United News of Bangladesh

Claiming the 43rd BCS non-cadre circular published by the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC) discriminatory, the 43rd BCS result aspirants have demanded the cancellation of the circular and separate publication of cadre and non-cadre results.They made the demand at a press conference at Maulana Akram Khan Hall of the National Press Club on Monday.Nasir Uddin, spokesman for the 43rd BCS result aspirants, read out the written statement at the press conference.The result aspirants alleged that the meritorious job seekers are losing confidence in the BCS, which is considered a 'transparent recruitment process' in the recent activities of the Public Service Commission (PSC).According to the written statement, the PSC published a non-cadre list containing only 1,342 posts on December 14 which created severe discrimination against the 43rd BCS candidates. Read: 45th BCS written tests postponed"Prime Minister's Information and Communication Technology Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has encouraged more recruitment from non-cadre posts. But why the current commission is shrinking the recruitment of non-cadre posts is raising questions in our minds,” said the spokesman.He said, “We strongly urge the BPSC to re-evaluate such a decision.”In the 38th BCS, 2,965 people were recommended from non-cadre. In the 40 BCS, the circular of 4,478 posts for non-cadre was published, from which 3,657 people were recommended. In the 41st BCS, there were 4,053 non-cadre posts, from which 3,164 people were recommended.But in the 43rd BCS, there are only 1,342 posts in non-cadre circular, from which only 360 posts are allocated for general candidates which is unprecedented and discriminatory, they claimed.

Nobel laureate professor Muhammad Yunus presided over the 3rd convocation of Al Bukhary (social business) University, held in its campus at Alor Setar, Kedah state of Malaysia, recently. Since its inception, Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has served as the chancellor of the university. He was involved in designing this social business focused university from its conceptualising phase. At that time, Prof Yunus conferred degrees in business administration, early education, mass media and communications, and computer studies, to 231 students in presence of over 1,000 people, including the vice-chancellor, graduands, faculty members, seven ambassadors, members of the board of governors and senate, parents and family members. He also presented awards to students achieving the highest academic honors in various streams, including the Chancellor awards and the inaugural Sharifah Rokia award, named after the name of the university founder Syed Mokhtar Al Bukhary's mother. Among the students was a young woman from Palestine, Ms Ghufran Zagmuth, who had the Palestinian flag draped around her gown as a protest against the extreme barbarity of the killing civilian population that is being perpetrated in her country, and powerful nations keeping complete silence about it. It was also a protest by the students of AIU for the killing of a fellow student, a very bright second year student named Suleiman Abu Anzar. He was killed in October by sniper fire during the Israeli attack on Palestine. He was visiting from AIU during semester break to meet his family in Gaza to show solidarity. He never got back to his friends at AIU. The whole campus burst into anger against this loss. He was a student of computer sciences.

Registration of DPS STS Merit Scholarship Test for Grades IX and XI opened for 2024-25 session. In 2021, DPS STS School Dhaka introduced this scholarship to create an opportunity for bright students from around the country to pursue education at the leading English medium school of the country, said a press release. Students of Grades VIII and X (current session) from any school and any curriculum (Cambridge/ IB/ National/ Edexcel etc.) in Bangladesh or overseas can take this scholarship test, reads the release. Read: Poetry contest at ISD to uphold patriotism Registration for the December cycle is now open and will continue till 15 January 2024. The assessment test will take place at the senior campus of DPS STS School located in Uttara on 20 January 2024. Interested candidates can register through this link: https://forms.gle/R5UfWZfEpUFCTSYUA. Participants who will get a minimum percentage of 80% in the scholarship test (both in written and oral assessment) will be shortlisted for the final scholarship. Finally-selected candidates will be offered up to 100% scholarships on their tuition fees based on their scores in the written test, added the release. Here is the link of the scholarship test curriculum and other details: https://dpsstsdhaka.org/stsmeritscholarship/ Read: BYLC concludes its first ever job readiness programme The assessment will cover a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Current Affairs, and Logical Reasoning (for scholarship in Grade 9) whereas for Grade 11 scholarship, candidates can choose any subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics. A negative marking system will be followed while assessing written parts. Dr Shivananda CS, Principal of DPS STS School Dhaka, said, “This scholarship introduced by DPS STS School speaks of our commitment to promote inclusivity. We want to create opportunities for meritorious students who want to strive for academic excellence at DPS.” Around 200 students registered for this scholarship in the last session. Two students were granted a 50% waiver in their tuition fees through this scholarship program.

