United News of Bangladesh

A team of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology ( BUET) was recently awarded as the first position for inventing NeoScreenix, Smart AI System for Early Breast Cancer Screening. The team secured their first position  in 2025 Johns Hopkins Healthcare Design Competition Winners for their innovative idea, says a press release. Team Ecoassist from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú achieved the second position for their Deep Learning project which describes Aided Kidney and Liver Segmentation for Enhanced US Image Acquisition while Kujali – an AI-driven decision-support tool for labor care of Johns Hopkins University team placed the third position in the competition. The five-member team, Neoscreenix, developed an AI-based early breast cancer screening tool aimed at empowering women in low-resource settings. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson, the contest drew global participation. BUET was the only university with two finalist teams in the category. Team NEOSCREENIX wowed the judges with their ‘Smart System for Early Breast Cancer Screening’ and took home a $5,000 prize. The all-CSE lineup included Fahmida Naznin (Project Designer), M.H. Sadman Tabib (ML Developer), Md. Hasain Adil (Frontend), Sadatul Islam (Backend), and Prithu Anan (Hardware).  A computer science and engineering undergraduate who loves to work for solving the real life problems shared in this Linkedin account that the achievement their mission to harness AI and digital technology to enable early,  accessible brwast cancer detection especially in undeserved communities. The winners received US Dollar 5,000, which they plan to invest in expanding their research and making the technology more accessible across Bangladesh. Out of 440 proposals submitted by teams across all tracks, the top 8 teams from each track were invited to pitch in the final round on April 12th to compete for first, second, and third prizes of US Dollar 5,000, 3,000, and 1,000 respectively. 

Ten students of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have been awarded scholarships by the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) of Japan for their outstanding academic performance during the January–December 2023 academic year. The scholarship cheques were handed over to the recipients at a ceremony held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. Vice-Chancellor Dr. A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan was present at the event as the chief guest, and distributed the awards. The scholarship recipients are Lara Sarker and Mahani Mohal Ansary Keya from the Faculty of Veterinary Science; Rifa Nanjiba Jeny, Jannatul Ferdous Ritu, Syeda Shamima Ahmed Shucy and Md. Nabiul Hoque from the Faculty of Agriculture; Sayma Siddika Saba and Esha Ahammed from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry; and Md. Mizanur Rahman Naim and Arafia Jahan from the Faculty of Fisheries.  Mohammad Toufiqul Islam, acting director of BAU’s Public Relations and Publications Office, confirmed the list of recipients to UNB's campus correspondent. NEF is a non-governmental organization based in Japan, founded in November 1989 with the aim of protecting nature in developing countries. The organization provides scholarships to meritorious undergraduate and postgraduate students. Apart from BAU, students from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University and Gazipur Agriculture University also receive this scholarship.

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and Thailand's Kasetsart University (KU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday to strengthen cooperation in education and research,. Prof Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at BAU, said  the MoU takes effect immediately and will remain in force for five years. The duration may be extended upon mutual consent. 30 Scientists, 5 farmers & a journalist honoured at BAU Starting next year, at least five BAU students will be given internship opportunities at Kasetsart University. BAU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan, and Prof Dr. Md. Bahanur Rahman and  Dr. Damrong Sripraram, Acting President of Kasetsart University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Khongsak Thiangtum, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,  signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides. Under the agreement, the two institutions will collaborate in student and faculty exchange programs, joint research initiatives, continuous educational activities, and participation in bilateral academic forums and seminars.

The process of relieving the Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) from their duties has begun.  The information was disclosed late on Wednesday night (23 April) by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. BGCS announces march towards Education  Ministry demanding KUET VC’s resignation According to a media release issued by the ministry, the decision has been taken in light of recent events at KUET, with the aim of resolving the ongoing crisis and resuming academic activities without delay.  A search committee will be formed promptly to appoint new officials to both positions. Kuet students vow to continue hunger strike despite adviser’s intervention During the interim period, to ensure the continuation of regular university activities, one of the senior professors will be temporarily assigned the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor, said the  Ministry of Education.

