United News of Bangladesh

Two teachers of Islamic University in Kushtia among six people have been sued under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act on charges of sexually harassing a woman at Jhinuk Tower of sadar upazila in Jhenaidah. The victim, Sadia Mollik, lodged the case with Jhenaidah Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal on July 3. The Jhenaidah police station received the case from the court on July 5, police said on Wednesday. BCL men assault IU student The accused are- Professor M Anowar Hossain of Islamic History and Culture Department and Debashish Sharma of Economics Department. The four others are- Liyakot Hossain, 42, son of Abdul Jalil, Md Abdus Saad, 40, son of Rahmat Ali, Mokarram Hossain, 43, son of Mosharraf Hossain and Mamun, 30. All are the residents of the Jhinuk Tower in the upazila. According to the case statement, the victim, Sadia Mallik, 29, wife of an Italian expatriate, rented a block on the fifth floor of the Jhinuk Tower and used to live there for the past seven months. The accused tried to come close to the victim on different occasions, according to case details. Recruitment Scam: IU VC’s conversation goes viral again Professor Anowar Hossain often harassed the victim both physically and mentally, the statement said. Professor Anowar Hossain with the assistance of five others has been accused of entering the victim’s room at night and attempting to harass her physically, the statement added. Sadia Mollik, however, could not be reached over the phone as her phone was found switched off. Denying the allegation, Professor M Anowar Hossain said that the allegation brought against him was false and fabricated. IU Students protest attack on teacher, block Kushtia-Jhenaidah highway Investigating officer of the case M Kamruz Zaman said that they were investigating the incident. He would submit the case reports to the Jhenaidah court after the investigation.    

Three activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League’s Islamic University unit allegedly vandalised the medical centre on campus in Kushtia early Tuesday. The three have been identified as Rezwan Siddiqi Kabbo, Atik Arman and Salman Ohin – students of the university’s law department. All are activists of BCL’s Islamic University unit. Wahidur Rahman Milton, duty doctor at the medical centre on campus, told UNB that Kabbo along with the two others came to him, complaining of chest pain. Ten minutes after receiving treatment, Kabbo misbehaved with him, as he was “drunk” and asked for an ambulance, the doctor said. Read: Universal College Bangladesh hosts Monash Graduation Convocation Later, the three students vandalised the medical centre and forced the ambulance driver to take them to Kushtia town, he added. Islamic University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof M Mahbubur Rahman, Treasurer Prof M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya and Proctor Prof M Shahadat Hossain Azad visited the medical centre this morning. The proctor said that they would take legal action against the accused involved in vandalising the medical center. Read: BCL men assault IU student A written complaint was submitted to the university’s Acting Registrar HM Ali Hasan in this regard. It is worth mentioning that the university authorities suspended Kabbo for violating the university’s rules and regulations on July 23, 2022.His suspension has not been withdrawn yet, the proctor said.

