Education
WFWP-ULAB organises events to inspire youth to plant trees
Women’s Federation for World Peace Bangladesh (WFWP-BD) with the support of the University of Liberal Arts (ULAB) arranged an event “Youthful Roots: Planting Harmony for Tomorrow” with an aim to inspire the youth community to plant trees for a sustainable Bangladesh relating to the SDG-13 Climate Action.
Women’s Federation for World Peace Bangladesh (WFWP-BD) introduced GREEN FEST on July 30, 2023 which is a yearly basis agenda with a primary objective to build awareness of Green Environment, Safe Living Standards and the Impact of Green on Human Qualities for youth with a sustainable objective to create Green Economy and Green Ecosystem in Bangladesh.
“Youthful Roots: Planting Harmony for Tomorrow” is one of the core action plans of GREEN FEST 2023. The objective of the event is to raise awareness of a Green and Safe Environment with a prolonged sustainable impact through planting and mothering trees by engaging dynamic youth power, learning the importance of green skills for ensuring a green economy, green ecosystem and green mind in Bangladesh for a better future, said a press release on Wednesday.
Core Action Plans for the event are planting trees on the premises of each selected university, formulating a group of students and a team leader to plant and mother trees.
It was also planned to accelerate the youth leadership to plant and nurse trees, and to monitor and evaluate the growth of trees in significant times by advisory boards, provide awards in recognition to the successful group of students as Youth Green Leader and promote social awareness of the green environment by the engagement of the youth community.
Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Espen Rikter-Svendsen, Ambassador of Norway and Sheela Pillai, Chargé d’Affaires, High Commission of the Republic of Singapore attended the event as the guest of honour and Professor Imran Rahman, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh attended the event as the special guest with WFWP Bangladesh President Mehreen in the chair.
The dignitaries planted trees during the event and the students will be nursing and mothering those trees. The same approach will be followed by different Universities in the days to come.
The dignitaries were recognised as Green Leaders by WFWP Bangladesh. They shared relevant experiences and motivational information with the students for their learning and acknowledgement of the Green Environment.
Education Ministry forms 5-member probe body to review Sharifa's story
The Education Ministry on Wednesday formed a five-member high-level expert committee to review a story titled "Sharifa" in the history and social science textbook of grade seven.
A press release signed by Mohammad Abul Khair, information and public relations officer of the ministry was issued in this regard.
According to the press release, the committee will help the National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) by reviewing the story thoroughly.
Other members of the committee are Mufti Maulana Kafil Uddin Sarker, governor of the Islamic Foundation; Prof Moshiuzzaman, member of the NCTB; Abdul Halim, director of the Institute of Education and Research (IER) at Dhaka University; and Prof Mohammad Abdur Rashid, principal of Dhaka Alia Madrasa.
The development came after a teacher at a private university recently talked over the inclusion of transgender issues in the textbook and tore the pages of the textbook that went viral on social media.
Education Minister addresses controversy over ‘Sharifa’s story’ in textbook
Bangladesh's Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel today (January 23, 2024) addressed the media regarding the ongoing controversy over a story featured in a textbook.
“We plan to consult with experts about the story of Sharifa discussed in the textbook. If there's any confusion or misrepresentation, changes will be made,” Chowdhury told reporters at the Secretariat.
The story of Sharifa previously sparked debate, and currently, some are protesting over its content. The Education Minister emphasized the need for a thorough discussion with National Curriculum and Textbook Board (NCTB) to understand why the story is eliciting such reactions.
Read more: UGC team investigates IU VC’s corruptions in teacher recruitment
He expressed concern about certain groups’ tendency to exploit religious sentiments and instigate instability and anarchy in the country, and said, “A few days ago, some recommendations were given to me from an organization. Some Qawmi madrasa teachers claimed that the word ‘transgender’ has been used in the textbook. However, upon examination, it was clarified that the term used was ‘third gender’.”
“In our society, third gender individuals, commonly known as ‘Hijra,’ are legally recognized citizens with rights," Minister Chowdhury clarified.
He further added, “If the presentation of the story leads to misunderstandings and controversies, we will discuss with experts whether we can modify its presentation while respecting the dignity of the third gender individuals. This is a specialized issue, and we don’t want to comment at a policy level.”
Responding to a question about the BRAC University controversy, the Education Minister said, “We will discuss this matter with BRAC University and understand the issue through the University Grants Commission, following which a detailed discussion will be held.”
Read more: Govt changes class schedule for primary schools due to cold wave
Govt changes class schedule for primary schools due to cold wave
Classes at government primary schools will start from 10 am with immediate effect until January 31, in a bid to protect students from the effects of a cold wave sweeping over the country.
