United News of Bangladesh

Following the High Court order to retain a 56 percent quota in first to fourth-class government jobs, students from Dhaka University and other institutions, along with frontliners and activists of the 2018 Quota Reformation Movement, staged human chains under various banners at Dhaka University. Former activists of Chhatra Odikhar Parishad, under the banner of agitated students, formed a human chain in front of Raju's sculpture at Dhaka University at 11:30 am on Thursday. They protested the reinstatement of the 30 percent freedom fighter quota in government jobs. Bin Yemin Molla, one of the top leaders of Chhatra Odikhar Parishad, stated, "Our freedom fighters did not fight to create a country full of discrimination; they sacrificed their lives to establish justice and fairness. Implementing a 56 percent quota in jobs is like destroying the dreams of millions of unemployed students. It is a betrayal of the students." He urged the High Court to revoke the order. Former convener of the 2018 Quota Reformation Movement, Hasan Al Mamun, said, "The decision of the High Court to reinstate the quota is completely illegal and unconstitutional. The Constitution clearly states that every citizen of the country has equal rights to public employment. So, why is there a 56 percent quota in government jobs?" He called on all students in the country to stand together as they did in 2018. A separate rally of general students from Dhaka University also marched through the university roads, protesting the court’s verdict to restore the 56% quota in top-grade government jobs. Hasnat Abdullah, one of the protesting students, said, "The students will not accept the restoration of the quota based on the demands of a few who want undue advantages. We must hit the streets again to cancel the reimposition of the quota. Our freedom fighters fought for equality and justice.” At least 500 students from Dhaka University joined the rally that started from the gate of the central library, where students prepare for government jobs throughout the year. They marched across the campus to the central Shaheed Minar, chanting slogans to repeal the verdict. As an immediate reaction to the verdict, students of Dhaka University gathered in front of the central library and staged a demonstration at around 7:30 pm on Wednesday (June 5) following the announcement of the 30 percent freedom fighter quota restoration.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the EATL Innovation Hub Ltd., Bangladesh, and the University of Salford, Manchester, for research, development, and training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Cybersecurity.  The signing ceremony took place at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital yesterday after the seminar.  Under this MoU, the University of Salford will establish three labs at the EATL Innovation Hub Complex in Kaliakoir, near Dhaka, to conduct activities in Data Science, Cybersecurity, and IoT.  CUET faculty member accused of drinking alcohol in student hall Additionally, the two institutions will engage in joint research and innovative projects, academic and professional staff exchange, joint consultancy and publications, as well as organize conferences and seminars in both Dhaka and Salford, and conduct short professional development courses. Before the MoU signing, a seminar on the application of AI, IoT, and Remote Sensing (RS) in building smart agriculture in Bangladesh was jointly organized by the EATL Innovation Hub, Bangladesh, and the University of Salford, UK, at Hotel InterContinental.  Papers were presented at the seminar by Professor Mo Saraee and Dr. Hammad of the University of Salford, Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Chief Engineer at Amazon UAE, and Dr. Farida Parveen, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh while former principal secretary to the Prime Minister and Chairman of EATL Innovation Hub Limited Dr.  Abdul Karim presided over the seminar. Following the seminar, the MoU was signed by Professor Margaret Rowe, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Mo Saraee, Chairman in Data Science and Head of Computer Science and Software Engineering, representing the University of Salford, and M A Mubin Khan, Managing Director of EATL Innovation Hub. Also present were Ms. Nancy Donna Cook and Naomi Sharples, Director and International Affairs Officer of the University of Salford, respectively. GD filed over missing mark sheets from Ctg Education Board A delightful cultural programme was organized in honor of the foreign guests after the seminar.

