked perfectly - just as Babbage wanted. This proves that Babbage was the true forerunner of modern computers.

4. John Browning

A century later, the legendary weapon remains unspoiled

In the early 1920s, the French army wanted a compact, high-powered handgun that could hold at least 10 rounds of ammunition and was easy to manufacture. This demand was met by American inventor John Browning, who filed a patent for his design in 1923. The design featured novel features for the time—a thumb safety and an external hammer. After Browning's death in 1926, the project was completed by his colleague Dieudonne Sive; who marketed the weapon in 1935 under the name "Browning Hi-Power." Although the French did not adopt it, the weapon quickly became a favorite of armies and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Nearly a century later, its reliability and precision have seen it used in over a hundred military conflicts, and it is still produced by various manufacturers today—proving that Browning's design has stood the test of time. His invention is an unfinished creation that changed the military history of the world, not only then but also today.

5. Leonardo da Vinci

Da Vinci's Viola Organista

The genius inventor of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, is famous for his insatiable curiosity and countless creations. Around 1490, he drew a design for a unique musical instrument - the viola organista; which was supposed to combine the features of a violin and a piano. Although it had strings like a violin, it was played by a keyboard, without a bow. Da Vinci turned his attention to other projects before completing the design. As a result, the instrument was never made by him. And the design remained incomplete, although it inspired others. In the following century, German composer Hans Haydn saw his sketches and created a similar Geigenwerk in 1575. However, da Vinci's true imagination was fulfilled much later in 2013; when Polish organ builder Sławomir Zubrzycki created a playable viola organista based on his centuries-old design. Nearly 500 years after his death, this instrument of his imagination finally came to life with the magic of music.

6. Galileo Galilei

Galileo pendulum clock

Italian astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) was one of the pioneers in laying the foundations of modern science. In his quest to understand the laws of nature, he noticed that the period of a pendulum's swing did not depend on its size or direction—a groundbreaking discovery that later became the basis for the theory of harmonic oscillations in physics. Near the end of his life, almost blind, Galileo explained how this principle of oscillation could be used to create a clock's timekeeping system. His son Vincenzo Galilei attempted to build the device but was unsuccessful. Galileo died in 1642, leaving the unfinished idea behind. However, his notes and drawings inspired Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, who built the world's first practical pendulum clock in 1656. This invention revolutionized the accuracy of time measurement. His thinking became an immortal signature—one that still keeps time on Earth today.

7. Isambard Kingdom Brunel

The engineer whose designs are immortal today

Isambard Kingdom Brunel was the best-known British engineer of the 19th century. He is still considered the father of civil engineering. In 1830, at the age of just 24, he took on the Clifton Suspension Bridge project over the River Avon in Bristol. The project was challenging from the start. The width of the river, limited technology, and rejection of the design by the authorities caused repeated delays. Brunel's design was revolutionary. It was considered the longest bridge in the world with a span of 702 feet (214 m). The two towers were 85 feet (26 m) high and 249 feet (76 m) above the river. Although repeated financial problems and delays plagued the project, Brunel died of a stroke in 1859 and did not live to see his success. The bridge was completed in 1864. Today it stands as an engineering marvel, impressing modern civil engineers and celebrating Brunel's vision.

8. Alan Turing

The unseen foundation of the modern ‘computing engine’ 

Computer technology began with early experiments after World War II. The machines of the time were large, expensive, and limited in power. In 1945, mathematician Alan Turing began this change when he proposed a design for an electronic, stored-program, general-purpose digital computer. His design led to the Automatic Computing Engine (ACE), which operated on logical principles. In 1946, Turing presented his idea to the National Physical Laboratory, setting a new course for engineers. Although Turing left the project within a few months, a pilot model of the ACE was built in 1950. Although the first full-scale ACE was completed in 1957, Turing did not see his final breakthrough. His visionary design laid the foundation for modern computing, considered a prerequisite for breakthrough technology

9. Robert Fulton

The story of the world's first steam-powered warship

In 1814, American engineer and inventor Robert Fulton revolutionized naval technology with his design of the USS Demo logos, the first steam-powered warship of the United States Navy. Weighing 2,475 tons and measuring over 48 meters in length, this massive ship was an example of groundbreaking design. It had a twin hull, with a steam-powered paddlewheel placed in the middle. One hull housed the engine and the other housed the boiler, making it a kind of floating fortress. Fulton died prematurely in 1815; before the ship was completed. It was later named the USS Fulton in his honor. Unfortunately, it never saw combat, as it was launched just after the War of 1812. Nevertheless, Demo logos remains a notable example of a steam-powered warship in naval history. The ship was then destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1829.

