Education
DU Law Dept Students say BCL men attacked their discussion
At Dhaka University's Bangabandhu Tower yesterday, an alleged attack by individuals identified as activists of Chhatra League left at least three Law Department students with significant injuries. The incident occurred following a religious discussion held by the students, say the victims.
The seriously injured, identified as Sakibuzzaman Turzo, Shahinoor Alam Russel, and Rafid Hasan Safwan, reported that the assault happened as they were exiting the Bangabandhu Tower mosque after a session focused on the significance of fasting during Ramadan.
DU students protest SUST, NUST decision to ban Iftar parties
Eyewitnesses and employees of Bangabandhu Tower recounted that approximately 15 to 20 Law Department students gathered at the tower for Zuhr prayers. Following the prayers, they engaged in a discussion on various Ramadan-related topics.
The situation escalated when Sirajul Haque, President of the Bangabandhu Tower Employees' Association, accompanied by Tawhidul Islam Sujan, General Secretary of the Shahbagh Thana Chhatra League, demanded the students vacate the mosque premises. According to witnesses, the attack unfolded as the students attempted to leave, with Sujan and his associates confronting them at the exit.
Abrar Fahad event row: Protest rally held at Dhaka University
CCTV footage from the mosque and its surroundings corroborated the accounts provided by witnesses. One of the students, Rezowan Ahmed Rifat, shared, “We were immediately attacked upon exiting the mosque. Some of us, including myself, were physically assaulted. I sought refuge in a nearby Bangabandhu Tower residence with a friend, while Shahin, who sustained more severe injuries, was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.”
Efforts to reach Tawhidul Islam Sujan for comments were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls.
Tanvir Hasan Saikat, General Secretary of the Dhaka University Chhatra League, commented on the incident, suggesting the involved students were holding a seminar and were linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, although they claimed to be part of a Tablighi group. He alleged that a confrontation started when residents objected to the seminar, leading to a physical altercation that was intervened by Chhatra League leaders.
An unauthorized open-air ‘library’ on Dhaka University campus raises eyebrows
Saikat also expressed concerns over increasing activities by Jamaat, Shibir, and “militant organizations” within the university, accusing them of politicizing mosque spaces. He declared that the Dhaka University Chhatra League would intensify its campus activities to counter such groups.
DU Proctor Prof. Maksudur Rahman acknowledged awareness of the incident but noted that no official complaint had been filed. He assured that the university administration is investigating the matter further.
End/ UNB/AHT/MB/KW
'Katka tragedy day' observed at Khulna University
Khulna University observed the 20th anniversary of Katka tragedy on Wednesday on the campus to remember the students who were drowned in the sea near Katka of the Sundarbans in 2004.
On March 13, 2004, eleven students, including nine of Khulna University and two of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, drowned in the sea while they were on a study tour there.
Programmes of the day included wearing of black badges at 10 am, mourning procession round the campus from Hadi Chattar at 10:15 am, laying of wreaths at Katka memorial on the campus, milad mehfil after Zohar prayers at the university mosque.
Apart from this, Iftar and dinner were served to orphans after Maghrib.
Vice-chancellor of Khulna University Professor Dr Mahmood Hossain led the mourning procession.
Among others, pro vice-chancellor of the university, Dr Mosammat Hosne Ara, Treasurer Professor Amit Roy Chowdhury, Dean of various schools, Registrar (Acting), Head of Architecture Discipline including Head of Discipline, Director of Student Affairs, Provost and Head of Department, teachers, students and officers of the University were also present.
Recruitment ‘anomaly’ at IU: Conversation between pro-VC, official goes viral
A general diary(GD) has been filed with Islamic University police station after the WhatsApp conversation between the university’s pro-vice-hancellor Professor M Mahbubur Rahman and its deputy registrar (admin) Chandan Kumar Das went viral on social media Facebook.
M Shohel Rana, the personal secretary of the pro-vice-chancellor, lodged the GD with the university police station on Monday, Islamic University police station officer-in-charge M Mamunur Rahman said on Wednesday.
According to the case statement, some screenshots of the WhatsApp containing conversation between pro-VC M Mahbubur Rahman and deputy registrar Chandan Kumar Das regarding the recruitment of a gardener in exchange of Tk 8 lakh went viral from a Facebook account named ‘IU Viral News’ on Sunday night.
WHO report reveals gender inequality at the root of global crisis in health and care work
The screenshots were made as a part of conspiracy against the pro-vice-chancellor, the case statement said.
Professor M Mahbubur Rahman told UNB that the screenshots shared on social media were completely ‘false’ and ‘fabricated’. A vested quarter tried to harm his career by spreading the false information, he alleged.
Earlier, a total of 14 audio clips containing conversations between IU vice-chancellor professor Shaikh Abdus Salam and different persons went viral on social media from February 16 to June 13 last year.
IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan filed a GD after an audio conversation between IU VC and a jobseeker of the university’s Mass Communication and Journalism Department had gone viral on February 17.
On March 14, 2023, another audio clip of conversation between HM Ali Hasan and a contractor went viral on social media.
