United News of Bangladesh

As part of the nationwide blockade programme enforced  by BNP and other opposition parties, the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Chittagong University (CU) unit locked the administrative building on Monday morning. Placards with the word ‘blockade’  were hung along with the lock. However, the lock was later removed by security personnel. Chhatra Dal CU unit president Alauddin Mohsin, organising secretary Sajjad Hossain Hriday along with other activists of their party locked the gate around 5:30 am. Later, they staged a protest march on Hathazari-Khagrachari-Rangamati highway. Alauddin Mohsin said, “Chittagong University Chhatra Dal held this programme as part of BNP's peaceful blockade demanding the resignation of the fascist government and elections under a non-partisan caretaker government to save the country, establishing people's right to vote, and a democratic Bangladesh.” CU proctor Nurul Azim Sikder could not be reached over phone for comment. Chief officer (acting) of the university's security wing, Sheikh Md. Abdur Razzak, said, “Our administrative building remains locked at night. They came quietly to create panic and left with a small lock. Our on-duty security personnel came and removed it.”  

The Russian House in Dhaka invites Bangladeshi students to participate in the international educational campaign “Geographical Dictation” which will be held on November 19 at 2 pm at the Russian House in Dhaka. For more information: https://dictant.rgo.ru/en/ and solve geographic puzzles online. The demo version, https://dic.rgo.ru/demo/ is already available to participate, Russian house informed. Read: Invicta Technical College Australia to hold study info session in Dhaka Like the main version of Dictation, the demo version contains 40 questions of varying degrees of difficulty (10 questions on common facts and 30 on imagination, logic and erudition). The result will be known immediately after testing. The demo version of the Geographical Dictation will be available for completion until November 18, 2023. Dictation tasks are devoted to geographical science, history of geographical discoveries, and natural and ethnocultural heritage of Russia. A number of issues are related to the Year of the Teacher and Mentor, which is celebrated in Russia in 2023. Dictation tasks are compiled by experts in the field of geography, but some of the questions are traditionally written by amateur authors as part of the “Write your own question for the Geographical Dictation” (https://dictant.rgo.ru/.../obyavlyaem-itogi-konkursa...) competition. Moreover, this year, companies and public organizations took part in compiling versions of the Dictation. The international educational campaign “Geographical Dictation” is carried out by the Russian Geographical Society every year since 2015. The main goal of the programme is to popularize knowledge about the geography and people of Russia throughout the world. Read: EducationUSA Bangladesh hosts US Education Fair at the EMK Center The campaign is held annually, and over the past eight years, 3 million people from 126 countries have participated. Arrangements have been made for participants from Bangladesh to participate in Geographical Dictation 2023 at the Russian House in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Those interested are requested to register on the Google form by November 15, 2023, to ensure participation. Google form link: https://forms.gle/Pk3c17vzKADpNtBq8

At least 13 leaders and activist of ruling Awami League’s student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured in a factional clash during a rally protesting opposition-enforced blockade at Government Azizul Haque College in Bogura on Thursday. Witnesses said a group of BCL activists led by its district unit president Sajeeb Saha brought out a procession in protest against the countrywide blockade enforced by BNP-Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties, on the college campus around 11 am. After the procession, when the BCL men were holding a rally at Bouttala on the campus while another faction led by district unit joint general secretary Mahfuzar Rahman swooped on them. The supporters of the president Sajeeb also attacked the opponents with locally-made weapons triggering a clash that left at least 13 BCL men including Sajeeb and Mahfuzar injured. Though police personnel were present on the campus, they allegedly did not take any measures to bring the situation under control. Sajeeb Saha alleged that a ‘so-called’ BCL faction swooped on them when they were holding a rally on the campus. “We were compelled to resist them as I was stabbed by them,” he claimed. Denying the allegation, Mahfuzar Rahman claimed that the clash occurred when the general students were trying to resist the incompetent committee. College Principal Dr Sabur Uddin said they could not recognize anybody of the groups. Monirul Islam, in-charge of Stadium Police Outpost, said being informed they rushed the spot and quelled the situation.