10. Henry Mill

The failed attempt of 1700 and the modern printing revolution

In the early 18th century, English engineer Henry Mill, while working for the New River Company, conceived the idea of ​​a machine that could automatically print letters. In 1714, he patented "an artificial machine or mechanism for copying letters singly or in succession." This is the first design of the modern typewriter that goes down in history. Although he never actually built the machine, the idea inspired future inventors. In the following century, Charles Thurber (1843) created a similar design; which was intended to help the blind write. But the real form of the typewriter came in 1873 with Christopher Sholes and Carlos Glidden. Their invention revolutionized the way people wrote and expressed their thoughts on paper. This invention completely changed the way people wrote and expressed their thoughts on paper. It fulfilled a dream; which Henry Mill had only seen in his imagination.

Not to reveal sins

The desire to commit sins is a natural human tendency. That is why Allah Almighty has repeatedly mentioned forgiveness in the Holy Quran. If Allah had not been Forgiving and Merciful, the Hereafter would certainly have been painful for mankind. Allah Almighty declares, ‘Whoever does an evil deed or wrongs himself and then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah Forgiving, Merciful.’ (Surah An-Nisa, verse 110)

Keeping these two great qualities in mind - Allah is Most Forgiving and Most Secretive - if we look at the Holy Quran and Hadith, we will see the immense significance of concealing sins. Islam urges us to conceal our own sins and the sins of others.

The significance of hiding one's sins

The entire Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) will be forgiven on the Day of Judgment. The condition is that if one commits a sin, one must keep it secret.

One must seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty in secret. No one can be made a witness by telling or publicizing it. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, ‘All my Ummah will be forgiven, except for the one who reveals it. And it is indeed a great injustice for a person to commit a sin at night that Allah has hidden.

But in the morning he starts saying, “O so-and-so! I did such and such tonight.” However, he spent the night in such a state that Allah had hidden his deed, and he got up in the morning and removed the cover that Allah had placed over him.” (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 6069)

In addition, on the Day of Judgment, Allah Almighty will take the believer very close, cover him with His cover and confess his sin, saying, “I concealed your sin in the world. And today I will forgive it. Then he will be given his record of good deeds.

But the witnesses will say about the disbelievers and the hypocrites, "They are the ones who lied about their Lord. Beware, for the curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers." (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2441)

The significance of hiding the sins of others

There is a great virtue in concealing the sins of others. If you conceal the faults of others in this world, your own faults will be concealed on the Day of Judgment. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “If a servant conceals the faults of another in this world, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 6489)

It is forbidden to defame others by revealing their sins.

It is strictly forbidden in Islam to defame someone by disclosing their sins to others. And the honor of a believer is greater in the sight of Allah than the Holy Kaaba. As Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said while looking at the Kaaba, ‘How great you are! How honored you are, but the honor and dignity of a believer is much greater in the sight of Allah than you.’

He also said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Whoever investigates the secret faults of his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his secret faults.’ (Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2032)

However, if someone commits a sin that poses a threat to the individual or society, it is also necessary to disclose it. For example, committing robbery, committing a major conspiracy, etc. If you learn about a secret sin committed by a believer regarding the rights of Allah, you must keep it secret.

Do you know the secret behind the random letters on the keyboard?

Have you ever wondered what the layout of the letters on the keyboard we use every day on our computers or smartphones looks like? Why does the English alphabet start with 'Q' in the top row instead of 'A'? Here lies the mystery. Which many people don't know. Let's find out the history behind the QWERTY keyboard.

The first commercial typewriter was created in the 1870s by American inventor Christopher Latham Sholes. Initially, the device had the English alphabet arranged sequentially from A to Z. However, problems arose as the typing speed increased. When typing quickly, the metal handles or typebars of the device would get stuck with each other, resulting in a sudden decrease in writing speed and a lot of trouble in repairing the device.

Sholes chose a strategy to solve this problem. That is, the letters that are frequently used together are arranged on the keyboard in such a way that the collision of the typebars is reduced. This resulted in the creation of today's well-known QWERTY layout, which is named after the first six letters of the top row.

The QWERTY layout quickly became popular as an effective solution to the mechanical problems of the typewriter. Later, when keyboards began to be used on computers and smartphones, this layout remained due to human habits.

Although the mechanical problems of the typewriter are not present in modern keyboards. Yet, due to old habits and widespread use, the QWERTY layout has remained the standard for computer keyboards around the world.

In addition to QWERTY, several alternative layouts, namely DVORAK and AZERTY, have been developed to make typing easier and faster. However, these layouts have not gained much popularity due to the low tendency of the general public to learn something new outside the conventional system.

Therefore, the random arrangement of letters on the keyboard is not a mistake but an intelligent solution created to meet the technological needs of the time, which has become a part of our daily lives today.

Following the Prophet's ideals will prevent violence in society

Islam is a religion of peace. Its core teachings are tolerance, humanity and justice. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the best example of this peace and humanity. With his good character, patience and generosity, he transformed the barbaric society of the then Arabs into a just society.

