Bangladesh is currently experiencing a significant cold wave, with the season’s lowest temperature recorded at 6.6 degrees Celsius in both Chuadanga and Sirajganj districts this (January 23, 2024) morning. This drastic drop in temperature has heavily disrupted daily life and routines. The government has directed the closure of all primary and secondary schools, including madrasas, if temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius. Despite this directive, some kindergartens and pre-cadet schools in Chuadanga have reportedly remained open. Tabibur Rahman, Chuadanga Primary Education Officer, confirmed the compliance with the government’s closure directive, citing the severe cold as the reason. The Chuadanga First Class Meteorological Observatory noted a significant drop in temperature over a single day, from 9.5 degrees Celsius yesterday morning to 6.6 degrees Celsius today, prompting residents to stay indoors. Read more: Secondary schools in Rajshahi closed due to cold; here are the details Rakibul Hasan, a senior weather observer, stated, “The district’s minimum temperature was recorded at 6.8 degrees Celsius at 6 am and 6.6 degrees Celsius at 9 am today, with an air humidity of 96 percent.” This temperature is close to the district’s historic lows, with the ever-lowest being 3.9 degrees Celsius recorded on January 9, 2013. Bazlur Rashid, a Dhaka-based meteorologist at the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), confirmed the 6.6 degrees Celsius temperature in Sirajganj this morning, noting that both Chuadanga and Sirajganj are experiencing the season’s lowest temperatures simultaneously.

All secondary-level schools in the northern district of Rajshahi have been declared closed for two days, starting from today (January 21, 2024), due to severe cold. All primary-level schools are also closed today, according to an official notification signed by Dr Sharmin Ferdous Chowdhury, deputy director (acting) of secondary and higher secondary education in Rajshahi zone. Local meteorological department yesterday predicted that the district would experience less than 10 degrees Celsius temperature for the next two days (January 21 and 22). Following the forecast, education officers of the district held a meeting yesterday and took the decision to keep the primary and secondary schools closed. Read more: UGC forcibly imposed GST system on us: JnU Teachers Association Saidul Islam, primary education officer of the district, told UNB’s Rajshahi correspondent that academic activity at the primary schools will remain closed only for Sunday but the offices will remain open as usual. “Observing Sunday’s weather, the next course of action will be decided,” he said. The district witnessed a fall of four degree Celsius temperature within a span of two days. The local Met Office yesterday recorded 9.8 degrees Celsius temperature against 13.8 degree Celsius a day before. Dense fog blankets the whole district while wind has been blowing. As a result, a severe cold is being felt. Rajib Khan, observer at Rajshahi Meteorological Observatory, said the minimum temperature in Rajshahi dropped to 9.6 degrees Celsius on January 13. The second lowest temperature of the season was recorded at 9.8 degrees Celsius at 7:30 am yesterday. Read more: Educational institutions shut in Kurigram due to cold wave On Friday, the minimum temperature was recorded at 13.8 degrees Celsius, he said. The temperature also decreased yesterday after dense fog had descended, he said, forecasting that such weather may persist throughout January. On January 16, Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE) issued a circular saying that the education authorities in any district can close down schools in case the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. According to the circular, “A cold wave is sweeping different parts of the country and as a result the educational activities are being seriously hampered. The regional deputy directors in consultation with the district education officers can keep the educational institutions under secondary level closed if the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius in any district.” Read more: Mild cold wave sweeps 3 northern districts: Met Office

The High Court (HC) today (January 14, 2024) ordered the authorities concerned to recruit 285 people with disabilities on the basis of quota in government primary schools in upazilas of the country. The court also ordered to complete the recruitment process within 90 days. An HC bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Kazi Zeenat Haque passed the order after hearing a petition in this regard. Advocate Mohammad Siddique Ullah Miah stood for the petitioners in the court while Deputy Attorney General Amit Das Gupta represented the state. Read more: Prime Minister's Gold Medalist returns awards for education in disgust over corrupt teacher recruitment process at RU Calling the HC order an exemplary verdict, Advocate Siddique Ullah expressed hope that the authorities concerned will execute the order soon. A total of 245 candidates with disabilities submitted a writ petition with the HC challenging the legality of not recruiting them despite a quota. Secretaries to the ministries of Primary and Mass Education and Public Administration, and director general of the Directorate of Primary Education were made respondents to the rule. Last year, the government recruited 37,574 people for primary schools as assistant teachers. On January 17 of the same year, the HC ordered to reserve posts for 114 people with disabilities in government primary schools in upazilas across the country. Read more: Mohibul becomes minister of education Moreover, the HC issued a rule asking to explain as to why people with disabilities won’t be recruited under the quota. On December 11 last year, the final hearing of the petition ended but the court set January 14 this year for delivering the verdict.

