United News of Bangladesh

Ten students of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department at Dhaka University (DU) have received Prof Sitara Parveen Award for their academic excellence. An amount of Tk 1, 18,534 was distributed among the award winners on the basis of their academic performance. The award ceremony was held at Prof Mojaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the Social Science Faculty Building at 10 am Thursday. Read: Community Digital Storytelling workshop held at Islamic University DU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman attended the function as the chief guest while Social Science Faculty’s Dean Prof Zia Rahman was the special guest. Chaired by MCJ department’s chair Prof Dr Abul Mansur Ahmed, Associate Prof Marzia Rahman conducted the event. Awardees are Md Nasimul Huda, SM Shams Rahman, Sumaiya Sanjana Nimmi, Nausheen Beethi, Orthi Navnita, Maria Anis Chowdhury, Md. Mahfuzul Islam, Niti Chakma, Sujan Sen Gupta and Syed Mohammad Rahatul Islam. Read: Applications for UK's Chevening scholarships to open on Sept 12 "Sitara Parveen was a very soft-spoken lady and perfect model for Bengali women. I feel sorry for losing her at such an early age. She passed away but will be remembered for her works and simplicity", VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman said this while addressing the event. "The main objective of today’s award giving ceremony is to inspire our students. My request to those, who are being awarded today, is that they will be honest and responsible in their respective fields,” he added. Recalling memories, MCJ Chair Abul Mansur said, "Her (Sitara) contribution to my life will be remembered till my death as she helped me in my tough times when my mother had died.” Read: Dipu Moni calls for education transformation through integrated and inclusive approach Late Sitara Parveen was a professor of the MCJ and wife of retired Prof Ahaduzzaman Md Ali who also served the department as a faculty member of the Social Science Faculty.

A workshop on 'Community Digital Storytelling' was recently held at Islamic University (IU), Kushtia, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, Daffodil International University (DIU). The Photographic Society of Islamic University and the Community Digital Storytelling Festival team jointly organized it on September 11 in room 134 of the university's Mir Musharraf Hossain Academic Building. Read: IU- issued open notice for information Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin, President of Al-Fiqh and Legal Studies Department at IU, conducted the workshop, while Dr Md Abdul Kabil Khan, Associate Professor at the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication from Daffodil International University was the keynote speaker. Proctor of Islamic University and Shahadat Hossain Azad, Professor, Department of English; Shahjahan Mandal, Professor, Law Department, Adviser of Photographic Society; and Amjad Hossain, Associate Professor of Al Fiqh and Legal Studies Department were present as guests. Read: US lauds "robust exchange" of students, researchers, scholars, educators with Bangladesh In the workshop, Dr Khan discussed various topics including camera settings, pictures with contemporary needs, story ideas and research. He also discussed practical issues like camera settings, story quality, FPS (frames per second), using appropriate video frames. "The story that no one in the society talks about is the true story. There are many untold tales among the common people. One should choose a narrative with current issues as its subject. In addition to this, you have to select which social media platform will be used to reach your target demographic,” Dr Khan said at the workshop. Dr Shahjahan Mandal and Dr Mohammad Nashir Uddin discussed the legal and Shariah perspectives of Community Digital Storytelling. Read: Dipu Moni calls for education transformation through integrated and inclusive approach

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia have issued an ‘open notice’ for all of its students with a view to gathering information regarding the recent ragging incident allegedly by a group of students of the Human Resource Management department on September 2. A press release, signed by IU Business Administration Faculty dean Professor M Shaiful Islam, was issued in this regard on Tuesday. According to the press release, the university administration has issued the ‘open notice’ asking all students concerned to provide information about the torture on Tahmin Osman, a fresher of Human Resource Management department, to the probe committee for making a fair investigation report. Islamic University officials continue work abstention for 2nd day If anyone has any evidence or information about the torture of the student, he/she should be asked to submit it, in written form or in person, to the probe body convener, also business administration faculty dean, Professor Shaiful Islam's office by September 17. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential, the press release added. Professor M Shaiful Islam said that they issued the ‘open notice’ to gather actual information from the students. They would try to submit their investigation report in due time, he added. BCL's Islamic University unit suspends 8 activists for violating organisation rules IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan said that the university authorities would take legal action against the accused involved in torturing the fresher after getting the probe report. Earlier, a group of students, including Hisham Nazir Shuvo, Mizanur Rahman Emon and Sheikh Salahuddin Shakib under 2021–22 academic session of the Human Resource Management department brought Tahmin Osman, a first year student of the same department, to Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium area after his orientation class on September 2 and tortured him mentally. They tortured him once again on September 3. 5 injured in BCL factional clash at Islamic University The victim, however, on Sunday lodged a complaint with proctor professor M Shahadat Hossain Azad, student adviser professor Shelin Nasrin and acting registrar HM Ali Hasan in this connection. The university administration later formed a five-member probe body led by the business administration faculty dean soon after receiving the complaint from the victim to look into the matter.    