Universal College Bangladesh (UCB), an exclusive partner of Monash College, Australia in Bangladesh, hosted the Monash College Graduation Convocation 2023 on Saturday.  Seventy-six students across the different programs offered by Monash College namely, Monash University Foundation Year, Monash College Diploma of Business, Information Technology and Engineering graduated through a stunning event held at the Utsab Banquet Hall of Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in the capital. Kate Sangster, Acting Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission joined the event as chief guest, alongside Bob Kundanmal, Chairman of STS Group; Zarif Munir, Director and Member of the Board, Universal College Bangladesh; and Professor Muhammad Ismail Hossain, Dean of Academic Affairs, Universal College Bangladesh attended the event, with the graduating students, other high officials and esteemed guests.  Aga Khan School, Dhaka celebrates the Class of 2023 The event began with a welcome note from the Academic Dean, followed by a heartwarming video reflecting the graduating students’ journey. The event moved forward with a speech by Prof Hew Gill, President and Provost designate, followed by a board commendation speech by Zarif Munir. Bob Kundanmal, Chairman of STS Group said, “I am ecstatic to be standing here and looking at all of these accomplished faces ready to conquer the world. Being able to provide such a pathway for Bangladeshi students to access the top-notch education standards of Monash University has been a very fulfilling experience. Through UCB, we hope to continue making international education more accessible for the promising students of Bangladesh”. DU announces Tk913 crore budget for FY 2023-24 Kate Sangster, acting Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission said, “We are always honoured and are proud to reflect on strong ties and relationship with Bangladesh based on people-to-people link. Education is also a very important part of the people-to-people links, and Monash University and Monash College are amongst the most prestigious institutions known internationally.” “We’re very excited that these convocations are available in Bangladesh now. Education and skills development are also important to our development relationship with Bangladesh. We appreciate the Bangladesh government's decision to permit foreign universities to open branch campuses such as Universal College Bangladesh,” she added. Zarif Munir, Director and Member of the Board of Universal College Bangladesh said, “I would like to convey my congratulations to all the students for successfully navigating their personal academic journeys. As graduates of the nation's premier transnational higher education institution, our students can stride confidently into the future, accompanied by all the new skills and learnings. I am incredibly proud to witness this success”. UCB, the country's first Ministry of Education-approved international education provider, recognises the growing need for quality education and its impact on building a highly-skilled workforce for the future of Bangladesh. Enrolment in Grades 6-12 in schools up 52.5% since 2009: Dipu Moni According to QS World University Rankings 2024, Monash University is ranked 42nd globally; hence, making their world-class educational facilities available in the country enables Bangladeshi students to create a strong foothold within their respective fields. Moreover, this opportunity gives Bangladeshi students a direct pathway to Monash University, making international education accessible through UCB.    

The much awaited opening ceremony of the National STEAM Olympiad 2023 will be held on 23rd July at 3 PM at the auditorium of International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka. The initiative of iTesseract nationwide STEAM Olympiad will be organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education while Education minister and chief patron of the program Dipu Moni will inaugurate as chief guest. Winners of 1st International Astronomy Olympiad receive awards at Russian embassy The National STEM Olympiad will bring together students from six levels across Bangladesh to showcase students' exceptional talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). National Steam Olympiad convenor and chief advisor UGC member Professor Dr. Sazzad Hossain will attend as a special guest in the event. Professor Sazzad said that the effort of organizing the National STEAM Olympiad competition is a timely step for the promotion of innovative education ecosystem and STEAM education. Most Popular Olympiads in Bangladesh Chief Coordinator of the Olympiad Mohammad Abdul Hamid said, “The Olympiad will mark a new journey where students of all levels will have an opportunity to showcase their innovative projects, problem-solving abilities and expertise in various STEAM subjects. This platform not only encourages academic learning but also competition, creativity and intellectual spirit.” National STEAM Olympiad 2023 is an extraordinary event to unleash the talent of the youth. Apart from this, various academicians expressed the opinion that organizing such competitions is necessary to develop a culture of innovation and intellectual practice. Initiating students to the ‘Smart Bangladesh’ vision: Nat’l STEAM Olympiad to start on March 15 Students of six different levels can participate in the competition in a total of eight categories. For more information and to register for the National Steam Olympiad competition, interested can visit the following link: https://nationalsteamolympiad.com The grand opening event will be open to all.    

A student of the Applied Nutrition and Food Technology department of Islamic University was allegedly assaulted by  activists of the university unit of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling party student front, on the campus in Kushtia on Sunday. The victim, Shorifuzzaman Shovon, is a second year student of the university.  Another first-year student at Islamic University alleges torture by BCL activists Shovon, however, filed a written complaint with the university proctor Professor Shahadat Hossain Azad and student advisor Professor Shelina Nasrin against those involved in the incident seeking their punishment. According to the complaint, a group of IU BCL unit activists including Touhid of Bangla department and Sajib of Human Resource Management department under 2020-21 academic session and led by English department student M Masudur Rahman attacked Shovon while he was going to IU Daina Chattar after finishing his class at around 10:30am. Islamic University: 2 weeks later, no consequences for accused BCL leaders They all are the supporters of IU BCL unit vice-president Mridul Rabby. The BCL men, at one stage, assaulted Shovon and2 left him injured on the spot. Later, other students rescued Shovon from the spot and took him to IU medical center for treatment. They also threatened to kill the victim. Stern action for the accused involved in assaulting the victim was demanded, the complaint said. Contacted, the victim Shovon said that Masud and others assaulted him on the basis of their previous enmity. "I demand punitive action for the accused involved in attacking me," he said. Admitting the incident, Masud said that they assaulted Shovon as he uttered abusive words towards him. GD filed over Islamic University VC’s leaked audio clip IU BCL unit vice-president Mridul Rabby said that there was no involvement of BCL in assaulting Shovon. Rather, it happened following their internal conflict, he added. Many general students said that ragging and assaulting incidents happened repeatedly at the university as the university administration failed to take stern action against the accused involved in the incidents. BCL men halt Islamic University recruitment test The administration should take stern actions against the accused, and those proven guilty, so that they could not dare to do such a heinous act in the future, they added. IU proctor professor M Shahadat Hossain said that he received a written complaint from the victim. They were looking into the matter, he said, adding that action would be taken after proper investigation, he added.  Over 60% of undergraduate seats lie vacant at Islamic University  