In today's context, when religious divisions and politically motivated violence are increasing day by day, it has become necessary to highlight the ideals of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the true message of Islam. The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was a unique example of humanity. In the life of the Prophet, we see countless examples that are instructive not only for Muslims, but for the entire mankind. I am mentioning such behavior as an example of the Prophet's extraordinary tolerance. In one narration, it is found that once a polytheist accepted the hospitality of the Prophet and defecated on the Prophet's cloak out of hatred and ran away. The Prophet did not get angry on seeing this, but cleaned it with his own hands. When he met him later, the Prophet said, 'Brother, if you had told me about your night sickness, I could have helped you. You left without telling me, and I was hurt by it.'

There are also examples of tolerance in the life of the Prophet in the event of indecent behavior in the mosque. The hadith is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim Sharif. When a Bedouin man urinated in the mosque, the companions went to stop him. The Prophet said, ‘Do not stop him, let him finish. Then pour water on him and clean it.’ This shows that he used to correct people’s mistakes not through harshness but through kindness and wisdom. We all know the incident of the great example of patience in Taif. Even children threw stones at the Prophet in the field of Taif, causing him to bleed. Yet the Prophet did not curse, but prayed, ‘O Allah, guide them, they are treating me like this without knowing it.’ This hadith has also been reported in Bukhari and Muslim.

An example of patience in a difficult moment in Mecca has been reported in Bukhari. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was praying in Mecca. At that time, the infidels threw the entrails of a camel on the Prophet’s back, but the Prophet remained patient with a smile and did not retaliate. The basic principles of Islam are equality and security. Islam never supports violence or attacks on places of worship of other religions. Rather, Islam asks to ensure the safety of every follower of religion. Allah says, ‘There is no compulsion in religion.’ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 256).

In another verse, Allah says, ‘Allah commands you to justice and good conduct.’ (Surah An-Nahl, 90). The ideals of the Messenger were best embodied by his companions. Therefore, there are numerous examples of such generosity in the biography of the companions. When the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Umar (RA), conquered Baytul Maqdis, he refrained from entering the church and offering prayers, so that Muslims would not convert the church into a mosque in the future. History testifies that Islam teaches such respectful behavior towards other religions. However, a new type of politics has developed in many countries of the world, including present-day Bangladesh, where Islam is used to gain political benefits. During elections, some leaders appear in mosques, madrasas or puja mandap with hats, beards, and prayer beads. But they are surrounded by corrupt, land grabbers, usurers, rapists, and terrorist groups. This hypocrisy not only creates confusion in society, but also creates a kind of negative mentality towards Islam among the common people. In fact, what we need to do is to follow the ideals of the Prophet, choose honest and trustworthy leadership, follow it without using religion for material interests. Ensure the safety of all religious followers, establish justice without patronizing the wrongdoers.

When we become true Muslims, people will be attracted to Islam when they see us. Then we will not have to stand on separate stages and promise development. Real development in society is possible only when individual character and leadership have principles and ideals.

Islam does not talk about class discrimination, but rather talks about peace and security for all people. Every chapter of the Prophet's life teaches us how to be a good person. Today, when confusion, violence and religious extremism are increasing in society, we should implement the ideals of the Prophet not only in words but also in life. The Prophet said, ‘The best among you is the one who has the best character.’ (Bukhari)

Justice in the family and the rights of the child

The family is the basic unit of society. If justice is established in a family, then children grow up to be moral, educated and responsible people. Islam clearly states that it is a great sin to discriminate between children. Allah Almighty says in the Quran, ‘Set aside for children a portion equal to that of two daughters.’ (Surah: An-Nisa, verse: 11)

This indicates that the rights of every child must be ensured. The Hadith states: ‘You should maintain equality in giving and receiving gifts among your children.’ (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)

Discrimination between children, neglecting them or cheating them is a serious crime in Islamic view. When a father deprives the children of one family while he is alive and takes the side of another family, it is not only a family loss, but also a violation of the moral command of Allah.

The distribution of property in the family is not just a matter of money, it is a question of the psychological security and trust of the children. When a child is deprived of the right to receive what he deserves, he grows up in uncertainty, despair and distrust due to the lack of justice. This gives rise to jealousy, revenge and an immoral mentality in society. Islam reminds us that unjust delay is equal to injustice.

The Hadith states: ‘Whoever neglects his children, he is deprived of the mercy of Allah.’

Injustice towards children harms not only the individual but also the entire society. Discrimination and fraud lead to physical and mental abuse in the family, lack of trust and disruption of the mental development of children. A child who is subjected to neglect, discrimination or oppression from an early age may grow up to repeat injustice in society or develop into a person full of fear and distrust.

In Bangladesh, the law for the rights of the child and family justice is clearly regulated.

