United News of Bangladesh

A seminar on the 'Genetics of Potato Storage Starch Metabolism under Abiotic Stress' has been organized at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) aimed at the development of new varieties and improvement of potato nutritional value by enhancing the gene source, structure, and addressing genetic defects of purple potato.  The course content and research methods were discussed during the seminar held on Tuesday. The seminar was organized by Prof. Dr. Jobadatun Naher at the MS conference room of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding of BAU. Prof. Dr. habil. Joerg Fettke discussed biomass as biofuel; sugar and carbohydrates are used to make biofuel.  He said, “The food-fuel-environment trilemma involves competition for land. Potatoes, such as Starch Corp, are used for making biofuel. Many processes are needed to convert carbs into fuel, but genetically engineering the plant and isolating specific genes will streamline this process.” Prof. Dr. Mohammad Rashed Hossain, Head of the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, chaired the seminar. Special guests were Prof. Dr. Md Golam Rabbani, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and Prof. Dr. Mahfuza Begum, Director of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES). The participants of the seminar were faculty members of the Agriculture of BAU. The keynote speakers of the seminar were: Prof. Dr. habil. Joerg Fettke, Biopolymer Analytics, University of Potsdam, Germany; Prof. Dr. Chayon Goswami, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, BAU; Prof. Dr. Jobadatun Naher, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, BAU; and Dr. Julia Compart, Biopolymer Analytics, University of Potsdam, Germany. They discussed their course content and research methodologies.    

A fresher of the Al-Fiqh and Legal Studies department under 2022-23 academic session has allegedly been ragged by a group of activists of the Islamic University unit of Awami League-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League. The incident came to light after the victim disclosed the matter to his classmates on Monday. Campus sources said that a group of IU BCL unit activists led by Physical Education department’s second year student Mudachsir Khan Kafi and Islamic History and Culture department’s second year student Mohammad Sagor called the victim to their room at Lalon Shah Hall of the university.    They undressed the victim and tortured him there from 12 am to 4:30am on February 7 last. Mudachsir Khan Kafi and Mohammad Sagor are the followers of IU BCL unit general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy. The accused also assaulted the victim with a steel stick and hurled abusive words. Focus on rural dev along with infrastructure: PM Hasina tells ECNEC Contacted, the victim said Mudachsir Khan Kafi and Mohammad Sagor tortured him both physically and mentally. Later, Hafiz, Nasim Ahmed Masum, Shahin Alam and Likhon loyal to IU BCL unit general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy settled the issue among them, he said. When asked about lodging a complaint to the university administration in this connection, the victim said that he would not file any complaint over the incident. Denying the allegation, Mohammad Sagor said that he was not involved in such an incident as he was not in the hall on that night. Many students said that such incidents often happen on the campus and demanded stern action so that they could not dare to commit such a heinous act in the future. IU BCL unit general secretary Nasim Ahmed Joy said that the issue was settled between the victim and the accused. Father gets custody of one Japan-born daughter, mother another   Organisational action will be taken against the accused involved in the incident if the victim lodge a complaint with them in this connection, he said. IU Lalon Shah Hall provost Professor Aktar Hossain said that they will take legal action against the accused involved in the incident if the victim files a complaint. On March 30, a group of BCL unit activists loyal to Nasim Ahmed Joy allegedly drove Mehedi Hasan, a third-year student of the finance and banking department, out of his allocated seat from Lalon Shah Hall. On June 20, 2023, a fresher of the development studies department was allegedly tortured and humiliated by a group of activists of the Islamic University unit of the ruling Awami League-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League at Lalon Shah Hall of the university. A group of IU BCL unit activists, including IU fine arts department’s second-year students Afif Hasan and Tonmoy Biswas called the victim to the same room and tortured him there mercilessly. On February 12 night, a first-year female student of the finance and banking department was reportedly tortured and intimidated by the IU unit BCL vice-president Shanjida Chowdhury Ontora and her associates, including Tabassum, Mim, Urmi and Maobiya Jahan, in Deshratna Sheikh Hasina Hall on the university campus in Kushtia. Ontora, at one stage, forced the victim to get undressed and videoed the incident on the mobile phone. The university administration expelled Ontora and her four associates from the university on August 21.

