United News of Bangladesh

The 26th council of Bangladesh Chhatra League's (BCL) Rajshahi University unit is going to be held on Monday after 7 years - with a committee that expired 6 years ago. The committee expired on December 11, 2017. A total of 94 aspirants submitted their CV for the post of president and general secretary. The post seekers were seen spending a busy time ahead of the council. Leaders who have been inactive for a long time have also seen making vigorous efforts to bag the top positions. The main gate of the campus, Kazla Gate, Paris Road, Tukitaki and Paribahan chattar are covered with banners, festoons and signboards of the aspirant leaders since Saturday morning. The stage for the council has already been prepared at Sabash Bangladesh ground of the campus, creating festive mood in and around the campus. According to the organisation sources, the last council of Rajshahi University Chhatra League was held on December 8, 2016. On December 11, a partial committee of 13 members was announced with Golam Kibria as president and Faisal Ahmed as general secretary. About six months later, the Central Chhatra League approved the full committee. According to the constitution, the term of that committee ended on December 11, 2017. However, the activities of the University Chhatra League have been going on for so long under the leadership of that expired committee. In the last six and a half years, the central leadership has changed three times, but the RU executive body has not changed. In the meantime, this organisation was involved in various unethical activities such as student torture, extortion, proxy cases, robbery and seat-trading in residential halls. According to the BCL sources, the studentship of most of the aspirants ended long ago due to not holding the council for a long time. Many of them are enrolled in evening courses to continue their studentship.

Dhaka University has introduced a new fund named 'The Dhaka University Trust Fund' today to strengthen its economic stability. DU Vice Chancellor prof Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the fund at the Abdul Matin Chowdhury Auditorium around 12 pm on Saturday. Read: 10 students receive Sitara Parveen Award for academic excellence in DU’s journalism discipline Four big corporate companies donated Tk 1.11 cr and the fund started the journey with this amount. DU VC prof Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman presided over the programme while DU treasurer prof. Mamtazuddin Ahmed was the special guest. Heads of the donor companies were present in the inauguration programme. They are Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury, president of Dhaka University Alumni Association, Alhaj Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of PHP Family, Dr. Preeti Chakraborty, chairman of Universal Medical College and Hospital, and Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Chairman of Popular Medical College and Hospital. Read: Dipu Moni calls for education transformation through integrated and inclusive approach Deans from faculties and provosts from different halls were also present in the inauguration ceremony. DU VC said, " initially the activities of this fund started today by receiving donations. It will continue and every year through a programme, donation checks will be accepted from Dhaka University Alumni, established individuals from various walks of life, reputed institutions, wealthy donors, individuals who are fond of education and research." The Vice-Chancellor later expressed optimism that it would be possible to increase the capital of this fund to 1000 crores by accepting donations in a grand ceremony where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be present. Read: Sumon, Faraque elected as ERAB president, general secretary He also called upon well-established Dhaka University alumni and philanthropic individuals and organizations at home and abroad to further increase the funds of this fund to enrich the education and research of Dhaka University.

Shariful Alam Sumon, special correspondent of Deshrupantor and Faraque Hossain, chief reporter of the Daily Inqilab, were elected as president and general secretary of the Education Reporters Association, Bangladesh (ERAB). The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the organisation and its election for executive committee for 2023-24 years was held on Thursday at a hotel in Cox's bazar amid festivity. Read more: DUJA gets  new executive committee for 2022 The other office bearers are Shelina Sheuly of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (vice-president), Solamain Salman of New Age (treasurer), Piash Sarker of Daily Manabzamin (joint secretary) and Asif Hasan Kajol of Daily Janakantho (organising secretary) and Abdullah Al Jubair (office and publication secretary). Read: New BCCCI executive committee takes charge Moreover, Mir Mohammed Jasim and Erfan Hossain were elected as executive members. Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) general secretary and ERAB senior member Masudul Hoque conducted the election as chief election commissioner while Saif Sujon and ABS Yeamin were the election commissioners in the polls. ERAB, an organisation of journalists covering the education sector, is a government registered organisation. Read more: BFSA executive committee members visit Tungipara