A lecturer at the Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) has been accused of drinking alcohol in the students' hall. The incident occurred at Shaheed Tareq Huda Hall around 4:00 am on May 31. Commuters bear the brunt as 48hr transport strike in Ctg underway in response to buses burnt by CUET students The accused, Shafakat R Rumman, a lecturer in the Civil Engineering Department, was reportedly drinking with students during the graduation concert for the 49th batch of CUET. His wife, Kazi Jannatul Ferdous, a lecturer in the Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering Department, has also been accused of assaulting students. The university administration has formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident and asked to make recommendations within 10 working days, according to an office order signed by Sheikh Mohammad Humayun Kabir, registrar of CUET. According to eyewitnesses, Shafakat R Rumman was drinking alcohol with students when Kazi Jannatul Ferdous arrived and scolded those present. Cuet students’ road safety movement postponed, to resume classes Following a complaint from Shaheed Tareq Huda Hall Provost Prof Dr Nipu Kumar Das, the investigation committee was established on Tuesday. The committee comprises Dr. Sunil Dhar, professor of the Mathematics Department, and Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Ullah, professor of the Electrical and Electronic Technology Department.

A general diary (GD) has been lodged at Panchlaish Police Station over the reported missing of two mark sheets from the trunk of Chattogram Education Board. Mohammad Didarul Alam, a deputy controller of examinations at Chattogram Education Board, lodged the GD on Tuesday night, Santosh Kumar Chakma, officer-in-charge (OC) of Panchlaish Police Station, confirmed the matter. HSC exams to begin from June 30; Coaching centres to remain shut from June 29 to Aug 11 According to the GD, the mark sheets of the students of the higher secondary examination of 2023 were kept in three trunks of the office room. On May 19 at 10am, the official found a trunk unlocked. Later, he immediately informed the chairman. On June 3, the broken trunk was reviewed by the inquiry committee in the presence of two officials of the education board, and it was found that the two mark sheets of the students were missing from the trunk. JnU employees asked to vacate residential accommodation Chairman of the board, Professor Rezaul Karim, said, as soon as the matter was brought to his notice, he directed the board to take legal action. “If the official is involved in any corruption, he will be punished,” he said.

The HSC and its equivalent exams will be held later in Sylhet if the region sees severe flood, said Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury Nowfel. He said this at a press briefing after a meeting of the National Monitoring and Law and Order Committee formed to hold the upcoming HSC and equivalent examinations in a fair, copying-free environment at the Secretariat on Wednesday. Replying to a question over the public exam, "We have already been informed about the weather forecast during the HSC examination, the water level of various rivers there is in rising trend. We have already completed preparations keeping in mind the movement of students.” Read more: HSC exams to begin from June 30; Coaching centres to remain shut from June 29 to Aug 11 He said the areas where flooding is likely to spread the exams won’t be taken there initially. “We have proper preparation to take those tests later.” “The convenience of the examinees is the most important to us. We do not want the examinees to suffer and their desired results be affected in any way,” he said. This year, the HSC and its equivalent exams are scheduled to begin on June 30. A total of 14,50,790 students from nine General Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board will sit for the exams from 9,463 educational institutions at 2,275 centres. Read more: Flood situation in Sylhet shows mixed trends as Surma water recedes, Kushiyara rises

The Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and its equivalent exams will begin on June 30, said Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury on Wednesday. A total of 14,50,790 students from nine General Education Boards, Madrasha Board and Technical Board will sit for the exams from 9,463 educational institutions at 2,275 centres, he said while speaking at a press briefing. Among them, 11,28,281 students will appear from nine General Boards, 88,076 from Madrasha Board and 2,34,433 from Technical Board. Educationists say these are the reasons why boys lag behind girls in SSC, HSC All coaching centres will remain closed from June 29 till August 11. Last year, a total of 13,59,342 students sat for the examinations from all boards. Some 281 students will appear for the examination from eight overseas centres. According to the routine, HSC written exams will begin on June 30 and will continue till August 11. Practical exams will be held from August 12 to August 21, according to the routine. Besides, the examinations under the Technical Board will continue till July 18 and their practical exams will begin on July 19 and will continue till August 4. All examinees have been asked to go to the exam centers 30 minutes before the examinations start and the concerned will be informed about the question paper code through SMS 25 minutes before the exams start. High success rate for overseas students in SSC exams 2024 No one will be allowed to enter the exam centers with mobile phones, only in-charges of the exam centers are allowed to carry a mobile phone set. Besides, no one except examinees, center invigilators , teams of the ministry, teams of boards, local administration and upazila administration team and security personnel will be allowed in the exam centres.

