United News of Bangladesh

Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury today said that higher education must improve the way of thinking and develop human instincts.  “The goal of higher education should not only concern the labor market, it is also important to nurture human values,” she said. She said this while speaking at the inaugural function organised on the occasion of the founding anniversary of Dhaka University at the TSC auditorium under the theme "Higher Education for the Skill of Young Generation." Eminent educationist Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Chowdhury delivered the welcome address on the occasion. Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. ASM Maqsood Kamal chaired the programme. The speaker said that the majority of the total population of Bangladesh is young and they have a lot of skills. “Now is the time to take advantage of the demographic dividend. That is why all the opportunities should be opened to increase the skills of the youth.” Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said that the curriculum of the university should emphasise the acquisition of knowledge in higher education as well as adaptation to any adverse environment. “Youths need to be equipped with specialised knowledge suitable for the labor market.” She mentioned that in the era of free flow of information technology, changes should be made in higher education curriculum in keeping with the fourth industrial revolution including artificial intelligence. “Students should be promoted by making them suitable to join various types of work in startups including freelancing.”  

Students of  Dhaka University, Jagannath University and seven colleges and all colleges of Dhaka (under the National University) will stage demonstrations on July 3 and 4 protesting reinstatement of quota in government jobs . Students announced the protest programme in front of the Anti-Terrorism Raju sculpture on Monday demanding the restoration of the 2018 circular abolishing quota in government jobs. The agitating students of Dhaka University brought out a procession from Dhaka University central library to the Raju sculpture on Monday morning.   Dhaka University to celebrate 104th anniversary tomorrow amid calls for modernization Nahid Hasan, a student, said,” We will again start our movement to restore the 2018 circular. I urge students to join us in this movement and coordinate with us." He said they will start march from Dhaka University’s central library on Tuesday. He also expressed solidarity with the teachers' movement demanding cancellation of the pension scheme notification. Asif Mahmud, another student, said that under the banner of 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement', protest progammes were arranged simultaneously across the country today to press for a four-point demand, including the restoration of the circular of 2018.   “We will go for stricter programmes like blockade if  the demands are not realised and discriminatory quota system is not abolished,” he said. After the rally, the agitating students went to the proctor's office and demanded the continuation of necessary services for all the students of the university amid the’ strike of teachers and officials. Medical and library services remained closed today due to an all-out strike enforced by teachers and officials, demanding cancellation of the Universal Pension Scheme.  UNB Jagannath University reports:  The students of the university held a protest march and human chain demanding cancellation of ‘unfair’ and ‘illogical’ quota system. Under the banner of 'Anti-discrimination student movement, Jagannath University' they announced a 4-point demand including restoration of 2018 circular abolishing quota in government jobs.  Inter-University Chess: Dhaka University Knights Mares emerge unbeaten champion Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Monday staged a demonstration against the High Court order reinstating the quota system in government jobs. The demonstration took place in front of the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Mukto Moncho around 12 pm. The protesting students demanded the abolition of the discriminatory quota system and reinstatement of merit-based recruitment in government jobs, stating that equality in employment is a constitutional right. They argued that the reinstatement of the quota system violates this right and warned of continued protests if their demands are not met.

In response to the disruption caused by rain, the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams will be rescheduled to an earlier date from next year, Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has said. On the first day of this year's HSC and equivalent exams, many candidates faced significant difficulties due to heavy rainfall. Read more: HSC exams in Sylhet’s flood-hit areas to be held later: Education Minister Many students were unable to reach their centers on time. With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the Education Board instructed that extra time be given to students arriving late at exam centers. Addressing a press briefing at the International Mother Language Institute in Segunbagicha on Sunday, the minister said, "Our exam schedule was disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic. We have mostly recovered from that. Next year, the exams will be scheduled earlier, and the HSC exams will be held during the driest season possible." Read more: HSC, equivalent exams begin

Academic and administrative activities of all public universities of the country came to a halt as teachers and employees went on an indefinite strike on Monday demanding their exclusion from the ‘discriminatory’ pension scheme. The teachers under the banner of the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association are observing the work abstention.  Earlier on Sunday, the federation announced the programme to press home their demand from a press conference at the main gate of Arts Faculty of Dhaka University. Besides, the Dhaka University Teachers Association (DUTA) also issued a notice addressing the teachers of the university on Sunday. Classes and exams including regular, evening programmes, professional programmes, online classes and offline classes and the administrative activities have been  suspended at all public universities including Dhaka University, Chittagong University, Rajshahi University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Jagannath Univeristy, Jahangirnagar University  and Khulna University. Chairman offices, hall provost offices, research centres, institutes, central library, dean offices, computer labs and seminars also remain shut. Pension scheme row: SUST teachers to go on work abstention from Monday General Secretary of Jagannath University Teachers’ Association Dr. Sheikh Mashrick Hasan told UNB, “We said that if our demands are not met, we will go on a complete work abstention. Till now our demands haven’t been accepted. So the classes, examinations and all other official works of our university will remain suspended. We are following the pre-announced programme.”   Alongside this, DU (Dhaka University) Officers-employees, under the banner Officers-employees Oikya Parishad, called strike and protest programme demanding cancellation of ‘discriminatory’ notification related to Universal Pension (Prattoy Scheme). Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Sunday said that his ministry is monitoring the strike of teachers of public universities across the country regarding the universal pension scheme. "Considering the situation, necessary measures will be taken from the ministry in due course," he said. SAU teachers observe half-day work abstention protesting govt’s pension notification He made the remarks while replying to a question from journalists at a briefing organised on HSC and equivalent exams at Segunbagicha in the capital. The Universal Pension Scheme started its journey on August 17, 2023 with four schemes: Prabasti, Pragati, Suraksha, and Equality. Later, a new scheme, the Pratyay scheme, was introduced for the officers and employees of all autonomous and state-owned organisations. Despite attractive return scope after the specific tenure, people are enrolling in very slow space due to a lack of trust in the funds returning, said economists and sector insiders. BAU teachers observe half-day work abstention protesting govt’s pension notification