Ten students of Mass Communication and Journalism (MCJ) department at Dhaka University (DU) have received Prof Sitara Parveen Award for their academic excellence. An amount of Tk 1, 18,534 was distributed among the award winners on the basis of their academic performance. The award ceremony was held at Prof Mojaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the Social Science Faculty Building at 10 am Thursday. Read: Community Digital Storytelling workshop held at Islamic University DU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman attended the function as the chief guest while Social Science Faculty’s Dean Prof Zia Rahman was the special guest. Chaired by MCJ department’s chair Prof Dr Abul Mansur Ahmed, Associate Prof Marzia Rahman conducted the event. Awardees are Md Nasimul Huda, SM Shams Rahman, Sumaiya Sanjana Nimmi, Nausheen Beethi, Orthi Navnita, Maria Anis Chowdhury, Md. Mahfuzul Islam, Niti Chakma, Sujan Sen Gupta and Syed Mohammad Rahatul Islam. Read: Applications for UK's Chevening scholarships to open on Sept 12 "Sitara Parveen was a very soft-spoken lady and perfect model for Bengali women. I feel sorry for losing her at such an early age. She passed away but will be remembered for her works and simplicity", VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman said this while addressing the event. "The main objective of today’s award giving ceremony is to inspire our students. My request to those, who are being awarded today, is that they will be honest and responsible in their respective fields,” he added. Recalling memories, MCJ Chair Abul Mansur said, "Her (Sitara) contribution to my life will be remembered till my death as she helped me in my tough times when my mother had died.” Read: Dipu Moni calls for education transformation through integrated and inclusive approach Late Sitara Parveen was a professor of the MCJ and wife of retired Prof Ahaduzzaman Md Ali who also served the department as a faculty member of the Social Science Faculty.

A workshop on 'Community Digital Storytelling' was recently held at Islamic University (IU), Kushtia, in collaboration with the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication, Daffodil International University (DIU). The Photographic Society of Islamic University and the Community Digital Storytelling Festival team jointly organized it on September 11 in room 134 of the university's Mir Musharraf Hossain Academic Building. Read: IU- issued open notice for information Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Nasir Uddin, President of Al-Fiqh and Legal Studies Department at IU, conducted the workshop, while Dr Md Abdul Kabil Khan, Associate Professor at the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication from Daffodil International University was the keynote speaker. Proctor of Islamic University and Shahadat Hossain Azad, Professor, Department of English; Shahjahan Mandal, Professor, Law Department, Adviser of Photographic Society; and Amjad Hossain, Associate Professor of Al Fiqh and Legal Studies Department were present as guests. Read: US lauds "robust exchange" of students, researchers, scholars, educators with Bangladesh In the workshop, Dr Khan discussed various topics including camera settings, pictures with contemporary needs, story ideas and research. He also discussed practical issues like camera settings, story quality, FPS (frames per second), using appropriate video frames. "The story that no one in the society talks about is the true story. There are many untold tales among the common people. One should choose a narrative with current issues as its subject. In addition to this, you have to select which social media platform will be used to reach your target demographic,” Dr Khan said at the workshop. Dr Shahjahan Mandal and Dr Mohammad Nashir Uddin discussed the legal and Shariah perspectives of Community Digital Storytelling. Read: Dipu Moni calls for education transformation through integrated and inclusive approach

