United News of Bangladesh

Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud has made it clear that there is no plan to declare Titumir College an independent university. “An expert committee is working to bring (DU-affiliated) seven colleges under a separate university…the UGC Chairman is leading that committee, Titumir College is one of those colleges,” he said on Sunday. The adviser, who is also in charge of the Planning Ministry, said this while responding to a question after the weekly Ecnec meeting held at NEC conference room. Fixed college-to-university timeline for Titumir unjustified: Education Ministry He mentioned that the seven colleges do not want to be under Dhaka University while the Dhaka University also does not want these seven colleges…this is logical,” he added. The Planning Adviser said there is no problem in demanding a university or waging a student movement. “But the students have to sit for the examination one day, if they do not concentrate on their studies and sit for examinations at this stage of age, they will not be able to do anything in the future.” He mentioned that the general students of Titumir College told him and wrote to him saying that they wanted to sit for classes and examinations. “There should be no hindrance for their academic activities.” The adviser asked the agitating students to throw such programmes that would not create hassles for the mass people. “It is not logical to press home their demands announcing a deadline, we will not take such a decision.” Titumir College students block roads at Mohakhali He also categorically expressed the government's firm stance that the interim government does not have the power to accept this type of demand. “We came here to ensure the transformation of a well governed democratic system in the country, as well as adopt some small reforms towards that,” he said. In response to a question, the Education Adviser clarified that the statement in the press release, which mentioned that the government is giving special consideration to the matter of Titumir College, was not written by him. “The Secretary might have edited that they could do that, maybe it is for diplomacy, or do not know (regarding this matter),” he said. He also expressed his irritation for a huge number of unnecessary public universities in the country. “There are 55 public universities right now, half of them established in the last seven years.” Press Secretary urges Titumir College students to remain calm amid protests Students of Government Titumir College have been agitating on the road for the last couple of days demanding that the college be turned into a university.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh on Sunday asked the private universities to conduct all educational activities at their permanent campuses within the stipulated timeframe. The private universities whose temporary certificate has already expired will have to shift to their permanent campuses, said UGC member Prof Mohammad Anwar Hossain. 7-member advisory committee formed to oversee DAP implementation He made this call while visiting the permanent campus land of Ishaka International University Bangladesh in Kishoreganj district on Saturday, said a press release here on Sunday. Prof Hossain provided necessary directions to the university authority to improve education, research, and the physical and mental development of students.

A meeting among Dhaka University (DU), University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and World Bank was held on Sunday. The meeting took place at the Vice-Chancellor's Lounge, where Chairman of Bangladesh University Grants Commission Prof. Dr. SMA Faiz, Vice-Chancellor of DU  Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Prof. Dr. M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, UGC Members- Prof. Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan and Prof. Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossen, World Bank Senior Education Specialist TM Asaduzzaman, Senior Education Advisor Dr. Md Mahamud Ul Hoque and Project Director Prof. Dr. Asaduzzaman were present. During the meeting they discussed various issues including implementation of different development projects at DU with the financial assistance from the World Bank. The meeting also discussed the construction of a residential hall for DU female students, formation of a special fund for providing scholarship among financially challenged students, improving Wi-Fi network at DU, development of DU Medical Centre and undertaking joint research and training programs.

The Ministry of Education will request the heads of the higher educational institutions to discuss with the students’ organisations to resume academic activities after ensuring safe and congenial atmosphere. Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel revealed the information, said MA Khayer, public relations officer of the ministry. The University Grants Commission (UGC) on July 16 announced a closure of all public and private universities until further notice considering the issue of students' safety in the wake of widespread protests for reforming quota. HSC exams for July 28, 29, 31 & Aug 1 postponed A press release, signed by UGC secretary Dr Ferdous Zaman, said academic activities of all public, private universities, medical, textile, engineering colleges affiliated to the university and other colleges will remain shut until further notice. The UGC has taken the move in line with the Education Ministry’s decision, said the release.

The Jagannath University Teachers' Association (JnUTA) has alleged that the University Grants Commission (UGC) forced the authority of Jagannath University to take the admission test through the General, Science and Technology (GST) system. JnU to build two gates to sustain it’s tradition Sheikh Mashrick Hasan, general secretary of the Jagannath University Teachers Association (JnUTA), made this complaint in a press conference held at Jagannath University on Saturday (January 20)  noon.  He said, “While Jagannath University is trying to advance, chaos is made to suppress by keeping a system like GST. We have our own Academic Council, they are the supreme authority to decide the admission process.  Yet it is being forced upon us again and again,” he alleged. Universal College Bangladesh to hold Admission Day in Ctg offering education opportunity abroad Mashrick Hasan also said in this regard, “All the remaining universities are being kept separate from the four universities operated by the Ordinance of 1973. It is a step towards establishing a planned elite category among the universities of the country.” Mashrick Hasan also said that the purposes of the GST system have completely failed. 10 researchers selected for UGC post-doctoral fellowship Therefore, the Jagannath University Teachers Association (JnUTA) demanded a single admission test for all public universities through the formation of NTA (National Testing Authority) from the academic year 2024-25 to resolve the problem.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh has selected 10 researchers for the UGC post-doctoral fellowship. The researchers were picked at a meeting chaired by UGC chairman (Additional Charge) Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir on Tuesday, said a press release on Wednesday. UGC forms probe committee against Islamic University VC The 10 researchers who are getting the UGC fellowship are Dr Muhammad Nurul Amin Nuri and Dr Firoza Akter Khanom of Chattogram University, Prof Dr Sharaban Tahura and Prof Dr Gulshan Ara of Jagannath University, Dr Sheikh Mehedi Hasan of Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Dr Md Tarikul Islam of Gopalganj Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Prof Dr Farhin Hasan of American International University, Dr Shahid Md Ashif Iqbal of Premier University, Dr Sultana Razia of Barendra University and Dr Suvash Chandra Deb of Brindaban Government College. Single entry test for public universities not from next year: UGC Chairman A total of 30 researchers from various public, private universities located on permanent campus and government colleges of the country applied for the UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2023. According to the policy, 10 researchers from among the applicants have finally been selected for the UGC Post-Doctoral Fellowship 2023 on the basis of applicants' educational qualification, experience, publications, research title, summary, supervisor's recommendation. UGC won’t grant exemptions for irregularities in private or public universities