Invicta Technical College, renowned for its excellence in vocational training, has announced the commencement of an exclusive Australian Vocational Study Info Session in Bangladesh. With the aim of empowering Bangladeshi students to realise their aspirations in the technical field, this initiative is set to provide comprehensive guidance and insights into the realm of vocational education, according to a press release. Govt aims to increase enrolment in technical education to 30% by 2030 Understanding the challenges faced by students in navigating the complexities of educational choices, Invicta Technical College is dedicated to facilitating a seamless transition for aspiring individuals seeking hands-on technical expertise, it said. The Australian Vocational Study Info Session will be led by CEO of Invicta Technical College Ayesha Hossain on November 11 at Amari Dhaka. MoFA, Technical and Madrasa Education Division vow to modernize technical and madrasa education With an extensive background in the field, Hossain is poised to engage with students directly, offering invaluable insights and personalised guidance to aid them in their journey towards pursuing vocational studies in Australia, said the release. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of Invicta's courses, cutting-edge facilities, scholarship opportunities, and essential information on student visa requirements. Additionally, prospective students will have the unique opportunity for spot admission, facilitating a streamlined process for enrollment. Dovetailing higher and technical education needed: Dipu Moni Invicta Technical College, distinguished for its state-of-the-art workshops, advanced training equipment, and highly experienced faculty members, has garnered recognition as one of the leading technical colleges in Sydney, the release also said. With the launch of this informative and interactive session, Invicta Technical College aims to foster a culture of excellence and provide students with the necessary tools to excel in their chosen fields.

Three students of Jagannath University (JnU) have received the Bangabandhu Sports Scholarship. The scholarship recipients are  Islamic Studies 2018-19 session student Tamanna Sultana Sumaiya (table tennis), Modern Language Education Institute Department 2020-21 session student Rachna Tripti (cricket), and History Department 2019-20 session student Nilufa Yasmin (shooting). Read: Russia offers 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students for 2024-25 academic year  On Tuesday, Education Minister Dipu Moni handed over the cheques to the students at the Martyr Captain Sheikh Kamal auditorium of the National Sports Council as the chief guest. State Minister of Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan was present there. Read: EducationUSA Bangladesh hosts US Education Fair at the EMK Center Bangabandhu Krirasevi Kalyan Foundation, under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has introduced Bangabandhu Sports Scholarships for the first time for athletes. A total of 1000 people have been awarded this scholarship from all over Bangladesh.

The US Embassy through its EducationUSA platform, in partnership with EdPrograms, has organised an exclusive US University Fair at the EMK Center’s new destination in the capital’s Gulshan Avenue. Officials and academic councelors from 15 US colleges and universities joined this special education event from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday.  Read: Russia offers 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students for 2024-25 academic year These institutions are The Chicago School, Pacific Oaks College, DePauw University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, SlipperyRock University, IOWA State University, Virginia Tech, Tandon School of Engineering, Pace University, Montclair State University, GW Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, The University of Arizona, University of South Dakota and The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The event was also joined by the US Embassy and EducationUSA Bangladesh officials, including Brennan Flanigan, Deputy Director of Public Engagement and Stephen F Ibelli, Public Affairs Counselor. “We want to thank all of our participant universities in this fair, some of which are participating for the first time in such event. The United States offers the world-class education with having more than 4,000 accredited colleges and universities; and currently we have more than 10,000 Bangladeshi students studying in the United States,” Brennan Flanigan said at the fair.  Read: First intra-department moot court competition held at Jagannath University  “The US Embassy and the people of the United States are certainly grateful that many Bangladesh undergraduate and graduate students are deciding to pursue their study in the United States,” he added. In addition to getting advice on how to submit their applications appropriately, students got the chance to interact and speak with US university admission officials face-to-face about scholarship prospects and admission standards, alongside other necessary information. “During the quest to find out the most appropriate destination and institution for higher studies, we often suffers with unwanted anxiety and stress,” Hasan, an aspiring PhD student, told UNB. “I think this kind of fairs can guide and assist us to take the right decision.” he added.

The Russian government has allotted 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students for the 2024–2025 academic year. Pavel Dvoychenkov, director of the Russian House in Dhaka, announced the 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students in undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses for the academic year 2024-2025. Scholarship application deadline for higher education in Russia extended The total number of scholarships for the academic year 2023–24 was 110. At the beginning of the speech, he thanked the students who were interested in pursuing higher education in Russia. He mentioned that the Russian government provides many scholarships to Bangladeshi students every year and conducts all kinds of support programmes, including campaigns through the Russian House in Dhaka. The scholarship application process for the next academic year started on September 1 and will continue until December 15 of this year. Russian National Unity Day marked by embassy in Bangladesh Dvoychenkov also mentioned that the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant was completed with the help of the Russian government and was going to be commissioned soon. The project will require a lot of talented manpower in various departments, and there is also a special opportunity to work with graduates of Russian universities, he said. Russian Centre for Open Education begins journey at Dhaka University During the seminar, Alina Andrukh, deputy head of international relations at Moscow Polytechnic University, presented the educational opportunities and facilities of the university online. Dr Taibul Hasan Khan, a Soviet alumni and former professor of history at Jahangirnagar University, and Yasmin Sultana, teacher of the Russian language course at the Russian House in Dhaka, attended the event, among others.

