Education
Focus on job-oriented education for employment of graduates: President Shahabuddin urges universities
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.
SSC 2023 exams begin today
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent exams for 2023 began today (April 30, 2023) across Bangladesh.
SSC exams began at 10 am with Bangla 1st Paper.
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 20,72,163 candidates are sitting for this year’s SSC and equivalent exams.
Also Read: SSC, equivalent exams to begin Sunday
In order to ensure a conducive and peaceful environment, no one except the candidates will be allowed within 200 yards of the exam halls during the SSC exams, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said in a press release on April 27.
SSC, equivalent exams to begin Sunday
The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations for 2023 will begin in Bangladesh on Sunday (April 30, 2023).
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 20,72,163 candidates are likely to sit for this year’s SSC and equivalent exams.
Also Read: No one except candidates to be allowed within 200 yards of SSC exam halls: DMP
In order to ensure a fair and peaceful environment no one except the candidates will be allowed within 200 yards of the examination halls during the examinations, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) said in a press release on April 27.
Meanwhile, all coaching centres in the country will remain closed from April 26 to May 23 for holding the examinations smoothly, said Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Tuesday.
Dipu Moni said that the examinations will be held on a short syllabus this year.
Read More: 2023 SSC, equivalent exams from April 30
Teachers' crisis in Ctg Hill Tracts will resolve soon, says Deputy Edu Minister
As the government is planning to recruit teachers in the Chattogram Hill Tracts to improve the quality of education, the teachers' crisis in the area will be resolved soon, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel has said.
He said this at the reunion function of former students of Manikchari Rani Nihar Devi Government High School in Khagrachari on Friday.
Following the recruitment examination, teachers will be posted on an urgent basis in the public educational institutions of Chittagong Hill Tracts, where there is a shortage of teachers, the deputy minister added.
Read more: Mohibul urges university teachers to ensure quality education
Besides, the Ministry of Education will take strict measures so that the recruited teachers cannot transfer according to their will.
Lawmaker and Taskforce Chairman of Refugee Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura and Khagrachari Hill Zilla Parishad Chairman Mongsueprou Chowdhury, among others, spoke on the occasion.
UNICEF launching first large-scale fundraising campaign in Bangladesh this Ramadan
This Ramadan, UNICEF is launching a large-scale campaign to raise funds for malnourished children in Bangladesh.
For the first time, the fundraising campaign is taking place inside Bangladesh, appealing to the growing affluent class who are more able to donate towards helping children in their own country.
With a strong economy, Bangladesh reached lower-middle-income country status in 2015 and aims to become an upper-middle-income country by 2031.
At the same time, the country’s economic progress and success mean that Bangladesh receives less foreign aid.
Read More: Multiple crises set to plunge more children into poverty, ILO and UNICEF report warns
“The economic progress in Bangladesh has created enhanced opportunities for us to take care of the underprivileged section of our population and to ensure that we leave no one behind. The success of Bangladesh needs to be reflected through the children, who are our future and who also depend on us for their education, healthcare and well-being,” said Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh.
UNICEF – which is funded entirely through voluntary contributions – has been on the ground in Bangladesh for over 70 years, saving children’s lives and protecting children’s rights. Globally, UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization.
The UNICEF Ramadan fundraising campaign is a first-ever invitation from UNICEF to people in Bangladesh to let their good deeds echo for malnourished children around the country together with UNICEF.
Read More: UNICEF wants investment in world's first child-focused climate risk financing solution
The most common forms of malnutrition are stunting (low height for age) or wasting (low weight for height). Bangladesh has made impressive progress in addressing malnutrition. Stunting was reduced from 42 per cent in 2013 to 28 per cent in 2019. Yet, over five million Bangladeshi children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition.
Stunting is caused by chronic or recurring undernutrition, and the damage done to a child’s body and brain by stunting cannot be reversed. It drags down performance at school and later at work, and puts a child at a higher risk of dying from infectious diseases.
