BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday (April 01, 2024) said student politics on the university campuses is not the problem, the concern is over the control of a single student organision on the campuses.  “Buet authorities will take decision whether they will allow student politics on the campus or not. Because of that (Abrar Fahad killing) the Buet authorities had banned student politics on the campus, they will see whether such situation is still continuing or not and take decision accordingly,” he said. He said these while talking to reports after visiting injured BNP Natore district unit’s join convener Dewan Shahin at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU). Dewan Shahin recently got seriously injured in an attack allegedly by some Awami League men. Gayeshwar, a BNP standing committee member,  said the situation at Jahangirnagar University is worse where Bangladesh Chhatra League secretary Manik had celebrated ‘rape century’. “It was stigma for the nation. But  AL considers this shame as ornaments.” Read more: Student politics could be returning to Buet, VC indicates They are behaving recklessly with the support of the administration, he alleged. He said ruling Awami Legue (AL) is staying in power unleashing atrocities and by using muscle power against oppositions. In the last 15 years Natore BNP leaders have been facing inhuman torture by AL men. “Despite oppression the leaders and activists did not leave BNP. The scenario of torture on BNP men across the Bangladesh is same to Natore,” he said. Terming AL as an isolated political party, Gayeshwar said without terrorist activities they (AL) could not survive in politics. Read more: BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campus “In this situation we have to raise our voice and get ready to give reply to their brutality,”he said. Responding to a question from reporters, the BNP leader said the government is waiting to hear the death news of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia. “I guess sweetmeat will be distributed at Gano Bhaban once they hear her death news.” “We have nothing to expect from this government. But what they are doing with the BNP Chairperson will be considered as a planned murder,” he said. Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future

In view of the High Court's statement that “There is no obstacle to student politics in Bangladesh University of Engineering (Buet), Vice-Chancellor Dr. Satya Prasad Majumdar today (April 01, 2024) gave a clear indication that student politics might be returning to Buet campus. Speaking to the media at his office today, the Buet VC said, “We have to accept what the High Court says.  Court order must be obeyed. To implement this, we have to go through some process.” HC wants to know why ban on politics in Buet shouldn't be declared illegal; stays decision The Vice-Chancellor said that in order to maintain discipline on the campus, students, teachers and the administration have to reach a mutual decision, and for this to happen, discussion is necessary. “We will look into the matter based on discussion among teachers, students and the administration,” the Buet VC added. Read more: Following legal reversal of ban, general students and BCL respond with differing visions for Buet’s future

The High Court on Monday stayed the decision of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) authorities restricting politics on the campus.The HC bench of Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice KM Zahid Sarwar passed the order after hearing a petition filed by Imtiaz Rahim Rabbi, also a Buet student and a leader of Chhatra League, whose hall allotment was cancelled recently amid students’ protest against the gathering of some BCL leaders on the campus defying ban. BCL no longer hiding its intention to rule BUET campusThe HC also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the decision of Buet authorities banning politics on the campus, taken in 2019, should not be declared illegal.Secretary to the Home Ministry, Buet Vice-Chancellor and its registrar were made respondents to the rule.Senior Advocate Shaha Manjurul Haque stood for the petitioner while Deputy Attorney General Samrendra Nath Biswas and assistant attorney general Abul Kalam Khan Daud represented the state.Advocate Manjurul said with this order there is no bar to continue student politics on the campus.On October 7, 2019, Abrar Fahad, a second-year student of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, was beaten to death by a group of Chhatra League (BCL) activists at the university's Sher-e-Bangla Hall in the early hours.On October 11, same year, Buet authorities banned student politics on the campus. It also issued a notification in this regard. Don’t want BUET to become a breeding ground for negative political activities and militancy: QuaderOn July 19 2023, the Buet authorities again issued a notice prohibiting students and teachers from participation in politics on the campus. They issued the notice following media reports about the names of the members of BCL Central Committee where some students of Buet also got some posts in the committee.On Thursday night , some BCL leaders including the president Saddam Hossain entered the campus, sparking anger among general students.The staged demonstrations the following day protesting bid to revive political activities of BCL. They also held a press conference in front of Buet Shaheed Mianr on that day and continued their demonstration till Friday evening after taking position in front of the office of Directorate of Student Welfare on the campus.Later, the authorities concerned cancelled the hall allocation of Imtiaz who allegedly played a vital role in facilitating the entry of the BCL men. A probe body was formed in this connection and it was asked to submit its report within April 8.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Bangladesh on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) signed a $100 million loan agreement to improve computer science, software engineering, and information technology (IT) programs in three universities in Bangladesh. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary, Economic Relations Division (ERD), and Edimon Ginting, Country Director, ADB, signed the loan agreement on behalf of Bangladesh and ADB, respectively, at a ceremony at ERD in Dhaka. “This project will help accelerate fourth industrial revolution technology adoption, realize the vision of Digital Bangladesh, and enable the country to reap the demographic dividend by creating digitally qualified young human resources and entrepreneurs,” said ADB Country Director Edimon Ginting. “This new initiative builds on ADB’s ongoing skills development support through industry partnerships to increase competitiveness and foster innovation,” he said. Read: ADB to provide $200 million to promote energy efficiency, transition in Bangladesh The Improving Computer and Software Engineering Tertiary Education Project will upgrade the computer science and engineering, software engineering, and information technology degree programs of the leading public universities in Bangladesh. The universities receiving the funding are: Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), University of Dhaka (DU), and Jashore University of Science and Technology. These programs will adopt blended learning techniques and integrate the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and internet of things. These programs will seek international accreditation to ensure that students get updated curricula that adhere to international standards. Read: ADB to lend $336.5 million to Bangladesh to help develop vaccine production ADB will support the establishment of modern classrooms and laboratories, collaboration and start-up spaces, and auxiliary facilities in the three universities. These facilities will incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient designs, energy- and water-saving features, and will include women-friendly amenities and services. The universities will develop capacities of teachers to be proficient in new instructional approaches and emerging digital technologies. The students and teachers from the three and other universities will also work with industry partners to come up with innovative solutions through joint research and development. Mandatory internship opportunities, career counseling, and industry placement will be provided to undergraduate students, particularly for women. Read: ADB provides $90 million for clean water, sanitation services in the Hill Tracts

