United News of Bangladesh

After 61 years under the Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University’s (BAU) Department of Physics has been transferred to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. Confirming the move, Prof. Dr. Md. Khairul Hassan Bhuiyan, Head of the Department, noted that globally, physics departments belong to engineering faculties. Since 1964, however, BAU's Physics Department remained under the Faculty of Agriculture due to administrative hurdles. The shift, effective January 26, 2025, was made possible by the current administration’s efforts. University sources say physics courses were once integral to the Faculty of Agriculture, but a 1969 ordinance change led to a decline in their importance. However, the courses remained compulsory for Agricultural Engineering students. In April 2002, BAU formed a high-powered committee to restructure its infrastructure, which provided five key recommendations. One of these-recommendation number three, suggested transferring the Department of Physics to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. While the other four recommendations were implemented, this particular one remained unaddressed. Bangladeshi universities urged to focus on power sector research The decision to transfer the department was finally made in March 2024 during the 180th meeting of the Faculty of Agriculture. Following this, Prof. Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, submitted an application to the university registrar during the faculty’s 209th committee meeting, requesting approval for the transfer. Although the proposal was included in the academic council’s meeting agenda in May 2024, it was not formally presented due to procedural complexities. However, during the 210th meeting, the transfer was endorsed, and upon the vice-chancellor’s approval, the department was officially shifted to its new faculty after 61 years. Prof. Bhuiyan previously served as Head of the Department from June 2010 to August 2017 and resumed the role in August 2019, continuing to the present. Prof. Bhuiyan emphasized physics’s role in the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where AI, robotics, and big data are revolutionizing agriculture. He highlighted that physics-driven innovations enhance farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) authorities have expelled 28 students for one year for ragging first year students of the university. Provost of Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy hall Bazlur Rahman Molla disclosed the decision around 4 am on Monday. Provost Bazlur said allegations of ragging were brought against 28 students on January 11. Textbook distribution to be completed by Feb: Press Secretary  After scrutiny, 28 students of the Suhrawardy hall were expelled as per the No 7 ordinance of the university. Action against the 25 non-resident students will be taken later. KUET admission test on Jan 11, results on Jan 26 Prof. Dr Md Abdul Aleem, proctor of the university, said a student fell unconscious during ragging on January 11 and punitive action were taken against the accused involved in the ragging.

Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have placed a 6-point demand protesting the sexual harassment and molestation of a fellow student. The third-year students of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry brought out a procession from their faculty that ended at the administration building. At that time, they also marched surrounding the administrative building and boycotted the class and examination. BAU research team develops several high-yielding varieties of carrots They said that on February 10, the victim student was going to take a practical class at Shahjalal Animal Nutrition Field Laboratory of the university. While passing through the road adjacent to the residential area of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA)  a 20-25-year-old autorickshaw driver touched her body from behind and tried to lift her into the vehicle. “When the victim screamed, the man fled with the CNG,” they added. Plants fair at BAU draws enthusiastic response Their demands are:  1. The CNG driver should be identified and brought to justice immediately.  2. The movement of outsiders should be controlled.  3. Every place in the university should be covered by CCTV and adequate lighting should be ensured at every corner of the campus. 4. Specific uniforms for Rickshaws and auto drivers’ with registration numbers should be ensured. 5. Ensure proper accountability of the security unit.  6. The number of security personnel should be increased. Let's Talk on 'Smart Agriculture and Innovation' held at BAU Proctor Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam said the number of the vehicle was collected through CCTV footage. The matter has been informed to all concerned security departments. A general diary (GD) was lodged at Kotwali Model Police Station in this regard, said Prof. Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, director of the University Security Council. “Efforts are on to trace the accused CNG driver,” he added.