United News of Bangladesh

In an era of rapid globalisation and technological advancement, social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube have become integral to students’ academic and informal learning activities. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and A B M Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University utilised these platforms for educational purposes during the research period from January to December 2022. The findings shed light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and ABM Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University students utilise these platforms for educational purposes. The research, conducted over an extensive period, sheds light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. Key Findings of the Study The study employed a mixed-method approach, including structured surveys and semi-structured interviews, to gather data from 130 Dhaka University students. The research focuses on the role of Facebook and YouTube in both formal academic studies and informal learning, guided by Social Learning Theory (SLT). Read: Should reform education system to create generation of entrepreneurs: Prof Yunus The theory emphasises learning through observation, imitation, and modeling—a process facilitated by these platforms. Demographic Insights Nearly half of the respondents, both male and female, belong to the age group of 20–22 years. A smaller proportion of students under 20 years (13.1%) and those above 22 years (approximately 40%) were also included. The respondents spanned different educational levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, indicating that social media use cuts across all academic tiers. Facebook in Education The study highlights that Facebook plays a crucial role in academic activities, with 92.3% of respondents using it to enhance their studies. Common uses include: · Attending online classes. · Sharing academic materials via Messenger groups. · Providing feedback during live sessions. · Participating in group discussions. Facebook also serves as a hub for collaborative learning, with students uploading and sharing course content and class lecture links. YouTube’s Growing Role While Facebook dominates in academic contexts, YouTube excels in informal learning. About 75.4% of students rely on Facebook for informal study, compared to 79.2% who turn to YouTube. Popular YouTube channels such as 10 Minute School, Farjana Drawing Academy, and 5-Minute Crafts provide content on diverse topics ranging from graphics design and videography to spoken English and health-related tutorials. Read more: Britain keen to invest in Bangladesh’s youth education: UK Deputy High Commissioner Many respondents described YouTube as “the teacher of all teachers,” thanks to its vast repository of free, accessible educational materials. Impact of the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the use of social media in education. The study notes that social networking platforms replaced traditional classrooms during lockdowns. Online education became the norm, with students increasingly relying on Facebook and YouTube for coursework, tutorials, and virtual group discussions. This shift underscores the necessity of integrating social media into the formal education system to address future disruptions. Call for Further Research The researchers recommend further sociological studies to analyze the role of other platforms like LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Twitter in educational activities. They also stress the need for a deeper exploration of the long-term effects of social media usage on academic and informal learning. This study highlights the dual role of social media as a tool for formal education and informal learning among the Dhaka University students. As the use patterns of platforms like Facebook and YouTube continue to evolve, their impacts on education in Bangladesh remain profound.

Annually, thousands of students embark on a journey beyond their borders to pursue higher education. This adventure, although promising, can be laden with challenges. To navigate these waters successfully, students must arm themselves with a set of skills that transcend academic prowess. This guide delves into the top ten skills indispensable for a rewarding study abroad experience. 10 Essential Skills to Learn Before Going to Study Abroad Independence: The Foundation of Overseas Education Independence is the most significant transformation students encounter when studying abroad. It's a multifaceted skill encompassing self-reliance and responsibility. From basic chores like laundry and grocery shopping to more complex tasks like managing personal finances and making informed decisions, independence is critical. Developing problem-solving skills to tackle unexpected challenges is equally important, as it ensures students can handle various situations without constant guidance. Read more: 10 Essential Life Skills for Teens to Learn before College Research and Planning: Your Blueprint for Success A thorough understanding of your destination's culture, legal system, and day-to-day life is vital. This means researching not just your academic institution and its curriculum, but also local customs, public transportation, and essential services. Effective planning helps mitigate culture shock and eases the transition, making your study abroad experience more enjoyable and less overwhelming. Financial Literacy: Navigating Economic Waters Abroad Mastering local banking systems and effective budgeting are paramount. Learn how to open a bank account, manage transactions, and understand currency exchange rates. Budgeting becomes a lifeline abroad; it involves setting realistic spending limits for various needs, including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. Regularly tracking expenses helps avoid financial pitfalls and ensures a sustainable lifestyle. Cross-Cultural Communication: Bridging the Gap Adapting to a new culture requires a deep understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication. This includes being aware of cultural norms in conversation, greetings, and gestures. Respectful and empathetic communication is key to forming meaningful relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Embracing the local language, even at a basic level, can significantly enrich interactions and open doors to deeper cultural insights. Adaptability and Empathy: The Heart of Cultural Immersion The ability to adapt to new environments and empathize with different cultures is crucial. This skill is about more than just surviving; it's about thriving in a foreign setting. Adaptability means being open to new experiences, whether it’s adjusting to different academic structures or embracing unique social customs. Empathy allows you to appreciate and respect cultural differences, fostering a more inclusive and enriching experience.