Following the recent incident of arrests of a group of BUET students from Sunamganj Tanguar Haor and their being freed on bail, general BUET students have taken an oath to ensure a safe campus. In this regard, BUET students collectively staged a program in front of the BUET cafeteria on Tuesday and took oath. The oath said: "I promise that from this moment on, as a member of the Bangladesh Engineering University family, I will fulfill all the personal and collective moral and human responsibilities assigned to me for the welfare and safety of all of this university with utmost honesty and devotion." BUET students protest as Abrar Fahad's murder accused attends class "I will always be vocal against every injustice and discrimination that I am aware of on the campus of this university." "I also pledge that we will collectively prevent all forms of terrorism and communal violence from arising in this university. We will root out all forms of discriminatory subculture and abuse of power inconsistent with morality. So that no more innocent lives will be lost in this yard. We will ensure that no innocent student be is subjected to torture from now on." 24 Buet students, 8 others granted bail 2 days after arrest during Tanguar Haor tour After taking the oath, the students arranged a press conference at the same place. Demanding a proper investigation to look about the running BUET students- who were arrested from Sunamganj after being doubted as 'Shibir activists' , students said, "We have requested authority to make a probe and we also requested the authority to take immediate steps if they are found guilty. " 34 Buet students among 36 detained while touring Tanguar Haor "Again, we BUET students expressed our strong position against the return of Ashikul Islam Bitu who was found guilty by BUET authority for ragging and uncooperative manner during Abrar Fahad's murder investigation. We will not share classes with such a notorious person and if BUET authorities do not take any steps quickly, we will not think twice to boycott classes," they said.  

A Dhaka court today (July 24, 2023) indicted 16 people, including BUET Professor Nikhil Ranjan Dhar, in a case filed over the question paper leak of bank recruitment examination in 2021. Dhaka Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Md Tofazzal Hossain passed the order to frame the charges against Nikhil Ranjan Dhar and 15 others. Before that, the magistrate dismissed the petitions submitted for discharging Nikhil and others from the charges in the case. Read: Bank recruitment question leak: BUET professor Nikhil show caused by authority The recruitment test for five state-owned banks was held on November 6, 2021. Sub-inspector Sukant Biswas of Tejgaon Zonal Team filed a case at Badda Police Station under the Public Examinations (Offences) Act following the question leak on November 10 the same year. On November 21 that year, BUET removed Prof Nikhil Ranjan Dhar from the post of head of Industrial and Production Engineering Department and also relieved him of all exam responsibilities. In December, 2021, BUET authorities asked Nikhil to explain his involvement in leaking the questions of recruitment exam for five Banks. Read: Appellate Division orders Dr Yunus to pay NBR Tk 12 crore tax on donations On November 16, 2022, Shamim Ahmed, a sub-inspector of the Detective Branch (DB) and the investigation officer of the case, submitted the charge sheet excluding Prof Nikhil as an accused. Earlier this year, a Dhaka court summoned the investigation officer to show cause why and how he relieved Prof Nikhil from the charges. Following that, investigation officer Shamim submitted a supplementary charge against Nikhil to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court of Dhaka.

