United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi ed-tech startup LEAD Academy has recently secured a coveted spot in the distinguished Stanford Seed Transformation Program’s class of 2024. This significant achievement positions LEAD Academy to further its commitment to fostering business excellence and transformative leadership to new levels, says a press release. The Stanford Seed Transformation Program, renowned for its world-class curriculum and innovative insights from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, is tailored for CEOs and founders of established businesses in Africa and South Asia. A comprehensive 10-month program, it aims to equip participants with skills, tools, and the mindset necessary for business growth and scaling, all while fostering a robust peer-to-peer support network. Also read: EducationUSA Bangladesh hosts US Education Fair at the EMK Center LEAD Academy has earned a reputation in Bangladesh as an online learning platform offering both local and internationally accredited certifications, adds the release. The selection of LEAD Academy in the Stanford Seed Transformation Program signifies a notable milestone in its journey, emphasizing the institution's dedication to excellence in education and business development. Ashfaq Zaman, founder of LEAD Academy, reacted by saying, "We are thrilled to have been chosen for the Stanford Seed Transformation Program. It is a remarkable opportunity to further elevate the impact of LEAD Academy. Personally, I am excited to learn from the best of the best because as we all know, Stanford has the best minds in business.” Also read: Bangladeshi students selected for higher studies in Russian universities to fly soon Expressing his thoughts on the news, LEAD Academy’s instructor, Rubaiyat Shaimom Chowdhury, who is also an Assistant Professor at Bangladesh University, stated, “As a professor, I know there is an academia-skill gap in Bangladesh, and LEAD Academy is a crucial platform to mitigate this gap. I am happy that LEAD Academy got selected for the STP Program, and this program will help LEAD Academy propel its journey in mitigating the gap with cutting-edge education.” Additionally, S.M. Arifuzzaman, another LEAD Academy instructor who is also the head of the School of Business at the Canadian University of Bangladesh, expressed, "In a short time, LEAD Academy has made a remarkable presence in the ed-tech landscape of Bangladesh. I strongly believe that LEAD Academy will lead the way forward for shaping the future of education in Bangladesh based on this prestigious program's values and thought leadership." The collaboration between LEAD Academy and the Stanford Seed Transformation Program reflects the institution's commitment to fostering innovation, transformative leadership, and contribution to the journey of smart education. Also read: ERF selected for WCO Certificate of Merit-2022

A plants fair was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Saturday at its Mymensingh campus. The first-of-its-kind fair was organized by BAU Plant Lovers, a Facebook group started by the students, on its 6th anniversary, at the BAU TSC's Mini Conference Room. Impressed by the arrangement, a faculty member already pledged to have a second edition next year Sanjida Shaki Boishakhi, who organised the fair, said, “Our journey began in 2017 with tree enthusiasts of BAU through a Facebook group. Currently, we have 4,000 members, all actively engaged in agricultural studies and BAU students or graduates. Through our studies in agriculture, we aim to create a deep connection with plants. This was the primary objective behind initiating activities within this group.” “Our events were previously limited to online platforms. For the first time, on the occasion of the 6th anniversary, we arranged this fair," said Boishakhi. Dr. Afrina Mustari, assistant professor at the Department of Physiology at BAU, was very encouraging to the students. It was she who declared: "Next year, the fair will be arranged in an open space like the university's helipad or corridor, attracting a large number of visitors.” Dr Mustari, who also serves as an associate student advisor on the BAU campus, addressed the fair as chief guest. She assured the students that the university administration would always support them in such innovative and intellectual endeavors The fair consisted of a total of 12 stalls, showcasing nearly 100 species of plants for sale and display. The stalls exhibited various types of plants such as cacti, night queen, astrophytum, gymnocalycium, rebutia, rainbows, golden barrels, succulents, calathea, dragon plants, snake plants, coleus and many more.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the private universities to take the services from Bangladesh Research and Education Network (BdREN) in a bid to reach their desired goals in the case of education and research. Three JnU students get Bangabandhu Sports Education Scholarship UGC Member Prof Biswajit Chanda made the call at a workshop titled “Improvement of Private Universities through Receiving BdREN Services,” held at the UGC auditorium in the city on Thursday, said a press release. BdREN is providing various types of digital services by establishing a world-class network. BdREN is maintaining professionalism in providing these services and developing software applications to speed up the UGC activities, he said. UGC-The British Council sign an Operational Alliance Agreement in Dhaka “The country’s private universities can consider taking the services of BdREN to advance education and research,” said Prof Chanda adding that BdREN's services received appreciation for online classes through the Zoom platform during the Covid pandemic. BdREN CEO Mohammad Tawrit said BdREN is moving ahead with the slogan 'Research Haven'. Currently, they are providing various services including network, data, hosting identity to 195 organisations. With the help of the UGC, BdREN is trying to provide services to public universities as well as private universities by accelerating its activities, he said. UGC, British Council sign deal to enhance quality education