The authorities of Islamic University in Kushtia have issued an ‘open notice’ for all of its students with a view to gathering information regarding the recent ragging incident allegedly by a group of students of the Human Resource Management department on September 2. A press release, signed by IU Business Administration Faculty dean Professor M Shaiful Islam, was issued in this regard on Tuesday. According to the press release, the university administration has issued the ‘open notice’ asking all students concerned to provide information about the torture on Tahmin Osman, a fresher of Human Resource Management department, to the probe committee for making a fair investigation report. Islamic University officials continue work abstention for 2nd day If anyone has any evidence or information about the torture of the student, he/she should be asked to submit it, in written form or in person, to the probe body convener, also business administration faculty dean, Professor Shaiful Islam's office by September 17. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential, the press release added. Professor M Shaiful Islam said that they issued the ‘open notice’ to gather actual information from the students. They would try to submit their investigation report in due time, he added. BCL's Islamic University unit suspends 8 activists for violating organisation rules IU acting registrar HM Ali Hasan said that the university authorities would take legal action against the accused involved in torturing the fresher after getting the probe report. Earlier, a group of students, including Hisham Nazir Shuvo, Mizanur Rahman Emon and Sheikh Salahuddin Shakib under 2021–22 academic session of the Human Resource Management department brought Tahmin Osman, a first year student of the same department, to Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium area after his orientation class on September 2 and tortured him mentally. They tortured him once again on September 3. 5 injured in BCL factional clash at Islamic University The victim, however, on Sunday lodged a complaint with proctor professor M Shahadat Hossain Azad, student adviser professor Shelin Nasrin and acting registrar HM Ali Hasan in this connection. The university administration later formed a five-member probe body led by the business administration faculty dean soon after receiving the complaint from the victim to look into the matter.    

A woman and her son were killed after being hit by a speeding private car while crossing a road in Sylhet's Osmaninagar upazila on Sunday night. The accident occurred in front of VARD Eye Hospital in the Tajpur area on Sylhet-Dhaka highway around 8:30 pm on Sunday (September 10). Read: Two workers electrocuted in Munshiganj jute mill The deceased were identified as Salma Begum, 52, wife of Shukkur Ali of Kamalbazar area of South Surma upazila, and her son Abdul Kaium, 32. They lived in a rented house next to the eye hospital. Eyewitness said that Salma and her son died on the spot while crossing the road after they were hit by a car while crossing the road. Read: RMG worker ‘pushed off’ moving bus, dies in Gazipur On information, a team of police and Tajpur Fire Service reached the spot and recovered the bodies, said Md. Samrat Talukdar, assistant superintendent of Sylhet district police (Media). Later, the bodies were sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical Hospital morgue, added the OC.

Applications to study in the UK with a Chevening Scholarship or South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) will be opened for the candidates aimed at mid-career journalists on September 12, 2023. Applications will be accepted till November 7, 2023 and applications will have to be submitted via www.chevening.org/apply or www.chevening.org/fellowship/sajp. “If you are someone who is passionate about driving change, whether on a local or global scale, if you want to be the best at what you do and if you have the imagination to inspire others, then a Chevening Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity for you,” said British High Commissioner to Bangladesh HE Sarah Cooke. READ: US lauds "robust exchange" of students, researchers, scholars, educators with Bangladesh “There’s no such thing as a typical scholar. Your age, race, gender, religion or background don’t matter. We want to see that you have energy, curiosity, compassion and a clear vision for your future. If this sounds like you, why not join our community of alumni from Bangladesh! “‘Our alumni network is full of dynamic influencers who have shared the same experience that you will. They can offer encouragement, mentorship, advice, and contacts. When you return home after your studies you should feel well-equipped to start making a real difference in Bangladesh,” said the High Commissioner. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals from all backgrounds who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills required to become future leaders, and can show how a UK master’s degree will help them to create positive change in their country. The scholarship offers full financial support for scholars to study for an eligible master’s degree, from over 150 UK universities, whilst also gaining access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional and cultural experiences. READ: 21 professionals awarded new Chevening scholarships The Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship (SAJP) is aimed at mid-career journalists from South Asian countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The fellowship is hosted by the University of Westminster. UK degrees and teaching methods are world-class and give scholars the opportunity to develop professional skills and shape their future career. Successful applicants will also join a vibrant global network that includes more than 380 alumni from Bangladesh, and over 55,000 alumni worldwide. Since the programme was created in 1983, over 55,000 professionals have had the opportunity to take their career to the next level through Chevening. There are approximately 1,500 awards on offer globally for the 2024/2025 academic year, demonstrating the UK’s ongoing commitment towards developing the leaders of tomorrow as Chevening celebrates its 40th anniversary year. Bangladesh has more than 380 Chevening alumni. Chevening scholarships are fully-funded (flights, accommodation, and course fees are all included). READ: 200 Bangladeshi students join US Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship prog Interested applicants can go through chevening.org/scholarships for detailed information on the eligibility criteria and scholarship specifications.  

