United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) and Murdoch University (MU), Australia, have been conducting joint research on the long-term impact of conservation agriculture in Bangladesh. The study focused on the effects, limitations, and potential risks to soil and water resources. BAU`s Physics Department transferred under Engineering faculty, after 61 years under Agriculture Prof. Dr. Mohammad Mofizur Rahman Jahangir of BAU’s Department of Soil Science, the Principal Investigator (PI), told UNB that, “Our goal is to assess the long-term impact of conservation agriculture on soil and water, and to develop effective strategies for its expansion.” He said conservation agriculture is a sustainable farming approach that enhances soil health, boosts productivity, and protects the environment by following three principles: minimum tillage, maintaining soil cover, and ensuring crop diversity. The research is led by Prof Richard W Bell and Dr. Davina Boyd of Murdoch University, with Prof Hasneen Jahan of BAU’s Agricultural Economics Department serving as the PI for the economic aspects. While Bangladesh’s soil is highly fertile, its fertility is on the decline. Since 2012, Murdoch University has been collaborating with Bangladeshi institutions to promote conservation agriculture and monitor soil and water quality, said Bell. BAU honours 3 VCs, livestock DG The four-year research project, which began in September 2024, is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation (KGF). The project also includes funding for eight PhD and four Master’s fellowships, providing research opportunities for students from both Bangladesh and Australia, Prof. Jahangir said. This initiative will significantly enhance the skills, education, and research capabilities of scientists in the country, he added. Researchers hope the initiative will lead to sustainable changes in agriculture, improving farmers' productivity and income.

The students of Government Titumir College have called their movement off for a week after the government assured them of addressing their problems. The decision to withdraw the strike that disrupted activities in Dhaka for the past few days came on Monday night after the students and a delegation of the Ministry of Education held a meeting in this regard. Nur Mohammad, a student of the college, announced the withdrawal. He, however, threatened that they would take to the streets further if their demands are not met within the deadline. Earlier, a delegation led by the ministry’s Joint Secretary, Nuruzzaman, met the students and assured them of addressing their problems. Officer-in-Charge of Banani Police Station Russell Sarwar confirmed the development on Monday night. Students of Titumir College become cause of public sufferings: Home Adviser The college students had been staging demonstrations over the past few days to press home their six-point demand, including turning the college into a university. They blockaded Mohakhali-Gulshan Link road on Sunday halting the traffic movement, and put barricades on rail tracks in Dhaka, disrupting the train communications between Dhaka and parts of the country. Some of the students also went on a hunger-strike to realise their demands.

Several hundred students of Government Titumir College have put up barricades on road and Mohakhali level crossing, halting train movement and causing immense suffering to the commuters. Witnesses said the students put up barricades on the road in front of their college demanding university status around 12 pm, halting vehicular movement in front of Mohakhali Link road area. No plan to declare Titumir College a university: Adviser They also chanted slogans to press home their several demands including university status. The students brought out a procession around 4:30 pm and put up barricades on Mohakhali level crossing, halting the train movement. BGB headquarters Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said four platoons have BGB have been deployed to bring the situation under control. A long tailback was created from Mohakhali to Jahangir Gate area forcing the people to leave the vehicle and walk a long distance to their destinations. Russel Sarwar, officer-in-charge of Banani Police Station, said additional police were deployed to avert further trouble. The students of Government Titumir College have been staging demonstrations for the last several days to press home their various demands including university status. Education and Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said universities cannot be established based on ultimatums. Fixed college-to-university timeline for Titumir unjustified: Education Ministry Speaking at the NEC conference room at Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, he said, "We are here for governance and reform, not for fulfilling  such demands. The government will not set up a university under pressure."

A seven-year-old schoolgirl was crushed under the wheels of a brick-laden trolley in Debhata upazila of Satkhira on Sunday morning. The deceased is Mim Akhtar, a second grader of Debishahar Government Primary School and the daughter of Alamgir Hossain of  Kalbari village. Debhata Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hazrat Ali said Mim was on her way to school with friends when the speeding trolley ran her over in front of the school. Two die in Naogaon road accident Locals detained the trolley driver, Monirul Islam Munna, and handed him over to the police. The body has been sent to Satkhira Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy, the OC added.