The National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) organized a pivotal scientific seminar on Monday in Dhaka, focusing on the latest advancements in nursing education and practice. This event, held at NIANER's state-of-the-art facilities, drew nursing professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers together to discuss the significant progress in nursing through research and innovation. Since its inception in 2016, aided by a grant from the Government of the Republic of Korea and facilitated by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), NIANER has risen to prominence as Bangladesh's leading institution for nursing education, according to a press release from KOICA Bangladesh. Read: UGC directs  National University not to admit new students to its main campus NIANER's dedication to quality and innovation has positioned it as a key player in advancing nursing education and practice within Bangladesh, attracting international nursing students and setting high standards in the field. Maqsura Noor, NDC, Additional Secretary and Director General of the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM), served as the chief guest, lauding NIANER's contributions to research-based nursing education in the country. She commended the seminar's role in motivating young nurse researchers to pursue advanced roles in nursing. Kang Hyun Suh, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Bangladesh and Bhutan Office, highlighted the critical role of investment in nursing education and training for sustainable healthcare outcomes. Suh praised NIANER's efforts to elevate the nursing profession and confirmed KOICA's continued support for healthcare professional empowerment in Bangladesh. Read: New curriculum to contribute to job creation as per domestic, global demand: Edu Minister The seminar featured nearly 15 nursing students from across Bangladesh presenting their research on current issues in nursing care. The keynote research paper was delivered by Prof. Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid from the Health Economics Department of Dhaka University. The event also saw participation from distinguished figures such as Prof. Dr. Debabrata Banik, Nursing Dean of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU); Md. Abdul Quader, Joint Secretary, Medical Education & Family Welfare Division; Md. Nasir Uddin, Deputy Secretary and Registrar of BNM; and Dr. Taslima Begum, Director of NIANER. KOICA, established in 1991 by the Korean Foreign Ministry to administer Official Development Assistance, has played a vital role in supporting socio-economic development in Bangladesh through grant aid and technical cooperation since 1993. Read more: EWU hosts 'Job Fair and Career Search’ programme

Players from Dhaka University were attacked by students of Rajshahi University during the final match of the Inter-University Cricket Tournament at Sheikh Kamal Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday. The Rajshahi University administration initially refrained from taking any action, but later formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident. Four injured players, identified as Sifat, Imon, Tury, and Rokon, are currently undergoing treatment at Rajshahi's LabAid Hospital. According to eyewitnesses and sources familiar with the matter, the clash emanated from a dispute over a decision made by the umpires, that led to a heated argument between the players on the field and eventually escalating into a physical confrontation. Some members of the ruling party student front Chhatra League were seen participating in the attack. Following the incident, the university authorities, along with the police, escorted the players off the field for their safety. The Dhaka University cricket team's head coach claimed that at least four players from their team were injured in the attack. In response to the incident, the Rajshahi University administration formed a committee to investigate the matter. While the university authorities expressed regret over the incident, the coach of Dhaka University's cricket team, Shahadat Hossain, mentioned concerns about the lack of security during the match. He stated that the administration did not take adequate measures to prevent the clash. The clash disrupted the game temporarily, but after interventions from both coaches and teachers, the match resumed, and DU emerged victorious. The clash prompted strong reactions from both universities' administrations, with Rajshahi University condemning the violence in an official statement. Meanwhile, Dhaka University's administration expressed disappointment and called for an immediate investigation to ensure such incidents do not happen again. As the universities grapple with the aftermath of this unfortunate incident, questions about security protocols during sporting events on campuses have come to the forefront. The focus now shifts to the inquiry committee's findings and the steps that will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