UGC team investigates IU VC’s corruptions in teacher recruitment
An office order signed by Deputy Secretary Mohammad Kabir Uddin was issued in this regard on Sunday.
Earlier on January 16, the Ministry issued a circular over the closure of educational institutions under secondary level will also remain effective, it added.
Monash University Foundation Year orientation program held at UCB
According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result, the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level shut if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”
Primary, secondary-level edu institutions shut for Monday for severe cold in Bogura
UGC team investigates IU VC’s corruptions in teacher recruitment
A three-member probe committee formed by the University Grants Commission started investigating the allegations including corruption in teacher recruitment brought against the Islamic University vice-chancellor Professor Shaikh Abdus Salam on Monday.
The probe body led by the commission’s member Professor M Abu Taher included its public management division additional director M Fazlur Rahman and public management division’s deputy director Muhammad Yousuf Ali Khan.
Campus sources said that the probe body met IU vice-chancellor Professor Shaikh Abdus Salam, pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Mahbubur Rahman, treasurer Professor M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya and teachers of different teacher associations.
The team, as part of its investigation, investigated the important files and documents as well as the audio clips that went viral on the social media Facebook from February 16 to June 13 last year.
UGC on January 11 formed the probe body against the Islamic University vice-chancellor Shaikh Abdus Salam to investigate the allegations of various corruptions brought against him, including teacher recruitment anomaly.
On February 17, IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan filed a general diary with Islamic University police station after an audio clip, containing conversation between the VC and a jobseeker from IU mass communication and journalism department, had gone viral on February 16.
In an audio conversation, shared from a Facebook account named Farah Jebin on March 8, VC Abdus Salam was heard saying to a person over phone that he would make his relative first or second in the university’s economics department recruitment board.
The Islamic University Teachers’ Association and Awami League-backed teachers’ alliance Shapla Forum submitted a written petition seeking an explanation from the vice-chancellor regarding the leaked audio conversations on February 18. Later, the forum also sought the prime minister’s intervention regarding the issue.
UGC member M Abu Taher said that they were investigating the allegations of corruption against IU VC Shaikh Salam. The ministry concerned would take action against the VC if any corruptions brought against him were proved.
Monash University Foundation Year orientation program held at UCB
Universal College Bangladesh (UCB), the exclusive partner of Monash College, Australia in Bangladesh, has successfully concluded the orientation program for its Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) January intake.
Marking the commencement of the year’s first batch, the MUFY Orientation program was held at the UCB Campus, located in the capital’s SA Tower, Gulshan 1 on Sunday (January 21, 2024).
The program began with introductory speeches by Prof. Muhammad Ismail Hossain, dean of Academic Affairs, and Prof. Hew Gill, president and provost of UCB, reads a release.
Primary, secondary-level edu institutions shut for Monday for severe cold in Bogura
The event progressed with insightful speeches by Daniel Lum from International Recruitment and Development of Monash University Malaysia; and Azra Karim, In-country representative from Monash Australia addressing the august gathering of both students and parents.
The speeches were followed by sessions targeted to familiarize students and guardians with UCB and the MUFY program. Important details regarding studying Monash programs, important policies, etc. were shared including information about essential academic tools, creation and use of Monash and UCB accounts, and navigation of courses on Moodle.
Bone-chilling cold forces school closure in Joypurhat, Kurigram districts
Students and guardians are to note that although the orientation program for MUFY January 2024 Intake is over, Universal College Bangladesh will continue to keep the admission window open for MUFY January Intake till 2nd February 2024.
Prof. Hew Gill said, “I would like to congratulate all our new students present here, ready to embark on this incredible education journey. At UCB we look forward to working together to take you all closer to your own unique goals. We are glad to have you all on board, and we hope for a productive future ahead”.
Universal College Bangladesh (UCB) is the exclusive partner of Monash College, Australia, and is the 1st Ministry of Education-approved international education provider in Bangladesh.
Secondary schools in Rajshahi closed due to cold; here are the details
Students can jumpstart their journey to a degree at Monash University or University of London - LSE immediately after their O/AS/A/HSC levels by joining international programs right here in Bangladesh at UCB. Students receive the same global academic curriculum and extremely cost-effective tuition fees.
To know more details about their programs and workshops, visit – https://ucbbd.org/.
Primary, secondary-level edu institutions shut for Monday for severe cold in Bogura
All primary and secondary level educational institutions in Bogura were declared closed for Monday due to severe cold.
Shah Alam, senior observer of Bogura Met Office, said the district recorded the season's lowest temperature at 9.1 degrees Celsius at 9am.
A mild cold wave has been sweeping the district and it may persist this month, he said.
