United News of Bangladesh

Academic activities of 66 primary and secondary schools and madrashas have been suspended due to ongoing flood in Kurigram district. District Education Department sources said due to the overall flood situation and disrupted communication system, the authorities decided to suspend the activities of 66 educational institutions in seven upazilas of the district. The decision was taken on Sunday, according to the District Primary Education Office. Read: Kurigram flood situation improves as water level of rivers receding Among the educational institutions, 54 are primary schools while the rest are secondary and higher secondary level educational institutions and madrashas. Of the total schools, 25 primary schools are in Nageshwari upazila, six in Ulipur, six in Sadar, eight in Chilmari, seven in Phulbari and one each in Roumari and Bhurungamari upazilas have been closed, said District Primary Education Officer Shahidul Islam. Already a list of damaged educational institutions was sent to the ministry, he said. Read: Dudhkumar river in Kurigram overflowing Shamsul Alam, District Secondary Education Officer, said the academic activities of 10  secondary schools in Nageshwari upazila, one each in Bhurungamari and Ulipur upazilas have been suspended. Read more:  Under-trial prisoner of Kurigram jail dies at hospital

EDOTCO Bangladesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ActionAid International Bangladesh Society aiming to empower 50 ‘Shishu Bikash Kendra’ (child development centers) by providing free solar energy. The collaborative initiative, named “Empowering Shishu Bikash Kendra” by ActionAid, demonstrates EDOTCO’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and Goal 7: Ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Sunil Issac, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Bangladesh, and Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, inked the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations. Under the terms of the MoU, as part of its Tower2Power corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, EDOTCO will act as the financial partner for the project. The company will fund the installation of solar panels, providing power support for lights, fans, and audio systems in 50 child development centers of ActionAid across the country. Read: EDOTCO Bangladesh appoints Sunil Isaac as new country managing director Sunil Issac, Country Managing Director of EDOTCO Bangladesh, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, 'Our collaboration with ActionAid presents an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on the community. By leveraging our combined strength and resources, we can promote sustainable business practices that benefit the areas where we operate. Our goal is to create a just and sustainable ecosystem where everyone has access to connectivity. We remain dedicated to building a sustainable and connected future for the community, and this collaboration will undoubtedly contribute to that mission. We hope our efforts will inspire others to join us in making an even greater impact to the country and our society.” Read: Edotco sets up 15,000th tower in Bangladesh Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid Bangladesh, thanking EDOTCO as the new partner remarked, “ActionAid Bangladesh has been at the forefront of advocacy for social and climate justice for the last four decades. In our child development centers, we have been working with marginalized children, investing in their early childhood development, and helping them grow up as smart and responsible citizens. We believe children should have access to equal rights and opportunities and live in a sustainable, safe environment. This partnership exemplifies commitments to child rights and a sustainable planet and intends to encourage the younger generation to be mindful of protecting the environment while pursuing their education and rights.” By joining forces, EDOTCO and ActionAid are set to positively impact the lives of marginalized children in Bangladesh, while advancing the country's sustainable development agenda. The partnership exemplifies the commitment of both organizations to drive social and environmental progress and sets the bar for the highest standards in social, economic, and environmental responsibility. Read more: edotco wins multiple awards at the Global Best Employer Awards 2022

Postgraduate intern doctors at  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) have held a protest in Dhaka's Shahbagh area, demanding a higher monthly allowance, timely payments, and clearance of dues. They demanded a raise in their monthly allowance — from Tk 20,000 to TK 50,000. The protesters called for a sit-in at the Shahbagh intersection this morning at the behest of the Postgraduate Private Trainee Doctors’ Association. BSMMU students demand allowance increment However, police personnel deployed in the area ahead of the demonstration stopped them from marching towards Shahbagh intersection. In a protest against police interference, they locked up all the gates of BSMMU around 12 pm. Later, they came out of the hospital and staged a protest, blocking the road in front of BSMMU. Witnesses said, around 1 pm some of the protesters came out of the hospital and tried to block Shahbagh intersection but police stopped them. Neurosurgery training centre to be introduced at BSMMU Tension escalated between doctors and the police, resulting in a chaotic situation. During the protest, doctors tried to obstruct the road, leading to the Science Lab from Shahbagh. Eyewitnesses, including a nearby vendor, reported that in response to the road blockade, police resorted to using batons to disperse the doctors. Protesting intern doctors said that police have been interfering in the protest since they announced their demand publicly. Postgraduate doctors get Tk 20000 as allowance per month which is insufficient to meet their basic needs, they said. BSMMU prepared against Monkeypox: VC They also said that they are not allowed to see patients outside BSMMU. In an attempt to pacify the protesting students, Dr. Sharfuddin, Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU, made an appearance at approximately 3:50 pm. Addressing the demonstrators, he stated, "In response to your demands, I have successfully arranged for the payment of your outstanding dues. Today, I held a meeting with the relevant officials to discuss the issues you have raised. If you heed my advice and return to the hostel, I anticipate being able to provide you with positive news soon. However, if you choose not to follow my instructions, you will need to find your own means to resolve the situation." He asked the students to give him seven days to resolve the situation and urged them to get back to their studies. The protest and blockade, lasting four hours, resulted in significant traffic congestion heading towards the Science Laboratory. The tailback caused considerable delays for motorists in the area. END/UNB/AHT/FK/KW

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia on Saturday suspended three activists of the university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League for their alleged involvement in vandalising the equipment of the medical centre on campus.The decision was made at a meeting of the university’s student disciplinary committee held on the campus in the morning with Vice-chancellor Professor Sheikh Abdus Salam in the chair.The suspended students are: Rezwan Siddiqi Kabbo, a student of law department under 2018-19 academic session, Atik Arman and Salman Ohin under 2021-22 academic session of the same department. They are all activists of the university unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League.IU Proctor Professor M Shahadat Hossain Azad told UNB that the VC issued the suspension order against the trio for violating the university’s rules and regulations. Read: 2 IU teachers sued for allegedly harassing woman in JhenaidahA three-member probe committee was also formed to look into the matter and further action would be taken against them after getting reports from the probe body, he added.Earlier, on Monday night, Kabbo along with Atik and Salman went to the medical centre with chest pain.Later, he asked the duty doctor Wahidur Rahman Milton for an ambulance to go to Kushtia General Hospital for better treatment. Read: 3 BCL activists vandalised Islamic University’s medical centre, says duty doctorKabbo with his associates started “vandalising equipment including chairs, table and land phone” in the medical centre as the doctor delayed giving him the ambulance.

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