Dhaka, Dec. 7 -- In Bangladesh, academic subjects often come with their own established social stereotypes. Mention engineering, and people nod with approval. Say 'medicine,' and everyone smiles proudly; even Business or Law tends to inspire confident expectations. But mention 'Criminology,' and the expressions shift to utter confusion. Starting with the author's personal experiences, people often ask, "What even is Criminology?" In contrast, others quietly whisper, "Is that a real discipline or subject to study?"

Half of the people gave the criminology students a strange look, as if enrolling in the program meant studying Sherlock Holmes. In contrast, the other half appears convinced that they are about to become Sherlock Holmes!

Amusi...