According to the Penal Code, 1860, physical or mental exploitation of a child, fraud and embezzlement of money are serious crimes. According to Section 325, physical harm or cruel treatment is punishable by seven years imprisonment and fine. According to Sections 372 and 374, mental or financial exploitation is punishable by 10 years imprisonment and fine. According to Section 364(A), fraud or embezzlement of property is punishable by life imprisonment or fine. In addition, according to the Maintenance Act, 2013, parents are obliged to provide for the life, education and medical treatment of the child.

Therefore, it is the responsibility of the state and society to protect the rights of children and establish family justice. The rights of children can be ensured through family arbitration, moral education and awareness-raising by the society and local community. Awareness must be created in the society through education of family justice and Islamic sense of responsibility in mosques, madrasas and schools.

Protecting the rights of children, preventing discrimination and establishing justice are not only a matter of religious morality, but also a serious responsibility of society and the state. If the father does not do justice while he is alive, it threatens the child's mental safety, educational development and moral growth. Both society and the state must actively play a role in establishing justice and protecting children's rights.

Therefore, ensuring justice and children's rights in the family is a combination of the moral guidance of Islam, social peace and the legal responsibility of the state. The moral responsibility of every parent is to ensure equal treatment of children and their due rights. The responsibility of the state is to legally and socially ensure that no child is harmed by discrimination, fraud or neglect.

Establishing justice in the family is not just a family value, it is a reflection of the moral foundation of society, the safe future of children and the responsibility of the state. If families, society and the state come together, we can ensure that our children grow up in the light of justice, faith and humanity.

How Pluto lost its planet status

Pluto was once known as the ninth planet in the solar system. Its discovery in 1930 opened a new chapter in space science. For 70 years, Pluto was considered the symbol of the outermost boundary of the solar system. But in August 2006, the International Astronomical Union made a historic decision that resulted in Pluto losing its planetary status. It was reclassified as a 'dwarf planet'.

-Pluto was once known as the ninth planet in the solar system.

The first official definition of a planet was set at that conference in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Scientists said that for an object to be recognized as a planet, it must meet three conditions—it must orbit the Sun, be nearly spherical in shape due to its own gravity, and be able to exert gravitational influence over all objects in its orbit.

Pluto meets the first two conditions, but fails the third condition. Because it cannot exert gravitational influence on other objects in its orbit.

According to scientists, Pluto is located outside the Sun in the Kuiper Belt region. There is a crowd of small objects containing ice and rock. Pluto's mass is much less than other objects in its orbit, so it cannot exert exclusive influence in that region. For example, Earth has established gravitational control over almost all objects in its orbit, but Pluto could not.

Cosmic objects that meet the first two conditions but fail to fulfill the third condition are called 'dwarf planets'. Currently, Pluto, along with Eris, Ceres, Haumea, and Makemake, are in this category.

This classification has made astronomy more precise and has made it easier to understand the structure of the solar system. Although Pluto is no longer a full-fledged planet, it is still considered a very important dwarf planet in the study of astronomers.

People also inherit mental illnesses from their ancestors!

Not only intelligence but also mental problems are genetically inherited from primitive ancestors. The human brain has evolved over millions of years. There have also been changes in the gene sequence. A recent study shows that genes related to mental problems appeared about 475,000 years ago. No evidence of the existence of modern humans (Homo sapiens) has been found in that ancient period.

The oldest evidence of modern humans is found in Morocco, Africa. The fossil found there is estimated to be about three hundred thousand years old. It is not known whether modern humans existed before that. It is assumed that modern humans appeared on earth from that time. Before that (about seven to two hundred thousand years ago), the ancient human species Homo heiselbergensis roamed the earth. Although there is no evidence that modern humans evolved directly from them. Recent research results indicate that genes related to mental problems existed on earth even before the emergence of modern humans.

There are different opinions about who the closest ancestors of humans are. However, according to the prevailing opinions, the living ancestors of humans include chimpanzees and bonobo monkeys (their physical structure is slightly different from that of ordinary chimpanzees). Human genes are largely similar to these two animals (about 98 percent). Human evolution began approximately 5 million years ago by separating from chimpanzees and bonobos. Since then, the size of the human brain has increased by about three times.

Fossils of primitive humans provide an idea of ​​the size of their brains. But fossils cannot provide much information about what their brains were capable of doing at that time. For this information, research on the human body's genes is required. Recently, several studies have shown that along with the human gene sequence, there have been changes in intelligence, brain size, and height. Even genetic sequences have been associated with various types of diseases.

Ilan Libedinsky, a researcher at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research in Amsterdam, Netherlands, conducted research on these two fields together. In it, Libedinsky and his colleagues found that genes related to human intelligence appeared about 500,000 years ago. After that, some genes that are currently associated with mental problems also appeared. Libedinsky said that the study suggests that both intelligence and mental illness appeared in humans along with the evolution of the brain and genes.