Dr Haseena Khan, a prominent researcher and retired professor at Dhaka University, has joined the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh as a full-time member. Read : UGC asks universities to follow financial regulations properly She presented her contract letter to UGC Secretary Prof Ferdous Zaman after a meeting with UGC Chairman (additional charge) Prof Mohammad Alamgir on Thursday. Read : UGC members Sajjad, Alamgir reappointed for another term Haseena is a retired professor of biochemistry and molecular sciences. The Swadhinata Padak-winning scientist was directly connected with the invention of the hilsa gene mystery and the jute gene discovery. The renowned researcher also worked as an UGC professor.

Bangladesh's President Abdul Hamid, who is also chancellor of universities, has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) to take necessary measures for holding a single admission test for all public universities for the 2023-24 session. A media release signed by Md Mahmudul Alam, joint secretary of secondary and higher education department of the Education Ministry, conveyed the directive today. Read more: Single admission test for universities from next year: Dipu Moni The release also said the public universities that earlier held admission test in the cluster method for 2022-23 session were asked to complete the admission process.

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has started an investigation against former vice-chancellor of Khulna Agricultural University (KAU), Dr Shahidur Rahman Khan, for his alleged involvement in irregularities in the recruitment of 426 teachers and staff members for the university. KAU authorities on Monday (January 23, 2023) submitted documents related to last three years’ recruitment to the ACC. The development came after a national daily published a report in September last year stating the irregularities in the recruitment process of Khulna Agricultural University. It said some 426 teachers and staff members were appointed for KAU against 350 students and also 43 departments were opened in just three years. Read more: Corruption in NSU’s land acquisition: Hearing on 4 trustees’ bail plea Thursday Later, the University Grants Commission (UGC) conducted an investigation and found anomalies in the recruitment. Based on the report, the education ministry on August 3 last year ordered cancellation of the appointment of 73 teachers and staff members including the relatives of the vice-chancellor. In November last year, ACC took a decision to investigate the irregularities in the recruitment process of KAU and assigned Ershad Mia, deputy director of the ACC, to lead the investigation. The investigation officer on January 2 sent a letter to the university authorities asking to submit recruitment related documents including recruitment notices, candidates' applications, and written test records by January 10. Read more: Irregularities in recruitment: PUST VC freed after 4 hours of confinement The anti-graft agency also requested university authorities to submit a probe report if any investigation was conducted previously in this connection. Later, the inquiry officer extended the deadline till January 23 following the application of university authorities. KAU Registrar Dr Mazharul Anwar on Monday submitted the documents to the investigating officer. Ershad Mia, investigating officer, said he has received some documents and these will be inspected. Read More: UGC asks 4 private universities to stop enrollment for failing to fulfill conditions

The Dhaka University Syndicate has taken a decision to admit students from other universities in regular Master's degree courses of the university, subject to the availability of seats. “Students, who have completed their graduation from any recognised (public and private) university of Bangladesh and are willing take master’s degree from Dhaka University, can apply for admission in DU if there are available seats in the department from 2022-23 academic year,” said a policy paper approved by DU syndicate recently. However, applicants from any university other than Dhaka University can apply for the masters programs in Dhaka University if the minimum requirements set by the individual departments meet as the admission process will be controlled and conducted by individual departments and institutes. Read More: ICT division partners withBrac Kumon to spread Japanese method of learning On the other hand, Dhaka University syndicate, the highest policy making authority of DU, has imposed a minimum requirement that the applicants have to obtain at least CGPA 3.25 in their bachelor program though there is no ban on age and academic session. After fulfilling all the requirements set by individual departments and institutes, applicants have to sit for a 100-mark examination and a viva voce to take final admission. The exam will be held against the available seats and top scorers will be allowed to take admission. However, foreign students can also avail this opportunity with the residential facility while Bangladeshi students will not be able to avail residential facilities as they will be considered as Non-resident. Read More: 6th convocation of Jahangirnagar University on February 25 “DU authority has removed the age and academic session ban from this program so that the students from all walks of life can avail this opportunity. In our country, we have a culture that most of our students take admission in post-graduation courses immediately after completing the bachelor’s degree but in most of the countries of the world, students do their master’s program much later. The decision has been taken to ensure inclusiveness quality education,” prof. Zia Rahman, dean of social science faculty told UNB. “As all general students do not enrol in master's programs after graduation, some seats remain available. To provide our best service, both outsider students and former DU students will get the same opportunity by paying the same tuition for the standard Master's program,” he added. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “In order to promote inclusiveness and lifelong learning opportunities for everyone, we are allowing graduates from other public universities and UGC-approved institutions to enrol in our bachelor's programs.” Read More: World keeps silent as Afghan govt stops education for women: PM Hasina “Private universities are also approved by UGC, so student, who completed the undergraduate courses, will be considered as worthy to admit to these masters’ courses and through this they will have the opportunity so take the subject they like,” he added Earlier, students other than Dhaka University could not avail the opportunity to take master’s degree from Dhaka University but for the first time DU took this academic initiative to provide and create an inter-academic, inclusive and lifelong education system.