The OpenAI board is reportedly "in discussion" with Sam Altman regarding his potential return as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after he was suddenly fired on Friday (November 17, 2023), according to The Verge. Quoting sources close to the matter, The Verge reported that Altman is “ambivalent” about coming back and would want significant governance changes. Also read: ChatGPT-maker OpenAI fires CEO Sam Altman Earlier, many staffers of OpenAI, the US-based AI research and deployment company that developed ChatGPT, gave an ultimatum to the OpenAI board to resign and bring back Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, chairman of OpenAI who resigned in protest of firing Altman. As per The Verge, the board has initially reached an agreement to resign, making way for Altman and Brockman to return. However, there seems to have been a change in their stance since then. A source close to Altman told Verge that if he decides to start a new company, those staffers will go with him, which could lead OpenAI towards a state of free-fall. Also read: ChatGPT-4: All you need to know Following Altman’s termination as CEO, a string of senior researchers of the organisation have resigned from their posts at OpenAI. Meanwhile, in a memo sent to OpenAI staffers, one executive member of the company has reportedly said "we remain optimistic" about bringing back Sam Altman, The Verge reports, quoting The Information. The Verge, however, couldn't confirm whom the executive was referring to with the term "we."

Centre for Peace and Justice (CPJ), BRAC University, in collaboration with ActionAid Bangladesh, organized a Research Findings Dissemination event on Legal and Regulatory Framework Affecting the Enabling Environment for Grassroots Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday in the city.  This research was conducted under the ‘SUSHIL: Supporting the Unity and Sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to Uphold Human Rights, National Integrity, and Rule of Law in Bangladesh’ project, co-funded by the European Union. WFWP Bangladesh holds seminar on 'Raising Awareness on Eye Care' Researchers of the CPJ led by its Director (Research) M Sanjeeb Hossain, Nafisa Tabassum, and Al Muktadir Elahi Esmam conducted qualitative research which involved interviews of 135 representatives of 114 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) operating across nine districts of Bangladesh, namely, Chattogram. , Bandarban, Bagerhat, Satkhira, Kushita, Naogaon, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Dhaka. Dr. Hossain presented the essential findings and recommendations for the research titled ‘Towards an Enabling Environment for Grassroots CSOs in Bangladesh: Challenges and Recommendations for Reimagining Laws, Regulations and Policies’. Dual gauge rail tracks between B’baria’s Akhaura-India’s Agartala to open on Nov 1 The event consisted of an open discussion session where attendees discussed three themes – current challenges CSOs face, balancing their freedom of operation and advocacy while holding them accountable, and whether or not the situation will improve with the passing of new legislation. Government representatives, development partners, academics, CSOs, youth leaders, and like-minded organizations engaged in a vibrant debate in this session. Islami Bank launches its ‘Smart Banking Towards Financial Excellence’ campaign The event concluded with remarks from Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh. She mentioned that all CSOs are unique entities with volunteerism at their core. She emphasized the need for an enabling culture where larger NGOs/CSOs would willingly collaborate with grassroots CSOs.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday asked the country’s universities to focus more on job-oriented education and research to cater to the need of the employment market. He said this when Jatiya Kabi Nazrul Islam University Vice-Chancellor Professor Soumitra Sekhar and acting Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University Syed Mahfuzul Aziz met with him separately at Bangabhaban. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin briefed reporters after the meetings. Also Read: Ensure proper spending of public money: President Shahabuddin The president said that the universities must do more on encouraging the students to take up research and innovative activities, which will be sustainable for the country. VC Soumitra Shekhar briefed the President about the academic and development activities of the Kabi Nazrul University.    

A new study published in the British Medical Journal’s Tobacco Control journal has highlighted the importance of monitoring the tobacco industry’s interference in the formulation and implementation of graphic health warnings. The study titled “Tobacco industry interference to undermine the development and implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh” examined the tobacco industry’s efforts to “delay and weaken” the implementation of graphic health warnings (GHWs) in Bangladesh. The study found that the Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers’ Association (BCMA) was the most active industry actor in interfering with the process, reads a media release sent by PROGGA. Also Read: Amend tobacco law in line with WHO guideline, speakers urge govt British American Tobacco Bangladesh (BATB) was most active and the only company that acted alone to thwart GHW implementation, according to the study. The study urges the government of Bangladesh to adopt WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines and to make their implementation a policy priority. The paper was co-authored by Professor Anna B Gilmore, Director of the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath; Dr Britta K Matthes, Research Associate in the Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath; and four tobacco control advocates from PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress), a Bangladesh-based anti-tobacco research and advocacy organization – ABM Zubair, Executive Director of PROGGA, Md Hasan Shahriar, Head of Programs, Md Shahedul Alam, Head of Advocacy, and Md Mehedi Hasan, Media Manager of Tobacco Control Program.      