ADB approves $71 million loan to improve flood control, water resources management in Gopalganj and Madaripur
On November 22, several audio conversations among Awami League-backed student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League Islamic University unit president Faisal Siddike Arafat, its general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy and a person went viral on social media Facebook.
Silent protest held at JnU against Iftar party ban at SUST, NUST
The common students of Jagannath University staged a mass Iftar program in protest against the university authorities' ban on Iftar parties at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Noakhali University of Science and Technology.
On Tuesday (March 12), the first day of Ramadan, the students organized Iftar at the central Shaheed Minar premises of the university.
Shihab Hossain, a student of economics department, said, “Two university administrations of the country have banned Iftar parties in their campuses. They are trying to eliminate Islamic cultures from the country. We protested against him and common students united and had Iftar. We will tell the administrations of those two universities to withdraw their orders. I also hope that no other university administration should take such a decision.”
Saurabh Ghosh, a Hindu student who participated in Iftar, said, “I participate in Iftar with my friends every year during Ramadan. I think one of the ways to express a secular attitude is to associate oneself with all religious practices. Ramadan comes after one year and everyone should welcome this month.”
Earlier, ordinary students protested against the banning of Iftar parties in universities. However, due to not taking permission from the administration, they observed it in short.
Schools to remain open till March 25: Education Ministry
The government has taken a decision to continue the classes of secondary level schools till March 25 during the month of Ramadan.
On December 13, the government amended the holiday list for educational institutions keeping the regular activities of secondary schools open for 15 days during the month of Ramadan.
According to the new decision, the classes of all government and private schools under secondary level will continue till March 25, said a handout signed by Mohammad Abul Khayer, public relation officer of the Education Ministry.
Earlier in the day, the Appellate Division stayed the High Court order on keeping the primary and secondary schools closed during the month of Ramadan.
A 5-member Appellate Division bench led by Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan passed the order hearing an appeal filed against the High Court order.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin stood for the state while Advocate AKM Faiz stood for the writ petitioner.
Attorney General AM Amin Uddin told reporters that following the Appellate Division order there will be no bar on running schools during Ramadan.
On March 10, the HC stayed for two months the government’s decision to keep the primary and secondary schools open in the first 10 and 15 days of Ramadan respectively.
Advocate Md Ilias Ali Mandal, a guardian, filed a writ petition on February 25, challenging the two orders of the government.
Secretaries to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Education Ministry, deputy secretary of Primary and Mass Education Ministry and deputy secretary of Education Ministry, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Department, Director of Child Welfare Trust were made respondents.
School closure during Ramadan: Hearing in Appellate Division set for Tuesday
The chamber judge of the Appellate Division has upheld a High Court order that ordered the closure of primary and secondary schools during the month of Ramadan.
At the same time, the court fixed tomorrow (Tuesday) for the hearing.
Chamber Judge of the Appellate Division Justice M Enayetur Rahim passed the order after hearing a petition filed by the state seeking a stay on the HC order. Attorney General AM Amin Uddin stood for the state.
Earlier on Sunday, the High Court stayed a decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during Ramadan. The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by a student's guardian.
Earlier on February 8, the Ministry of Education decided to keep the secondary level schools open for 15 days during Ramadan by partially amending the holiday list and education calendar. It was notified in a notification signed by Mohammad Abul Khair, Information and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education.
In another notification, the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education said that classes will continue for 10 days in primary schools during Ramadan.
According to the Ministry of Education notification, it was decided to continue class activities of public/private secondary and lower secondary schools for a total of 15 days from March 11 to 25.
On February 25, Adv Elias Ali Mondal, a guardian of a student filed a writ petition with the High Court challenging the decision to keep primary and secondary schools open during Ramadan.
The secretaries to the ministries of primary and mass education, deputy secretaries to the ministries of primary and mass education, deputy secretaries to education, director general of the Directorate of Primary Education, and director of the Child Welfare Trust have been made respondents to it. The hearing on the writ was held on Sunday.
Students should focus on professional skills: Education Minister
Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury said that many skill-based jobs have been created in our country. But we do not have candidates who can fulfil our demand based on that skill.
"So, students should focus on professional and vocational education along with institutional education," he said.
The minister was speaking at the 11th convocation of Daffodil International University held on its campus at Barulia in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital on Sunday afternoon.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that there are many opportunities in front of our young generation. They have to be efficient. They have to make themselves employable as well.
Besides, it should be ensured that there is no deficiency in soft skills, he added.
He said that if our graduates are not employable, foreigners will take foreign currency from our country. It should be seen why they are doing well in their respective fields.
"You (graduates) should improve their language and presentation skills."
Addressing the students, Chowdhury said there should be a mindset of learning skills at any age. You must have the mindset of being a lifelong learner.
Dr Franco Gandolfi, professor at Georgetown University, USA was the convocation speaker while Dr Md Sabur Khan, chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University, gave a welcome speech on the occasion.
Among others, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman (Additional Charge) Professor Dr. Muhammad Alamgir, Daffodil International University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Lutfar Rahman also spoke.
A total of 6,284 students from different disciplines were conferred undergraduate and graduate degrees, while 12 meritorious students received gold medals for their excellent results.
