United News of Bangladesh

An international student conference titled “MIT Leading Edge International Student Conference” jointly organised by Haileybury Bhaluka and MIT for the first time in Bangladesh has concluded at the permanent campus of Haileybury Bhaluka recently. At the end of the conference, Haileybury Bhaluka’s Headmaster Simon O Grady said bringing the “MIT Leading Edge International Student Conference” to Bangladesh represents a significant milestone for the country. “It not only highlights our commitment to fostering global partnerships in education and innovation but also showcases the immense talent and potential of our youth on the international stage,” said Simon O Grady. It provided five days of hands-on knowledge about various innovative activities and their management, including underwater robotics and innovative engineering designs for sustainable climate change. Aga Khan School, Aga Khan Academy Dhaka celebrate the Class of 2024 On the last day of the conference, MIT's Edgerton Center awarded certificates to the participating students in the presence of Haileybury Bhaluka’s founding Headmaster Simon O Grady, Haileybury Bhaluka's Advisor and also the former Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor SMA Faiz, Academic Director Dr. Sandeep Ananthanarayanan and the MIT faculty members and MIT graduates. Parents of the hundred students who participated in the five-day conference and Chairman of Best Holdings Limited Amin Ahmed were also present. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in hands-on experience in expanding their engineering and innovation capabilities to advanced levels under the supervision of the MIT faculty members and graduates, said the organizers on Wednesday. The success of the conference underscores Bangladesh's emergence as a hub for academic excellence and innovation, they said. IDCOL-financed Buet Solar Rooftop Project Launched By providing a platform for students to exchange ideas, explore interdisciplinary collaborations, and address pressing global issues, the event has contributed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers, according to the organizers. It was supported extensively by corporates, with Southeast Bank and United Commercial Bank being Noyce Award sponsors, PFEC Global being the Hewlett Award sponsor, Berger Paints, Confidence Trade and Education being Khan Award sponsors.

The Aga Khan School (AKS), Dhaka and the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka celebrated their graduating class of 75 talented students from the International Baccalaureate (IB)Diploma Programme (DP) and the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) A Levels. To honour the graduates, a ceremony was held at the Dhaka Regency Hotel, which was attended by parents, students, staff and the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Bangladesh board of directors. In her introductory speech, Fahmida Chowdhury, the head of Senior School at AKS, Dhaka and the Senior School Principal at the Academy welcomed everyone and highlighted the school’s significant history. She congratulated the parents and graduates andwished them a future filled with triumph and success, said a press release. “As we reflect on the last 35 years, we are proud of the reputation and history AKS, Dhaka has built,” Fahmida said. “Our students'; academic excellence, hard work and leadership skills have been the cornerstone of our success. Together, we have strived to create a school environment that is unparalleled in the country, fostering growth and success for all.” On behalf of the board of directors, Amyn Saleh, the chairman of AKES, Bangladesh, congratulated the Class of 2024. He appreciated the students’ dedication and perseverance as well as their engagement in diverse endeavours. “As you embark on your journey beyond these walls, remember to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of your education, for it is through this holistic approach that you will truly thrive,” Mr Amyn said. “Let us prioritise inclusivity and dare to challenge the status quo, for it is in breaking free from conventional norms that we pave the way for progress and innovation.” The Class of 2024 were offered over $1.5 million in scholarships to attend prestigious universities around the world and in Bangladesh, including the University of California, the University of Michigan, London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College London, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, Institute of Business Administration at the University of Dhaka and many more. The graduating class chose Aziza Choudhury, one of their English language and literature teachers, to speak at the ceremony. Aziza commended the graduates’ achievements andgrowth throughout their academic journey. While reminiscing about cherished memories, shealso praised the graduating cohort for their commitment, diligence and adeptness in overcoming obstacles while engaging in a spectrum of co-curricular and extracurricular pursuits. To conclude the ceremony, valedictorians Anuva Chowdhury and Aryan Islam addressed their peers. The Aga Khan School, Dhaka and the Aga Khan Academy Dhaka congratulate the Class of 2024 on their graduation and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