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination in 2024 will be conducted on the revised syllabus or short syllabus. Education Minister Dr. Deepu Moni said this in response to questions from journalists at the Chandpur Circuit House on Friday afternoon. Read: Enrolment in Grades 6-12 in schools up 52.5% since 2009: Dipu Moni “The HSC exam is scheduled to take place in August. However, considering the lack of complete syllabus coverage for next year's candidates, the exam will be conducted in a revised syllabus,” she said. On the outbreak of dengue, she said, “Dengue is a preventable disease, we have to remain vigilant. Homes and educational facilities should be cleaned every three days.” Read: JU admission tests from Sunday

The Aga Khan School, Dhaka (AKS, D) has recently celebrated its graduating class of 67 talented students from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) and the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) A Levels.   To honour the graduates, the ceremony was held at a Dhaka hotel which was attended by parents, students, staff and the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Bangladesh Board of Directors, said a media release on Monday.  PM Hasina thanks Prince Rahim, Aga Khan Development Network for contributions in Bangladesh Head of Senior School Fahmida Chowdhury congratulated the parents and graduates, envisioning a triumph-filled journey ahead. “Remember that good things come to good people,” Fahmida said. “And if there is one thing I hope your education at The Aga Khan School, Dhaka has done, I hope it has instilled the values and ethics you need to make the right decisions in life and to be good people,” she said.  The keynote speaker, Chairman of AKES, Bangladesh Amyn Saleh, congratulated the graduating Class of 2023 on behalf of the Board of Directors. Stamp on Royal Opera House Muscat launched at Aga Khan Award function He highlighted the rapid technological advancements and environmental changes that have taken place over the lifetimes of the graduates, emphasising the need for them to be adaptable, lifelong learners equipped with 21st-century skills. He also commended the students' engagement in academics, service projects and sports. “I was thrilled to learn that all of you have been engaged in many community service projects and, at the same time, you have earned excellent results not only in your exams and national Olympiads, but also on the sports field,” Chairman Amyn said. “I am equally amazed by the number of university acceptances and scholarships awarded to your graduating class.” The graduating class chose two of their teachers to speak at the ceremony, ABM Shamsuddoha and Rokhsana Afroz, who commended the graduates for their achievements and growth throughout their academic journey 15 receive Aga Khan Music Awards 2022  They praised the graduating class’s dedication, hard work and ability to navigate challenges while participating in various co-curricular and extracurricular activities. They also emphasised the importance of integrity, kindness and a thirst for knowledge, encouraging the graduates to make a positive impact in the world and the local community and to be ambassadors for Bangladesh.  Aga Khan School holds first in-person graduation ceremony after 2019    