Haileybury UK has surged to the fifth position from 16th among UK’s leading independent schools for International Baccalaureate (IB) performance, according to The Sunday Times’ Parent Power Guide ranking. The legacy of Haileybury has now been extended to Bangladesh through Haileybury Bhaluka, the country’s first international boarding school promising a foundation for successful and illuminated lives to students in this part of the world, according to a press release. The boarding school has recently secured improved ranking, based on the average performance of IB outcomes, A ‘Level, and GCSE. The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide is widely known as the most authoritative ranking of the UK’s top schools, and it ranks the 400 best state secondary and grammar schools, it said. Read more: Non-cadre aspirants stage sit-in in front of PSC “The improvement in the ranking proves Haileybury’s dedication to outstanding education for its pupils. The standard of Haileybury schools sustains on the wholehearted efforts of its teachers, staff and of course the students and guardians who believe in Haileybury. The recognition by The Sunday Times surely is gratifying for Haileybury academics across the world,” said Simon O’Grady, headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka. Haileybury’s ethos centre around the importance of education, which includes outstanding pastoral support and extra-curricular provision. Students from Haileybury have achieved 39 Average IB Points with a 100 percent passing rate at IBDP results, said the release. “Our UK students from the class of 2024 have joined Ivy League and Russell Group universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and LSE. At Haileybury Bhaluka, we intend to recreate and better these achievements – one reason why all teacher leaders at our school are Harvard-certified,” said Dr Sandeep Ananthanarayanan, academic director of Haileybury Bhaluka. Haileybury has also been ranked the #1 fully coeducational IB Independent school in the UK, the 85th best UK independent school overall (for Cambridge and IB results), and the 31st best independent school in the Southeast UK, it added. Haileybury Bhaluka is offering similar streaks of academic excellence and comprehensive growth for its students (https://haileybury.com.bd/) in Bangladesh, the release also said. Read more: DU admission test: Students demand cancellation of transgender quota

Bullying is a pervasive problem in schools. Bullying can occur in various forms, such as verbal, physical, social, and cyberbullying. It involves repetitive aggressive behaviour aimed at causing harm, discomfort, or distress to another person. Bullying can have serious consequences. It can affect the victim's mental health, academic performance, social relationships, and self-esteem. Parents and caregivers must be aware of the signs of bullying, understand its effects, and take proactive measures against bullying in school to protect and support children. Common Reasons behind Bullying Insecurity  Insecurity frequently drives bullying, as individuals project their self-doubt onto others. By belittling or hurting others, they seek a fleeting sense of power and superiority to mask their insecurities. Through this, they gain a false sense of control and confidence. Peer Pressure  Peer pressure often fuels bullying behaviours as individuals succumb to the need for acceptance within their social group. In an attempt to fit in or assert dominance, they engage in hurtful actions to mirror their peers' behaviour. Eventually, it perpetuates a cycle of bullying. Read more: How to Raise a Caring, Empathetic and Compassionate Child Lack of Empathy  Bullying frequently arises due to an absence of empathy, wherein individuals ignore the emotions of others. Their inability to understand or care about the impact of their actions leads to cruel behaviour. They prioritise their desires or amusement over the well-being of their peers.

DPS STS (Delhi Public) School Dhaka inaugurated the sixth edition of its International Model United Nations (IMUN) conference titled DPSIMUN VI at DPS STS Dhaka senior campus, Uttara in the capital on Thgursday.  The 4-day conference is expected to witness the participation of 700 foreign and local delegates from over 65 schools, including Cibola High School (USA), Yew Chung International School of Shanghai (China), Scholastica, Sunbeams, Aga Khan, Sir John Wilson, Sunnydale, St Joseph, Viqarunnisa Noon School, Holy Cross and many more.  The sixth edition of DPSIMUN this year received around 2,000 registrations. In this MUN conference, delegates will attend the conference to discuss pressing international issues and defend their positions passionately.  The students will have the opportunity to learn ways to negotiate with others and collaborate with like-minded people, according to the DPSIMUN organisers. Earlier, they worked together on policy proposals and detailed programs to solve critical global problems ranging from drone technology to territorial sovereignty to participate in the conference. The conference shall work as a platform to create the best opportunities for delegates to build friendships and make connections with diverse types of people, the organisers informed the media.   International standard conferences will also take place during the event, with accreditation from MYMUN. This is also expected to be engaging and informative, as acclaimed professionals will conduct the conference to hone the skills and enhance the knowledge of the delegates. Participants, who will attend the International standard conferences, will gain experience that will eventually have a positive impact on their public speaking opportunities and university applications.  The conference is featuring 15 special committees, including United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, United Nations Women, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, North Atlantic Treaty Organizations, International Press Conference, United States National Security Council, Jatiya Sangshad, and Special Political and Decolonization.  On Day 2, ‘Aloy Akash Mela’ will showcase Bangladesh’s diversity and cultural beauty and will witness the participation of local bands such as Ograjjo and Auvro.  Popular band Nemesis will perform on Day 3, while DJ Autul will rock the Gala Night for the delegates.   DPS STS Principal Dr Shivananda CS delivered his welcome remarks at the beginning of the 4-day MUN. Fahmida Sultana, Media and Communication Officer, Resident Coordinator’s Office Dhaka, United Nations; Reshma Khan Zaman, Operations Manager, United Nations Women; and Manas Singh, Chief Executive Officer, STS Group, delivered their remarks during the conference.  Vignesh Khajuria, Secretary-General, DPS International Model United Nations 2023, has conducted the ceremony’s opening and will also deliver the closing speech. On the last day, the delegates will receive awards for their commendable efforts.  DPSIMUN will continue till March 12 at DPS STS Dhaka senior campus.