The Ministry of Education has said that there is no justification for the ongoing movement demanding a fixed timeline for the transformation of Government Titumir College into a university.A special committee, led by the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), is working towards the establishment of a separate university comprising the seven historic colleges of Dhaka. The issue of Titumir College is being given special consideration as part of these efforts, the ministry said in a press release on Saturday. Titumir College students block roads at Mohakhali The committee has already initiated discussions with student representatives from Titumir College and the other six colleges regarding their concerns. The Ministry said the government’s main focus is on improving educational opportunities and standards for these institutions and possible alternatives in this regard will be considered by the government. In response to the Titumir College student-movement demands for a fixed timeline for the transformation, the Ministry of Education made it clear that such a demand is not justified. The Ministry further requested all involved in the movement to remain patient. It also called on the protesters to avoid actions that could disrupt public life or interfere with the normal educational activities of the college’s students. Press Secretary urges Titumir College students to remain calm amid protests The government reiterated its commitment to being aware and sympathetic to the legitimate demands of teachers and students at all levels.

After 61 years under the Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University’s (BAU) Department of Physics has been transferred to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. Confirming the move, Prof. Dr. Md. Khairul Hassan Bhuiyan, Head of the Department, noted that globally, physics departments belong to engineering faculties. Since 1964, however, BAU's Physics Department remained under the Faculty of Agriculture due to administrative hurdles. The shift, effective January 26, 2025, was made possible by the current administration’s efforts. University sources say physics courses were once integral to the Faculty of Agriculture, but a 1969 ordinance change led to a decline in their importance. However, the courses remained compulsory for Agricultural Engineering students. In April 2002, BAU formed a high-powered committee to restructure its infrastructure, which provided five key recommendations. One of these-recommendation number three, suggested transferring the Department of Physics to the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology. While the other four recommendations were implemented, this particular one remained unaddressed. Bangladeshi universities urged to focus on power sector research The decision to transfer the department was finally made in March 2024 during the 180th meeting of the Faculty of Agriculture. Following this, Prof. Dr. Md. Zainul Abedin, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, submitted an application to the university registrar during the faculty’s 209th committee meeting, requesting approval for the transfer. Although the proposal was included in the academic council’s meeting agenda in May 2024, it was not formally presented due to procedural complexities. However, during the 210th meeting, the transfer was endorsed, and upon the vice-chancellor’s approval, the department was officially shifted to its new faculty after 61 years. Prof. Bhuiyan previously served as Head of the Department from June 2010 to August 2017 and resumed the role in August 2019, continuing to the present. Prof. Bhuiyan emphasized physics’s role in the Fifth Industrial Revolution, where AI, robotics, and big data are revolutionizing agriculture. He highlighted that physics-driven innovations enhance farm efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Bangladeshi universities have been urged to prioritise research to achieve self-sufficiency in the power and energy sector. “We must ensure the optimal use of our natural resources to develop the power and energy sector,” said, Secondary and Higher Education Division Senior Secretary Siddique Zobayer on Thursday .Energy cooperation provides mutual benefits not only to Bangladesh and Nepal but also entire South Asia: Ambassador The secretary was speaking at the “BEPRC-Vice Chancellors Meeting on Identifying Areas of Applied Research in Energy and Power’, organised by the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC). He stressed the importance of developing technology through research, innovating new technologies, and involving national and international researchers in the process. Mohammad Wahid Hossain, chairman (Senior Secretary) of BEPRC, highlighted the Ministry of Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources’ efforts to ensure energy security. Established in 2015, the BEPRC aims to innovate and promote modern technology in the sector. He mentioned the council’s funding of relevant projects through local researchers to develop technologies suited to the sector. BEPRC is focused on innovating and improving power and energy technologies, ensuring affordable and sustainable use of renewable energy, advising the government, and maintaining ties with regional and international research institutions. He noted that the council plays a key role in ensuring a sustainable energy and power supply, said Wahid. An effective communication network has been created with a panel of distinguished scientists and experts who regularly engage in the council’s research activities. BEPRC also hosts technical seminars and workshops to encourage research at universities and institutions, he added. BEPRC Member DrMd. Rafiqul Islam, delivered the welcome address. 2 top UAE companies plan to invest in port development, energy sectors in Bangladesh Military and academic officials, including the Commandant of the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), vice-chancellors and Pro-VCs from universities such as BUET, Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and DUET were present at the time, among others.