A woman and her son were killed after being hit by a speeding private car while crossing a road in Sylhet's Osmaninagar upazila on Sunday night. The accident occurred in front of VARD Eye Hospital in the Tajpur area on Sylhet-Dhaka highway around 8:30 pm on Sunday (September 10). Read: Two workers electrocuted in Munshiganj jute mill The deceased were identified as Salma Begum, 52, wife of Shukkur Ali of Kamalbazar area of South Surma upazila, and her son Abdul Kaium, 32. They lived in a rented house next to the eye hospital. Eyewitness said that Salma and her son died on the spot while crossing the road after they were hit by a car while crossing the road. Read: RMG worker ‘pushed off’ moving bus, dies in Gazipur On information, a team of police and Tajpur Fire Service reached the spot and recovered the bodies, said Md. Samrat Talukdar, assistant superintendent of Sylhet district police (Media). Later, the bodies were sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical Hospital morgue, added the OC.

Applications to study in the UK with a Chevening Scholarship or South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) will be opened for the candidates aimed at mid-career journalists on September 12, 2023. Applications will be accepted till November 7, 2023 and applications will have to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply or www.chevening.org/fellowship/sajp. “If you are someone who is passionate about driving change, whether on a local or global scale, if you want to be the best at what you do and if you have the imagination to inspire others, then a Chevening Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh HE Sarah Cooke. READ: US lauds "robust exchange" of students, researchers, scholars, educators with Bangladesh “There’s no such thing as a typical scholar. Your age, race, gender, religion or background don’t matter. We want to see that you have energy, curiosity, compassion and a clear vision for your future. If this sounds like you, why not join our community of alumni from Bangladesh! “‘Our alumni network is full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience that you will. They can offer encouragement, mentorship, advice, and contacts. When you return home after your studies you should feel well-equipped to start making a real difference in Bangladesh,” said the High Commissioner. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them to create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for an eligible master’s degree, from over 150 UK universities, whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences. READ: 21 professionals awarded new Chevening scholarships The Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) is aimed at mid-career journalists from South Asian countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The fellowship is hosted by the University of Westminster. UK degrees and teaching methods are world-class and give scholars the opportunity to develop professional skills and shape their future career. Successful applicants will also join a vibrant global network that includes more than 380 alumni from Bangladesh, and over 55,000 alumni worldwide. Since the programme was created in 1983, over 55,000 professionals have had the opportunity to take their career to the next level through Chevening. There are approximately 1,500 awards on offer globally for the 2024/2025 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow as Chevening celebrates its 40th anniversary year. Bangladesh has more than 380 Chevening alumni. Chevening scholarships are fully-funded (flights, accommodation, and course fees are all included). READ: 200 Bangladeshi students join US Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship prog Interested applicants can go through chevening.org/scholarships for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.  

Two separate cases were filed on Saturday night accusing over 500 people in connection with the vandalism at the bungalow of Chittagong University (CU) Vice Chancellor (VC) and buses of the transport department after 20 students sustained injuries when they fell off a university-bound train’s roof on Thursday night. The university’s Acting Registrar KM Nur Ahmed and Security Officer Sheikh Md Abdur Razzaque filed the cases on behalf of the university respectively.  Abu Taiyeb Md Arif Hossain, additional superintendent of district police, confirmed the development saying that the cases were filed with Hathazari police station over allegations of extortion and torching buses.  20 CU students injured falling off roof of running shuttle train In the cases, 14 were named as accused and 400-500 unidentified were accused, he said.  Earlier on Thursday night, 20 students were injured after being hit by a branch of a tree when they were returning to campus from Chattogram city, riding on the train's roof due to overcrowding. Sixteen of the injured students were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH). As per regular schedule, the university-bound shuttle train carrying over 2,000 students left the city’s New Market Station At 8:30 pm on Thursday. Risking lives, some students were seen riding on the train’s roof due to lack of seats. As the train arrived in Fatehabad area under Hathazari upazila, some students fell off the train after being hit by a branch of a tree which was hanging low due to rains.   Enraged by the incident, the CU students vandalised the campus police outpost, shops, and set tyres on fire in front of the Zero Point at the university. At one stage, they also moved to the bungalow of the university’s VC, went on rampage there and torched buses, creating panic on the campus. On Friday, VC Prof Dr Shireen Akthter held a press conference on the campus alleging that some miscreants carried out the vandalism and torched the buses.       