For this information, researchers tried to find the original source of the 33,000 different genes found in modern humans. It was found that those genes appeared between the last 3 million and 4,000 years. Relatively new genes appeared in the last 60,000 years. In fact, it is believed that Homo sapiens left Africa and spread to other continents during that time.

Researchers have also created a 'timeline' of which genes appeared at which time. For example, genes related to digestive disorders appeared about 800,000 years ago. The genome-related issues that are currently associated with cancer appeared approximately 590,000 years ago. Genes related to mental problems were not seen at this time.

After this, genes related to advanced human intelligence appeared. For example, genes related to the ability to solve problems logically in a new situation. They evolved about 500,000 years ago. The study also found that genes related to mental health problems appeared shortly after genes related to intelligence. These genes appeared about 475,000 years ago. Much later, over the past 50,000 years, genes related to language evolved. Even later, genes related to alcoholism and depression appeared in humans.

Muslim patronage of science during the Abbasid era

From the early days of the Abbasid Caliphate, the caliphs showed a keen interest in translation and acquiring the knowledge, science and culture of other nations. They spent a lot of money on translating foreign language books into Arabic, and each of them played an important role in the development of this movement. This translation movement not only facilitated the exchange of knowledge, but also ushered in a new era in the development of the Arabic language and Islamic civilization.

The era of Caliph Mansur (754-775 AD)

The Abbasid Caliph Mansur was one of the pioneers of this translation movement.

During his reign, many books were translated from foreign languages ​​into Arabic. Of particular note is the Kalila wa Dimna, an Indian collection of proverbs originally written in Sanskrit. It was first translated into Persian and later translated into Arabic by Ibn al-Muqaffa. Through this, the influence of Indian thought and culture began to enter the Arabic world through Persian culture.

Patronage of astronomy and science

Caliph Mansur was not only interested in translating literature or philosophy; he also paid equal attention to science, especially astronomy and astrology. It is said that he was the first caliph to appoint astrologers to the royal court and, with their help, to prepare a star chart (astronomical table). An important role behind this interest was played by Nawbakht al-Farsi, who was a prominent astrologer of the time and a close advisor to al-Mansur. The caliphs of the Abbasid era are particularly memorable in history not only as rulers, but also as patrons of knowledge and culture.

Their efforts translated the knowledge of Greek, Persian and Indian civilizations into Arabic, ushering in a golden age of Islamic civilization. Caliph Mansur was not satisfied with the limitations of Persian astronomy and astrology. His goal was to expand the scope of knowledge, so during his reign, many important books on astronomy, planetary motion and various branches of astronomy were translated. Notable among these were the Indian book 'Sindhind', the famous astronomical book 'Almagest' by the Greek scholar Ptolemy, Aristotle's book on logic, Euclid's book on geometry and books on arithmetic. Through these translations, the foundations of Greek philosophy, mathematics, logic and science entered the Arabic world and later had a profound impact on Islamic thought.

Translation activities were also active in the field of medicine. Abu Yahya al-Batriq achieved particular fame during the reign of al-Mansur. He translated many works by the Greek physicians Hippocrates and Galen into Arabic, which played a fundamental role in the development of Islamic medicine.

The era of Caliph Harun al-Rashid (786–809 AD)

The translation movement reached its peak during the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, the successor of al-Mansur. Under his patronage, the famous Bait al-Hikmah, the ‘House of Wisdom’ or ‘Storehouse of Knowledge’, was established, which was a library, research laboratory and translation center. Many skilled translators were employed there and a large number of books were imported from the Byzantine Empire (the country of the Romans). The supervisor of this huge undertaking was the famous physician and translator Yuhanna ibn Maswaih. He wrote many books on medicine and pharmacology. In addition, Jibril ibn Bukhtishu, who was al-Rashid’s chief physician, also translated and wrote several books on medicine and logic; one of his famous works is ‘The Introduction to the Art of Logic’.

The Role of the Barmakid Family

The Barmakid family’s contribution to the spread of the translation movement was unique. They generously sponsored the Arabic translation of many books from Greek, Persian and Indian languages ​​and gave financial rewards to skilled translators. Not only that, they also took the initiative to re-translate some of the previously translated books, so that the translations would be more accurate and clear.

The development of the translation movement during the era of Caliph al-Ma'mun and its impact

In the history of the Abbasid Caliphate, the era of Caliph al-Ma'mun (813-833 AD) is called the golden age of translation and scientific awakening. During his time, the translation movement reached a new height. Because under his patronage, the famous 'Baitul Hikma' or House of Wisdom was established, which was a translation center, library and research laboratory all in one.

Observatory and scientific institutions

A famous astronomical observatory was built during the era of Caliph al-Ma'mun, which is immortalized in history by his name. The prominent astronomer Yahya ibn Abi Mansur was entrusted with its supervision. Within a short time, this observatory transformed into a large astronomical and mathematical school, where scholars focused on practical research. From this institution, more advanced research was conducted, going beyond the ancient Greek knowledge base. Here, scientists created new and accurate tables related to planetary motion and achieved extraordinary success in measuring the spherical circumference of the Earth, enabling them to measure two degrees of the Earth, which was a revolutionary scientific achievement for the time.