Wasting is an acute form of undernourishment which can be fatal. It is characterized by recent and severe weight loss which is often caused by lack of food and by disease.
Children born to the poorest families are more likely to suffer from stunting and wasting. And when disasters such as floods strike, these already vulnerable children are at heightened risk.
Read More: Heatwaves to impact almost every child by 2050: UNICEF report
“There is no greater cause than championing children’s health, education and rights. This Ramadan, UNICEF invites the people of Bangladesh to join hands with UNICEF to help the most vulnerable children in their own country,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh.
Top 10 International Scholarships for Women to Study Abroad
International scholarship opportunities for women to pursue higher studies have increased in recent years, providing more options for women to access higher education and achieve their academic and professional goals. International scholarships cover various fields of study, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, arts, humanities, and social sciences, enabling women to pursue their academic interests and advance their careers.
In addition to covering tuition fees and other academic expenses, these scholarships also provide financial support for living expenses, travel, and other related costs. Let's take a look at some of the best scholarship opportunities for women from any country.
10 International Fully Funded Scholarships for Women
To support and empower female scholars, there are a number of scholarships available to help women pursue their education. These scholarships range from full-tuition awards to smaller grants. Here are ten scholarships for women that can help you achieve your educational goals.
1. UNESCO Scholarship for Women
The L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards, established in 1998, has honored 122 pioneering female scientists for their remarkable contributions to research. Five of these awardees have since been awarded the Nobel Prize.
Every year, the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Awards recognize five eminent female scientists – from Africa and the Arab States, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America – for their research accomplishments, dedication to their field, and social influence.
The For Women in Science Program has earned a reputation for excellence worldwide, providing backing to around 3,900 female scientists across 116 countries. Moreover, it has made visible the incredible achievements of these women and serves as a source of inspiration to young girls contemplating a career in science.
Depending on the country and year, this fellowship's deadline may vary from late March to Early September.
Check this link for more info: https://www.unesco.org/en/prizes/women-science
Read More: Workplace stress affecting women in Bangladesh needs attention
2. British Council Women in STEM
The British Council Women in STEM Scholarships program has been operating for the last three years and is partnered with 19 UK universities. The program seeks female applicants with a STEM background who require financial assistance and who wish to motivate other women to pursue STEM careers. These scholarships are available to women from the Americas, South Asia, East Asia, Western Balkans, Central Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Mexico, and Turkey.
UNESCO reported that in 2019, women only made up 30% of the world's researchers, and only 30% of female students choose STEM-related fields in higher education. Despite this, the number of women in STEM has been gradually increasing, with the current figure standing at 35% (Anon, 2022). This scholarship program is focused on providing more opportunities for girls and women in the STEM fields.
Scholarship applications are accepted in September-October.
Check this link for more info: https://www.britishcouncil.org/study-work-abroad/in-uk/scholarship-women-stem
Read More: Legendary Women in Bangladesh with Pioneering Contribution in Diverse Fields
3. CFA Women's Scholarship
Now the number of Chartered Financial Analysts or CFA-certified professionals is increasing all over the world. The CFA Institute offers scholarships to women to pursue a career as a CFA. The scholarship is given to specifically encourage women working in the investment management sector.
Under this scholarship program, the cost of signing up for the CFA Program has been waived, and the fee for taking the exam is now only $350. Usually, two application windows are offered for the scholarship from September to August.
Check this link for more info: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/scholarships/womens
Read More: 10 Greatest Female Scientists of All Time
4. Australia Awards Scholarship
The Australian Federal Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade administers the Australia Awards, an international scholarship program designed to help students from other countries contribute to the economic and social development of their homeland.
There are opportunities to study in different universities in Australia through scholarships in 7 departments, including blue economy, health, industry-commerce, and public policy-economy-governance. This scholarship is given for Masters only. Female students are especially encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Generally, an IELTS score of 6.5 is accepted, but women can apply with a score of 6.0. Usually, the application window remains open from March to the end of April.