The Canadian International School Bangladesh (CISB) on Monday unveiled the pre-university studies program. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the CISB and Nova Scotia Department of Education Ministry, Canada at a hotel in Dhaka. The MoU will help CISB students to get admitted directly to Canadian universities and universities around the world, said a media release. Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury was present as the chief guest. Dr. Vera Grayson-Kocay, former director of International Programs and Jerry Thibeau, Director International Programs, Education and Early Childhood - Development, Nova Scotia, Canada were also present. Among others, Angela Dark, Counselor and Senior Trade Commissioner of Canadian High Commission to Bangladesh, Shirin Akhter, MP, Chairman Mohammad Kamal Uddin, CEO Begum Shirin Jahan and Principal Janice Smales were also present.

Scholastica and Shaheed Police Smrity College won the titles of the HSBC-Mayor's Cup School Badminton 2023 in the boys' and girls' singles game and Rajuk Uttara Model College won the champion's title in the boys' and girls' doubles matches Saturday after a three-day competition. The tournament, held at Banani Kamal Ataturk Playground in the capital, saw the participation of badminton players of grades 9-12 from 19 schools and colleges in the city. At the prize-giving ceremony, Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Atiqul Islam said: "Educational institutions must place equal importance on sports and culture along with studies. I'd like to thank HSBC for the initiative." HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md Mahbub ur Rahman said: "With the participation of 108 young players from 19 schools, this three-day tournament is reflective of the families' and thereby the society's commitment towards healthy living, physical wellness and community engagement." "I am sure these budding young athletes will use this platform to showcase their skills and enthusiasm to open up a world of opportunity in the coming days."

A staggering 78 million girls and boys around the world today “don’t go to school at all” because of conflict, climate disasters and displacement – while tens of millions more receive only sporadic teaching – UN Secretary-General António Guterres said Thursday. Calling for more funding for education in emergencies spearheaded by the UN global fund Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the UN chief in a video message said no one should be denied their chance to learn. A full 222 million children today experience blighted education, Guterres said. “To help them, 18 countries and private partners have pledged $826 million for UN global fund ECW, on the opening day of the landmark conference.” “No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what barriers stand in your way, you have a right to a quality education,” he said, in an appeal for greater international efforts to ensure that more vulnerable children and youngsters get their chance to succeed. Read more: Govt to launch countrywide school feeding programme from June: State Minister Delivering his comments at the Education Cannot Wait High-Level Financing Conference in Geneva, the Secretary-General welcomed the fact that since it was founded in 2017, the fund had trained 87,000 teachers and given seven million children in crisis “the education they deserve”. As pledges from 18 countries and the private sector topped $826 million on the first day of the conference, UN Special Envoy for Global Education and Chair of ECW High-Level Steering Group Gordon Brown said: “We are talking about the most isolated, the most desolate, the most neglected children of the world. We’re talking about girls who find themselves trafficked or forced into child labour or child marriage unless we can help them.”

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Zakir Hossain on Tuesday said the government will start feeding programme at all primary schools across the country from June this year. The school feeding programme was launched in 104 upazilas of the country in 2010 in the poverty-stricken areas and ended in June, 2022, he said while speaking at a programme at the Ministry. The school feeding programme played an effective role in fulfilling the nutritional need in children, cent enrollment in schools, regular attendance of students, reducing dropout rate and timely completion of education cycle, he said. Read more: Primary scholarship exam results to be published by Feb 28 So, the government has taken steps to launch feeding programme at primary schools across the country, said the minister. The government has taken an initiative to change 200 government primary schools’ names which are inappropriate, said Zakir. “A policy regarding this was issued on 23 January 2022.  We have decided to publish gazette within six months,” he said.