Two separate cases were filed on Saturday night accusing over 500 people in connection with the vandalism at the bungalow of Chittagong University (CU) Vice Chancellor (VC) and buses of the transport department after 20 students sustained injuries when they fell off a university-bound train’s roof on Thursday night. The university’s Acting Registrar KM Nur Ahmed and Security Officer Sheikh Md Abdur Razzaque filed the cases on behalf of the university respectively.  Abu Taiyeb Md Arif Hossain, additional superintendent of district police, confirmed the development saying that the cases were filed with Hathazari police station over allegations of extortion and torching buses.  20 CU students injured falling off roof of running shuttle train In the cases, 14 were named as accused and 400-500 unidentified were accused, he said.  Earlier on Thursday night, 20 students were injured after being hit by a branch of a tree when they were returning to campus from Chattogram city, riding on the train's roof due to overcrowding. Sixteen of the injured students were admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH). As per regular schedule, the university-bound shuttle train carrying over 2,000 students left the city’s New Market Station At 8:30 pm on Thursday. Risking lives, some students were seen riding on the train’s roof due to lack of seats. As the train arrived in Fatehabad area under Hathazari upazila, some students fell off the train after being hit by a branch of a tree which was hanging low due to rains.   Enraged by the incident, the CU students vandalised the campus police outpost, shops, and set tyres on fire in front of the Zero Point at the university. At one stage, they also moved to the bungalow of the university’s VC, went on rampage there and torched buses, creating panic on the campus. On Friday, VC Prof Dr Shireen Akthter held a press conference on the campus alleging that some miscreants carried out the vandalism and torched the buses.       

North South University (NSU) Social Services Club prepares to host the eleventh edition of Pathao presents Socio Camp powered by Lira Imports in association with Computer Mania BD and Blucheez, a dynamic idea generating competition that promises to unite the brightest minds from universities across Bangladesh. The event is scheduled to take place on September 9th, 2023, at North South University campus, said a press release. Also read: NSU hosts workshop on negotiation and contract administration Socio Camp has become a hallmark event in the academic calendar, fostering an atmosphere of creativity, collaboration, and healthy competition. This year's edition aims to further elevate the spirit of innovation as teams from diverse educational backgrounds converge to present their groundbreaking ideas. Also read: NSU VC meets President Shahabuddin This is open to all universities in Bangladesh, with teams comprising of passionate studentswho share a common goal of making a positive impact on society. Socio Camp XI will culminate in a grand finale where the most promising ideas will be showcased in front of a distinguished panel of judges and a captivated audience. "Universities are wellsprings of brilliant ideas, and Socio Camp serves as a platform to channel that potential into actionable solutions. We’re thrilled to welcome participants from universities all over Bangladesh, as their diverse perspectives and innovative thinking will undoubtedly shape the future” said Raju Ahmmed, General Secretary of NSUSSC. Also read: Times Higher Education Rankings 2023: DU, NSU ranked top Bangladeshi universities A dedicated registration booth will be stationed on the North South University campus from September 9th to September 14th. Participants can register through online or in-person at the booth paying a fee Tk 500. The club has declared a prize money of Tk100,000 for the champion, Tk60,000, and TK40,000 to be awarded to first and second runners-up, respectively. Participants are encouraged to visit the official website www.nsussc.com and Facebook page of North South University Social Services Club.