Check this link for more info: https://australiaawardsbangladesh.org/
Read More: Jute Sanitary Napkins: Bangladeshi scientist Farhana Sultana got awarded for eco-friendly innovation
5. Generation Google Scholarship (EMEA)
The Generation Google Scholarship: for women in computer science was created to support students who are pursuing a degree in computer science and to help them thrive in technology and become influential figures in the field. Selected recipients will be granted 7,000 EUR (or its local equivalent) for the 2023-2024 academic year. This scholarship will be awarded based on the individual's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion, leadership qualities, and academic success.
Any full-time female student can apply for this scholarship from the beginning of April, and the deadline is the end of April.
Check this link for more info: https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/generation-google-scholarship-emea
Read More: Dr Firdausi Qadri: Ramon Magsaysay 2021 Award Winner Bangladeshi Scientist
Initiating students to the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision: Nat’l STEAM Olympiad to start on March 15
The National STEAM Olympiad for students of all levels in Bangladesh is going to start on March 15.
A press conference, in this regard, was organized today at the VIP Hall of National Press Club.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, iTesseract Technologies is working as the initiator, organizer and implementer of the competition.
Calling STEAM education “as the main pillar of digital and smart Bangladesh,” Chief Executive Officer of iTesseract Technologies Mohammad Abdul Hamid said that STEAM education’s main goal is to develop the workforce for the fourth industrial revolution.
He also said that the mission and vision of the National STEAM Olympiad is to encourage all students to develop awareness and skillsets to prepare for the upcoming challenges and changes related to the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).
Students of all levels can participate in the Olympiad – in three rounds on eight topics. The winners of each category will have a chance to win a prize of Tk 2 lakh as the 1st prize, Tk 1 lakh and 50 thousand for the first runner-up and second runner-up respectively. The rules of participation in the competition and other related information can be found on the website: www.nationalsteamolympiad.com.
The organizers also shared the objectives of National Steam Olympiad. They said one of the objectives is to increase STEAM awareness among the youngsters.
It will prepare the youths by utilizing the opportunities presented by the fourth industrial revolution and motivate them in higher education, problem solving, innovation and research in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) related subjects to contribute to the implementation of the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ by 2041 goal.
The Olympiad will make students interested in hands-on practical learning as well as help them to be more humane and responsible, they added.
Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni is the main patron of the National Steam Olympiad. Renowned science and information technology expert and member of the University Grants Commission, Professor Dr. Sajjad Hossain, presided over the press conference. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited Shahjahan Mahmud was present as the chief guest. Bangabandhu Digital University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahfuzul Islam; BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan; Professor of Dhaka University Lafifa Jamal; ADN Group Chairman Asif Mahmud; Smart Group Chairman Mazharul Islam; Dell Country Director Atiqur Rahman, among others, were present.
366 govt primary schools in Kurigram run without head teacher
Primary and secondary levels students in rural Bangladesh face manifold challenges in continuing their education and shortage of teachers is one of those that hampers regular their academic activities.
Like many other places in the country, the academic activities at 366 government primary schools have been hampered seriously in absence of head teachers.
There are 1,240 government primary schools in nine upazilas of the district and the posts of headmaster at 366 schools are lying vacant, according to District Education Office.
Among these, assistant teachers have been working as acting head teacher at 234 schools but the rest schools have been operating without headmasters.
Meanwhile, the assistant teachers who were performing the roles of head teacher are not getting the facilities the headmasters usually get and there is no one to look into it, forcing the teachers to continue their additional work with frustration.
Nurjahan Begum, who recently got the responsibility of headmaster at Korimer Khamar Government Primary School in Sadar upazila, said “We have been performing our duties amid frustration.”
During a recent visit to Muktaram Government Primary School in Sadar upazila, this correspondent found that the headmaster post of the school has been lying vacant for the past two years following the death of its headmaster.
Read more: Teacher shortage hits govt primary schools in Cumilla hard
Since then, no one has been appointed and no assistant teacher was made headmaster. A senior teacher of the school is performing the duty of the headmaster.
