United News of Bangladesh

Sixty students will be admitted in the undergraduate program in Dhaka University for 2022-23 academic year under the player quota. This approval was given in a meeting held on Wednesday at the Vice-Chancellor's Lounge following the recommendation of the player quota admission committee. Also read: DU announces Tk913 crore budget for FY 2023-24 VC Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman presided over the meeting. Also read: Ridding campus of outside elements a test for DU authorities The decision to admit students under player quota was taken with the aim of improving the quality of sports in Dhaka University for encouraging skilled athletes to participate in national and international sports competitions. Also read: DU holds 'Cha' unit admission test

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Islamic University, Kushtia and Edith Cowan University, Australia to undertake joint academic and research activities. IU Treasurer Professor M Alamgir Hossain Bhuiya and Edith Cowan University’s deputy vice-president (international) Jack German signed the MoU on behalf of their respective universities on Tuesday, according to a press release on Wednesday. Read: Islamic University officials continue work abstention for 2nd day The signing ceremony was held at the conference room of the IU administrative building, it said. IU Vice Chancellor Prof Shaikh Abdus Salam was present in the programme as chief guest while Pro VC  Prof M Mahbubur Rahman and acting registrar HM Ali Hasan were present at the programme as special guests. IU international students’ affairs cell director Mohammad Abu Hena Mostofa Jamal chaired the event. Read: Community Digital Storytelling workshop held at Islamic University IU student adviser Prof Shelina Nasrin, proctor Professor M Shahadat Hossain Azad, IUTA general secretary Prof Tapon Kumar Godder, among others were present on the occasion.  

Universities in the country could not achieve the desired place in the world rankings this year due to lack of proper planning and decision-making in research and innovation, said Bangladesh University Grants Commission Chairman (additional charge) Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir. He said this while inaugurating 22 research and innovation sub-projects of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) with the financial support of City Bank. Also read: UGC asks 4 private universities to stop enrollment for failing to fulfill conditions The day-long workshop was held at Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall in BAKB on Saturday morning. This situation of the universities of the world ranking country is largely a continuous result of the steps taken by them in the past years, said the UGC chairman. Also read: UGC asks universities to follow financial regulations properly He urged the university authorities to create a suitable environment for research and innovation, recruit qualified teachers, increase the number of regular students in PhD programmes, arrange prestigious scholarships, increase industry-academia cooperation, and focus on citation. The UGC chairman demanded priority to those who have obtained PhD degrees in the recruitment of teachers in the university and a separate pay scale for teachers. Without an attractive pay structure, talented and young students with PhD degrees are not getting interest in the teaching profession, he said. For this, he believed, a separate pay scale is needed for university teachers. Alamgir also discouraged young teachers from pursuing PhD degrees abroad. He said there is a huge scope for research on the socio-economic problems of the country. Therefore, it is not desirable to go abroad for research and stay there after the degree. Also read: UGC asks private universities to update syllabuses Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES) Director Professor Dr Mahfuza Begum presided over the programme while Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University (BAU) Prof Dr Emdadul Haque Chowdhury spoke as the chief patron.

Dr Rashid Askari, a former vice-chancellor and also a Professor of English department of Islamic University in Kushtia , has won the Vidyasagar Award 2023 for his contribution to education.  The Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata, India and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka Bangladesh jointly handed over the award on Tuesday night, IU academic office officials said on Wednesday. 124 students get Russian govt's higher education scholarships for 2024-25 Earlier, an international conference on 'Vidyasagar and the episteme of Bengal' jointly organised by the Sanskrit College and University, Kolkata, India and Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka marking the 203rd birth anniversary of Pandit Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar held at BB1 Bharati Bhavan, Kolkata, India on Tuesday. Among others, Mr Goutam De, former Director, ICCR, Biswadeb Chakraborty, Coordinator, URI, India, Dr. Tania Chakravertty, Dean of Students’ Welfare, Diamond Harbour Women’s University, West Bengal India, and delegates from Bangladesh-- Dr. Chinmoy Howlader, Associate Professor of Sanskrit, National University, Bangladesh, Prof. Md. Zahir Uddin Arif, Professor of Marketing, Jagannath University, Bangladesh and Iqbal Sarder, office secretary, Vidyasagar Society, Dhaka were present in the conference. CU orders former and expelled students to leave dormitories Rashid Askari is a distinguished academic, educationist, freethinking bilingual author, fictionist, columnist, translator and media personality.