A leader from the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) at Dhaka University’s Master Da Surja Sen Hall allegedly physically assaulted the canteen manager of the hall over a dispute regarding due payments. The BCL leader is Arafat Hossain, the organizing secretary of the BCL unit at the hall. The canteen manager filed a complaint with the hall provost, seeking justice for the attack. According to the complaint, the accused entered the canteen at noon, where Fahim Hossen was manning the cash counter. After being served food, he requested the due payments amounting to Tk2,650.  In response, Arafat Hossain launched an immediate attack, physically assaulting him by tearing his beard, shirt, and lungi. He then had to flee the scene to be safe, he wrote in the complaint.  The complaint letter further stated that, on a previous occasion, when the canteen manager requested Arafat for the due money, the accused summoned him to his room and threatened him.  In response, Arafat Hossain said, “While having lunch, the canteen manager demanded money. I informed him that I faced issues withdrawing money. Later, as I was leaving, the manager instructed the staff not to provide me with food in the future. In response, I questioned the manager, asking how he could make such a statement.” Regarding the physical assault complaint, Arafat claimed, “When he pushed me, I grabbed his collar, and my hand inadvertently caught his beard. He initiated the physical contact, and I did not engage in any beating of such kinds.” Dr. Md Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan, the Provost of the hall, said, “The victim has submitted a written complaint. We have formed a committee comprising three members and instructed them to submit a report within three days. Further actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.”    

Dhaka University administration on Monday sent  Prof. Naadir Junaid of the Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department to three months of forced leave in light of allegations of a sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student. The department's chairperson Abul Mansur Ahmed read out the university's official decision to the students in the department’s corridor around 4:30 pm. “In the interest of maintaining the smooth operation of the university's educational activities, you are required to take a leave for three months starting from February 12, abstaining from all academic and administrative responsibilities,” he announced in the letter in front of the students. “Furthermore, the matter will be presented in the next syndicate meeting for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised against you. Any necessary actions will be taken in accordance with the decisions made by the syndicate,” he added. Academic freeze: DU MCJ students start indefinite boycott of classes demanding investigation, suspension of Prof. Naadir Junaid The students of the department started gathering in the department’s corridor from 10 am this morning for the second day to press home their three points of demand following yesterday's decision to boycott all academic activities indefinitely.   DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept Around 2:15 pm, they carried out a protest rally that marched to the Vice Chancellor’s office where they went to submit their memorandum.   As the VC was not present in the office then, they marched to the VC's residence. There, the department's chairperson Abul Mansur Ahmed requested them to wait till 4 pm as he said the VC was in a meeting with foreign delegates. Abul Mansur Ahmed said, “Wait till 4 pm, VC sir confirmed he will give a written final decision about your demands.” Before heading to meet the VC, as part of their protest, the students locked and sealed the professor's office and the department's classrooms. Chhatra Union's DU unit protests sexual harassment allegation against professor

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed the authorities of National University (NU) to refrain from admitting students at the undergraduate (honours) level for the 2023–24 academic year at its main campus. A press release signed by Dr Shamsul Arefin, director, Public Relations and Information Rights Division, was issued in this regard on Sunday. According to the press release, the directive will remain in force until further directives from the Chancellor President Mohammed Shahabuddin are issued. The UGC said it sent a letter to President Shahabuddin on 25 January regarding the decision to admit students to the National University main campus. A request was made to stop all the admission activities published in the admission circular of the NU until further directives from the chancellor are issued. The UGC issued the directive stating that the process of admitting students to undergraduate programmes in the university's main campus was a clear violation of the National University Act. “If the students are admitted to the main campus of the National University, the legal purpose of the establishment of the National University will be disrupted along with the legal complications of the students and the suffering of the students and parents.” Therefore, the Commission sought the direction of the President to take necessary measures to stop the admission of students in the undergraduate program in the main campus of the National University.Last year, the National University main campus published a notification seeking applications from students interested in enrolling in undergraduate (honours) programmes in LLB, BBA, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Nutrition and Food Science departments. At that time, UGC sent several letters ordering the suspension of student admissions in the main campus of the National University.  