Anwar Hossain, assistant headmaster of Bogura Zila School, said the school was declared closed following the directive from the district education office in the morning.
District Education Officer Hazrat Ali said all secondary educational institutions have been declared closed and all upazila education offices have been informed about this.
District Primary Education Officer Asaduzzaman Chowdhury said all primary schools in the district have been declared shut as the temperature dropped below 10 degree Celsius.
On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”
Bone-chilling cold forces school closure in Joypurhat, Kurigram districts
In a drastic response to the unrelenting cold wave, authorities in Joypurhat and Kurigram districts have announced the closure of all primary and secondary schools. This unprecedented move comes as temperatures plummet, posing significant challenges to the local communities.
Joypurhat Deputy Commissioner (DC) Salehin Tanvir Gazi said that in light of the severe cold conditions, they have decided to shut all primary and secondary educational institutions for two days. The decision follows a report from the nearby Naogaon meteorological office, which recorded temperatures in Joypurhat district dipping below 10 degrees Celsius.
Adding to the winter’s grip, the Kurigram district administration has extended the closure of 1,848 educational institutions, including primary, secondary schools and madrasas, until temperatures rise above 10 degrees Celsius. Kurigram DC Mohammad Saidul Arif advised students to stay indoors and continue their studies, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
The cold snap has dramatically altered daily life in Joypurhat. As of 11:30 am today, the sun remained hidden, compelling vehicles to ply the streets with headlights on, a rare sight for the region.
This shutdown comes after a directive from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) on January 16. The DSHE granted regional authorities the power to close schools if temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius. A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country, severely hampering educational activities, the DSHE circular stated, emphasizing the need for regional decision-making in these extreme weather conditions.
As the northern parts of Bangladesh continue to grapple with this harsh cold wave, the closure of schools underscores the impact of extreme weather on education and daily life.
Secondary schools in Rajshahi closed due to cold; here are the details
All secondary-level schools in the northern district of Rajshahi have been declared closed for two days, starting from today (January 21, 2024), due to severe cold.
All primary-level schools are also closed today, according to an official notification signed by Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury, deputy director (acting) of secondary and higher secondary education in Rajshahi zone.
Local meteorological department yesterday predicted that the district would experience less than 10 degrees Celsius temperature for the next two days (January 21 and 22).
Following the forecast, education officers of the district held a meeting yesterday and took the decision to keep the primary and secondary schools closed.
Read more: UGC forcibly imposed GST system on us: JnU Teachers Association
Saidul Islam, primary education officer of the district, told UNB’s Rajshahi correspondent that academic activity at the primary schools will remain closed only for Sunday but the offices will remain open as usual.
“Observing Sunday’s weather, the next course of action will be decided,” he said.
The district witnessed a fall of four degree Celsius temperature within a span of two days. The local Met Office yesterday recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius temperature against 13.8 degree Celsius a day before.
Dense fog blankets the whole district while wind has been blowing. As a result, a severe cold is being felt.
Rajib Khan, observer at Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature in Rajshahi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius on January 13. The second lowest temperature of the season was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 7:30 am yesterday.
Read more: Educational institutions shut in Kurigram due to cold wave
On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius, he said.
The temperature also decreased yesterday after dense fog had descended, he said, forecasting that such weather may persist throughout January.
On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.”
Read more: Mild cold wave sweeps 3 northern districts: Met Office
UGC forcibly imposed GST system on us: JnU Teachers Association
The Jagannath University Teachers' Association (JnUTA) has alleged that the University Grants Commission (UGC) forced the authority of Jagannath University to take the admission test through the General, Science and Technology (GST) system.
JnU to build two gates to sustain it’s tradition
Sheikh Mashrick Hasan, general secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers Association (JnUTA), made this complaint in a press conference held at Jagannath University on Saturday (January 20) noon.
He said, “While Jagannath University is trying to advance, chaos is made to suppress by keeping a system like GST. We have our own Academic Council, they are the supreme authority to decide the admission process. Yet it is being forced upon us again and again,” he alleged.
Universal College Bangladesh to hold Admission Day in Ctg offering education opportunity abroad
Mashrick Hasan also said in this regard, “All the remaining universities are being kept separate from the four universities operated by the Ordinance of 1973. It is a step towards establishing a planned elite category among the universities of the country.”
Mashrick Hasan also said that the purposes of the GST system have completely failed.
10 researchers selected for UGC post-doctoral fellowship
Therefore, the Jagannath University Teachers Association (JnUTA) demanded a single admission test for all public universities through the formation of NTA (National Testing Authority) from the academic year 2024-25 to resolve the problem.