The Russian Government on Tuesday announced 124 scholarships for Bangladeshi students on Bachelor, Masters and PhD courses for the academic year 2024-2025.  Counsellor of the embassy of the Russian Federation Pavel Dvoychenkov announced this in the annual press conference to mark the day of International Journalists' solidarity at the Russian House in Dhaka. He said the Russian House in Dhaka is jointly organizing all kinds of programs with several local partners: universities and non-governmental organizations, which gives the opportunity to get acquainted with their activities and to build solid cooperation in different fields. "Amid our main Bengali counterpart bodies are educational institutions: especially Stamford University. Dhaka University, Daffodil International University, State University of Bangladesh and United International University, as well as the Bangladesh-Russia Friendship Society, the Soviet Alumni Association Bangladesh (by the way, Soviet and Russian universities prepared around 5000 Bengali specialists working all around the world, often achieving top positions in the public and private sectors), the Muktijuddho Academy Trust, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and many others," he added.  The counsellor said that the application can be done online https://education-in-russia.com. The period is from 1 September 2023 till 31 October 2023. However, before applying all educational qualification certificates and mark sheets/transcripts in original and photocopy must be attested by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and passport must be valid for more than 18 months from September 2024. Read: With D grade Bangladesh Bank governor fares poorly in global ranking After completing the online application, along with the copy of the online application, attested copies of all educational certificates and transcript, passport copy, medical certificate (Hepatitis A.B.C, Tuberculosis and HIV absence report), consent letter of the candidate to personal info processing and one passport size color photograph should be submitted to the Education Section of Russian House in Dhaka.  Application submission time at Russian House in Dhaka is 10am to 5pm from Sunday to Thursday, he added. Apart from higher education in Russia, Bangladesh is also implementing the new Generation Program of short-term study tours to Russia for youth representatives at various Russian events. Every year, more than 1000 young leaders aged 25 to 35 visit Russia to establish professional contacts and build long-term partnership with Russian state and non-state structures, youth and community organizations. This year also,the Russian House in Dhaka has started activities for Bangladeshi representatives to participate in the New Generation Program, which is on its way to implementation very soon. Russian House in Dhaka invites young Bangladeshi friends to participate in the World Youth Festival-2024, which will be held in Sochi in the beginning of March next year. 20,000 Russian and foreign young leaders aged 18 to 35 - business, professionals from media, education, science, international cooperation, culture, volunteering, sports and other fields of social life - will gather at this festival.   The Russian House in Dhaka is working hard to promote educational and Russian language courses related to Russia. Discussions are already underway with some local universities to establish a "Russian Corner" so that anyone can easily learn about Russia and Russian language. This should be applied online only.

British Council IELTS test takers who do not achieve their desired results first time around will no longer have to re-sit the full test, after the launch of a game-changing new feature. One Skill Retake increases a test taker’s chances of success by offering them the opportunity to retake just one section of the IELTS test, whether it’s listening, reading, writing, or speaking, said the British Council on Tuesday. The format and timing of the test is the same as the section which examines the individual skill in a normal IELTS test, but test takers can save time cutting out the need to complete the other three skills. Andrew Mackenzie, Director of IELTS at the British Council, said One Skill Retake was created after listening to IELTS customer feedback. Read: Dhaka, Beijing committed to deepening strategic cooperation to uplift ties in new era: Ambassador Yao “We know that with the right preparation and support, our test takers can achieve their best score on test day. However, One Skill Retake provides test takers with an opportunity to retake a single skill if they feel their performance in the first instance did not represent their English proficiency, and we believe this increases fairness”, he said.  “Organisations that accept the IELTS One Skill Retake can offer their candidates the flexibility to achieve entry requirements without compromising on applicant quality. The IELTS partners are proud of this initiative that reinforces our commitment to helping test takers achieve their full potential,” he said.  Test takers who choose an IELTS One Skill Retake will receive a second Test Report Form that can be used for migration and study purposes. Depending on their score, test takers can choose whether they would like to use their old or new test report for the skill they retook. IELTS One Skill Retake can be booked within 60 days of the original IELTS test being taken. Tom Miscioscia, Director Bangladesh, British Council said: “We want to empower our IELTS test-takers in Bangladesh to achieve their best score, that’s why the British Council’s IELTS test is the only major high-stakes test with this new option.  “We are proud of this new initiative that reinforces our commitment to helping test takers achieve their full potential.”  

Chattogram University authorities have ordered those who are staying in the hall after the end of their academic session and those who are under expulsion for their involvement in anti-disciplinary activities at different times to leave the hall within 24 hours.  The directive was issued in a press release signed by CU acting registrar KM Nur Ahmed on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, police recovered eight sharp weapons and 17 pipes during a raid at Abdur Rab Hall of the university on Sunday afternoon following various clashes between different sub-groups of University unit Chhatra League in the past few days. Read: BCL men assault Prothom Alo CU correspondent for reporting on their activities University Proctor Dr Nurul Azim Sikder said, "Some iron rods, cricket stumps and local weapons were recovered from Abdur Rab Hall. The situation is calm now. Additional police have been deployed on the campus.” An emergency notification on Sunday said that the students who have already completed their study and are still staying in different residential halls of the university have been asked to leave the hall by 6 pm tomorrow. Read: BCL dissolves its CU unit committee Besides, those who have been expelled for their involvement in anti-disciplinary activities at different times have also been ordered to leave the hall within the same period. If such a person is found in the hall after a certain time, legal action will be taken against him.

