United News of Bangladesh

The Ministry of Education has said that there is no justification for the ongoing movement demanding a fixed timeline for the transformation of Government Titumir College into a university.A special committee, led by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), is working towards the establishment of a separate university comprising the seven historic colleges of Dhaka. The issue of Titumir College is being given special consideration as part of these efforts, the ministry said in a press release on Saturday. Titumir College students block roads at Mohakhali The committee has already initiated discussions with student representatives from Titumir College and the other six colleges regarding their concerns. The Ministry said the government’s main focus is on improving educational opportunities and standards for these institutions and possible alternatives in this regard will be considered by the government. In response to the Titumir College student-movement demands for a fixed timeline for the transformation, the Ministry of Education made it clear that such a demand is not justified. The Ministry further requested all involved in the movement to remain patient. It also called on the protesters to avoid actions that could disrupt public life or interfere with the normal educational activities of the college’s students. Press Secretary urges Titumir College students to remain calm amid protests The government reiterated its commitment to being aware and sympathetic to the legitimate demands of teachers and students at all levels.

After 61 years under the Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University’s (BAU) Department of Physics has been transferred to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. Confirming the move, Prof. Dr. Md. Khairul Hassan Bhuiyan, Head of the Department, noted that globally, physics departments belong to engineering faculties. Since 1964, however, BAU's Physics Department remained under the Faculty of Agriculture due to administrative hurdles. The shift, effective January 26, 2025, was made possible by the current administration’s efforts. University sources say physics courses were once integral to the Faculty of Agriculture, but a 1969 ordinance change led to a decline in their importance. However, the courses remained compulsory for Agricultural Engineering students. In April 2002, BAU formed a high-powered committee to restructure its infrastructure, which provided five key recommendations. One of these-recommendation number three, suggested transferring the Department of Physics to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. While the other four recommendations were implemented, this particular one remained unaddressed. Bangladeshi universities urged to focus on power sector research The decision to transfer the department was finally made in March 2024 during the 180th meeting of the Faculty of Agriculture. Following this, Prof. Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, submitted an application to the university registrar during the faculty’s 209th committee meeting, requesting approval for the transfer. Although the proposal was included in the academic council’s meeting agenda in May 2024, it was not formally presented due to procedural complexities. However, during the 210th meeting, the transfer was endorsed, and upon the vice-chancellor’s approval, the department was officially shifted to its new faculty after 61 years. Prof. Bhuiyan previously served as Head of the Department from June 2010 to August 2017 and resumed the role in August 2019, continuing to the present. Prof. Bhuiyan emphasized physics’s role in the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where AI, robotics, and big data are revolutionizing agriculture. He highlighted that physics-driven innovations enhance farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Bangladeshi universities have been urged to prioritise research to achieve self-sufficiency in the power and energy sector. “We must ensure the optimal use of our natural resources to develop the power and energy sector,” said, Secondary and Higher Education Division Senior Secretary Siddique Zobayer on Thursday .Energy cooperation provides mutual benefits not only to Bangladesh and Nepal but also entire South Asia: Ambassador The secretary was speaking at the “BEPRC-Vice Chancellors Meeting on Identifying Areas of Applied Research in Energy and Power’, organised by the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC). He stressed the importance of developing technology through research, innovating new technologies, and involving national and international researchers in the process. Mohammad Wahid Hossain, chairman (Senior Secretary) of BEPRC, highlighted the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources’ efforts to ensure energy security. Established in 2015, the BEPRC aims to innovate and promote modern technology in the sector. He mentioned the council’s funding of relevant projects through local researchers to develop technologies suited to the sector. BEPRC is focused on innovating and improving power and energy technologies, ensuring affordable and sustainable use of renewable energy, advising the government, and maintaining ties with regional and international research institutions. He noted that the council plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy and power supply, said Wahid. An effective communication network has been created with a panel of distinguished scientists and experts who regularly engage in the council’s research activities. BEPRC also hosts technical seminars and workshops to encourage research at universities and institutions, he added. BEPRC Member DrMd. Rafiqul Islam, delivered the welcome address. 2 top UAE companies plan to invest in port development, energy sectors in Bangladesh Military and academic officials, including the Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), vice-chancellors and Pro-VCs from universities such as BUET, Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and DUET were present at the time, among others.

The government has decided to nationalise all registered Ebtedayee madrasahs in the country in phases. SM Masudul Haque, joint secretary to Technical and Madrasah Division under the Ministry of Education, came up with the announcement at on Tuesday afternoon following demonstrations by Ebtedayee madrasah teachers at Shahbagh since Sunday demanding nationalisation. At least five people were injured when police dispersed a group of Ebtedayee madrassah teachers attempting a march towards the Chief Adviser’s official residence on Sunday to press home their demand. The law enforcers lobbed at least two sound grenades and used water cannons to disperse the protesters.

The 7th edition of Glenrich International School Model United Nations (GLENMUN), organized by Glenrich Uttara Senior Campus, was held from January 23-26 at the capital’s Uttara. With the theme “Clear the Haze, Set the Truth Ablaze” - this year’s session focused on unpacking complex issues and figuring out solutions to world problems through transformative diplomacy. An opening ceremony was held on January 23 with distinguished guests and participants. The conference involved 28 schools and 450+ delegates from schools across the country. It also included 14 committees, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC Double-Delegation), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), and Interim Government of Bangladesh. The delegates discussed different issues related to burning global challenges and illuminated ways to overcome crises. Curtain rises on 43rd Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Participants engaged in engaging discussions, redefining the boundaries of intellectual discourse. At GLENMUN VII, students showcased their debating and rhetoric skills in a simulation of the United Nations. Dr Amlan K Saha, Principal of Glenrich International School, Uttara, stated, “Our students are future leaders with unique perspectives, capable of contributing significantly to the betterment of both our country and the world. GLENMUN provides them with an exceptional platform to engage in meaningful debates and propose solutions to pressing global issues, and we are thrilled by the enthusiastic participation of students from various schools, which underscores the event’s success and relevance.” In addition to discussions and debates, there were cultural programs which featured several prominent bands including Encore on the second day, Nemesis on the third day and Level 5 on the final day of the event, enthralling the audience. The conference concluded on a high note with optimism for the future on January 26 with a celebration, followed by a gala dinner. Excellence Corp was the title sponsor of GLENMUN VII whereas City Bank PLC joined the event as the platinum sponsor. Star Tech Ltd., Bengal, Ginza, Miniso, and Asrotex were the bronze sponsors.