The first intra-department moot court competition was held at Jagannath University's Department of Land Management and Law. The competition was organised by the 'Land Law Club' on Tuesday. A total of eight teams participated in the competition. Also read: Thirty Bangladeshi universities compete in International Humanitarian Law moot The final was held with the best petitioner and the best respondent among the eight teams. Team 'Respondent-4' defeated Team 'Petitioner-1' in the final and became the champion. The judges of the final round were the founding chairman of the Department of Land Management and Law, Associate Professor Christine Richardson, Assistant Professor Ayesha Saleh, Assistant Professor Shakil Ahmed, and Assistant Professor of the Law Department, Md. Mefftahul Hasan. Regarding the competition, Assistant Professor Shakeel Ahmed said that students will improve their skills along with their academic studies through the moot court competition. Also read: Eastern University wins national round of Int'l Moot Court contest “This competition is very important for law students. I hope our students will do well in external competition as well,” he said. Director of Land Law Club Assistant Professor Rafea Khatun called Moot court a shadow court where the atmosphere of a real court is created. “Such competitions will enhance the practical knowledge of our students. This will also enhance their research skills and help develop advocacy skills,” he said. It is to be noted that moot court, or mooting, is a competition for law students. In a hypothetical case, students are divided into two groups, the petitioner and the respondent and present arguments against each other. In this imaginary court, there are multiple judges in the seat of the learned judge.

Daffodil International University has announced the suspension of academic activities for 11 days following rounds of clashes between students and locals in Savar. The university authority announced the suspension till November 16 in a statement on Monday morning, In the previous statement, it was stated that classes would be conducted online. However, this time, the university administration has suspended academic activities for 11 days. The notification further mentions that the resumption of academic activities will be announced later through another statement. Read: 20 injured as Daffodil University students clash with locals in Savar At least 20 people were injured after clashes erupted between Daffodil International University students and locals in Savar’s Ashulia Union on Sunday. A tense situation is prevailing in the area following the incident. Locals claimed that Hasibul Hasan Antar, a student of Daffodil International University, was killed by another student Rahat and his men a few days ago. But students of Daffodil International University vandalised and looted more than 150 shops in Akran Bazar area of Birulia in Savar on Friday night demanding arrest of the killers. Later, local people of Changaon area of Ashulia held a discussion for the safety of life and property Sunday afternoon. Read: 48-hr countrywide blockade: Violence, arson attack, clashes marks 1st day blockade But in the night, the students vandalised more than 200 shops and houses in Changao area with sticks and sharp weapons hearing the news of the meeting, leaving at least 20 people injured. Deepak Chandra Saha, officer-in-charge of Savar Model Police Station, said the situation is calm at present.

Some arsonists on Sunday tried to set fire to one of Dhaka University's student carrier BRTC buses in the capital on the first day of a 48-hour countrywide blockade enforced by the BNP and like-minded opposition parties. The incident took place in the capital's Mirpur area around 4 pm. Maksud Kamal takes charge as 29th VC of Dhaka University However, they failed to set fire to the bus. DU transport manager, Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, said, "As far as I know, some miscreants tried to set fire on one of our Double decker BRTC buses, named Choitali, when it was carrying local passengers, not our students." Bangladeshi nurses practically efficient but face problems abroad due to language barrier: FM Asked about the damages from the fire, he said, "We have hired those buses from BRTC and they mainly take care of those vehicles. However, the fire caused no severe damage to the bus or life, except burning some portions of seats. Passengers on the bus managed to extinguish the fire." DU proctor Prof. Makshudur Rahman, said, "The information floating in the social media is baseless. Some people tried to set fire to a match when the bus was returning from a dawn trip and it was carrying regular passengers. When the passengers noticed it, they extinguished the fire. BRTC will take care of this and it is not related to us." Students must develop other skills alongside education: Mustafa Jabbar "Actually some people are trying to portray a fearful situation by exaggerating the incident so that we postpone regular classes and exams. But it is not expected to be," he added.