The authorities of Chittagong University (CU) on Thursday suspended two leaders of the university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) for six months on account of beating a campus reporter of an online news portal two days ago. The Board of Residence Health and Disciplinary Committee led by the university Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shireen Akhter took the decision two days after the incident. Read: SCC polls: 5 mayor aspirants lose security deposits CU Proctor Dr Mohammad Nurul Azim Sikdar confirmed the development, saying that the probe committee submitted their report on Wednesday night and the suspension order was taken on Thursday afternoon after a virtual meeting. He said that the suspension order will come into effect immediately and the two students will not be able to take part in any academic activities including examination during the stipulated period. The suspended students are Khaled Masud, law affairs secretary of the university unit of BCL and a 2017-18 session student of the Law faculty. The second man is Arafat Raihan, deputy office secretary and a 2018-19 session student of Sociology department. Imam Imu, general secretary of CU Journalists’ Association (CUJA), rejected the decision. “We didn’t want such justice. It was done just to show people that the university administration is hostage to the criminals while the probe committee proved that the criminals are stronger than the university administration,” he said, warning that they will continue the movement unless their demands are met. Read: Rescuers make last desperate push as final hours of oxygen on missing Titanic submersible tick down Since the incident of beating, the campus journalists have been demanding permanent expulsion of the accused BCL men. On June 19, Doust Mohammad, a campus correspondent of online news portal Dhaka State and member of CUJA, went to a stall to have a cup of tea at the rail station on the campus. He wanted to pick up a vacant chair from the stall to sit while the suspended BCL men barred him from doing this. An altercation broke out between them over the matter. At one stage some BCL men led by the duo beat Doust Mohammad, a Communication and Journalism department student of the CU. He is now being treated at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Wednesday placed a Tk913 crore budget for 2023-24 fiscal year. About Tk15 crore or 1.64% of the total budget have been proposed to be allocated for research while only Tk70 lakh for primary health. Tk724.12 crore, or 68.29%, has been allocated for salary, allowances and pension, and  Tk208 crore 4 lakh 39 thousands have been kept for goods and services. Also Read: UGC proposes Tk12262 crore for higher education sector for FY2023-24 DU treasurer Professor Momtaz Uddin Ahmed announced the budget at the annual session of Dhaka University Senate at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury senate building around 3 pm on Wednesday. DU Vice Chancellor prof. Dr. Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman chaired the meeting. Prof. Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the session by presenting the budget speech. Alongside, DU pro-VC (education)  Prof. Maksud Kamal, Pro-VC(Admin) Prof. Mohammad Samad, proctor Prof. AKM Golam Rabbani, senate members, teachers’ representatives, student representatives, Diponkor Talukdar MP, principals of 7 colleges affiliated with the Dhaka University were present in the session. Of the total proposed budget, the University Grants Commission (UGC) will provide Tk 768 crore  80 lakh while Tk 85 crore will come from the university's internal sources. Also read: Budget 2023-24: Govt allocates Tk88,162 crore in education sector, up 8.2% According to the proposed budget, there will be a deficit of Tk 60 crore 9 lakh, or 6.58%, in FY23-24. BNP-backed teachers walked out of the discussion session as the DU VC expunged Prof. Lutfor Rahman's speech about reported torture in guestrooms in the student dormitories. Prof. Lutfor Rahman is the convener of white panel, a BNP-Jamat backed teachers association of Dhaka University. Also read: Focus on quality research: President asks universities After the walk out, Prof. Lutfor Rahman said, "The DU VC is the main guardian, but he is not performing his responsibility properly. He is trying to establish a dictatorship. He does not treat all his students equally."  

Education Minister Dipu Moni on Tuesday informed parliament that the number of students enrolled in 6th grade to 12th grade in schools has increased appreciably by 52.5 percent since 2009 - that is over the tenure of three Awami League-led governments since that year.  Traditionally, Bangladesh and other developing countries have struggled to retain students in schools in these grades. Once students pass the fifth grade, poor parents often take them out of school and put them to work, or to look for work.   Also read: This is high time to allow PhD degrees in private universities: Dipu Moni The education minister had no hesitation in attributing this success to the government's "pro-poor" initiatives.  She divulged the information in reply to a tabled question from treasury bench MP Mamunur Rashid Kiran.  Also read: We’ve incorporated interactive learning at primary, secondary levels to ensure quality education: Dipu Moni Dipu Moni said that some 5,500 private educational institutions have been enlisted under the Monthly Pay Order (MPO) over the three terms of the present government. While replying to a query from AL MP Nurunnabi Chowdhury, the education minister said that there are 701 government colleges across the country, with a total of 25.58 lakh students.  Of the total number, the number of male students is 12.97 lakh and the number of female students is 12.61 lakh. Also read: SSC exam will be held under new curriculum in 2026: Dipu Moni