Impact of the Translation Movement: Thought, Literature and Culture The translation movement in the early Abbasid period not only spread knowledge, it profoundly transformed Arabic thought and culture. Philosophy, science and literary practice gained new life. For the first time, the scientific method was added to the stream of knowledge of human civilization. This gave rise to a new scientific renaissance, whose influence reached beyond the Islamic world to Europe.

1. Mathematics and Algebra: During this era, Al-Khwarizmi was one of the pioneers of mathematics, astronomy and geography. He was one of the best scientists working in the observatory of Caliph Mamun. A new branch called 'algebra' was born from his research, which later spread throughout the world. The word 'Algorithm' originated from his name.

2. Chemistry: Jabir ibn Hayyan is known as the father of chemistry. He laid the foundation of science through experimental research. He introduced many theories related to metals, elixirs and chemical reactions, which are considered the basis of modern chemistry.

3. Medicine and Anatomy: There was also great progress in the development of medicine during this era. Yuhanna ibn Maswaih, who was a physician and anatomist, was the first to apply dissection to monkeys in research. His efforts opened up new horizons in anatomy and recognized him as one of the founders of Arab medical research.

4. Rhythm and Musicology: Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad al-Farahidi established the science of prosody through his translated Greek and Persian music books. He revolutionized the genre of Arabic poetry and song by determining the rules of rhythm and meter. His book on the ‘Science of Rhythm’ was so influential that the famous musician Ishaq al-Mawsili adopted it as the standard method in his musicology. Thus, this huge movement of translation and research during the era of the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma’mun not only enriched Arabic literature and thought, but also left a permanent mark on the history of world knowledge. The House of Wisdom and the Observatory he founded became a symbol of the advancement of science and culture in Islamic civilization, where a bridge was built between ancient knowledge and modern exploration.

The strangest cities in the world!

 

-The centuries-old village of Hallstatt, located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, is named after an ancient salt mine. The word "hall" probably comes from the Celtic word for salt.

A town usually refers to an area, which is basically bigger than a village but smaller than a city. It has its own government, name and boundaries. It has a market, and even people living scattered around. However, some towns are exceptional. Absolutely strange. Although they look like other towns, they are actually uninhabited. Some are inhabited by only one person, while others have an entire town living under one roof.

'Replica Hallstatt' or 'Hallstatt 2.0', an exact copy of Hallstatt in Austria

The centuries-old village of Hallstatt in Austria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And why not! This ‘Hallstatt’ in Austria is like a place straight out of a European fairy tale. Surrounded by UNESCO architecture and centuries-old monuments, the town has a tranquil river and picturesque mountains, which further enhance its beauty.

‘Hallstatt’ is so charming that in 2012, China decided to build an exact replica of the village. At a cost of about a billion dollars, this project was created in every detail of the real Austrian village, even its church and town square were imitated perfectly. It was built in the Guangdong province of China. The project, sponsored by a Chinese billionaire, caused a huge sensation among the residents of the real Hallstatt, as they knew nothing about the project. Later, the residents of Hallstatt in Austria (including the mayor) visited the fake town. They said they were proud that the city was copied, but they didn't like the way it was done. They think the buildings were copied, but they should have met with the owners and asked for permission. The company called Minmetals, which built the city, sent its workers to Hallstatt, Austria, to take pictures from there.

-Marloth Park in the northeastern part of South Africa is a unique wildlife sanctuary and a holiday destination for people from far and wide.

Marloth Park South Africa

Located on the border of the Kruger National Park, Marloth Park is a gem in South Africa. It offers a variety of activities and a peaceful environment for guests and visitors to enjoy. It also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. According to experts, Marloth itself is an ideal place for a variety of activities and a peaceful environment. It is home to a variety of wildlife such as lions, elephants, hippos and crocodiles. The town is unique for several reasons. Among them, despite the fear of wildlife attacks, the locals cannot build walls around their homes. The only wall in the park is only 1.2 meters (4 feet) high, which is mainly designed to keep people out of the park, not to keep animals inside. Wildlife roaming freely in the town is a common sight. However, thieves enter homes through windows and steal things from refrigerators. Elephants and giraffes block the roads. Lion attacks on humans are also not uncommon. A few years ago, a lion attacked, killed and ate a thief. The police only found the thief's head and one leg. After this incident, the city residents left the lions. Although some say that the thief was shot while fleeing and his body was eaten by the lions. Others say that the lions will help control the increasing theft in the city. However, cyclists are often attacked. This is said to be racially motivated. Because most white residents have cars, and cyclists are mainly black. Who commute to work.