The students of Dhaka University's Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department have declared an indefinite boycott of all academic activities, demanding the immediate suspension of Prof. Naadir Junaid, who faces a formal sexual harassment complaint filed by a female student. Additionally, the students have declared Prof. Naadir persona non-grata on campus. Students from all batches collectively announced an indefinite class boycott and protest program on Saturday night. In a memorandum submitted to the department’s chairperson, Prof Abul Mansur Ahmed on Sunday morning, students raised three key points: urgent formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the sexual harassment allegations against Prof. Naadir Junaid; swift and decisive punishment for sexual predators; and the suspension of the teacher from all academic activities during the investigation period. “Under the current circumstances, all current students of the department have decided to boycott all academic activities, including classes and examinations, until action is taken against the allegations of sexual harassment and psychological abuse against Professor Nadir Junaid,” the students wrote in the memorandum. “We are steadfast in our decision not to resume classroom activities until our demands are addressed. If required, more measures may be taken,” it added. Beginning at 8:30 am on Sunday, students gathered in the department corridor, displaying placards and banners, while chanting slogans against Prof. Naadir Junaid, reports our DU correspondent. Posters declaring Prof. Naadir persona non-grata were displayed on the department's notice board and in various locations across the campus. Read: DU student files sexual harassment complaint against senior teacher of MCJ dept Following discussions with the Department Chairperson and two other faculty members, who visited the Vice Chancellor’s office to address the matter after receiving the memorandum, protesting students organised a procession that moved towards the VC office via Mall Chhatar, concluding at the base of Aparajeyo Bangla.

Students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have placed a 6-point demand protesting the sexual harassment and molestation of a fellow student. The third-year students of the Faculty of Animal Husbandry brought out a procession from their faculty that ended at the administration building. At that time, they also marched surrounding the administrative building and boycotted the class and examination. BAU research team develops several high-yielding varieties of carrots They said that on February 10, the victim student was going to take a practical class at Shahjalal Animal Nutrition Field Laboratory of the university. While passing through the road adjacent to the residential area of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA)  a 20-25-year-old autorickshaw driver touched her body from behind and tried to lift her into the vehicle. “When the victim screamed, the man fled with the CNG,” they added. Plants fair at BAU draws enthusiastic response Their demands are:  1. The CNG driver should be identified and brought to justice immediately.  2. The movement of outsiders should be controlled.  3. Every place in the university should be covered by CCTV and adequate lighting should be ensured at every corner of the campus. 4. Specific uniforms for Rickshaws and auto drivers’ with registration numbers should be ensured. 5. Ensure proper accountability of the security unit.  6. The number of security personnel should be increased. Let's Talk on 'Smart Agriculture and Innovation' held at BAU Proctor Professor Dr. Md. Azharul Islam said the number of the vehicle was collected through CCTV footage. The matter has been informed to all concerned security departments. A general diary (GD) was lodged at Kotwali Model Police Station in this regard, said Prof. Dr Mohammad Rafiqul Islam, director of the University Security Council. “Efforts are on to trace the accused CNG driver,” he added.

Two assistant proctors of Chittagong University resigned from their administrative posts on Sunday. Dr Md Morshedul Alam and Arup Barua submitted their resignation letter to acting registrar KM Noor Ahmad citing personal reasons. Youth crushed under wheels of Chittagong University-bound train Dr Morshedul Alam said, "I resigned for personal reasons.There is nothing more behind my resignation. I submitted my resignation to the registrar this morning.” Earlier in March last year, 19 officials proctors, principals of various halls, and resident teachers in various positions of administration simultaneously resigned from the administration of Chittagong University. Four members of a family rescued after landslides on Chittagong University campus