United News of Bangladesh

A student of Jahangirnagar University’s  Department of Geography and Environment was declared dead by a doctor after she was found hanging from the ceiling fan at a room in the university’s Bir Pratik Taramon Bibi Hall. The deceased, Takia, a first-year student of the department’s 53rd batch (2023-24) died early Friday at room 7005 on the 7th floor of the residential hall around 4:45 am, according to friends and fellow students. Injured student dies at DMCH two days after attack in N'ganj They suspect it as a case of suicide, saying Takia took the drastic step following an alleged dispute with her boyfriend, Sabbir, during a video call. Moments after the call ended, Sabbir alerted her friends, urging them to check on her immediately.  The friends rushed and broke into the locked room, but they found her hanging from the ceiling fan upon entry. Later, the university's medical officer on duty was immediately brought to the hall. The doctor declared the student dead after conducting an examination. Four arrested for vandalising Hindu properties in Sunamganj The university’s proctorial body and her uncle reached the hall following the incident, and Ashulia police was informed. Although Takia was a registered resident of the hall, she did not stay there regularly and mostly lived with her uncle in Savar. According to students in neighbouring rooms, she had arrived at the hall the previous day.  

Dhaka University (DU) students staged a protest on Thursday night in front of the Vice-Chancellor's residence after Prof Shishir Bhattacharya of the Institute of Modern Languages posted comments on Facebook that were deemed insulting to Islam and the martyrs of the July-August uprising. During the protest, students chanted slogans such as "Break the syndicate of the killers, crush them," "Religious insult will not be tolerated," "Shishir, where are you?" "Insulting the Prophet, we Muslims will not tolerate," and "Boycott the teacher’s association, boycott!" among others. The protesters presented a three-point demand to the Vice-Chancellor, insisting on the dismissal of Shishir and his prosecution for insulting religion, dismantling the current illegal syndicate to form a lawful one, and removing fascist teacher’s associates while taking legal action against them. Dhaka University teachers, staff bring out victory procession Mossadek Ali, a student from the Bangla department, said, “If our three-point demands are not met soon, we will launch a more intense movement. Over the next two days, we will carry out public outreach to garner support for our cause.” Another student, A B Zubayer, said, “When any teacher insults religion, we no longer consider them a teacher but a scoundrel. Shishir Bhattacharya has dared to do this. We demand his resignation and punishment.” He also criticised the teacher’s association, claiming, “The association is trying to rehabilitate fascist forces by electing the Nil Dal. Many fascist allies still hold positions within the teacher’s association. This attempt by the Nil Dal to bring back fascism must be stopped.” Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan joined the protest and assured the students that their demands would be considered legally. Dhaka University lifts ban on Pakistani students Addressing the allegations against Shihir, the VC said, “Any form of religious insult is a despicable act. We cannot tolerate such behaviour. The martyrs of the 24th are revered heroes, and insulting them is a vile act. Legal action will be taken against anyone who engages in such behaviour.” Regarding the syndicate issues, the Niaz said, “Many members of the university’s syndicate have already been removed through legal processes, and the remaining issues will also be resolved in the same manner.” Chhatra Dal activists demonstrate at Dhaka University

The British Council, in collaboration with the Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA), the Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML), the US Embassy, and North South University (NSU), hosted the BELTA-NSU International Conference 2024 and the 11th BELTA International Conference on December 6 and 7 at the NSU campus in the capital. The conference titled “Re/Envisioning Paradigms in English Language Education” was organised to provide a platform to explore the profound shifts in English language education due to the rapid changes in the global landscape and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the evolving terrain of language education. Prof Ahmed Bashir, President of BELTA and Professor in the Department of English at Dhaka University, and Dr Nazia Manzoor, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages at NSU, convened the conference. Dr Martin Lamb, Senior Lecturer in TESOL and Academic Lead for Internationalisation in the School of Education at the University of Leeds, UK, delivered the keynote address. The plenary speakers Dr Shamsad Mortuza, Professor of English at Dhaka University; Dr Shaila Sultana, Professor and Director of the BRAC Institute of Languages at BRAC University; and Professor David D Perrodin, English Language Specialist and Journal Manager with the Institute of Population and Social Research at Mahidol University shared their valuable expertise. Eminent scholars and experts, including Dr David Teh, Lecturer in the Department of Academic Excellence at the Institute of Teacher Education; Dhani Ram Sharma, President of NELTA Karnali; and Dr Ikhsanudin, Associate Professor at Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia, discussed critical themes in English language education, such as translanguaging, multilingual teaching strategies, and professional development. In addition to the featured sessions, the conference hosted a colloquium on “Prospects and Challenges of OBE in the Department of English,” a panel discussion on “Pathways for Promoting Sustainable Partnerships: Strengthening Language Teacher Association Ties,” and the BELTA Signature Event titled “Perspectives on the Future of English in the Global South.” The conference also featured a segment for student poster presentations and various workshops, including “Integrating Digital Learning Resources into English Language Classrooms,” “Social Emotional Learning (SEL),” and “Instilling Integrity: Promoting Values and Ethics in Primary and Secondary Classrooms.” Conference participants, from students to seasoned academics, presented their papers and discussed various topics, including language policy, translation studies, applied linguistics, special education, and educational leadership, fostering rich academic dialogue and exchange. Stephen Forbes, Country Director Bangladesh, British Council, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with our partners in hosting the 11th BELTA Internal Conference. The British Council’s commitment to enhancing the UK’s reputation as a leader and trusted partner in promoting English language education aligns with this theme of fostering innovative and effective teaching practices and strengthening global collaboration and knowledge exchange in English language education.” Sarwat Reza, Business Development Director Bangladesh, British Council, presented a session on various assessments and exams such as IELTS, ESOL, and Aptis, focusing on English language proficiency and educational qualifications. Imran Saifur, Senior Academic Manager at the British Council, presented the outcomes of a recent research project titled “Being a Teacher with Disabilities: Perspectives, Practices, and Opportunities.” In partnership with the University of Cambridge, Prominent figures from Bangladesh’s academic scene also joined the event including Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, Member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University. 

