United News of Bangladesh

The results of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2024 are scheduled to be published today (May 12, 2024). The summary and statistics of this year’s SSC, equivalent exams will be handed over to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban in the morning, said a press release issued from the Ministry of Education earlier. Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Secretariat around 12:30 pm in this regard, the release added. This year, SSC and its equivalent examinations began across the country on February 15. The written exams ended on March 12 and the practical exams concluded on March 20. A total of 20,24,192 students appeared for the SSC, equivalent examinations under 11 education boards.

The results of Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and its equivalent examinations for 2024 will be published on Sunday. The summary and statistics of this year’s examinations will be handed over to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban in the morning on this day, said MA Khayer, information and public relations officer of the Ministry of Education. Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Secretariat around 12:30pm in this regard, MA Khair added. This year, SSC and its equivalent examinations began across the country on 15 February. The written exams ended on 12 March and the practical exams concluded on 20 March. A total of 20, 24,192 students sat for the examinations under eleven education boards.

The results of the 46th Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) preliminary test (MCQ type) were published on Thursday. Altogether 10,638 candidates qualified to participate in the written examination, according to the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC). The Public Service Commission (PSC) published the result after a special meeting on Thursday. Human chain formed demanding cancellation of 43rd BCS non-cadre circular The results are available at the PSC website: www.bpsc.gov.bd. The preliminary test of the 46th BCS was held on 26 April. 43rd BCS: Demand to increase the number of posts by canceling non-cadre circular

The employment scope for students who pass Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) will increase by 8% by 2029, according to a study released on Wednesday. The scope of job opportunities for students who pass from STEM background will be more than in other disciplines in the next decade, according to data from the USA-based Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) 2019-2029 Though employment facilities for Bangladeshi STEM degree holders have increased due to the growth of IT, access to employment for women in this field is much less than men, it said. This was disclosed at the launching ceremony of a study titled ‘SheSTEM Business Case’ organized in collaboration with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday. Fact-finding committee finds prima facie evidence to support allegations against Naadir Junaid In Bangladesh, women’s portion in STEM is only 14%, which is indicative of gender discrimination along with workplace discrimination. It is considered as the major obstacle to achieving inclusive economic development. In Bangladesh, the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields is a significant challenge, with only 14% female participation in such roles. This gap not only reflects gender disparities in education and the workforce but also impacts the country’s potential for inclusive economic development. On behalf of SheSTEM, a survey was conducted among 700 students, faculty members and alumni from January to March this year (2024). According to the study, there may be 3.7% rise regarding job facility for graduates from other disciplines in 2019-29. Chhatra League fraternal clash at pro-Palestine event leaves 13 activists injured in Ctg But women’s representation in STEM professions is less worldwide though there is a possibility for them. There are 28% women graduates in engineering and 22% in artificial intelligence. Despite expansion in technology sector worldwide, women portion in this sector is less than one-third percent. In case of Bangladesh, this rate is less than 1.5%, said the survey. Attending the event as the chief guest, State Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and IT Zunaid Ahmed Palak said, “Today marks an important milestone as we embrace our country's Vision 2041, focusing on transforming Bangladesh into a 'Smart Bangladesh.' This vision is not just about economic growth but about fostering a smart society and smart economy where every citizen, especially women, plays a vital role.” “It is important for us to remember that half of the total population is women, so if women lag behind in this sector, the country will never be fully developed in the age of technology”. He hoped that the SheSTEM initiative will serve as a roadmap for our universities, industry leaders, and policymakers to foster an environment conducive to the success of women in STEM. Kingdom of the Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Irma Van Dueren hoped that it will create the scope and environment, where girls and women will pursue their careers in STEM field and contribute equally to create the SMART Bangladesh. Meenara Khondker, Business Consultant, LightCastle Partners, moderated the event. SheSTEM is a consortium-driven project aimed at creating skills on science and technology for women and paving the way for their employment. Besides, it holds advocacy on enhancing skills for women at different universities and expansion of their employment facilities.          

Professor Naadir Junaid of Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Dhaka University has been relieved from the University as a fact finding committee has found preliminary evidence of sexual harassment and psychological abuse of a female students of his department. At the same time, the fact-finding committee formed by the university found the preliminary truth of the complaint of sexual harassment of a female student brought against another teacher named Mohammad Ferdous of applied mathematics department of the university. The fact finding committee has forwarded both of the cases to the anti-sexual harassment cell of the university for further investigation and both of the teachers have been temporarily absolved till the investigations end. These decisions came after a syndicate, the highest body of the University, meeting held at the Nawab Nabab Ali Chowdhury Senate building of the University at 7 pm on Tuesday  The syndicate has directed the anti-sexual harassment cell to complete the investigation within next two months.

At least 13 activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured in a clash during a programme supporting Palestine in Chattogram.  The clash occurred between two groups of BCL on Monday afternoon (May 6) in front of the city's Mohsin College. Ten activists from Mohsin College Chhatra League and three activists from Chowkbazar Thana Chhatra League were injured in the clash. Kazi Nayeem, the convener of Mohsin College BCL, said, "In accordance with the announced program, a procession and flag-raising program were organized at Hazi Muhammad Mohsin College to express solidarity with the ongoing global student movement for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state."   "As soon as we reached the college gate, a group led by Jahed, the president of Chowkbazar Thana Chhatra League, attacked us, injuring at least 10 of our activists. We will file a case regarding this incident," he added.  Jahidul Islam, President of Chowkbazar Thana Chhatra League, said, "The activists of Mohsin College Chhatra League attacked us over a dispute regarding tempo fare." "We were attacked by the group led by Naeem and Mizan," he added. Chittagong College Police Outpost In-charge ASI Sarwar said, "There has been some minor scuffling among them. I don't have any information about any serious injuries. We have brought the situation under control."    