The Jagannath University unit of Chhatra League has been accused of extortion by Sumna Hospital Director Imadul Uddin Ahmed, as well as abusing him for not paying the demanded money before Eid. Director of Sumna Medical Imadul Uddin Ahmed confirmed the matter over phone on Saturday. It is known that general secretary SM Akhtar Hossain sent the Vice President of JnU Branch Chhatra League Mehedi Babu to Sumna Hospital to collect extortion money from the hospital. Also, Robiul Islam Robii was sent by President Ibrahim Faraji.  The director of the hospital, Imadul Uddin, said, “Thus the hospital authority did not pay the extortion, the general secretary Akhtar Hossain threatened them over the phone. The hospital authorities informed the Central Chhatra League about this.” Director of Sumna Hospital Imadul Uddin Ahmed also said, “This (extortion) did not happen before. They have been disturbing since the first time they came to the committee if JnU BCL. Mehndi Babu along with a boy with black color came.  Akhtar also abused over the phone.  He (Akhtar) may have been told differently (Babu) about the incident. It may have done it at the moment of hit.  We already give discounts on treatment for students of Jagannath University.” When asked how much money was demanded, he said, “He did not say the amount. Just wanted money.  Aktar called and abused me for not giving extortion. Later, JnU Chhatra League president Ibrahim Faraji called me and talked to me, they have softened a bit. Talked about reconciliation.  This almost always happens.”  When asked whether any legal action has been taken in this incident, Imadul Uddin Ahmed expressed concern and said, “What will happen if this is done, my business is here. It will be seen later that others will make trouble.” Central Chhatra League president Saddam Hossain and general secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Inan were called several times to find out about this, but they could not be reached. In this regard, the general secretary of JnU branch Chhatra League SM Aktar Hossain said, “Mehdi Babu is not in Dhaka. He is at home. I don't have Imad Sahib's number. I didn't call him. I don't go to Sumana for almost a year and a half." JnU Chhatra League President Ibrahim Faraji said, “I do not know anything about this. There is no place for extortion in Jagannath University Chhatra League. We do not condone them. Maybe someone misuses our name.”  

 A 9-member executive committee of Bangladesh Agricultural University Press Club (BAUPC) was formed for the next two years on Thursday. Dr. Md Shahiduzzaman, editor of ShobujBangladesh24.com, was elected as president and Rayhan Abid of Daily Janakantha as general secretary. Md. Zahid Hasan of Daily Sun has been made vice president of the new committee. IIMC Alumni Association new committee takes charge Md Ashikuzzaman of United News of Bangladesh was made joint secretary while Md Miraz Uddin of Dainik Shadhin Bhor organising secretary of the committee. Meanwhile, Md Asif Iqbal of JagoNews24.com and Al Alif of The Daily Post were made treasurer and office secretary, respectively. The other members are Moury Tania of ShobujBangladesh24.com and Kazi Farah Tasfia of Doinik Ajkaler Barta. New committee of International Qirat Organisation Bangladesh formed Regarding the committee, President Dr Shahiduzzaman stated that its members work with esteemed news agencies like UNB, as well as many national dailies and online news portals.  "We have been sharing BAU's educational and research news, making agricultural science findings accessible." The new committee would further enhance these efforts, he added.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) officially launched Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL) l- financed Rooftop Solar Project (BRSP). The official ceremony declaring the project's Commercial Operation Date (COD) was held at Buet auditorium. The 3.27 MWp BRSP is a collaborative effort of Buet and GPPS Consortium Ltd. Funded by IDCOL, the project is expected to generate substantial cost savings for Buet, reducing their electricity bills by an estimated BDT 60 crore over the next 30 years. Buet VC Professor Dr. Satya Prashad Majumder presided over the event. Special guests included Mr. Alamgir Morshed, Executive Director & CEO of IDCOL, Mr. S. M. Monirul Islam, Deputy CEO & CFO of IDCOL, Ms. Asma Jahan Hoque, Managing Director PEGEL, a major shareholder of GPPS Consortium Ltd., and Dr. Abdul Zabbar Khan, Pro-VC of Buet. Morshed, in his address, lauded the BRSP as a crucial step forward for renewable energy in Bangladesh's education sector. He emphasized the project's alignment with the government's commitment to clean energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Professor Majumder expressed his gratitude to IDCOL for their financial support, which played a key role in bringing this ambitious project to life. He also commended GPPS Consortium for their successful implementation despite challenges.

The British Council has organised a 'Certificate and Award Giving Ceremony' to acknowledge the successful delivery of 5,400 Foundation English Tests (FETs) to the ‘Establishment of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre Project (2nd Revised)’. The event was held on Wednesday at Utshob Banquet Hall, Radisson Blu Water Garden, Dhaka, said a press release. As a proud partner, the British Council has offered an English Language proficiency assessment for 16,000 youths of the ‘Establishment of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre Project (2nd Revised)’ under the Hi-Tech Park Authority since 2019. Recently, the British Council has delivered 5,400 FETs in eight locations nationwide. These tests have been instrumental in evaluating the English skills of the candidates and employees, thereby significantly enhancing their professional careers. Md Shamsul Arefin, Secretary, ICT Division, was present as the chief guest. The FET offers a simpler and fairer assessment. It assesses lower English levels, making it more appropriate for candidates who only require entry-level English. Md Humayun Kobir, Project Director, Establishment of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre Project (2nd Revised); from the British Council, Maxim Raimann, Exams Director Bangladesh, Miriam Ceberio, Foundation English Test Global Product Manager, Global Assessment; SheiRen Ong, Global Commercial Development Manager from British Council; Zunayed Ahmed, Director Operations; and Sarwat Reza, Director of Business Development, spoke at the event. The FET delivery partners of the British Council including CodersTrust Bangladesh, Ezze Technology Limited, ADDIE Soft Limited, Shooting Star Limited, Webpers Limited, Logical Triangle-NRB Jobs-Zayanzara Limited JV, dCrowd IT Limited and JV, Digicon Technologies PLC were awarded in the event,. The certificates for the 5,400 candidates have been given to the delivery partners for distribution among the candidates.