Besides, five assistant teachers are available instead of nine which also hamper the academic activities, said an assistant teacher of the school, Nazneen Rebeka Sultana.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Anwarul Islam, president of Muktaram Government Primary School managing committee, said “We have sent letters to the authorities concerned seeking fulfillment of the vacant posts but yet to get any response.”
Read more: Gazette in six months to change names of 200 govt primary schools: State Minister
Principal Salauddin Rubel, General Secretary of District Swadhinota Sikkhok Porishad (Swaship), said “The academic activities of different primary schools are facing setback due to manifold problems including shortage of teachers. The situation of primary schools in Char areas is fragile.”
District Primary Education Officer Shahidul Islam, said the problem will be resolved as the higher authorities have been informed.
President calls for move away from commercialising education at CUB convocation
President Abdul Hamid has asked the university authorities not to turn the higher education institutions under them into commercial centres.
"We do not want universities to be commercialised in the name of education, considering education as a commodity," he said.
The president was addressing the first convocation of the Canadian University of Bangladesh (CUB), held at the Osmani Memorial auditorium on Tuesday afternoon.
President Hamid, also the chancellor of CUB, added, "A university cannot be run as per anyone's will."
He called upon the entrepreneurs in the education sector to change their mentality of doing business with education.
"Changing the mindset from commercialising education is good for all. Run the university in accordance with the laws and regulations," he advised.
Noting that there are currently over 150 universities in Bangladesh, he said, "If we see the newspaper, we notice that some universities are distributing certificates in the name of degrees and many universities have opened factories manufacturing graduates."
He said it is very urgent to ensure the quality, transparency and accountability of educational institutions with the aim of developing the nation, building a better society and producing world-class graduates.
Read more: Respect gradually shrinking due to activities of some VCs, teachers: President at DU Convocation
"Higher education is worthless without quality. So, it must be ensured that higher education is not only the highest certificate," he added.
Expressing grave concern, Hamid said that the number of highly educated unemployed persons in the country is increasing day by day. If jobs cannot be linked with education, the university may have to shut due to lack of students in the days to come.
Hamid urged the university authorities to take steps to ensure the atmosphere of education as well as to build their own campus and infrastructures.
"You will develop as good citizens by nurturing the history and heritage of the country and enriching yourself with knowledge and the practice of science," he hoped.
Turning to the teachers, President Hamid said, "You are the great builders of a developed nation. You must have a strong moral character and be impartial, fearless and truthful."
He requested everyone to work unitedly to educate and develop the young generation of the country with modern education.
The Chancellor said students should not be limited to studying textbooks - they should also acquire knowledge from external sources along with the academic activities.
President Hamid said there is no alternative to spreading technology-based education to make Bangladesh a developed country by 2041 as announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read more: President to join Independent University convocation
The president also directed the authorities concerned to prepare an up-to-date curriculum keeping in mind the issues like nano-technology and artificial intelligence to face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR)
Nobel Laureate and famed rights activist Kailas Satyarthi of India was the keynote speaker at the convocation.
Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, MP, Chairman of Board of Trustees of CUB Chowdhury Nafeez Sharafat, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr HM Zahirul Haque, Senior Advisor of the University Professor Dr Sheikh Mamun Khaled, Advisor Professor Dr. Ridwanul Haque and Professor Syed Akhtar Hossain spoke.
Ambassador Haas lauds success of Bangladeshi students on US campuses
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday lauded the success of Bangladeshi students on US campuses.
“We’re thrilled by the increasing number of Bangladeshis who have chosen to study in the United States to improve their prospects and find their passion. These students make valuable contributions to Bangladesh and the United States,” he said.
The Ambassador highlighted the increasing number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States, with Bangladesh currently ranking 13th among the top sending countries of origin for students studying in the United States.
Ambassador Haas inaugurated the largest US university fair in Bangladesh with prospective students and US institutions.
Read more: Excited to see more Bangladeshi students are choosing US: Peter Haas