The Hydrocarbon Unit of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) to enhance research and capacity building in the country’s energy sector. The two organisations signed the deal at a function at BUET on Monday where State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Division Nasrul Hamid was present as chief guest. Welcoming the agreement, the state minister said that this will help the Hydrocarbon Unit to prepare accurate data and a proper plan for the energy sector. The MoU will also expand the field of research in the energy sector, he said. Read more: Hydrocarbon Unit signs MoU with BUET to enhance research in energy sector “Coordinated initiatives are necessary to ensure a sustainable energy system,” Hamid added. He underscored the need for a coordinated network of researchers, academics and professionals to make a plan successful. Success will certainly be achieved if the planning and activities are carried out by estimating the needs of the future, he added. With BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Satya Prasad Majumdar in the chair, the event was also addressed, among others, by Energy Secretary Dr Md Khairuzzaman Majumder, BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Jabbar Khan, Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Director Professor Farsim Mannan Mohammadi and Director General of Hydrocarbon Unit Tahmina Yasmin. Read more: Plan to float int’l bidding for offshore hydrocarbon exploration dropped before election

A joint study by two researchers from Princeton University and University of Pennsylvania seems to have answered one of the most asked timeless questions: can money buy happiness? The research conducted by Daniel Kahneman and Matthew Killingsworth, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reached a conclusion: happiness tends to rise with increase in income and earnings. The latest study on the correlation between money and happiness refutes the previously reached conclusion that happiness levels off for people when their income reaches $75,000, The Washington Post reports. In 2010, Nobel Prize-winning economist and psychologist Daniel Kahneman first proposed this threshold in a study that found that "emotional well-being [also] improves with log income, but there is no further growth beyond a yearly income of $75,000." Read More: Happiness Hormone: Ways to Boost Dopamine However, a research conducted by Matthew Killingsworth, a happiness researcher and senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, found that happiness does not level out after hitting $75,000, rather continues to rise with “income well beyond $200,000,” the report adds. In their latest study, both researchers came together and pitted their theories against each other with the help of an arbiter. The study was adjusted for inflation, they told The Washington Post. The two researchers surveyed 33,391 people in the US — aged between 18 and 65 — with a household income of at least $100,000 a year. Read More: From coffee to yoga to happiness: Offbeat ministries from around the world! Killingsworth developed a smartphone app called ‘Track Your Happiness’ to measure their happiness. The app required participants to report their feelings at random intervals throughout the day.  “The data came from repeatedly pinging people at randomly-timed moments during daily life, and asking about their happiness at that moment in real-time,” he told The Washington Post via email. They were specifically asked questions like “How do you feel right now?” on a scale ranging from “very bad” to “very good.” The study found that happiness continues to rise with “income even in the high range of incomes” for the majority of people, reaching a conclusion that for many, earning more can mean increased happiness. Read More: Eid for Introverts: Finding Happiness and Fulfillment on Your Own However, for about 20% of the respondents, the case is a bit different. For them, the unhappiness diminishes with rising income up to a certain threshold, the report says citing the research. These people usually experience “negative miseries” that can’t be alleviated by making more money, according to the study.  “In the simplest terms, the findings suggest that for most people larger incomes are associated with greater happiness,” Killingsworth said about the final conclusion of the study. However, he cautioned that money isn’t everything — “just one of the many determinants of happiness.”  Read More: Spending Money for Happiness: 10 Effective Ways “For instance, if you’re rich and miserable, more money won’t help,” The Washington Post quoted him as saying.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday reiterated her call to scientists  to put extra efforts on research to attain excellence in agricultural production. “I always think that without research it is not possible to attain excellence. As we are agriculture dependent country, we have given extra importance on agriculture,” she said. The prime minister was speaking at a programme to mark the 50th founding anniversary of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and inauguration of the ‘Bangabandhu Pierre Trudeau Agricultural Research Center’. She, however, said that the government has given importance on the research work on other sectors too. “Besides we have given emphasis on research works on health, education and science,” she said. Laying emphasis on continuous research on boosting food production, the PM said that Bangladesh frequently faces adverse circumstances due to geographical location and impact of climate changes. “So we have to produce our crops,” she said. Briefly describing various initiatives of the government for agricultural research, she said that Bangladesh not only sets example in food grains production, but also in all vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products. In this regard, she said that the production has to be continued with new varieties of crops in tune with the climate changes and environment. Hasina said that the country is about to enter the fourth industrial revolution and so the government has taken steps to create skilled manpower. She put emphasis on learning and producing bio-informatics, nano-technology, machine learning, internet of things and new agriculture technologies. Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel Huq and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md. Zahid Ahsan Russel were also present at the event. Read more: Economic dev not possible without agriculture: Food Minister Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque, Agriculture Secretary Wahida Akter, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Director General Jean Balié, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Bakhtiar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at Global Institute for Food Security, Steven Webb and BIRRI director general Dr M Shahjahan Kabir also spoke. A documentary titled "50 years of BRRI's pride and success" was screened at the function.    On arrival at the BRRI, the prime minister paid homage at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Earlier, the PM inaugurated the ‘Bangabandhu Pierre Trudeau Agricultural Research Center’ aiming to conduct research in the field of agriculture for ensuring food security system tolerant of global climate change. The centre is expected to increase the existing commercial, research activities, technology exchange, development assistance between Bangladesh and Canada. This is the first time such a research centre set up with the direct support and funding of the government of Canada. The technology centre has been set up at BRRI following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada and the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council aiming to cooperate on multidisciplinary research, training and development partnership to ensure sustainable food security. PM Hasina also released balloons and pigeons marking the golden jubilee of BRRI's pride and success. She also took part in different programmes including tree plantations, inspection of BRRI laboratories, its various innovations and a cultural event titled “Dhan-Kabbya”. She unveiled the cover of five research publications of BRRI and BARC. The PM said that the government will provide food assistance to at least one crore people during holy Ramadan. “We have taken that decision.  Our goal is to ensure that the people of our country never suffer from food shortages,” she said. She also mentioned that the government is giving 30 kg of rice free of cost to the poor people in the country.   Read more: Govt’s focus on agriculture to tap its full potential: PM Hasina “This is being mixed with nutritional rice so that they do not get nutrition deficiency", she added. Hasina said that the government provided cash assistance to different sectors during Corona pandemic. She also mentioned that when global inflation went up  after Ukraine-Russia war, sanctions and counter-sanctions, the government distributed TCB cards to provide rice to one crore people at just Tk 30 per kg to ensure food security for the people of our country.   “Moreover, for the poorer section we have made this arrangement for about 50 lakh people who can buy rice for only Tk 15 per kg," she said. She called for involvement of students in agricultural work from school life.  “I think from school life they need to be involved. Working in the field, growing crops is a matter of great pride, not shame.  So that's how we should build the people of our country," she said. Commenting on the change in the mentality of the educated youth about agriculture, Hasina said, “Many boys and girls do not want to go to the farms after finishing their study. Even if their fathers are farmers, they feel ashamed to say that their fathers are farmers. But today that shame is no longer, we have removed that shame.” She said that there is no shame in doing what helps a person eat and live. “It is the matter of pride to do that, So it was absolutely necessary to change that mindset, I believe that we have been able to change mindset to some extent,” she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for research to preserve, revitalise and develop the mother languages of the world as many languages are being lost. “I always put emphasis on research. The reason is that enrichment of anything is not possible without research,” she said. The PM said this while inaugurating a four-day programme of the International Mother Language Institute at Segunbagicha to mark the Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2023. She said the government will take steps to provide fellowship for language research in the International Mother Language Institute. “I think this institute has a responsibility to preserve all the languages of the world, conduct research on these and know the history of languages. I think it can be done,” she said. Hasina said she, if needed, will arrange funds to provide fellowship for language researchers. She said today Bangladesh has attained food autarky thanks to research. “Now research is extensively needed in different sectors including science and health,” she added. In this context, the PM said the government provides fellowship and stipends to 24 million students in Bangladesh and free textbooks to the school students. She said her government raised the literacy rate to 65.5 percent from only 45 percent during the 1996-2001 tenure and got an award from UNESCO for this achievement at that time. Then her government formed a fund with the award money to provide stipend for higher education. “Coming in power in 2009, now we’ve raised the literacy rate to 75.2 percent. So, we are advancing (in terms of education),” she said. Read more: Making Bangla UN's official language involves huge money: Shahriar Alam “Many languages in different countries are being lost…We want the engendered languages of the world to be preserved here and research to be conducted on these. We’re giving the utmost importance to research. I want International Mother Language Institute to make a huge contribution to preserve the languages,” she said.