Students of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) on Wednesday vowed to continue their hunger strike even after Education Ministry Adviser CR Abrar met them and tried to resolve the issue. Arriving at the campus around 9:45am, he spoke with the protesting students for around a half hour at the Student Welfare Centre. Sitting among them, he heard how their six-point demand turned into one -- the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Alamgir Masud. The students made it clear they would not end their strike until the VC stepped down. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abrar said, “It’s very unfortunate the situation has come to this, forcing students into hunger strikes. They want an immediate announcement that would allow them to withdraw. I’ve explained that legal constraints must be considered in any decision.” Demand for KUET VC’s removal resonates in Dhaka; students block Shahbagh, go on hunger strike “I came here not as an official but as a father. I urged the more ill students to drink water and the others to protest in healthier ways, but they refused. I still hope for a peaceful and quick resolution,” he said. Asked by syndicate members to hold talks, Abrar declined, stating his sole purpose was to persuade the students to end their strike. By Wednesday morning, five students had fallen sick due to the extreme heat and prolonged fasting. Many are reportedly suffering from low blood pressure. Parents concerned and fellow students from both on and off campus have gathered at the protest site. The hunger strike began on Monday afternoon, with hundreds of students taking part. On the evening the following day, female students broke into the locked Rokeya Hall, aided by male students. Meanwhile, more than 300 students from Dhaka-based institutions joined a 'Shahbagh Blockade' protest late Tuesday night, where Dhaka University student Musaddiq Ali Ibn Mohammad announced a call for class boycotts at all educational institutions on Wednesday. Various organisations, including Khulna University, Khulna Citizen Forum, and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also declared support through processions and protests. Security on the Kuet campus has been tightened, with additional police deployed at entry gates. Kuet teachers to abstain from classes until 3-point demand is met Teachers continue to request that students end their strike and engage in dialogue. Despite several appeals from faculty members, including the pro-VC and director of student welfare, students remain steadfast. The unrest stems from a violent clash on February 18 involving student political groups, after which the administration suspended 37 students and temporarily shut down academic activities. Students returned to campus in defiance on April 13 and have since demanded the VC’s resignation.

Students from various institutions in Dhaka blocked the Shahbagh intersection for almost two hours on Tuesday night, demanding the resignation of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammed Masudur Rahman. Students from Dhaka University, BUET, Jagannath University, Dhaka College, and various other institutions gathered at Shahbagh around 10:30pm. They left Shahbagh at 12:15am. Earlier, they announced the protest programme with the theme of “Kuet Bachate Shahbagh Blockade” (Blockade to save KUET at Shahbagh). During the blockade, Abdullah Saikat, a student on hunger strike at KUET, joined them live from the Khulna campus. He expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) will host a three-day regional higher education conference in Dhaka this December, aimed at bringing together UGC representatives from SAARC countries. The decision to host the conference was taken from a meeting chaired by UGC Chairman Professor Dr. S M A Faiz on Monday. The conference, will be held at a city hotel, aims to foster regional collaboration in higher education and research and to explore strategies for advancing the quality of education in universities across the region. Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is expected to attend the event's opening ceremony as the chief guest. A steering committee has already been formed to ensure its successful organisation. UGC chairman expects 7 colleges' issue to be resolved amicably Apart from UGC representatives from SAARC nations, vice-chancellors, academics, and researchers from various universities in Bangladesh are expected to attend the event. The conference will be funded by the ongoing Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project, implemented by the UGC with support from the World Bank. UGC members Prof Dr. Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, Prof Dr. Mohammad Anwar Hossain, and Prof Dr. Md. Saidur Rahman, among others attended the meeting.