North South University (NSU) Social Services Club prepares to host the eleventh edition of Pathao presents Socio Camp powered by Lira Imports in association with Computer Mania BD and Blucheez, a dynamic idea generating competition that promises to unite the brightest minds from universities across Bangladesh. The event is scheduled to take place on September 9th, 2023, at North South University campus, said a press release. Also read: NSU hosts workshop on negotiation and contract administration Socio Camp has become a hallmark event in the academic calendar, fostering an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration, and healthy competition. This year's edition aims to further elevate the spirit of innovation as teams from diverse educational backgrounds converge to present their groundbreaking ideas. Also read: NSU VC meets President Shahabuddin This is open to all universities in Bangladesh, with teams comprising of passionate studentswho share a common goal of making a positive impact on society. Socio Camp XI will culminate in a grand finale where the most promising ideas will be showcased in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a captivated audience. "Universities are wellsprings of brilliant ideas, and Socio Camp serves as a platform to channel that potential into actionable solutions. We’re thrilled to welcome participants from universities all over Bangladesh, as their diverse perspectives and innovative thinking will undoubtedly shape the future” said Raju Ahmmed, General Secretary of NSUSSC. Also read: Times Higher Education Rankings 2023: DU, NSU ranked top Bangladeshi universities A dedicated registration booth will be stationed on the North South University campus from September 9th to September 14th. Participants can register through online or in-person at the booth paying a fee Tk 500. The club has declared a prize money of Tk100,000 for the champion, Tk60,000, and TK40,000 to be awarded to first and second runners-up, respectively. Participants are encouraged to visit the official website www.nsussc.com and Facebook page of North South University Social Services Club.

Charge d’ Affaires at the US Embassy Nathan Flook on Saturday highlighted the continued success of Bangladeshi students on U.S. campuses across the United States. He lauded “the robust exchange of students, researchers, scholars, and educators, along with broader international education efforts between the United States and Bangladesh.” Flook also highlighted the increasing number of Bangladeshi students studying in the United States with Bangladesh currently ranking 13th among the top 20 sending countries of origin for students studying in the United States. The Charge d’ Affaires inaugurated the Fall 2023 U.S. university fair, organized by the U.S. Embassy, through its EducationUSA platform. More than 5,000 visitors from across the country came to interact with 31 American colleges and universities – the highest number of U.S. institutions to date in Bangladesh.  This follows a student fair that saw around 3,000 visitors in Chattogram and was the largest U.S. university engagement outside of Dhaka.  The fair provided prospective students, teachers, parents, and school counselors with an opportunity to speak face-to-face with 31 U.S. university admissions officials.  Representatives from the following U.S. universities participated in the fair:  Canisius University, Cascadia College, Drexel University, Emporia State University, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Louisiana Tech University, Mercy University, Northeastern University, Nova Southeastern University, Old Dominion University, Pacific Oaks College, Seattle Central Community College, SUNY at Albany, SUNY at Buffalo, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Trine University, Troy University, University of Cincinnati, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Massachusetts – Lowell, University of Michigan Flint, University of Missouri – Columbia, University of New Haven, University of Oregon, University of Utah, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Virginia Commonwealth University, Youngstown State University, and Wayne State University.  

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni called for enriching and transforming the existing education system through integrated and inclusive approach. The minister came up with the urge while speaking at the conference held at UNESCO, Paris on September 8, 2023, on the occasion of 'International Literacy Day 2023'. Aslo read: Enrolment in Grades 6-12 in schools up 52.5% since 2009: Dipu Moni Dipu Moni attended the conference as a member of the High Level Steering Committee on Transforming Education. The main theme of the conference was to achieve SDG target 4.6 with emphasis on youth and adult literacy through adequate financing which will implement programs, content and practices that explore ways to enrich the culture of lifelong learning. Also read: Many new universities don’t have their own campus: Dipu Moni The Education Minister said that the existing education sectors need to be enriched and transformed through an integrated and inclusive approach so that no one is left behind to achieve lifelong literacy. Dipu Moni believed that education is the best way for solving conflicts in our world, society and nation. “To strengthen the literacy movement, she emphasized on the involvement of stakeholders and communities, especially the youth.” The minister also focused on the need to reaffirm political commitment to secure a better future for the people and protect them from transitional and political obstacles. She concluded by saying that we must help the marginalized to advance without prejudice or psycho-social trauma and we must build a social contract to establish education as a basic human right. Dipu Moni MP also attended the award ceremony of the ‘UNESCO International Literary Prize 2023’ where a Bangladeshi NGO received the 'UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy for their contribution to promoting literacy among disadvantaged groups.

Police baton-charged a rally of protesters who have been asking to increase age limit to 35 for government job seekers. The incident took place at the Shahbagh intersection around 5.30 pm today.  Despite calling several times, Noor Mohammad, OC of Shahbag police station, could not be reached for his views.