Dhaka University’s affiliation with seven government colleges will be cancelled from the 2024-25 academic session, said DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Neaz Ahmad Khan. The Vice Chancellor made the announcement after an emergency meeting with principals of the affiliated colleges at the VC’s office on Monday. No new students will be enrolled under DU for these colleges in the upcoming session, he said. DU Arts, Law and Social Science unit admission test held The seven colleges are Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Titumir College, Eden Mohila College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College. During the meeting, Dhaka University authorities expressed sincere regret for the unfortunate incident that occurred in the affiliated colleges and called on the students to maintain patience, harmony and cordial relations. In response to students' demands, a recommendation was made in the meeting to conduct future academic activities from 2024-2025 academic year through an expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education. Rabindra University students stage demo demanding permanent campus The expert committee formed by the ministry will make decisions regarding the number of seats and admission fees. Dhaka University authorities will ensure that the education of students currently enrolled in the university’s ongoing academic programmes is not adversely affected. Earlier, students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action on their six demands and threatened to wage tougher measures if their demands are not met by 4:00 pm today (Monday). Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas. They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students.

The admission test for the undergraduate programme of the Arts, Law and Social Science unit (B unit) of Dhaka University for the 2024-2025 academic session was held on Saturday. The admission test was held on Dhaka University campus and in 7 other divisional cities of the country. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan visited the Arts Building exam center. Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad were present. VC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan expressed satisfaction over the smooth and peaceful conduct of the admission test. SUST students protest against discriminatory quotas and high fees He sincerely thanked all concerned for their cooperation in organising the test in a transparent and orderly manner. A total of 125,500 applicants applied for 2,934 seats this year.

Students of Rabindra University in Sirajganj blocked the Bogura-Nagarbari highway for three hours demanding permanent campus on Tuesday. The students gathering from several departments set fire and blocked the highway in front of the temporally Academic Bhaban-3 of the university and continued till 1:45pm commencing at 11am. Addressing the event, students Jakaria, Raihan Uddin, Miraj, and Ambar alleged that though the university was established in 2016, no permanent campus is yet to be set up. The campus is running on rented buildings and struggling with a sufficient number of classrooms, they said. The authorities concerned haven’t taken any measures so far despite demonstrating several times earlier, the students alleged. Read: JU students stage blockade over Afsana's death Shahjadpur police station Officer-in-Charge Md Aslam Ali said the three-hour blockade by the students caused severe traffic congestion on both ends of the highway. The students left the highway paving for the traffic movement upon assurance of the concerned administration, he added.

The admission-related activities of the 193 candidates for the 2024-25 academic year MBBS (Medical) admission test, selected under the freedom fighter's child and backward community quotas, have been postponed till the verification of their documents or information is completed. If any information is found to be incorrect, their preliminary selection will be canceled, according to the Directorate General of Health Services. This information was shared through a press release signed by Senior Information Officer Mohammad Shahadat Hossain of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished However, the admission process for the remaining candidates and other medical college activities will continue. The press release stated that the parents of the 193 selected candidates must present their freedom fighter certificate, birth registration certificate, and all other proofs, along with academic certificates, for verification at the Medical Education Branch on the second floor of the old building at the Health Directorate in Mohakhali by January 29, 2025. It is worth noting that, according to the policy, there is a 5% quota for the children of freedom fighters, martyrs, and war heroines. Additionally, there is a quota for backward communities.

Students have issued an ultimatum for the republication of medical admission test results for the 2024-25 academic year by today, calling for the abolition of all irrational quotas, including the freedom fighter quota. The demand was made during a sit-in and protest rally today held at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11:30 am. Students from Dhaka University also expressed solidarity with the protest. MBBS admission test results published During the event, protesters raised various slogans. “Yesterday, many candidates with 40 or 41 marks gained admission, while others who scored double that could not. Isn’t this discrimination?,” said Kumudini Women's Medical College Psychiatry Prof Dr Major (retd) Abdul Wahab, while expressing solidarity with the students. “Since you have learned to protest, you must continue to fight for your rights on the streets,” he said urging the students. Doha, a student of Dhaka Medical College, said, “After a successful movement demanding the abolition of discrimination, this kind of biased treatment in the medical admission exam should not happen. When the passing mark is 40, how can someone with 37 or 38 marks gain admission? We demand an end to this discrimination today.” MBBS admission test to be held Friday Abir Hossain, a student of Sir Salimullah Medical College, said, “In previous years, students scoring slightly below the cutoff could gain admission through quotas. But this year, candidates with marks 30 to 35 below the cutoff have been admitted through the quota system, which is unacceptable. We demand the abolition of all quotas, including the freedom fighter quota, and the republication of the results today.” Mahin Sarkar, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also expressed solidarity with the medical students, saying, “Even after the movement in Bangladesh, we see irrational quotas being implemented in medical colleges. “Some students scoring 72 marks didn’t gain admission, while others with 40 marks did. We demand the immediate republication of the medical admission results and the abolition of all irrational quotas in all universities and medical admission exams,” he said.