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) is set to inaugurate the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of its Roof Top Solar Project (BRSP) on Thursday. The inauguration ceremony will be held at the university's Council Building at 11:30 am on Thursday, according to a press release on Wednesday. BUET Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, will preside over the event. Following the ceremony, he will officially commence the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the BUET Roof Top Solar Project at the rooftop of the Dr. Jamilur Reza Choudhury Civil Engineering Building. Distinguished guests, including the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Heads of Departments, Advisors, Directors of Institutes/Centers/Departments, Office Heads, Hall Provosts, leaders of the Teachers' Association, engineers from the Office of the Chief Engineer, and representatives from GPPS Renewable Energy Consortium Ltd. (a subsidiary of GENEX Infrastructure), have been invited to attend the event.

Two students from a school in Chattogram district who initially received GPA-5 without taking an SSC exam have now been failed by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Chattogram. The two students from Chambal High School in Banshkhali upazila not only managed to pass but also achieved GPA-5 in the SSC exams despite not attending one of their written tests. This anomaly was later corrected, and their results were changed to reflect their actual performance. The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination results were altered after re-evaluation of their answer scripts. The updated results were published on the Chattogram Education Board's website. Earlier, on June 8, media reports highlighted the incident, causing an uproar across the country. The news revealed that the two students had passed despite being absent for one of their exams, leaving education board officials baffled. The board initiated an investigation which led to the re-evaluation and subsequent failure of the students. GD filed over missing mark sheets from Ctg Education Board It was discovered that the two students missed the 50-mark Information and Communication Technology (ICT) exam, which included a 25-mark objective and a 25-mark practical test, held on February 28. The students did not attend the objective part of the test, mistakenly believing there was no exam that day. When they rushed to the center, they found the objective exam had already concluded. Despite their absence, the SSC results published on May 12 showed that the students, Sadia Sultana and Urmi Akhtar, received a GPA of 3.5 in ICT. This sparked curiosity and concern in the upazila about how they passed without sitting for the test. Education board officials noted that the examination center (Banshkhali-1) had erroneously reported that both students had passed the practical test and submitted high marks for the theoretical (objective) exam as well. Ratan Chakraborty, the center secretary of Banshkhali Adarsha High School, informed the education board that the two students were absent on the day of the ICT exam. "They did not even come to the center that day. We reported their absence to the board immediately. I do not understand how they received a GPA of 3.5 without taking the exam," he said. On Tuesday, the Chattogram Education Board's website reflected the corrected results, showing that the two students had failed. HSC exams to begin from June 30; Coaching centres to remain shut from June 29 to Aug 11 When contacted, Chattogram Education Board's Exam Controller, Professor AMM Mujibur Rahman, explained, "This happened due to an error by those involved in preparing the exam results. Mistakes can occur, but this one will be reviewed by our discipline committee." Chattogram Education Board Chairman, Professor Rezaul Karim, said, "There are minor mistakes in result preparation, but this error is severe and unacceptable. The board will take action against those responsible under the Board Ordinance, 1961. Criminal proceedings may also be pursued if necessary."

Several hundred students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) today staged a demonstration against the recent High Court order reinstating the quota system in government jobs. Around 500 students gathered in front of the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Mukto Moncho at approximately 12:30 pm, forming a human chain to voice their protest.  They chanted slogans such as "The cry of the genius, no more," "Equality of opportunity is the essence of the constitution," "Merit losing to quota must be prevented once again," and "There is no place for discrimination in Bangabandhu's Bangla." Mehedi Hasan Tanjil, a student of the Veterinary Science department, remarked, "Even after so many years of independence, if new quota discrimination is created, it contradicts the spirit of our Liberation War." He suggested a 5% quota for the freedom fighter category as a special consideration. Barishal University students block Dhaka-Barisal highway protesting court order on quota in govt jobs Noor-E-Hafiza, another student, emphasized that merit should be the primary criterion for first-class jobs in the country. "If merit is not properly respected, the country will soon become meritless," she stated. Morshedul Islam Mishu, also from the Veterinary Science department, noted that students began seeing progress after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina canceled the quota system in 2018. "However, with the High Court's order on reinstating the quota system, we, the general students, are again faced with the quota system. This system becomes an obstacle to securing a qualified job through talent. We want all students to be able to enter the main driving force of the country on the basis of merit," Mishu added. The High Court's June 5 ruling reinstated the 30% freedom fighter quota in government jobs, declaring the October 4, 2018, circular that abolished the quota system illegal. The 2018 circular had stipulated that direct recruitment for all government jobs in grades 9 to 13 would be entirely merit-based, eliminating the quota system.

Students from Barishal University (BU) put up blockade on the Dhaka-Barisal highway on Sunday, protesting the High Court order on reinstating discriminatory quota system in government jobs. More than 500 students staged demonstration on the highway from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm, disrupting traffic and causing suffering to passengers. After the blockade, the students brought out a protest procession on the highway. Later, the students held a protest rally in front of the administrative building. DU students protest High Court's reinstatement of quota system in government jobs