The government has decided to nationalise all registered Ebtedayee madrasahs in the country in phases. SM Masudul Haque, joint secretary to Technical and Madrasah Division under the Ministry of Education, came up with the announcement at on Tuesday afternoon following demonstrations by Ebtedayee madrasah teachers at Shahbagh since Sunday demanding nationalisation. At least five people were injured when police dispersed a group of Ebtedayee madrassah teachers attempting a march towards the Chief Adviser’s official residence on Sunday to press home their demand. The law enforcers lobbed at least two sound grenades and used water cannons to disperse the protesters.

The 7th edition of Glenrich International School Model United Nations (GLENMUN), organized by Glenrich Uttara Senior Campus, was held from January 23-26 at the capital’s Uttara. With the theme “Clear the Haze, Set the Truth Ablaze” - this year’s session focused on unpacking complex issues and figuring out solutions to world problems through transformative diplomacy. An opening ceremony was held on January 23 with distinguished guests and participants. The conference involved 28 schools and 450+ delegates from schools across the country. It also included 14 committees, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC Double-Delegation), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), International Court of Justice (ICJ), United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), and Interim Government of Bangladesh. The delegates discussed different issues related to burning global challenges and illuminated ways to overcome crises. Curtain rises on 43rd Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammelan Participants engaged in engaging discussions, redefining the boundaries of intellectual discourse. At GLENMUN VII, students showcased their debating and rhetoric skills in a simulation of the United Nations. Dr Amlan K Saha, Principal of Glenrich International School, Uttara, stated, “Our students are future leaders with unique perspectives, capable of contributing significantly to the betterment of both our country and the world. GLENMUN provides them with an exceptional platform to engage in meaningful debates and propose solutions to pressing global issues, and we are thrilled by the enthusiastic participation of students from various schools, which underscores the event’s success and relevance.” In addition to discussions and debates, there were cultural programs which featured several prominent bands including Encore on the second day, Nemesis on the third day and Level 5 on the final day of the event, enthralling the audience. The conference concluded on a high note with optimism for the future on January 26 with a celebration, followed by a gala dinner. Excellence Corp was the title sponsor of GLENMUN VII whereas City Bank PLC joined the event as the platinum sponsor. Star Tech Ltd., Bengal, Ginza, Miniso, and Asrotex were the bronze sponsors.

Dhaka University’s affiliation with seven government colleges will be cancelled from the 2024-25 academic session, said DU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Neaz Ahmad Khan. The Vice Chancellor made the announcement after an emergency meeting with principals of the affiliated colleges at the VC’s office on Monday. No new students will be enrolled under DU for these colleges in the upcoming session, he said. DU Arts, Law and Social Science unit admission test held The seven colleges are Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Titumir College, Eden Mohila College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College. During the meeting, Dhaka University authorities expressed sincere regret for the unfortunate incident that occurred in the affiliated colleges and called on the students to maintain patience, harmony and cordial relations. In response to students' demands, a recommendation was made in the meeting to conduct future academic activities from 2024-2025 academic year through an expert committee formed by the Ministry of Education. Rabindra University students stage demo demanding permanent campus The expert committee formed by the ministry will make decisions regarding the number of seats and admission fees. Dhaka University authorities will ensure that the education of students currently enrolled in the university’s ongoing academic programmes is not adversely affected. Earlier, students from the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate action on their six demands and threatened to wage tougher measures if their demands are not met by 4:00 pm today (Monday). Students demand MBBS admission test results be republished Addressing a press conference held at Dhaka College’s Shaheed Minar, representatives of the protesting students outlined their demands and condemned the events of the previous night in Dhaka University areas. They accused Dhaka University authorities and local police of the clashes that happened overnight in New Market, Nilkhet and Dhaka University areas, which left over 40 people injured, including journalists and students.