Sylhet Education Board has announced new dates for the four subjects of HSC and equivalent exams, which were suspended due to the flood in the region. The postponed exams of the subjects will begin on August 13, Professor Arun Chandra Paul, examinations controller of Sylhet Education Board, confirmed on Sunday afternoon. According to the routine, HSC and its equivalent exams in Sylhet were scheduled to begin on June 30, in line with other general education boards in the country. However, due to the flood situation, the Inter-Education Board Coordination Committee postponed the HSC and equivalent exams for the Sylhet Division until July 8. Exams scheduled from July 9 onwards were to proceed as planned. As per the new routine, the exam for Bangla 1st Paper will be held on August 13. This will be followed by the Bangla 2nd Paper on August 18, English 1st Paper on August 20, and English 2nd Paper on August 22. The exam will take place from 10 am to 1 pm following the previous schedule. Prof Arun Chandra Paul stated that exams will begin on July 9 as per the routine. "We have taken all preparations to conduct the exams", he added.

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Sunday said that his ministry is monitoring the strikes of teachers of public universities across the country regarding the universal pension scheme. "Considering the situation, necessary measures will be taken from the ministry in due course," he said. He made the remarks while replying to a question from journalists at a briefing organised on HSC and equivalent exams at Segunbagicha in the capital on Sunday. “Teachers are protesting on their demands. They have that right. The all-out movement has not started yet. "Let their movement start, we will take action considering the situation," said the education minister. The minister further said that it is the decision of the executive department of the government on who will come under the universal pension scheme. The decision has been taken by the government and the Ministry of Education is following it. Teachers are presenting their demands to the government and the government can decide whatever it wants. “The Ministry of Education has nothing to do here,” he informed. Many people say that the government controls university teachers. Through this movement, it is proved that they can express their opinion freely, added the minister. Earlier, the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association said teachers of public universities across the country including Dhaka University will go on indefinite work abstention demanding their exclusion from the universal pension scheme, terming it ‘discriminatory’. The announcement was made at a press conference at the main gate of Arts Faculty of Dhaka University on Saturday noon. Dhaka University Teachers Association(DUTA) issued a notice signed by the DUTA president and GS addressing the teachers of the university.

Dhaka University, the oldest university in Bangladesh, marks its 104th anniversary tomorrow, celebrating a rich history of academic excellence and significant contributions since its establishment in 1921. Known for producing intellectuals, writers, scholars, and scientists, the university also played a pivotal role in the Language Movement and Liberation War.  Dhaka University celebrates tapestry of festivals Wednesday However, despite its illustrious past, the university faces numerous challenges, including technological lag, insufficient funding, inadequate campus and library facilities, and the impact of student and teacher politics. In the 21st century, characterized by rapid technological advancements, Dhaka University still relies heavily on outdated analogue methods. This reliance complicates processes, making them lengthy and burdensome for students, from admission procedures to certificate issuance. Although there are signs of gradual progress towards adopting digital solutions, the pace remains slow. Students must physically appear on campus with papers and money to complete the admission process, which can take up to two days. This involves standing in long lines to deposit money, a process that could be streamlined through digital payment systems. While Teletalk services are used for initial exam application fees, the rest of the process remains manual. Further inefficiencies are evident when students visit hall provosts for signatures, often being told to return the next day. Examination fees are still deposited through cheques, a process ripe for digitalization via mobile banking. ‘Amader Ei Potaka’: Chhayanaut, Dhaka University celebrate V- Day 2023 The university has yet to implement digital biometric authentication systems, leaving teachers to manually call attendance, which affects both time management and evaluation integrity. There are also concerns about teachers arriving late or cancelling classes, disrupting the academic schedule, especially for non-resident students. Senior students who completed their post-graduation years ago still occupy hall residences, exacerbating accommodation shortages. Hall provosts and house tutors are rarely available or interact with students, further complicating residential life. Introducing digital authentication technologies, such as fingerprint sensors, card punching machines, or facial recognition systems, could significantly improve identification, monitoring, and accountability within departments and halls. University labs also suffer from a lack of modern digital facilities, limiting students' ability to engage with current technologies. Dean of the Science Faculty, Prof. Abdus Samad, acknowledged the issue, saying, “We are mostly running on old technologies and devices, which are insufficient and less accurate. This makes it difficult to produce world-class research.” Financial constraints are cited as the primary barrier to acquiring sophisticated technology. Director of the ICT Cell, Prof. Mohammad Asif Hossen Khan, noted that while the technology for biometric identification is available, its implementation requires university approval. New Metro Rail Station at Dhaka University: A milestone in student connectivity Responding to concerns about the lengthy admission process, Prof. Mostafizur Rahman, convener of the DU online admission committee, assured that technological improvements are planned for the next year. In a recent senate meeting, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. ASM Maksud Kamal highlighted the difficulty for developing countries' universities to meet certain global standards, including advanced technology, but emphasized the need for support from alumni, the education ministry, and related bodies to drive progress. As Dhaka University celebrates its 104th anniversary, the focus remains on overcoming these challenges to continue its legacy of excellence and innovation.