International School Dhaka (ISD), which offers International Baccalaureate curricula to its local and foreign students, organised a Bangla poetry writing competition marking the country’s 53rd Victory Day on Saturday. Nazifah Tasnim Tabassum came out as the winner in the Middle School section for her poem ‘Jonmobhumi’ (Motherland) while Wafa Jahan Shakira won at the High School level for her poem ’Bhalobasar Bangladesh’ (Of Love for Bangladesh). They were awarded at the Victory Day Assembly organised by the school’s Bangla Department. Reciting poem ‘Shadhinotar Shukh’ (Happiness of Freedom) grade 2 students joined the celebration that included music. Grade 7 students performed a musical drama titled ‘Hridoy Amar Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh is in my heart) illustrating the history of Bangladesh inclusive of the 1971 liberation war. “Through this assembly we try to instill in our students a deep sense of pride and responsibility towards the legacy of our nation,” said Bangla Department Head Ishrat Jahan. ISD Director Steve Calland-Scoble said, “It’s a great opportunity for our kids to share their culture and values with everyone in the school.” The school’s Primary Principal David Longworth and Secondary Principal Chris Boyle also spoke.

The newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University (JnU), Prof. Sadeka Halim, has stated her commitment to seeing Bangladesh move forward with the spirit of the Liberation War, after paying homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War by placing wreaths at the National Memorial in Savar, marking the 52nd Victory Day. “Bangladesh has progressed a lot in social, political and economic sectors. However, there are many obstacles and limitations,” she said. Dr Sadeka, who in her last post served as chair of the Sociology department of Dhaka University, also urged the young generation to know the history of their Liberation War from the brave freedom fighters. She praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for developing the country 'enormously' and said, “At present, we have achieved a lot. We are applying that achievement internationally. At present, the main achievement of our victory is that the country is moving forward with emphasis on all the issues of victory under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Apart from this, the Prime Minister's dream of making Smart Bangladesh requires economic development, civil sector mentality and acceptance of diversity.” The first woman to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University (JnU) also added, "It is not possible to repay the sacrifices of freedom fighters. But we should think about why they fought. And we must uphold their sacrifices. We have to protect our independence and move forward with the spirit of the Liberation War." Among others, Humayun Kabir Chowdhury, treasurer of the university, deans of various faculties, Hall Provost, and the President and General Secretary of the Teachers Association, were also present. Dr Sadeka Halim is the daughter of the late, great scientist Fazlul Halim Chowdhury, who himself was one of the longest-serving vice chancellors of Dhaka University.  Apart from her academic positions, she also served as one of the commissioners in the country's inaugural Information Commission. 

Expressing solidarity with Palestinians, a cultural event 'Intifada Palestine', was held on Jagannath University (JnU) campus in protest against the barbaric Israeli aggressions supported by the US on innocent people on Wednesday. The students of different departments participated in the cultural function organised by 'Chintak' on the university's "Vaskharya Chattar" premises. Sammilita Sangskritik Jote protests against Israel's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza The programme was organised under the initiative of 'Chintak', a quarterly periodical published by the students of the university. In the event, the tragic pictures of torture of the Palestinians were put up before the participants through revolutionary speeches, protest songs and poems. Protest marches from US to Berlin call for immediate halt to Israeli bombing of Gaza In addition, pictures of brutal killings on Palestinians were also displayed at the event. The revolutionary spirit of the Palestinians was depicted through the recitation of Kazi Nazrul Islam's 'Bidrohi'. Ivan Tahsib, editor of "Chintak" magazine and one of the organisers of the protest programme, said, "We want to say from this solidarity programme that American imperialism is responsible for the terrible situation of the Palestinian people today, just as Israeli Zionism is responsible. This is not just a war of religion, it is a war for the survival of America's capitalist interests. Not all Jews support the genocide of Palestinians. Many Jews in the UK, France and Germany are against the genocide." Islamic parties stage protest condemning Israeli attacks on Palestine Joydeep Bhattacharya, organiser of the Bangladesh Chapter of "Health Care Workers for Palestine", Rafiquzzaman Farid, adviser of the quarterly periodical 'Sairen', published by the students of Dhaka University, and cultural activists joined the event and expressed their solidarity with the freedom-seeking Palestinians. Along with them, Sushmita Roy Supti, organiser of 'Charan Cultural Centre’' and many leaders joined their voices.