The US Army's 'training city' Asymmetric Warfare Training Center, Virginia

A new city has been built in Caroline County, Northern Virginia, which has a school, a church, a mosque, a subway station, tunnels, bridges and a five-story embassy. But no one lives in this city. Because this is not an ordinary city, but a training center for the US Army worth about $ 90.1 million. Where the US Army trains its soldiers. The city is called the Asymmetric Warfare Training Center (AWTC). This training center was built under a special mission called the Asymmetric Warfare Group. The city was modeled after Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2006, this group of IEDs will train soldiers to face the challenges of modern urban warfare. According to the Army, the training center will create a “complex operational environment.” According to military analysts, the battlefield of the 21st century will no longer be open fields, but rather narrow spaces inside the city. Hence the US administration's training initiative.

-The Haunted City of Ordos

China

China's largest ghost town is Ordos. Most of the new buildings here are empty or incomplete. But once this area was supposed to be home to 1 million people, only 100,000 people live there now. It is known that 2 percent of the city is still unused. The rest is empty and abandoned. The story of this city began about 25 years ago. In the early 2000s, when coal mines were discovered in Mongolia. Coal mining also began. And Chinese mining companies dug up the green pastures of Mongolia and created open-pit coal mines. Local farmers became rich overnight by selling their land. New jobs were created and the constant movement of coal trucks made the roads busy. Coal mining also made the old city of Ordos prosperous. But today the city is almost deserted. Chinese officials spent more than 1 billion dollars to build the city of Ordos. Because, investors at that time built settlements centered around coal mines. They built huge buildings (apartments). The goal was to rent out. But demand couldn’t keep up with the builders, and many investors moved out or went bankrupt before the buildings were completed. According to French photographer Raphael Olivier, the once-deserted city is now “a beautiful city of contrasts.” Today, the streets are lined with unfinished houses. Those who were in the city are also moving elsewhere. In just five years, the price per square foot has fallen from $1,100 to $470. Investors have lowered prices to encourage people to move in.

-Longyearbyen

Norway

Longyearbyen; the last city in the world's northernmost point. It is a place in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, which is at once strange, wild and poetic. The town, nestled in the Arctic Ocean, is one of the most isolated towns in the world. The population is less than 2,500. Yet it is the capital of the Svalbard archipelago. This small town, located deep in the Arctic Circle, is a place where colorful houses and polar bears coexist. Surprisingly, the local polar bears outnumber humans (3,000 polar bears), so for self-defense, the locals carry licensed firearms, which is a common sight here. This small town has a church, ATM booth, museum, post office, airport and university. Its residents do not stay long; on average, they live here for a little over six years. However, it is a city in the Arctic region where death is also prohibited. Because the extreme cold does not allow the body to decompose. Sick or dying people are taken by plane or ship to another part of Norway. And if someone dies suddenly, they are buried elsewhere. Scientists removed tissue from a person who died a few years ago and tested it for traces of the 1917 pandemic virus. The sun does not set in this region for three months of the year (November to January), which is known as the polar night. Keeping cats is also banned in the city. This decision was made to protect local birds.

-‘Monowi’ is a one-man city!

Nebraska

Monowee is a unique place in Nebraska. Although it is not a recreation center, it is still one of the most popular places in America. Because, it is a one-person town! Monowee is an incorporated village in Boyd County. According to the current US census, this village has only one resident, Elsie Eiler. She is 77 years old. She runs the town's tavern, where many people from neighboring towns visit every day. Elsie's tavern is not only a liquor store; it is also the social center of the town. In addition, Elsie has a large library, where her husband's collection of more than 5,000 books is kept. Visitors can borrow as many books as they want. The library is a living monument to this village, where the stories and memories of Monowee's past are intertwined. It is the smallest town in the United States in terms of population. Monowee was founded in 1903, when the Mason, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley Railroad reached this place. A post office was established here in 1902, which operated until 1967. Its peak period was in the 1930s, when the population was 150. In 2018, the village was featured in advertisements for Arabic and Prudential. Monowi was also used as the starting point for the world's largest advertising poster, which was completed in 2018.

-Busingen um Hochrein

Germany

The biggest example of how much controversy a country's border can cause is the German village of Büsingen am Hochrin, surrounded by Switzerland. This small village in Germany is geographically strange and exceptional. It is located in southern Germany and has a population of only 1,519. It is separated from mainland Germany by a narrow strip of land about 700 meters wide. Due to the unusual location of the village, it feels more like a Swiss town than a German city. Although it is part of the Swiss system economically, the law and administration are under German control. Daily life in this village is therefore bound by a dual reality. The residents here transact in Swiss francs, but have to pay income taxes to Germany. Although primary education is based on the German structure, parents have the opportunity to choose the country in secondary school. Even its phone number has two countries! That is, it can use the codes of both Germany and Switzerland. This strange situation began in the seventeenth century - due to religious conflicts and political reasons. In a referendum in 1919, 96 percent of the people wanted to be part of Switzerland, but Germany did not give in. The border dispute remained even after World War II. Finally, in 1967, Germany-Switzerland incorporated it into Swiss territory, and border controls were lifted.