Research and Innovation center for science (RISE) of Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology (BUET) has signed a MoU with Chinese Enterprise Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) to work together aiming to address on site technical challenges faced by CEAB through collaborative research and innovation.  The MoU was signed in a seminar held at ECE building of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) under the banner Fostering Innovation Through Collaborative Research for Smart Bangladesh at 5 pm on Monday (June 2) Director of BUET Research and innovation centre for science (RISE) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder on behalf of RISE and president of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh Mr. Ke Changliang on behalf of CEAB signed the MoU. UCB partners with University of Central Lancashire to offer affordable UK degrees in Bangladesh BUET VC Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder presided over the seminar while Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Yao Wen joined the program as the chief guest. Besides BUET pro vc Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan attended the program as the guest of honor while Bangladesh Bridge Authority’s chief engineer Mr. Quazi Muhammad Ferdous joined the program as the special guest. Director of BUET Research and innovation centre for science (RISE) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder, president of Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh Mr. Ke Changliang, secretary general of Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industries Mr. Al Mamun Mridha, Dr. Sayeed Ahmed, CEO & Managing Director of Bayside Analytix Ltd and president of BUET Graduates Club and Chairman of Max Group Engr. Ghulam Mohammed Alomgir were present among other notable persons BUET pro vc Abdul Jabbar said, “We have multiplied our per capita income 30 times since 1971 but within the same time China increased its per capita income 100 times than they were in 1971. We need to foster our economy faster to cope with the rest of the world.” "Bangladesh must focus on technological innovation. For this we need cordial help and collaboration from international development partners like China to achieve our goal Smart Bangladesh," he added. ‘MIT Leading Edge International Student Conference’ on June 11-15 at Haileybury Bhaluka On behalf of the Chinese embassy Bangladesh, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Mr. Yao Wen, said that this MoU will help developing China Bangladesh relationship and will create room for industry academy collaboration.   “China has made it to land on the dark side of the moon for the very first time where USA, Russia, India failed. It is an indicator of our global position in the field of technological development and achievement,” he added, expressing his will to work together in both academic and industrial fields to foster innovation and development as partners. While talking about real-life experiences in the practical field, Bangladesh Bridge Authority’s chief engineer Mr. Quazi Muhammad Ferdous, in his speech of special guest, said, “when we work in the practical field, we feel and see the gaps between Academy and industry. I think this Mou will work as a bridge to remove the gaps.”  Thanking Chinese authority, BUET VC Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, in his concluding remark, said, “After our independence we got China as our friend whom we can rely on as our development partner. There are megaprojects in our country where China remarkably contributed.” Higher education sector passing tough time: UGC Chairman Asking China’s cooperation to allow Bangladeshi students to work in their industries and universities for practice and internship, he said, “We are lacking industrial cooperation in the country...there is no Relation between industry and academy. As a result we got excellent academic results but we lack practical real engineers. Again, we do not have enough industries where our students can do their internship and practice after completing graduation as a result our students go abroad and stay there.”