Australia’s Sydney based Invicta Technical College recently hosted a dual event to open doors to aspiring Bangladeshi students looking to pursue education in Australia. The college organised an information session in Amari Dhaka, exclusively for local education agents in Dhaka, who play a pivotal role in guiding students towards quality education opportunities in Australia. This event served as a platform for Invicta Technical College to strengthen ties with agents, ensuring a seamless pathway for students seeking education in Australia, reads a media release. On the same day, a separate session witnessed a vibrant gathering of eager students keen on pursuing their education in Australia. Ayesha Hossain, the CEO and Principal of Invicta Technical College, conducted the Australian Vocational Study Info Session. She provided invaluable insights into the academic offerings, industry-aligned courses, and the unique learning environment at Invicta Technical College. Invicta's commitment to providing a holistic educational experience was showcased through presentations, interactive discussions, and testimonials from current students who have benefited from the college's programs. The Australian Vocational Study Info Session facilitated direct interaction between students and the leadership of Invicta Technical College. Attendees had the opportunity to delve into the details of courses and admission processes and gain firsthand insights into the transformative educational experience offered by the college. For more information about Invicta Technical College and its programs, visit www.invicta.edu.au

Students of Dhaka University on Wednesday staged demonstration demanding end of mismanagement at the central library of the university.  Library users took position in front of the central library around 11 am and displayed placards carrying different slogans to bring discipline at the central library. They urged the university administration to take step to resolve different problems like accommodation , insufficient washroom, insufficient CCTV cameras, noise and others. The students also urged the authorities to check ID cards and drive out outsiders who are not the students of the university but regular come to the library. At one stage, DU assistant proctor Prof. Badrul Hasan and librarian Prof. Nasir Uddin Munshi came and assured the students of resolving the issues as soon as possible.  Students said they do not want any assurances but they want to see implementation.  

At least 15 students of Barishal Engineering College’s residential hall were allegedly tortured by activists of the college unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League on the campus on Monday night. The incident occurred at the hall in Durgapur area of Barishal Sadar upazila around 8 pm last night. Third year student of the college, Atiq Shahriar 24; second year students Swapnil and Ashikuzzaman Sajeeb are among the victims. They are now receiving treatment at a local hospital. Read: BCL factional clash leaves 13 hurt at Bogura Azizul Haque College Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Barishal’s Bandar Police Station Abdur Rahman Mukul confirmed the incident. Students said that on Sunday night, BCL leaders demanded that everyone attend an event on Monday.

As part of the nationwide blockade programme enforced  by BNP and other opposition parties, the leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Chittagong University (CU) unit locked the administrative building on Monday morning. Placards with the word ‘blockade’  were hung along with the lock. However, the lock was later removed by security personnel. Chhatra Dal CU unit president Alauddin Mohsin, organising secretary Sajjad Hossain Hriday along with other activists of their party locked the gate around 5:30 am. Later, they staged a protest march on Hathazari-Khagrachari-Rangamati highway. Alauddin Mohsin said, “Chittagong University Chhatra Dal held this programme as part of BNP's peaceful blockade demanding the resignation of the fascist government and elections under a non-partisan caretaker government to save the country, establishing people's right to vote, and a democratic Bangladesh.” CU proctor Nurul Azim Sikder could not be reached over phone for comment. Chief officer (acting) of the university's security wing, Sheikh Md. Abdur Razzak, said, “Our administrative building remains locked at night. They came quietly to create panic and left with a small lock. Our on-duty security personnel came and removed it.”  