Twenty-four students have been awarded certifications from “Huawei BUET ICT Academy” after the first batch successfully completed its four months training this week. BUET Vice Chancellor Satya Prasad Majumder, Pro VC Prof Abdul Jabbar Khan and director of Huawei South Asia Enterprise Partner Development and Management Department Zhangcheng handed over the certification to the students, said a press release today. Started in January this year, the training for the first batch was focused on routing and switching (IP Networks) and 5G (Cellular and Mobile Networks). Huawei Authorized Information and Network Academy (HAINA) coordinated the course and certification, said the release. Of the 24 students, 14 have completed training in routing and switching, and 10 have finished training on 5G. In addition, the participants got the opportunity to communicate with more than 3,000 global instructors. Further, the academy aims to cover 83 certification programmess on 19 different subjects in the next batches. “Academic knowledge itself is not enough for the students anymore. Thus, collaborating with Huawei will expose the students to practical scenarios and knowledge. Moreover, gaining international certificates benefits the students by opening a wide range of job opportunities and preparing them for future employment,” said BUET VC. “Huawei has been always devoted in developing a better ICT talent ecosystem in Bangladesh and equip them with relevant ICT skills. We are pleased to see the interest of youth showed for this academy. Congratulations to all the participants of the first batch who finished the training,” said Zhangcheng. It is mentionable that Huawei South Asia has been setting up ICT Academy in collaboration with different universities as part of their commitment to developing an ICT ecosystem. Huawei has recently established its 6th ICT Academy at CUET in Bangladesh to enhance ICT-related skills among young learners.

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

The Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) has launched a two-day long 'Robo Carnival' to inspire students to make robots to make smart Bangladesh with the slogan 'Build Robot for Smart Bangladesh'. The two-day long carnival starts at the ECE building around 10 am today (January 19) and BUET vice Chancellor Dr Sattyaprashad Majumdar was the chief guest. About 500 students, divided into 125 groups, from the different schools, colleges and universities of the country are taking part in the two-day carnival. The carnival has been arranged to teach and inspire the students about different segments of Robotics like dust collecting robot competition, and firefighter robot competition. Besides the firefighter robot and trash collector robot competition, a project showcasing part, a workshop on Robotics Simulation software and a robotics olympiad for the competitors have been arranged. Tarikul Islam Tanvir, a student of Gopalganj Polytechnic Institute, who has developed an 'Earthquake digital safety system', said on his project: "We know that when an earthquake happens, many people die from being electrocuted. The safety system that I have developed will reduce the danger of being electrocuted in case any earthquake happens." "This safety system can detect earthquake vibration automatically and immediately after it cuts off the electricity lines and water supply lines. Besides, it sends automatic calls to alert the user about the earthquake. This system can be installed in every residential house and industrial sector but if the device is installed in district supply lines then there is no need to install the system separately in individual houses or industrial factories," Tanvir added. At the initial stage, BUET students took initial tests and presentations of the projects and later BUET teachers evaluated those projects. Read more: Ameca: World’s Most Realistic Advanced Humanoid Robot AI Platform    

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student Fardin Noor Parash died after jumping off Sultana Kamal Bridge, Rab has said. Commander Khandaker Al Moin, legal and media wing director of Rab, disclosed the information at a press conference at Rab headquarters around over one month after the body of the student was recovered from the Shitalakhkhya river on November 7. On November 4, the day he went missing, Fardin dropped off his girlfriend Amatullah Bushra, a 3rd year student of East West University who is now in jail, in Rampura around 9pm. After that he went to a bridge in Keraniganj and then to Johnson Road, Gulistan and Jatrabari respectively till 2am. Then he went to Sultana Kamal Bridge around 2:34 am. He was alone on the bridge till 2:37am, the Rab official said. Read more: It’s disappointing, no headway in probe in a month, says Fardin’s father Police recovered Fardin’s body from the Shitalakhkhya river, behind a cotton mill at Siddhirganj, on November 7, three days after he went missing. Fardin jumped off the bridge after roaming around in Dhaka, the Rab  officer said, adding they scrutinized his whereabouts. The Rab officer said they tightened intelligence surveillance to figure out the reason behind the death. He said they submitted all relevant documents including CCTV footage and digital footprints to the investigation officer of the case on Wednesday. The victim’s father filed a murder case against some unidentified people at Rampura police station on November 9. Read more: Fardin Noor Parash died by suicide: DB On the following day, police arrested Bushra from her residence in connection with the death. Earlier on Wednesday, Additional Commissioner (Detective Branch) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Mohammad Harunur Rashid at a press conference at the DB office in the capital said the Buet student died by suicide. The DB chief said they scrutinized the footage of Fardin’s movement before his death.  Sheikh Farhad, a physician at Narayanganj General Hospital where the autopsy was done, said there were several injury marks on Fardin’s head and body.