Five teachers of the Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) have been suspended , after allegations of their involvement in illegal recruitment and promotion rackets were proven to be true upon investigation. The decision was made during the university's 95th syndicate meeting held December 5th, as stated in a letter issued on Monday. The suspended teachers are Dr. Masrura Mostafa, professor in the Department of Humanities and Business; Dr. Subrata Talapatra, professor in the IEM Department; Dr. Md. Ikramul Haque, associate professor in the BECM Department; Nibhin Mandal, assistant professor in the ESE Department; and Shahriar Roman, assistant professor in the Department of Humanities and Business. Shaheduzzaman Sheikh, Section Officer in charge of the university's Public Relations Department, said the allegations were investigated before taking action. The findings, which indicated evidence of misconduct, were presented to the syndicate before the decision was made, he added.

The online application process for the 47th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) Examination, which was slated to begin on December 10, 2024, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances, according to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC). In a press release, the BPSC assured candidates that a revised timeline for the application process would be announced soon, pending necessary approvals. First year admission process begins in agricultural universities Initially, the application period was scheduled to run from December 10 to December 31, 2024, closing at 11:59 pm. Applicants have been advised to monitor updates on the official BPSC website (www.bpsc.gov.bd) or Teletalk Bangladesh Limited’s portal (bpsc.teletalk.com.bd), where the official notice has been published. Former VC of KUET opts for retirement, nine officials suspended The postponement follows the circular published by the Public Service Commission on November 28, 2024, which announced 3,688 vacancies for the 47th BCS examination. The circular detailed opportunities across various cadres and generated significant interest among aspirants nationwide.

The admission process for the first year of undergraduate level in nine agricultural universities has started. Khalilur Rahman, Senior Deputy Director of Public Relations and Publication Office of Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (CVASU), confirmed the matter to UNB on Monday. The process will start from today and continue till December 12, said Khalilur Rahman. Dhaka University launches shuttle bus service on trial basis for students  A total of 3,718 seats are available across the nine universities this year. The seat distribution is as follows: 1,116 seats in Bangladesh Agricultural University, 270 in Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, 435 in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, 698 in Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, 448 in Patuakhali Science and Technology University, 431 in Sylhet Agricultural University, 150 in Khulna Agricultural University, 90 in Habiganj Agricultural University and 80 in Kurigram Agricultural University. A total of 75,017 candidates applied for the cluster admission test this year, of whom 51,836 appeared for the examination.