Primary, secondary schools to remain closed during Ramadan: HC
The High Court on Sunday (March 10, 2024) stayed for two months the government’s decision to keep the primary and secondary schools open in the first 10 and 15 days of Ramadan respectively.
The HC bench of Justice KM Kamrul Kader and Justice Khizir Hayat passed the order following a petition seeking closure of school activities during Ramadan.
Advocate Mahmuda Khanam stood for the writ petitioner while deputy attorney general Sheikh Md Saifuzzaman represented the state.
Milk, eggs, meat, and fish to be sold affordable prices at 30 points in capital
Following the order, the academic activities of primary and secondary schools will remain closed during the month of Ramadan.
On February 8, the government amended the holiday list for educational institutions keeping the regular activities of secondary schools open for 15 days during the month of Ramadan. The Education Ministry issued a notice in this regard.
In another notice, the Primary and Mass Education Ministry issued a notice to keep the activities of primary schools during the month of Ramadan for ten days.
Advocate Md Ilias Ali Mandal, a guardian, filed a writ petition on February 25, challenging the two orders of the government.
SCBA election: Khokon, Monjurul elected president, secretary
Secretaries to the Primary and Mass Education Ministry, Education Ministry, deputy secretary of Primary and Mass Education Ministry and deputy secretary of Education Ministry, Director General of the Directorate of Primary Education Department, Director of Child Welfare Trust were made respondents.
Ramadan is likely begin from March 11 or March 12 depending on the sighting of the moon.
Cultural exchange program among students of 3 countries held
A cultural exchange program involving the students of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Malaysia was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in Mymensingh on Friday.
Around 150 students from these countries participated in the program.
Leo Club of BAU organised the the event at the Chashi Bhavan Auditorium of the university sponsored by Lions Club of Dhaka Mymensingh Heritage.
The students showcased their respective countries' traditional attire, food, crafts, heritage and culture through performances of national flags hoisting and national anthem.
Ln. Dr KHM Nazmul Hussain Nazir, advisor of Leo Club of BAU, stated that the program was organised with the aim of promoting Bangladesh's rich culture internationally. Through such events, students can learn about and appreciate each other's cultures.
He further mentioned that every country in the world desires to spread its culture beyond its borders. At BAU, foreign students actively participate in educational activities every year. 30 foreign students are actively involved with our Leo Club, which helps promote the country internationally.
Regarding the Lions Club's activities, Ln Engr. Serajul Islam Anamul, president of Lions Club of Dhaka Mymensingh Heritage District 315A2, said the Lions Club is a globally recognized service-oriented organization by the United Nations. Alongside its efforts in hunger, vision, child cancer, diabetes, and environmental issues worldwide, Lions Clubs and Leo Clubs collaborate to create opportunities for self-employment for the poor, provide free medical treatment and vaccination for cattle, conduct free cataract surgeries for the elderly, treat children with special needs, and provide food and assistance.
Additionally, there are ongoing service programs for pregnant women and adolescents.
He also mentioned that Bangladesh Agricultural University's Leo Club is the only club in the country where foreign students participate. Through them, the Leo Club and Lions Club's humanitarian programs will easily reach the international arena.
Among others, Prof Dr. Abdul Awal the Acting Vice-Chancellor of BAU, Prof Dr. Md.Tanvir Rahman the Director of the International Desk of BAU, Prof Dr. Md. Harun-ur-Rashid the Students' Advisor, Prof Dr. Bapon Dey and Associate Prof Dr. Md. Golzar Hossain, were present.
JnU female student accused of assaulting, revoked from dormitory
The disciplinary committee of Jagannath University (JnU) permanently cancelled the hall seat of Tasmeem Sanjana Srishti, a student of the 12th batch of the music department, as her involvement was found in assaulting another girl student.
She has been asked to leave the hall, said Professor Dr Deepika Rani Sarkar, provost of the hall.
She said, "The issue has been presented to the disciplinary committee. After finding out the truth of the incident, it was decided to cancel the hall seat of the accused student. An official letter will be sent to her next Sunday.”
The house tutor in charge of the hall on the eleventh floor, Nipa Deb Nath, said, “After receiving the written complaint on Thursday, the matter was discussed in the disciplinary committee. After discussion, it was decided to cancel the seat. The matter was verbally told to her.”
Earlier, Ety Khatun, a 15th-batch student of the Sociology Department, was beaten by a 12th-batch student of the Music Department, Tasmim Sanjana Shrishti, in the kitchen of the dormitory. Later, she filed a written complaint with the house tutor and provost of the hall.
“Tasmeem Sanjana filed a counter-complaint.”
Ety said, “I was cooking. Srishti Apu wanted to fry eggs, so I stopped my cooking. As I had class I asked her to finish the cooking quickly then she hurled abuse. When I protested, I was slapped and punched. I don't remember what happened next and lost consciousness.”
After the incident, when a journalist wanted to know about the incident, he was threatened by accused Srishti's friend Fahim Ishtiaq, a student of Marketing department of the university.
Accused Shristi said, “The junior student was also abusive. She came in front of me. That's why I beat her up. She also hurt me.”