Teachers of public universities across the country including Dhaka University will go on indefinite work abstention  demanding their exclusion  from the universal pension scheme, terming it ‘discriminatory’. The Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association made the announcement at a press conference at the main gate of Arts Faculty of Dhaka University on Saturday noon. Dhaka University Teachers Association(DUTA) issued a notice signed by the DUTA president and GS addressing the teachers of the university. “With your immense support and mandate, the Teachers' Association has formulated the outline of this all-out movement. Our movement is a movement to protect the honor and dignity of the teachers’ society of the university. Movement against interference in the autonomy of Dhaka University,” the notice reads. Pension scheme row: SUST teachers to go on work abstention from Monday  “This all-out strike will continue until the demands of exclusion of university teachers from the discriminatory and degrading pension scheme, introduction of individual pay scale for teachers, inclusion of university teachers in the promised ‘super grade’ are met,” it added.  Classes and exams including regular, evening program, professional programs, online classes and offline classes; all the academic and administrative activities  will remain suspended. Chairman offices, hall provost offices, research centres, institutes, central library, dean offices, computer labs and seminars will remain shut, it said. The teachers were advised not to attend any selection board meeting and question collaboration meeting, academic committee meetings.  On the other hand, the students are also preparing to start a movement against the recently reestablished quota system in government jobs. Alongside this, DU (Dhaka University) Officers-employees, under the banner Officers-employees Oikya Parishad, called strike and protest programme demanding cancellation of discriminatory notification related to Universal Pension (Prattoy Scheme).  

Teachers of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) will go on work abstention from Monday demanding their exclusion from the universal pension scheme. No classes and exams will be held during the work abstention. Their other demands are inclusion of university teachers in the proposed super grade, and the introduction of a separate pay scale. The SUST Teachers' Association organized a consultation meeting in the university's mini auditorium where the forum’s President Prof Mohammad Anwar Hossain, General Secretary Prof Dr. Md. Alamgir Kabir, deans of various faculties, departmental heads, and other faculty members were present. Despite several peaceful demonstrations, including a human chain on May 9, a black badge protest on May 11, and a three-day half-day work abstention from June 25-27, the government has yet to respond positively to the demands, forcing the teachers to announce the strike, they said. Prof Dr.Alamgir Kabir said the government has not given them any assurance despite their nonstop programmes. Expressing solidarity with the University Teachers Association Federation, they will go on the strike from tomorrow, he said. He threatened that they will continue the strike until their demands are met.

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations commenced in Chattogram on Sunday, despite challenging weather conditions, with students and guardians facing significant disruptions due to incessant rain. Heavy rains since morning caused considerable hardship for examinees and their guardians, leading to severe traffic congestion in front of key examination centers, including Dampara Police Line, Chittagong College, Jamal Khan Khastagir, and Agrabad. The congestion began to ease after the exams started at 10 am, with traffic flow improving by 10:30 am. The Bangla (compulsory) first paper under the Chattogram Education Board marks the beginning of the HSC examinations, which will continue until August 11. Rain disrupts HSC examinees’ commute to exam centers in Dhaka According to the Chattogram Education Board, 106,034 students from 238 colleges are participating in the HSC examinations. Within the district, including the metropolitan area, there are 76,179 candidates. In the metropolitan area alone, 37,492 candidates are registered. Education Board Secretary Narayan Chandra Nath reported that no significant issues have been reported from any examination centers so far. He added, If a candidate arrives at the examination center five minutes late due to weather conditions, they will be granted an additional five minutes, he assured. Meanwhile, meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque issued warnings for the Chattogram and Cox's Bazar region, forecasting squally winds with speeds of 60-80 kph. Riverports have been advised to display Naval Warning Signal No. 2 due to the prevailing weather conditions.