Universal College Bangladesh (UCB) has recently partnered with the UK’s prestigious University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). An exclusive agreement was signed between the two reputed educational institutes with the aim of opening up a new avenue for Bangladeshi students to avail affordable UK degrees without leaving the country. In this regard, a signing ceremony took place on Saturday at the UCB Campus in Gulshan, Dhaka, according to a press release. Bob Kundanmal, Chairman, Board of Directors, UCB and Prof Catherine Jackson, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Central Lancashire, signed the agreement for their respective organizations. The event was graced by esteemed personalities, including chief guest Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, Minister of Education; and guest of honor H E Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Begum Shamsun Nahar, Deputy Minister of Education; Zarif Munir, Director, UCB; and Manas Singh, CEO, STS Group joined the event as the special guests, and Prof Hew Gill, President and Provost, welcomed the guests at the event. All activities of the 3-year UCLan program will take place in Bangladesh. The program at UCB has been awarded 5 QS Stars (Excellent) for internationalization and inclusiveness. According to The Center for World University Rankings 2023, UCLan ranks in the top 7% of the universities worldwide. It is also appreciated among the community as the most affordable UK degree with high global recognition. To help the students’ experience a smooth journey, UCB is providing attractive learning facilities like sports membership, compact campus environment, resource-enabled library etc, the UCB authorities informed at the event. During the event, welcome speeches were delivered by the dignitaries, followed by the inauguration, agreement signing. The vote of thanks was presented by Prof Muhammad Ismail Hossain, Dean of Academic Affairs, UCB. Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury appreciated the initiative, saying, “We have to focus on enriching the nation’s future workforce by empowering our youth with timely skills that align with the demands of not just the local but the global market. The partnership between UCB and UCLan is an ideal example of recognizing the need for global education, one that should be followed by others in the sector as well.” H E Sarah Cooke, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh said “Over half a million students globally are currently studying for a UK degree overseas, helping to boost their future job prospects. British higher education institutions are dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality higher education, building a brighter future for students around the world.” Bob Kundanmal, Chairman and Board of Directors, UCB, said, “The UCLan Programme at UCB represents a top blend of academic excellence and cultural diversity. At UCB, we are thoroughly committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators through transformative educational opportunities. We expect the UCLan Program to open doors to global perspectives and industry-relevant skills for Bangladeshi students. It shall also reinforce the importance of localized education solutions for prospective candidates who deserve such opportunities.” With this new introduction at UCB, local students now have another great opportunity to earn a reputable UK university degree from right here in Bangladesh. Further information about the UCLan Program and admission procedures are available at the Universal College Bangladesh website.

The five-day 'MIT Leading Edge International Student Conference' will be held at Haileybury Bhaluka from June 11 to 15 on its campus in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Haileybury Bhaluka is organizing the international conference in association with MIT Edgerton Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, according to a media release. IIMC Alumni Association new committee takes charge Four faculty members and six graduates from MIT are flying in to guide the participants, said the organizers. Some 100 selected students from Bangladesh, India and UK will be taking part in this international conference. Boys and girls, aged between 11-14 years of age, are eligible to participate in the conference. Bangabandhu was always an indomitable voice for peace both nationally and globally:Speakers Haileybury Bhaluka’s Founding Headmaster Simon O’ Grady has said this international conference aims to expand students' comprehension of engineering and design at an innovative level, fostering the creation of impactful solutions.   "We are honored to welcome MIT to Bangladesh. We are sincerely grateful to the faculty and graduate students in travelling 8,000 miles. MIT faculties were impressed by the scale of our ambitions for Bangladesh and our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion,” Simon said.   This workshop unveils the mechanics behind underwater robotics, AI-powered wheelchairs, and handheld pollution mapping devices, fostering innovation for impactful solutions.   There is also an opportunity to explore taking part in an underwater Harry Potter Quidditch competition.   Participants will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills by being in close proximity to faculty from the world's number one university.   Certificates will be awarded to the participants on the last day of the event. The certificate will be provided by the Edgerton Center at MIT.   Haileybury started its journey as an international franchise educational institution with 100% residential facilities in Bangladesh last October affiliated to Haileybury College UK, a school with 164 years of history.    

The Jagannath University administration has asked the employees residing in residential accommodations within the Jagannath University (JnU) campus, including the Central Mosque building and other academic buildings and adjacent areas, to vacate within three months. This information was given in a notice signed by the Registrar of the University, Professor Dr. Aynul Islam, on Tuesday. The notice states that, “The educational activities are being disrupted due to the residence of employees in various academic buildings and adjacent areas, including the Central Mosque building within the Jagannath University campus. In the interest of conducting education programmes properly and smoothly on campus, employees residing on campus are directed to vacate the university's residential accommodations by August 26th." Registrar (Acting) Professor Dr. Aynul Islam mentioned that although this directive had been repeatedly communicated before, employees did not comply. Our campus is very small, and this issue came to light after the new administration took over, prompting the directive to vacate the accommodations. However, considering the humane aspect, they have been given a three-month grace period.