Students of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU) on Monday staged demonstration to press home their five-point demand including the cancellation of direct promotion to 9th grade posts and maintaining the current admission system for agricultural universities. They also issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities to meet their demands. The students made the announcement at a press briefing in the afternoon Earlier in the day, students under the banner of "Krishi Diploma Chhatra Odhikar Andolon" staged a demonstration in front of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) at Khamarbari. However, SAU students later intervened and dispersed them from the spot before presenting their own five-point demand. Speaking at the press briefing, SAU student Sohanur Rahman said, “This morning, diploma and ATI students gathered here demanding a 40% quota in promotions in  government jobs. But if they are granted such a large quota, where do we, the agricultural science students who studied for four years, go? They should compete with us in exams. We are not calling them unqualified. Let them sit for tests and prove their eligibility. We are not here to create chaos.” Polytechnic students call nationwide rail blockade Thursday to press 6-point demands A coordinator of the "Krishibid Oikya Parishad" (Agriculturists' Unity Council) said, “Some of the diploma students' demands are logical and we want the government to accept those. But some of their demands are unreasonable and causing public suffering by blocking roads. If implemented, those demands will pose a serious threat to the country’s agriculture sector.” The five-point demand of the SAU students and the Krishibid Oikya Parishad is as follows: No one should be allowed to study in public agricultural universities without passing the existing admission tests. There should be no scope for promotion to 9th grade posts without passing the recruitment test. Posts under the 10th grade should remain within the current structure and beyond the scope of gazette notifications. Jobs under 10th grade (such as Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer or equivalent) should be open to both BSc and diploma degree holders. The title "Krishibid" (agriculturist) must not be used by anyone other than graduates in agriculture or agriculture-related disciplines. A government gazette should be issued in this regard.Agricultural diploma or technical education must be kept under the jurisdiction of agriculture-related institutions, such as the Department of Agricultural Extension.

Teachers of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (Kuet) have decided not to return to classes unless their three-point demand including justice over the February 18 attack on students and teachers is fulfilled. The decision came from an emergency meeting of  Kuet Teachers’ Association held on Thursday where members of the association agreed to boycott academic activities until those involved in the assault on the teachers including the Vice-Chancellor are identified and brought to justice. The association rejected the ongoing student protest demanding the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor terming the demand “unjustified” and “based on baseless and unrealistic allegations,” said a press release issued by the association on Sunday. The teachers expressed concern over the alleged attempts to destabilise the campus by spreading misinformation. Kuet urges calm, condemns hall break-in amid tensions On February 18, a group of ‘outsiders’ launched an attack on general students on the Kuet campus, injuring several. The attackers also reportedly harassed the VC and other faculty members during the unrest. Teachers have been demanding proper investigation and accountability since the incident. In response to the recent developments, the association has formed a five-member inquiry committee led by Mechanical Engineering department professor Dr Abdullah Al Faruque to investigate the physical assault and cyberbullying against teachers. The committee will submit a detailed report to the university administration for further action. In a statement signed by association president Dr Md Shahidur Rahman and general secretary Dr Md Faruq Hossain, the teachers reaffirmed their unity and warned against any attempts to impose authoritarian control on campus in the guise of student movement. 15 sued over 2017 assaults at Kuet; ex-VC, pro-VC among accused

The 24th Convocation of East West University (EWU) was held on Wednesday at the university’s Aftabnagar Sports Ground in the capital, with a total of 2,885 undergraduate and graduate students receiving their degrees. Education Adviser Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar conferred the degrees on the graduating students. Six students were also awarded gold medals in recognition of their outstanding academic achievements. Addressing the ceremony, Dr Abrar congratulated the new graduates and highlighted the growing opportunities created by advanced technologies. He also cautioned against the rising challenges of intolerance, ultranationalism, and narrow-minded attitudes, urging the younger generation to confront these issues and work towards building a world of justice, peace, and tolerance. Convocation speaker Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear Limited, emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship in shaping the country’s future over the next 25 to 30 years. He encouraged graduates to prepare for entrepreneurship rather than solely seeking employment, stressing the need to understand various stages of a business venture to avoid potential losses; and referring to China as a role model, he noted that contributing to the national GDP is possible by establishing both large and small enterprises. Special guest Professor Dr S M A Faiz, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), said the UGC has adopted new approaches to ensure a better educational environment in Bangladesh. He also advised the graduates to prioritize family values alongside their professional responsibilities. EWU Board of Trustees Chairperson and founding Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin called for the formation of a standard Education Commission and the implementation of an innovative and modern education policy. He urged graduates to effectively utilize the country’s resources and opportunities to counter the prevailing notion that Bangladesh is overly dependent on imports. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman underscored the significance of technological and communication skills, alongside creativity, in transforming the country's population into a productive powerhouse. He encouraged graduates to move beyond traditional boundaries and pursue innovative ideas. The ceremony was attended by National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Vice Chancellors of different universities, cultural personalities, members of the Board of Trustees, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Treasurer, Registrar, Deans, Chairpersons, faculty members, staff, graduates, and their families.