Dhaka University administration on Wednesday blocked a panel discussion on "National Curriculum 2021" after allowing organisers to arrange the programme. The panel discussion titled "National Curriculum 2021: Why Are We Concerned?" was scheduled to be held at the RC Majumdar Arts Auditorium of the Lecture Theatre building of DU on Wednesday. Maksud Kamal takes charge as 29th VC of Dhaka University The University Teachers' Network arranged the programme to discuss several matters about the curriculum. After the speakers and the audience gathered in front of the auditorium, Professor Dr Abdul Bashir, dean of the Faculty of Arts, called the organisers over the phone and informed them not to hold the discussion. Vested groups spreading falsehood about new curriculum: Dipu Moni  When asked about not allowing the programme, Bashir said, "We gave permission in view of their written application. But I got to know at 2:00 pm that this programme may hurt the state, the government, and our nation. That's why I called the organisers and requested that they arrange it somewhere else." Meanwhile, the University Teachers' Network held a rally in front of the Aparajeyo Bangla Sculpture, protesting the decision. Students will be assessed based on their skills in the new curriculum: Dipu Moni Prof Kamrul Hasan Mamun of the Physics department of the university said, "We wanted to hold a discussion about the pros and cons of the new curriculum. Those who obstruct such a harmless programme do not want the welfare of the state. The new curriculum that has been imposed on our students is nothing but an empty shell." Prof Nasir Uddin of Jagannath University said, "In the new curriculum, 30 percent of science activities have been kept and the rest have been removed. Art and culture, life, and livelihood subjects have been given priority, excluding science and mathematics. These may be part of technical education, not mainstream. If this continues, administrators and executives will have to be imported from abroad soon." The protest rally was attended by the teachers of Dhaka University, guardians, and some students.

Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) has concluded its first ever job readiness program, BYLC Connected, for graduating students and young professionals in Bangladesh. The program was aim at graduating students and young professionals who are looking to start or grow their careers, according to a press release.   As part of the program, BYLC's Office of Professional Development trained roughly 80 enrolled participants on resume writing, acing interviews, psychometric exams, and important soft and technical skills relevant to the present job sector throughout their 10-day training session, reads the press release. Participants had the opportunity to network with recruiters, as well as receive placement and career counseling services. BYLC Office of Professional Development (OPD) was launched in 2016 with a vision to respond to the systemic challenges in talent development in Bangladesh through innovative interventions. Through their programs, OPD connects youth to jobs and employment opportunities via partnerships with renowned employers of the country, provides them with necessary skills, and gives them the opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders. Till date, OPD has trained around 3124 and placed around 895 in employment opportunities, according to the official press release.

The Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Northern University Bangladesh (NUB) organized its CSE Day 203 on December 9, Saturday, with a focus on the role of technology in building a Smart Bangladesh. The event, held at the university auditorium on its permanent campus in the capital, brought together distinguished guests, faculty, students, and industry leaders to celebrate innovation and discuss the future of technology in Bangladesh, according to a press release.  Member of Parliament of Dhaka-18 Constituency Mohammad Habib Hasan joined the event as the chief guest. He lauded the students for their innovative projects and expressed his confidence that they will play a vital role in fulfilling the vision of a Smart Bangladesh. Professor Dr Abu Yousuf Md Abdullah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NUB said, "The times have changed, the current world is seeing new technologies almost every day. There is an endless competition of innovation around the world. To lead the country in this competition, you will be the torchbearers of the future in the knowledge industry on behalf of the country.” 

Dr S R Lasker Library of East West University (EWU) hosted the 17th International Conference on Webometrics, Informetrics, and Scientometrics (WIS) from December 8-10 at East West University, Aftabnagar in the capital. The three-day conference was organized by COLLNET in association with the Society for Library Professionals and Special Libraries Association, Asia Community. The Inaugural Ceremony of the conference was held on Friday, December 8, at the Manzur Elahi Auditorium of EWU. Syed Manzur Elahi, Chairperson, Board of Trustees, EWU and Former Adviser of the Caretaker Government joined the inauguration as the chief guest. “Webometrics, Informetrics, and Scientometrics are always important fields in understanding and assessing the impact and dynamics of knowledge, research, and information dissemination in the digital age. This conference will provide a valuable platform for academics, librarians, information technology professionals, and policymakers advancing research and activities in these areas,” he said at the event. Professor Dr Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of EWU delivered the welcome speech at the inauguration ceremony. Dr Bernd Markscheffel, Academic Council (Senior Researcher), Department of Information and Knowledge Management, Technische Universität Ilmenau, Germany was the special guest on the occasion. Prof Jean-Charles Lamirel, Professor at  the Dalian University of Technology, China, and the University of Strasbourg, France, delivered the Keynote Speech during the session which was ended with a vote of thanks by the Conference Chair Dr Dilara Begum, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Information Studies, and Librarian (In-Charge), EWU. Around 250 researchers, librarians, academicians and other professionals from different countries are participating in the conference, where a total of 85 research papers are being presented.