Eleven outstanding Bangladeshi students in Germany have been awarded scholarships during a ceremony organized by the Bangladeshi Students' Association in Germany (BaHSiG). Sponsored by Taptap Send and Degreeola.com, the one-time scholarships, each worth €300 (approximately Tk 40,000), were distributed on December 7 in Berlin. The event, attended by about 150 Bangladeshi students, featured a get-together and a traditional Bangladeshi buffet. It was graced by Minister (Political) of the Bangladesh Embassy in Germany Kazi Mohammad Jabed Iqbal as the chief guest. Other notable guests included Dr. Mashud Kabir, Chief Engineer of Digitalization and Automation at Deutsche Bahn, Mr. Zulkar Nine, a faculty member at Chemnitz Technical University, and Ms. Ummay Ubaida Shegupta, a researcher in the same institution. The scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to contributing to Bangladesh's development. The awardees are pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies in diverse fields, including data science, astrophysics, and international economics, at various German universities. Opportunities and Challenges for Bangladeshi StudentsChief guest Jabed Iqbal highlighted Germany’s promising opportunities for Bangladeshi students, while acknowledging challenges like long visa processing times. He assured that discussions are ongoing with German authorities to address these issues. Dr. Mashud Kabir emphasized the symbolic value of the scholarship, encouraging recipients to strive for excellence and contribute to Bangladesh’s development. Faculty member Zulkar Nine advised students to focus on completing their studies to build successful careers, while researcher Ummay Ubaida Shegupta stressed the importance of determination and skill in unlocking Germany’s limitless opportunities. Scholarship Recipients: Sajidul Islam (Bioengineering, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences) Md Luthful Bari (Chemistry, Free University of Berlin) Rakibul Islam (Electrical Systems Engineering, University of Paderborn) Sangida Akter Mouli (Logistics Engineering, Duisburg-Essen University) Khan Mohammad Shayshab Azad (Information and Communication Engineering, Berlin University of Applied Sciences) Nandita Chakrobortty (Data Science, Technical University Dortmund) Md Zobair Hossain (Management of Textile Trade and Technology, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences) Molla Md Tamal Hossain (Environmental Engineering, Technical University Darmstadt) Md Delwar Hossain (Cognitive Systems, University of Potsdam) Zubaida Karim Juthy (Astrophysics and Space Science, University of Bremen) Khadiza Akter (International and Development Economics, University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics) The ceremony also featured Bangladeshi musical performances by students Jobayer Hossain Shuvo and Nure Alam Shanto. About the Sponsors and Organisers Taptap Send is a low-cost money transfer service aiming to make international remittances simple and affordable. Users can avail of a €20 bonus with the promo code EGALTUBE until December 31, 2024. Degreeola.com is a platform providing resources on scholarships, higher education, and migration, supporting individuals in their academic and career pursuits. BaHSiG offers guidance and networking opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Germany, fostering academic and cultural collaboration.

The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) is hosting the International Conference on Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences (ICPHS) 2024 on December 6-7, highlighting the impact of international collaboration in addressing major healthcare challenges. The Department of Pharmacy at UAP has organised the conference in partnership with Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. This global platform enables professionals in pharmaceutical, medical, and health sciences to exchange knowledge. Distinguished speakers from 10 countries – Japan, the USA, China, the UK, Malaysia, Pakistan, Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh – are participating in the event. The two-day conference opened with a ceremony led by Prof. Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Chairman of ICPHS 2024 and Dean of the School of Medicine at UAP. He stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, "We look forward to engaging in dynamic discussions and exchanging ideas over the next two days, with experts from ten countries underscoring the global significance of this event." Architect Mahbuba Haque, Chairman of the BOT at UAP, also addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of global cooperation. Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as the chief guest at the event. He highlighted the urgent need for innovation and collaboration in healthcare to achieve sustainable development goals, saying, "As we gather here to exchange ideas and innovations, I am reminded of the power of students to bring about meaningful change that leads to this new era." Prof. Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice Chancellor of UAP, spoke on the value of international collaboration in advancing healthcare and expressed his gratitude to the organisers for their efforts in ensuring the event's success. The event welcomed an esteemed group of participants, including Md. Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, Member of PCB; Prof. Dr. Md. Selim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Dhaka University; Dr. Samina Ahmed, Chairman of BCSIR; and Muhammad Mahbubul Haq, Secretary of PCB. Professor Dr. Irin Dewan, Head of the Department of Pharmacy, and Dr. Shihab Uddin Ahmed, Secretary of ICPHS 2024, also attended. The conference featured numerous plenary and invited speakers, along with oral and poster presentations. Over two days, nine key symposiums covered topics such as pharmaceutics, biotechnology, pharmacy education, infectious diseases, oncology, epidemiology, and allied health sciences. The event will conclude on December 7, 2024, with an award ceremony for the best presenters and a gala dinner at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka. ICPHS 2024 underscores UAP's commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research and fostering global academic exchange while providing valuable networking opportunities that encourage future collaborations and innovations.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, met with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the state guesthouse, Jamuna, on Tuesday. During the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor briefed the Chief Adviser on various university matters, including the current status of academic and research activities, ongoing development projects, progress in resolving faculty-student conflicts, and recent measures taken for student welfare. Read: Dhaka University students leverage Facebook, YouTube for learning: Research Dr. Yunus expressed satisfaction with the university’s progress in education and research and assured full support for further advancements in these areas. This meeting is part of a regular update on the university’s overall developments shared with the Chief Adviser.

Professor M Yaqub Ali and Professor M Jahangir Alam have taken charge as the new pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer of Islamic University in Kushtia. A press release, signed by IU information, publication and public relations office deputy director Rajibul Islam Kanok, was issued in this regard on Monday night.  Former VC of KUET opts for retirement, nine officials suspended The newly appointed pro-vice-chancellor and treasurer signed the joining papers in a ceremony held at IU vice-chancellor's office at around 8:30pm on Monday. IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib M Nasrullah, theology and Islamic studies faculty dean Professor ABM Siddiqur Rahman Asrafi, acting registrar HM Ali Hasan, among others, were present on the occasion