Prothom Alo Chittagong University (CU) correspondent Mosharraf Shah suffered grievous injuries after being assaulted by activists of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) early Sunday. Mosharraf said the attackers repeatedly asked him why he wrote news reports regarding BCL and threatened him not to write any more reports in the future. He identified the attackers as members of the 'CFC group', led by CU BCL vice president Mirza Khabir Sadaf. He was assaulted at around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday in front of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities on the CU campus. BCL dissolves its CU unit committee Mosharraf Shah told UNB that he was headed to the Vice-Chancellor's office to get a statement on the issue of Chhatra League clashes, vandalism, and the recent beating up of the chief engineer. Around 15-20 BCL activists cornered him when he reached in front of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. They asked him why he filed reports on BCL. Some of them kicked him in the chest, punched him in the face and forehead, and hit him on the hands. During the beating, Mosharraf said that leaders and activists threatened him not to publish news about the Chhatra League and said, “We will see who comes to save you if you write any more news.  There will be no news about Chhatra League.” Four members of a family rescued after landslides on Chittagong University campus The injured Mosharraf was given primary treatment at the University Medical Center. He was sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital later. CU’s Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer, Abu Taiyab, said four stitches had to be given to close the wound on his forehead. Chittagong University proctor, 16 others resign from admin posts He is also suffering from a hand injury; an X-ray should be done, he said. Meanwhile, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) dissolved its Chittagong University (CU) unit committee on Sunday afternoon by issuing  a press release. The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of BCL, it said.  

Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB) Khulna Branch Council (KBC) organized a colorful orientation program for the newly admitted students of the July-December 2023 session on Wednesday at CMA Bhaban, Sonadanga, Khulna. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA, President of ICMAB was present as the Chief Guest of the program, said a press release. He appreciated the decisions of the newly admitted students in choosing the CMA profession. He presented a clear picture of the country’s need for professional accountants. Read: BAT Bangladesh scoops up ‘ICMAB Best Corporate Award’ for sixth time He assured that the Institute will provide the necessary support to facilitate their CMA journey. Past President Prof. Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, Treasurer Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Prof. S.M. Zahidur Rahman, Business Administration Discipline, Khulna University, Kartick Chandra Mondal, Principal, Azam Khan Govt. Commerce College and Professor Dr. Mohammad Zakaria Masud, Director of ICMAB, also addressed at the function. Read: Islami Bank scoops up ICMAB Best Corporate Award Khulna Branch Council Chairman Mr. Md. Arifur Rahman presided over the program and Vice Chairman Azizur Rahman delivered a welcome speech. A large number of students from several parts of Khulna attended the program. Read more: ICMAB signs MoU with Bogura Azizul Haque College to promote CMA studies

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday approved a $100 million loan to improve computer science, software engineering and information technology (IT) programmes in three universities in Bangladesh. ADB Social Sector Economist Ryotaro Hayashi said that uplifting software engineering programme in higher education is the needs of time to accelerate fourth industrial revolution technology adoption and realize the vision of Digital Bangladesh. Also read: ADB to provide Bangladesh $300 million loan to boost skills of labour force  “This project will help develop more competent and technology-savvy graduates and entrepreneurs who can help propel the country’s IT industry.” The project will upgrade the computer science and engineering, software engineering, and information technology degree programs of the leading public universities in Bangladesh which are Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and the University of Dhaka, as well as Jashore University of Science and Technology, according to a release from the Bank. These programmes will adopt blended learning techniques and integrate the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and internet of things. Also read: ADB provides $490 million to Bangladesh for 2 projects These programmes will seek international accreditation to ensure that students get updated curricula that adhere to international standards.  ADB will support the establishment of modern classrooms and laboratories, collaboration and start-up spaces, and auxiliary facilities in the three universities. These facilities will incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient designs, energy- and water-saving features, and will include women-friendly amenities and services. The universities will develop capacities of teachers to be proficient in new instructional approaches and emerging digital technologies. Also read: ADB mobilizes $261 million for Rampura Amulia Demra Expressway The students and teachers from the three and other universities will also work with industry partners to come up with innovative solutions through joint research and development. Mandatory internship opportunities, career counseling, and industry placement will be provided to undergraduate students, particularly for women.