-The suburb of Colma, in San Mateo County, California, USA, has 1,600 living residents but more than 1.5 million graves.

Colma, the City of the Dead

California

Most cities in America are famous for their shopping malls, Walmarts, and multiple restaurants. But Colma, a city in San Mateo County, California, is famous for its cemeteries. There are 17 cemeteries in this city. That is why it is called the 'City of the Dead'. That is, the number of dead people in this city is more than the number of living people. Basically, since most of the land in this city is designated for cemeteries, the number of dead people here is about 1000:1 times more than the number of living people. In 1924, the then local government of the city established Colma as a necropolis (burial ground). Of course, there was a reason for this, because in the 1900s, the first cemeteries were moved to the suburbs of Colma. Since then, the number of dead people here has increased many times more than the number of living people. Then, in the 1920s, as San Francisco gradually became a sprawling metropolis, the city's cemeteries were moved to Colma. But the real history of this suburb dates back to the Gold Rush of 1849, when thousands of people migrated to nearby San Francisco. However, they brought with them diseases, which led to an increase in the number of deaths. By the 1880s, San Francisco's 26 cemeteries were full. In 1900, the local government banned new burials in San Francisco. They said that the land was more valuable than the cemeteries. Because at that time, San Francisco was a busy city that was growing rapidly. Unfortunately, the city was a huge ammunition dump full of densely populated wooden houses, where major disasters were just waiting to happen. The terrible earthquake of 1906 turned San Francisco into a city of the dead. The number of graves also increased. As a result, in 1914, local authorities ordered all the bodies in the cemetery to be removed to Colma. Since then, the city's slogan has been "It's great to be alive in Colma!"

-The Villages

Florida

Rows of houses along tree-lined streets, residents strolling along golf courses, chatter in town squares and lively concerts at night – it all sounds like a dream, but it is reality. This is ‘The Villages’, which is called ‘Florida’s retirement city’. Here, from home to healthcare, shopping, entertainment and sports, even restaurants; everything is only for adults. Because the city is built just for retirees. Spread over an area larger than Manhattan. Located just 45 minutes north of Orlando in Central Florida. In the 1960s, Michigan businessman Harold Schwartz started this idea by buying land in Florida. First, he built a trailer park called Orange Blossom Gardens. Later, with his son Gary Morse, he added facilities such as banks, shops and a golf course. In 1992, it was called ‘The Villages’. Later, the population grew rapidly. Now there are more than 125,000 residents. The community, which spans three counties, has 50 golf courses, more than 2,500 clubs and activities, and three town squares. However, children are not allowed in the town, which has been plagued by controversy and drug and sex scandals.

-Whittier

Alaska

Whittier is a wonderful city. This small town is known worldwide for a unique feature. Almost all the residents of this suburb live in a 14-story building called Begich Towers. This one building, built during World War II (a 1956 army barracks), houses a hospital, school, city offices, and shops! As a result, residents do not even need to step outside for months at a time. It receives about 22 feet of snow a year, which is a thousand times more than the average snowfall in the United States. About 220 people live in this extreme climate year-round. Their only means of income are fishing, tourism, rail, and ferry services. The only land access to this city is a rail tunnel. There is a chance to travel once every hour and there is no chance to return after 10:30 pm. Before 2001, this was not possible either; then, the only hope was the train and boat that ran only a few times a week.

Some other strange cities in the world

1. ‘Replica Hallstatt’ or ‘Hallstatt 2.0’ is a luxurious residential area and tourist center for the rich. It has churches, lakes and perfect imitations of European architecture

2. Marloth Park is a wildlife sanctuary and holiday town, located south of the Kruger National Park. The Crocodile River borders the park

3. Asymmetric Warfare Training Center is a small town where the United States used to train soldiers. However, it was declared extinct in 2021

4. Longyearbyen, the administrative center of the Svalbard region. It is originally a Norwegian city, where about 2,400 residents from 53 countries live

5. Ordos is a city in Inner Mongolia, China, which is a city rich in cultural heritage and is known as a modern planned ‘ghost city’

6. Monowi is the smallest city in America. With one resident! He is the mayor, treasurer, clerk and even the only businessman in the city

7. Colma is a small town in California, which was founded in 1924 as a necropolis (burial ground). It has more dead people than living

8. Whittier - It is called the 'city of one house'. It is the home of all the residents of the city. The city in southwestern Alaska is almost isolated from the outside world

9. Although surrounded by Switzerland, the small German-owned town of Busingen am Hochrein has maintained its bi-national existence for centuries

10. America's 'The Villages', which is called 'Florida's largest retirement city'. Which is known as the best retirement city in the United States