The Russian House in Dhaka invites Bangladeshi students to participate in the international educational campaign “Geographical Dictation” which will be held on November 19 at 2 pm at the Russian House in Dhaka. For more information: https://dictant.rgo.ru/en/ and solve geographic puzzles online. The demo version, https://dic.rgo.ru/demo/ is already available to participate, Russian house informed. Read: Invicta Technical College Australia to hold study info session in Dhaka Like the main version of Dictation, the demo version contains 40 questions of varying degrees of difficulty (10 questions on common facts and 30 on imagination, logic and erudition). The result will be known immediately after testing. The demo version of the Geographical Dictation will be available for completion until November 18, 2023. Dictation tasks are devoted to geographical science, history of geographical discoveries, and natural and ethnocultural heritage of Russia. A number of issues are related to the Year of the Teacher and Mentor, which is celebrated in Russia in 2023. Dictation tasks are compiled by experts in the field of geography, but some of the questions are traditionally written by amateur authors as part of the “Write your own question for the Geographical Dictation” (https://dictant.rgo.ru/.../obyavlyaem-itogi-konkursa...) competition. Moreover, this year, companies and public organizations took part in compiling versions of the Dictation. The international educational campaign “Geographical Dictation” is carried out by the Russian Geographical Society every year since 2015. The main goal of the programme is to popularize knowledge about the geography and people of Russia throughout the world. Read: EducationUSA Bangladesh hosts US Education Fair at the EMK Center The campaign is held annually, and over the past eight years, 3 million people from 126 countries have participated. Arrangements have been made for participants from Bangladesh to participate in Geographical Dictation 2023 at the Russian House in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. Those interested are requested to register on the Google form by November 15, 2023, to ensure participation. Google form link: https://forms.gle/Pk3c17vzKADpNtBq8

At least 13 leaders and activist of ruling Awami League’s student wing Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured in a factional clash during a rally protesting opposition-enforced blockade at Government Azizul Haque College in Bogura on Thursday. Witnesses said a group of BCL activists led by its district unit president Sajeeb Saha brought out a procession in protest against the countrywide blockade enforced by BNP-Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties, on the college campus around 11 am. After the procession, when the BCL men were holding a rally at Bouttala on the campus while another faction led by district unit joint general secretary Mahfuzar Rahman swooped on them. The supporters of the president Sajeeb also attacked the opponents with locally-made weapons triggering a clash that left at least 13 BCL men including Sajeeb and Mahfuzar injured. Though police personnel were present on the campus, they allegedly did not take any measures to bring the situation under control. Sajeeb Saha alleged that a ‘so-called’ BCL faction swooped on them when they were holding a rally on the campus. “We were compelled to resist them as I was stabbed by them,” he claimed. Denying the allegation, Mahfuzar Rahman claimed that the clash occurred when the general students were trying to resist the incompetent committee. College Principal Dr Sabur Uddin said they could not recognize anybody of the groups. Monirul Islam, in-charge of Stadium Police Outpost, said being informed they rushed the spot and quelled the situation.

Invicta Technical College, renowned for its excellence in vocational training, has announced the commencement of an exclusive Australian Vocational Study Info Session in Bangladesh. With the aim of empowering Bangladeshi students to realise their aspirations in the technical field, this initiative is set to provide comprehensive guidance and insights into the realm of vocational education, according to a press release. Govt aims to increase enrolment in technical education to 30% by 2030 Understanding the challenges faced by students in navigating the complexities of educational choices, Invicta Technical College is dedicated to facilitating a seamless transition for aspiring individuals seeking hands-on technical expertise, it said. The Australian Vocational Study Info Session will be led by CEO of Invicta Technical College Ayesha Hossain on November 11 at Amari Dhaka. MoFA, Technical and Madrasa Education Division vow to modernize technical and madrasa education With an extensive background in the field, Hossain is poised to engage with students directly, offering invaluable insights and personalised guidance to aid them in their journey towards pursuing vocational studies in Australia, said the release. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of Invicta's courses, cutting-edge facilities, scholarship opportunities, and essential information on student visa requirements. Additionally, prospective students will have the unique opportunity for spot admission, facilitating a streamlined process for enrollment. Dovetailing higher and technical education needed: Dipu Moni Invicta Technical College, distinguished for its state-of-the-art workshops, advanced training equipment, and highly experienced faculty members, has garnered recognition as one of the leading technical colleges in Sydney, the release also said. With the launch of this informative and interactive session, Invicta Technical College aims to foster a culture of excellence and provide students with the necessary tools to excel in their chosen fields.