Dhaka University will resume in-person classes and exams from May 8. The decision came with a notification issued from the DU public relations office on Monday. The intense heat wave is now at bearable level, and so Dhaka University will resume its in person classes from Wednesday (May 8) and the examinations will be held in person as usual, the notification reads.

DPS STS School Dhaka has recently announced its upgradation to Glenrich International School, through the gala event titled ‘Glen Fest’ held on Saturday, at the school’s senior campus in the capital's Uttara.  With the aim of transitioning from a great regional school to an international standard school, the new Glenrich International School’s Uttara campus will work towards fostering contemporary learning experiences, offering students global standard facilities and amenities to ensure high-quality education with a state-of-the-art campus, according to a press release. Previously DPS STS School Dhaka offered a regional education experience. Now, it is advancing to an ‘International’ status through Glenrich International School’s partnership with ISS (International School Services), a global organization based in the USA dedicated to enhancing international education standards.  Classes at all educational institutions to resume Sunday With extensive experience in all aspects of international education (including school leadership, school finances and accounting, curriculum development, teaching and learning, recruitment, procurement, change management, creativity and innovation), ISS is creating one of the largest global footprints in international education support working with more than 1200 international schools and thousands of educators each year. This transition from regional to international standard signifies a major milestone in DPS STS’s progression towards becoming Glenrich International School, offering a global educational experience. As part of this transformation, DPS STS School Dhaka will introduce unique programs such as Curriculum Embedded Robotics by STEMROBO, Math lab powered by Math Buddy, ABRSM (Associate Board of Royal School of Music), London curriculum with certification for Music, and French language courses in collaboration with Alliance Française. These initiatives aim to enhance students’ academic journey and elevate their prospects for future university applications with internationally recognized certifications, and the announcement of this upgradation was made at the Glen Fest through a massive celebration.   Students, teachers, parents, and participants from different schools came together in this vibrant event comprising entertaining games, music, puppet and magic show, singing, dance and art competitions, and more than 40 stalls featuring a variety of local crafts, arts, books, confectionery, apparel, and delectable foods.  Classes at secondary level educational institutions to resume Saturday Eastern Bank Limited partnered as the title sponsor, Southeast Bank Limited and JBS Holdings Limited as gold sponsors, and Sports World as the silver sponsor, resulted the GLEN-FEST Uttara 2024 event achieving remarkable success, drawing active participation from all attendees. “The affiliation with ISS marks a new chapter in our commitment to providing a world-class education that prepares students for success in a globalized world,” said Dr Shivananda C S, Principal of DPS STS School Dhaka. “As we move from DPS STS to Glenrich International School, we will be dedicated to providing state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to ensure students receive a cutting-edge and world-class education. As the world evolves, so must the schools.” The new campus of Glenrich International School will be dedicated to providing state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to ensure students receive a world-class education within a cutting-edge campus environment. In addition to enhancing students’ academic journey, Glenrich will so focus on providing students with a well-rounded education that not only prepares them for academic success but also equips them with practical skills and internationally recognized certifications, according to the school authority.

All educational institutions which remained closed for countrywide heat wave will reopen on Sunday. The Ministry of Education issued a notice to this effect on Saturday. "Classes of all educational institutions will resume from Sunday," reads the notice signed by the ministry’s public relations officer MA Khayer. Schools and colleges were scheduled to reopen on April 21 after the end of Eid holidays but the closure was extended till April 27 due to sweltering heat across the country caused by heat waves. Classes resumed on April 28 although there was no remarkable change in the heat wave condition, worrying the guardians, especially those of primary level students. The authorities extended the closure of primary and secondary level educational intuitions till May 2 following a High Court order for keeping those shut. The HC passed the suo moto order following reports of death and sickness of people including teachers and students after the reopening of the educational institutions.  

Expressing solidarity with the ongoing bout of non-violent protest on US campuses, a group of journalists who report on Jagannath University with mainstream outlets criticized the police crackdown on unarmed and peaceful protest over US support for the ongoing genocide being inflicted on Palestine population by Israel. Educational institutions including the likes Universities are the highest echelons where narrow and dogmatic walls hold no place rather those places shall remain epicenter of free thinking in addition student minds should be enshrined to express their views without any fear, reminds the statement, an apparent dig at the recent spate of NYPD atrocities. In a statement released today, the young journalists exposed the double standard brings in full display by the Joe Biden backed administration with what they observed as a clear testament to a sheer act of applying force to muzzle growing voices over brazen Biden support for Israel, turning down pleas of millions Palestinians. The "self-style advocate" for human rights US always prefers to ask countries follow the US model for taking a brag at upholding democracy but the recent instance of brutal police action is highly reprehensible one should not be emulated by any country, added the statement issued by Jagannath University Reporters Unity. “Students are described as future leaders to lead the nations and are the beacon of lights as they become the future leaders. Yet suppressing the students with force is a clear contravention to uphold rights issues, a key marker of brutal action,” reads the statement According to the statement “ As a global advocate of democracy and human rights, US by unleashing such brutal atrocities on students by law enforcers further exposed the otherwise scary image”, In a course of last two weeks, over 2000 students were detained and arrested by law enforcers throughout the campuses across US to stem the tide of growing protest by students at US administration’s unprecedented backing for Israel: from supplying arms and ammunitions, to offering military aids worth billions and fending off international pressure on Israel in international bodies by justifying the genocide.